GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College announces Ava Kavulla ’25, of Sharpsville, Pa., and Justin Logan ’25, of North Chesterfield, Va., as its Student of the Month honorees for April.
The Student of the Month honor is awarded to seniors. It is among the most prestigious student awards at Thiel College with only six students earning the honor each semester.
Kavulla is a 2021 homeschool graduate who received a Pennsylvania Homeschool Accreditation Agency diploma and an early childhood education major with an entrepreneurial certificate. After graduation, she intends to become an elementary or middle school teacher. She plans to combine her passions for entrepreneurship, art, and curriculum design in the future.
At Truth and Grace Fellowship, Kavulla is the head instructor for children’s church, as well as a pianist and choir member. She is also a volunteer with Operation Christmas Child. In addition to working with the United Way of Mercer County as a curriculum developer and Teens2Careers teacher, she and her sister, Anna, operate the watercolor calligraphy business, “A Pastel Petal.”
On campus, she is a member of the Dietrich Honors Institute, the Haller Enterprise Institute, and Alpha Chi Academic Honor Society. She serves as the president of Kappa Delta Pi and the student leader of the Thiel Bible study.
She is the daughter of Michael and Deborah Kavulla, of Sharpsville, Pa.
”I am overwhelmingly grateful for my time at Thiel, which has been marked with much joy, hard work, and friendship. I have become a stronger student, prospective teacher, and person through the classes and experiences. I owe much thanks to the amazing Thiel faculty, friends, and family who encouraged me throughout my time at Thiel,” Kavulla said. “Most importantly, I thank the Lord for his guidance in every season of life, including my time at Thiel!”
“My experience at Thiel would not be what it is without the support of Thiel faculty. I owe much thanks to Dr. Mary Theresa Hall for her role as an inspirational educator and my thesis advisor. I would like to recognize and thank the amazing professors in the Education Department, Professor Kara Schreckenghost, Dr. Calli Shekell, and Dr. Angelique Morse,” Kavulla said. “I would also like to recognize Professor Gary Witosky and Professor Steven Kandray in the Business Department.”
Logan is a 2021 James River High School graduate and a communication media and journalism major. After graduation, he aspires to elevate his skills to the professional level while continuing to train and mentor athletes.
He is the son of Jessica and Deon Logan, of North Chesterfield, Va.
“The past four years have been something to remember for the rest of my life. The connections and brothers I’ve made along the way are something I’ll hold with me for a lifetime. Especially TC football,” Logan said.
He also shared one his favorite quotes that best captured his time at Thiel: “It matters not what someone is born as, but what they grow to be.” This sentiment reflects his dedication to growth, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence both on and off the field.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.