The daughter of Gail Herson and Neil Herson, Kelly has not only followed in her sister Brittany's ('09) footsteps at Yavneh, but she's certainly driven her own path as well. With her college applications all submitted, Kelly has been accepted to the University of Georgia and awaits future mailbox deliveries, with plans to study sociology and journalism.

As Editor of The Bulldog Print, which has won many awards including last week's Best in Show for papers 13-16 pages, at the National High School Journalism convention, Kelly says that "I love journalism so much and it has greatly improved my communication and writing skills as well as harboring my passion for the written word.  We, as a staff, want our voices to be heard. We do not shy away from controversial topics such as school budget or political viewpoints; these are often my favorite articles."

"Our paper is a forum to expose what often goes unsaid," said Kelly who also served on the paper's staff as a reporter, Entertainment Editor, and Managing Editor. "Each publication is a testament to our commitment to truthful and honest reporting. The time and dedication to the newspaper is incredibly worthwhile."

"What I love about Kelly is her ability to diffuse drama," said Sandy Hall-Chiles, Journalism teacher and Adviser to The Bulldog Print. "When tension mounts on newspaper deadline, her calm encouragement of others, paired with her own doubled-down efforts, fires the light at the end of the tunnel. She has an uncanny ability to read the needs of others, and the unfaltering humanity to try and fulfill them. With interests as diverse as can be and creative and intellective talents to match, Kelly is easily the lynchpin of everywhere she is involved." 

Writing, for Kelly, is a craft she's refined and used throughout her courseload.  

"Kelly showed how she can use her creativity to explain complex ideas when as a Biology student," said Science Department Chair, Dr. Steven Goldfine, "she wrote a outstanding scientifically accurate, entertaining and original short story on ecosystems."       

"Kelly is an amazingly engaged and creative student," said Dr. Steven Goldfine. "She routinely makes the most unexpected and interesting connections between topics - often with real world implications."

"I first came to Yavneh because I knew of my sister's positive experience," she said, "but I love going to school here because I have had my own unique opportunities as well as personal growth."

"Our dual-curriculum means for a long day but here, we learn to manage our time  quickly," said Kelly who credits laughing with friends as a means of getting through the days. " Also, every class has something completely different to offer and there is a nurturing classroom environment here that invites discussion and intellectual achievement."

On-Campus, in addition to The Bulldog Print, Kelly has made her mark on the Debate Team, as a Student Ambassador and member of the Lady Bulldog Basketball team for two years, as well as through service to Students Against Terrorism and Points for Peace Basketball Tournament as Prize Coordinator, Treasurer - this year she is Co-President.

"As a Jew in America, it is crucial to support Israel in any way we can and Students Against Terrorism is a great organization to do that through," said Kelly, noting the 2013 P4P Tourney, on March 3, will benefit ZAKA, an organization that assists ambulance crews, providing first aid, rescue services, and recovery operations . "It is devastating that terrorism can be such a daily part of life there. One day, hopefully, peace will come. It is a miracle that Israel can exist and we need to support that miracle and show our unwavering support for our fellow Jews. I stand with Israel today and always and the Points for Peace tournament is one way I can show my support."

A Dallas native, Kelly is a member of Congregation Shaare Tefilla and a graduate of the Ann & Nate Levine Academy. She was a representative of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas' Jewish Youth Tzedakah Foundation and, as a member of BBYO's Fannie Sablosky chapter, she has served as the chapter's Shlicha, responsible for infusing Jewish heritage into the programming.

Kelly is a member of TACT, the TeenAge Communication Theatre, performing original theatre pieces about issues including self-esteem, peer pressure, teen pregnancy, dating violence, and alcoholism. In March, as a member of the Dallas

photo courtesy HaZamir

chapter of HaZamir, an international Jewish youth choir - Kelly will return to NYC's Lincoln Center to perform. Not one to "just hang," Kelly's summers have been spent as meaningfully as every other season of the year. She's traveled to Ecuador to teach children English, build bathrooms and fences. She also returned to Camp Interlaken JCC, where she spent many years as a camper, to work as a CIT and then Counselor. With her sister and father, Kelly climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, raising over $66,000 for the Save One Life Foundation and distributing medicine to local hospitals and patients' homes in Kenya.

"As I climbed up the mountain I was able to discover myself and my abilities," said Kelly. "I can do anything I set my mind to. On the mountain I became known on my trip as 'the girl who smiles,' and I'd like to carry that with me for the rest of my life."