Junior Kat Yakes is an avid and excited member of many clubs. She is involved in the Student Council, Scout Buddies, Human Rights Club, and many more. 

How many clubs are you involved in and which ones?

“I am involved in 8 clubs: Student to Student (exec board), Scout Buddies, Student Council, Big 2 Little, Human Rights Club, GIVE Cub, French Club, and Scout Nation. I also run my own Non-Profit Organization, and I am on the Fill a Heart 4 Kids Junior Board!” 

Why did you decide to join this many clubs?

“A lot of people would think that my main motivator would be college, and having a big extracurricular list, but I joined because I genuinely enjoy being a part of these clubs, so that’s truly why I decided to join.”

 Which club is your favorite and why?

“I would say either Student Council or Student to Student. In these clubs, I’ve been able to take on leadership positions where I’ve had the opportunity to work closer with my peers which I enjoy a lot!”

How did you first hear about those clubs?

“Student Council was something I already knew about. I knew they wanted a lot of freshmen, so I thought it was perfect. My counselor Mrs. Megan Miles, is the sponsor for it and recommended it to me.”

 What do you like or dislike about being a member, specifically of the Student Council?

“I really like that I have opportunities to be able to work with the club outside of school. Such as, after school hours, weekends, and planning dances with the Student Council. Recently, in Student Council, I helped plan our Pep Rally, so I got to skip school on that Friday, which was really nice.”

Do you do anything else outside of school that you are passionate about?

”I am involved in a lot of service work, either that being food pantries, Fill a Heart 4 Kids where I am on the junior board, and CROYA. I also play both field hockey and lacrosse for the high school.”

What made you branch out to do these other extracurriculars?

“I have been volunteering since I was five, so starting my own volunteer program is something that I really enjoy, so that’s how I got involved with Fill a Heart 4 Kids, and CROYA.”

What is your Non-Profit Organization and what do you do?

“My Non-Profit Organization is a Christmas drive where I connect families from around Lake Forest and Lake Bluff with families who are struggling more from the North Chicago area. Each Lake Forest family can “adopt” a family of their choosing from the list I form together based on how much need there is from North Chicago and Waukegan. Although I organize this, it wouldn’t be what it is without the help of all the generous families who are willing to help during the winter season!”

How do you balance out your time? Especially when trying to keep up with your school work? 

”I am very vocal with those in charge of my activities, whether that is a teacher or upperclassmen, if I have too much homework one night, I will express that to the leader of the club. With that, I make sure to keep tabs on what we did, so I’m prepared for the next meeting or event.”

What is one memory from your Non-Profit Organization that is the most memorable?

“Every Christmas when we go and deliver the gifts for my Non-Profit, those of the less fortunate hug me and cry in my arms. It just feels so rewarding being able to help others.”