Kalayna Durr

Kalayna, called Kal by friends and family, entered this world on March 13, 2005. Her parents are Deana and Daniel Hester and Tony and Ann Durr. She was later joined by siblings Clemmet Hester, 13, and AJ Durr, 3, and baby Layney Durr.

Her grandparents are Randy and Bonnie Boecker, Bob and Vickie Durr, and Terry and Mary Hester.

Kalayna is an original member of the Class of 2023, having been with them since preschool. She has been very busy in high school as a member of National Honor Society and student council. She has participated in performing arts, art club, 4-H, FFA, Teen Council, volleyball, Threshers House of Terror, and Sweet Sixteen.

When not at school or extra curricular activities, Kal enjoys showing cattle or volunteering for local organizations.

Kalayna was honored to be chosen the 2021 Miss Sweet Sixteen and the 2022 Homecoming Queen. Her most special memory is getting to help the younger kids at the Henry County Fair throughout her high school years.

When asked if she had a special person she’d like to recognize, she said, “I do not have just one person that comes to mind, but I do have quite a few people that mean the world to me. They have always been there for me through the good and the bad times and have helped me become who I am today.”

She feels that her class is special. “We are one of the biggest classes to graduate from New London, and the majority of us have been together since pre-school.” Her advice to the underclassmen is to “stay true to yourself, not changing just because of someone else’s opinion.”

Kalayna is looking forward to graduation day. Her future plans are to attend the Des Moines Area Community College to study agricultural education.

This girl has been a great representative for her class, her school, and her community. She will be missed!