Quinn Donovan

Freshman Quinn Donovan has caught over 500 fish in the past two years by traveling the country with Lillard Fly Fishing Expeditions.

For two weeks the young fly fisherman slept in a tent with a sleeping bag, filtered  his water from local streams and dieted on frozen dried meals. He used the great outdoors as his restroom, and didn’t have any contact back home. He did this all while trying not to get eaten by bears.

When the sun rises, Donovan’s group wasted no time packing up and hitting the mountain trails for 6-7 hour hikes, ranging in 10-23 miles, to get to their next fishing destination, usually a river or lake.

At the end of the 8-hour fishing day ,the common catches were the Yellowstone Cutthroat Arctic Grayling, brown and rainbow Trout, and Whitefish. While it may be tempting to eat what you catch, you must release everything.

“Quinn at Lillard is purely seeing a man in his natural environment. He really reflects on nature and makes sure he lets the fish live,” fellow Lillard camp participant freshman Thatcher Rother said.

The program offers trips all over North America. Donovan has been to trips to Wyoming and Montana. 

In his most recent trip this past summer, Donovan 25 miles away from a road in any direction. Hiking a total of 108 miles in 2 weeks through Slough Creek and Grebe Lake for a 7-mile fishing hole all in Yellowstone.

Fly Fishing isn’t an easy hobby to pick up. A fly reel has 3-4 different types of line including: backing, fly line, leader, and tippet. Additionally, to the various types of lines there are different types of flies for different conditions, different hatches, and different places you fish. 

Knowledge of fish behaviors, tying the fly to the end of the leader or tippet, and even how to blind cast or finding the fish and casting the fly at it takes practice and skill. Especially when fishing in some of the best rivers and lakes in the country where the biggest catches lie.

When you see a fish, it isn’t uncommon to sneak up quietly on it and use different tactics to try and trick it. 

Donovan has been fly fishing since he was six years old, but he really found it to be his passion in 7th grade when he attended Lillard for the first time. 

Since then he has gone on fishing trips in Alaska, Tennessee, Nantucket, Cabo, British Virgin Islands, Maine and Aspen. Broadening his fishing skills not only through fly fishing but deep sea fishing as well. Catching Black Marlin, sharks, Bonito, Barracuda, Mahi Mahi and Snapper, just to name a few.

Donovan doesn’t stop his fishing journey there he plans on attending Lillard this upcoming summer and hiking the Bob Marshall a 70-mile trip.

“It’s hard to ignore his strong passion and drive for fishing of all kinds. I will be going to bed and stop by his room at 11:30pm to say hi and he is sitting at his desk tying fly knots!… it’s the craziest thing. He sits there and ties these knots for at least an hour every night to prepare for his next journey fly fishing. He spends so much time and maintains extreme persistence when doing this odd hobby. It is so cool that he is so passionate about something so sophisticated and random,” sister Grace Donovan said.

Andrew Granado

This summer, junior Andrew  Granado, unfortunately, tore his ACL. He underwent surgery in July, which comes with a six to nine month recovery period. Now being able to run, he is slowly working up to playing the sport again. 

Granado is recognized by his coach, Robert Parry, as the “inspirational leader of the team,” as he would constantly deliver “exhilarating” speeches to encourage his teammates and get them ready for a game. He consistently attended every practice and game, despite his injury.

“He still attended every practice and game to remain part of the team, and help any way he could,” Parry said.

Not being able to play may have been challenging, but Granado pushed through for the benefit of his team. In terms of supporting them, Granado was always there for all his teammates, mentally and physically.

“Picking up cones, collecting pinnies or holding soccer ball bags, he did it all! We can’t wait to see him back on the baseball field this spring after his rehab, and then back on the soccer field in the Fall,” Parry said. 

Not only is Granado a dedicated team player, he “sets the standard” for other students in his many challenging classes, especially his AP Chemistry class he took his sophomore year. Granado has taken a total of six AP classes and is planning to take more in his senior year. 

“Andrew Granado (commonly referred to as Granado, or even A.G. by some) has a quiet confidence about him,” AP Chemistry teacher Mr. Nitin Patel said. “He prioritizes academics even though he is involved in many sports that take up a lot of his time as well. Not only was he always one of the sharpest AP Chemistry students, he was also very mature and helped create a positive environment for everyone in the class.” 

Although Granado wasn’t able to participate on the field this past soccer season, he constantly helped his team in every way possible, representing his commitment to his teammates and sport. His teammates are excited to see his leadership shine his senior year.

