Mr. Steve Van Nuys

To most high school students, the American Revolution, the Salem Witch Trials, or the Boston Tea Party are likely not topics of interest. In fact, it is fair to say that most students at LFHS only learn about these events because it is a state requirement…

However, being in Mr. Van Nuys’s history classes not only makes these topics engaging but also makes you want to jump out of your seat with questions, gasps, and pure fascination.

Mr. Stephen Van Nuys has that effect while teaching. He makes students want to learn about the topics he covers in his various classes. From his organized lesson plans to silly personal stories, you are guaranteed to feel more than engaged while in history class with Mr. Van Nuys.

As an LFHS graduate, Mr. Van Nuys is well-versed in the ins and outs of the high school and is considered a super scout who supports each and every student he teaches.

Mr. Van Nuys incorporates a “question of the day” into each of his classes. This is, by far, a highlight of the class for students who have had Van Nuys. The questions vary from history-related, like “Who is your favorite US president,” to quirky and unique, like “Would you spend a night in a haunted house for $5,000?”

There is never a dull moment in his class, and if you don’t believe me, there are several who can attest to his dedication to an upbeat environment.

“Mr. Van Nuys always made class so fun- Even when the workload was tough, I could count on walking into class and having a good time. He was always willing to help me when I had a hard time in class, too,” said APUSHer Evelyn Marshall.

Mr. Van Nuys’s classroom fosters a warm environment and creates a sense of community among his students. Upon entering class, you can expect to hear inviting music that makes you want to dance and sing. Songs from bands like The Grateful Dead and The Beatles fill up the space of his room, ensuring a positive start to your class period with him.

Mr. Van Nuys’s son is a student here at LFHS and is lucky enough to have the expertise and assistance from his dad right at his fingertips.

“Whenever I had a hard time grasping a concept or learning whatever we went over in class, I would always ask my dad to explain it to me until I eventually understood it. I would also ask him to help me look over the structure of my DBQ and LEQ if I ever got a bad grade, which was super helpful,” said senior Will Van Nuys.

Those who have been privileged enough to have Mr. Van Nuys can recognize that he is fueled by his love for helping others and has made a great impact across LFHS.

Asha Patel

If you need study tips for a class, help juggling a stressful schedule, or a laugh during your day, Asha Patel is there for you. This junior is a bright light at LFHS in many ways. For one, Patel’s junior year course load is nothing short of elite. With AP Calculus, AP Language & Composition, and more, she greatly challenges herself in the classroom. 

“She’s a very committed and hard-working person in both sports and school,” says friend Paige Collister.

In addition to her academic excellence, Patel is an even more amazing friend. She is a welcoming face at LFHS, as well as at CROYA. Senior CROYA retreat leader Campbell Gore got to know Patel very well at the most recent retreat.

“Asha is the kindest, genuine person,” says Gore. “She’s funny, and her lively personality lights up a room. I truly consider her a sister.”

Patel is also a vital member of the Varsity Girls Dive and Varsity Girls Gymnastics Team. Teammate, friend, and co-captain of the Girls Dive Team, Taylor Gaston, has seen Patel’s work ethic and passion firsthand.

“I am always impressed by how much she can do in one day, including dive practice straight to a three-hour gymnastics practice,” Gaston shares. “I’m very lucky to get to spend two seasons with an athlete like Asha!”

In addition to the high school Varsity Dive and Gymnastics teams, Patel trains in gymnastics outside of school. Last spring, she was a national qualifier and competed in the Level 9 Eastern National Championship. This recognition was no small feat for Patel—this success prepared her for the rest of her time at LFHS and into a potential college gymnastics career.

Lizzie Rieder

Senior Lizzie Rieder is someone you always want by your side. Whether it’s cramming study material the night before a test, someone to talk to after a tough day, or right there next to you in a stressful overtime game. 

Rieder is committed to everything she does. I’ve never seen her give minimal effort; if she devotes her time to something, she will always give it her best work. In school, Rieder is nothing short of a stellar student. Rieder is not afraid of getting drowned in her schoolwork as she always prioritizes school first. 

If you’ve ever spent late nights in the Lake Forest or Lake Bluff Library, chances are you’ve seen Rieder. It is Rieder’s dedication to a high academic standard that sets her apart from most students. 

Classmate Alex Reidy, who joins Rieder in study sessions, says, “Lizzie has such an inspiring drive and work ethic. She puts 100% into everything she does, and her efforts show.”

Not only is Rieder a talented student, but she is also a talented athlete. Rieder has been on the varsity lacrosse team since her freshman year. Although you could say she was a natural, it took hours upon hours of practice and practicing outside of practice to secure Rieder her starting position. 

“Lizzie is one of the most versatile players I know. Growing up on different teams with Lizzie has shown me her strong leadership and resilience skills,” says teammate and co-captain Ellie Carter. 

However, her athletics don’t end with lacrosse. Rieder also spends her mornings and weekends rowing. This new sport she picked up is the definition of a grind, as she has to get up very early and row for hours. 

