Davis Gish

When it comes to being a freshman, adjusting to the new world of high school can be difficult. Many kids struggle with making new friends and connecting with kids they’ve never met before. But when a freshman strives to be friendly and open to everyone, that attitude ripples throughout a whole grade.

Freshman Davis Gish is regarded by many of his peers as one of the friendliest kids they know. “Davis is a really good dude,” said fellow freshman Jonathan Heintzelman. “I came into the year not knowing many people, and Davis was super kind [to me] and funny, even though we had just met. Every day he makes English class fun, and really shows how nice he is.” Heintzelman regarded how the transition from middle school to high school was difficult, but because of kids like Davis, the transition was made much easier and more fun.

While Davis isn’t the eldest of his family, being the youngest of three boys, he holds all of the qualities of a great leader. Classmate Eloise Mulliken spoke on Davis’ character. “He’s a really smart, down-to-earth guy! He has the confidence you don’t expect from a freshman boy, which makes everyone around him follow his kindness and leadership.” It’s because of these qualities that Davis can usually be spotted surrounded by many of his peers. His kindness serves as a beacon to many freshmen trying to get their bearings in this new environment.

Davis also plays on the freshman basketball team, where he plays alongside fellow freshman Shale Patel. “He’s a great friend but an even better teammate. If you make a bad play on the court, he is always one of the first to make sure you keep your head up and keep going,” said Patel. Davis has been playing basketball since he was 6 years old. He continues to work hard and show his kind spirit on the team this year. It’s because of leadership from kids like Davis that freshmen are able to smoothly make the transition into high school.

William Elliott

Sophomore William Elliott is a kind friend and standout student at LFHS. Despite only being in high school for a short time, he has already made a positive impact in the community and has built many strong connections. 

William’s welcoming personality and inclusivity show weekly at the high school CROYA meetings. As Topic Night Chair on the CROYA Executive Board and a consistent face at the Wednesday high school meetings, William is a great person to get to know.

Rick Day, CROYA Student Union Program Manager, shares about William’s place in the CROYA community.

“He’s caring for people around him and encourages new kids to come to CROYA,” says Rick. “William embraces the mentality we like at CROYA—not taking things too seriously.”

This year, William has taken on the role of Topic Night Chair on the Executive Board with utmost ease. In this position, he works on special events, such as the annual Donut Bowl, while also developing new and innovative events. This position also has him share a fun fact at the weekly meetings, being a friendly face for newcomers to meet. William’s dedication to CROYA not only brightens meetings but also makes him a leader to his peers.

These same qualities are also what make William a great friend, according to sophomore Tobin Greca.

“Willis is the coolest friend because he’s so kind to everyone,” said Tobin. “He always puts a smile on my face.”

William is also a positive force in the classroom, as well as in other LFHS activities. As a member of the JV Football and Volleyball teams, this underclassman has not hesitated to get involved with the school. 

“He never shied away from participation and has always offered his opinion,” said Wellness Teacher and Football Coach Joe Busse. “He was consistently a productive member on and off the field.”

William’s personality simply lifts spirits at LFHS. His innate passion and dedication to the clubs he is involved in will continue to add value and impact in the community.

Michael Nduaka

Senior Michael Nduaka, otherwise known as “Chuddy,” is a constant source of joy. Michael is easily recognisable for always having a smile on his face. His optimism is something that all LFHS students should embody. Michael’s uplifting energy is guaranteed to boost your mood.

Michael takes the student-athlete to the next level. He is currently taking 4 AP classes while playing soccer and running track. Michael has many strengths, one of them being his enthusiasm and his positive attitude. 

“Michael really stands out on both the track and the soccer team. He’s always pushing himself to be better, and no one wants it like him. His energy and fun nature lift the team up,” said soccer and track teammate Bryan Kupperman. 

Michael’s work ethic is unlike any other. He is willing to do whatever it takes to improve. 

“Michael sets the bar high. He is one of the hardest-working guys I know. He is super committed to improving every day and always wants to get better,” said soccer and track teammate George Thomas.

