BLUFFTON, Ohio (AP) — A Bluffton High School senior is being recognized for her commitment to service while inspiring others to give back to their community.
Ava Smallcombe, a 2026 Lee Volunteer Award winner, said volunteering has long been a core value instilled in her by her family, but her involvement deepened after helping launch her school’s Leo Club last year.
As president of the student-led organization, Smallcombe has helped turn that passion into action through projects benefiting both the school and the wider Bluffton community. She was a key member of the executive committee that chartered the club in 2025 and has since helped grow its membership from 36 students in its first year to 53 this year.
The Leo Club — which stands for Leadership, Experience and Opportunity — organizes a variety of service activities. Students have volunteered at school events, created blankets for a women’s shelter and hosted a 5K fundraiser supporting efforts to build an inclusive playground in the community.
Bluffton High School Principal Mike Minnig, who nominated Smallcombe for the award, praised the club’s early success and her leadership.
“I’m super proud of our Leo Club and all the activities they’ve been involved in to help our community,” Minnig said. “The leadership of Ava and many of our other members has been terrific in getting this started.”
Leo Club adviser Natalie Armstrong said the organization is helping students develop leadership skills while strengthening their connection to the community.
“They’re great young people that have a passion for giving to others,” Armstrong said. “It’s helped develop leadership and build that community connection.”
Smallcombe said she hopes her efforts encourage other students to give back to the communities that have supported them.
“Bluffton as a community has served us all greatly,” she said. “I think not only in Bluffton, but for teens everywhere, we should give back because these are the communities that have given us opportunities to succeed. We should all be working for something greater than ourselves,” says Smallcombe.
