Distinguished Scholars: Kylee Powell and Luke Taylor Lead BHS Class of 2025

by Lisa Gallagher, Barnesville Area News

From left to right, the Top 10 Students of the Barnesville Class of 2025: Valedictorian Kylee Powell, Salutatorian Luke Taylor, Addyson Moore, Carson Burkhart, Alexis Grear, Evan Boulet, Hayley Hoffer, Caleb Powell, Kennadi Dodd, and Conner Starr. The Class of 2025 is the last class to have a valedictorian. Next year, Barnesville High School will utilize the Laude system.

Valedictorian Miss Kylee Powell

Kylee Powell is the daughter of Corey and Nikki Powell. Kylee will attend Kent State University, majoring in English and minoring in creative writing. Completing 16 College Credit Plus classes, Kylee will start at KSU as a sophomore. Kylee says that she always dreamed of being the class valedictorian, and it was her goal throughout high school. Kylee also excelled at volleyball and softball. For softball, Kylee was named to the 1^st team Eastern District 2023, the 2^nd team Eastern District 2024, the 1^st team All MOVL 2023-24, and Offensive Player of the Year 2023-24. She participated in Key Club, Art Club, Rotary Club, Future Educators of America, National Honor Society, Varsity B Club, and the Senrab staff. In the community, Kylee is a member of the Church of Christ, Girl Scouts, and Staying Clean Club. She has volunteered for the food pantry, Storybook Park, Kiwanis fundraisers, Fun in the Ville, and many more activities.

Kylee would like to thank Mrs. Eberhart for all her help, especially with her college plans, and Miss Boger for all of her assistance with math. After college, Kylee hopes to return to the Barnesville area to raise a family and be surrounded by friends and family.

Salutatorian Mr. Luke Taylor

Luke Taylor is the son of Rick and Jenny Taylor. Luke will attend Miami University of Ohio, majoring in electrical engineering and minoring in music. Luke participated in various sports, including football, wrestling, track, and swimming. For football, Luke made 1st team All-OVAC, was DeFelice Scholar Athlete of the Week, and earned academic All-Ohio Football. Luke participated in the following school organizations: National Honor Society, Key Club, Interact Club, Art Club, and BHS Chamber Choir. As a member of the drama program, Luke held major roles in three musicals: Ren McCormack, Footloose; Sam Carmichael, Mamma Mia!; and Troy Bolton, High School Musical. For 7 years, Luke has been a vocalist, guitarist, pianist, producer, and marketer of the rock band Flushed. He is also sharing his musical talent as part of The Experience Church Worship Team. Luke started a student-run Bible study this year, which 10-15 students attended.

Luke says that his favorite high school memories are from being in the drama program. He continued that he made new friendships that will hopefully last a lifetime and he grew creatively through his experiences. Luke would like to thank Mrs. Eberhart for her support and help with college. He would also like to acknowledge Mrs. Vinskovich and Mrs. Alesa Stephens for their kindness.