September 2, 2025

September 2, 2025

Lake Forest, IL – Lake Forest Community High School is proud to carry forward its tradition of unveiling the Wall of Excellence at the first Varsity Football game of the season. On Friday, September 5, as the Scouts take on Carmel Catholic High School, this year’s honorees will be recognized in a special halftime ceremony. The Wall of Excellence is made possible through the generous support of the LFHS Booster Club. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

Honoring Brian Vandenberg
2025 dedication carries special significance, as the school community comes together to honor the life and legacy of Brian Vandenberg, former LFHS Boosters President and the visionary behind the Wall of Excellence, who passed away earlier this year.

In 2010, while watching a game from a golf cart alongside LFHS Athletic Director Tim Burkhalter, Brian looked over at the blank wall facing Varsity Field and wondered aloud: “What if we could showcase our teams and athletes there?” From that simple question, the idea for the Wall of Excellence was born.

Brian worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality—creating mockups, refining plans, and collaborating with administration and the Board of Education. His passion and determination brought the inaugural installation to life on September 2, 2011. Since then, the Wall has grown into a proud symbol of LFHS spirit, inspiring generations of Scouts.

“The Wall of Excellence stands as a reminder of Brian’s vision and dedication,” said Tim Burkhalter, LFHS Athletic Director. “This wall is about more than athletics. It recognizes the character, integrity, and leadership of our students. Brian cared deeply about celebrating our kids, and his legacy lives on every time we honor a new class of Scouts.”

This year, the mural’s center includes a tribute to Brian Vandenberg, “whose vibrant spirit and enduring legacy continue to inspire us all.”

About the Wall of Excellence — More Than a Mural
The Wall of Excellence celebrates the values and virtues that define LFHS students, using athletics as a backdrop while also honoring achievements in academics, student leadership, and the performing arts.

To reinforce this vision, the mural features the following words alongside images of LFHS students: Passion, Commitment, Integrity, Unity, Scholarship, Courage, Character, Humility, Leadership, Discipline, Respect, Insight, Resilience, and Empathy.

“The Wall of Excellence is more than a mural,” said Nicole Elliott, LFHS Booster Club President. “It reminds us of the dedication of our Scout student-athletes, the pride of our community, and the legacy we all share. The Boosters are honored to help preserve and celebrate that tradition.”

Selections for the Wall follow existing nomination and selection processes tied to key Honors Night awards, including the LFHS Boosters Outstanding Senior Athlete Award, the Senior Scholar-Athlete Award, the Bill Rawson Memorial Award, and the Gayla Clemons Athletic Award. This approach ensures that honorees are chosen objectively, based on criteria that mirror the mural’s guiding values.

2024–2025 Outstanding Senior Athlete Award Winners

Each year, LFHS Boosters recognize four graduating seniors with the Outstanding Senior Athlete Award (OSAA) for excellence in athletic performance, leadership, spirit, and sportsmanship. Award winners receive a $1,000 scholarship and will be prominently featured on the Wall of Excellence. This year’s honorees are:

• Maeve Farrell – Lacrosse

• Marty Hippel – Football

• Lulu Keil – Field Hockey

• Danny Van Camp – Lacrosse

2025 Wall of Excellence Senior Honorees

In addition to OSAA recipients, the following LFHS senior athletes will be recognized:

Female Honorees

• Alexandra Lucania – Cheer

• Amelia Pasquesi – Track

• Ryan Rice – Soccer

• Megan Rocklein – Lacrosse

• Emily Witte – Track
  
  

Male Honorees

• Joshua Back – Dive

• Simon Back – Dive

• Tyler Bernstein – Track

• Timotei Dan – Football

• Jack Lamberti – Golf
  
  

Additional Images of Excellence

The Wall of Excellence celebrates not only athletic achievement but also student leadership and the many ways Scouts embody LFHS values. This year, the mural will feature:

• All-State Clarinetist and Regis Toomey Band Award winner, Victoria Garcia de Leaniz Hernandez

• Class of 2025 Student Body President, Kat Yakes

• Class of 2025 Senior Class President, Mona Ferraioli
  
  

Event Details

What: 2025 Wall of Excellence Unveiling Ceremony
When: Friday, September 5, 2025, during halftime of the Varsity Football game (7:30 pm vs. Carmel Catholic High School)
Where: Varsity Field, LFHS West Campus, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest

About the LFHS Boosters

The LFHS Boosters is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting athletic success, spirit, and sportsmanship for every LFHS student-athlete and every Scouts fan. Boosters fundraise to provide resources that enhance the student-athlete experience and strengthen the proud tradition of LFHS Scout athletics.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Melissa Oakley

Chief Communications Officer, District 67 and District 115

moakley@lfschoools.net