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Voni Hubbell (Finck), graduate of AHS class of 2012, has built a life that reflects growth, faith, and dedication to both her career and her family. During her high school years, she was actively involved in volleyball, basketball, choir, and band. Like many students, she had big plans for her future. She intended to attend USD to major in English Education — and she followed through with that plan immediately after graduation. After one year at USD, Voni transferred to DSU, where she continued pursuing her degree in English Education and even played a year of college volleyball. Although she briefly considered switching to art education, she ultimately decided that English would offer more opportunities in South Dakota. Today, she teaches grades 8–12 ELA and is currently in her ninth year of teaching. Interestingly, while she always imagined herself becoming a teacher, she never expected to return to her hometown. Now, being back in the Avon community has become one of the most meaningful parts of her life. She loves raising her children in the same place where she grew up and finds it special that her kids have some of the same teachers she once had. The transition from high school to the “real world” was exciting but also more challenging than she expected. It felt lonelier at first, and it took time to build strong friendships. College courses pushed her academically, and she had to work hard to graduate with good grades. Later, becoming a mother to young children became another major life challenge — but also one of the most shaping experiences of her life, along with starting a family and building her career. Looking back, Voni says she has changed significantly since high school. She is now far more confident and outgoing than she used to be. In high school, she often worried about other people’s opinions and about being left out — concerns that no longer hold the same power over her. If she could change one thing about her high school experience, she would choose to be less sensitive and speak more with her classmates. When asked which teachers had the biggest impact on her, she fondly remembers her English class with Mrs. Hento, as her favorite. She also appreciated Mr. Kuhlman’s class, even though science was not one of her strongest or favorite subjects. These experiences helped shape her path toward becoming an educator herself. Her definition of success has changed over time. In high school, success may have been more personal or achievement-based, but now it centers around her family. She believes that if her children are happy and healthy, then she has not failed. One of her proudest accomplishments is maintaining a steady career while also being a good wife, mother, and homemaker. Voni believes students often don’t realize how fortunate they are during their high school years. Adult life, she explains, is truly difficult, and the responsibilities increase quickly. Skills she learned in high school — especially organization and staying on task — have helped her tremendously in her career. However, she also had to learn practical life skills after graduation, such as budgeting money and even doing laundry. Faith plays a central role in her advice for young people. To anyone who feels lost about their future, she suggests praying about it, trusting that God has a plan for everyone, believing in Him, and taking life one day at a time. She references Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” As a practical piece of advice for life after graduation, she encourages students to go with the flow, remembering that stress is not good for anyone. Currently, Voni’s goals are centered around constant growth. She never wants to settle, believing there are always improvements to be made. What motivates her most is happiness — working to make herself happy so she can radiate happiness to others. If she could speak to her younger self, her message would be simple but powerful: Be confident. Do not worry about what others say about you. As long as you love yourself, that is what truly matters. Voni’s journey shows that while life after high school may be challenging, it can also be deeply fulfilling — especially when guided by perseverance, community, family, and love.