October 2024 High School Honors
Lampeter-Strasburg High School teachers applauded four students for their achievements during October.
Pioneer Superlatives
Sophia Knarr
Sophia is a senior and the daughter of Abby Knarr and Rob Knarr of Lancaster. At school, she's a member of the mock trial club and the volleyball, girls basketball and lacrosse teams. She's also active with the local youth basketball and lacrosse programs, teaching skills to the next wave of Pioneer athletes. Sophia enjoys doing puzzles, taking walks, and spending time with her family and friends in her free time. She hopes to pursue a career as an attorney in the future.
"Sophia is one of the kindest students I have in class. She is always willing to lend a hand to her peers, whether it’s offering support with schoolwork, providing encouragement, or stepping up to help during group activities. Her compassionate nature fosters a warm and inclusive atmosphere, making her a pleasure to have in class. Along with her kindness, Sophia is an incredibly hardworking and dedicated student. She approaches each assignment and project with enthusiasm, consistently producing work that reflects her keen attention to detail. Her diligence and strong work ethic not only set her apart academically but also sets a great example to her classmates. What further distinguishes Sophia is her politeness and positive attitude. She treats everyone with respect, listens thoughtfully during class discussions, and always engages with both teachers and peers in a courteous manner. Her maturity and respectful demeanor reflect a deep commitment to building positive relationships with those around her."
Alexander Gouger
Alex is a senior and the son of Brian and Tamara Gouger of West Lampeter Township. He's a member of the LSHS National Honor Society, Interact Club, ski and snowboard club, and the boys soccer and tennis teams. He also plays club soccer and enjoys playing soccer and tennis in his free time. Alex hopes to become a physician and would like to attend either the University of Pennsylvania or Temple.
"Alex demonstrates a passion for discovery and a dedication to learning that inspires peers and teachers alike. This student consistently goes above and beyond in their studies, tackling challenging concepts with enthusiasm and curiosity. Whether it's conducting innovative experiments in the lab, participating in small group discussion, or collaborating on taxing work, his commitment to scientific inquiry shines through. Beyond academics, Alex often assists classmates, asking clarifying questions that share and encourages a love for learning."
Students of the Month
Franchesca Perez
Franchesca is a sophomore and the daughter of Cristina Bejaran and Juan Perez of Lancaster. She is the secretary and treasurer of the LSHS Aevidum Club and participates in the school chorus, the spring musical, and the track and field team. In summer, Franchesca serves as a camp counselor for inner-city youth, and she enjoys music, art, and coding in her free time. She plans to pursue a career in computer science.
"Fran is so impressive in so many ways this year. She is always on top of her class responsibilities. She doesn't complete work by going through the motions - she puts time, thought, and effort into all she does. She is an engaged, positive, and enthusiastic learner. Franchesca is an exemplary candidate for this award due to her consistent excellence in Health and Physical Education. She not only excels academically by completing assignments on time but also leads by example in both her positive attitude and active participation in class. As a group leader, Fran works well with all of her classmates, fosters collaboration, and holds her peers accountable, all while adhering to class rules. Her strong communication skills with both her peers and myself as her teacher demonstrate her maturity and leadership. I am very impressed with her overall performance and commitment, making her a standout student deserving of this recognition."
Kaleb Kirchoff
Kaleb is a freshman and the son of Vickie and Ken Kirchoff of West Lampeter Township. He's a member of the LSHS baseball team and serves as a food bank volunteer. Kaleb spends his free time fishing, playing sports, and shopping. He plans to attend college after graduation.
"After facing a challenging first month in high school, Kaleb found renewed motivation to keep pushing forward. Reflecting on setbacks, he embraced a growth mindset, dedicating extra time to studying and reviewing with teachers. Through his dedication, his understanding deepened, transforming obstacles into stepping stones. The once-daunting concepts began to click, igniting a passion for discovery. As grades improved and confidence surged, Kaleb emerged stronger, ready to tackle new scientific frontiers with enthusiasm and resilience."
Board Recognition
The students were invited to attend the November 4 school board meeting to receive public recognition. Board vice president Mr. Matthew Parido presented their certificates.