Mrs. Meaghan Cook

As a high school student, your days can be rigorous and you might just dread your next 80-minute class. However, English teacher Mrs. Meaghan Cook makes those long, gloomy days a whole lot brighter. 

Students look forward to walking into her classroom after a long weekend, as they immediately find themselves smiling while talking through her traditional Rose, Bud, Thorn exercise. Each student is asked to share something they are excited about, looking forward to, and are worried about as a way to reflect.

“Mrs. Cook makes class so enjoyable, and her teaching style is something to always look forward to. She makes class fun when it doesn’t seem possible,” junior Graham Conley said. 

Mrs. Cook grew up in Lake Forest and attended LFHS. She left the midwest for Santa Clara University, only to find her way back here as an English teacher. She is one of the more dedicated teachers in the building, teaching freshman and junior English classes that range from intro level to APs.

She also has a profound effect on the Girls Varsity Soccer players. Becoming a mother just nine months ago, she has shown up to every practice and game, focused and ready to get the best out of her team. She makes the team a priority. 

Mrs. Cook, often referred to as Ms. Laugh on the soccer field, is more than just a coach to the 24 girls on the team- she is a friend. 

“Ms. Laugh is the most caring and thoughtful coach. She’s always giving positive feedback and is always there if we need to talk, even if it’s not soccer-related! She brings so much positivity to the team as well! I’m so glad to have her as a coach,” junior Tricia Gray said. 

Mrs. Cook’s impact does not go unnoticed. She was selected by seniors to read the names of the graduates at the commencement ceremony on June 5.

“Not only is Ms. Laughlin an amazing teacher, but I appreciate having her as a coach as she brings so much energy and happiness to everything she’s a part of. If I could call anyone a ‘girl boss,’ it’s Ms. Laughlin. She’s such an amazing leader, and myself and so many others can say she’s the closest thing to having a big sister or an aunt at school. Everyone loves Ms. Laughlin,” senior Mary McKendry said.