A Diverse Community

Limo and lunch with the superintendent – that’s the latest little prize we’ve been offering to the schools for students who have been doing well.

With the generous donation of a limo driven by Danny Aguilar of Racing Limos of Dover, each school this year was given the opportunity to identify nine students and one teacher to go to lunch with the superintendent. It’s been a real treat for me, I assure you, and the kids seem to enjoy it, too.

Recently it was the high school’s turn. Karen Williams, Lake Forest Teacher of the Year joined us. The students were randomly selected from hundreds who had earned various recognitions throughout the year. There were only eight - someone was absent. They were quiet when I first met them in the lobby. Since they were randomly chosen, they weren’t all friends.

But, during the ride to Frederica Pizza, with a little help from Mrs. Williams, we were able to get them talking. Some just about talked my head off.

To me, the most interesting part of the day, was the diversity of the group. From those eight randomly selected students there were at least 4 languages spoken at home. Three of the students were not born in the U.S.

I think many people see Lake Forest as a mostly white community, made up of students with family roots in agriculture. We are 25% African American. But, the growth of the last few years has brought a greater variety of folks from around the country and around the world.

There was Teresa, born in Italy of African parents. She recently won an award for her writing and she organized the talent show held this week at Lake Forest High School.

There was Melvin, son of a minister, who moved here two years ago from Guatemala with little or no English. Now he helps teachers translate for our newest Spanish-speaking students.

There was Ashwini, born in India, who educated me on Indian culture and the variety of languages spoken there. This girl can talk!

The others were Earl, Antwone, Nate, Amanda and Kristina. Each of them special in his or her own way. Each named student of the month or otherwise recognized for his or her good works at school. Each, like most every other high school kid, simultaneously sure of what he wants to do in the short term and equally unsure of what she wants to do in the long term.

This community is changing. We celebrate the diverse community that is Lake Forest. It is what makes us special.