Valedictorian Spotlight: Kendall Frost, Jesse Bethel High School

As Jesse Bethel High School celebrates the Class of 2025, we are proud to spotlight Valedictorian Kendall Frost, a student whose academic excellence, determination, and sense of purpose have left a lasting impression on our school community. From earning a top score on the Advanced Placement U.S. History exam to leading in clubs like the National Honor Society and the garden club, Frost embodies the spirit of what it means to be a Jaguar.

In this Q&A, Frost reflects on her high school journey, including the mentors who guided her, the mindset that kept her grounded, and her dreams beyond graduation. Whether you’re a fellow student, educator, or community member, Frost’s words offer inspiration, wisdom, and a powerful reminder of the potential within.

What has been your proudest academic achievement during your time at Jesse Bethel High School?

I have taken multiple Advanced Placement (AP) classes at Bethel, and the academic achievement I am most proud of is earning a 5 on my AP US History exam.

Were there any particular classes, teachers, or mentors who made a lasting impact on you? If so, who and why?

If I had to choose one teacher and class that had a lasting impact on me, it would be Ms. Werris, who taught me in Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) all four years of high school. Not only did Ms. Werris provide me with guidance for applying to college and tools to use in college, but she supports me personally and cares very deeply about me and my future, as well as the future of her other students.

How did you stay motivated throughout high school, especially during challenging times?

School has always been important to me because I know that education opens the doors to so many opportunities. My ambition and passion for learning motivate me, even during the hard times. I know that education and success in general require a lot of hard work and sometimes some drudgery as well, so I try to do all the work even when it’s hard because I know that I’m working towards a larger goal.

Were you involved in any clubs, sports, or extracurricular activities? What role did they play in your growth?

Some of the clubs and activities that I was involved with include the National Honor Society, the badminton team, and the garden club. Those activities have helped me gain confidence in my abilities as a leader and as an athlete and provided me with fun hobbies and outlets.

How did you balance academics with other responsibilities or interests?

Utilizing the agenda in AVID, I prioritized my assignments by deadline and set aside time almost every day to accomplish the work I had not yet finished.

What advice would you give to incoming freshmen at Jesse Bethel?

To all the incoming freshmen, I would say take advantage of all the opportunities in front of you. Try out for any sports that look fun, join clubs that sound interesting, and/or join a college-bound program if you’re at all interested. Don’t pressure yourself to do everything, but don’t be satisfied with giving yourself the minimum experience.

Has a personal ethos kept you grounded or inspired over the years? If so, what is it?

I have very strong personal beliefs centered around the fact that everyone has worth and principles of honesty, hard work, and striving for continuous improvement and continual learning.

What would you say if you could go back and talk to or encourage your freshman self?

If I could talk to myself as a freshman, I would tell her not to worry that there is only one right path and that little mistakes will lead to failure. I would tell her that you will not fail as long as you keep trying, and even if you don’t reach your initial goals, you are not worth any less, and you will still have the future that’s meant for you.

What are your post-graduation plans (e.g., college, major, career goals)?

After high school, I plan to attend Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, major in geology, and pursue a career as a planetary geologist.

What are some of your aspirations for the future?

My main aspiration is to eventually become a planetary geologist, studying outer space through geology. I also hope to one day start a family.

How do you hope to make an impact in your community or the world?

I want to be one of the people who helps those around me feel loved, heard, and valued. That is the main impact I hope to have on my community, but I also hope to contribute to the scientific community with additional research on planetary geology.

What are your hopes for the city of Vallejo and the school district?

I hope that the students of Vallejo realize that there are so many opportunities available to them and that they are capable of achieving their dreams. I hope that fewer people in Vallejo choose to settle for less than their best.