Ava Shaw was a 2020 graduate at Sterling High School who participated in numerous activities supporting S.H.S. While at S.H.S., she played the violin in the orchestra and was an active Student Council member before continuing her education at the University of Illinois majoring in accounting. 

  Shaw sadly passed away on July 7, 2022, surrounded by her family and friends. 

  In honor of Shaw and the dedication and kindness she embodied at Sterling High School, there is a memorial tree planted on campus. The tree was planted on campus for her the one year anniversary of her passing. Along with her memorial tree, a memorial stone has been installed on campus, too. The stone is in front of the tree and was placed there in September. 

  Since Shaw spent a lot of her time at S.H.S. working for Student Council, the group ordered the stone for her. Student Council members do several meetings every month and events for the city of Sterling. 

  Student council advisor Nicole Schlemmer expressed, “She was such an avid member of student council. We wanted to honor her the best way we could!”

  In addition, there is a memorial scholarship to honor Shaw’s memory called the “Ava Shaw Warrior Award.”  Ava ShawWarriors are students who overcome challenges in and outside of S.H.S., while at the same time displaying academic achievement. Previous Sterling High School students, Zach Shapero and Sydney Graves have been awarded this scholarship.  

  Donations to the Ava Shaw Warrior Award scholarship are accepted and greatly appreciated in honoring Ava and her legacy at S.H.S.