Moving from a small school to a new bigger school isn’t always easy. Getting used to a whole new environment and making new friends is hard. However, junior Avery Hardin was able to fit in quite well and quite quickly.

“When I first moved here I was really scared and nervous, I didn’t know how people were going to treat me,” Hardin said. “However, everyone here is so nice and kind. They all welcomed me and made me feel like part of their family.”

Avery keeps herself busy with her dual credit classes and sports. She participates in softball, basketball and volleyball. For as long as she can remember, she has always had a strong passion for these sports, especially volleyball and basketball.

“When people ask me what my favorite sports is, it is always hard to choose between basketball and volleyball,” Hardin said. “My parents tell me that I am better at basketball but I honestly think I enjoy playing volleyball more.”

Being involved in different sports helped Avery branch out and make many new friends. Many of them like to describe her as a fun, outgoing, and loving person to be around.

“Avery is such an amazing person,” sophomore Alison Bing said. “She is very encouraging on and off the court. Her warm smile and personality just shines everywhere she goes.”

Outside of school and sports, Avery enjoys spending time with her family, hanging out with her best friend Iris Valles, and shopping.

“I like spending time with Avery because she has the same humor as me,” Valles said. “We always make fun of each other but that’s just how we express our love.”

Family is something that is really important to Avery. She admires her mother because of her strong work ethic and considered her Dad, Papa Royce and two older brothers her heroes.

“My family makes me happy because they always support me and bring me joy,” Hardin said. “They have always been by my side and have never let me down.”

Avery has set a few goals this year that she hopes to achieve. She strives to be in the top 10% of her class and get all A’s this year. Her plans after high school are to go to college and become an orthodontist.

“I definitely want to go to a university, but I haven’t found one that has a good dental program,” Hardin said. “I want to try and stay in-state but I’m just not sure yet. I just hope to accomplish and achieve all of my goals in life.”