JERSEYVILLE – From repeatedly setting cross country records to showing strong character and community involvement, Brenley Kelly is a highly driven Jersey Panther.
For her strong work ethic and competitive spirit, Kelly is being honored as a September 2026 Jersey State Bank Student of the Month at Jersey Community High School.
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As a junior and High Honor Roll student at JCHS, Kelly has been involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for three years, including two years as a leader. She’s also been an On The Prowl Leader since her freshmen year at JCHS. Since 5th grade, Kelly has been a part of Blue Crew and Class Council, and she’s been running track and cross country since 6th grade after completing her first-ever 5K in 2nd grade.
Kelly has repeatedly set new cross country records at JCHS. Her freshman year, she set a 2-mile track record with a time of 12:08. She set another record this year as a junior with a time of 18:46 for 3 miles.
Cross Country Coach Shelly Diamond said Kelly’s latest school record marks “a remarkable achievement, especially considering she is just getting started.”
“Brenley exemplifies academic excellence, athletic dedication, and exceptional character. She possesses a phenomenal work ethic that drives her to excel in every environment,” Diamond said. “Her influence extends off the course and out of the classroom through her active leadership in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). She leads with integrity, humility, and positivity, constantly lifting up those around her and setting a high standard for her classmates and teammates.”
In addition to being named an Alton Road Runner of the Year as a freshman, Kelly was also previously featured as an Athlete of the Month on Riverbender.com for her freshman year cross country performance. She also received Leadership and Positivity awards in cross country as a freshman, as well as the Illinois Principle Association Award.
Kelly is also a proud recipient of the On The Prowl Female Athlete of the Year Award, On The Prowl Hard Work Award, and was one of two students selected for the Rotary Youth Leadership Association Camp.
“I might be competitive to a fault in both my academics and sports,” Kelly said. “I love being with family friends as often as I can.”
Outside of school, Kelly is actively involved throughout her community, such as her involvement in her church’s “Operation Christmas Shoe Box” initiative. For fun, she enjoys a wide variety of activities on the water, including slalom skiing, swimming, knee boarding, wake boarding and tubing. She also likes to travel, especially if it involves an activity such as hiking, as well as playing piano and exploring her newfound love of chess.
Looking ahead, Kelly said she plans to join the National Honors Society this coming year and become an Illinois State Scholar her senior year. After high school, she’s considering a variety of career options as a lawyer, architect, engineer or dietitian.
“Although each career takes me down a completely different pathway, I plan on shadowing others to identify what I am truly passionate about before deciding,” Kelly said.
JCHS Principal Thomas Leslie, who has been Kelly’s principal since she was in middle school, said he is “always so impressed with her work ethic and positive attitude.”
“She is one of the most driven and competitive people you'll ever meet, but she builds up those around her at the same time,” Leslie said. “We are lucky to have Brenley Kelly representing the Jersey Panthers in academics and athletics.”
Congratulations to Brenley Kelly for being named a September 2026 Jersey State Bank Student of the Month at Jersey Community High School!
