Mrs. Kathleen Eikenberry

Mrs. Kathleen Eikenberry is truly a one-of-a-kind human being. You would have a hard time finding a more positive, caring and friendly person.

Many people in the school might not be familiar with Mrs. Eikenberry and what she offers  students, but if you spend time in the HRC, you will quickly understand how much of a difference she makes here.

She not only offers superior advice, but her charismatic and affectionate personality truly drive the students who work with her to appreciate and value her as a resource. 

Mrs. Eikenberry, or as she is better known in the school Mrs. E, is the main resource in the HRC. She helps students with their homework, specifically writing as she is an English wiz. She also helps manage and arrange meetings for “peer tutoring.”

This has been her job at Lake Forest High school for about seven years .  But there is a lot more to know about Mrs. E . Out of school, she served as the color guard director for the marching band at Waukegan high school for 8 years, and in the summertime, she raises Monarch butterflies. In her free time, she also likes reading historical fiction novels as well as volunteering for “Love Inc,” an organization in Lake County that helps people who need assistance affirming their potential. 

“Every time I see her she has such a kind smile. She’s a teacher I can rely on when I need help or need someone to cheer me up when I’m having a bad day,” senior Lauren McFarland said.

Not only is her sweet personality noticed by students, it’s also recognized by staff.

“Mrs. Eikenberry is one of the kindest people in the building. It’s not fake kindness; she truly is just an extremely genuine and kind person who has a very warm personality and I’m glad I get the privilege to work here with her,” said Assistant Principal Mr. Frank Lesniak. 

Being kind, caring, genuine, and friendly are valuable traits that can be hard to find. Mrs. E possesses all those traits to a tremendous extent. I’m very fortunate to have her as a resource, and if you haven’t stopped into the public room for help from Mrs. E, I highly recommend it. 

Shea Milliman

Freshman Shea Milliman is a competitive, passionate, and infectious dancer, who currently dances for the JV Poms team. She is looked at as being one of the most hardworking members of the team.

“I have never seen a freshmen come in with such dedication and excitement” captain Anastasia Tegel said.

Tegel also shared that it can be easy for dancers to have a negative attitude after their long days at school, but Shea is always there to listen and talk to make anyone on the team feel appreciated. 

Shea is not just hard working at dance, she gives it her all in school as well.

“She projects positivity … she has a wonderful attitude and is always up for a challenge,” English teacher Mrs. Konz said.

Shea grew up alongside sophomore Tess Uhilein, who also comes from a family with only brothers. They grew and learned together. Tess said Shea has always been so giving and helpful. 

Freshmen Marissa Graham says she’s experienced that attitude firsthand.

“Shea and I were in Florida together, and we bought this huge duck floaty just to realize we had no pump to fill it up. Shea then sat on the floor for hours blowing it up with her mouth, so it didn’t go to waste,” she said. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Del Fava

Elizabeth Del Fava, who has worked at the high school for eight years, brings her optimism, smile and positivity to the dean’s office, where she works  as the Administrative Support. 

Beatriz Magana, who works alongside Mrs. Del Fava, said EDF, as she’s called, is “one of the best team players we have at LFHS.”

“EDF is so fun to work with, and she keeps the office lighthearted with all of the hilarious comments she makes. She’s truly interested in learning about the people she works with staff and students alike. I’d go as far as to say she’s gifted in making people feel heard and special,” she said.

Del Fava’s husband, English teacher Raymond Del Fava, and son, Special Education Teaching Assistant  Peter Del Fava, both work in the high school. 

Out of the office, EDF is outgoing and never fails to make you laugh. In the office, she is not only a hard worker but also a great supporter bringing good energy throughout the day and greeting people in and out of the office, Magana said.

“I love hearing about her home life because her husband Mr. Del Fava and their three children seem to be just as fun as she is. I’ve asked her to adopt me into the family group chat… I have yet to get the text invite,” she said. 

EDF went on the outdoor ed trip this fall for the first time, and she brought joy to the trip the whole time. She told students that she can’t wait to go back and create even deeper and closer bonds with the students.

“She’s a very kind, caring, compassionate person who is always there for you, and strives to do her best at work while making others feel welcome and comfortable in their skin,” said senior Niko Pellini, who traveled on the trip.

Michael Catalano

Freshman Michael Catalano has a bright future here.

On the ice, Catalano has been cruising through his hockey season with the Falcons.

“Michael always shows up when the team needs him most,” said freshman teammate Logan Marsch. “He continues to improve throughout the years and I can’t wait to see where he ends up.” 

Along with hockey, Michael plans to play baseball this spring for Lake Forest High School.

When roaming the halls, you can be sure to see Michael having a good time. 

“He’s a super funny kid,” says his brother junior Frankie Catalano.

When Michael is not at school or playing a sport, he enjoys playing video games, such as Minecraft and Fortnite. Michael also loves to hangout and bike around town with his friends. 

“There is never a dull moment with Michael; he is always making me laugh,” said  Marsch. 

Michael makes sure to put the people around him in a good mood, and it is quite obvious that the people around him enjoy his presence.

Jacque Wilson

Senior Jacque Wilson is a motivational Varsity Swim captain. The former student of the month and member of the nursing program at Tech Campus also has amazing academic motivation.

“I’ve grown up with her since I was five, and she has always been a caring person. I trust her as well as many others do and that’s one of her best traits,” senior Brendan Burke said. “She’s selfless and always has and always will be a amazing person in my life.”  

Unfortunately, Wilson had a back injury, which prevented her from swimming in meets. However, this did not affect her team spirit and energy for the girls varsity swim season. 

“(She) still showed up and swam her fullest during every practice and brought the positive energy that we needed,” said Lauren Keller. “Even though she was not able to  swim in the meets she showed up to every single one and cheered for her teammates. That is the kind of captain and teammate Jacque is.”   

 Jacque strives to meet her goal in becoming a nurse by volunteering at Condell Medical Center, where she works and connects with patients.

Junior Isabel Vav, who attends Tech campus with Jacque, shared more about Jacque’s passion for nursing. 

“Her dedication is so inspiring and I can’t wait to see where she goes with her nursing degree,” said Vav.