We are so proud to present our Class of 2025 Top 10!
Valedictorian - Aaron Ballentine
What’s up! I’m Aaron Ballentine, and throughout my high school career, I have been heavily involved in multiple school activities and groups. Over the past four years, I have been a member of Student Council, Tri-M Music Honor Society, National Honor Society, BETA Club, CHS Thespian Troupe #3170, Symphonic Orchestra, Symphonic Choir, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, and Cavalites—holding many different leadership roles and first-chair positions.
I am also part of the internship program at Short North Stage, where I help with both the technical and performing aspects of theater.
I plan to attend Rider University to pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre with a minor in Dance, as I hope to work as a performer and artistic director in the future. I’d like to thank Matt and Amanda Ballentine, Tiffany Frost, Joshua Manculich, Amanda Betz, and all my mentors, teachers, and dance family for always pushing me and helping me become the person I am today.
A huge shoutout to the CHS Music Department and Troupe #3170 for shaping who I am! Get out there and support the arts!
Salutatorian - Asher Pendell
Hi, my name is Asher Pendell, and I am the class salutatorian of 2025! I serve my class as the National Honor Society Treasurer, Tri-M Honor Society Treasurer, a Beta Club member, and the Founder and Chairman of the Tri-C Student Council.
I plan to study Commercial Music with a focus on Songwriting at Liberty University. I hope to one day glorify God through the musical gifts He has given me—whether as a composer, worship pastor, or professional musician.
I would like to thank Mom and Dad not only for raising me right but also for investing in me, supporting me, and praying for me throughout high school. Furthermore, I want to express my gratitude to the rest of my family, who have helped shape me into the person I am today. As always, thank you to the CHS staff and teachers for providing wonderful academic opportunities and creating a place not only to learn but to grow. Lastly, thank you to the Class of 2025—we are incredibly blessed to have made it this far!
Kiera Archer
Hi, I’m Kiera Archer. I represent the Class of 2025 by serving as a member of the National Honor Society, being one of six members of the AIM (Academy in Medicine) Program, and competing as a two-sport athlete. I plan to attend Ohio Dominican University and major in Biochemistry, as I have a strong desire to be involved in the medical field. My deep interest in and respect for medicine have motivated me to reach this point and have propelled me toward my goals and achievements. I am grateful for all the opportunities that have brought me closer to the aspirations I have worked so diligently to achieve.
I want to thank my parents for always supporting me and encouraging me to do my best. I also want to thank my teachers for their guidance and support throughout high school. Lastly, I want to thank my friends, who made high school both memorable and fun.
Ella Strauch
Hi, my name is Ella Strauch! Some of my favorite high school memories have been made on the soccer and track teams, as well as through the clubs I’m part of, such as National Honor Society, Tri-M Honor Society, Keys to Success, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I am also a four-year member of the Wind Ensemble and one of six members of the Academy in Medicine (AIM) Program. I am so thankful for all of the staff at CHS who have provided me with these opportunities and impacted my life far beyond the classroom.
I plan to attend Samford University and major in Nursing. I would love to work as a nurse on an inpatient pediatric floor and eventually become a nurse practitioner. Seeing the impact nurses have on their patients firsthand has inspired me to want to do the same for others.
I would like to thank my mom and dad for always supporting me and guiding me in the right direction. I wouldn’t be where I am without you both, and I love you so much! Also, thanks to my brother Quinn for always putting life in perspective—you are the best.
Adaline Mendel
Hi, I’m Adaline Mendel. I was honored to represent the Class of 2025 as a Senior Class Representative, a member of the National Honor Society, Captain of the Varsity Soccer Team and Varsity Track and Field Team, and a recipient of the 12-Season Athlete Award.
I will be attending Ohio State University, majoring in Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting. At Ohio State, I will be a part of the Mount Leadership Scholars Program. I’m looking forward to making new friends, getting involved on campus, and cheering on the Bucks!
Lastly, I want to thank the CHS teachers and staff for encouraging me to reach my highest potential and preparing me for the future. Thank you to my parents for supporting me at every sporting event and awards ceremony, and for giving me the guidance to be successful in life. Also, thank you to both of my sisters for being the best role models and always being there for me. Love you all so much.
