The third and final National Signing Day took place on Wednesday as LFHS proudly signed off eight additional college athletes.
The following seniors were celebrated: Tim Dan, football at North Park; Finn Goodman, football at Purdue; Reese Harper, dancing at Ohio State; Gabby Heintzelmen, cross country and track at Hope; Arjan Jawanda, football at Lake Forest; Charlie Markee, football at Hope; Gigi Scholz, cross country and track at DePauw; and Kate Westerman, dancing at Wisconsin.
LFHS never misses an opportunity to celebrate its students. This time, we recognize the determination, drive, and passion it takes to be an athlete, and the courage it requires to continue at the collegiate level.
It is no secret that LFHS student-athletes go above and beyond to succeed in their sport and dedicate hours of their lives to mastering skills. It really does take blood, sweat, and tears.
Being an athlete challenges us in ways we can’t imagine: spending hours in a hot, sweaty gym, practicing before the sun comes up, and maybe even persevering through an injury. Which raises the question—why continue with such a demanding lifestyle?
“I chose to continue my football career because I knew I wouldn’t get another chance to play this sport outside of college,” Dan said. “I know that this next level will be more intense, but this intensity will ameliorate my leadership, perseverance, and time management.”
For aspiring college athletes, keep in mind, your future is just an email away. Don’t be afraid to make the first move and get your name out there.
“I decided to reach out to the cross country coach at Hope to see if I could run for the XC and track teams, and it turned out that I could which was really exciting. I started running junior year, so I know it’ll be a bit of a jump, but I’m super excited to meet my teammates and coaches,” Heintzelmen said.
While each year we honor a variety of athletes, for the first time in LFHS history, Signing Day included not one, but two college recruited dancers. Never before has a student from LFHS been recruited to dance at the collegiate level until now.
“I still feel like I’m dreaming. I am most excited to compete at a Divison 1 level and to connect with my teammates; creating bonds that are unlike any other friendships,” Harper said.
We now wave goodbye to these athletes and watch as they continue to represent all it means to be a Lake Forest Scout.
