Lila Silvers

Sophomore Lila Silvers is known for being a positive light in people’s daily lives. Her engagement in sports and activities throughout LFHS represents how much she cares about her community. 

Since her freshman year, Silvers has been a major piece to the Varsity Tennis Team. She’s shown immense growth as a player and person, always working hard and lifting up her teammates.

Teammate Charlie Axus has been lucky enough to spend two years on the team with Silvers, watching her pave her own path. 

“Lila is someone I know I can always count on! Her dedication to the sport is something that I strongly admire, and it’s never a dull moment playing with her!”

Friend and teammate Nina Loicano appreciates Silvers for her kindness and genuineness.

“She has such a bright personality and never fails to make everyone around her smile. She brings an energy to the room that is truly unmatched!”

Whether you’re on the court with Silvers or are just heading down to class together, Silvers will find a way to make your day at least a little bit better. 

Sophia Sinclair

Junior Sophia Sinclair, or Phia as many know her, not only has a great sense of style and humor, but also is the most genuine person you will meet.

Whether you are just having a conversation with Sinclair at school or hearing something hilarious she said, you are bound to get a good laugh.

Without a doubt, Sinclair will put a smile on your face. She can make anyone she talks to light up with joy.

“Being around Sophia is a burst of joy. She brings excitement and laughter everywhere she goes,” junior Braden Hoskins said.

Sinclair’s lively, approachable, and pure spirit does not go unseen and is definitely contagious.

In addition to her infectious personality, if something fun is going on, you will be sure to catch Sinclair there. She is always up for a good time.

Her outlasting energy and genuine soul make everyone around her feel loved.

Sophomore Shea Milliman instantly bonded with Sinclair’s charisma. “Phia and I have only been friends for around two years, but it feels like we have been for our entire lives. It just goes to show that Phia is incredibly inviting and a pleasure to be around.”

On top of her humor, Sinclair is one of the most empathetic girls around. If there is an issue with one of her friends, she will be there immediately to support.

“She can sense if you’re upset about something and instantly bring you out of it with her bright personality,” junior Elizabeth Specketer said. “She is also the funniest person I know, and she always knows how to make a room full of laughter.”

Lilly Arenas

Most people who have incredible talent try to show it off. However, senior Lilly Arenas is not like most people. Her quiet talent speaks greater volumes that should not go unnoticed.

“She’s got something super special,” said senior Phoebe Twichell.

Arenas performed at the LFHS talent show for the first time this year. She performed “This Love” by Maroon 5.

“She really puts a lot of passion and heart into each performance and her preparations for them,” said Twitchell.

As incredible as her talent show performance was, it gained the attention of many of her peers, struck by her sheer ability.

“When she started singing and playing, I was stunned. It was so insane and her voice was so good,” said talent show viewer Cate Lee.

Beyond just singing, Arenas’s talent also carries over to the guitar, piano, and bass guitar.

“Her instrumental versatility is just as impressive as she has performed at a high level on piano, bass, guitar, drums, and even some banjo for her current Southern Rock Band,” said School Of Rock Highwood Music Director Bryan.

Lilly has been a part of Highwood School of Rock’s music program for many years. She has made her name one to be known as she is considered to be a leader within those walls.

“When I think of Lilly as a musician, two words immediately come to mind: courage and versatility. From her first year of performing with School of Rock, she has never backed down to any musical challenge presented to her,” said Bryan.

Arenas has brought her musical ability to different communities in her life. She most recently sang “Maine” by Noah Kahan while also playing guitar for the TEDx LFHS.

Aside from music, Arenas is also a highly achieving student as she is currently taking three AP courses this year. She is also the President of the Animal Conservation Club.

With so much talent and being such a highly achieving student, Arenas will definitely be leaving a lasting legacy at LFHS, and should be someone to keep an eye out for in the future.

Mrs. Sam Medland

Mrs. Medland creates relationships so strong with her students that you might better know her as Sam. For the past five years, Mrs. Medland has been working as a speech pathologist in the special ed department at LFHS. If you ask any staff or student who knows her, they would tell you about how she creates a welcoming atmosphere wherever she goes, making each and every person she encounters feel supported and cared for.

This past fall, Mrs.Medland stepped up as one of the Assistant Girls’ Swim and Dive coaches and just recently took on the role as the head girls’ water polo coach after the team was already three weeks into their season. As both a speech pathologist and coach, Mrs. Medland has an incredible amount of patience and works incredibly hard to help them achieve success, forming close bonds with every student she works with. “If I ever walk by her office and notice she’s in there, I always stop in to say hi and chat. It’s become a habit, honestly.” Says senior Ava Janda, a captain of both the swim and water polo teams.

“Sam is incredible. She is dedicated to her students, her team, and most of all, she is dedicated to making LFHS a better place,” said Dave Gray, the Head Girls and Boys Swim and Dive Coach and Assistant Boys Water Polo Coach. Gray not only works closely with Mrs. Medland on the pool deck, but also in the classroom. “As a coach, she helps me tremendously. Not only is it always nice to have an extra set of eyes in the pool, but Sam forms such a close relationship with our athletes and makes them more comfortable sharing things with us. As an educator, she helps proofread any of my assignments to help assure it reaches students of every level.”

Mrs. Medland’s constant positivity, kindness, patience, witty humor, and commitment to our school are what make her such a vital part of our community. If you ever see her in the halls, know that you always have somebody to talk to, and that you can “just call her Sam.”

Sebastian Carillo

If you’ve ever had a chance to hang out with Sebastian, then you know, there’s never a dull moment. He always finds a way to make you laugh and give you a good time.

As a freshman, he didn’t waste any time making a name for himself on the LFHS lacrosse team. With his quick footwork, sharp instincts, and fearless attitude, he’s already proven he’s a force on the field.

“The few times I’ve seen Sebastian on the field, he makes an immediate impact with great skills and his long pole, even though he wasn’t blessed with height,” said senior Jack Walsh. Sebastian’s talents are no secret, especially when he gets to showcase them in front of all of the LF fans.

I’d say his biggest strength is being able to make everyone laugh. You can be in a bad mood, and he’d still find a way to make it better. It’s just what he’s good at,” senior Matthew Chabraja said. Everyone loves having him around. He always has good energy and always boosts everyone’s mood.

“Sebastian is always really fun to be around. He came to the Cayman Islands with us for spring break, and he was hilarious,” said senior Thomas Upfold. This shows Sebastian is able to fit into any kind of crowd with ease, even a group of seniors going on their spring break.

Whether he’s on the lax field, tearing it up, or in class being himself, he’ll always find a way to cheer you up. I can’t wait to see what Sebastian does in the future.