For some, the future is a canvas waiting to be painted with determination and dreams. Whether she’s tackling advanced courses, playing the clarinet as the band’s drum major, or face painting at local events, Kali Coulter, a senior at Momence High School, sees that canvas as she embodies the spirit of ambition and service.

With a weighted GPA of 4.5 and a schedule packed with AP courses like calculus and literature, Kali’s academic rigor is evident. But her path hasn’t been without its challenges. “Calculus is the hardest class I’ve ever taken,” she admits. “But I’m pushing through. Last year, I got a 5 on the AP Lang exam, so I know what I’m capable of when I work hard.”

Her hard work extends beyond academics. As a soccer player, band member, and drum major, Kali juggles a full plate of responsibilities with remarkable balance. “I love soccer, but I also love music,” she says. “Being drum major has taught me a lot about leadership—it’s not just about directing music; it’s about bringing people together.”

When she’s not at school, Kali works as a cashier and line worker at Chipotle, while also running a unique side hustle: face painting at community events and special needs gatherings. “We don’t have a set rate,” she explains. “We just want to bring joy to people, whether it’s for a big event or a small party.”

Kali’s drive to succeed is rooted in her upbringing. Raised by a single mother who’s also a teacher, Kali learned the value of perseverance early on. “My mom is amazing,” she says. “She’s always made sure my sisters and I had opportunities, even when things weren’t easy.”

With college applications submitted to schools like Vanderbilt, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois, Kali is ready for her next chapter. “I want to go to a school that challenges me academically but also offers support,” she says. “Vanderbilt is high on my list, partly because I have family in Nashville, but really, I’m looking for the best fit.”

Despite her ambition to explore the wider world, Kali’s roots in Momence run deep. “I love this town,” she says. “It’s small, but that means you get to know everyone. The teachers here genuinely care, and the community is always supportive.”

Reflecting on her time at Momence High School, Kali credits the district for providing opportunities that rival those of larger schools. “We may be small, but we have a lot to offer—AP classes, a great career center, and teachers who go out of their way to help you succeed,” she says. “That personal attention makes all the difference.”

Kali’s aspirations are as diverse as her talents. Torn between pre-law and pre-med, she’s keeping her options open, knowing that her first two years of college will be a time for exploration. “I want to see what excites me,” she says. “Whether it’s working with kids as a pediatrician or shaping policy as a lawyer, I know I’ll find my path.”

As Kali prepares to graduate, she’s both excited and reflective. “If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be to enjoy the journey,” she says. “High school goes by so fast, and while it’s stressful, it’s also an amazing time to grow and discover who you are.”

Kali Coulter is a shining example of what it means to dream big, work hard, and give back. As she steps into the future, she carries with her the lessons and values that make Momence—and its students—so remarkable.