MEET THE CAXYS
Ricky ’22 Day Student from Lake Forest, Ill.
Ricky performs during a Co-ax concert outside of the JC Cowart Student Center
Introduction I was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. My family’s life was completely changed when my father accepted a position in the United Kingdom. My sister and I enrolled in an international school close to London, where we soon met people from all around the world, possessing beliefs and cultural norms unique from our own. This international community instilled and nurtured a diverse identity into all of its students and offered a hub of inclusion and cultural awareness. This academic experience greatly shaped my identity and placed an emphasis on diversity and inclusion within it. While living in England, my family was fortunate enough to be able to travel across 1
Europe and beyond, further introducing us to new cultures and people. We explored the rich culture and architecture of Istanbul in Turkey, all the way to the rich history, unique food, and familial roots of Seoul and Jeju Island in South Korea. Furthermore, my love of soccer began in England, as did my love for music, particularly the guitar, from listening to musicians like the Beatles and Eric Clapton. My family’s adventure in England ended seven years later when we moved back to Indianapolis, where we spent a short six months. We then moved to Lake Forest, Illinois, where I attended a local, independent middle school and my sister attended LFA. When it was time for me to find a high school, I found that LFA was a school that would continue to foster my diverse identity and further my education.
“I want to continue to learn, constructing a diverse knowledge of the world we live in, serving me as a student and a person.”
An Individualized Curriculum LFA’s students enroll in a four-year sequential program that is tailored to meet their interests and goals. LFA offers a mixture of 150+ core courses, electives and independent studies in various departments. In order to graduate, students must take 18.5 credits over four years, including Health, Wellness and Community classes with grade-specific lessons every year. LFA offers 22 Advanced Placement classes and various advanced level and post AP classes. Some courses also have a curricular travel component; trips take place during spring break and allow for immersive study in another city or country. As juniors and seniors, LFA students can choose to take part in the Global Concentration program. The Global Concentration program consists of a two-year research process that culminates in a capstone project at the end of the second semester of senior year. Students meet with faculty mentors to develop their research project while also learning together as a cohort. Many LFA students also choose to take their learning to another level by working with a faculty member one-on-one or in small groups for independent studies. Recent independent studies include:
Academics at LFA
• Advanced Musician Studies
• Mobile App Development
I have always had an interest in math and the sciences. Recently, I took Chemistry and Algebra II/Pre-Calculus, or APA, at LFA. In Chemistry, I found myself learning through hands-on labs and activities, creating an enjoyable, yet challenging experience. In APA, I experienced significant growth in my mathematical skills, expanding my knowledge of mathematical concepts and problem solving, preparing me for future classes and standardized tests. AP World History is another class that I found interesting because it allowed me to see how the modern world came to be through war and other significant events. In this class, my historical analysis skills and writing also improved, which will serve me well in future classes and beyond.
• Baroque Architecture
• Musical Theater
• Calculus III
• Pharmacology and Toxicology
• Kinesiology
• A Survey of Organic Chemistry
LFA also offers art classes that satisfy all students’ interests, from painting to glasswork. I found myself taking classes that I never imagined taking, including black and white photography and woodworking. These classes were extremely fun and also
Highlight: Students in the Entrepreneurship class learn concepts of business and entrepreneurship with particular attention to economic theory. Students develop their own business models for franchise restaurants, a minor league sports franchise, a small business, and more! Guest speakers representing all industries from LFA’s network of over 6000 alumni visit the class for networking opportunities.
2
Ricky at the Northern Illinois Food Bank during Service Learning Day
“These events have helped me grow as a person and have allowed me to pay it forward to local communities in need.” gave me skills that I can utilize in the future. I now know the challenges of film photography and how to use a darkroom in film development. I also learned concepts like the rule of thirds and the use of a manual flash drive through my photography class.
Getting Involved At LFA, I have continued my love for soccer within the vast athletics program, as well as my love for music within the student-faculty rock band, Co-ax. I found a place on the soccer team, where I immediately felt at home amongst peers who shared a love for the game. I have sharpened my skills on the field with the help of coaches and teammates. Memories from the soccer season
3
stand out for me, whether they are of trips to games and tournaments, or a grueling penalty shootout to decide the game. In these instances, the team grew together and became closer and stronger as a result. At the same time, as a guitar player in Co-ax, I have made new friends and have continued to learn about and listen to new music. I think about the times of being behind the stage before a big show or just rehearsing in general. I’m able to display one of my passions alongside people who share those memories that I surely won’t forget. I’ve also participated in LFA’s service opportunities through events, including Project Pumpkin where we organized an awesome Halloween experience for elementary school students. I’ve also organized food at a local food pantry, and I’ve helped set up and a pop-up grocery store and science experience for students and their parents. These events have helped me grow as a person and have allowed me to pay it forward to local communities in need.
