Simon Back
Even though senior Simon Back entered high school alongside his twin brother, he has brought his own unique skills and energy the past three years.
Simon wasted no time in becoming involved at the high school his freshman year and has worked his way to the top. As his junior year came to an end, Simon was elected Student Body Vice President. He secured the win along with Student Body President Kat Yakes, a testament to his dedication and leadership.
“Working with Simon as Vice President has been such an awesome experience so far,” Yakes said. “We always work collaboratively together, and he always brings new and fun ideas to whatever we do!”
Simon has proven to be the perfect person to represent students. His determination to both listen to and help every student has pushed LFHS to new heights with more plans coming in the future months. Along with leading student council meetings and creating ideas for the student body, Simon now attends the Lake Forest School Board meetings as a student representative.
Simon has mastered balancing the responsibility of being a role model for every student at Lake Forest with supporting his own close friends.
“Simon is always a great friend to have in your corner. No matter what day it is, he is always positive and regardless of who you are he will treat you with the exact same respect,” senior Theo Jamboretz said.
Simon brings his energy and leadership to all aspects of LFHS, including his beloved sports. He now dedicates his fall to the LFHS cross country team, his winter to the LFHS diving team and his spring to the LFHS volleyball team. Simon even participated in the Chicago Triathlon at the beginning of this school year, adding to his list of achievements.
“Simon joined the cross country team his senior year, which is very unheard of, especially for how fast and dedicated of a runner he became. Although I dreaded when he would ask to run more miles, his work ethic and excitement pushed us all to become better,” cross country captain senior Declan Boyle said.
Camden Scroggins
Freshman Camden Scroggins is spending the first year of his long high school journey focusing on being the best athlete, friend, and brother he can be. Following in the footsteps of his older brother Hudson, Scroggins plays both basketball and baseball.
“It’s been really fun to be in high school with Cam because we are able to enjoy our first and last years together,” said Hudson Scroggins.
Although having an older brother at the school at the same time can be challenging because of the expectations on you to fill his footsteps, Camden remains positive and shows up when his team, friends, or brother needs him. When coming into a new environment, like high school, sometimes it is hard to stand out from the crowd, but Camden has found that his unique ability to lead other people around him has propelled him in athletics and socially.
“I think Camden is a really good leader for his age. He is always showing up to stuff outside of school like morning practices and lifts with the varsity team. You can tell he really wants to be good at what he does by the amount of work he puts in and how he leads other people around him. He is going to be a great leader for the Varsity basketball team one day,” junior John White said.
Being labeled a leader as a freshman can be intimidating because it is hard to lead something when you are new to it. Although Camden is a novice he still exceeds expectations when it comes to leading. Along with leading, Camden is a natural people person and is able to make friends easily because of his humor and ability to be personable with others.
“Cam is a really cool guy. When I first met him this year he seemed kinda quiet but as I’ve gotten to know him he’s really opened up and has become a really cool guy to get to know and I look forward to getting to know him more during this basketball season,” Junior Connor Phelan said.
Molly Thomas
Junior Molly Thomas is a perfect definition of what it means to be a Lake Forest Scout.
Her leadership and commitment to her sport and teammates is something every athlete should strive for.
Taking on the role of a captain as a junior is impressive, considering how Varsity Girls Volleyball hasn’t seen a junior captain in many seasons.
Not only did Thomas lead the team through a successful season, but she also touched the lives of each player on the team.
“Molly is someone I can come to for anything,” sophomore Kylie Pure said. “She is a great role model for younger LFVB kids to look up to”.
Before each game, Thomas would speak as a captain to give the team some pre-game food for thought. No matter how stressful the game may have been, Thomas never seemed to be fazed.
Her level-headed perspective was consistently a rock for the LFVB team. Rather than dwell on any past mistake, Thomas would always look forward to what’s ahead in order to keep the team focused.
“The more I got to know Molly, I learned about what a caring and dedicated person and player Molly truly is,” said senior Kiley Goodman.
Molly carries her charismatic personality in other areas of her life. Whenever anyone needs to have someone to talk to, Molly will always listen. Her ability to bounce back after any inconvenience is what sets her aside from many people.
As LFVB’s strongest server, Thomas’s consistency was an incredible asset to the team.
“Whenever Molly goes back to serve, you know it’s going to result in a positive point for our team,” said Goodman.
Molly is a standout on and off the court, and someone who has made a tremendous impact on LFVB.
