As graduation rapidly approaches, we love to honor our outstanding students in the class of 2026 by claiming them as top dogs! One student that has set an outstanding example in the classroom, community, and on the court and field is Lakeview senior Kalyssa Werner!
Werner has attended Lakeview since kindergarten and has loved her time building friendships, making memories, and growing into the wonderful young lady she is. During Werner’s time at Lakeview she has participated in National Honors Society, varsity softball and basketball, all while being named valedictorian. While striving in the classroom to be one of the top students she also has received four varsity letters in softball and basketball, she was also named 2nd team in the Ne8 for softball her sophomore year, 1st team Ne8 in softball her junior year, and 1st team Ne8 for basketball.
Over the years spent at Lakeview highschool, Werner has developed multiple friendships, but emphasizes the specific bond between her and her two best friends, seniors Isabella Isenberg and Mackenzie Stowe. She proclaims, “Growing up with them and playing sports together has been one of the biggest blessings. My childhood and high school experience would have looked so different without them and I am so grateful to have them through all the ups and downs of my life. They have been there for me through absolutely everything, celebrating every achievement while simultaneously making me a better person. Iron sharpens iron and the people we choose to surround ourselves with are extremely important, so it has been such a blessing to be surrounded by like minded friends who push me to become a better version of myself in every aspect of my life. I am so excited to see where college and their future takes them both!”
As Werner makes a point to cherish her time in high school, she mentions the highlight of her senior year so far being her time spent playing basketball. She states, “Considering it is my last time playing the sport with my best friends, I have made a point to cherish every last moment of it and to make the most of it. Regardless of a hard practice or game, knowing it is your last year playing a sport changes your perspective on everything. I have played basketball with the same teammates since the fourth grade, so knowing we are at the end of our season with tournament games approaching is such a bittersweet feeling.”
Werner has made some of her best memories while playing Lakeview sports, one of them being the trip to Myrtle beach her junior year. Reflecting on the spring break softball trip Werner states, “Throughout high school my favorite sports memory was my junior year tournament run and myrtle beach trip with my softball team. My softball teammates are some of my favorite people, so being able to make school history with my best friends is something I will hold close to my heart forever. Going to Myrtle together was such a good bonding experience and there are countless memories and inside jokes we were able to take with us throughout the remainder of the season till now.”
Werner also talks about what she will miss most about Lakeview, “I am going to miss the people at Lakeview most. I get so used to seeing my friends everyday through school and sports, so when I don’t have the opportunity to see them anymore I’ll realize how much I took that for granted.”
Even though Werner has created life long friendships and memories at Lakeview, she discusses her excitement when talking about her next mission after graduation, “After high school, my next mission will be at Ashland University where I will be studying nutrition and dietetics. I am excited to be embarking on this next adventure and I am looking forward to learning about something I am very passionate about in the environment of my choice.”
Werner is a clear representation of what it means to be a Lakeview Bulldog. She has accomplished many achievements academically and athletically serving as a great role model for next generation bulldogs. Ashland University is lucky to have her, and everyone at Lakeview wishes her the best of luck!