Ricky and members of the Class of 2022 at their freshman retreat
Life as a Day Student At LFA, there are van runs to stores, movies, museums, religious services, and many more available throughout the week. These outings are generally aimed at boarding students; however, day students can also attend to hang out with friends and enjoy the various activities. Furthermore, there are many events on campus, including concerts, plays, musicals and art exhibitions. Some key standout events I have attended are the musicals, where I was able to experience the talent amongst my peers and enjoy an extremely professional student-led production. These events are always a great display of the talent at LFA.
and teammates that shared the same love for the game. My future aspirations are to continue to grow as a student and person through hard work, persistence and dedication. I want to continue to learn, constructing a diverse knowledge of the world we live in, serving me as a student and a person. In terms of occupations, I have an interest in medicine, and would like to continue to learn more about the sciences and the medical world. Overall, I wish to continue to practice the values instilled in me by previous schools, LFA, my parents, and my community to better myself and the world we live in.
Advice and Looking Ahead
Ricky at the annual Co-ax concert in November 2019 before the Thanksgiving holiday
My advice to prospective students would be to not worry about not fitting in or finding a group of friends The vast opportunities that LFA offers, through clubs, sports, academics and the arts, will allow you to find a group of people that share similar interests and passions, creating bonds that will last you beyond high school. When I first came to the campus, I was worried about the same thing, but as soon as I stepped onto the soccer field, I felt at home amongst friends
4
Cher ’20 Boarding Student from Beijing, China
Cher during her speech at graduation as the Class of 2020 Senior Class President
Introduction My name is Cher, and I’m from Beijing, China. I studied at LFA for the past four years and lived in McIntosh Cottage (Mac)! In my free time, I love to watch movies, read and listen to podcasts. My favorite movie is “Roma” by Alfonso Cuarón, and my alltime favorite book is “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak. I have danced pretty much all of my life ever since I was four years old. I took ballet, contemporary and traditional Chinese dances! Before LFA, I attended a public school in Beijing and later enrolled in an international middle school where I improved my English. In 8th grade, I really wanted to explore new perspectives and meet more people. I knew that I might look to apply to universities abroad, so I thought, “why not apply for high school too?” When I visited LFA in the 5
winter of 2016, I fell in love with the campus and I knew it was the place for me. There is a direct flight from Beijing to Chicago, which was another reason why I chose to come to LFA. It was the right choice!
Academics at LFA I love the humanities. My favorite classes at LFA were French II, English, World History I and AP US History. My French teacher speaks French so beautifully and she taught in a way that expanded my knowledge beyond the language itself. We talked about French culture and the experiences of living in a French speaking country. For our last day of class, we even went out to a French restaurant for lunch and spoke to the owner! In my English and history classes, I loved reading excerpts from primary sources and having discussions with my classmates and teachers.
“When I visited LFA in the winter of 2016, I fell in love with the campus and I knew it was the place for me.”
Cher was the goalie for the girls varsity field hockey team
6
Cher during Club Fair in September
I was able to take college level AP courses at LFA that deepened my understanding of the world and I also had the opportunity to pursue two independent studies my junior year. I took an independent study with a faculty member about social issues that Chinese migrant children face daily. We looked at scholarly articles, newspaper stories, and compared situations in both the US and China. I really liked our conversations and they expanded my horizons. Due to my interest in NGOs, I also conducted an independent study on social entrepreneurship with [Head of School Emeritus] Dr. Strudwick, who personally worked with an international NGO before. I learned a great deal about entrepreneurship and it inspired me to work to serve others.
A Culture of Participation There is a diverse range of extracurricular programs at LFA. For sports, I tried field hockey for the first time when I came to LFA, and I fell in love with it. I played as a goalie on the varsity team throughout my high school years and it was such a memorable experience.
Cher and her roommate Caitlin ’20 in McIntosh Cottage (Mac)
I was also able to start a movie club called “Film Society” with my roommate. In addition, I led an English-teaching service project for children abroad called “Stepping Stones.” The greatest thing about LFA is that anyone can start a club or try something new. It’s a place where you find new interests and passions! I was also involved in Amnesty International, the Asian International Association, and a service art project called the “Kenya Book Project,” where we created illustrations for a book that we published to raise awareness about AIDS in Kenya. I met so many close friends through these activities.
Life as a Boarding Student My experience at LFA would not have been the same for me if I had not lived in a dorm. My dorm, Mac, is the smallest dorm on campus, with only ten people and five rooms in total. I met my best friend and roommate there! We are such a close-knit community of students and teachers. There are evening activities such as “pancake night,” “hot pot night,” and so many more. We also do a
gift exchange when we come back from winter break in Mac. On the weekends, we have van runs to malls, movie theatres and restaurants, as well as runs to Chicago and to Evanston. During snow storms, we had hot chocolate and cards in the student center and movie screenings in the dorm commons! Whenever I was tired or bored, I would go to the dorm commons and someone was always there for me.
Advice and Looking Ahead To prospective students, I would say be open-minded! You will meet people that will change how you see the world. Don’t be afraid to try new things, talk to people who have different life stories from you, and always ask questions when you are confused or overwhelmed. I am now a proud student at Columbia University in New York City! I hope to one day start my own social enterprise to help marginalized groups of people in the world. I hope to improve the lives of others through my work!
