Katelyn Kelly has earned the Pro Start degree by taking all of the FCS classes she could while in high school, which will help her in the future if she decides to pursue further education in culinary arts. Kelly said she especially enjoys baking cakes and her favorite high school memories come from her involvement in FCS teacher Meryl Hopper’s classes, particularly a field trip to Omaha. The class was given the chance to visit an Italian bread factory and a bakery where they got to taste foods and learn about running a business. Kelly said she had many friends in the class with her and they “had a good time.”

Kelly has been employed at McDonald’s for four years and said that holding onto the same job for that long is something she is proud of. According to Kelly, a challenge of working there is dealing with disrespectful customers. She said she has to “kill ‘em with kindness.” Working there has also impacted how she treats others. “I wish they’d put themselves in your shoes. Some things don’t go as planned,” Kelly said.

Her love of baking comes from her grandma, who she grew up cooking alongside and is also one of the most important people in her life. “She’s there when you need her. She always fills your tummy,” Kelly said.