With graduation approaching, and the Class of 2025 preparing to close the chapter of their years at Lakeland Regional High School, many are celebrating their accomplishments over the past four years. That includes Senior Emily Kebrdle, who is the salutatorian for this year’s graduating Class of 2025 at LRHS. She was awarded this title for her outstanding academic achievements, but she also shone in her constant participation in Lakeland’s clubs and success during the field hockey and swim seasons.
Kebrdle said that she was initially surprised about being the salutatorian for the Class of 2025, but once she settled down and reflected on her hard work throughout the years, she was excited. With a GPA just shy of perfect and a schedule filled with honors and Advanced Placement courses, along with many club and sport commitments, Kebrdle had vocalized that her journey to becoming salutatorian was paved since “taking hard classes starting freshman year, [plus] studying and doing the work.”
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As she progressed through the years, some setbacks and challenges were faced. She shares that she had to “learn that sometimes failure is just redirection” and that “learning time management skills” takes time. Being driven, competitive, and dedicated, she figured it out on her own and for herself. Kebrdle would thank her parents, her family, and her friends for constant support because that is truly what pushed her to be successful.
Kebrdle was involved in the LRHS community in many ways, but what stood out beyond her time spent in school was that she was a part of many extracurricular activities. From her most enjoyable sports and clubs, – field hockey in the fall, swimming in the winter, and participating in the Unified club throughout the year – she was always intertwined within the school community. Kebrdle had said that “breaking the school record with my best friends during field hockey” was her most cherished moment from her Lakeland years.
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Other ways that she contributed to LRHS was the fact that she was president of many clubs, was a captain for many sport seasons, and held strong records for events for the swim team, along with holding a record for the most scored points in field hockey at Lakeland. Not only did she hold records, but for field hockey, she was “nominated by NJ.com as Field Hockey Player of the Year,” leading her to four years straight of being recognized as a top player. To add to this wonderful achievement, she “was selected as our NJSIAA Scholar-Athlete” in recognition of her ambition and diligence.
Kebrdle has expressed publicly that she will be attending the University of Delaware in the fall.
Lakeland’s 2025 salutatorian has not only exceeded academically, but she has also brought an inspiration to those around her. With great achievements inside and outside of the classroom, Kebrdle has proven herself worthy of this prestigious honor. Kebrdle’s final word for all Lancers is “get involved and don’t hesitate to lean on the people around you for support.”
