Aval Daryani, a senior at Mountain Ridge High School, 22800 N. 67th Ave., Glendale, earned the Presidential Volunteer Service GOLD level award due to his exemplary voluntary services.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award honors outstanding volunteers and recognizes their impact on communities. Volunteers must complete qualifying volunteer hours, and certifying organizations must follow program requirements for students to be recognized.

Aval is a part of SEWA International - a nonprofit dedicated to helping communities in times of distress. In efforts to support communities heavily impacted by COVID-19, Aval led a group of students to aid the Navajo Nation and DVUSD by donating K95 and homemade masks and organizing meals for more than 300 doctors/nurses.

Another project Aval organized was aiding international college students who attend ASU and were unable to return home when the pandemic first began, and he has assisted youth with tutoring during remote learning.

Aval also excels in the area of finance. His interest in the stock market began while competing in the DECA “The Stock Market Game.”

He ranked very high in the national ranks and shortly started trading in the real stock market where he is gaining practical, financial experience.  He was selected by the National Academy Foundation to represent Arizona at the student summit. The event has been rescheduled for spring due to COVID concerns.

Aval is an active member on campus and is involved in DECA, FBLA, varsity tennis and Best Buddies. He is the VP of Finance for Mountain Ridge’s DECA chapter and has held other leadership positions as well.