Michael is not only a great athlete and student, but also a great friend. He is always supporting his teammates and trying to boost morale. Michael impacts everyone who is around him. 

“He brings a positive vibe to every meet and brings the team energy up,” said track teammate Ollie Steiner.

Michael is a great student, a supportive teammate, and a loyal friend. He is always willing to go the extra mile and is a great example of what it means to be a Scout.

Mrs. Michelene Tomek

The Tomek name has been deeply rooted at LFHS for decades. When looking for involvement in the Lake Forest community, Mrs. Tomek is someone who immediately stands out. The entire Tomek family has graduated from LFHS. With so many years of involvement, it can be said without a doubt that the Tomeks know what it means to be a Scout. Dean Lenart shares that, “so much of Ms. Tomek IS Lake Forest High School. Not only as a proud resident, parent of alums, wife and alum, but also as both an administrator and a teacher-she consistently shows up in the best possible way for our students and staff.  We are lucky to call her a Scout!” 

Mrs. Tomek is currently a math teacher, but was previously a Dean at Lake Forest. With all her time at LFHS, as a student and staff member, Mrs. Tomek has left her mark on the people of our community. Dean Clegg shares, “What I admire most about Mrs. Tomek is her dedication and her incredible attention to detail to absolutely everything she does. Whether it is a hard decision she has to make, lesson plans to write, a race she’s going to run, or a gathering of her friends, Mrs. Tomek goes all out!” Mrs. Tomek’s dedication to everything she tackles is truly admirable and the impact she has made at LFHS is undeniable. Fellow colleague Mr. Werner states, “Mrs. Tomek is creative and kind and very friendly to work with.” Having a positive force in the classroom is something that Mrs. Tomek embodies and gives her all no matter the situation, and this is evident through everything she does. 

“She has always had a mindset of trying to do her best…and always trying to find what’s best for her students.” As Mr. Werner states, Mrs. Tomek’s dedication to her students is unwavering. As someone who has the privilege of being a student of hers, I can wholeheartedly say that I have experienced this all. When I enter Mrs. Tomek’s classroom, the tone is immediately set with a new uplifting quote she writes on her board each day. Being in Ms. Tomek’s classroom is a privilege because I get to experience what it means to have a teacher who truly cares about their students. Whether it be through warm-up activities or notes, Ms. Tomek is constantly making learning an enriching experience for all of her students. Dean Clegg shares that, “her impact on students at LFHS is evident in the fact that she is still in contact with so many of her former students. She’s hosted dinners for them and been to their weddings. Her own daughters babysat their babies!”  

Mrs. Tomek promotes an inclusive and collaborative classroom environment for everyone. With her guidance, patience, and empathy, every student of Mrs. Tomek’s has the privilege of feeling empowered. 

With her deep roots at LFHS, Mrs. Tomek embodies what it means to be a member of the community. As Dean Clegg states, “Simply put, to know Mrs. Tomek is to love her!”  When asked for an example of what it means to be a true Scout, I will always look to Mrs. Tomek. 

Mrs. Laurie Hektor

If you are a senior at LFHS, you are guaranteed an enthusiastic welcome every morning by the one and only Mrs. Hektor. 

Mrs. Hektor is a true light in the school. She puts in effort to make sure that each student feels heard and motivated. You can’t help but have a better day after hearing her walk around the commons and greet each student. 

“She is always so nice and has a welcoming smile on her face. I can tell she really wants us to do our best and have the most fun for our last year of high school,” said senior Maddy Cummins. 

She makes the senior commons a focused yet exciting environment by motivating students to work hard while making new bonds with friends and letting it be an outlet for students to let loose during the school day. Amidst a packed day of classes, clubs, and activities, it is a fact that seniors look forward to going to the commons and feeling the positive atmosphere that Hektor has created. 

Student Body President Josie Irvin thinks Mrs. Hektor adds a spark to LFHS that can’t be recreated. 

“Every time I go up to her to check in for study hall, she always asks how I’m doing, and it makes me feel cared about and excited for the day,” said Irvin. 

Overall, her enthusiastic energy and undeniable love for her job do not go unnoticed.