From the pool to the stage to the writing desk, Avery Buehner does it all. Starting out at Buena her sophomore year, after previously going to Foothill Tech, Buehner opted to join Buena’s journalism program, and has stayed there ever since, rising through the ranks of staff writer to now the Editor-in-Chief, two years in a row.
“I was really excited to try to transform the program with Naima [Dickerson], and we both had a lot of really great ideas that we wanted to make a reality with the newspaper,” Buehner said. “I was worried about balancing this leadership position among my other roles, but knowing I had someone as reliable and smart as [Dickerson] by my side, I felt confident that we would be able to achieve a lot.”
Upon being an excellent writer, Buehner is also an outstanding musician, playing the upright bass for seven consecutive years. Buehner has played in Ventura High School’s Honors String Orchestra, under the direction of Paul Hunt, for her four years of high school.
“[Hunt] has really taught me a lot about being a musician and the dedication it takes,” Buehner said. “I love being part of [the music program], going on Spring Tour, and learning from different musicians across the United States.”
Buehner is also known for her bright and vibrant personality. Described as a “perfectionist” and “overachiever” by many, Buehner lives her life with dedication and commitment, determined to do whatever she sets her mind to.
Beyond Buena’s girl’s water polo’s co-captain, Buehner has won notable awards for her skills, winning Student Athlete of the Year for Buena, First Team All CIF Division 2 Southern Section, First Team All County, First Team All League, Player of the Year and she broke school record for most goals scored in a season throughout her time at Buena.
“She gives 110% in everything she does, whether it’s practice, games, or even just a drill or mini game at practice. She wants to win and it shows. It’s what’s allowed her to be successful in and out of the pool,” waterpolo coach Christian Guillaume said.
That determination has allowed Buehner to shine in all aspects of her life, whether it’s playing the upright bass, cranking out pieces for journalism, scoring goals in the pool or shining under the stage lights as Frozen’s Queen Iduna.
“I’ve always loved singing and musicals my entire childhood. It was one of my favorite things to do, but then as I grew up, and started sports and journalism and film and music. I just ran out of time,” Buehner said. “But because it was my senior year, I was like, ‘I just need to do at least one year in musical theater because I loved it so much.’”
After graduating, Buehner plans to attend the University of California San Diego (UCSD), double majoring in cinematography & film and communications. She hopes to become a film director, which has been her dream since joining Buena’s film class her junior year.
“She is insanely smart and an overachiever if I’ve ever known one,” senior Addy Bruno said. “She [is driven in]…literally everything. If she can reach for the stars, she’s going to reach for them.”
As Buehner waves goodbye to her time at Buena, she cannot help but remember the friends and experiences she’s made along the way – the parts that shape who she is.
“I’ve made so many amazing friends here, and it’s going to be sad to leave them all, but it’ll also be really interesting to watch them all grow as people and see what they can accomplish in the world,” Buehner said.
