As we close in on the 2026 school year, it is crucial to highlight the accomplished seniors at Lakeview. This Senior Spotlight will feature senior Ava Pappas and her reflection on her high school years.
After transferring from Maplewood her sophomore year, Pappas has found her home at Lakeview. She played volleyball her sophomore year, then joined the soccer team as a junior, and she continued to receive a varsity letter her senior year.
As we get closer to graduation, Pappas reflects on the great memories she has made at Lakeview. When she first enrolled at our school in 10th grade, Pappas became fond of her English teacher Jenna Hogue. Pappas states, “My teacher super hero at Lakeview would have to be Mrs Hogue, she was one of my first teachers when I moved here, I loved her class and overall her as a teacher she was very kind and always helpful when I needed it.” Having a welcoming teacher like Hogue quickly made Lakeview feel like home.
Pappas reminisces on her arrival at Lakeview and the lasting impression this school has had on her. She states, “I wish I knew how fast my high school was going to fly by. If I could go back in time and change something, I think I would have made the decision to come to Lakeview sooner and come my freshman year instead of my sophomore year.” Though she joined a year later than she would have liked, she undoubtedly made up for lost time by getting involved and connected.
One of the biggest lessons Pappas has learned is not to take any moment for granted. She explains, “One superpower I have acquired this year would be learning not to take time for granted because it flies by before you know it.” This mindset has shaped how she approaches her friendships, sports, and senior experiences.
For Pappas, the Lakeview community is the most important. She says, “One of the most epic sagas I learned about Lakeview is the community and people. I have made some life long bestfriends here at Lakeview, and I couldn’t imagine not spending my time with these people and making so many memories.” From summers spent together outside of school to showcasing Lakeview spirit in football game student sections, Pappas’ friends have defined her high school experience.
Soccer in particular holds a special place in her heart. Joining the team her junior year allowed her to have fun in the sport while building lasting bonds. She shares that her favorite memories include “joining soccer my junior year and making a bunch of memories as well as learning the sport again,” along with starting her senior soccer season with her best friends. Homecoming also stands out as a highlight, as she describes it as one of the most memorable moments of her senior year spent celebrating with friends.
Although senior year has been filled with excitement, Pappas admits that one of the hardest parts has been realizing it’s coming to an end. She explains, “The greatest villain I had to face this year was coming to terms that I will eventually have to leave high school behind and leave my friends when I go off to college.” Despite this bittersweet feeling, Pappas is excited for her next chapter.
Pappas’ next mission is to attend college and pursue a degree in nursing. With the support of her parents, family, and friends, who she describes as her real-life superheroes, she is prepared to take the next step.
As she leaves Lakeview behind, Pappas offers this advice to younger students: “Work hard and do not take a moment for granted.” Her time at Lakeview has been defined by growth, gratitude, and friendships that will last a lifetime.
