Liam Kelly was the No. 1 singles tennis player for the Ripon Christian High Knights.
He was part of the Southern Athletic League’s mixed doubles championship of a year ago and performed in several plays during his time at RC schools.
Kelly, whose mother Sherrie is a math instructor at the school, was recognized as salutatorian for the Class of 2020.
He finished with 4.23 GPA and, like valedictorian Tina Tazelaar, will be attending Biola University in La Mirada with plans of majoring in Nursing.
"I've always wanted to be a nurse," said Kelly, who also looked at another southern California college in Azusa Pacific University. "There's definitely a need."
He referenced the frontline healthcare workers integral to the global response to COVID-19.
No doubt, Kelly misses seeing his friends and classmates on a regular basis.
RC schools have been his home away from home for the past 13 years. He's among the 28 of the 49 from the graduating class attending the school from Day 1.
Principal Joe Venema is impressed with the overall number of students attending the religious-based private school system, from kindergarten to their senior year.
Sherrie Kelly, Liam's mother, has also seen her fair share of students throughout the years. She's taught at RC for the past 27 years.
"I'm missing out on our relationships with the kids," she said.
Her son enjoyed his time at RC. In the eighth grade, Liam was in the school musical, 'The Sound of Music.' He played the oldest Von Trapp son, Friedrich.
He was the dictation coach in 'Singing in the Rain,' and Tommy in 'Annie Get Your Guns.'
Liam was praised on social media as "an outstanding student, athlete and musician."
In addition, he was acknowledged for leading in worship at his church (Crossroad Grace Community Church in Manteca) and the chapel praise band.
Graduation at RC is tentatively scheduled for June 19.