As I write this, it’s hard to believe that I’m now a graduate of Crystal Lake South. It feels like just yesterday I was zooming into class as a freshman and taking my very first high school courses in the middle of a pandemic. It’s strange to think that I’m now technically a college student and that my time at CLS is now over. However, while I’m sad that my high school career has wrapped up, I can also remember all of the great things that I learned at CLS, the relationships that I formed with others, and the memories that I made through my classes and extracurricular activities. Because of this, I’d like to reflect on some of my favorite memories from my high school years.
If there’s one organization that I owe a huge thank you to, it’s CLS Theatre. In total, I was a cast member in 8 shows, and I had the opportunity to play the lead role of Matilda Wormwood in my senior musical, Matilda. CLS Theatre provided me with a place to form strong bonds with castmates and crew members, and I truly believe that I found my voice onstage. With each show, I gained more confidence in my abilities as a performer- whether it was making audiences laugh with my performance as Myrtle in Puffs, playing dead as the cook in Clue Onstage, or being levitated as I sang “Quiet” from Matilda. It was incredibly rewarding to perform with such supportive people and with my best friends, and it brought me joy to see an audience connect with a show. CLS Theatre has given me some of my most treasured memories, and I’m so grateful for this organization. It has increased my love and passion for the performing arts, and I hope to continue pursuing theater in college.
I’ve enjoyed challenging myself academically throughout my high school years, and there have been multiple classes that have shaped my ways of thinking and have broadened my horizons. However, there is one class that has continued to stand out to me- AP Human Geography. I took this course as a sophomore, and I went into it thinking that it would be centered around basic geographical concepts. To my surprise, AP Human Geography discussed so much more than what’s on maps. I learned about different religions, agricultural land use, population growth, and even urban planning, which contributed to my passion for the environment and sustainability. Mr. Orgler, the AP Human Geography teacher, was so passionate about the course material, which made me love AP Human Geography that much more. If you’re ever considering adding another course to your schedule, AP Human Geography is a great choice.
As a student, I have always enjoyed English and writing. Originally, my college goals were to pursue environmental studies, but thanks to Gator Prints, I have decided that I’d also like to minor in journalism. Gator Prints has been a great creative outlet for me, and I’ve loved using writing to share information about some of my favorite topics to discuss, such as America’s national parks and plastic waste. It has always been easy for me to express myself through writing, and Gator Prints has been the perfect organization for me to do so. I’m thankful that I’ve been able to share my pieces through Gator Prints, and I look forward to when I can write for the Daily Illini at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
These were just some of my high school highlights, but I’m grateful for each and every moment throughout my time at CLS. My years as a high school student were positively impacted by kind peers, supportive and dedicated staff, and so many unique opportunities to discover my passions and interests. I’m going to miss Crystal Lake South, but I’m happy that I have so many fond memories of my high school career. Incoming seniors, remember to enjoy the little moments throughout your last year in high school- it really does go by so fast.
Thank you again, CLS, for everything that you have taught me. I wouldn’t be the person that I am today without you. Go gators!