“My experience at LFA wouldn’t be the same had I not lived in a dorm.” 7
The Right Fit: College Counseling
“To prospective students, I would say be open-minded!”
LFA has a 100% college matriculation rate, and the college counseling process is designed to support students as they find the best fit for them. As juniors, LFA students are assigned a college counselor to help guide them on their college counseling journey. In addition to a 27:1 student to counselor ratio, LFA’s four college counselors live on campus and serve as advisors, coaches and dorm parents; this means that the counselors and students have already developed meaningful relationships by the time the college process begins. Along with cycle meetings with counselors, students can attend the annual College Night in the fall to meet 130+ representatives from various colleges and universities over the course of the evening. LFA also hosts 200+ college representatives during the academic year for more intimate Q&A sessions. The Class of 2020 matriculated at 64 colleges and universities in 25 states and 3 countries in fall 2020.
Highlight: The Junior College Workshop is an annual event that takes place in January. LFA invites admission directors from a wide range of colleges to lead current juniors and their families through a mock admissions committee workshop. The workshop prepares juniors to understand the college counseling process more thoroughly.
Cher matriculated at Columbia University in fall of 2020
8
Thomas ’21 Boarding Student from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Thomas studying in the Formal Gardens
“After my shadow day, it was all history. LFA was the perfect combination of school, hockey and community, which was something that I was missing out on at home in Pittsburgh.” 9
Introduction My life story begins in a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 2009, after the Pittsburgh Penguins won their first Stanley Cup in my lifetime, I told my parents that I wanted to play hockey. My birthday is in June, so they bought me a pair of rollerblades. I taught myself how to skate, and then after awhile, I told my parents that I thought it was time to try the ice. I remember getting on the ice for the first time and counting the number of times that I fell just so that I could try to make some progress. I began playing hockey at around 10 years old and quickly fell in love with the sport. However, this caused a bit of a dilemma in my life. Although I had a great time playing hockey, once it got competitive, I was unable to have a social life. I was also missing school days due to hockey travel. So, in eighth grade, an old coach connected me with LFA’s Athletic Director, Darrin Madeley, who also coaches LFA’s prep hockey team. After my shadow day, it was all history. LFA was the perfect combination of school, hockey and community, which was something that I was missing out on at home in Pittsburgh.
Reigniting Other Passions My main passion is ice hockey, but I’ve also found and reinvigorated some passions while attending LFA. I participated in a freshman art class as well as a music class my sophomore year. These are passions that had previously faded away due to other commitments in my life. In my electronic music class, after finding out how to do specific things on my own, I took off creatively and began to have a great time. The fact that I’m able to pursue anything that I want at LFA is something that makes the school so special.
Developing Student-Athletes The essence of LFA’s athletics program is the promotion of sportsmanship. LFA’s student-athletes come from a wide array of backgrounds. Whether they have been playing a sport since childhood, or decide to pursue a new interest, students can participate in one of 27 varsity teams, intramurals or physical education options. All students must play on one interscholastic team per year. Freshmen and sophomores must participate in a sport or PE class all three seasons, while juniors and seniors must participate in two seasons. LFA’s Fall Play and Winter Musical can also count as a fall or winter PE respectively. Some LFA sports teams play in the Independent School League (ISL) and have games against local and regional peer schools. Each year, a number of LFA seniors commit to play at the Division I, II or III level in collegiate sports. Other students develop their leadership skills by serving as captains or team managers along with coaches. As the teams practice and travel together, many lifelong memories and relationships are created.
Boarding at LFA The boarding culture at LFA is something that’s very unique. It’s not only because there are so many kids from so many different places around the world, but because it is such a close knit community. All the events that are held in the dorm just bring people together even more, and it’s great to see all kinds of people getting along and sharing fun experiences in the dorm.
Highlight: The LFA mascot is the “Caxy,” ancient Greek for “ribbet” – the croaking sound made by a frog. In the early 1900s, Arisophanes’ comedy, “The Frogs,” was the subject of a popular Greek literature class at LFA. The Frog Chorus croaked, “Caxy, caxy, caxy.”
10
One memory that comes to mind is the quad war competition in my dorm, Atlass Hall, my sophomore year. We were having an egg toss competition in the parking lot of Atlass. The competitors who were throwing the eggs and catching them were standing so far apart that it was almost like magic that they were able to keep the eggs intact while throwing them back and forth!
Advice and Looking Ahead Prospective students should know that LFA isn’t easy. LFA is a challenge that should be embraced and it’s something that nobody should take for granted. It’s a place that no one should ever regret attending. My biggest piece of advice is to be diligent and communicate with your teachers and other community members in order to have the best experience possible. I want new students to know that they’re coming in to a place that they’ll love and that will support them no matter what.
“I want new students to know that they’re coming in to a place that they’ll love and that will support them no matter what”
Beyond LFA My future aspirations and goals are to graduate LFA, attend college (and possibly play hockey in the process), and then join the military to serve my country. Over the past three years, LFA has become my home, and I wouldn’t want to call any other school on Earth home. I’ve made some of the best friends that I’ll ever have in my life. I’ve joined one of the greatest communities that I’ve ever found. I’ll see where my life goes after LFA, but everything leading up to it has prepared me to be successful and happy.
