When Ava Donoghue became class president during her freshman year at Booker High School, she already had the idea for Booker Basics in mind.
After witnessing friends in middle school walk across campus in embarrassment to find period supplies, Ava knew something had to change. While essentials like toilet paper and baby changing stations were readily available, period products were not.
“It’s just a natural process that happens to most women,” Ava shared. “Not having the products that they need when that time does come, it’s unfortunate, because we always have toilet paper, and we always have a baby changing station, most of the time, and where are the period products?”
That question sparked Booker Basics, a student-led initiative providing free pads and tampons in every girls’ bathroom at Booker High School.
Identifying the Need
From day one, Booker Basics was rooted in listening to students. Ava launched the program with QR code surveys, and nearly all female classmates participated — overwhelmingly rating the initiative highly.
The impact was immediate.
“It helps [students] academically, socially,” Ava said. “The environment is honestly better when you use the bathroom. It’s that stigma, that barrier — it just completely breaks down.”
What began as a simple idea quickly became a cultural shift within the school community.
Building Community Partnerships
To bring Booker Basics to life, Ava reached out to organizations across Florida. Her efforts connected her with Voices of Florida Fund, led by executive director Sarah Parker, which generously donated products to help launch the initiative.
“A lot of people thank me,” Ava shared. “If they ever see me walking down, they’re like, ‘I just used Booker Basics.’ It’s awesome to hear that people are actually using it respectfully.”
Local school staff, including library and media aide Rose Ladd, also helped champion the program within the community.
She’s breaking down stigma, making sure no one misses class over something so basic, and showing incredible leadership.
Rose Ladd, Library/Media Aide at Booker High School
Upgrading for Long-Term Impact with Aunt Flow
As the program grew, so did the need for a more sustainable solution. The original plastic dispensers frequently jammed and were difficult to maintain.
In December, Booker Basics received a $5,000 donation from Patty Smith and the Russell Foundation, enabling Ava to partner with Aunt Flow to upgrade the program.
With the new funding, Booker High School installed Aunt Flow Model E dispensers stocked with Aunt Flow period products in all girls’ bathrooms:
- Large bathrooms (Buildings 4 and 8): 100 pads and 100 tampons each
- Smaller bathrooms: 50 pads and 50 tampons each
The upgraded system eliminated maintenance issues and ensured consistent access for students.
Leadership Beyond the Classroom
Now a sophomore in her second year as class president, Ava balances Booker Basics with an impressive list of commitments, serving as a school ambassador, participating in the National Honor Society, competing as a state science fair finalist and studying in her school’s law academy.
But what truly sets her apart is her refusal to ignore a problem she saw firsthand.
What makes this story stand out is that it was driven by a student who saw a need, refused to ignore it, and built a program that now empowers girls at our school every day. This story is more than just hygiene products. It’s about youth leadership and a young woman changemaker in our community.
Rose Ladd
Looking Ahead
Next year, Ava hopes to expand Booker Basics beyond Booker High School and into other schools across the county.
“I want girls from different schools to have that same access,” she said.
What started as one student carrying extra supplies for her friends has grown into a schoolwide program breaking down stigma, supporting academic success and proving that youth leadership can create lasting change.
