Carly Chaudoin’s given name is Carolina. Not North or South.
“My dad always tells me that my name is beautiful. My middle name is Clare which means ‘light’ so my name is beautiful light,” she said.
It’s that spirit and light that has guided the Hopkinsville High School senior down a path to success that is expected to lead her to greater things.
Chaudoin has a resume that looks like a full course and club offering for any high school student. She is a member of Hopkinsville High’s Student Voice Committee, Student Council, National Beta Club, National Honors Society, and Pep Club among others.
She is also a member of the Kentucky Youth Assembly and used that platform with others to advance a bill that holds a special meaning to her – adding mental health counselors to public schools.
“Mental health is something that is very important to all high schoolers as we are in this decisive chapter in life. There is a lot going on and a lot to worry about. It’s important to know that my teammates and friends are doing OK mentally,” she said.
Chaudoin stays active in her school and community. She serves on the school district’s Superintendent Advisory Council and works with numerous community groups such as Sanctuary, the Salvation Army, and the Christian County Youth Leadership Class of 2022.
Over the summer, Chaudoin was selected to attend the Governor’s Scholars Program which is designed to provide Kentucky high school students an academic and personal growth experience through a liberal arts program in a residential life atmosphere.
Carly attended her four-week program at Bellarmine University in Louisville.
“I went into it knowing that it would be an amazing scholarship opportunity for me. But as soon as I got in, I had a feeling that I was going for a reason that was greater than the scholarship money. I had an amazing time and learned a lot about myself. I learned what it means to make good friends and form lasting relationships,” she said.
It was the first time Carly had spent any significant time away from home and it solidified her belief that a small school in a large city may be in her best interests.
But church also holds a strong interest in her future. She has been active in the youth ministry at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church.
It’s quite the resume for a high school senior. And Carly does it while holding down a 4.3 GPA with a score of 31 on her ACT. She balances school and athletics where she serves as a captain of the Hopkinsville High volleyball team.
When she graduates high school in the spring, she will also receive her Associate’s Degree from Hopkinsville Community College.
It’s a tough balancing act, but Chaudoin wouldn’t want it any other way because she is fueled by her strong support group in her corner.
“I always know there are people in my school, community, and church that care about me, support me, and want the best for me.”
And it’s that support and her hard work that’s making Carly Chaudoin’s light shine bright.
