April 9, 2026 - Canyon Lake High School Valedictorian Kaylee West is celebrating four years of hard work and dedication this graduation season. From reminiscing high school memories to the anticipation of new beginnings, read on to learn more about Kaylee’s Path to Success.
Q) How did you find out you were Valedictorian?
A) I was officially told I was Valedictorian a few weeks ago and I accidentally walked into the wrong room first when I was called down to the counseling center for the announcement. For some reason, while walking down there, I thought I was in trouble even though there was absolutely nothing I could have been in trouble for.
Q) How did you celebrate this accomplishment?
A) I was lucky enough to be told during sixth period, and I have seventh off, so I was able to go home almost immediately. I told my parents and just laid down for a bit because it felt like I could finally relax. I hadn’t been super focused on staying number one, the grades in general were more important to me, but it just felt like a pressure that I had never noticed had been lifted.
Q) Describe the entirety of your high school experience in one word.
A) Chaotic.
Q) What is your favorite high school memory?
A) It is probably the first football game I went to my senior year. My best friend convinced me that we should dress up and the theme was Minions. She was in choir and had to sing the National Anthem at the beginning and because we were matching, I got dragged out on the field too. It was a very surreal experience and the whole event was just really fun.
Q) What is one thing you would change about your high school experience?
A) I think it would have been nice to be more involved from the start. This year, because I finally felt like I had more time, I joined the stage crew for the school musical and did Academic UIL. They both were very fun and interesting and I wonder what I missed out on my other years of high school.
Q) If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be?
A) Julia Child. I researched her when I had to dress up as a historical figure for my history class. She lived a very interesting life and I feel like she would have a lot of good stories and advice.
Q) What song would you use to describe your high school experience?
A) It probably doesn’t make a lot of sense, but I would say “De Selby (Part 2)” by Hozier. More broadly, the song and the music video describe being out of sync with time. The disorientation and the sense of pushing against reality, in a very overly dramatic way, feel kind of like always being busy and racing against the clock. Additionally, the moments that always stood out the most to me in high school felt the strangest and like they weren’t real.
Q) Which university will you be attending, and why?
A) I will be going to Trinity University. I wanted to stay close to home since I’ve had to move a lot in my life and Trinity is one of the best ranking schools in Texas, so it felt like a good choice. I’ve also gotten to visit a few times and I really love the community.
Q) What are your plans after graduation?
A) Over the summer, I need to work on the final pieces of getting ready for college and I need to finally learn how to drive. I also just want to relax more and get back into reading like I used to before the start of the next school year.
Q) What's a piece of advice you'd give your younger self?
A) Take more time for yourself. Mental and physical health is needed to persist.
Thank you Kaylee West for Growing Greatness on your Path to Success!
Photo Descriptions
- Canyon Lake High School Valedictorian Kaylee West graduation photo.
- Canyon Lake High School Valedictorian Kaylee West senior photo.