From academics and athletics to the arts and community service, Kelsey Ace has made the most of her time at East Allegheny High School. A proud member of the Class of 2026, Kelsey has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high school, earning one of the top academic rankings in her class since freshman year.

Kelsey has taken on leadership roles both in and out of the classroom. As a varsity soccer team captain, track and field athlete, violist in the school orchestra, and National Honor Society member, Kelsey’s blend of discipline, curiosity, and quiet determination makes her a standout leader among her peers.

When asked where her motivation comes from, she shared, “I want to be successful in my life. I believe if you can’t commit to the four years of high school, you won’t have the discipline to make it in the real world.”

From the Field to the Stage

Kelsey has been a key part of the East Allegheny girls varsity soccer team for all four years of high school, serving as vice captain in her junior year and now proudly leading the team as captain. “Playing soccer taught me how to adapt to changing situations and not be afraid of difficult positions,” she reflected. “It helped me grow by teaching me how to express my ideas and work with people who learn differently.”

In addition to soccer, Kelsey is a varsity track athlete, competing in the 800m, 1600m, two-mile, and long jump events. Sports, she says, have shaped her character well beyond athletics. “Sports have helped me become a more well-rounded person,” she said. “I've learned how to stay calm, persevere when things get tough, and manage pressure.”

Kelsey is also an accomplished musician, playing the viola since fourth grade and participating in orchestra field trips, including a memorable performance at Pennsylvania’s Capitol. She’s a member of the Art Club and Spanish Club as well, rounding out her interests.

The skills she has developed, resilience, focus, and strong communication, has shaped her as an athlete, musician, and leader, and will continue to serve her well beyond graduation.

Driven to Succeed, Committed to Serve

Kelsey recently represented East Allegheny as a student panelist at the Future-Focused Learning Summit 2025, an event that brought together educators and innovators to explore how emerging technologies can transform learning. Selected for her understanding of immersive reality tools, Kelsey shared that the summit expanded her views on how technology and AI can make learning more engaging and accessible for all students.

Reflecting on the experience, Kelsey was inspired by how educators are using these tools to reenergize classroom learning, noting that it “gave [her] faith in the future of learning.”

As a member of the National Honor Society, Kelsey actively gives back to the school community through a variety of volunteer efforts. She’s helped organize donation drives, set up school dances, and supported fundraisers by selling food and other items at events. These opportunities have allowed her to stay engaged and contribute meaningfully to the East Allegheny community.

Despite her packed schedule, Kelsey has maintained straight A’s throughout high school, taking on multiple rigorous Advanced Placement classes. Her academic strategy is simple but effective: stay organized, study consistently, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

“I’ve found a system that works for me,” she explains. Kelsey keeps organized by making daily to-do lists in her Notes app, tracking assignments, practices, and meetings. As tests approach, she schedules focused study sessions in advance to stay prepared without stress and takes regular breaks throughout the day to maintain her focus and prevent burnout.

“The most important thing for me is that I try to enjoy every activity I’m involved in,” she adds.

To incoming freshmen, Kelsey offers this advice: “Attend sporting events and get involved in clubs. Don’t look back later with regrets about things you should have tried harder in.”

After graduation, Kelsey plans to attend college to study statistics with a minor in sports management and continue playing soccer at the collegiate level.

As she looks back on her time at East Allegheny, Kelsey is filled with gratitude. “Over the years, I’ve learned a lot outside the classroom from the friendships and connections I’ve made. EA has helped me step out of my comfort zone and become more confident in myself. I’m thankful for the chances I’ve had to grow, give back, and challenge myself.”