Valedictorian Sets High Academic, Career Goals

Kelsey Devery, valedictorian of the Class of 2011 at Lacey High School, has always set her sights high and continues to do so as she prepares to graduate.

Speaking this week about being at the top academic spot she said, "It's something I was working toward since I started here -- after all these years it's finally happened."

Kelsey was a straight A student at Forked River and Mill Pond schools, as well.

Hearing her name announced Tuesday night at the awards ceremony was "very exciting" she said, but she knew it would be close between her with a 4.8 GPA  and the salutatorian, her friend Lindsay Ruhlin, who had a GPA of 4.7.

Over the years she has enjoyed most of her classes but said as time went on it was more about who her teachers were.

"I don't really have a favorite subject -- at a certain point, it's the teacher's impact on the class you are in," she said.

Next year she will be attending American University in Washington D.C. to major in psychology.

As a graduate student she plans to study childhood psychology and then pursue a doctorate in the field.

Kelsey said her desire to study child psychology came from some difficulty she encountered and overcame as a child.

"I want to help other children, so they know they have someone there for them to listen to them and support them," she said.

At Lacey High School, Kelsey took elective courses in child development.

"We worked in the pre-school, it was something to see them develop and grow," she said.

Kelsey said her parents were delighted at the news that she was valedictorian.

"They're so proud, I feel like it was more for them than it was for me," she said.

Kelsey said she knew on her first visit to American University that it was the right place for her.

"I loved Washington D.C.; once I visited American I knew I wanted to be there," she said.

During her high school years Kelsey played field hockey for four years, was inducted into the National Honor Society, involved with student government and participated in the youth group at St. Pius X church.

Since learning she was valedictorian Kelsey has been  preparing her speech.

"I'm in the process, I'm so stressed," she said. "I'll probably be nervous, but once you get started it's usually alright," she said.

Graduation will take place Friday, June 17 at 6 p.m. at Lacey Township High School. Continue to follow Lacey Patch throughout the week for graduation-related stories.