“There’s the one big day that you prepare for the whole summer,” says Ava. In Centerville, the calendar centers around one all-important day: the last Saturday in September – Pancake Day.
It’s the biggest local festival in all of southern Iowa, locals say, and it may very well be the biggest in the state. Folks travel to this small town in the middle of Appanoose County from all 50 states and beyond every fall for the music, fun, and freshly flipped all-day all-you-can-eat pancakes.
But for Ava and other teen girls in the Appanoose County, it's about the big prize – Pancake Day Queen.
“It’s a huge commitment that these ladies sign up for,” says Centerville EveryStep volunteer coordinator Ashley Byrd, “There’s so much fundraising and interaction with the community.” More than just a beauty contest, the competition is about finding a young ambassador for the community. It’s a role Ava is ready for.
“I fell in love with volunteering a little over a year ago,” Ava says. That love of community service led Ava to the EveryStep office on the square in downtown Centerville and a meeting with Ashley.
“Right before I joined, my grandma died. She was in hospice and got a lot of support,” says Ava. Now she has become that beacon of support herself. “I’m a hospice companion. I’ll go to patients and see how they’re doing.”
While Ava is nonchalant about her volunteer service, she realizes how important the work is. “From my patient, she tells me that she’s really happy to have someone there, a friend to talk to,” Ava says, “It can get really lonely in a nursing home at the end of your life.”
“They give each other joy,” says Ashley. Ava says the work has also helped her grow. “I’ve learned so much. I’ve gotten a little wiser,” she says, “ It’s very real. You have to be mature.” EveryStep in Centerville is recognizing her invaluable volunteer hours by stepping up to financially co-sponsor her Pancake Day Queen campaign.
Ava says competition will be tough with up to 14 other girls also campaigning. One of their first opportunities to impress the community and judges will be at the Children’s Art Festival in Centerville from June 24th-29th. The girls will help guide kids through daily activities. In the fall the competition ratchets up as the girls prepare for their interview with judges and the formal wear pageant during Pancake Day on September 27th.
For Ava, the chance to be crowned queen would be carrying on a family tradition. Her mother was a past competitor, and her aunt is a past winner. Ava was born in Colorado but says she came back every year for Pancake Day which serves as a homecoming and reunion for many area families. 
If you haven’t been, Ava and Ashley say you must check it out. In addition to all the pancakes there are two parades, a marching band contest, farmer’s market, petting zoo, and a 5k run to burn off some syrupy calories.
Ava is planning her future already beyond a possible reign as queen. After high school graduation, she’s heading to college to begin a career path that’s evolved since she began volunteering with EveryStep. “Previously I wanted to go into healthcare but now I’m looking at healthcare administration,” says Ava, “I’m looking into working with a non-profit.”
Pancake Day will be celebrated on September 27th in Centerville. We’ll be sure to continue following Ava on her path to potential royalty.