Connor Corpier

If you ever happen to run into Connor “Corp” Corpier in the halls at LFHS, then you already know why he’s such a good guy. He’s the type of person who is always cracking jokes before class and bringing tons of energy to football practice. Somehow, he still finds time to do everything he loves. And when Connor’s not busy, you will usually catch him fishing or hanging with his three cats: Waffles, Garfield, and Darth Pouncer.

Connor plays on the Varsity Football Team and has built a reputation as both a hard worker and the team’s comedic relief. His teammates, as well as everyone around him, say he has the perfect balance of focus and fun. 

“My favorite memory with Connor is when we beat Mundelein in the last game of the season. The energy on the field was insane. Throughout the whole game, Connor kept everyone laughing while still giving his all. It was just one of the best games ever,” said teammate Wyatt Nelson.

Another unique part of Connor’s life is his attachment to his cats.

“Connor literally brings his cats everywhere with him. Whether he’s hanging out outside or just chilling in his basement, Darth Pouncer, Garfield, and Waffles are always by his side. You can just tell Connor has a special place in his heart for those cats,” said Sebastian Carillo. 

At school, Connor brings his energy to every classroom he walks into, and he is always making the day more fun for everyone around him. 

Whether he is on the football field, at the pond fishing, chasing his cats around the yard, or practicing lightsaber duels in his younger days, Connor finds a way to keep life entertaining, and everyone at LFHS is lucky to have him around. 

Mercedes Rodriguez de Lavalle

After moving to Lake Forest from Spain, sophomore Mercedes Rodriguez de Lavalle has definitely made her mark at LFHS. Known for her cool, calm, and collected behavior on the course, Rodriguez de Lavalle has been a key player on the Varsity Girls’ Golf Team. This season, she’s already posted some of her lowest scores. 

Golf is not easy to get good at quickly. Rodriguez de Lavalle spends her off-season grinding at The Golf Practice and playing in many IJGA tournaments, all while balancing competitively cheering for the scouts in the winter months. 

In addition to her athletic commitment, Mercedes also excels inside the classroom. An avid member of Student Council, math team, and big 2 little, she’s got a lot going on — but you wouldn’t even know it. She walks into school every day with a bubbly attitude, always excitedly asking how your day has been, even at 8 in the morning — when most of us are still half asleep. 

Her teammates know they can count on her, whether it’s finishing an AP world assignment, reading a green, or tuning up their Spanish — since she is impressively bilingual. 

Captain Lena Olszewski has been lucky enough to be paired up with Mercedes for the past couple of matches. 

“Mercedes is truly the sweetest soul. Whenever I’m playing with her, she always finds a way to make me smile. Whether it’s a lighthearted joke or a creative compliment, she knows how to hype me up or help me calm down,” Olszewski said.  

Her coach, Sam Beckman, knew she would make an impact on the team when they met at the Scout Experience. 

“She was confident about her own game. Not in an arrogant way, she just knew her game and that she could compete. Not only did she compete as a freshman, but she was an important part of the team,” Beckman said. “She hasn’t rested on that, though; she has come out as a sophomore, determined to continue to improve and help lead this team.”

She’s working hard towards her and the team’s goal of making it to State, and with her work ethic and determination, she’s confidently paving the way. Mercedes embodies everything an LFHS varsity athlete should represent. 

Tommy Esplin

Those who know Senior Tommy Esplin recognize that he exemplifies the Scout spirit in every aspect of his daily life. Esplin approaches each day with a radiant smile and offers only words of encouragement and genuine enthusiasm.

Friends of Esplin know that what lies beyond his contagious laugh is a truly warm heart with a pure love of life.

Senior Anna Jasper is lucky enough to have grown up right by Esplin’s side, and their friendship resembles their dads’, taking after their close high school bond.

“When I first moved to Lake Forest, Tommy was my first friend, and ever since, he’s remained one of my best friends,” said Jasper. “He’s often the person I go to after a rough day—whether I need encouraging words, a thoughtful smile, or just someone who understands without me having to say anything. I’ve loved growing up with Tommy, and he’s truly one of my favorite people in this world.”

After many years of playing AAA hockey, Esplin has dedicated his last year to the Lake Forest Hockey Team. As one of the team’s captains, he works to motivate and drive his teammates, as well as showcasing his accumulated skills.

