Faith, service and scholarship define Belton High’s top graduates of 2025

May 22, 2025

Special to the Journal

Belton ISD is proud to recognize Julie He as the valedictorian and John Zachary Moehlenbrock as the salutatorian of Belton High School’s Class of 2025.

Both students exemplify the very best of Belton ISD —resilient, serviceminded and deeply committed to excellence in academics and leadership.

Valedictorian: Julie He Daughter of Linda Gao and Xiaolai He of Belton, Julie He has served as a tireless leader and compassionate peer throughout her years in Belton ISD. A graduate of Sparta Elementary, South Belton Middle School and Belton Middle School, Julie balanced arigorous academic schedule while holding numerous leadership roles, including Student Council President for three years and Varsity Tennis Captain for two.

Her journey with the Belton Tiger Tennis program is one of perseverance and growth. She entered the program as a sophomore, ranked last on the team, but quickly demonstrated an unmatched work ethic and passion to improve. With the encouragement and mentorship of Coaches James Stinson and Cory Smith, she steadily rose through the ranks— eventually earning a leadership role and becoming one of the program’s most trusted and respected teammates. Julie credits the tennis program with teaching her how to overcome setbacks, focus on what she can control, and carry those lessons into everyday life.

In addition to UIL Academics, Powerlifting, Partners PE, and Unified Track, Julie has made an impact beyond campus walls through her TikTok platform promoting positivity, mental health awareness, and a healthy lifestyle— amassing more than 180,000 followers. Her digital presence serves as an extension of her values, using her platform to encourage others, share life lessons, and remind her audience that resilience and kindness go hand in hand.

She credits her drive and determination to her parents, who immigrated to the U.S. with little but built a life defined by hope and perseverance. “No matter how dark it gets, the sun will always rise again,” Julie said. “I hope to leave behind alegacy of living in the moment, being involved and spreading kindness wherever Igo.”

This fall, she will attend Texas Tech University to pursue an eight-year Bachelor of Science and Medical Degree through the Undergraduate Non-Traditional Diploma Scholars program, with the goal of becoming a pediatrician. 

Salutatorian: John Zachary Moehlenbrock The son of Shelly and Charlie Moehlenbrock of Nolanville, John Zachary Moehlenbrock has spent his years at Belton High School leading with heart, humility and purpose. A former student of Chisholm Trail Elementary and South Belton Middle School, Zachary’s journey has been grounded in faith and service to others.

John Zachary’s time at Belton High School is marked by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to serve others. Whether growing the Fellowship of Christian Athletes from a handful of students to more than 200 active participants or bringing energy to the student section as part of the spirited Bang Crew, he has led with humility and joy. A varsity cross-country co-captain, varsity track captain and active member of National Honor Society and Boy Scouts of America, John Zachary also devoted time to mentoring students at the Belton Hope House, a local after-school center. For his Eagle Scout project, he transformed the outdoor area into an inclusive and creative space, adding murals, games, and a storage shed to enhance access and engagement. “It took months of planning and was one of my proudest accomplishments,” he shared. He describes the experience as a defining moment that reinforced the importance of service, community, and long-term impact.

Through challenges and choices, he has leaned on his faith and learned to embrace both patience and trust in timing—qualities he plans to carry with him into college and beyond. “I've learned the importance of finding balance, building community, and trusting God’s timing,” he said. “Belton High gave me the space to do all of that.”

He plans to attend the University of Tennessee, majoring in business with longterm goals of earning a Master of Business Administration—and perhaps one day becoming the commissioner of college football.

Julie and John Zachary are recognized for leaving behind a legacy rooted in faith, friendship, and inclusivity—shaped by their servant leadership and dedication to others. Their compassion especially shines through in their involvement with students with special needs, including their work in Partners PE and Partners Art. Both credit their success to the people and faith that guided them—supportive families, close friends, and trusted mentors. John Zachary specifically acknowledges educators Pamela Rodriguez and Trey Bledsoe for their guidance, and both students expressed deep appreciation for the steady, student-centered leadership of Principal Claudia Knox.

“She truly embodies what it means to be a Tiger,” Julie said. John Zachary echoed the sentiment, sharing that Principal Knox “embodies the Tiger culture” and is “the best person to be the face of our franchise,” praising her for embracing campus traditions and leading with authenticity.

As they prepare to cross the stage at graduation, their reflections are clear: Treasure your community. Embrace the moment. Trust the process. And don’t be afraid to lead with your heart.