Miller Duncan

If you’ve ever been asked, “Hey, do you know who Hudson Scroggins is?”— there’s a good chance Miller Duncan was the one asking. He might just be Scroggins’ biggest fan.

But when it comes to bringing energy and enthusiasm to everything he does, Duncan doesn’t need to be anyone’s fan—he’s got a personality that stands out all on its own.

Duncan is a walking energy drink, and if something fun is happening, odds are he’s in the middle of it. 

Whether he’s shooting three-pointers on the basketball court, spending time at CROYA, or just hanging out with friends, Miller has the talent of keeping things interesting. If there’s one person you want around when you’re about to suffer through a long group project or an awkward car ride, it’s him.

“Miller has always been a great friend, and when you are with him, you know something fun will go down. He also has a great sense of humor and can make anyone laugh at any given moment,” freshman Owen Hill said. 

That same energy carries over to the basketball team, where Duncan is known for his strong skills and ability to make practice and games more enjoyable. Duncan hypes everyone up like it’s Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

“Miller is a great teammate, and he’s insane at shooting-three pointers. He helps a lot with the team both on and off the court, and is constantly uplifting everyone’s spirits,” freshman Tighe Westfall said.

While his basketball skills are impressive, Duncan’s ability to create a positive atmosphere is something his friends appreciate just as much as his teammates do.

“Miller is always cracking a joke, and his quick wit always makes for a good conversation,” freshman Shea Carney said.

Outside of basketball, Duncan is constantly on the move. He’s an active member of First Presbyterian youth group, where he spends time with his friends and builds strong connections outside of school.

Duncan’s also a regular at CROYA, where he finds ways to get involved and meet new people. No matter where he is, his outgoing personality and lightning comebacks make him someone people gravitate toward.

But beyond the jokes and the energy, Duncan’s also the kind of guy who shows up when it matters. Whether it’s hyping up his teammates or just making people laugh when they need it most, he’s the kind of person who brings people together. 

Will Hirschfield

If you watched the ELS basketball game Thursday, then you definitely saw sophomore Will Hirschfield owning the court. 

The grind never stops with Will, who is “friends with literally everyone,” according to junior Ethan Farrell.

“When we were selling shirts, he always tells me that we need to be practicing basketball because of the big game,” Farrell said. 

Beyond the basketball court, you can always find Will enjoying school and saying hi to just about everyone in the halls. 

“He has made good friends with the janitors and his teachers call him the mayor of LFHS because he knows so many people,” freshman Mimi Hirschfield said. 

It’s nearly impossible to be upset with him as his sociable attitude lifts just about everyone up. Besides being on the basketball team here at LFHS and the “mayor” of Lake Forest, Will enjoys spending time with friends, watching new movies, swimming, and hanging out with his sisters. 

“Will is one of the most friendly people you will meet at LFHS and I am so thankful to be his TA during Integrated Wellness class every day,” senior Sophie Portalatin said. “Every time I get to class he is so welcoming and smiley. He is always eager to hear about my day and is genuinely interested in how everyone else in the class is doing as well.”

Next time you see Will in the hallways make sure to give him a nice and friendly hi before he beats you to it!

Maria Alzamora

Senior Maria Alzamora is not only a dedicated athlete but also a die-hard Cubs fan! She is also a member of the ELS Basketball team, an equestrian, and an exceptional student. Her engaging personality makes her excel in everything she does.

She is a true definition of what it means to be a Scout.

Senior Rayanne Attar is part of Integrated Wellness, and is also involved with Special Olympics. Attar has helped Maria prepare for the upcoming ELS Basketball game.

“Maria is a very special part of our community. Everyone knows her. She is so welcoming and inviting,”Attar said. “She is always helping her peers, whether it be helping them communicate, do activities, or get out of their comfort zone.”

Not only is Alzamora a key player on the ELS Basketball team, but she also made the 24-25 First Semester High Honor Roll. Her outstanding academic abilities are something to truly be proud of. 

“She’s just cool,” teammate Joey Van Camp said.

When Maria is not practicing for the Special Olympics team, you can often find her horseback riding. In September, Maria won third place in a horse riding competition for the Purple Wonder Ponies.

“Maria is super kind and fun and is an amazing athlete,” junior Dakota Acello said. “She always makes sure she passes to her teammates to make sure they are all included.”

Not many people can say they are involved in as many sports as Maria can. Alzamora has also been a crucial member of the girls JV Cheerleading team since her freshman year. 

“Maria is a sports fanatic! She knows so much about football and is often explaining key plays to her teammates,” Coach Kristin Goodman said. “She has a great sense of humor and always keeps me laughing and her school spirit is unmatched!”

Mrs. Grzesik

Science class can sometimes feel like it’s a string of daunting equations, suspicious chemicals, and confusing hypotheses. But those who have the privilege of being in Mrs. Grzesik’s class know it is much more.

“I’m not a big science person, but Mrs. Grzesik’s chemistry class was one of the most fun and interesting classes I have taken at the high school,” said junior Eliza Carrabine. 

Mrs. Grzesik makes it a point to create close and lasting relationships with her students. She incorporates a “question of the day” into the start of class to ensure this standard. 

Her kind and welcoming personality makes students feel more comfortable in the classroom. Without a doubt, she will drop whatever it is that she is doing in order to help one of her students, wether inside or outside the classroom.

Junior Vail Bayly can attest to the fact.

“Mrs. Grzesik was such a great teacher and undoubtedly made class fun. Last year, she was always willing to work over time and help you no matter what,” she said.

She has a deep interest for all things science related, and it shows in her passionate teaching style. 

“She facilitated such a fun environment that made the class so unique and something I looked forward to every day. It’s clear that Mrs. Grzesik loves her job and cares deeply about everyone she teaches,” said Carrabine.

Mrs Grzesik is one of the teachers that you desperately cross your fingers to see on your schedule. Her warmth and love for teaching plays the biggest factor in her classes assured fun. 

Logan Marquez

I speak for the entire senior class when I say that a massive smile appears on my face when I walk into the Senior Commons after a brutal period of doing antiderivatives of trigonometry during Calculus and I hear a voice yell “Boyyyy,” and look over and see senior Logan Marquez eating his trademarked chicken and rice from his Uperwair container, as  a group of guys sitting around him laugh along with him.

It may sound cliche or exaggerated but Logan is always having a good time and making people laugh with the wild things he says.  He has a rare ability to make anyone laugh, regardless of whether they’re friends with him or not. 

“Logan’s always positive. He’s just a good dude and always fun to mess around with. I don’t think he knows how much of a positive effect he has on people,” senior Nate Borland said. 

If you can’t find him at Lake Forest High School, you’ll likely see him at the gym over at Northwestern Medicine Hospital walking around with a massive smile on his face. And if he knows you, you can be certain that he will walk over to you and go “LIGHTWEIGHT BABY.”

Senior Charlie Graham is one of many who feel his presence at the gym every day. “Logan is an animal at the gym. When he is there, everyone knows and talks to him,” Graham said.

Next fall, Logan plans to head south to Florida Gulf Coast University. There is no doubt in my mind that he will have the same effect on students there as he does here.