(Above) The start of this semester has allowed students to come back inspired with ideas for new artwork. These pieces will be displayed around campus during the spring arts festival. Cleo Richardson, grade 11, is in Mrs. Kathleen Forster’s Advanced Drawing and Composition 1 Honors class, one of the many art classes offered at Lake Highland.
From new construction opening up to students such as the Porter Family Center for Innovation and Academics to the implementation of a homeroom, students have seen the campus go through major transformations to set them up for success. Simultaneously, as the Class of 2027 has fully immersed themselves in their high school experience, and the Class of 2024 prepares to start the next chapter of their life, freshman and seniors alike have come back from refreshing break, ready to see what is in store for them this semester. Whether that is trying out new classes, exploring a new area on campus, or looking forward to changes in Lake Highland’s policies and procedures, students are ready to make this semester the best one yet. With that said, here’s how Lake Highland is welcoming back students and celebrating the beginning of the end of this academic year.
(Above) In many year-long classes, the foundation of many concepts and skills were built during the first semester of the academic year. Now, students have the opportunity to apply these ideas at a higher level and in real world scenarios. Jack Lovejoy and Zaky Syed, both grade 11, both attest to this. Lovejoy stated, “The work within Mr. George Clemens’ class is extremely interesting. I get to learn more about the history of the world every day, and it’s always refreshing.” (Zane Rimes)(Above) Contrastingly, students also have the opportunity to take new semester-long classes. Set on making 2024 a relaxing and introspective year, students of Ms. Angie Wohltman’s Yoga and Mindfulness class begin their meditation session. Walker Black, grade 9, notes that this year he hopes to start his SoundCloud career. Additionally, he referenced his favorite quote, “Money is the key to happiness” as his 2024 mantra. (Delaney Bolstein)(Above) Outside of academics, LHP takes pride in its athletic programs. At Lake Highland, there is a team ready for new athletes at every age and level. This semester, basketball and soccer are currently in season, with tennis, lacrosse, baseball, and softball starting in the spring. Not only have many new athletes joined these programs, but some have new coaches too. (Emily Cypher)(Above) Ms. Kelly Johnson, Upper School’s Administrative Assistant to the Dean, has been working at LHP for 26 years. This semester, she is looking forward to seeing Phase Two of the Capital Plan, which includes a new athletic complex, as well as continuing to see the Porter Family Center for Innovation and Academics flourish. However, she also reminds students to, “Stay focused and finish strong” as well as to, “Take the time to enjoy the people around you,” despite all the exciting things coming up. (Alyssa Wiboon)(Above) Now that renovations and construction are complete, students have the opportunity to fully explore all the new areas of campus. This has allowed students such as Juli Mendez and Addison Smith, both grade 10, to find new spots to study and spend time together. This constuction has also given students a chance to find new lunch spots during cold and rainy days. Additionally, students have a closer location to grab food while studying or avoiding the rain, with the completion of the Scottish Cafe. (Sofia Cohen)(Above) Mrs. Cindy Wray is a librarian here at Lake Highland’s Kind Family Library. Aside from hosting upcoming cultural events, she has also started a book club on campus, which includes the opportunity to have lunch with the author. Additionally, Mrs. Wray has helped arrange a trip for students to travel to Oxford University during Spring Break. However, she is most excited for book week as, “It’s a chance to celebrate reading, build community, and hear from and get inspired by great authors.” (Minaal Arain)
Minaal Arain started writing for Lake Highland Preparatory School’s newspaper, Twice-Told Tale her Junior year of high school and now is the Co-Editor of the publication, as well as the Director of Photography of the school's literary magazine, By Any Other Name. Aside from writing on various subjects, she enjoys working on her photography, listening to music, reading, and spending time outdoors. Some of her favorite activities include football, swimming, and weight training. Minaal's favorite moments are with her friends and family. In the future, she wants to go into photojournalism and law, continuing to express her passion for photography and revealing the truth.
ZaneRimes is currently attending Lake Highland Preparatory School as a 12th grader. He is involved with Boy Scouts and recently achieved the Eagle Scout rank. Zane is a very big advocate for cancer research since he is a pediatric cancer survivor. He continues to serve advocacy for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Currently, he loves hanging out with friends and building Legos and various other buildable miniatures. He is very passionate about writing and enjoys being with the newspaper team. Zane enjoys writing, watching movies, and listening to music while preparing for college applications.
Alyssa Wiboon, grade 12, is the Editor-in-Chief of Lake Highland Preparatory School's Upper School newspaper Twice-Told Tale, and Director of Photography of the Upper School literary magazine By Any Other Name, both nationally recognized by the American Scholastic Press Association and the National Council of Teachers of English. Alyssa is also the Co-President of her school’s club, Paws for a Cause, where she helps spread awareness for animals within local Orlando shelters. Outside of school, she enjoys Irish dancing, going to the beach, crocheting, and watching movies. With over 200 service hours, Alyssa prioritizes helping local communities in any way she can, whether it be at her church or nearby food banks. In the future, she plans to pursue optometry and continue her passion for writing in college.
Emily Cypher, grade 11, is the Director of Photography on Lake Highland Preparatory School’s Upper School newspaper Twice-Told Tale. She found her passion for writing for the newspaper because of the hit TV series Gilmore Girls. Getting the chance to design layouts, and the opportunities the class offers, are her favorite things that come with being on the newspaper staff. Emily wants to continue finding and exploring new passions and writing. Beyond school, she loves to travel, be with friends, write, and frequently visit New York.
Sofia Cohen is a staff member of the Twice-Told Tale newspaper at Lake Highland Preparatory School where she has attended since eighth grade and has been a staff member since ninth grade. At sixteen, she balances her studies with hobbies like reading, watching movies, shopping, running, contributing to her various clubs, and spending time with friends and family. Passionate about justice, she aspires to become a criminal defense attorney, with a dream of attending UCLA law school. Her favorite subjects are English and history, and she proudly speaks Spanish, reflecting her Hispanic heritage.
Delaney Bolstein is the Editor-in-Chief of Lake Highland Preparatory School's Upper School newspaper Twice-Told Tale. She is a Senior at Lake Highland and has been at the school since Pre-K. Delaney has also been a member of the cross-country and track team since Sophomore year. Additionally, Delaney volunteers at the Winter Park Public Library. In her free time, Delaney can be found watching Zach Stone is Gonna Be Famous and translating French novels.
