Meet Ava Cuellar: Making Waves at Klein Cain

By Klein ISD Terencia Lee

September 18^th, 2025

Meet Ava Cuellar: Making Waves at Klein Cain

Klein Cain senior Ava Cuellar is a force to be reckoned with in the Arts, Academics, and Athletics. This multifaceted scholar has been a standout throughout her academic career and beyond.

Having attended Klein ISD schools for most of her academic career, Ava has a unique perspective on learning. Ava and her family spent several years in Germany while she was in elementary school, an experience that broadened her perspective and sparked her curiosity.

“Coming back to Texas was a little different, but the education aligned really well,” Ava said. “It was definitely strange adjusting to the various changes. I’m glad I came back to Klein in 6th grade because everyone was meeting new people like I was.”

Wherever life has taken her, one thing has remained constant for Ava: swimming. A four-year varsity member and captain last season, Ava has competed in the Texas Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (TISCA) competition, UIL district, and regional meets, earning Academic All-District honors each year. She also swims with a local club and twice qualified for the Gulf Swimming Select Team at the USA Swimming Southern Zones Open Water Championship.

“Ava is well-respected by her teammates and always makes everyone feel included and important. She would do anything to make their day a little better,” Klein Cain Head Swim Coach Tate Conrad said. “Though she is excellent as a student as well as an athlete, the most impressive thing about Ava is her heart and determination to succeed. She handles all struggles and setbacks with grace and courage. Ava is the perfect role model for all young people, and we have been so lucky to have her in our program for the past four years.”

Her talents don’t stop at the pool; Ava is also a talented vocalist. She sings with both the Chamber Choir and Varsity Mixed Choir, performing at TMEA and advancing to UIL Region Treble Choir.

“Ava is a kind, conscientious, and dedicated student. These qualities make her an outstanding member of the Choral Program here at Klein Cain,” Klein Cain Choir Director Austin Dean said. “Ava has grown into her potential year after year, and her constant pursuit of improvement and excellence sets her apart.”

With a soaring GPA, Ava has challenged herself through AP and Dual Credit courses, earning recognition as an AP Scholar and letters in academics, choir, and swim. Alongside her coursework, she serves as Vice President of the Tri-M Music Honors Society, is active in the English and Science National Honor Societies, and volunteers with Klein Champions Special Olympics Swim Team and the Houston Museum of Natural Science as a Moran Ecoteen.

For Ava, discipline is paramount in her life. She sees how disciplined her friends and family are with the things they love and strives to do the same, noting that she saw her sister work extremely hard in the IB program while she was in school.

While she hasn’t yet decided on her college, Ava plans to continue swimming while attending school in the Northeast.

“I want to do something in the environmental science realm,” Ava said. “I heard someone say, ‘It’s not about what you want to do, it’s about what problems you want to solve,’ and I want to help improve the climate and make our world better.”

Despite her busy schedule, Ava makes time to explore new hobbies—drumming, yoga, and even Greek mythology—always eager to learn and grow. Ava encourages younger students to explore their interests with confidence and give their best effort in everything they pursue.

“I think the most important thing is to give your best effort for everything that you’re doing,” Ava said. “If you’re in your academic classes, work as hard as you can in that moment. Whether you’re in art or at practice, work as hard as you can. You don't need to try to do everything, but try everything that you’re interested in. We have so much to offer as individuals and don’t ever think that you can’t be the one to do it.”