In celebration of our graduating Honors students, PVCC is proud to highlight the inspiring stories of those who have excelled academically and personally through the Honors program.
As Ava Holubar prepares to graduate with both an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science in Biological Sciences, the Honors student reflects on the transformative journey she’s had over the past two years.
“Paradise Valley Community College's Honors Program became my home on campus,” said Holubar. “Straight out of high school, I had no idea what to expect, but I quickly realized Honors was so much more than just a challenging academic program—it was a place for driven students to connect, grow, and thrive.”
From hiking the Grand Canyon and learning to find constellations to presenting a research project in Denver, Holubar has embraced every opportunity that came her way. She credits the Honors program with providing not only academic enrichment but also a strong support system that helped her ease into adulthood and college life.
“The Honors program was like having someone in my corner while I figured things out,” she explained. “It gave me space to explore my passions, develop my voice, and connect with others who cared about more than just grades.”
Her advice to incoming students? “DO IT! The Honors Program is so much more than what you might expect—it’s a community that supports you inside and outside the classroom.”
After graduation, Ava will transfer to Arizona State University’s West Valley campus to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biological Science. With the confidence, leadership skills, and academic experience she’s gained at PVCC, she’s more than ready for the next step.