Vivian Johnson

Many of us dread the thought of waking up bright and early each day for school or work. Not freshman Vivian Johnson. Whether as an interested learner in the classroom, engaged citizen of the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff community, or supportive friend, Johnson gives her all into everything she does, representing LFHS well.

From a young age, Johnson has exercised her appreciation for understanding history, languages, and different cultures in a myriad of ways. She began learning Mandarin in first grade, and, as DPM’s Geography Bee Champion last year, transitioned into LFHS with ease by quickly joining the Scholastic Bowl, Model UN, and Chinese Club. 

With a love for traveling and passion for human rights, Johnson volunteered at an elementary school in Jarabacoa, a town in the central region of the Dominican Republic, says Carolyn Hutchinson, Johnson’s mother. 

Besides her impressive extracurricular involvement, Johnson acts as a role model for her peers by encouraging students to think critically in the classroom. 

“Vivian has a wisdom and worldliness about her that is not necessarily typical of someone her age. She is one of the star contributors to class discussion, and she always provides insightful additions to the class’s understanding,” English teacher John Wanninger said. “Vivian is a powerhouse, and I can’t wait to see how she soars in the years to come.”

World History and Geography Honors teacher Andrew Waple also sees Johnson’s impact, both in the classroom and on others. 

“Vivian is sharp as a tack. She asks great questions that pique my interest to dig deeper into things I never thought about.”

However, Johnson is so much more than that. Both Johnson’s teachers and friends recognize her for who she is outside of any classroom setting. 

“I’ve been super close with her for two and a half years now, and whenever I’m with her, I know we’ll be laughing because she’s hilarious and will always crack jokes with you,” said freshman Ranya Patel, Johnson’s close friend. 

Waple also praised her patient and kind character. 

“I have a two-year-old daughter and if she turned out like Vivian, I’d be pretty darn proud,” Waple said.

Kashyap Prasad 

The RMA was filled with all eyes on junior pianist Kashyap Prasad. 

On Jan. 21, student finalists took part in the 37th annual Music Department competition where students in different divisions (percussion/piano, voice, winds, strings) competed in front of a panel of outside judges. 

Kashyap Prasad was crowned the overall winner of the competition.

“He is one of those people you are so lucky to come across in life: always uplifting, putting his best foot forward, alert and active in every rigorous class on his schedule, and kind to every single person he meets. Kashyap is an authentic, true friend,” junior Meaghan Plotner said. 

Prasad has a talent for the piano and viola that he incorporates in so many other areas of his life. This past summer during daytime, he gave young children piano lessons and at night, and he was an usher at Ravinia Music Festival. Prasad wants others to experience and understand the importance of music and hopes it a valuable piece in everyone else’s life as it is in his own. 

Band member and good friend Ibrahim Hashim respects his friend’s selfless nature.

“In middle school, we would go to Kumon together to get extra practice on math. I would never know what was going on or how to do the packets but Kashyap would always help me, even when he was at a much more advanced level than I. Even today, I call Kashyap for homework help and he instantly thoroughly explains it to me in the midst of doing his advanced and challenging work from the various AP classes he is in. This just goes to show the unique and determined kind of person Kashyap is,” Hashim said. 

Besides his passion for music, Prasad finds time for athletics and academics. He is a dedicated member of the Varsity Boys Soccer team and the Varsity Track team. On Monday nights, you can find him preparing alongside the math team for the next upcoming competition.

Soccer teammate junior Charlie Engleberg appreciates the strong asset Prasad is to the team.

“Kashyap is a teammate that always lifts you up. He brings contagious energy that makes the game more fun,” Engleberg said. 

A good friend of Prasad’s and co jazz band member, Jonathan Hough has also experienced his kindness first handedly through their many years together. 

“Kashyap and I spend a lot of time together. Between orchestra, out of school bands, and volunteering, our friendship is so special because we both value music so much. One day, Kashyap texted me wondering if I wanted to go with him to a local nursing home to play our instruments for the elders. We now go to nursing homes every other weekend to share our love for music with others. It’s Kashyap’s subtle actions like this that make a difference in people’s lives. I can’t wait to see where his musical talent takes him,” junior Jonathan Hough said. 

This past October, Kashyap decided it’d be better off to spend his birthday giving back to others; so, instead of celebrating his special day, he rallied a group of his friends and went to Bernie’s Book Bank to ensure that kids are exposed to the importance of reading. 

Prasad has an appreciation for peers and seeks the best for all. Prasad’s organic school work skills, coupled with his aptitude for music drive him to be the best possible version of himself. Prasad is undoubtedly helpful and kind to every person he comes across.

“I will forever cherish the times I’ve spent with Kashyap in orchestra. From Jazz Band, to the Europe trip, and just the joyous times of randomly playing notes on our instruments that sound good together to make songs; his accomplishments will be forever valued by so many people,” said Hough. 

Ameena Alsikafi

Senior Ameena Alsikafi is the type of student that teachers and fellow classmates love to be around. Her infectious laugh, quick wit, sarcasm, and upbeat, energetic personality ensure that a class with her in it will never be dull.

“You know it’s gonna be a fun class when Ameena is in it,” said Alsikafi’s friend and fellow senior Ainsley Smith.

In class, Alsikafi can be seen engaged in lively conversations with other students that lighten the mood and bring laughter and joy to the classroom environment.

