Kelsey Chalko
Woodcreek High School
Tell us about yourself.
People say that I’m a major social butterfly—I love meeting new people (it’s like a mini adventure)! I come from a very large family with one sister and five brothers (you can imagine there’s never a dull moment).
What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
I’m very proud and of the New Student Outreach Club that I created on campus. As president, the student mentors and I reach out to new transfers students to help them feel welcome and get involved on campus. We also reach out to lonely students on campus who aren’t necessarily new but need help getting connected and finding friends. The club has dramatically influenced our campus culture. Sitting with the “loner kid” is now seen as a kind, responsible act and reaching out to the newbie in class is the new precedent. Reaching out to the disconnected and misunderstood is my passion and enabling others to take part is a dream come true.
What are your school interests, involvements and hobbies?
I have been heavily involved in Student Government and theatre arts at Woodcreek all four years. I’m also involved in many other clubs such as CSF, NHS, Storybook Club, New Era Club, Christian Club and the Freshman Mentoring Team, and am co-president of the STOP (Stop Trafficking of People) Club and co-captain of the (improvisational) Comedy Sportz team.
What’s one thing that not many people know about you?
I’m an amateur travel-a-holic! I love new places, people and foods, and so far have traveled to Nicaragua and Haiti on mission trips; Oahu, Maui and Jamaica on vacations; and I was born in Okinawa, Japan, but only lived there for two years. My goal is to eventually visit all seven continents (excluding Antarctica). I’ve got a long way to go but it’s number one on my bucket list!
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to move to San Diego with my older sister and best friend, Kayla, and study psychology at San Diego State University (not to mention get gorgeously tan on the San Diego beaches!)