Sophie Chabraja

Not many freshmen can say that they were Varsity athletes before their high school career even began, but Sophie Chabraja came into her freshman year strong as a flier on the cheer team. 

However, her path to Varsity Cheer is not linear. 

Growing up, Chabraja was a gymnast who excelled in many aspects and thoroughly enjoyed the sport. She could be seen flipping around at Ultimate Gymnastics and improving her skills day in and day out. 

Freshman classmate and long time friend Amanda Hough has known Chabraja since middle school, and describes her as “caring” and “hard-working.” As teammates at Ultimate Gymnastics, they went through the highs and lows of the sport together.

Chabraja faced a challenge during gymnastics when she had to have surgery on her knee and she hurt her back. This injury forced her out of many competitions and multiple seasons of gymnastics.

Despite her inability to compete with the team, she was still seen on the sidelines cheering on her friends and teammates. The support she gave to her teammates didn’t go unnoticed.

“That showed me how compassionate and how kind of a person she is,” Hough said. “That really impacted me because it showed me that I could rely on her and she’s always there if I needed anything.”

Not only did she show up everyday for her teammates, but she got right back into gymnastics without skipping a beat, and freshman teammate Emory Nero admired her persistence.

“The first day she came back she was so determined to get her skills even though it was probably really difficult,” Nero said. “She seemed like she wasn’t even out at all… that showed me how hard she worked and how bad she wanted it.”

As she got back into practice for gymnastics, her love for the sport transitioned into a similar yet different activity: cheerleading. Chabraja tried out for the cheer team at the end of April and made the Varsity team, one of only two freshmen. 

Though she started off more reserved as an incoming freshman on the team with majority of the team being returners, it’s apparent that she’s become more comfortable as a cheerleader and allowing her personality to show through. 

Senior teammate Noel Demetrio understands that being a freshman can be hard, but she says that Chabraja has “been able to adapt very quickly” these past few months. 

“As a freshman, she brings lots of talent to the team. She already has so many skills and really has improved,” Demetrio said. “I’m in her stunt group, and she’s honestly just a natural.”

Chabraja will cheer at her first game this Friday with the team on the sideline and at halftime, as well as continuing to compete this winter during the competition season. Her skillset is sure to be a standout to the crowd and is one that will contribute to the success of the cheer team. 

Her setbacks in gymnastics only allowed her to go farther in cheer. Though freshman year can feel intimidating and unsure to some, Sophie Chabraja is no doubt ready to crush her next four years as a Scout. 

Lily Lamp

Despite the fact that Lily Lamp is a sophomore, this past month she earned a place on the Girls Varsity Volleyball Team. 

Lamp was one of five sophomores to make the team this year, and the level of dedication that she possesses led her to accomplishing her goal.

It tends to be difficult for underclassmen to keep up with their older competitors, but Lamp has an outstanding ability to remain calm and stay in control under pressure. 

This  has impressed her older teammates. 

“She started her varsity career on a very strong note. She is an extremely consistent player that her teammates can depend on,” said senior volleyball captain Maggie Gilleran.

As a setter, Lamp has a particularly important role on the court.  The team’s setter has the crucial job of deciding where the ball goes so that a teammate can hit it over the net. In this way, Lamp is forced to be strategic in order to set up offensive plays. 

“She runs the offense and adds so much skill to the team,” said junior teammate Alissa Eglite.

Not only is she a valuable athlete, but she is the kind of teammate that anyone would be lucky to have.

“With every point, she prioritizes cheering on every player whether it be at a practice or a game and her energy does not go unnoticed. That energy benefits everyone and she always maintains a positive lighthearted attitude,” said Gilleran.

Dr. Erin Lenart

Every school, especially one with nearly 2,000 students and staff, needs a beating pulse at the heart of it. Many would agree that Principal Dr. Erin Lenart is the energy, spirit, support, and happiness that keeps our school pulsing at a high level.

“When I think of Dr. Lenart, the first thing I think of is how extremely bubbly and personable she is. It is one of her super strengths as a leader because it makes her extremely approachable,” Dean Laura Clegg said. 

Lenart  focuses on what is best for the kids and always reaches out to students for feedback. She wants every student in the building to feel like they belong. 

Not only does she make the students feel welcome but the staff too. 