Rory Haas
Sophomore Rory Haas is an exceptional student-athlete who strives for his best on and off the court.
Haas highlights what it means to be a great student. He has a constant willingness to help others in class. His uplifting attitude and eagerness to make the most out of every day spreads positivity throughout the school. Haas’ impact towards his peers is known, always making those around him happier.
“I like being around him in class because he keeps me focused and helps when I need it,” classmate Parker Collister said.
Haas also has a bright future ahead for himself on the basketball court, and he knows how to make a team better. His passion for the game is reflected on his impact on the game as well as his teammates.
“Rory is a really great player. When I first experienced having him on my team, I didn’t know what kind of player he would be. He’s tall, but also a really good shooter. He really showed his ability during my first season playing with him being a freshman on the sophomore team. It was cool to get to know him and meet someone new,” teammate Connor Phelan said.
Haas doesn’t take no for an answer. He is constantly moving past obstacles that are in his way. This is seen through the strides he has made on the basketball court.
Teammate Brooks Rams says “Rory is a great teammate. He’s always selfless, and contributes to the team even when the ball isn’t in his hands.”
Haas demonstrates characteristics of hard work. Whether it’s studying for a test, or getting shots up in the gym, Haas is always there. This upcoming season Haas will be playing for the Varsity team as a sophomore. Haas will catch many eyes with his impressive basketball talent.
Emmet Lee
Whether he is breaking your ankles with his infamous spin move or he is chopping it up with you in the halls, sophomore Emmet Lee will surely leave his mark.
Lee aka ELee is known for his incredible lacrosse skills. He started as a freshman and will be the first-ever sophomore to captain the team.
Lee’s athletic ability and drive for success are some of the core reasons for the team’s success, especially in the State championship last year. Emmet is the definition of a grinder, always putting in extra work after practice or helping out a teammate in need. Lee finished out the season with 60 goals and 37 assists, outstanding numbers as a freshman, and only plans to improve in his coming seasons.
“He’s one of the hardest working guys on our team, and I’ve already seen him be a great leader so far this off season,” says senior Marty Hippel. “I don’t think a sophomore has ever been a lacrosse captain, and I think that just goes to show how much our guys believe in him as a leader. He was a huge part of our team last year as a freshman, and I’m excited to see what he can do this year.”
Lacrosse isn’t the only field that Lee shines on, he also is a key member of the JV football team. ELee dusts opposing teams’ defensive backfields with his speed as a shifty wide receiver.
“Emmet is a great leader that is always willing to motivate the team whenever we need it,” says sophomore Rafi Karam. “We often stay after practice to get our timing down on routes and to get better. He is a hard worker and always is willing to get better.”
Aside from all the athletics, ELee still makes sure to be the best academic student he can, as well as an excellent friend to his peers. Lee always takes the “glass half full” perspective on things and will never fail to make you laugh.
“ Emmet is the kind of person to look at the best situation in every outcome. Whenever I pass by him in the halls, he always has a contagious smile on his face, and I have never seen that kid sad,” junior Aedan Cassidy said.
Emmet’s friends love to be around him because he makes things more fun, even if it is an activity that may not be.
Dr. Abrams
Dr. Abrams, also known as “Doc” or “Cut Throat”, might be the coolest and most passionate teacher in the school. If Doc isn’t grinding video games or spending time with his family, you would most likely find him helping students out with chemistry or teaching them words of wisdom.
Doc isn’t your typical chemistry teacher. He never fails to make his class interesting and most students actually look forward to going to his class because of his humorous teaching style and consistent interaction with the students whether it’s telling stories or sharing his wise advice.
“I would actuallybe excited to see Doc everyday because it was always something new with him,” said senior Jack Walsh, a former member of Doc’s chemistry class. “ He would also make us more mature and teach us more then just chemistry it would be life skills too, and the best part about him is he treated us all like adults.”
Doc has helped out with the E-Sports team at LFHS the past two years and the nickname “Cut Throat” originated from the team. He decided to step away from the E-Sports team to help volunteer with the wrestling team again this year for the first time in 15 years.
Not only does Doc like to have fun in class, he is also very caring for all his students and wants everyone to do well no matter the circumstances.
“I never knew who Doc was and I don’t think he even knew who I was but I was struggling in chemistry my sophomore year and I was sent to him for help even though he wasn’t my teacher,” said senior Patrick Nevin. “He consistently worked his schedule around to find times to help me throughout the semester.”
