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Ava Reynier
Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:32:32 GMT
Ava Reynier – Texas
Nomination by Kenzi Valiant
Photography by Jennifer Bourne Photography
Issue 101 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
Nomination: Ava Reynier is a senior in high school as well as a soldier in the Texas Army National Guard. She also is a volunteer firefighter during her free time. She commits so much time into her community it's inspiring.
Photography by Jennifer Bourne Photography
What inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you were not mentioned in your nomination that you'd like readers to know about?
I am currently a high school senior and have already completed Basic Training with the Army National Guard, where I am training to become a Military Police officer. I will return this summer following graduation to complete my Advanced Individual Training (AIT). I have also been a volunteer firefighter for over a year now and was part of the JROTC program with my school for the past 3.5 years. After completing my training, I plan to return home, get married to my high school sweetheart, and relocate to Hawaii to attend Hawaii Pacific University, where I will pursue a degree in Criminal Justice.
What was the moment during Basic Training when you surprised yourself the most?
The gas chamber made me realize that, despite the fact that certain tasks may seem arduous, they can be manageable by my own perseverance, grit, and determination.
What does a typical week actually look like for you with prom and graduation - and finals coming up?
Although prom has become something that many girls my age are rapidly excited about, I will be going to drill with the National Guard instead. With adulthood quick around the corner, it's great to know what your priorities are, and mine just so happen to lie with my duty to my country.
What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now?
My long-term goal is to transition to active duty and serve as a K9 officer. I ultimately aspire to become a recruiter, where I can guide and mentor individuals my age in pursuing a career in the military. Additionally, I am interested in exploring future opportunities in law enforcement, including serving as a sheriff's officer.
What is it about working with and guiding others that keeps pulling you in that direction?
Helping others has always been a passion as well as a hobby of mine; I do it in any way I can, every day that I can. The first time that I interacted with the police force and the sheriff's department, in that moment, there was absolutely no doubt in my mind that helping others and being of service to my community was what I was meant to do. That certainty has remained with me since and has not faltered as I chose my career in military police.
When you imagine yourself as a military recruiter someday sitting across from a teenager who is unsure if they are capable enough — what do you tell them?
I will tell them that they are capable of anything and everything that they put their mind to, so long as they have the determination to pull through it, and the dedication to stick around once they do.
What is something you feel passionate about or could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you?
I have a limitless sense of personal pride for both military service and firefighting. Both paths in public service are what I would consider to be the definition of a calling, as they reflect my drive, discipline, and strong commitment to serving and protecting others, that is what it is to have purpose.
Military service and firefighting both require you to run toward danger while everyone else runs away. Where does that instinct come from in you?
I have a firm belief that my instinct to put myself in harm's way in service of others is innate, it comes from my soul, its deeprooted in who I am as an individual and it cannot be changed.
Volunteer firefighting is physically and emotionally demanding work. What has responding to a real emergency taught you that no training could have prepared you for?
Life is shorter than you realize, longer than you notice, and can be changed in one day, night, week, afternoon, but more importantly, it can be changed in a moment. One singular moment can define birthdays, holidays, Tuesday breakfasts with your kid, your friends, your parents. Volunteer firefighting has taught me to be grateful for the life that god has awarded me, because at any time it could be changed, permanently.
What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or person in the past year?
I have learned that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to — the sky is not the limit. Completing Basic Training while still in high school was one of the most challenging experiences I have ever faced, and it pushed me to grow in discipline, resilience, and confidence.
You said the sky is not the limit — and you clearly mean it. Where did that belief come from, and was there a specific moment it became real for you?
The belief that the sky isn't the limit came from a talk with my Drill Sergeant in basic training, who told us that whatever we put our minds to, to go bigger and beyond that. That's why I truly believe, and know, that the sky isn't and never will be the limit.
You are about to graduate, get married, complete AIT, and move to Hawaii — all within what sounds like a very short window. How do you stay grounded when everything is changing at once?
I remind myself that God laid out a purpose for me in this life. Every day is a graded challenge that I strive to live up to and succeed in. It aids me in getting through each day as a better person than the day before.
JROTC for 3.5 years clearly laid a foundation for everything that came after. What did it give you that you did not expect when you first signed up?
Comradery in my friendships that I gained along the way, discipline in my person, and a path in which to lead my life.
If a teenage girl who feels like she is not strong enough, not disciplined enough, or not ready reads this interview — what do you want her to walk away believing about herself?
Your path is not set in stone. You may not be who you thought you were going to be when you were a little girl, you may not even be who you thought you were going to be when you woke up this morning. There is a simple fact of life, and that is this: you need to roll with the punches. You don't get to know every challenge in life before it comes, but you do get to choose how you combat it.
What is one of your favorite memories with the person who nominated you, or something about them that means a lot to you?
My best friend kiki means everything to me. Though we are not related by blood, she is truly my sister. Nearly every memory I have since second grade includes her, and both she and her family have played a significant role in shaping the person I am today.
How did you find your photographer, and what did you enjoy most about your experience working with them?
My photographer was originally referred to my mom in 2023 by the wife of her late boss. We traveled five hours to work with Jennifer, as she is truly an exceptional photographer who made my sister shine during her senior photos. From the very first meeting, she created an atmosphere that was both welcoming and comfortable. When it came time for my own senior pictures, my family could not imagine choosing anyone else.
How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine?
My Kiki follows your magazine on Instagram and is always sharing posts with me. When she texted to tell me she had nominated me, I felt truly honored—though it’s exactly the kind of thoughtful and supportive gesture I’ve come to expect from her.
If you win a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine, how would you plan to use it and what goals would it help support?