“She is always looking for innovative and fun classroom environments. She encourages the teachers to experiment and try new things … every Monday she highlights and shouts out the cool things teachers are doing,” Clegg said. 

It is the little things she does that brightens everyone’s day. While most staff members, especially Dr. Lenart, have a jam-packed schedule, she still makes time to attend every single senior night. 

“She took time out of her day to come to my tennis match, and it seriously meant so much to me. We are so lucky to have a principal who cares so much for the students,” said senior Michaela Barry.

“I always get excited when she comes and joins me, Mr. Lesniak, Mr. Silvers, and Mr. Lubliner in the lunch room because she is so bright, sunny, funny, and brings new life to the table. She changes the dynamic in a positive way and makes it such a fun atmosphere. She is just a happy woman,” Clegg said. 

She is dedicated and passionate about bringing the student body together.

“I think Dr. Lenart does a very good job leading the school and keeping it lively. She communicates effectively with the student body by sending us emails and keeping us updated on upcoming events. Thanks to her, students participate in exciting activities,” Student Body Vice President Simon Back said

It is apparent that both staff and students at the school value not just her effective handling of logistical responsibilities as a principal, but also her warm heart. 

“Dr. Lenart has a wonderful gift of passing her enthusiasm and passion onto staff and students,” Mrs. Hektor said.

Sophie Portalatin

Senior Sophie Portalatin involves herself in a variety of clubs and activities at LFHS including Girl’s Golf, Scout Buddies, Special Olympics, and Integrated Wellness. Her caring and humorous personality makes her an awesome teammate and friend. 

“I have been friends with Sophie since 5th grade and every year since then it has been so cool seeing everything she’s done. She is so humble but is seriously so talented and impressive with everything she does, and she is always there to help others when they need it,” said friend Ella Rubenstein. 

As the Captain of the Varsity Golf team, in-season or not, Sophie is continuously practicing to improve her game. Whether it’s playing out-of-school tournaments or just hitting the range, Sophie always takes advantage of her opportunities to become a better golfer. But not only does she constantly focus on improving her skills, but her passion and leadership encourages her teammates as well. 

“Sophie’s guidance and leadership throughout the season is inspiring. She makes every practice and match super fun with her lively spirit,” said former teammate Evelyn Marshall.

Now in her senior season, Sophie looks to cap off her high school career with her best season yet. 

Outside of golf, Sophie participates in Scout Buddies, Special Olympics, and Integrated Wellness. While Sophie has a great competitive nature, she is also one of the most humble and down-to-earth people. Her desire to always make sure everyone feels included is an instinct most people don’t have, and has led her to meeting some of her best friends. Whether it’s in class or just eating lunch, Sophie welcomes everyone with open arms. Because of her kindness and inclusiveness, all of Sophie’s classmates, clubmates, and teachers would say there’s nobody better.

“She has incredible passion for everybody in the class. She cares about all those kids, and everybody else around her,” said Integrated Wellness Teacher Chuck Spagnoli.

Coco Henretta

Junior Coco Henretta is a vibrant face at LFHS. Friends say she’s a positive light, someone who always treats everyone with the utmost kindness and friendliness. 

A great athlete, Coco made the Varsity Girls Tennis team this year and is already a very bubbly and engaged member. As a doubles player, she always makes her partner feel confident and excited to play. Maeve Camoletto, who often plays with her, praises Coco’s contributions.

“Coco is not only a great player but an even better teammate and friend, both on and off the court. Being her partner and friend, I see first hand how much dedication and hard work she has put into not only tennis but also her academics,” said Camoletto.

Coco is also involved in several extra curricular activities outside of school, including her diligent work at GLASA where she helps disabled athletes play tennis, and her work at Onwentsia club where she coaches tennis for kids. Senior Lexi Bentley, who worked alongside Coco, shared her experience working with her.

“I love working with Coco because she is a hard worker and makes shifts go by faster. She is super professional with the members and well liked by all of her coworkers,” said Bentley.

Junior Ellie Carter also spoke highly about her friendship with Coco.

“Coco has an incredible talent for brightening up any room with her contagious laughter and genuine kindness. Each day I admire the way she continues to show remarkable growth in both responsibility and self development,” said Carter. 

If you ever spot Coco, she will undoubtedly give you a big smile and a friendly “hello.” Overall, Coco is a fun person to be around and a great addition to LFHS!