11
“I’ve made some of the best friends that I’ll ever have in my life. I’ve joined one of the greatest communities that I’ve ever found. I’ll see where my life goes after LFA, but everything leading up to it has prepared me to be successful and happy.”
Thomas with friends Teni ’19 (left), Enrique ’21 and Ed ’21 (right) at Ra Weekend, a school-wide event, in May
12
Mariana ’22 Day Student from Lake Forest, Ill.
Mariana (green shirt) at the All-School Handshake
“I speak English, Spanish and German, and I consider myself a very well-rounded person ready to face new challenges.”
13
Introduction I was born in Troy, Michigan to Mexican parents. Soon after my brother was born, we moved to Mexico for a short period of time, and after that we moved to Germany. We lived in Germany for about three years, and I attended a German school there. Once we found out that we were to move to the US, I was placed in an international school to learn English. Also, around this time, my sister was born. We moved to St. Joseph, Michigan, when I was starting first grade. We lived there four years, and I attended a Montessori school, where I was the only Latina in my class. Ultimately, we decided to move to the Chicago area to look for better schools. We eventually settled in Lake Forest, and I studied at East Lake Academy from fourth to eighth grade. Throughout elementary and middle school, I played basketball and ran track; I was also part of choir, and I fenced outside of school. For high school, I decided to go to LFA, and the rest is history. I’ve spent the last two years here, and I’ve grown a lot academically and as a person. Every summer, we go to Mexico to visit family. I speak English, Spanish and German, and I consider myself a very well-rounded person ready to face new challenges.
The LFA Experience I’m really interested in science, and at LFA, I’ve been given so many opportunities to branch out with my learning. This year, I am doubling up in Biology and AP Chemistry so that I can learn more from my science classes. I’m part of the Science Olympiad club, which is a super fun way to learn new skills with real-life dynamics and teamwork. I am very involved in extracurricular activities here. I play on the basketball and tennis teams, which have both been great experiences. For tennis, it was really fun to get to know my teammates, some of whom have become my closest friends. I’ve also grown as a player. Basketball is great because I am expanding my skills and bonding with my teammates. It is also really cool to play with people who are still new at the sport; we all help them grow and cheer them on as they get better throughout the season. I also play in the orchestra and we learn how to
Giving Back Meaningful community service, instruction and reflection are the key elements of LFA’s Service Program. All students participate in the program and experience first-hand how they can impact the world outside school grounds. Opportunities include grade-specific initiatives and fundraisers, service clubs, the Rotary International student chapter and the Harvest Hope project, which involves a school-wide food drive and a day of engagement in the fall for families at a nearby elementary school in North Chicago. Interact is LFA’s main umbrella organization for the majority of service clubs on campus. The organization is made up of students who lead trips and events at the Northern Illinois Food Bank, Feed My Starving Children and Nuestro Center, where students tutor younger children. Additional initiatives include helping out at nursing homes, nearby elementary schools and mission-oriented non-profits. Students also engage in service opportunities during their sophomore year of the Health, Wellness, and Community program. The focus of that year is on citizenship, and sophomores design their own service projects with peers. Projects range from creating blankets to holding bake sales on behalf of local organizations.
Highlight: In April, all LFA faculty, staff and students participate in the annual Service Learning Day. Community members travel to close to 20 different community centers nearby to pack meals, connect with veterans, perform for elderly residents and care for elementary school children. The tradition is over 20 years old and provides a day for LFA students to meet local residents.
14
collaborate as a group. I sing in the group VOX and do a cappella as well. We get to sing all kinds of genres of music, especially musical theater and pop. Getting involved in sports and the arts are great ways to meet new people or try something new.
Making Memories Some of my favorite memories were the trips we went on. For basketball, we went to play in Indiana, and I got close to a lot of my teammates; we watched movies and listened to music. For orchestra, we went to Indianapolis for a few days to visit the racetrack, attend an orchestra workshop, and watch the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. From sports to weekend activities to House Cup competitions, I have so many valuable experiences that I could share. This is going to sound cheesy, but honestly, my sophomore year, I genuinely enjoyed all of my classes. If I had to pick though, my favorite class was probably AP World History. While I’m usually a science and math
“If you are someone who is looking to try something new, LFA is definitely the place to do it.”
15
student, I really enjoyed my AP World class mainly due to my teacher’s engagement. I didn’t think I could learn so much in a short amount of time. When I was studying for finals for first semester, I was shocked at how much we had covered and how surprisingly well I remembered everything. I had a lot of fun in that class and I’m really glad I took it. But in all honesty, I really liked all the classes I took. It’s always really cool to meet people from all over the world, and I never thought I would have friends from so many different places. From classmates, to teammates, to close friends, the day and boarding dynamic at LFA is a really special experience. As a day student, it’s always fun to hang out with friends who are boarders in their dorms or outside of school.
the community is something that makes LFA really special. There are so many different things to try, and because everyone is so welcoming, it’s always a great experience to try something you’ve always wanted to. Also, the class sizes are small, so you can really connect with classmates and teachers. And if you have a question, you can set up cycle meetings with teachers to meet with them one-on-one. I highly recommend doing these often; it really helps. I hope to become a successful scientist and make a difference in the world through it. I want to continue playing the violin and piano, as well as singing, because those are hobbies that I genuinely enjoy. I’m still not sure where I want to go or what I want to study in college yet, but I’m confident that I am well-prepared to be successful.
