Kayla (Welch) Smith - Class of 2006

Kayla Smith - Fox Tales Q & A

What year did you graduate? 

I graduated in 2006. I still live in Appleton with my husband Jimmy and our children Braelynn (16), Keaton (13), Finn (10) and Hank (4).

 

What is your most memorable high school experience?  

Some of the memories that stand out the most to me were all of the dress-up / themed weeks like Prom and Homecoming weeks - and all of the excitement that comes with them! It was a nice break from the monotony of normal school weeks. Lots of fun memories from football games as well! 

 

Who has had the greatest influence on your time at FVL?  

I remember Mr. Diersen being such a great teacher. He always taught with such a wonderful sense of humor, making it easier to engage in class. Mrs. Bixby, as a Spanish teacher and volleyball coach, was also a huge influence in my high school years. She was always so relatable and pushed us to work hard and stay focused—in class and on the volleyball court.

 

What are you doing now professionally and how did you get into this career path?

I attended Marian University in Fond du Lac and am currently working in surgical supply sales for a medical supply company based out of Neenah, WI. 

Additionally, I started a small business in April of 2024 called Wildflower Wall Co. I co-own it with my mom and we rent out and create photo backdrops and balloon arches for special events—anything from small parties to corporate events—from Green Bay to Fond du Lac! We have done FVL Homecoming and Prom for several years now. I love having this as a creative outlet that working in sales doesn't really offer!

 

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

Many current FVL families may not know that my dad (Tom Welch) was the Guidance Counselor at FVL for many years - from 1996 to 2012.

 

What is something valuable you learned during your career?

Don't take things too seriously—you have to be able to laugh at yourself!

 

What’s one lesson from your high school years that still sticks with you?

It's all what you make of it. Get involved; join teams/clubs. Don't base decisions on other people—do what interests YOU! Looking back, there are a lot of things I wish I would have been more open-minded to.  

 

 

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