04/28/2026
The South Hill Lions Club welcomed Ava Crowder, a Junior at Kenston Forest and the StemSquad instructor for the programs presented at the R. T. Arnold Library. She is also the granddaughter of Jimmie Keith Crowder, who is a 66-year member of the Lions Club. She is following in the footsteps of her older sibling Sophie Crowder who spearheaded the StemSquad for a number of years. The StemSquad could use some extra funding for incidentals for some of the programs that they are hosting so if you would like to help them out you can see Ava, her grandfather or you can write a check to Kenston Forest and add Capstone-Ava Crowder to be sure it goes to StemSquad. Here, ava talks about her passion for science and what StemSquad has done and what they hae planned for the future in her own words?
“STEMSquad, is a community initiative my sister and I co-founded in 2019. While Sophie has always been the ring leader, I never really thought about stepping up to the plate when she left for college. I never thought I’d have the talent, knowledge, or confidence to do so. Until last year when my sister talked me into entering a science competition. She wanted me to give it a try, I wanted to go because it was a free trip to DC. However, that competition changed my life. And it really has in so many ways. Through that competition, I was finally able to pursue my interest in Biology and Chemistry. I’ve always thought that while I love Science, I’m not really into space as much as she is. But that’s what that competition has taught me. I don’t have to be a space person to love Science. Although, as I am finding out now, Space is part of Science and who knows, I might just end up being a space person afterall. Maybe not a rocket scientist like my sister, but maybe more into astrobiology and research, such as researching these fascinating little things I entered into the competition: Rust Easting Bacteria.
Yes, there is such a thing as rust eating bacteria and my favorites are the small but mighty Geobacter Sulfuredducens, which according to my research so far, has the potential to create so many incredible, sustainable ways we use metals on and off earth. Not only do these little bacteria live to eat rust, they also create some form of electricity while doing so. I was so fascinated by my discoveries that I was so excited to lead my group and presented our findings to the panel of judges which consisted of an astronaut, the chief Scientist of Blue Origin who also happened to be the former chief scientist for microbiology research at NASA, and the director of Amazon’s Satellite Systems, LEO. I’m usually not good at presenting and public speaking, but when tasked to present that project, I’m telling you—I could talk all day about it. I think they could see through that and had no choice but declare our research the winner despite the fact that we were up against magnet school students from NoVA, DC, and Maryland I’d have to say, South Hill Virginia was well represented that day although all of them asked…where it is on the map.
Anyways, that single event changed my perspective and motivated me to carry on the program that my sister left behind. Since November, I have hosted science workshops every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month at the R.T Arnold Public Library to help foster early STEM learning in young students within our community. Every session has been a blast– whether we’re making paper airplanes or studying lava flows– y’know, the usual science-y stuff. We even have a field trip scheduled soon to visit the hydroponics farm, which all of us are stoked about! Each STEMSQUAD hosts an average of 15-20 kids from ages 5-14 per session, which is a lot for me to handle, but I have come to love it! I mean as you all know, I’m Jimmie Crowder’s granddaughter, I’m bound to be a people-person.
The program has really grown since 2019 and we still keep getting new kids to join us. However, we do have some challenges, and that is one of the reasons why I’m here to speak to you today. As the program has grown, funding for materials and other expenses have also increased. Providing individual supplies for each child can add up very quickly– something I’ve learned the hard way, especially as this is volunteer work with no definite sponsors to help fund these projects. Although I had an initial fundraiser at the beginning of November, we are in need of more funding especially as we have big plans for a community science fair in June, which everyone here is invited to watch, of course. It is the culmination for our program before Summer break and we would love to ask civic clubs within our community like yours to please extend some outreach help if you can. Any donations, no matter how big or small, would be greatly appreciated and will be used towards funding this program that enriches the lives of kids in our community, as to whom, would be future Lions, given the right guidance and support.
STEMSQUAD has become much more than a passion project for me– it has become a purpose-driven project. We have even gone international, when I led a session in Husavik, Iceland while I was there presenting my Geobacter research during the Exploration Festival. It was an incredible experience to say the least. The local elementary school there brought all the 3rd-4th graders to hear about this American girl from South Hill VA talk about these little thinngamajeggers.
Lions have done so much to support me and my family throughout the years, and I am extremely grateful for the amazing South Hill community I have here at home, no matter how far I go. Thank you all for being part of my support system and I look forward to your support for STEMSQUAD.”
Ava is the daughter of Jimmie Jr., and Wella Crowder of South Hill.
Pictured: Wella and Jimmie Crowder Jr., Jimmie Keith Crowder, Ava Crowder and Club President Ed Taylor. Lisa Clary Photo