“I’m confident that I am well-prepared to be successful.”
Advice and Looking Ahead If you are someone who is looking to try something new, LFA is definitely the place to do it. As I’m sure you may have heard,
16
Isis ’20 Day Student from Waukegan, Ill.
Isis in biology class
“There is probably no other high school in the country where you can be a three-sport athlete, take astounding visual arts and musical arts classes, do community service, and still look forward to every single activity you have planned for the week.” 17
Introduction My life story in one word is ambitious. I haven’t always had such a strong inner drive but I feel like the most meaningful things that have happened in my life thus far come from the fire I developed. I grew up with my parents in Waukegan, Illinois, in a sort of bubble, never really thinking about the world outside my town until I reached middle school. It was during my first year in middle school that I was given the opportunity to play for a musical organization called Midwest Young Artists Conservatory (MYAC) in Highwood, Illinois. MYAC had created a program for low-income minority kids to access quality music education. I traveled every Tuesday and Saturday back and forth for viola lessons and orchestra rehearsals, and that alone I found astounding. I loved looking at the scenery during the car ride, seeing bright beautiful flowers in the town over while my town only had dingy broken sidewalks. I was seeing something bigger than myself, dreaming of a future where I could one day own a nice house with a big beautiful garden like the ones I saw on the way to viola practice. I was happy with this, but I never expected to have my life be changed so much by meeting my mentor Natalie Clarke ’18. Natalie was there to help me play the viola better, but she ended showing me so much more than that. She taught me how to be compassionate, cool-tempered and genuine, so when the time came to talk about personal life and plans for high school, she suggested I look into going to her school, Lake Forest Academy. A search on the internet later and I fell in love. The same bright flowers I saw on my ride to music school were right there in the Formal Gardens during my four years of high school. They gave me the encouragement to do the most with the opportunities I was presented like traveling to foreign countries, meeting people from different cultures and choosing the path I wanted for myself. I’ve tried to better myself by appreciating the world around me, and I would love to continue exploring more of myself and the world for the rest of my life.
Artistic Expression Students take a minimum of three arts courses for graduation, but many choose to take more classes for all four years. Instrumental artists can join Orchestra, Jazz Band and chamber groups, while singers perform in an a capella group, Choir and VOX, LFA’s musical theater performance group. The Orchestra and Choir go on curricular trips to New York, Saint Louis, Indianapolis, and more to perform and meet with esteemed musical experts for special classes. Those interested in working behind the scenes can take the Theater Tech class and run the logistics behind every performance, Morning Meeting, All-School Meeting, and special events in The Cressey Center for the Arts. The arts center is outfitted with several HD cameras, state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment as well as video recording capabilities. LFA also produces a Fall Play and Winter Musical annually, which count as PE participation. Students may audition for roles or become part of the stage crew. The play and musical practices occur after school, while directing, performing and acting classes take place during the school day as part of the regular academic schedule.
Highlight: LFA’s Fine and Performing Arts faculty come from a myriad of industry experiences and have built their own portfolios to help guide students who are just starting to curate their own set of performance and visual arts pieces. LFA’s faculty have produced operas, published books, held their own art exhibitions and partnered with colleges and universities like Carthage College in Wisconsin for musical performances. Faculty members also facilitate student submissions to the national Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and support students who perform at the Illinois Music Teachers Association festival. 18
Balancing Extracurriculars LFA has allowed me to express myself through music and encouraged me to continue challenging myself with the Arts Concentration program. I have played the viola since first grade, so when I came to LFA, I thought I was as perfect as could be on the viola. I most definitely was not. I quickly realized that there was a lot more I needed to learn. The amazing people in the music department supported me every step of the way to help me pick music, listen to my playing of the same passage a million times over, and attend my concerts to show their support. The music department as a whole helped me grow so much not only in music, but as a person. I was personally involved with girls’ volleyball, the Winter Musical, and badminton. I also loved being in LFA’s Orchestra, but what I really loved the most was the community service projects I was involved with during my time at LFA. There is probably no other high school in the country where you can be a three-sport athlete, take astounding visual arts and musical arts classes, do community service, and still look forward to every single activity you have planned for the week. While you don’t have to overload on all these activities, you’ll find that the people you become friends with on your team, the brilliant teachers in your classes, and the independence you have to create your own community service activities will have you smiling all day and prompting you to be your own leader.
