CLERMONT, Fla. — Spectrum News is awarding four scholarships to exemplary students across Central Florida.

Students were nominated by faculty after demonstrating excellence in academics, sports, or volunteer work.

The Spectrum News 13 team is pleased to announce East Ridge High School senior Ava Pike as the Lake County recipient, and name her a Spectrum News High School Scholar.

What You Need To Know

  • Four students across Central Florida are being awarded $1,000 to use towards continuing their education

  • Ava Pike demonstrated excellence in athletics, as she participated in varsity soccer, lacrosse, and golf

  • She also helped bring school spirit back to her school following the pandemic through her work as student government vice president

  • In addition, her GPA, as of the time of her nomination, was 4.86

After a long day of classes, it’s more than likely that Pike will be found heading up student government meetings. As standing vice president, she helped bring excitement and school spirit back following the trying times of the pandemic.

“In the past, our pep rallies had been very kind of sad, and people did not want to attend," Pike said. "But this year, we’ve really boosted the morale of our school."

When she’s not building school spirit in the stands, Pike was leading it from the field. As a varsity lacrosse player, she was named defensive MVP. She was also given the “Coaches Choice MVP” award from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Pike credits her teammates for motivating her along the way.

“They’ve taught me so much about myself, and they’ve helped me to be a better person, and a better teammate,” she said.

On top of lacrosse, Pike also played varsity soccer and varsity golf. She also picked up multiple volunteer opportunities in addition to holding a 4.86 GPA as of the time of her nomination.

Pike said she plans to use her $1,000 scholarship to help pay for her education at the University of Georgia, where she plans to study sports management in college.