By: Travis Hutton

Bio:

Aven Osborne, born and raised in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, is a 10th-grade student at Summit Christian Academy. She has immersed herself in a wide range of athletic disciplines, including cross country, basketball, soccer, track, and competitive dance. Growing up in a family of six, with parents Matt and Sarah Osborne and three siblings, Aven’s life has always been filled with physical activity and family-driven values. Alongside her love for sports, Aven dedicates time to philanthropic work, having raised funds for local animal rescues like Furry Kids Refuge and Wayside Waifs and volunteering regularly at her church, Abundant Life. She strives to balance her academic responsibilities, athletic endeavors, and community service with a focus on personal growth and making a meaningful impact in the world around her.

How has growing up in Lee’s Summit shaped your passion for both sports and community service?

Growing up in Lee’s Summit, I’ve always felt a strong sense of community. It’s a place where people genuinely support each other, and that has definitely influenced me. Being involved in sports here, whether it was on the track or soccer field, I’ve always felt like part of something bigger than just the game. The same goes for community service. It’s hard not to want to give back when you see how much others are doing to support causes like animal rescues or church initiatives. Lee’s Summit is where I’ve learned that success isn’t just personal—it’s about what you can do to uplift those around you.

As someone who has excelled in multiple sports, what drives you to push yourself in so many different athletic arenas?

Honestly, I’m driven by curiosity and challenge. Each sport gives me something different, whether it’s the speed and endurance of track, the strategy and teamwork in soccer, or the precision and creativity in dance. I don’t like to limit myself to one thing because I feel like I grow as a person by trying new things and pushing my own boundaries. Plus, the skills from one sport often help in others. For example, the agility I’ve gained from dance helps with my footwork in soccer. It all ties together, and that keeps me motivated.

You’ve been involved in raising money for animal rescue organizations like Furry Kids Refuge and Wayside Waifs. What sparked your connection to animal welfare, and why is it important to you?

It all started with our family’s own experience adopting a pet from Furry Kids Refuge. Seeing how many animals need homes really opened my eyes. I’ve always loved animals, but that experience made me realize that I could actually do something to help. It’s important to me because animals can’t speak for themselves—they rely on us for protection and care. By raising money and making donations, I feel like I’m contributing in a small but meaningful way to something bigger. It’s also a great reminder that kindness and compassion aren’t just for people; they’re for all living things.

How has attending Summit Christian Academy influenced your approach to balancing academics, athletics, and service?

Summit Christian Academy has been amazing for me because it’s not just about academics; it’s about building character. The school teaches us to lead with faith, to always strive for excellence, and to serve others. I’ve definitely learned how to balance my commitments better by being there because I’m encouraged to focus on both personal growth and helping those around me. Whether it’s sports, schoolwork, or volunteering, I’ve learned to approach each with the same mindset of doing my best while remembering that there’s always a bigger purpose behind everything.

What role does your faith play in your everyday life, especially in sports and volunteering?

My faith is my foundation. It’s what grounds me and gives me perspective, especially when things get tough. In sports, it helps me stay humble in victory and resilient in defeat because I know that my value isn’t just in my performance but in the effort and heart I put into everything. When it comes to volunteering, my faith reminds me that it’s not just about doing good deeds—it’s about showing love and compassion to others, just as God has shown to me. I try to carry that mindset with me in everything I do.

Competitive dance seems very different from traditional sports like basketball and track. How has your experience with dance influenced your athletic mindset?

Dance has definitely shaped how I approach all my other sports. It’s so much more than just performing a routine—it’s about discipline, precision, and mental focus. In competitive dance, you have to be completely in tune with your body and have a strong sense of timing, and that has translated into my mindset in other sports. For example, in basketball, being precise with your movements and timing is key to being effective on the court. Dance also requires a lot of mental toughness, especially during competitions, and that’s helped me stay focused and calm under pressure in other areas of my life.

What does community service mean to you, and how has your involvement at Abundant Life Church influenced your outlook on giving back?

To me, community service is about recognizing that we all have something to offer, no matter how big or small. At Abundant Life Church, I’ve learned that giving back isn’t just an obligation; it’s an opportunity to connect with others and make a real difference. Volunteering there has shown me that service is a way to live out my faith and that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact. It’s also taught me the value of consistency—helping regularly, not just when it’s convenient. That mindset has really shaped how I approach all of my service work.

What has been the most rewarding part of balancing school, sports, and your community involvement?

The most rewarding part is seeing the impact I can have, both on myself and others. Balancing everything isn’t always easy, but it’s taught me so much about perseverance, time management, and the importance of staying grounded in what really matters. Whether it’s achieving a personal best in track, helping raise money for animal rescues, or just being there for my friends and family, I feel like all these experiences have helped me grow as a person. And knowing that I can contribute positively to the community—whether through sports, school, or service—gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Published by: Holy Minoza