The top two Ellison High School Class of 2025 seniors did not spend all their time studying. They were too busy.
Valedictorian Lynnae Bentley was captain of the golf team, part of National Honor Society, an avid volunteer and highly involved in choir as part of the Chamber Singers, multiple varsity ensembles and the choir council.
Salutatorian Chanelle Cancel was captain of the volleyball team, president of National Honor Society, active in student council and a club volleyball player. She earned an associate degree from Central Texas College through STEM Academy.
Both are Killeen natives. Bentley attended Bellaire Elementary School and Nolan and Patterson middle schools before Ellison. Cancel attended Memorial Christian Academy, Liberty Hill Middle School and Ellison.
“It feels surreal,” said Ellison’s No. 1 ranked senior. “I didn’t really think I would be here. I’ve been a bit of a perfectionist, but I didn’t expect to be one. I’m excited and awed. I’m satisfied with all the work I’ve done and all the challenges I’ve met to get here.”
Bentley’s secrets to success seem to involve staying organized, setting priorities and staying active outside academic pursuits.
“Pursuing the passion” was a phrase she often considered as she dived into choir and golf, along with a full schedule of Advanced Placement courses.
She spent numerous hours practicing choir outside of class. Golfing, she said, was important to get her outside and keep her active. She made it to the region level of UIL golf competition this year.
“I had to give myself a lot of time to be myself outside of academics. I needed time to recuperate from everything I was doing,” she said.
“It’s so exciting. It has given me a big sense of gratefulness,” said Cancel. “I’m grateful God has given me the talent to work hard and the ability to do well in school. My parents and family were such good examples.”
Her sister was valedictorian of Ellison’s Class of 2019. Her brother was ranked No. 5 at Early College High School.
While she pressured herself to do her best, Cancel said her family only extended love and support.
Considering her full schedule, she said, “I like to be busy.”
The past two years attending the STEM Academy through CTC, she said she learned the value of “writing it down,” maintaining a meticulous schedule.
Playing varsity volleyball on a playoff-caliber team and then moving straight into an Austin-based traveling team meant lots of homework in the car.
“It gets overwhelming. Remembering to just take a breath, and know I have my support group, just remember to stay grounded (is important),” the salutatorian said. “It can feel like too much, but the truth is a lot of the time it’s not too much.”
“I’ll remember how willing teachers were to work with busy students,” said Bentley. “They were willing to give me one more day. I love the support of the teachers and the admin. Killeen in general is so supportive of our extracurriculars and how they fund those activities.”
“I’ll remember the people. I’ve never felt unwelcome or that I can’t be myself,” said Cancel. “Every club I joined, every sport I participated in, they have made me feel super welcome and super safe. The staff works with you because they want you to be involved.”
Bentley is going to the University of North Texas to study data science. Cancel is going to Angelo State University where she will play volleyball and study biology with plans to work in the dermatology field.
Ellison High School graduation is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, May 24 at the Cadence Bank Center.
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