Favorites at LFA My favorite memory that I wish I could relive would be the first time I ever saw the Warner Boys of Warner Dorm perform in the talent show at the end of my freshman year. My best friend, Michael Lentskevich ’20, was up there jamming to the song “So What” by Pink and he was totally in his element; it was so great to see him having lots of fun. The crowd went wild and it was just an amazing and hilarious experience that we still love to talk about to this day. My Contemporary Civilization and Culture of Latin America class was amazing because there were only three students in our class. It had the feeling of an independent study but it was super fun to collaborate with the other students on group projects. This class inspired me to look beyond my own heritage and to continue exploring relations between the U.S. and Latin America. My teacher also made my day a thousand times better with her positive attitude and understanding nature, especially during stressful times of the school year.
Life as a Day Student I absolutely love being a day student at a boarding school because it is so much easier to hang out with your friends, work on group projects, and ask teachers for help during study hours. I also think one of the best weekend trips I’ve ever attended was the Dave and Buster’s trip to the super huge building on Addison in Chicago, because it was like a fun game free-for-all. I ran around with my friends playing Mario Kart, Dance Dance Revolution, and the world’s largest Pac-man game for the entire day. My 5-year-old spirit 19
Members of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club at an invitational
Isis at the All-School Handshake
“Prospective students should know that you are given the opportunity to work, live and play with others from all over the world; most high school students don’t experience that until they’re in college!” was ecstatic. It was just so memorable because I had such an amazing day running around with my friends to the point where my face hurt from laughing too much and I did not have to organize a single event. I’ve also been on trips like study sessions to the Chicago Botanic Gardens, visits to the Field Museum and going to a Milwaukee Bucks game.
The College Process The college process went spectacular for me! I got into most of the schools I applied to including my dream school, Rice University, thanks to all of the support of the College Counseling Department. At first, it was really stressful having to write all the essays and take all of the SAT and ACT exams, but the college counselors were there to help me every step of the way and even acted as my friends during the those hectic deadline dates. I would really love to graduate from Rice University with a double major in
mathematical economic analysis and statistics. I want to work as a data analyst and potentially go to graduate school to receive an MBA. Besides plans for my professional career, I would definitely love to move back to the Chicago area, start a family and raise lots of dogs!! In the future, I also hope I am fortunate enough to give back to the LFA community because this organization has made it possible for me to achieve my dreams.
Advice and Looking Ahead Prospective students should know that you are given the opportunity to work, live, and play with others from all over the world; most high school students don’t experience that until they’re in college! Right now, you are putting yourself in the position to be the global leaders of the future; please make the most out of your experiences with different cultures. The best experiences I’ve had at LFA have happened because I actively made decisions to put myself where I wanted to be. Be a go-getter and interact with people
from different cultures; the sooner you learn how to appreciate differences and accept similarities, the easier it will be for you to be a global citizen! I am so grateful for my time at LFA and I will dearly miss this community, but to anyone considering attending the Academy, do it! It was single-handedly the best decision I have ever made in my life. I never would have expected to have my world view shattered and be presented with the intense, authentic and genuine sincerity of differing cultures working together as a family. I am so grateful for the many experiences I have been blessed with at LFA; this includes being able to travel through school-sponsored programs, create my own classes with independent studies and engage in a community of openminded scholars. I will continue to love the Academy with all my heart, so I hope if you choose to come here, you too will hold our “Dear Old LFA” near and dear to you as well.
20
Calvin ’21 Day Student from Lake Bluff, Ill.
Introduction I have lived in Lake Bluff, a small town just twenty minutes away from Lake Forest Academy, for as long as I can remember. I went to Lake Forest Country Day School for all of my elementary and middle school years, a small, private institution near where I live. During middle school, I was routinely performing at the top of my class academically, and I felt very confident about who I was as a student. I honestly spent little time deciding upon Lake Forest Academy, the highest performing high school close to my home, as my destination for high school. However, I quickly found that I knew a lot less about myself and my learning as I thought I did.
Calvin studying with friends in the Corbin Academic Center
21
Through high school, I found a more genuine passion for my learning. I was able to take classes that challenged me, and I felt myself surrounded by students with a similar academic zeal. Beyond that, I also discovered how much it means to be part of an academic community. I assumed in middle school that I was meant to be introverted, and I realized in high school just how wrong that was. I adore spending time with my friends, whether it be studying or playing games, talking deep about philosophy and life or talking about nothing. I found myself drawn to social events more than I thought, as a student, I should be, and I learned how important it is to me to be a part of a diverse community.
