Portia Legrand

Sophomore Portia Legrand made a memorable impact as a freshman who played three varsity sports and went to State for Track and Field. This year, Portia has continued to excel in the 2025 Fall Varsity Girls Cross Country, and most recently, Varsity Girls Basketball.

Portia is far from your average high school athlete. Her dedication for her sports shines through in the countless hours she commits to improving her skills. She shows up consistently to basketball weight lifting sessions, a special feat considering during these times she is also in season for cross country.

JV Girl’s Basketball Coach Sam Beckman said despite her busy schedule, Portia’s dedication to each sport doesn’t waver. 

“ I think it says a lot that she’s willing to go that extra mile, of coming into morning workouts, morning lifting, even though she’s running cross country. She’s doing everything she can to get herself basketball ready… and I think that’s admirable,” said Beckman.

Not only is her impressive work ethic a great show of her character, but also her ability to uplift and connect with her teammates.

“Portia is a great teammate because of her hard work, as well as her humor and lighthearted attitude she brings to practice,” said senior Kate Mccann. 

Portia is the kind of person who inspires others to strive for excellence. Her attitude towards achievement in her sports not only leads her to success as an athlete, but uplifts her peers to do the same. 

Alessandra DeHayes

Whether it’s helpful study advice or a witty joke, junior Alessandra DeHayes can offer it all. While mastering all she puts her mind to, she is also a compassionate friend. 

Alessandra’s academic prowess cannot be underestimated. She confidently tackles the hardest classes LFHS offers. She is a very hardworking and diligent student, in and out of the classroom. 

Alessandra is not just an exemplary student, but a core member of her volleyball team as well. Playing mostly defensive positions, she was the first to touch the ball on her team, setting them up for success to win the point. Besides her skill, she is a good teammate and always willing to stay positive for her team.

As a friend, Alessandra is the best one could ask for.

“Alessandra is one of the funniest and nicest people I know. She always knows how to make me laugh. No matter what kind of day I’m having, she somehow manages to put a smile on my face every time,” said junior Tia Poulton.

Alessandra has a very funny sense of humor as well. Those who accompany her on walks to class can typically be seen laughing at one of her clever jokes. She is a fun presence to be around, and always up for a competition of naming Tate McRae songs within the first few seconds.

Alessandra is a positive and bright presence in what can be stressful days.

“Alessandra always brings the best energy wherever she goes. She has such a positive attitude and is always so supportive to everyone every day. Whether that be in class, at practice, or out and about, Alessandra is always so much fun to be around,” said junior Bella Daehler 

Alessandra is a well-rounded student, and very loyal friend. She is someone that represents the best that LFHS has to offer. Those who know her, love her. 

Kate McCann

If you have been to any Varsity Girls Cross Country meet this past fall, you have probably seen Kate McCann leading the charge with her calm, focused mindset and  smile even on mile three.

As captain of the Lake Forest Cross Country team Kate McCan has set the perfect example. She has created a reputation that will fall down to the next seniors and juniors of genuine leadership. 

Kate’s dedication for cross country goes past meets. She shows up to every single practice, race, voluntary run, and summer training. 

“Kate is such a hard worker and it is inspiring how much she puts into the team. No matter what she’s working for she always works hard to put her best foot forward, and it is such an amazing experience to be on the same team,” sophomore Portia Legrand said.

Not only is Kate accountable but she also offers the best encouragement to her teammates. 

“Kate is always pushing our teammates to do their best and have a continuous positive mindset during our runs. She definitely has the desire to make it to state every year, and  she uses that determination to push our team the furthest, which really shows her dedication to this team,” junior Maddy Stell said. 

This work ethic sets the standard of what it means to be part of the cross country team. 

“We call Kate ‘Bot’ because she is so determined and incredibly hardworking all the time that sometimes it ‘s like she is not even real,” senior Catie Sedushak said.

Beyond her athletic achievements she is also a great friend to all. 

“Kate puts 100% into everything she does whether that be school sports or just being a good friend. She always goes above and beyond in whatever she does and it shows. Kate is one of the best people I know because she is so hardworking, smart, and caring in everything she does,” senior Pilar Rosales said.

Mr. Jay Kleeman

The maze of numbers and graphs known as statistics can be hard to navigate, but Mr. Kleeman comes to class each day ready to cut a clear path. 

With a playlist ranging from Kpop Demon Hunters to Three Days Grace, Mr. Kleeman brings a positive attitude and a readiness to teach that can make even the most math-averse students excited to get to class.

“Every day we’re learning statistics and having fun–it’s great,” said senior Clayton Torres Gard.

Teamwork is very important in the classroom, with plenty of opportunities to work with classmates on notes or worksheets. In some cases, this level of collaboration could easily devolve into unorganized socializing, but Mr. Kleeman is able to keep the class focused on the subject at hand.

He also uses relatable and easy-to-understand examples in the classroom when explaining various mathematical concepts, such as demonstrating probability in real-time with dice, or hands-on lessons where students collect and analyze their own data. One memorable example being a taste test between bottled and tap water.

Mr. Kleeman is a very hands-on teacher, always ready to help anyone with the material, even if that includes fellow staff members.

Mrs. Metz in the MRC explained that she had never taken a statistics class before, and as a result, was unable to help students with their stats work. In response, Mr. Kleeman let her sit in on his class.

“I took all the tests; I took all the quizzess… I’m so grateful to Kleeman for letting me be a student,” said Mrs. Metz.

Nolan Griffith

The transition from middle school to high school is almost always a challenging adjustment. Luckily for freshman Nolan Griffith, he has managed to  quickly find his place.

The transition was partially made easier because of athletics. Nolan is committed to playing both lacrosse and golf.  His peers see him as a reliable and consistent teammate. Some said they were especially impressed by his dedication to practicing golf during summer break before the season started.  

“He’s a good guy, always been good at golf. I’ve been playing with him since I was little, and he’s definitely one of the best players on the team,” Lapo Meadows said.

Outside of sports, Nolan has already found a strong social circle. he has a well-balanced demeanor and lighthearted personality.

“He always hangs out with his friends, but he is very good at drawing the line between working and having a good time,” Girls Varsity Lacrosse coach Cat Catanzaro said.