Mason Brown
Hi, my name is Mason Brown. I love being a part of the CHS community and have been involved in many activities throughout my four years here. I have served as the Executive Student Council President and the CCSD Board of Education Student Liaison. I’ve been a four-year member and two-year captain of both the varsity soccer and baseball teams, as well as a member of the National Honor Society, the Academy in Medicine (AIM), and Keys to Success. I also help lead our school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) group and the student section.
After high school, I plan to attend Ashland University to play baseball and pursue a degree in healthcare administration or finance.
I want to thank my parents for their support in everything I choose to do. I also want to thank my teachers and the entire CHS staff for making my time at CHS so enjoyable.
Savannah Knapp
Hi, I’m Savannah Knapp. I represent my Class of 2025 as the Executive Student Council Treasurer, a National Honor Society member, a Keys to Success member, and a three-sport varsity athlete.
I plan to attend Otterbein University to study psychology on a pre-medical track. My goal is to become a psychiatrist and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. I am incredibly grateful for all the opportunities and support I’ve received throughout my academic career.
First, I want to thank all of my teachers, administrators, and counselors for their support and guidance. I also want to thank my parents for always pushing me to be the best I can be. Lastly, I would like to thank my siblings for always being my reason to push myself. I love all of you endlessly, and I’m so thankful to have you in my life.
Alyssa Dudley
Hi, my name is Alyssa Dudley. I proudly represent Chillicothe High School as a member of the varsity softball and soccer teams, and as Executive Council Vice President. I am also a member of the National Honor Society, Keys to Success, “The Well” Youth Group, and the Ohio Student Safety Council.
Next year, I plan to attend Miami University (Ohio), where I will double major in Human Capital Management and Political Science, with a minor in International Business. After college, I aspire to attend law school and become a refugee and asylum immigration lawyer. I will forever be grateful that, while at Chillicothe High School, I was encouraged to take courses that interested me and led to my passion for law and immigration.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me on my journey. Specifically, thank you to all of my friends, teachers, coaches, and teammates for always encouraging me to be my best self. Thank you, Mom and Jason, for always believing in me—especially when I did not believe in myself. Most importantly, thank you to my incredible sisters, Maggie and Natalie. I love you both. Thanks for always watching Pocahontas with me.
Shaneah Foraker
Hi! My name is Shaneah Foraker, and I am a senior at CHS. I am a member of many clubs at CHS, including the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Beta Club, and Keys to Success. I plan to attend The Ohio State University to study Radiologic Sciences and Therapy in order to become a sonogram technician.
I want to thank all of my teachers for helping me get to where I am today, especially Mr. Keirns and Mr. Cisco, who have left a huge mark on my life and have always been there to support me. I also want to extend my gratitude to my friends and family for shaping me into the person I am today and for always pushing me to do my best. Thank you!
Dominic Barron
Hi, my name is Dominic Barron, and I am honored to represent Chillicothe High School. I am a member of the National Honor Society and Keys to Success, a student leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a member of the 2024–25 Academy in Medicine cohort, and I played on the varsity football, basketball, and baseball teams during my time in high school. The different clubs and programs offered by CHS helped sculpt my character as well as build a résumé that I can be proud of.
I will be attending Ohio University in the fall as a Cutler Scholar. I plan to major in biology-pre-med, but my time at Chillicothe has taught me to be open to change. As of now, I aspire to enter the medical field, and the opportunities I have been provided through Chillicothe High School have reassured me that this is my calling. I am incredibly grateful for every opportunity that has brought me one step closer to my goals. It’s only the beginning.
I want to thank the Chillicothe High School faculty and staff for all of their support and kindness over the past four years. As I transitioned from a different school for high school, I was most surprised by how a teacher could be both a mentor and a friend. The relationships I have made here will follow me for the rest of my life. I would also like to thank my parents for providing me with the opportunities to succeed in high school. Finally, I want to thank all of my classmates for the countless memories and for pushing me academically.