Name: Ava De Jong

Parents: Daron and Emily De Jong

Hobbies/Interests: I have several hobbies, including baking, making art, playing several instruments, listening to music, and traveling.

School activities: I enjoy being involved in several of the extracurriculars that my school has to offer, including Cross Country, Band, Orchestra, Large Group Speech, the Fall Musical, Student Council, National Honor Society, and TAG (Talented and Gifted). 

Spare time activities: In my free time, I tend to spend time with friends and family, work at Brad’s Bistro, participate in youth group, and volunteer at church in children’s ministries. 

Education/career plans: After high school, I plan to attend a 4-year college, attain my bachelor’s degree in World Language Education, and hopefully one day become a Spanish teacher at a secondary level. 

Past Tulip Festival participation:  I have been involved in the Tulip Festival my whole life. Since I can remember, I have helped greet visitors with my grandpa and dad as the town criers, as well as helping them hand out brochures and answer questions. Through my years, I have also been involved with the night show, Dutch games, Dutch dancing, marching with the band, riding the floats, and scrubbing streets in the parades. Tulip Festival is my favorite holiday!