Ben Andreesen

Ben Andreesen’s massive smile and fun loving attitude may make him seem somewhat immature at first.  However, the sophomore’s outstanding performance in the classroom says otherwise.  In his second year at LFHS, Ben is taking on a massive course load which includes notoriously difficult classes such as Math Analysis Honors and AP Chemistry.  Although Ben consistently makes High Honor Roll, it isn’t his grades that make him stand out in the classroom but rather the way he makes each period more enjoyable for everyone.  Not a class goes by in which Ben doesn’t crack a joke followed by his trademark laugh which gets everyone else in the room laughing with him.  “Ben definitely helps to brighten anyone’s day.  He really goes above and beyond to cheer people up,” says junior classmate Gracie McGowan.

After school, Ben heads to West Campus where he competes on the tennis team.  Similar to in school, Ben excels on the court and his teammates love having him around.  Junior teammate Hunter Dee notes that Ben “always brings a level of enthusiasm and dedication that really encourages the team to play better and have fun.”  No matter how he or his teammates play, his sense of optimism is enough to always inspire those around him to push themselves.  His work ethic in school and during athletics signifies the character of someone mature well beyond their years.  Ben is constantly having fun, but when it’s time to get down to business, he is not one to shy away from a challenge.  His constant drive and positive attitude are what make him such a great friend and classmate to spend time with.

Despite his jam-packed schedule, Ben decided that he wanted to do more around LFHS, so he ran for sophomore class president.  Coming as no surprise to many, he won the position, just another sign of how well liked Ben is around school.  Taking on such a big role seems daunting to most people, yet Ben sees it as another opportunity in which he can push his limits and improve the environment for LFHS students.  In addition to his high performance in class and on the court, this position proves Ben’s willingness to be a leader for his peers and an example that even upperclassmen can look up to.  He is the type of person to go far out of his way to perform an act of kindness.  McGowan offers another glimpse of Ben’s character, remembering that Ben knitted her entire chemistry class winter hats over break.  “I’ve never met someone who doesn’t like the kid,” she adds.  No matter how they know him, it would be a challenge to find anyone around LFHS who has a bad thing to say about Ben.