Ruby Halperin

Freshman Ruby Halperin is known amongst her friends and family as an outgoing and funny girl. But she’s not your average student; she goes above and beyond when it comes to her academics and athletics. Whether it’s scoring on the tennis court, being involved in clubs like Student Council, or being an active member on the math team, she always comes prepared to try her best and do it with a smile on her face.   

Halperin was on the JV girls’ tennis team and shone throughout the season. Her teammates would describe her as a competitive yet driven player who always tries her best.  

Senior Ella Nanni says, “Ruby is a great and driven player who works amazingly hard, she never backs down from a challenge and is always trying to make someone laugh.”

But Halperin not only shines through her sports but also her academics and extracurriculars. Ruby joined the math team just this year and is now a vital member of the Lake Forest Math Team and truly connects with her teammates. Halperin is already looking forward to the years to come in Student Council and tennis.

“Ruby is super kind, funny, and always looks out for her friends. She’s an academic weapon and always prioritizes what is important, whether it be school, friends, or family,” freshman Eloise Mullikin said.

Whether she’s hitting the books or hitting balls at the tennis court, Halprin gives her all in everything she does. If her freshman year is any sign, this is just the beginning of an amazing high school journey!

Bridget Dacy

Sophomore Bridget Dacy has already made a lasting impression on LFHS, even in only her second year of high school. Bridget is a strong, driven individual, and these qualities don’t go unnoticed by her peers.

In Dacy’s free time, she is either playing lacrosse or spending time with her friends and family. Dacy made the LFHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse team as a freshman. Her teammates and coaches value her hard work and dedication to the team, and Bridget puts her best foot forward everywhere she goes. Bridget’s lacrosse coach, Cat Catanzaro, can attest to that.

“Bridget is one of the most competitive and intense players I coach,” said Coach Cat. “She finds ways to change the game and make everybody around her better.”

Even as an underclassman, Dacy is setting an example for all players on the field. 

“Bridget is one of the hardest-working people that I know. Whether she is tearing it up on the lacrosse field or hanging out with friends, she is one of the most determined, funny, and energetic girls I know,” said junior lacrosse teammate Nina Loiacano.

On the side, Bridget plays on the JV Tennis team at LFHS. Surrounded by her best friends and teammates, Bridget always brings a positive attitude and cracks jokes at any second she gets.

“Being on JV Tennis with Bridget this year was the best,” said teammate Jeannie Pezza. “Her bubbly personality made the team all the more fun to be on. Being on a team with Bridget this year made us closer both on and off the team, which I am extremely grateful for.” 

Bridget doesn’t just have an impact on the field or court, but especially on the people around her. She has a warm energy that lights up every room she walks into and a work ethic that inspires everyone around her. Bridget’s close friend Poppy Bayly summed it up perfectly: Bridget is truly the “best,” and it’s as simple as that.

Bridget is embodying the “Scout Way” terrifically, and there’s no doubt she will continue to do so in the years to come.

Abby Uhart

Junior Abby Uhart has got it all down. Not only is she dedicated to academics, volleyball, and volunteering, but she has also made herself known as a reliable and genuine friend. Abby works hard to give back to her community and make a difference in the things she does. 

Abby is the kind of person you want to talk to after a bad day. Her positive attitude and words of encouragement do not go unnoticed. 

“She is genuinely so kind,” says Uhart’s classmate Samantha Morris, “I feel like she’s super easy to talk to, and it’s refreshing to be around her. Even though we don’t have classes together this year, I still look forward to seeing her.”

Regardless of her busy schedule, she still makes time for her community. 

In her free time, she dedicates specific days of her week to volunteer as an intern for SaLT. Located in Highland Park, this nonprofit organization focuses on service and learning that teaches the importance of meeting the needs of communities. 

On the court, she is a fearless and critical player. As a defensive specialist, her role is to keep the ball in play. She deserves the contrasting jersey, as it showcases her hustle and dedication to keep the game going. 

“She’s the kind of person you hope to have as a teammate,” says teammate and friend Kayla Lim. “She’s one of the funniest people I know and always knows how to keep the mood light and memorable with her personality.”

Coco Henretta

Senior Coco Henretta is someone whose kindness will make a lasting impact on you after the end of a conversation. Coco has a calm presence, but her energy is powerful. She is a leader by example, academically and athletically, setting a high standard for the student athletes of LFHS.

Coco has a busy day filled with tough AP classes and then rushing straight to tennis practice, all while making time to brighten the days of her peers. Coco manages to maintain a smile and a positive attitude while overcoming the hardships of her day. 

Something that people love to say about Coco is that she doesn’t have a mean bone in her body, and her friendliness shines through every action of hers.

“Coco is the calm in all of our chaos,” said senior Claire Borega. “She is always making sure to check in on all of our friends, even though she has so much on her plate. She makes me feel seen and loved, and I couldn’t ask for a better friend.”

As well as balancing academics, Coco also balances the pressure of the Lake Forest Varsity Tennis Team. Coco brings strong determination in her matches and her schoolwork, creating a balance in her rigorous schedule. While staying positive and focused, she has made a lasting impact on her teammates.

“Even though Coco focuses hard on academics, she is equally as focused on tennis,” said teammate Sarah Halperin. “As my warm-up partner, I know I can always count on Coco to be an encouraging teammate.” 

Coco has many strengths, one of which is determination, but her strongest strength is her empathy for others. For example, year-round, Coco volunteers at Highland Park Hospital with Endeavor Health. Coco participates in volunteer programs, giving support to the patients of the hospital and helping out with the hospital staff.

Whether Coco is offering emotional support, sharing her positive vibes, or setting a high standard for a determined student, she leaves a lasting impression on everyone she knows.

Mr. Derek Parola

It doesn’t take long to notice Mr. Parola in the gym class. Whether he’s pitching in the softball game (maybe making some questionable calls) or stepping in as the quarterback during flag football, his energy makes every class more fun, and is the reason kids always show up with such a competitive spirit. He’s the kind of teacher who jumps right in, jokes around with students, and turns every class into something competitive. 

As a student teacher for Mr. Mizwicki, Mr. Parola has quickly made a name for himself. He’s not the type of person to observe; he’s always in the middle of a game, encouraging students, and keeping the class in a good mood. You can tell he genuinely enjoys being there and wants his students to have a great time while still working hard. Not every teacher can pull off that balance, but Mr. Parola does it naturally. 

“Mr. Parola is a very talented educator and will be an effective teacher. His skills transcend the classroom, and he will make a huge impact on the student-athletes’ lives,” Mr. Mizwicki said.

One of his favorite groups, Team Fit 3rd Period, is a great example of a hard-working and competitive environment. “Mr. Parola is truly a one-of-a-kind teacher; he is super helpful and knowledgeable. It will be a shame to see him go next year,” said senior Mick Rappaport. He loves how the group pushes each other to get better every day, whether it’s a football game, basketball game, or a team warmup.

The mix of laughs and effort is what makes his class special.  “Mr Parola makes class way more enjoyable,” said junior Charlie Quick. “He actually gets involved, and you can tell he really cares about making his class fun and competitive for everyone.”

Before becoming a student teacher at Lake Forest High School, Mr. Parola spent five years as an assistant baseball coach at Illinois State University, where he also played infield from 2016 to 2019. After getting married this past summer, he decided to pursue teaching full-time, and he’s loved every second of it. Next year, he’ll head to Lake Zurich High School as both a teacher and Head Baseball Coach, and he’ll bring the same positivity and leadership that made his time at LFHS unforgettable.