对凯莉·斯特拉卡（Kaylee Stracka）来说，高中是一段充满韧性、创造力和联系的旅程。 After graduation, she’ll head to the University of Minnesota Duluth to study psychology to pursue a future that blends her love for early childhood education and understanding of the human mind.

“I’m going to work hard in college and stay grateful for my support systems to keep myself motivated,” Kaylee shares. Her goals are grounded and expansive: earn her degree, explore the world and revisit France—a place she fell in love with during last year’s school trip.

That France trip wasn’t just a travel highlight but a moment of deep connection. French teacher Morgan Steele reflects, “Kaylee has persevered through many difficult situations and still shows up to create community. Her wit never ceases to amaze me, and her vlog of our French trip is one of my favorite souvenirs.”

Whether on the dance team, marching band or acting in the school musical, Kaylee has spent her high school years fully immersed in Richfield’s arts and extracurriculars. 但她最自豪的成就呢？ “I kept working hard over the past four years even though I had a lot of trouble keeping my head up. It’s been a rough few years, but I stayed strong, made friends and built connections to help pull me through.”

Her passion for art shines in everything she does—from pottery and drawing to writing and video editing. 米勒先生的陶艺课成了我人生的转折点。 “He helped me find a new kind of art that really connected with me and that I could express myself with and enjoy.”

Kaylee’s advice for freshmen reflects her commitment to building meaningful relationships: “Talk to as many people as possible. High school isn’t always easy, and who you are changes a lot. Give yourself space to build new connections—those people will help carry you through the hard times.”

在家里，凯莉从她的家人那里获得力量，包括她的父母、兄弟姐妹，尤其是她的弟弟们。 在学校之外，她在大自然中找到平静，在音乐和创造力中找到快乐。

Looking ahead, Kaylee hopes to travel widely—with Oregon’s redwood forests next on her list. 无论生活把她带到哪里，她都带着里奇菲尔德的价值观：社区、勇气和同情心。

Congratulations, Kaylee—we can’t wait to see where your journey leads next!