Wantagh HS Valedictorian a 'Scholar Athlete'

The following was submitted by the Wantagh School District 

Kelly Van O’Linda is a seemingly typical kid with extraordinary talent, drive, and morals. We love when our valedictorian is both relatable and humble, a student other students can look to as a true role model.

A poster child for the term scholar-athlete, Kelly's passion and talent on the softball field has made a long lasting impression on her coaches and teammates.  Her coach says, “Kelly is one of the most inquisitive minds I have ever met.  She doesn't just want to improve-she wants to soak up every ounce of information she can. Rarely as a coach do I get to know someone as driven and focused at such a young age.”  It’s no surprise that she was awarded All- Conference as a sophomore and All League as a junior. Kelly treats the softball diamond the same way she treats her studies-with passion and respect.

Last year, Kelly Van O’Linda was awarded our top honor, the Harvard Book Award, at our Annual Junior Awards Ceremony.  This esteemed award is designed not only for the student with an impeccable transcript, but for a student who truly exhibits character day in and day out. Faculty and friends alike hold Kelly in the highest regard because with her innate intelligence comes character and respect.  We all look to Kelly for leadership and greatness because her appearing regular is simply extraordinary.

How she finds the time to excel in every discipline without seemingly breaking a sweat has us in awe.  There isn't one grade lower than a 91 on her transcript thus far.  Athletically, she has juggled varsity and travel softball, CYO volleyball, and most recently varsity tennis, but there is much more to this young lady than intelligence and athleticism.  She finds time in a rather packed schedule to give back to her community by teaching at Vacation Bible School and volunteering as a coach to special needs children.

All of this wrapped in a conscientious, caring and selfless package makes Kelly Van O’Linda a true standout and an impeccable representative of Wantagh High School.  We are proud to have worked with this humble, considerate, and elegant young woman and we are even more proud to have her as our number one.  She will continue her studies at Franklin & Marshall College as a biology major this fall where we sure she will continue to rise to the top.