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When Isabell Kelly found out she was named Lafayette Christian School’s 2025 Valedictorian, she was honored and surprised.

“There are a lot of hardworking students in my class, so there was good competition,” Kelly said.

Kelly adds that her parents, on the other hand, were not surprised as they knew how much hard work she had put into her studies. 

Aside from studies, Kelly kept herself busy with varsity cheerleading, drama club, chorus club, chess club, flag football and volleyball.

Her love for English was fostered by her teachers, Miss. Probst and Miss. Prestridge. Her chemistry and biology teacher, Whitney Humphries, was influential academically. 

“Miss Humphries’ first chemistry test was a wake-up call,” Isabell recalled. “It taught me that I couldn’t just memorize things; I had to really understand and think critically. At first, it was tough, but it prepared me for what’s ahead,” Kelly shared.

Kelly also credits her older sister, a former valedictorian. 

“She really pushed me to think harder and try harder when I felt like giving up and when I felt overwhelmed or stressed out. She taught me how to excel,” Kelly said.

One of her fondest school memories is a 10th-grade biology trip that mixed learning with adventure.

“It was a good time with my classmates, and a time for us to all really bond together. We got to go white water rafting together and do really cool things, but also learn together,” Kelly said.

Something people might not guess about Kelly is that she is a total theater kid.

“I’m kinda reserved when people first meet me, so they don’t expect that. I love the theater and I love acting. My favorite roles are comedic ones. I’m not very funny by myself. I try to be, but I’m not,” Kelly said with a grin.

After graduation, Kelly will attend the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, where she plans to major in English education and hopes to become a middle and high school English teacher. She notes that she may even pursue a doctorate, but she wants to test out the waters first.

Kelly’s message to younger students: “Try not to stress. Enjoy the moments that you have with your classmates and with your family. Don’t overthink school because when you start to stress over the small things, it gets to be overbearing and weighs you down.”

“It is a privilege to be honored in this way. Hard work pays off, and for me personally, everything I do is for the glory of God. I strive to bring Him glory and to show others his love through my work. I think that is definitely what I would say was most important to me out of this achievement,” Kelly adds.