“Tommy is an overall great kid. He’s energetic and a great leader to our team,” said senior Preston Lui. “Whenever we are having a bad moment, he always works to bring us back up.”

Esplin recently attended The First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest’s annual Work Trip in Roscommon, Michigan, where he dedicated a week to giving back to others. As a first-time Work Trip participant, Esplin’s liveliness was put forth in assisting those who surround him.

“Tommy was extremely motivating on our trip and acted as a leader even when nobody was watching,” said senior Henry Mulliken.

Esplin’s animated disposition and incredible leadership skills never fail to inspire at Lake Forest High School.

Dylan Johnson

Dylan Johnson, aka DJ, is someone at LFHS whom every student can count on. He builds strong relationships with students and staff members and always creates a positive atmosphere. DJ has been working here for the past 10 years and has been such a crucial member of our staff.

Since the second semester of the 2024-2025 school year, DJ has been working in the enriched studies room, helping students with a wide range of things, from helping students with homework to listening to their music and giving feedback, to being the best listener when you need someone to talk to. DJ brings such bright energy that takes over every room and will never fail to make you laugh.  

“He literally spends his whole break with me; he’s always someone I can count on and truly is just an amazing friend and person,” said Mrs. Hecktor. “It’s always been such a close bond with the three of us, Glenn, DJ, and I; he just makes the trio perfect, and I wouldn’t change a thing about it.” DJ and Mrs. Hecktor have a close bond and have always been there for her and others whenever they need it. He springs straight into action the second something is needed. 

“One of the best guys I have ever met in my entire life, he’s truly my best friend,” says Coach Glenn. DJ and Glenn have been inseparable since the start of their friendship. You can always count on seeing them together in the halls at school or walking on the sidelines side by side. 

“DJ is an amazing football coach; he constantly makes sure his players are good and pushes them to achieve their goals,” said junior Nathan Tunny. DJ is someone that Nathan respects, and he loves how he cares about each and every one of the players.

DJ is someone who is constantly there for others and is ready to joke at any time of the day. His kindness, sympathy, patience, and humor truly make him the amazing person he is. Our school and community are very lucky to have such a guy like this.

Ari Bagg

Playing more than one sport can already be a lot of work during the school year, but for freshman Ari Bag, playing two sports in the same season was a challenge she was ready to face head-on. Ari has been taking swim lessons since she was two, but started swimming competitively at just seven years old. She began swimming for DCST in Columbus, but after moving to Lake Forest three years ago, she joined our Scout Aquatics Club Team. 

For many club swimmers, high school becomes the defining factor in whether or not somebody sticks with the sport. For Ari, the answer was simple: join the Girls’ Swim and Dive team and stick with it for all four years. What she failed to realize was that the teams were intentionally separated: swim AND dive. There has never been an athlete from LFHS in the last 90 years to participate in both sports. But this meant nothing to Ari and only served as a motivator to participate in both teams. After careful consideration with both coaches, Ari set out to do something nobody has ever done before: she would practice her dives for the first half of practice and swim laps the second half. 

Almost immediately, it was clear that Ari’s choice was going to be nothing short of exhausting for her. Facing shoulder injuries, bruises, and dives that have looked more like back flops, Ari has proven to both herself and the team (or rather teams) that she is more than capable of overcoming any obstacle thrown her way. In the last month, she has managed the start of her freshman year, balancing academic, friend, and home life, as well as two sports at the same time. 

Ari’s ability to succeed and do it flawlessly, as well as her love of the sport as well as her teammates, is beyond impressive. Even with so much on her plate, she never failed to show encouragement to everyone she came into contact with. “Ari brings incredible energy to the team; she is always cheering on and uplifting her teammates in any way she can,” says Swim Coach Sam Medland.

Her love for others reflects the positive, uplifting community that LFHS strives for. “Ari always has something nice to say about everyone. She is a great athlete and always brings the most spirit, and you can hear her cheering for every teammate,” says long-time teammate Kate O’Brien.

Watching her go from swimming two events in a meet, getting out to dive, and then getting back in for her last two events is truly awe-inspiring. At 14 years old, Ari’s work ethic is a testament to what we can do when we put full effort into something we love. Ari is committed to doing something and doing it well, and through hard work and determination, she has made it a possibility.