At a school full of high achievers, it’s not uncommon to come across successful students who do a lot. What’s rare, however, is leadership that exists without the need for recognition—the kind that’s rooted in consistency, humility, and a genuine care for others.

Few students embody those values more than senior Tim Dan, The Forest Scout’s 2025 Person of the Year. 

At LFHS, Dan has made meaningful contributions across a wide range of commitments. He competes on the Varsity football, wrestling, and track and field teams. In addition to his athletic pursuits, he performs in the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Jazz Combo, and even joined the pit orchestra for this year’s production of Cinderella. Beyond athletics and the arts, Dan also leads  the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club.

In each of these roles, Dan has earned the respect of those around him with how he carries himself and his unwavering integrity. 

“My favorite activities at LFHS were usually the ones in which I simultaneously saw personal growth and experienced the great talents of those around me,” Dan said. 

As a three-sport varsity athlete, Dan has dedicated countless hours to training and competing—all while consistently leading by example. Whether it was football in the fall, wrestling in the winter, or throwing in the spring, Dan’s commitment has never wavered.

“I have enjoyed being part of the sports teams at LFHS,” Dan said. “I love the camaraderie of football, the grind of wrestling, and the focus required to throw at track and field.”

Finn Goodman, one of Dan’s co-captains, has experienced Dan’s leadership firsthand.

“Leading with Tim meant knowing he would bring everything he had to the table every single day. Whether it was a walkthrough or the biggest game of the year, he was always hyping the team up and offering words of encouragement,” Goodman said. “Tim was as reliable and trustworthy as any teammate could ask for.”

Coach Joe Busse, noticed that Tim is one of a kind, believing that the person he is more impressive than his talents. 

“Tim excels in everything he does—he spends weeks dedicating himself to his church every year, countless hours practicing his craft in his musical field, never lets his grades slip during all of this with a full course load, and by the way, was a phenomenal football player,” Coach Joe Busse said. “I cannot say enough great things about Tim, but what I can say is he is an even better person than he is a football player. He will be missed in the halls, on the field, and everywhere he happens to be on a daily basis next year.”

Off the field, that same mentality persisted. Dan is known for having a calm demeanor, even in high-pressure situations. 

“He was always able to turn adversity into some sort of teaching moment or even life lesson. On the field, he was very confident in his abilities to make plays. Off the field, Tim didn’t seem to let any sort of obstacle affect his mood,” Goodman said.

In the spring, Dan brings that same approach to the track and field team. 

“Tim stands out as a captain by being someone who leads by example. He displays the right work ethic, attitude, sportsmanship, and, of course, performance. What makes him truly stand out is his capability to balance it all and still give 100%,” co-captain Nicholas Nassar said.

Nassar described their partnership as “mutually rewarding” for both athletes. While they constantly cheer the other on, there’s also a sense of friendly competition that drives them to improve.

That kind of support, along with being approachable and composed, has helped elevate the throwing program in both its culture and performance. 

Outside of athletics, Dan also finds purpose through music. Just as he does on the field, he brings a team-first mindset into every rehearsal and performance.

“I enjoy playing music, and I appreciate the opportunity at LFHS to play such a vast variety of music in many different settings,” Dan said. “My most underrated activity was playing in the Pit Orchestra for the Cinderella musical this year—I found it surprisingly fun.”

Jonathan Hough, one of Dan’s bandmates, described Dan as being “very dependable” and a “dedicated member” of the band. 

“In Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and the Jazz Combo, he’s not just playing his own part perfectly—he’s always boosting the morale and supporting everyone’s solos,” Hough said.

Hough also emphasized Dan’s ability to lift others up, even if he does so quietly.

“Although you could definitely hear him laying down from down the hall, he truly stands out and inspires others, even when no one is looking,” Hough said.  

More than any title or achievement, it’s Dan’s faith that lies at the core of who he is. It shapes the way he thinks, leads, and treats others on a daily basis. 

“I remember overhearing my parents praying when I was younger: ‘May he be the head, and not the tail,’” Dan said. “This intrinsically pushed me to do as well as I could in any situation.”

Having grown up with faith being a prominent part of his life, Dan says that his drive comes from representing something greater than himself.

“My motivation has shifted from a desire to please my parents to a desire to please God and myself,” Dan said. “I feel a requirement to do well in order to better represent God… to be at peace knowing I did all I could.” 

Dan’s faith is something that shines through in how he lives. As a leader of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club, he helps run meetings, guides conversations, and fosters a strong sense of community among students who share his values.

“Tim is truly someone who ‘walks the talk’ in terms of making life choices based on his faith,” FCA sponsor Larry Lilja said. “He also has a unique ability to connect with others because he shows a genuine interest in others. Tim has been without a question a positive difference maker here at LFHS.”

At the heart of it all, Dan lives out his faith with purpose and humility. It guides the way he shows up and pushes through challenges. 

“I believe that ultimately, success is obeying God. The problem is that, as a human, I have fallen short; I fail time and time again. Only Jesus lived in perfect obedience. The only reason I partake in any success today is because he was punished for my failures,” Dan said. “I find my purpose in spreading this message of salvation to those around me.”

Despite the demands of school, sports, and music, Dan remains committed to FCA.

“I find it amazing that Tim finds time to prepare for and lead the FCA given everything else he’s involved in. But he does so for no other reason than he truly enjoys meeting Thursday mornings with fellow FCA members and wants them to benefit from the meetings as well,” Lilja said.

To his friends, Dan’s character and morals stand out just as much as his leadership.

“He’s probably the best guy I know and everything you would want in a best friend,” senior Danny Van Camp said, who has known Dan since seventh grade. “He brings honesty and groundedness to a friendship. The way he speaks with adults and holds peers to a high standard is also really impressive and something I try to emulate because of him.”

This balance of integrity and honesty has made Dan a friend whom many look up to and admire, and he credits much of his strength to his father.

“There comes a point in a boy’s life in which he looks to transition into manhood by seeking out strong examples of men in his life. I am fortunate to say that in high school, my father was that man,” Dan said. “It wasn’t through his words that I was influenced, but through his actions. I saw the extent to which he would work to provide for our family, which also contributed to my motivation to work hard. His influence put in me an understated confidence.”

Rather than doing activities for the title or for a resume, Dan encourages underclassmen to follow their curiosity and to trust that trying something is always worth the experience.

“My advice to those entering LFHS is to try everything. If there is any inch of desire within you to try something, be confident that you can try it with no downside. The outcomes are the following: you dislike the activity and simply stop attending/trying it, or you enjoy the activity and find yourself with a new passion,” Dan said. 

After four years of saying yes to opportunities, he knows how a passion can turn into a long term commitment.

“With all the diverse opportunities for involvement at LFHS, the only danger in which you will find yourself is that of enjoying more activities than time allows,” Dan said.