Becoming a Leader
Embracing Opportunities Throughout high school, I have found nothing more enjoyable than filling my schedule to its limit with academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, and my fair share of social events. I am involved in LFA’s Orchestra, as well as being part of the Jazz Band. In athletics, I am on the varsity cross country team, as well as being the captain of the boy’s swim team. For service programs, I have participated in the AJK with STEM program, where we lead STEM activities at AJK, a local elementary school. I live for the moment of falling into my bed late into the night—or, more realistically, early into the morning—and knowing that I have lived that day to its fullest. My interests and passions lie in STEM, but specifically in mathematics and chemistry. I have been lucky to have so many outlets to explore these passions at LFA—for mathematics, I have taken AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, and, beyond that, the exciting array of math electives. I have also gotten the chance to explore math as a member of LFA’s math team. I took AP Chemistry my sophomore year, which led me to the incredible opportunity of taking Biochemistry Research Using Chromatographic Methods, an outstanding class that has exposed me to independent chemistry research. In the class, we spend the first few weeks studying organic chemistry and planning for our own personal projects that we then carry out for the rest of the academic year. There were students who were creating bioplastics out of seaweed, developing oil from corn husks and cardboard, synthesizing antibiotics from vanilla extract, and building conductive snow-films for solar panels. My own project, which was with two of my close friends, involved running distillations on vaping liquids, as well as performing genetic experiments on fruit flies. The projects we take on as high school students are impressive in size and scope, and we are tasked with researching, planning and executing our work entirely on
LFA students develop as leaders by planning Student Council initiatives, running food drives and facilitating dialogues. With over 40 leadership positions, students are encouraged to work with friends and classmates. Some extracurricular groups like the Math Team compete in academic tournaments, while other clubs like the Astronomy Club bring students with similar interests together. While some leadership positions are geared towards juniors and seniors, freshmen and sophomores always have multiple opportunities to start their own clubs and host events during lunch periods or breaks in the middle of the academic day or at night in the dorms and weekends. Visit www.lfanet.org/clubs to see a list of opportunities at LFA.
Highlight: LFA’s JC Cowart Student Center houses the Stuart Center for Global Leadership, which organizes non-curricular travel and class retreats. The Stuart Center also runs the Global Youth Leadership Institute (GYLI); GYLI hosts educational programs that foster global pluralism, collaborative leadership and environmental care that help students and teachers become fully engaged citizens of the world. GYLI runs a three-year high school sequence that consists of service projects and retreats on a ship (after 9th grade); New Mexico (after 10th grade); and Costa Rica (after 11th grade). LFA students and faculty who join the GYLI program spend time with each other as well as peers from schools all over the nation. 22
Students gather during breaks to celebrate various holidays, including the Lunar New Year and Cinco de Mayo
Calvin in biochemistry class
“Being able to secure the position of the state champion of our division after our first time attending the state championship in our school’s history was an unforgettable experience.” our own, which is one of the most incredible aspects of the class. We run into countless issues when attempting these projects, and through the class we learn how to manage setbacks and failures, taking independence of our own learning. The class has been a transformative experience for me, and it is one that I will never forget.
Leading Teams I am also one of the captains of the school’s Science Olympiad team, a completely independent, student-run organization where we explore all aspects of STEM. Science Olympiad has been an incredible resource for me to connect with other students who are infatuated with STEM, as well as teaching me invaluable skills in time management, independence and leadership. Invitationals are massive and busy and exciting, with this chaotic, electric LFA’s Science Olympiad team won the Illinois State Championship in spring of 2019 23
Calvin at the International Fair during Multicultural Day
“However, for those willing to step out of their comfort zone, and for those who are willing to spend long days at school having fun and doing work, the Academy really shines.” energy that fills me with excitement during every competition. Being able to secure the position of the state champion of our division after our first time attending the state championship in our school’s history was an unforgettable experience. Model UN is another extraordinary event that I attended. The conference we attend in Chicago is a four- day - long event of constant excitement, from heated debates in committee sessions to casual hangouts in downtown Chicago with friends. I am empowered to speak boldly and participate actively in committee sessions, which has made the experience so enjoyable for me.
The LFA Experience The aspect of the day and boarding student culture that I have found the most influential is not just all of the trips, but it is being able
to find students to be around with at all odd hours of the day. I am a day student who regularly spends my time at school past 8 p.m., and I know that I will always be able to find somebody to do work, attend a club, or just hang out with. Being able to spend my nights at school with friends, even as a day student, and to have access to all of the resources available on campus is something that I truly value at Lake Forest Academy.
school activities. For those willing to step out of their comfort zone, and for those who are willing to spend long days at school having fun and doing work, the Academy really shines. It is a place where you will get out of your experience as much as you put in, and as somebody who loves to spend my time doing work, I do not think I would have gotten this experience at any other high school.
Advice and Looking Ahead
In the short term, I hope to be accepted into a college where I can have an outstanding college experience. But, later in life, I hope to earn a doctorate degree in a STEM field and eventually become a professor. I hope to make lasting contributions to academia, in whatever form it takes.
Something that I have learned about the Academy in my last three years is that it is a place where you can get as much as you want out of the experience. There is an expansive variety of opportunities available to each student: access to captivating arts and electives, 27+ different athletic commitments, a swath of extracurricular activities, and an extensive amount of after
24
Briana ’21 Boarding Student from Chicago, Ill.
Introduction My life story is like a singular ray of sun that got tired of the moon and began shining down on a city of mirrors. My life is constantly changing as I grow and learn from my mistakes. When I was younger, it took awhile for me to shine on my own; I stayed on the sidelines and watched my companions as I learned about the world with curious eyes. As I entered elementary school, I became more confident in my sense of self. I started to join activities like school plays and dance. I became a better student and person by allowing myself to open up.
