Senior Izabella Ash, current Student Council President, Band Council Vice President, and National Honor Society Secretary, is approaching the end of her 12 years here at Lakeview. With graduation right around the corner, Ash reflected on her time as a Bulldog as she prepares for the next chapter.
Inside the classroom, Ash maintains a strong academic record, including a 4.0 GPA, honor roll, academic letter, YSU’s President List, and valedictorian candidate. Ash consistently challenges herself by taking rigorous courses, such as honors and CCP, and earning excellence awards in mathematics, sciences, and American history, and also receiving a wordsmith award.
Ash explained that although intimidating, she was ready to embark on her senior year: “As scary as it is, I was excited to see all the ‘lasts’ that we face as seniors. From the last first day to the last homecoming, all of the kids you grew up around suddenly all start to come together. It’s a very weird observance, but it is heartwarming to know we can all enjoy ourselves for our last events of high school.”
On top of her busy senior year, Ash has been on the Girls Golf Team for the past two years and has enjoyed her time in the program. Reflecting on these memories with her friends, there was one constant on the course: her coach.
Ash described how her coach and former math teacher has left a lasting impact: “Over the past two years, Mr. Shanower has become a great mentor for me, mainly because of golf. If it weren’t for his encouragement and unwavering support, I would never have improved as much as I did from last year to this year. He is constantly pushing you to be the best version of yourself both on and off the golf course.”
Ash is not only a star in the classroom and on the course, but she is also heavily involved in Lakeview’s band program, participating in marching, concert, symphonic, jazz, and pep bands.
Ash said that her favorite in class memory happened after last year’s band state contest: “After getting a score of a one for the first time since I have been in the band, the congratulatory cake might have been the best part. Even though we were eating the cake in the gym because the band room was being used, it is still such a prominent memory in my head.”
Band has been one of the most impactful experiences for Ash, but not just within band class; marching band holds a special place in her heart.
Ash said that, “getting to enjoy marching band with some of my closest friends has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It is definitely hard work. Countless days spent away at Hiram for band camp, approximately 5 hours of sleep every day during that period, and the ever-looming fear of push-ups at 8am all ended up being some of the best days of my life. And that doesn’t even take into account the numerous band nights and football games, playing fun little stand tunes and hanging out with friends. It may be work, but it is so worth it.”
To show the impact Ash has on people around her, Seniors Camryn Ross and Claire Remmick shared words on what she means to them.
Ross stated how, “Growing up, Izy and I would have the best sleepovers at her house, and we would play Minecraft all night, and it’s one of my favorite memories with her. She’s so selfless and helpful, and I appreciate her as a person so much!”
Remmick expressed that, “she is truly always looking out for the ones she cares about and has a special way of making sure they know that she is always there for them; whether that be helping with studying, baking treats for our dogs, giving reminders, and being one of the best listeners I know.”
Outside of school and its activities, Ash finds herself fascinated by the famous ballroom show, Dancing with the Stars, and creating memories with others while watching the show.
Ash highlighted her most recent favorite out-of-school memory was having a “Dancing With The Stars Finale watch party with my friend, Melena. For two years, she and I have been watching DWTS and exchanging our thoughts on the show, so to have one last little party before we both leave for college was an amazing thing. It wasn’t technically a party, but we were literally jumping around when we saw who won this season. It has been a highlight of my senior year for sure.”
If Ash had to give a piece of advice to underclassmen, she said, “Don’t spend every waking hour worrying about school; enjoy yourself. It will go by so quickly, and before you know it, you’ll be reminiscing about study sessions instead of fun moments with your friends.”
Reminiscing on her time at Lakeview, Ash exclaimed that the thing she is going to miss most about school is seeing her friends almost every day: “It is hard to imagine that in a few short months, I won’t get to always see the friends I’ve grown up with. I also have friends in lower grades that I will truly miss once I don’t see them on a daily basis.”
Ash plans to major in mechanical engineering at an undecided college. Congratulations on all your accomplishments here at Lakeview and best of luck in the future, Izy!
