BENTLEY, MI — If you happen to cross paths with Bentley High School senior Abigail “Abby” Jones in the hallway, chances are you will be greeted by a bright smile. Known across the district for her infectious enthusiasm and unwavering work ethic, Abby is wrapping up a phenomenal high school career marked by top-tier county accolades, prestigious scholarships, and a lasting impact on the Bentley community.
When asked what she is most proud of from her time at Bentley, Abby’s answer is simple: "The awards that I’ve got while being here." And she has plenty to be proud of.
Most recently, Abby was recognized as one of Best of the Best in the entire county for Career Technical Education (CTE). For the past two years, she has excelled in the rigorous Advanced Veterinary Medicine program at the Genesee Career Institute (GCI) under the guidance of Dr. Jill Klumpp, DVM. The demanding program requires students to master medical terminology, animal anatomy, emergency medicine, and surgical nursing, alongside completing hands-on clinical site placements.
Adding to her impressive resume, Abby was also honored in March at the Children’s Champion Awards event as an outstanding student both academically and socially. Her excellence in the classroom and her community resulted in her being awarded one of just three prestigious Curbco Scholarships for college.
Abby wasn’t the only Bulldog making waves at the event, either. Senior Kaydenze Hurlburt was also recognized at the Children’s Champion Awards after earning a scholarship nomination, capping off a stellar high school career and highlighting the exceptional caliber of Bentley’s senior class.
"Abby is one of the most positive kids I know," says High School Counselor Michelle VanVallis. "She just has this positive energy about her. When she speaks about her vet program, she’s super excited... She has a joy for life that you don’t see a lot in teenagers."
While Abby loved her time at GCI, she has her sights set on a different path for her future: medical sonography. It is a transition she approaches with the same goal-oriented mindset that her teachers and coaches have come to admire.
Dean of Students Keith Edmonds, who has known Abby throughout her four years at Bentley High School and also coached her in bowling, notes that challenge never deters her.
"She’s always upbeat, positive," Edmonds said, noting that excellence runs in the family, pointing to Abby's twin sister, Maddy and older brother, Garrett. "Abby is a hard worker. She is somebody who sees things from the beginning to the end, and doesn’t see challenges as a downfall, more of an opportunity. She is an 'I’m-going-to-accomplish-the-goal' type of person."
For Abby, the secret to her success has been the supportive environment she found at school. Her favorite part about Bentley? The tight-knit community.
"It's so easy to make friends and talk to staff when needed," Abby shared.
As she prepares to walk across the graduation stage and look toward the future, Abby offers some grounded, mature advice for the underclassmen she leaves behind: "Just keep your grades up and focus on school, but don't stress too hard about it."
Whether she is mastering advanced veterinary science or preparing to step into the medical field, Abby Jones embodies the very best of Bentley. The entire district congratulates Abby on her well-deserved achievements and wishes her the absolute best as she builds her bright future!
