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Tuesday, November 6, 2001
Following her heart led to senior's success
Ingleside scholar plays oboe, has competed at a state level for her prose, poetry writing
By Christine Spencer
Caller-Times

Paul Iverson/Caller-Times

Ashley E. Kelly, a South Texas Distinguished Scholar in performing and fine arts, will study at the University of Texas with majors in music and arts.

   Ashley E. Kelly, 17, reads a quote from one of Robert Frost's best-known poems; "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."
   The quote summarizes Ashley's attitude on life and her pursuit of the arts.
   "I just feel it's important to do your own thing and not worry about what other people think," Ashley said. "I'm never afraid to try anything. I may not be great at everything I do, but I'm not afraid to grow."
   The senior from Ingleside High School has proven to be great at many things, especially music. She plays the oboe and serves as drum major of the school band during marching season, and she is a three-time member of All State Band.
   This Caller-Times/Channel 6 South Texas Distinguished Scholar in performing and fine arts ranks ninth in her class of 126, with a grade point average of 91 out of a possible 100, or a 97.844 weighted average with honors classes.
   Ashley said she loves the arts because it allows her to work as an individual.
   "I just love the expression," she said. "That's both the great thing and the downfall of it. Art is a matter of interpretation, and people will either love it or hate it. But it's you, no matter how subjective it may be."
   Ashley has also performed onstage during the Regional One-Act Play tournament, where she was named to All Star Cast. And she has competed at the state level for University Interscholastic League Ready in prose writing and poetry.
   "I used to get nervous about performing," she said. "I'm used to it now. Sometimes it gets repetitive, so at this point I'm pretty confident."
   Her parents, Mary and Glenn, say Ashley has an ear for music and a knack for performance that come naturally.
   "She's always been singing and playing instruments since she was a child," Mary said of her daughter. "Anytime anyone paid attention to the things she did well, she took it as a challenge."
   One of the challenges Ashley took on as a child was learning to play the oboe, one of the more difficult instruments to master.
   "She has a gift, there's no question," said her oboe instructor of five years, Evelyn McCarty. "She could make a living in music, and I can't say that about many people."
   Ashley has not decided what career to pursue, but she does plan on studying at the University of Texas with a double major in music and arts. She is considering teaching music as a college professor.
   Her plans, whatever they may be, include following her heart.
   "Ashley has never been a conformist," Mary Kelly said. "She always wants to do her own thing in her own style. Nobody can tell her she can't do something because she will always prove us wrong."


Contact Christine Spencer at 886-4388 or at spencerc@caller.com

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