Five seniors, one mission: live the Gospel

Award-winning graduates of Bishop Kelly High School exemplify Catholic identity in action

By Emily Woodham

Staff Writer

Each year, Bishop Kelly High School in Boise honors seniors who exemplify the school’s Cath­olic mission and identity. This year, five students were recognized for their exceptional leadership, service, and faith.

Wickham Fellowship Award:

Ella Plotnick and Ava Cepek

The Wickham Fellowship Award is named after the late Dr. Frances Wickham, PhD, a longtime Theology teacher and department chair at Bishop Kelly. This award honors students who demonstrate a Christ-like spirit, build community, and promote inclusion.

Ella Plotnick “I have come to understand that this mission isn’t just a slogan; it is lived out every single day, in ev­ery classroom, on every field, and through every relationship.”

Ella Plotnick has attend­ed Bishop Kelly since her freshman year. A lifelong Catholic and active pa­rishioner at Holy Apostles in Meridian, she says the school’s mission to develop the whole person—spir­it, mind, and body—has deeply shaped her.

“The mission is lived out every single day, in every classroom, on every field, and through every relation­ship,” she said.

At BK, Plotnick has been especially involved in Campus Ministry, orga­nizing and serving at student retreats. She also studied Pastoral Arts, combining theology with liturgical music leadership. Her love for music is evident in her service: she sings with her parish ensemble, cantors at Mass, and contributes musi­cally to BK worship events.

Recognizing the need for a space for young Catholic women to grow in faith and friendship, Plotnick founded the Sonset (“set on the Son”) Catholic Girls Group with the help of fellow senior Ava Cepek. “I saw the hunger for deeper connection,” she said. “We use testimonies, Bible studies, praise and worship, and service to create a prayerful and supportive community.”

Plotnick credits her family for supporting her efforts and plans to attend Belmont University in Nashville, where she will study entertainment and music business through the Global Honors Program.

Ava Cepek “Because of God’s love, I know that His plan for my life is beautiful. I wish to spread that love to other people who struggle like I did.”

Ava Cepek, also a four-year BK student, grew up attending St. Mark’s Catholic School and is a parishioner at St. Mark’s in Boise. She met Plotnick during her sophomore year. They quickly became best friends and collaborators in ministry.

“BK provides a community where I feel heard and seen,” Cepek said. “My friends and I have grown in faith together, and that has been such a blessing.”

Cepek played a key role in developing the Son­set group alongside Plotnick. She also plays the violin and piano and serves as one of the head editors of the BK yearbook—a creative outlet that has helped her grow as a leader.

Her favorite service opportunities include lead­ing class retreats, assisting with Mass, and helping with school tours. “These small acts of service really do make a big difference,” she said.

Passionate about mental health awareness, Cepek wants to support others struggling as she once did. “Because of God’s love, I know His plan is beautiful—even in the midst of setbacks.”

She will attend Boise State University, majoring in nursing with a minor in psychology, and plans to stay involved in her faith through St. Paul’s Newman Center.

Plowshares Peacemaker Award:

The Plowshares Peacemaker Award is presented to a senior who exemplifies peace, character, and a love of theology grounded in Christian spiritual­ity. This year’s recipient is Kailysa Caudle.

Kalyssa Caudle “BK has impacted my faith by giv­ing me plenty of examples of how a life rooted in Christ will hold you in hard and blessed times.”

Kalyssa Caudle was a student at BK since her freshman year. She is also a parishioner at St. Mark’s. Her years in Cath­olic schools have given her a strong foundation in faith and values.

“BK has helped my faith flourish by showing me how a life rooted in Christ can carry you through both hard and joyful times,” she said.

Caudle is active in her parish and at BK, where she has participated in ser­vice projects, team Masses, adoration, and the Knights for Life club. Her favorite experiences include senior service as a camp counselor and singing for residents at local nursing homes with BK’s concert choir.

A pivotal moment in her faith came during her sophomore year, when two BK students, Braden Caldwell and Henry Warner, died in a tragic acci­dent. The loss deeply impacted the school com­munity. “In the midst of grief, I saw how the BK community supported each other with openness, grace, and Christ’s love,” Caudle said.

The National March for Life was a significant event through her years at BK, during which she formed bonds with other faith-filled students and deepened in her appreciation of Christ-centered relationships.

After graduation, Caudle will study civil engi­neering at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan­sas, where she will also compete in cross-country and track. Remaining active in parish life is a priority for her.

Christian Mercy in Action Award:

Lydia Kamann and Jamieson Petrino

The Christian Mercy in Action Award is presented to students who consistent­ly demonstrate the Gospel through acts of compassion, service, and mercy. The 2025 recipients are Lydia Ka­mann and Jamieson Petrino.

Lydia Kamann “Getting to hang out with the kids, lead them on their faith journey, and see the amazing people they are becoming was the best way to spend my service project.”

Lydia Kamann, a member of St. Mark’s Parish, attend­ed BK for all four years of high school. She credits the teachers and staff with help­ing her encounter God in everyday life.

“Daily prayer, retreats, and faith-centered rela­tionships have helped me grow so much,” she said. “I feel incredibly blessed to share this journey with my closest friends.”

Kamann has been involved in competitive dance, speech and debate, student council, Pep Club, and PATHS—a mentorship program for younger students experiencing crisis. She served as co-president of PATHS and a house leader in BK’s student house system.

Her favorite service project was working with children at the Boise Rescue Mission.

“Lead­ing them in their faith and seeing the amazing people they’re becoming was the best part of my senior year,” Kamann said.

She also took the Campus Ministry class, which was her favorite. “Asking tough questions and deepening my faith with others was transforma­tive.”

After graduation, Kamann will attend Indiana University, studying business, public policy, and honors coursework.

Jamieson Petrino “By attending BK, I have become more open with my faith, both in sharing it with others and developing a more open mindset.”

Jamieson Petrino, a parishioner at Risen Christ in Boise, also attended BK all four years. A pas­sionate athlete and nature lover, Petrino has also grown as a person of faith thanks to the support of her family and school community.

“BK has helped me become more open in my faith—both in sharing it and living it,” she said. “The community here made me realize how God is working in my life.”

Petrino’s most meaningful service came from her senior project at the Boise Rescue Mission, where she worked with children throughout the summer. “Being a friend, mentor, and leader to them was a gift,” she said. “That time helped me become more Christ-like.”

She especially enjoyed Campus Ministry and Spanish classes, noting how both helped her grow in unexpected ways. “Learning about a different culture and language opened new per­spectives,” she said.

After graduation, Petrino will attend the Uni­versity of Utah to study psychology and sports science.

These five Bishop Kelly seniors—Ella Plotnick, Ava Cepek, Kailysa Caudle, Lydia Kamann, and Jamieson Petrino—have lived out the Catholic mission with passion, conviction, and service. Their faith, leadership, and dedication to others exemplify the spirit of Bishop Kelly.