The Student Spotlight segment of each Board meeting celebrates a student or a group of students who are living out the Portrait of an LPS Graduate, which highlights the life skills each LPS graduate should have. Tomorrow’s workers will succeed by constantly adapting to the changing world around them, and today’s students must begin by learning and developing life skills - where every student should be well-adjusted, thriving, and balanced.
Additionally, students will develop skills in:
Communication
Global and Cultural Awareness
Character and Critical Thinking
Problem Solving and Adaptability
Creativity and Risk Taking
Resiliency and Collaboration
Self Advocacy
All surrounding Rigorous and Relevant Academic Skills
In LPS, we strive to implement opportunities to grow these skills at every level of education, and we recognize students of all ages.
At the regularly scheduled meeting on October 9, 2025, the Board of Education recognized students from Heritage High School.
The Heritage High School Girls Cross County Team finished in first place at the Liberty Bell Cross Country Tournament for the first time in school history! This team exemplifies two essential qualities from the LPS Portrait of a Graduate: RESILIENCY and COLLABORATION.
Emry Schwalm
Caroline Fender
Lilly Brooks
Scout DeStefano
Jane Curran
Lauryn Miller
Mckenna Alackness
RESILIENCY defined the season-long journey to this breakthrough moment. Cross country demands mental toughness as runners push through physical barriers and psychological walls during grueling races. Our athletes demonstrated the ability to "learn from failures and work through challenges" by transforming previous disappointing finishes into fuel for improvement. Each training session became an opportunity to bounce back stronger, whether recovering from difficult workouts, managing injuries, or overcoming race-day setbacks. The team's perseverance through months of preparation, including brutal summer miles and demanding interval sessions, culminated in their ability to perform when it mattered most.
COLLABORATION proved equally crucial to their success. While cross country might appear individual, championship teams understand that collective strength elevates everyone's performance. Our runners functioned as a cohesive unit, with faster athletes mentoring newcomers and creating an inclusive training environment where every team member felt valued. During races, they worked strategically as a pack, supporting teammates through encouraging words and tactical positioning. Their ability to "work well with others and function as a contributing member of a team" transformed individual talent into championship-caliber team performance.
This historic Liberty Bell Invitational victory represents more than athletic achievement: it demonstrates how resilient individuals working collaboratively can accomplish extraordinary goals.
Our Heritage girls didn't just run faster; they embodied the character traits that define successful people both on the track and in life. Their breakthrough performance proves that when students develop these essential qualities, they can overcome any challenge and achieve what once seemed impossible.
Congratulations to these amazing student athletes!
Heritage High School's student government was also recognized by the Board of Education. Student government's exceptional orchestration of Homecoming Week perfectly embodies the LPS Portrait of a Graduate traits of CHARACTER and CREATIVITY.
Ryan Schmidt
Jackson Waller
Ella Broer
Beckett FitzSimmons
Anna Davis
Lexie Hammond
Sara Hartzell
Grace Libbey
Magnus Miller
Mason Mitchell
Emmy Mosteller
CHARACTER formed the foundation of these student leaders' approach to the beloved tradition of Homecoming. Throughout the planning process, they demonstrated authentic leadership by staying true to their values of inclusivity and school spirit. Our student government leaders understood that "who you are is what matters most" and consistently made decisions that prioritized the entire student body's experience over personal recognition. They showed integrity by listening to diverse perspectives, incorporating feedback from all grade levels, and ensuring every student felt welcome to participate regardless of their background or interests. Their genuine commitment to serving others transformed what could have been a simple event into a meaningful celebration of our school community.
CREATIVITY elevated Homecoming Week from ordinary to extraordinary. Our student leaders chose to "imagine, design and produce possibilities beyond what is already known." They introduced innovative spirit day themes, developed engaging competitions between classes, and created interactive activities that brought fresh energy to traditional events.
The seamless integration of these qualities produced a Homecoming Week that will be remembered for years to come. Student government leaders proved that when authentic character guides creative vision, the results inspire entire communities. Their work demonstrates that effective leadership isn't about commanding from the front, but rather about serving with integrity while bringing innovative ideas to life. This Homecoming Week stands as testament to what students can accomplish when they combine strong moral character with boundless creative energy.