As we come to the end of a chapter, it’s important to shine a light on the remarkable students who have accomplished so much at Lakeview High School. This senior spotlight features Joscelyn Burkey, whose final year has been a whirlwind of achievements, growth, and unforgettable moments.
With her time at Lakeview drawing to a close, Burkey is poised for an exciting next step: continuing her academic career at Ohio University. There, she’ll major in health sciences on a physician assistant (PA) track, driven by her passion for helping others through medicine.
She’s also eager to try out for the Ohio University cheer team, blending her athletic energy with her new college life. “Going on this new adventure is very nerve-racking but exciting as I get to see where life will take me,” Burkey says, her optimism shining through despite the jitters of leaving home.
Burkey’s high school career is packed with fun memories, but cheerleading stands out as her top highlight. “Cheerleading and being involved during all of the football games—whether it was the pep rallies, hyping up the student section, or performing at halftimes—will always be what I remember most,” she shares. As a dedicated cheerleader for four years, she led chants that electrified the crowd, fostering school spirit during thrilling wins and tough losses alike. Her enthusiasm turned Friday nights into community events, strengthening bonds across grades.
Track has been an equally big part of Burkey’s story. Competing in both indoor and outdoor seasons for Lakeview, she’s excelled in sprints and relays, qualifying for regionals twice and setting personal bests in the 200-meter dash. “My favorite sport throughout high school would have to be track—not only did I grow such a passion for the sport, but I gained lifelong best friends who I hold many memories with,” she reflects. From grueling practices at dawn to victory laps with her relay team, track taught her discipline, teamwork, and the thrill of pushing personal limits.
With it being her senior year, these are her last chances to make the most of high school, celebrating accomplishments like her academic honors and athletic medals. One of her favorite out-of-school memories? “Senior Sunrise or homecoming night so far, as it made us realize we only have so much longer with each other.” Watching the sunrise with classmates, decked out in Bulldog gear for homecoming, created bittersweet moments of laughter, photos, and promises to stay connected.
Burkey’s teachers have made a huge impact over the last four years. She cherishes “my Chemistry class, where we got to film cooking videos for the class and eat the food we made while watching everyone’s videos“—a hilarious, hands-on project that sparked her love for science.
Another standout is sophomore English teacher Jenna Hogue. “Mrs. Hogue because not only did she help me with my education but also helped me with other aspects of my life if I ever needed it,” Burkey says. This mentorship guided her through academic hurdles and personal challenges, reinforcing her confidence.
High school flies by faster than you would think. Burkey’s years at Lakeview allowed her to grow from a shy freshman into a poised leader. Reflecting on advice for underclassmen, she admits, “I would have changed my time management and not procrastinate as much.” Still, her experience has been amazing, blending academic achievements—like honor roll status every semester—with athletics to create lifelong memories.
Burkey’s future is bright, and she’ll do incredible things as an Ohio Bobcat. Lakeview wishes her the best of luck!
