This interview is part of a series, called “We Are Lakefield” — inspired by a phrase you’ll often hear our students and Head of School (Ms. Kee) say with pride (followed by “We got this.”) when community spirit and strength are needed to power through a uniquely challenging time, event, or activity. In this series, you’ll hear personal reflections from our students that provide valuable insight into what it means to be a part of the LCS community.
This week, we spoke with one of our Grade 10 Grade Representatives, Hannah ’25 to learn more about his experience at Lakefield College School. In this article, Hannah speaks about overcoming fear and finding belonging, finding her passion in dramatic arts, balancing work and play, and more!
Overcoming Fear and Finding Belonging at LCS
“My two older siblings attended Lakefield in the early 2010s and they only had good things to say about the school. They said that it was a home away from home and that I needed to experience the school myself. They couldn’t seem to forget their time at LCS and they would constantly tell me stories, memories that they said would stay with them forever. My parents decided that Lakefield would be the perfect fit for me and after doing some research, I knew I could call it home. Seeing the beautiful campus and smiling students on the LCS website only made me more excited to go to this school that my siblings once loved. The minute we drove onto campus and saw the screaming Grads, I was scared for a moment, but the second I stepped out of the car and looked around, I knew that I would truly love my time here at The Grove.”
From Strangers to Family
“Surprisingly, the transition was easy and faster than I expected. My Head of House, Sarah Andras, was one of the main reasons I can call LCS a home. Her overwhelming support and kindness only encouraged me to be myself and stay positive even through the hardest of days. During the first months of school, she became a second mother to me and I found myself telling her every second of the day and conversations I had with friends that I thought were funny. Even though I knew she didn’t find it as funny as I did, she always laughed and enjoyed my stories. Because of her and the amazing residential staff’s effort toward making our house feel like a home, the transition was easy. I remember calling my mom on the third day of school with a smile on my face. The first thing she said to me was “Hannah, is everything ok?” I told her that I have never been happier to be at school, which is something she had never heard from me before.”
A Community of Kindness
“Many students feel overwhelmed when driving into LCS because of the screaming Grads, the big campus, and the happy staff but somehow I was excited. When I stepped out of my parent’s car, I was greeted by a Grad wearing a purple shirt. She asked me what house I was in and I was too nervous to answer so my mom answered for me. She was so excited to hear that we were in the same house and she came and gave me a warm hug, and just like that I created my first friend at LCS without having to say a word. This describes the staff, faculty, and students at LCS; they are kind and always there when you don’t realize you need them. Whether you need a laugh or you need to talk, everywhere you turn, there will be someone willing to listen and that’s what makes this school special.”
Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone: From Sports to Dramatic Arts
“In my Grade 9 year at LCS, I participated in many sports thinking that was what I most enjoyed. When finishing the winter term with a silver medal for Junior Volleyball at CISAA, I was encouraged to try out for the play. I decided to audition for the spring play, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; becoming a part of this production helped me grow and learn more about myself as a student and an actor. Trying this new activity helped me learn that I love drama and public speaking. This helped me continue my journey in the debate club and my involvement in the Winter Musical. I have had so much fun trying new things and learning what I enjoy.”
Balancing Work and Play
“One thing I have learned from LCS is being able to manage my time and knowing the perfect balance between having fun and completing work promptly. But the most important lesson I have learned from LCS, is sharing your ideas and thoughts with peers. This school teaches you how to be a leader while also being a fair team player. The school encourages group projects, teaching every student how important their thoughts and opinions are, truly placing value on them. I know I will carry these skills with me not only into university but also for my future career.”
#WeAreLakefield
“If you’re thinking about attending LCS, I’d say: come! I promise you won’t regret it! Just like every school, LCS has its faults but it’s as perfect as a school can be. This school gives you time to grow and encourages everyone to try new things. I never thought I would be camping in the middle of nowhere with my friends making smores and singing songs around the campfire for class. I never would have thought that I would be jumping in the lake voluntarily in the middle of winter to support men’s mental health. I never thought I would wake up every day and be excited to go to school. There is never a dull day at Lakefield because every day is never planned. At LCS, you wake up and you never know exactly what will happen at school, whether your day will be beautifully interrupted by Ms. Kee’s dogs running and joining your class or the energetic singing of Sweet Caroline in Chapel. As cliche as it sounds, it truly is like no other.