The Journey to LFA When I was in middle school, each year there was a high school fair for the 7th and 8th graders. I went to the fair and was surprised by the diversity of schools that were from all throughout the city of Chicago. As I walked around from booth to booth, the one that stood the most was LFA. This was mostly due to the possibility of freedom and room to grow as a person. As I began talking to Senior Associate Dean of Admission Mrs. Hayes, the representative who was present, I began to be more and more intrigued by the multi-faceted aspects of life at LFA. I researched more about LFA on my own and then I gathered the courage to apply.
Briana in journalism class
“As I walked around from booth to booth, the one that stood the most was LFA. This was mostly due to the possibility of freedom and room to grow as a person.” 25
The latest chapter of my life as of now is high school where everything has just clicked. At first, I struggled to adjust to how different my surroundings were from what I was used to before, but eventually, I was able to shine. I have made lifelong friends and have had experiences that I am going to remember for life.
Briana during the Fall Play
“These activities have not only helped me prepare for shows and competitions; they have also prepared me for life in general.”
Briana presents her poster at Club Fair
26
Briana in “The Addams Family” musical
Academics at LFA One of my biggest passions is researching and writing about a topic that I’m not as knowledgeable about. I’ve really been able to capitalize on this interest through journalism and the school paper, The Spectator. We come up the ideas for stories, research them, take the photos for the paper, and take care of the lay-out. I’ve learned about the importance of journalistic integrity and unbiased news sources. Each month, I’m able to write a story and inform the school about something that might have gone unnoticed otherwise. It makes me feel proud to have my writing published not only in the paper but also on our website. Meanwhile, my favorite class would have to be Mandarin. It’s a really engaging class and I love making progress with the language. Sometimes, I track my progress by watching Chinese dramas or shows to see what I can understand without subtitles and how much of the plot I can follow. Overall, it’s a class that has a balance of fun and studiousness which makes me happy to attend class. I take it very seriously and I try my best to make that show through my work.
A Culture of Participation
Boarders in Marshall Field Dorm
27
The LFA athletics and arts programs have a good balance. I’m personally part of the track and field team and stage crew. Over the years, I’ve participated in cross country, the Fall Play, the Winter Musical and cheerleading. Each of these activities had a very welcoming atmosphere and great practice space. I learned a lot of things and became close to a wide variety of people. In cheer, I learned about dance and how to
The Caxy Life
memorize body movements very quickly and be prepared to perform the next day. In track, I learned the importance of taking care of my body and a healthy diet. In stage crew, I learned craft and woodworking skills and how to have an impeccable sense of humor. In the musical, I learned how to control my voice and memorize cues. These activities have not only helped me prepare for shows and competitions; they have also prepared me for life in general.
Making Memories I’ve been a boarding student since freshman year, and it’s honestly my favorite aspect of LFA. I think living in the dorm creates a real sense of community. We get competitive together when we’re matched against other dorms to win the prize of free food. Some of my favorite competitions are the Nerf gun fights and Halloween game night. We also have movie nights where guys, gals and non-binary pals can all join in on the fun. There are usually snacks and lots of commentary from fellow viewers.
As a day and boarding school, life on LFA’s campus is always active and busy. A normal schedule for both day and boarding students consists of academic classes or one-on-one cycle meetings with teachers; club meetings during afternoon breaks; athletic matches or service activities after school; attending an LFA performing arts concert or speaker event in the evening; going over a paper with an English or history teacher at the Writing Center or attending Math or Science Help during study hours at night; and chatting with roommates or dorm faculty before check-in. Day students can spend the majority of their day on LFA’s campus as well as attend all of LFA’s events. The range of resources available on campus serves to make the LFA experience better. With more than 70% of LFA’s faculty living on campus, students always have support to help them with academics, athletic or arts practices as well as health and wellness services. By the time LFA students graduate, they will have made relationships with their classmates, roommates, teachers, coaches, advisors and dorm parents that turn into lifelong friendships. Many LFA alumni come back to visit and to attend community events, and the connections made at LFA continue to grow over time.
One of my favorite memories is the 9th Grade Retreat. We were all freshmen and new to LFA, and because of that, it was so much easier to be me and make friends. It’s nice to look back and see how much everyone has changed in such a short amount of time. I’m a different person from back then and so is everyone else that was there. It makes me happy to think about how far we’ve come and how far we’ll go.
Beyond LFA My future goal is to become a psychologist and create a center dedicated to helping patients heal through the arts and sports. I want it to feel like a safe space, and I’d also like to work on making therapy more widely available and less stigmatized.
Highlight: While LFA hosts many events over the course of the year, the month of May in particular has various celebrations to welcome new families as well as honor graduating seniors. Ra Weekend/ New Family Day is typically held in early May; the day serves as a way for new families to go over schedules and meet members of the LFA community. Meanwhile, in the morning, freshmen hold a fundraiser for school initiatives. The afternoon then includes a Co-ax concert, House Cup competition and games on the Quad. 28
1500 W. KENNEDY RD. | LAKE FOREST, IL 60045 | 847-615-3267 | WWW.LFANET.ORG