Fuller named Chamber’s Youth of the Year

Influenced by his faith, family and friends, Avery Fuller has found his calling serving his community, both at Creston Community High School and beyond its walls. Because of his selflessness, can-do attitude and on-going community involvement, Fuller has earned the 2021 Creston Chamber of Commerce’s Youth of the Year award.

“At first I was kind of shocked,” he said, thanking those who nominated him.

In one nomination letter, Fuller was described as a “stellar representation of Creston.” Another said he “demonstrates traits of excellence.”

“In spite of a demanding schedule with school work, extracurricular activities and a part-time job, Avery manages his time to do well in all tasks and to volunteer for additional needs, as well. He truly knows what it means to contribute to his community,” someone wrote of him in a nomination letter.

Fuller, 18, of Creston, is the son of Paul and Margo Fuller. He’s a senior at Creston High, where he lauded as a four-sport athlete and honor student. In addition to football, basketball, tennis and baseball, Fuller is a member of CCHS’s Future Business Leaders of America program, a Salt on the Creston Peppers Dance Team, and a member of the high school band.

“He is quiet but makes an impact. He is respected for his leadership on these teams and his sportsmanship,” one nomination said about a recent incident where he helped up an opposing teammate. “That is who Avery is; he doesn’t do things for recognition, rather because it is the right thing to do.”

In March, Fuller was inducted into the National Honor Society.

“He is a well-rounded, unique person who does an amazing job balancing his responsibilities while taking a college prepatory curriculum,” one wrote.

Fuller takes some coursework at Southwestern Community College, but enjoys taking physics and some more advanced coursework in math at CCHS. He has goals of entering the field of health sciences with aspirations of attending a military academy and pursuing a career as a surgeon.

To further demonstrate his commitment to becoming a strong community leader, this September Fuller earned rank as an Eagle Scout by guiding fellow Troop No. 129 members through the build of a parklet on West Montgomery Street for the Union County Development Association with the help of Ron Pendegraft.

Learning the fundamentals of building has not only helped Fuller build the small park out front of the Union County Development Association, but has enabled him to help improve homes for older members of United Methodist Church, where his family worships.

“He lives his life with integrity and kindness,” one said. “Always helpful.”

Fuller said he is heavily inspired by his father and Charlotte Fletcher, both Scout leaders for his troop, who he said help push him to be his best.

“The have come together to help me become more of a leader within my troop and more of a service member in our community, as well,” he said.

Through service work, Fuller also volunteers helping keep area parks, such as Green Valley and McKinley parks clean, their facilities kept up and trees growing by planting more. He volunteers at Creston Area Food Pantry monthly, and has helped in fundraisers for Greater Regional’s cancer center and the Honor Flight. On Saturday, Fuller is joining his troop in an event called “Scouting for Food,” in which canned food and other non-perishable items are collected for the Creston Food Shelf’s Christmas Basket program.

One of Fuller’s objectives when helping with community improvements is to make some of his favorite places more beautiful for others to enjoy.

“To make it feel like it’s a safe place (in Creston),” he said. “That they feel like it’s a clean and nice place.”

Fuller believes any teen can give back to the community and encourages others to do their part to make Creston a better place.

“Find something you’re passionate about and use that to reach out to the rest of your community,” he said. “If your passion is building something, maybe you can build something to help others. Find ways to make your passion fun for you and it will help you and others in the long run.”