Ava Gorrell

At Tyler Consolidated High School, three students stood out not just for their academic excellence, but for the passion and dedication they brought to every corner of campus life.

Ava, Co-Valedictorian, was known for her sharp intellect and unshakable determination. But she wasn’t just the girl with straight A’s and top test scores — she was a leader, a volunteer, and a mentor. Whether organizing student council events, helping classmates prepare for exams, or leading community service projects, Ava left a mark that went far beyond the classroom walls.

Donald, Co-Valedictorian, was also involved in a lot of activities that made TCHS and his family proud. From athletics to academics Donald excelled in everything he did. His presence in the halls of the high school was a role model for all underclassmen.

Right alongside Ava and Donald was Colby Nichols, the Salutatorian, a name just as respected in the halls of Tyler Consolidated. Colby brought energy and heart into everything he did. From athletics to academic clubs, he made it a point to be involved in school life and to encourage others to do the same. His enthusiasm was contagious, and his presence was felt whether he was giving a speech, leading a group project, or cheering from the sidelines.

Throughout their four years, Ava, Colby and Donald became symbols of what it meant to be truly engaged students, not only succeeding in their studies but also lifting those around them. Their legacy wasn’t measured only by grades or rankings, but by the way they shaped their school and inspired their peers.

Colby Nichols

Golf Team 4 years- Team Captain; Basketball Team 2 years; Baseball Team 3 years; 2023- Mingo Bay Tournament Champs, Matt Boggs Wooden Bat Champs, LKC Champs, Sectional Champs, Regional Champs, State Runner Up, Coachmen’s Club 2 years; Concert Band 2 years; Brass Ensemble 1 year; Top 15% 3 years; Church Youth Group 3 years; Church Backpack Program 3 years; Church Shoebox Ministry 3 years; Church Chili Cook Off Promotional Video; 2023 Baseball Clinic; 2024 Saturday Recess Baseball Instructor; Created Prom Video Freshman Year; Sophomore Year made promotional Tax Levy Video and edited a wedding video; Junior Year video production for the WVABCA Underage Drinking Contest; WVUP Dean’s List; Classes include WVUP History and Psychology/Sociology, WVU Algebra/Trig, AP, Calculus, and Chemistry Ava Gorrell

WVU Buckley Scholar; Co-Valedictorian for the class of 2025; National Honor Society; 4-H All-Star, 4-H Leadership Award; Field Commander of the marching band; West Virginia Allstate band, WVU honor band; State math field day qualifier; GHA representative; marching, concert, jazz, and pep band: quiz bowl, Archery team, 4-H club, Church youth group.

Donald Benefiel

Track, Football, Top 15% of his class, Attended GHA (Government Honors Academy at Fairmont State University and was a member of the Superintendents’ Advisory Council.