Meath Garda Youth Awards

Special Achievement Award - Ava Chester, Longwood

Our vision is described as 20:20, whereas Ava’s sight is described at 20:200. So in essence Ava has a field vision of less than 20 degrees. That means if an object is 200 feet away, she would have to stand 20 feet from it, in order to see it clearly.

Ava who has just turned 18, lives at home with her family who have described her as “amazing”, “beautiful” and “strong”. She cooks at home but I have been informed that she only does it for herself. Her parents have stated that nothing can stop her in having her own independent life.

Ava is currently in her final year in ColaIste Clavin in Longwood and is described as a true inspiration by staff and her peers at the school. She participates every day in school life and has made a positive way for others. Ava never complaints about school being too difficult or looking for excuses not to participated in activities.

Ava is a student mentor and has generously shared her experiences of navigating around the school to help improve the facilities for another incoming student with visual impairment. Her contribution to the design and colour of the building has been fed back to the buildings Unit of the Dept of Education and in turn this will make a real difference to visually impaired students throughout the entire country.

Science is her passion and I believe Ava is hoping to become a surgeon or involved in Genetics. Where ever her life may lead her, we are sure that it will be a fulfilled and well deserved one.

Ava is a person of influence that enlightens, uplifts and encourages everyone that she meets.

The Meath Garda Youth Awards, sponsored by Centra, recognise the very positive contribution young people make in their communities and are about shining a light on their good works.

An Garda Siochana recognise that a lot of good work is being done by young people in every community throughout county Meath, and that we as a society should be very proud of them.