News

Lakes Community High School Class of 2021

Posted June 15, 2021 1:00 am

Students wait to receive their diplomas during the Lakes Community High School commencement ceremony in Lake Villa. Ryan Rayburn for the Daily Herald

Graduates in the Class of 2021: 331

Class Officers: President: Karina Leyva; Vice President: Emma Veres; Public Relations: Taylor Primack; Eagle Relations Ava Fellers

Academic achievements:

• Grace Ward is a finalist for Tech Campus Student of the Year Emergency Medical Services.

• National Merit Commended: Amber Campbell and Daniel Gfesser

• National Merit Finalist: Lucas Holler and Benjamin Schneiderheinze

• National Merit Special Scholarship: Daniel Gfesser - National African American Scholar

Department Awards:

• Technology Education Student of the Year: Meghan Goossen

• Family and Consumer Science Student of the Year: Olivia Clowers

• Business and Computer Education Student of the Year: Andrew VerHagen

• English Student of the Year: Geena Brumm

• Fine Arts Student of the Year: Christy Green

• Mathematics Student of the Year: Benjamin Schneiderheinze

• Physical Education Student of the Year: Collin Kao

• Science Student of the Year: Amy Apfelbaum

• Social Studies Student of the Year: Samantha Drake

• German Student of the Year: Myles Lange

• Spanish Students of the Year: Maggie Perion and Amber Campbell

Instrumental Music:

• John Philip Sousa Band Award: Danny Brotherton

• National School Orchestra Award: Sara Lunkenheimer, Tyler Kendrick, Adi Parreno

• Louis Armstrong Instrumental Jazz Award: Eli Jackson

• Joe Rogers Memorial Band Award: William Thiel

• National Winter Guard Award: Cooper Chiarino

• Marine Corps Musical Excellence Award: Daniel Mack and Danika Dortch

Theater:

• Best Thespian: Bailey Floden and Kayla Hageman

• Best Actor: Jack Klein

• Best Actress: Samantha Drake

• Best Technician: Joseph Mathews and Aryssa Spielmann

Visual Arts:

• The Outstanding Senior Art Award: Christy Green

• The Golden Palette Award: Kaitlann Silagan

Vocal Music:

• National Choral Award: Ben Welch and Alex Bryant

• Louis Armstrong Vocal Jazz Award: Samantha Drake

• Joe Rogers Memorial Choir Award: Hannah Allie

• Illinois Music Educators Conference All-State Musicians: Lincoln Gibbs, Daniel Mack and Shawn McIntire

Athletics:

• Female Eagle Scholar Athlete: Alexandra Bryant (Cross Country/Track and Field) - 4.633 GPA

• Male Eagle Scholar Athlete: Benjamin Schneiderheinze (Cross Country/Track and Field) - 4.627 GPA

• Outstanding Female Athlete: Brooke Stromsland (Cross Country/Track and Field)

• Outstanding Male Athlete: Branden Nava (Football/Basketball/Baseball)

• Eagle Talon Award: Megan Heuser (Tennis)

• Marine Award: Lilly Burdette (Cheerleading); Ryan Kiddle (Basketball/Tennis); Ty Dwyer (Cross Country/Lacrosse); Annie Willis (Field Hockey/Softball/Royal Rush Leader)

• 12 Sport Athlete Award: Branden Nava (Football/Basketball/Baseball)

Extracurricular achievements:

• Girls Cross Country (NLCC and IHSA Regional Champions)

• Brooke Stromsland (IHSA Regional and Sectional Cross Country Champion, member of the IHSA All-State Academic Team)

• Megan Heuser (NLCC and IHSA Sectional Tennis Champion)

• Aubrey Kiddle (NLCC Medalist-Girls Bowling)

• Cheerleading (NLCC and IHSA Sectional Champions, 5th place in IHSA State)

• Boys Soccer (NLCC Champions)

Theater productions:

• Fall Play: She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms

• Advanced Production: Down the Rabbit Hole written and designed by the Advanced Students

• Musical: The Drowsy Chaperone

• Spring Comedy Showcase: The Monologue Show From Hell

• Spring Comedy Showcase: Hey! Who Turned Off The Lights?

What traditional events were adapted for the pandemic and how?

• Senior Car Parade to celebrate our seniors

• Prom held May 1 at Lehmann Mansion

• Spring Spirit Weeks

• Virtual Eagle Pride Celebrations is a monthly celebration of our students who have demonstrated our Motto of Respect + Courtesy = Pride

• Virtual Honors Night

• Celebration Day Presentation - Virtual celebration of our yearly accomplishments as a school, usually done in a school assembly.

What were the most significant challenges faced by the Class of 2021 and how did they overcome them?

The most significant challenge that we faced at Lakes Community High School was the fear of the unknown and the uncertainty of when we would be in person or virtual.

Principal's reflections on the Class of 2021:

I want to recognize the class of 2021 and our dedicated staff for having the courage to take on this pandemic with grit and determination. We pushed through this year making great memories out of a bad situation. The leadership from the class of 2021 was seen from day one and throughout the year. This group lead us through may changes; moving from virtual learning to start the year; on to thirds starting in September; then back to virtual in November; back to in-person groups in January: and then to full in-person in April. The love of learning and the appreciation for school was apparent all year long from the class of 2021. Thank you Class of 2021, The Administration and Staff at Lakes Community High School.

- Principal David Newberry

Senior Miles Blood listens to speeches during Lakes Community High School's 2021 commencement ceremony in Lake Villa. Ryan Rayburn for the Daily Herald

Senior Nathan Beatty flips his tassel after the Lakes Community High School graduation ceremony in Lake Villa. Ryan Rayburn for the Daily Herald

Lakes Community High School in Lake Villa. Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com

Lakes Community High School senior Evan Larsen (10) eyes the ball under pressure from Round Lake's Saul Valadez during boys soccer game in Round Lake. Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com

Lakes Community High School senior Eliam Mier (7) controls the ball under pressure from Round Lake's Christian Ortiz (8) during a boys soccer game in Round Lake. Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com

Lakes Community High School senior Branden Nava (23) finds running room as Grant's Dylan Mendoza (27) moves in for the tackle during a football game in Fox Lake. Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com

Lakes Community High School logo. Courtesy of Lakes High School

Kristi Bober gives a thumbs-up to family after receiving her diploma during the Lakes Community High School commencement ceremony in Lake Villa. Ryan Rayburn for the Daily Herald

Alyssa Gallarneau sings the national anthem during the Lakes Community High School commencement ceremony in Lake Villa. Ryan Rayburn for the Daily Herald

Graduating seniors walk to the football field during the Lakes Community High School commencement ceremony in Lake Villa. Ryan Rayburn for the Daily Herald

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