Seeing the academic and athletic side of Rieder is always a great time, but it is times when she is there for you as a friend that mean the most. Rieder is there for you to laugh at the funny moments, or is a shoulder to cry on through hard times. 

Bridget Diem says, “I’ve been friends with Lizzie since elementary school, and still, every year I learn something new about her. Lizzie is the kind of person you could never get tired of; she’s hilarious, unique, and I’m so grateful I get to have her as a friend!”

Anybody is lucky for whatever way they get the chance to spend time with Rieder. She is truly a ray of sunshine that you should never take for granted!

Demetrios Louis

Junior Demetrios Louis is used to stepping up to help friends and his community.

Louis is a great, well-rounded kid who loves to hang out with his friends. He is known for helping out others when needed.

“Demetrios often offers to help others by explaining things when others don’t understand something, which makes him an excellent friend in the classroom,” said junior Daniel Anaya.   

Louis also expresses himself through his humor, making jokes, talking in funny ways, and making faces.

“His sense of humor keeps everyone in a positive mood and improves your experience in class,” said Anaya. 

Louis can be serious, too. He is a man of faith who is a part of the youth group at St. Mary’s.

“Demetrios is super committed to any activity at St.Mary’s Church. He has gone on a few mission trips for a week over this past summer as well,” said junior Kylie Daum. 

 Louis has taken on a big leadership role with a few other students at the high school. He collaborates with his peers and helps lead the activities that he also thinks of. He is always trying to find a way to get others involved as much as possible and lead discussions.

“He is always open to doing whatever is needed, rather than helping out with kids, digging out weeds during the trips, cleaning out the furniture, and building walls. He did it all with an open mindset, and he’s a super bright spirit to be around,” said Daum.   

Louis loves to help the Core Group build walls during the trips. He also has a mind that is built around creativity; therefore, the Architecture Class is perfect for him.  

“Demetrios is in my Architecture Class. Even though he is at a higher level than me, he takes his time to explain concepts and give me feedback on my projects. His set of eyes is very refreshing, and he is always a person I can trust to give valuable feedback on my work,” said junior Max VanDusen.  

Grace Lombardi

If there’s one word to describe sophomore Grace Lombardi, it’s “dedicated.”

While balancing a busy life outside of school, Grace still finds time to excel in her classes, compete on two varsity teams, and stay active in Student Council and ScoutNation––constantly pushing herself to succeed in every aspect of her life. 

Outside of school, on certain weeknights and almost every weekend, you can find Grace playing on the soccer fields for FC United–the same club she’s played with for the past five years. Growing up as a competitive, travel player, Grace has devoted countless hours of her time to the sport she loves. This love translated into her first year of high school when she tried out for the Varsity team.

Grace accomplished something that many others have been unable to achieve: she was the only freshman to make the Girls Varsity Soccer team. Not only did she earn her spot as an underclassman, but she quickly proved herself as a starting player at defensive right back. Right away, she met every expectation with composure, gaining the respect of her teammates. Her teammates can attest that she effortlessly balances having fun while keeping her head in the game. 

“Grace came in her freshman year with a really high level of intensity, which helped our team throughout the season so much. She is a very hardworking person on and off the field, but she also brings so much laughter and many lighthearted jokes to practice every day!” senior and teammate Maddy Cummins said. 

Grace was also one of three freshmen to make the Girls Varsity Basketball team, where she showcased her skills as both a shooting guard and point guard. What sets Grace apart is that her athleticism is matched by her commendable sportsmanship and drive. 

“Grace is such an amazing teammate, always giving her all to push not only herself, but also the people around her. She is a great point guard on the court as she is a natural leader who’s always uplifting her teammates with encouraging words,” senior Captain Charlie Axus said. 

Grace is also an active member of the Student Council. Over the past two years, Grace has helped organize the winter assembly last year and the fall pep rally this school year. In meetings, she confidently shares her opinions with her peers, working towards bettering our school community and making her presence valued by many. 

“Grace brings her spunk, thoughtfulness, and spirit to Student Council. She is always ready to lend a helping hand and demonstrates a true desire to give back to her school,” sophomore Student Council Advisor Mrs. Cook said. 

Additionally, Grace’s positive attitude shines through her participation in Scout Nation. Grace attends the weekly Tuesday meetings when she can, and she strives to earn a leadership position when she becomes an upperclassman. 

Even with her active schedule, Grace still makes time for the people that matter most–her friends and family. As the oldest of four, she is naturally caring and very family-oriented. Her extended family members describe her as a grounding yet also exciting presence to be around.

“Grace is one of the best people to be around! Whether it’s Christmas Eve night and we’re hanging out with all the cousins at dinner, or we’re on the soccer field playing in the back line together, she always has a carefree and fun attitude that makes everything more enjoyable. I feel so lucky to have such a close relationship with a cousin!” junior Leyton Rice said. 

Through it all–the body aches that come from being a year-round competitive athlete and the stress of her many commitments–Grace continues to treat everyone around her with, fittingly, grace. As only a sophomore, Grace has already made a lasting impact on the LFHS community, and there’s no doubt that she will continue to do so in the years ahead.