Senior Ashlee Kuykendall is popular among most students, not just for being a cross country star, but for being an excellent example for all students to look up to.

Kuykendall is involved cross country, track, English Club, NHS, math club, pep club, A+ tutoring, and science club. She plans to attend Missouri Southern State University to receive her degree in chemistry and pre med, and to run cross country and track.

“She is an amazing athlete who has shown an intense work ethic and desire to be the best,” math teacher Jowell Roellig said.

Kuykendall’s hero just happens to be Roellig herself.

“Mrs. Roellig is my hero because she is always so happy and cheerful, and she loves helping kids out,” Kuykendall said.  

One of Kuykendall’s best friends is senior Erica Flores. Flores takes notices of what Kuykendall does for the school.

“Ashlee is well rounded and liked by her peers, she pushes herself in everything she does. She even volunteers without being asked and that is a great quality,” Flores said.

Another one of the many people who admire Kuykendall is math teacher Amy Spunaugle.

“Ashlee is a role model to other students on just being Ashlee,” Spunaugle said. “This amazing young lady is the same girl no matter where she is at all times. She is a hard worker, whether it be academically or athletically. Ashlee does not put on a front. Her smile is genuine.  Her caring attitude is real.”

Kuykendall is one of the students in the school that treats everyone with respect.

“She is a top notch person,” Roellig said. “Ashlee has impeccable character and integrity and treats everyone with respect.”

“I have never witnessed one ounce of disrespect in the 13 years that I have known Ashlee Kuykendall, this young lady is a quiet leader,” Spunaugle said.

“Being the high school hero will push me to want to be someone the under classmen can look up to for help when they need it,” Kuykendall said.

“I have enjoyed watching Ashlee grow up to be an amazing adult,” Spunaugle said.