"Similarly, today’s citizens strengthen democracy by voting, attending community meetings, and speaking out about issues characterizing their neighborhoods and nation."

Later in the essay, he wrote,

"As America marks 250 years, the Revolutionaries' legacy reminds us  that democracy is never finished but must be revitalized on a continuous basis by citizens acting with integrity, responsibility, and courage."

Evan would like to pursue a degree in education and plans to teach science. 

Not surprisingly, many of his courses at DLS have involved learning more about the sciences. 

During 2025-2026, Evan is enrolled in four Advanced Placement (AP) classes, and he will graduate with a total of seven AP courses, along with courses in Engineering, Electronics, and Technology. He also is taking both the Honors Human Physiology and the Anatomy and Honors Physics courses this year. 

As part of his AP Environmental Science course, Evan and some classmates are working on creating a pollinator garden, part of a project involving the Detroit Zoo. 

Evan’s student activities also include participation in HOSA (Health Occupations Student Association). Recently, Evan and a classmate prepared a 30-second video Public Service Announcement (PSA) and took first place in their category at the District Competition. He will be in Traverse City April 16-17 for the state competition. 

Evan also participates with the DLS Robotics Team, the AutoPilots. That group has its District competition March 12 - 14.

In addition to these science-related activities and competitions, Evan also is the President of the DLS DECA team, and won his district category, Financial Consulting, and will also compete in state event in downtown Detroit March 5-7.

Somehow, Evan has also managed to incorporate four years of participation with the DLS Swimming and Diving Team. 

Evan has been accepted by the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), Michigan State University, and Oakland University. He has also applied to Vanderbilt University but won’t know about his acceptance status until later this spring. 

Evan attended St. Thecla Grade School and enrolling at De La Salle was an easy decision for him. 

“All my friends were coming to La Salle,” Evan said. “It wasn’t a difficult decision at all.” 

Evan advises freshmen, “Get involved and stay on top of your grades.” 

He knows what he’s talking about; in four years, Evan’s only non "A" grade was a B+. Unsurprisingly, he is a member of the DLS National Honor Society.

Evan says he’ll always have fond memories of the DECA state competition in downtown Detroit and competing in swimming. 

He lives in Macomb Township with his parents Scott and Julie. The family belongs to St. Therese of Lisieux Parish in Shelby Township. 

Science teacher Mrs. Mary Balamucki has known Evan the last four years and says, “Evan is a remarkable person. He is doing amazing things in AP Environmental Science and Honors Anatomy and Physiology. I was proud to be there when he received his DAR Good Citizen Award.” 

Faculty member Mr. Dennis Koch, ‘94, is the DLS DECA team moderator and knows Evan well

“Evan Kelley is in elite territory, “ Koch says. “He is one of the best students I have encountered in my 20+ years at De La Salle. He’s bright, driven, and is a winner. As our DECA President, he leads by example. He puts in the time to be great and he puts in the time to also help others become great! He is the example of Builders of Boys, Makers of Men.