Some would classify her as quite but when it comes to theater, Aviana is anything but quiet. She can play any role from a psychopath to an inspirational Jo March. Her variety of skills goes beyond just theater. She is also an incredible student in Highlands IB program.
Highland Senior Aviana Cova won the Highland Sterling Scholar award for the theater, speech, and debate category. Her journey to success started when she was just 6 years old playing a bear in the Up with Kids performance of Brave. Since then, she has worked with many programs before finding her place in Highland’s theater program.
In 8th grade, Cova auditioned for the “Play Productions” class at Highland. This class is highly competitive and only a few freshmen are accepted every year. Cova audition was so impressive, Sara Ragey, Highland Theater Program Advisor, knew she would be an incredible addition to the program.
Throughout her theater career at Highland, she has been in numerous performances. She made her debut as juror number 4 in Highland’s production of 12 Angry Jurors during her freshman year. Since then, she has played many lead parts in shows including, Jo March in Little Woman, Sandra Bloom in Big Fish, and Persephone in Hades Town.
“This year we did Hades Town, which is my favorite musical of all time,” Cova said.
Along with being an exceptional performer, Cova is a very active part of Highlands drama club. This club is made up of 10 people that work together to facilitate shows and events. They meet weekly to discuss upcoming events and plans for Highlands Theater Department. For the past 3 years she has shown her commitment and worked her way up to president.
“This year I am the drama club president, last year I was the events coordinator, and the year before that I was the historian,” Cova said.
Through the Drama Club, Cova is able to be a community representative, a role that is very important to her. She also shows her commitment to the school and her future though Highlands IB program. Cova is a very intelligent and driven person which helps her balance school and theater.
Although she can handle the load by herself, Cova’s support system adds so much value to her life. Her partner, Harper, sister, Naomi, friend, Clara, and parents all help her stay motivated and on track.
“Aviana is excellent at time management and does best when she’s staying busy,” Cova’s mother Cameron Cova said.
Cova thrives on a busy schedule and plans to continue this lifestyle into collage. Theater has been a constant in Cova’s life all throughout high school and she plans to keep the art in her life through a minor in theater.
While still focusing on her passion for drama, Cova plans to attend either St. Olaf College in Minnesota, WashU in Missouri, or Santa Clara University in California to study physics with the plan of applying to medical school.
Cova’s goals in life reach as far as her retirement. Once she has completed her successful career as a doctor she plans to go back to her roots in the theater community.
“When I am reaching a point where I can retire from my career as a doctor, what I really want to do is be a director of either theater or film, that’s my end goal in life,” Cova said.
In addition to long term goals, Cova still has some dreams she hopes to achieve soon. Although she has loved every part she has played, she dreams of playing Jenna from Waitress, Seymour from Little Shop of Horrors, and the Baker’s Wife from Into the Woods.
Cameron has been a big supporter in Cova’s carrier and is delighted to watch anything she performs.
“It feels like an out-of-body experience for me to watch her perform, and I will miss seeing her on stage with the other amazingly talented kids at Highland,” Cameron said.
Although the curtains on Cova’s Highland career are closing, she will not be leaving empty handed. She is left with incredible memories, lifelong friends, and drive to achieve great things.