“I don’t think I can point to one funny moment, because with Ameena, they are ALL funny moments,” said Alsikafi’s law teacher Mr. Alexander Mann. “I’ve never seen a student smile and laugh more than Ameena – as a teacher that is a wonderful thing to be around.”

Alsikafi’s AP Calculus teacher Mr. Blaine Lakin shared the same sentiment, describing her as a focused and conscientious student who comes to class with a smile, ready to work.

Her best qualities are a “tie between being supportive of her peers and the infectious laughter,” Lakin said.

Not only does Alsikafi bring energy and fun to her classes but also a kind spirit, support for fellow students, and engagement with the subject matter.

“Ameena is the type of student every teacher hopes to have in class. She always has a positive attitude and never gives anything less than her best effort,” said Alsikafi’s anatomy teacher Mrs. Jennifer Gatta. “In addition to being a talented student, Ameena is also a wonderful person.”

In class, Alsikafi can also be seen helping simplify or explain concepts and problems to other students.

“On many occasions, I have seen her go out of her way to support others in class,” Gatta said. “Whether it was to help out a confused classmate or just to offer a kind word to someone struggling.”

In addition to her academic commitment, Ameena is a student deeply involved in the LFHS community who has displayed an unwavering dedication to her extensive list of extracurriculars.

During her four years at LFHS, she has been a member of the Girl’s Varsity Tennis team, the Girl’s Track Team, the LFHS Choir, and the Student Council, and can be seen at almost every school sports game cheering on her classmates. 

As Captain of the Girls Varsity Tennis Team, Alsikafi brought her hard work, positivity, and competitiveness to every practice and game, always striving to be the best teammate and player she could possibly be.

“Ameena always brightened up the team with her funny jokes, and she was a great team captain and player who always cheered for everyone,” said senior and Girls Tennis Team Co-captain Izzy Chong.

Alsikafi was awarded the NSC Sportsmanship Award, an honor given to dedicated athletes who embody the true meaning of sportsmanship and respect for teammates and opponents alike.

She is adventurous and always willing to participate and try new things, whether that entails sharing something in class, playing student-staff knockout, joining an intramural basketball team, volunteering for a tent pitching competition at the talent show or even attending a canoe camp in Canada every summer.

Her friends describe her as dependable, caring, and hilarious.

“Ameena is an incredible friend. She is always there when you need a good laugh or when you need someone to talk to,” said senior Julia Liebelt. “She is always making people around her feel happy.”

Alsikafi is the kind of person who embodies all of the traits everyone hopes for in a friend, student, and even stranger. She leaves all those she encounters with kind words and a smile on their face.

Mrs. Logas

Math teacher Mrs. Logas pours her whole heart into her job. She tries to make all her students feel as if she’s not just there to teach them, but also connect with them on a personal level. 

Head of the Math Department Mr. Summy describes Logas’ classroom as “an educational ecosystem where every student, without exception, feels a deep sense of value and belonging.”

She’s been a part of the LFHS community for 10 years, and she has taught many math classes across the board and taught all different grade levels. This year she is teaching Plane and Solid Geometry and Precalculus, but she has also taught PSGA and Algebra 1. 

Two years ago when Logas was pregnant with her second daughter, she held a gender reveal in each class. Not only was this exciting to watch, but it was also a way to have fun with one of our favorite teachers before she left on maternity leave. 

Since then, Logas continues to show her current and previous students pictures of her daughters, which gives students a break during her class. 

Logas is also very big on school spirit. Each year for the homecoming football game, you’ll find her wearing one of the player’s jerseys while also doing her best to participate in Spirit Week. She’s also commonly invited to students’ teacher appreciation night for their sports and most recently attended the Boys Basketball Teacher Appreciation Night. 

Logas is always willing to help her current and previous students whenever she can. She’s found time in her shorter day as a part-time teacher to help her students from previous years with their current math classes. 

“She’s always around to help out even when you no longer have her as a teacher and not just with math, but she’s also there for emotional support,” senior Ainsley Mitchell said. 

Alexandra Mower 

Any classroom that Alexandra Mower is in is far from a dull environment. She is a key contributor to the positive and engaging energy that many classes thrive on. 

“Alexandra is always like a little spark plug in the classroom. She comes in and is always full of energy. She chit-chats and works well with everybody,” English teacher Mrs. Van Skyock said. 

Throughout her four years at the high school, it is clear that Alexandra is not afraid to try new things. This past semester, she took the challenge of taking ceramics for the first time. 

“Alexandra brings a lot of great vibes into the classroom. She is terrific at pottery, and on top of that is a funny person,” sophomore Dominic Mordini said.

There is no doubt that Mower is a natural leader. She has held multiple positions on the CROYA executive board and has been an essential teammate and captain to the tennis program. 

Mower also makes sure to be on every Scouts’ game sideline, and, of course, cheering as loud as she can. 

“It is very easy to pick up Alexandra’s fun energy, you could say she’s the life of the party,” senior Veronica Ibarra said. 

She is clearly a valued friend and classmate at LFHS. Her contagious energy and humor are a clear representation of the admirable person she is. 

“Alexandra’s positive attitude and light bubbly energy is contagious. She radiates happiness and makes everyone around her feel happy too. She truly brightens every room she enters,” junior Lilly Walsh said.