Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction.
By Stacey A. Shannon—
COWAN, IN—Avrum Horsley has worked hard to be where he is today. As current valedictorian of his senior class at Cowan Junior/Senior High School, Horsley credits his mom for encouraging him to stay the course.
“My mom has motivated me, and she’s stuck me to it,” he said. “I used to complain and complain and complain. And now I’ve reached a point where I’ve crossed so many boundaries, why stop now? It’s kind of put the motivation all on me now, and I’m really proud of that.”
As such, Horsley was inducted into the National Honor Society at school. He has also been on student council since eighth grade.
Excelling in academics and taking the hardest classes his school offers isn’t all Horsley is about, though. This year he is the president of the school’s Key Club, which is a student-led, service-based organization sponsored by Kiwanis.
“We do a lot of stuff for our teachers like handwriting letters and making sure they know that we appreciate them,” Horsley said.
As president this year, he has ideas to get the club even more involved in the larger community outside of school.
“This is my chance to make a big difference,” Horsley said. “I’m really proud that I’ve put together a group of people who care a lot and have the same motivation that I do. We want to get stuff done.”
Another way Horsley has worked to make a difference is by volunteering a few hours with Motivate Our Minds where he realized he had come full circle.
“When I was a little kid and the high schoolers would come to the elementary and see me, I was always loving that big high school role model,” he said. “I went over there, and it was just so much fun. Those kids are awesome, and I got to be on the returning end of how I felt when someone came over from high school.”
Giving back to the community is important to Horsley because he feels like Muncie and Delaware County have given so much to him. In fact, he plans to stay in the area to attend Ball State University where he’s already been accepted. As an avid computer user, Horsley will pursue a major in computer science and most likely seek a job in analyzing data to make computers and their programs more inclusive for everyone.
To remain focused and keep on top of his schedule, Horsley said he segments his time each evening for homework, family and extracurriculars. He also has learned the importance of self-care.
“Make time for yourself; I have left no room for myself in past years,” Horsley said. “Now I’ve taken a step back and I’ve made time for myself, and it’s necessary.”
421 S Walnut St #2459, Muncie, IN 47305
Phone: (765) 284-3833
https://www.pridemarkconstruction.com
