As a high school sophomore, Greta Kelley learned the true meaning of the popular song lyrics: “Even when I lose, I’m winning.”  When she lost the Student Council election that year, she felt she was losing her position as a school leader.  “But in reality”, says Kelley, “that loss gave me time to listen…to ask questions that no one else was asking and to see leadership in a different way.” 

When a change at William J. Palmer High School from a traditional schedule to a block schedule was met with dissent from students and teachers, Kelley says her curiosity about why the decision was made led her to found the Student Sounding Board. The board’s purpose is to respectfully incorporate student voices and growing ideas into administrative decisions.  After six months of research, Kelley presented her findings to the school board and superintendent.  Although the policy was not changed, her efforts resulted in opportunities to connect with district leaders. “That combination of listening and problem-solving now shapes how I approach everything I do”, Kelley observes. 

Through challenges to hold her ground and advocate for the community she was representing, Kelley says she “learned that research can be an act of service…”  She discovered value in the connection between data and quality relationships.  The lessons she began learning through her initiative as a high school sophomore continue to shape the person she is today and who she will become.   

Kelley explains that service is a strong emphasis in her life.  Her parents laid the foundation for her at an early age to recognize the importance of community involvement.  “At home”, she says, “service was never something we talked about.  It was simply part of life.”   

Another accomplishment Kelley takes pride in is being the founder and head coach of the Free Recreational Afterschool Soccer Program.  As one example of her dedication, she encouraged and gave confidence to a timid student by teaching him soccer skills and developing a strong personal connection with him.  She even made sure he had a soccer ball to practice with.   

After a trip to Belize, where Kelley witnessed a significant lack of education and health resources, she co-founded Global Health Buddies.  The program develops a partnership to learn from and connect with other countries through videos, wellness kits, and correspondence.  Kelley found another way to stress the importance of relationships.  She is in the process of expanding the program to other countries through an online app that she will continue to oversee. 

Kelley will continue striving to build connections through relationships as she enters Dartmouth in the fall, majoring in Quantitative Social Science with a double minor in Public Policy and International Affairs.  She sees herself as a participant in the political arena with a potential career in government and diplomacy.   She will use data to inform decisions and connect with people she serves.  “My parents”, Kelley says, “taught me that caring takes time and persistence, and that service is not a single act but a way of living.  I hope my life continues to speak through constancy and empathy, and the daily work of showing up to make my community stronger.” 

Palmer High School Social Studies Teacher and Student Council Sponsor Keith Ferguson notes that, as Student Body President, Kelley “… is already operating at a level of professionalism that is not simply rare for a young person, but rare for a person of any age.”  Ferguson continues that establishing the Student Sounding Board illustrates “Greta’s superb ability to combine research, leadership, and advocacy in service of others.”