This scholarship would provide meaningful financial support as I pursue my education at Hawaii Pacific University, where the cost of living is significantly higher. Hawaii is also where my fiancé is currently stationed, and being able to continue my education and pursue my military career while remaining close to him is incredibly important to me.
Look for Ava in issue 101 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
* Each interview is shared in the teen’s own words, so their authentic voice shines through.
I am currently a high school senior and have already completed Basic Training with the Army National Guard, where I am training to become a Military Police officer. I will return this summer following graduation to complete my Advanced Individual Training (AIT). I have also been a volunteer firefighter for over a year now and was part of the JROTC program with my school for the past 3.5 years. After completing my training, I plan to return home, get married to my high school sweetheart, and relocate to Hawaii to attend Hawaii Pacific University, where I will pursue a degree in Criminal Justice.
What was the moment during Basic Training when you surprised yourself the most?
The gas chamber made me realize that, despite the fact that certain tasks may seem arduous, they can be manageable by my own perseverance, grit, and determination.
What does a typical week actually look like for you with prom and graduation - and finals coming up?
Although prom has become something that many girls my age are rapidly excited about, I will be going to drill with the National Guard instead. With adulthood quick around the corner, it's great to know what your priorities are, and mine just so happen to lie with my duty to my country.
What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now?
My long-term goal is to transition to active duty and serve as a K9 officer. I ultimately aspire to become a recruiter, where I can guide and mentor individuals my age in pursuing a career in the military. Additionally, I am interested in exploring future opportunities in law enforcement, including serving as a sheriff's officer.
What is it about working with and guiding others that keeps pulling you in that direction?
Helping others has always been a passion as well as a hobby of mine; I do it in any way I can, every day that I can. The first time that I interacted with the police force and the sheriff's department, in that moment, there was absolutely no doubt in my mind that helping others and being of service to my community was what I was meant to do. That certainty has remained with me since and has not faltered as I chose my career in military police.
When you imagine yourself as a military recruiter someday sitting across from a teenager who is unsure if they are capable enough — what do you tell them?
I will tell them that they are capable of anything and everything that they put their mind to, so long as they have the determination to pull through it, and the dedication to stick around once they do.
What is something you feel passionate about or could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you?
I have a limitless sense of personal pride for both military service and firefighting. Both paths in public service are what I would consider to be the definition of a calling, as they reflect my drive, discipline, and strong commitment to serving and protecting others, that is what it is to have purpose.
Military service and firefighting both require you to run toward danger while everyone else runs away. Where does that instinct come from in you?
I have a firm belief that my instinct to put myself in harm's way in service of others is innate, it comes from my soul, its deeprooted in who I am as an individual and it cannot be changed.
Volunteer firefighting is physically and emotionally demanding work. What has responding to a real emergency taught you that no training could have prepared you for?
Life is shorter than you realize, longer than you notice, and can be changed in one day, night, week, afternoon, but more importantly, it can be changed in a moment. One singular moment can define birthdays, holidays, Tuesday breakfasts with your kid, your friends, your parents. Volunteer firefighting has taught me to be grateful for the life that god has awarded me, because at any time it could be changed, permanently.
What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or person in the past year?
I have learned that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to — the sky is not the limit. Completing Basic Training while still in high school was one of the most challenging experiences I have ever faced, and it pushed me to grow in discipline, resilience, and confidence.
You said the sky is not the limit — and you clearly mean it. Where did that belief come from, and was there a specific moment it became real for you?
The belief that the sky isn't the limit came from a talk with my Drill Sergeant in basic training, who told us that whatever we put our minds to, to go bigger and beyond that. That's why I truly believe, and know, that the sky isn't and never will be the limit.
You are about to graduate, get married, complete AIT, and move to Hawaii — all within what sounds like a very short window. How do you stay grounded when everything is changing at once?
I remind myself that God laid out a purpose for me in this life. Every day is a graded challenge that I strive to live up to and succeed in. It aids me in getting through each day as a better person than the day before.
JROTC for 3.5 years clearly laid a foundation for everything that came after. What did it give you that you did not expect when you first signed up?
Comradery in my friendships that I gained along the way, discipline in my person, and a path in which to lead my life.
If a teenage girl who feels like she is not strong enough, not disciplined enough, or not ready reads this interview — what do you want her to walk away believing about herself?
Your path is not set in stone. You may not be who you thought you were going to be when you were a little girl, you may not even be who you thought you were going to be when you woke up this morning. There is a simple fact of life, and that is this: you need to roll with the punches. You don't get to know every challenge in life before it comes, but you do get to choose how you combat it.
What is one of your favorite memories with the person who nominated you, or something about them that means a lot to you?
My best friend kiki means everything to me. Though we are not related by blood, she is truly my sister. Nearly every memory I have since second grade includes her, and both she and her family have played a significant role in shaping the person I am today.
How did you find your photographer, and what did you enjoy most about your experience working with them?
My photographer was originally referred to my mom in 2023 by the wife of her late boss. We traveled five hours to work with Jennifer, as she is truly an exceptional photographer who made my sister shine during her senior photos. From the very first meeting, she created an atmosphere that was both welcoming and comfortable. When it came time for my own senior pictures, my family could not imagine choosing anyone else.
How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine?
My Kiki follows your magazine on Instagram and is always sharing posts with me. When she texted to tell me she had nominated me, I felt truly honored—though it’s exactly the kind of thoughtful and supportive gesture I’ve come to expect from her.
If you win a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine, how would you plan to use it and what goals would it help support?
This scholarship would provide meaningful financial support as I pursue my education at Hawaii Pacific University, where the cost of living is significantly higher. Hawaii is also where my fiancé is currently stationed, and being able to continue my education and pursue my military career while remaining close to him is incredibly important to me.
Look for Ava in issue 101 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
* Each interview is shared in the teen’s own words, so their authentic voice shines through.
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