Isabella “Izzy” Lynch has had some big successes. She served as the 2024 Ramona Rodeo Queen and was named valedictorian for the Mountain Valley Academy Class of 2025.
“I will be mentioning that I am really grateful for everyone who helped me in my high school journey,” said Lynch, 17, a few days before the June 4 graduation ceremony. “That’s what I want to highlight — gratitude for all the people who contributed not only to my success but also other students’ success.”
Lynch earned the distinction of valedictorian with her 4.29 grade point average.
“It shows I’ve done a lot of hard work,” said Lynch, the daughter of Casey and Tiffany Lynch. “I tried to prioritize my schooling and knowledge as much as possible.”
Lynch, the school’s Associated Student Body president, has also been successful at Palomar Community College, which she has been attending since the summer after her freshman year. She was on the 2024 Spring Dean’s List and graduated from the college May 23 with two associates degrees — in general studies with an emphasis in science and math and a university studies degree,.
“I’ve taken a lot of different regular classes that count towards my general education in college and I took upper division math classes so I won’t have to take those in college,” she said.
Lynch’s goal is to major in neurobiology physiology behavior at UC Davis. She hopes to get a bachelor’s degree in two years, followed by a master’s and possibly a Ph.D. in a related subject.
She developed her interest in science and brain studies from her grandmother, Maria Arroyo of Ramona, who has multiple sclerosis, a neurodegenerative disease that attacks the spinal cord and brain.
“It currently doesn’t have a cure, but there are things that can help,” Lynch said. “I want to be a neuro-psychologist and research brain diseases that are affecting people. I’d like to find a cure for brain diseases that people are struggling with.”
MVA Principal Courtney Sawada described Lynch as tenacious and a strong critical thinker.
“She confidently advocates for herself and peers using her voice to exchange ideas and fight for what she believes in,” Sawada said. “I’m not sure how Izzy juggles everything.”
Lynch received five scholarships toward college expenses — $250 from the Sun Valley PTA Council, $500 from the Ramona Rotary Club, and $1,000 each from the Kiwanis Club of Ramona, the Ramona Chamber of Commerce and the Ramona Community Campus PTSA.
During the school year, she served as Ramona High’s student representative on the Ramona Unified School District school board and attended the board’s monthly meetings.
“It was interesting to hear all of the conversations surrounding the decisions about what’s happening in the district,” Lynch said. “I liked seeing all of the inner workings behind the scenes.”
As the ASB president, she has been involved in arranging events and school spirit activities across the campus. A recent one was a “Decades Day”-themed Spirit Day in which students dressed in styles of clothes from their favorite decade.
She was also a member of the California Junior Rodeo Association in her sophomore and junior years and served as the Ramona Rodeo Queen for 2024.
She and Junior Rodeo Queen Kate Dobrotin did community outreach work and taught people about rodeo and rodeo history.
“I was basically a bridge between rodeo and the community,” said Lynch, who has been riding horses all of her life and participates in barrel racing, pole bending and break-away roping.
Lynch spends much of her spare time riding her four quarter horses.
“This summer I’ll be spending time with my family and friends before I head up to UC Davis, so I can celebrate and get ready for the next two years of my life up there,” she said.
