GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Lake Central wraps up on the court, rushes into the school year 

What’s recently happened?

Leading up to the first day of school, the Lake Central High School Mentorship Ambassadorship Program (MAP) hosted its annual Freshman Rush. On August 6, incoming freshmen were first introduced to administrators and the MAP president, Senior Riley Hanson, through a presentation given in the learning, growth, and innovation (LGI) room. 

Students were split off into three activities, including ordering at the school lunch line, interacting with club tables lined up in the Main Street hallway, or exploring the school through a tour of all the classes offered. 

For many of the freshmen, the event is the first time they have ever stepped foot in high school, which can be a daunting experience. Yet, the new students are given a variety of opportunities at the large school ranging from over 43 clubs and 22 sporting teams. 

“I’m looking forward to making friends and expanding my social circle. I’m also looking to join many clubs. I’m definitely joining theatre this year,” Falyn Larson, incoming freshman, said. 

An extraordinary amount of effort goes into making the event happen each year, including the recruitment of student tour guides who seem best fit for the responsibility. 

“The best advice I could give to the incoming freshmen is to step outside your comfort zone as much as you can without losing yourself. Talk to that person in your class. Go to the club you never thought you would join. High school is one of the first stepping stones for finding out who you are and what people you want to surround yourself with,” Junior Mia Legaspi, MAP member and tour guide, said. 

After the Freshman Rush ended, the goal was for incoming freshmen to feel more comfortable and ready for their first day of high school, so that way they can focus more on their studies and less about their nerves. 

What’s coming up?

August 15 is the first football scrimmage between Lake Central and Andrean High School at 7 p.m. While the game is not officially part of the Duneland Athletic Conference (DAC), it still gives students a chance to come out and show their school spirit. 

Each week, a different theme for the student section to follow is picked. This includes ideas such as neon, white out, or USA. For the scrimmage, the student section decided on wearing blue and white. 

“My favorite part of the football games is the atmosphere and seeing everyone in one place all joined together. It’s really cool to be celebrating with everyone when our team wins. My favorite theme from last year was neon, because it was so cute to see everyone in their bright colors on the entire sidelines,” Senior Jessica Salerno said.

The first official home game of the season will be against Catholic Central High School on August 29 at 7 p.m., where the student section will be in high spirits cheering and chanting in the stands. 

Community member spotlight:

This past summer, Sophomore and Lake Central Athlete Nora Karr dedicated herself to intensive training, participating in numerous tennis camps and clinics nationwide. Karr, who played number one singles as a freshman in the previous high school season, trained day in and day out.

She ended her freshman school season with impressive statistics, including being a part of the DAC all conference team as number one singles, making the All-District team, and making the honorable mention for All-State singles. 

To stay active during the summer season, Karr played in United States Tennis Association (USTA) tournaments, practiced at Score Tennis and Fitness Club in Countryside, Illinois, and went to the IMG Academy’s summer tennis program in Florida for the fourth summer in a row. 

“My daily routine at IMG Academy started with semi-private sessions from 7-8 a.m., followed by a group practice from 8-10 a.m.,” Karr said. “Then, there was a strategy session from 10-10:45 a.m. After that was a quick break with a lifting and sprinting workout from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Then I’d have lunch from 12-1:15 p.m. before a UTR Matches or random match play from 1:15-3:15 p.m. I’d end with core strength and conditioning from 3:30-4:15 p.m. Since the camp is based in Bradenton, Florida, we’d start early to escape at least some of the heat.”

Along with all of the physical training Karr does to prepare for the competitive matches, she also has to tackle the mental side of the sport. 

“On match days, I try to stay confident and stick to what I know and what I’ve learned, like all of my techniques and strategies,” Karr said. “I read my opponent and try to see what their tells are, like seeing what I can attack, and see what they’re uncomfortable with. I definitely try to stick to what are my more comfortable shots. I try to stay composed, and I try to play a little safer until I can get back to where I want to be in a match.” 

Playing a sport that focuses on individual talent at such a high level can be difficult, but Karr believes in a certain mindset regarding those around her.

“One of my biggest pieces of advice to someone just starting out is don’t worry about anything, and focus on your own improvement because that is all that matters. Rankings and who is ahead of you doesn’t even matter. As long as you’re working hard, that’s all that matters,” Karr said. 

Karr reiterates her dedication and understanding of tennis through the countless hours she spent training this past summer. 

“Depending on whether you’re a tournament tennis player or a high school player, playing in the summer is so so important. You are given more time everyday to work on improving your physical, mental, technical, and tactical skills. Players are able to use this time to improve themselves and develop their game. The summers are when you can really take a jump for yourself,” Karr said.