“Although Andrew wasn’t able to play on the field with his injury, he was there every day and still wanted to be a part of the team. He is a great teammate and I know he will be a great leader next year as a senior,” Boden Rupprecht, senior team captain said.

Fallon Anderson

Senior Fallon Anderson’s kindness knows no bounds. Her support is felt by all and her ability to make others feel good about themselves is unmatched.

“Fallon is not only one of the kindest and most caring people I’ve ever met, but she is the kind of person who feels good to be around. She is naturally so kindhearted and is always there for all of her friends through anything,” senior Kylie Dugan said. “Although 90% of the time I spend with Fallon is laughing, she is also one of the most down to earth people I have ever met, and I feel like I can talk to her about anything.” 

One of the ways that Anderson displays her exceptional qualities is through her involvement in a wide variety of clubs.

As a senior leader of Scout Nation, Anderson is counted on as being one of the first members to get the crowd excited about whatever sport they are watching.

“Fallon is super enthusiastic and brings such great energy to each game. Sporting events would not be the same without her awesome spirits,” fellow Scout Nation senior leader Harriet Pierce said. 

Anderson also extends her efforts to support other teams. This fall season, she attended a game or match of almost every team. Her goal to make others feel special and seen is something that never goes unnoticed.

“Fallon has come out of her shell and is game for everything. She has been to every event. She also can be seen running back and forth with the Scouts’ flag trying to hype up the stands,” Scout Nation sponsor Julie Crouch said. 

Whether it be inside or outside of school, at a sporting event, or on the track, Anderson is the type of person that anyone would feel lucky to spend time with. 

“Being best friends with Fallon has made my life a whole lot happier,” Dugan said. 

Graydon Rother

Sophomore Graydon Rother, who is a multisport athlete, seems to excels in just about everything he puts his mind to. He is the pinnacle of a Lake Forest Scout.

Graydon is an excellent student in class, leading his peers and taking care of his responsibilities. He excels in classes such as English and Sports Management. He has also committed himself to rigorous learning environments such as honors classes and Spanish. Graydon is alway up for any challenge.

In sports, Graydon thrives on the Lacrosse field and in the Hockey rink, where he plays to his utmost athletic ability, and leaves a great impact in every game he plays.

“He’s always excited and comes ready to play,” said freshman Lacrosse teammate Sebastian Carrillo.  “He always takes a leadership role, helping others out. He brings the best out of everyone.” 

Graydon intends to continue his athletic career throughout high school in both sports. His bright personality and hard work ethic will create an everlasting effect on his team.

Beyond sports and academics, Graydon does photography as a hobby in his free time. His love for the hobby began when he started following photographers and videographers; his favorite in particular was Neil Leifer, who took the world renown picture of Muhammad Ali.

Graydon’s love for the hobby is for the benefit of his friends. He often attends football and lacrosse games to take pictures for them. His favorite part of photography though is taking pictures of his vacations, photographing beautiful scenery and architecture throughout the world. 

Josh Back

Senior Josh Back is the kind of person you want to be friends with in high school.        

While being known for his humorous personality, he also plays football and dives, two very challenging and impressive sports.  With his honest and genuine attitude, you will always hear what he has to say.   

His ability to brighten someone’s day is a very memorable trait he has.  Josh could be flipping at pep rallies or showing friends hidden talents, and is always lifting everyone’s spirits.  

 “Josh is the most dependable person and is always there to make a joke or a pick-me-up,” teammate and friend senior Ben Smith said.  

Josh’s positive energy goes beyond just day-to-day interactions.  

According to Varsity Football Head Coach Chuck Spagnoli, “Josh is the ultimate team player. He is always willing to do whatever is needed for the good of the team.” 

Josh has been playing football since freshman year and once he steps onto the football field, he is ready to put in the work. 

“As a coach, observing Josh in practice is incredibly gratifying,” Spagnoli said.  “He is one of those players that does everything he does to the best of his ability. A rare trait that should be commended.”

Josh’s admirable traits do not end there! Josh is also a prime example of a committed student.  During Ap Literature discussion circles, he is often someone who provides a different perspective on a book or reading.    

“Josh is so enthusiastic and invested in having authentic discussions about literature,” AP Literature teacher Jane Eccleston said.  “He asks great questions, really listens to his peers, and makes everyone smile with his friendly, genuine, and easy-going personality. He’s such an asset to the class!”