Senior Athletes Commit to the Next Level

Eleven student-athletes sign their letter of intent to continue playing their sport in college.

William Quinney and Owen Francis | December 14, 2025

Cary Eldredge talks to all of the seniors before signing day on Dec. 10.

MaryKate Stroud

Will Nolan

Student athletes sign away to college during National Signing Day, starting a new chapter in their life.

When committing to the next level of sports, you have to put in a lot of work and time into being the best student athlete you can.

Eleven student athletes have proven they are the best examples that LHS has over the past year.

On Dec. 10 at 6:30 a.m., these students came together in the gym to celebrate and share their future plans on signing day with family and friends. There were a variety of sports represented at signing day.

While they are excited to play at the next level, there will be some challenges as they go on their journey through college sports.

“To me, committing means dedicating myself to a higher standard of competition, discipline, and responsibility.” Alanna Orton (12) said. “It isn’t just about the sport, it’s about representing my school, managing academics, and continuing to grow as an athlete and person.”

“I think the hardest challenge will be balancing travel and away games with my school schedule,” Charlotte Thornton (12) said.

Others worry about the challenge that new competition and a new environment will create.

“I think the hardest challenge at the college level will be the new environment. It’s going to be harder competition and a completely new environment for me,” Annie Swift (12) said.

No matter what’s thrown at them, they’ve come this far and there is so much more to prove in their young careers.

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About the Contributors

William Quinney, Reporter

William Quinney is a sophomore, this is his first year in publications. Quinney plays football and volleyball for Liberty. He is excited to help Publications in whatever way they need. Outside of school, Quinney enjoys music and hanging out with friends. Quinney is a hardworking individual who is willing to try new things and help publications the best they can.

Owen Francis, Reporter

Owen Francis is a sophomore in high school, this is his first year in Publications. He plays hockey and soccer for Liberty. He enjoys photography and sports stories. Outside of Publications he enjoys sports, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Francis is excited to see what the year has in store.

Will Nolan, Editor-in-Chief of Broadcast Media

Will Nolan is a senior and this is his second year in publications. Nolan is the Editor-in-Chief of Broadcast Media as well as a reporter for Online News. He cannot wait to work alongside his class to try and produce the best videos possible for this program. Currently, Nolan has a job at Lake Forest Country Club where he works in the bag room and the cart barn. In his free time, Nolan enjoys playing golf, hanging out with friends, and traveling. Nolan cannot wait to start the year and see how far the broadcast program will go.

MaryKate Stroud, Photo Editor

MaryKate Stroud is a junior, and this is her second year in Publications. MaryKate is one of the managers for girls Varsity Basketball. MaryKate is also the President for FCCLA, apart of Light House Leadership Team and National Honor Society. MaryKate enjoys doing sports photography and traveling. MaryKate currently works at Kinetic Park. MaryKate plans on going to college after high school and is currently indecisive on where she wants to go, but she knows that she wants to go for broadcasting and human resources.