Julia Artac

In a world of stress and tension, sophomore Julia Artac is an expert at bringing just the right amount of light-hearted energy to her peer’s lives. 

“I became really good friends with Julia this past year. Her lively personality is contagious,” sophomore Sophie Chabraja said. “She is just someone you always want to have by your side.”

In the dance studio, described as a leader, Julia takes initiative to share her ideas and collaborate with those around her, demonstrating her forward-thinking mentality. Artac’s easy-going nature in correspondence to her ambitious goals is a distinct quality many admire. 

“Julia is the ideal teammate. Everyone can easily rely on her whether they need advice or, simply, humor,” sophomore teammate Brooklyn Kuever said.

When she isn’t at dance practice, Julia is committed to spending her spare time volunteering at places like Fill A Heart 4 Kids, Bernie’s Book Bank, and Northern Illinois Food Bank. Regularly, influencing her classmates to join her in giving back to the community. For Artac, it is important to participate in a hands-on experience. 

Before anything else, Julia is an exceptional friend, going the extra mile to ensure the well-being of those around her. 

“Whenever Julia and I are together, it’s always unpredictable and exciting,” sophomore and close friend Addison Marzella said. “Being friends with Julia is an adventure worth experiencing! I will always appreciate her kind and genuine heart.”

The epitome of a vivacious spirit, Julia consistently ignites amusement in those around her. In Artac’s coming years as an upperclassman, there is no hesitation that she will continue to be the bubbly radiance that people tend to cling onto, especially in the miserable, freezing months in second semester.

Lauren Hanson

Junior Lauren Hanson has impacted many LFHS activities with her positive and welcoming personality.

Between fall sports and spring productions, junior Lauren Hanson keeps busy. In the fall, she’s a captain of the JV Field Hockey team, spending most afternoons on the field and competing with her teammates. Her focus and consistency makes her dependable on and off the field. 

“Lauren is so positive during games and practices! She is always cheering people on and making everyone feel seen,” teammate Ainsley Haight said.

When the Field Hockey season ends, Hanson shifts gears for the spring theater production. She’s performed in many school productions and has grown up performing. She spends hours after school at rehearsals preparing for performances that bring students together from across the school. 

Junior Liam Sheridan has grown up performing with Hanson and describes her talent best. 

“She is amazingly talented! I have worked with her on so many productions and she never fails to play each role with confidence,”  Sheridan said. “Her talent has been demonstrated not only in acting but in singing too.  I am convinced she can sing anything!”

Outside of these commitments, Hanson maintains relationships with classmates and friends from other parts of school. Weekends, study sessions, and casual hangouts keep her connected to people who aren’t a part of her regular activities.

“Lauren is the sweetest girl with the biggest personality, she makes everything so fun,” says close friend Sam Morris. “She always adds so much positivity to my day and makes everyone around her happy.”

Even with a busy schedule full of field hockey, theater, and schoolwork, Lauren Hanson fits in the time to make valued relationships with friends. Whether she’s on the field, in rehearsal, or just hanging out, she is someone who brings energy and positivity to everyone around her!

Alex Reidy

Senior Alex Reidy stands out as someone who leads naturally and shows up without being asked. She’s captain of the JV Tennis team and serves as a philanthropy co-chair on Student Council. Whether organizing events or supporting teammates, Alex has built a reputation for taking a strong initiative and setting a strong example for those around her.

One of the ways that Reidy is a mentor is throughout the two years which she was captain on the tennis team. Last year, Reidy was the only junior captain, which goes to show her extraordinary dedication to the team.

“Alex does so much for the tennis team and is always there to help out or offer advice,” said teammate Audrey Adamo. “She is someone I look up to in so many ways, including her hard work ethic and caring nature.” 

Off the court, Reidy displays her exceptional leadership skills throughout her involvement in a variety of clubs.

As philanthropy co-chair on Student Council, Reidy is responsible for setting and achieving the council’s fundraising goals. She takes full charge of the task at hand and strives to support others. 

“I’m so lucky to have Alex by my side as the co philanthropy leader in student council,” senior Carm Ventura said. “She has the best ideas and is always willing to go the extra mile, whether it be making everyone laugh at our early morning meetings while everyone is half asleep or loading hundreds of boxes of cereal to get taken to the food pantry. She is constantly doing her best to make our projects work flawlessly.” 

Whether it be on the court, in school, or outside school, Reidy is the type of friend you’d be lucky to have. 

“Alex always finds a balance between all of her clubs and activities and finding time for her friends,” senior Bea Scholz said. “She is one of the most caring and empathetic people I know and always knows how to make someone feel appreciated!”

Mary Stephens

Even in school like LFHS that is filled with talented students, freshman Mary Stephens stands out for her skills in music and math.

For the few months she has been in high school, Stephens has already been in multiple one acts and  rehearsed every day after school for the Freshman/Sophomore play Inherit the Wind. In rehearsal, Stephens demonstrated a bubbly and determined personality that not only motivated the cast, but also made the long rehearsals feel more exciting.

 “Mary always helps me run lines during rehearsal and because of her talent, she always has helpful advice with the role I am playing,” freshman Hannah Pasz said.

Not only does Stephens’ musical talent shine at the high school, she also participates in a band at School of Rock where she plays guitar, keyboard ,and sings. 

When not in any music related activities, Stephens is a go-to peer to help with homework and classwork, especially in math.

“Mary is always so helpful in math and somehow always makes the material make sense. She explains it in a way that just clicks,” freshman Neason Lui said. 

Not only does Stephens prioritize people’s needs, she also is a very good friend to have by your side. Because she gives such good math and acting advice, her overall listening skills are very strong too.

Ruby Kirar said. “Mary is such a kind soul who has always been there for me. She listens to me, she validates my feelings, and she’s overall just such a sweet and cool person,” Ruby Kirar said.

Lauren Hanson

Junior Lauren Hanson brings her enthusiasm into anything she does. She has a great attitude towards academics, athletics and helping others. 

Lauren, an active member of the Student Council, enjoys planning things for the school and keeping the Scout spirit alive. 

Lauren has a passion for leading and sets a great example. She has been a caption for two years on the LFHS JV Field Hockey team. She knows the importance of setting her team up for success and creating a fun comfortable environment for everyone involved. 

“Her personality is genuinely one of a kind; she’s so easy to talk to and never fails to make me laugh,” junior Addie Ginn said.

She is a very social person and is willing to get to know anyone new. She has an opening personality and radiates positivity. Hanson is extremely motivated to keeping a optimistic attitude. 

“Lauren is kind hearted and someone I can always count on. I love being together because we always do something fun,” junior Natalie Pelser said.

She is an member of the St. Mary’s Church and is involved in the community.  Lauren enjoyed going on a mission trip with her church where she can give back and expand her faith. 

“Lauren is an exceptional person to have on Student Council,” junior Libby Yakes said.“ She’s my co-chair of fundraising and service, and she’s fantastic at her job! She dedicates herself fully to everything she does, and she always putting in the extra effort.”