Ten Latin students were recently recognized by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers through its Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

The entries they submitted for the regional competition earned a total of 20 awards, including four Gold Keys, seven Silver Keys and nine Honorable Mentions. Below are the names of the students, the awards they won and the categories in which the awards were received.

Art Awards
Arlo H. (10th grade) - SILVER in Experimental Photography for "Electric City"; Honorable Mention in Experimental Photography for "Haunted Self"; Honorable Mention in Photography for "Sometimes I Feel Like a Nut"

Olivia L. (12th grade) - GOLD in Photography for "Clock"; Honorable Mentions in Photography for "Going Places" and "Reflecting"

Charles Y. (12th grade) - GOLD in Photography for "Incarcerated Liberty"

Writing Awards
Pilar A. (11th grade) - GOLD and American Visions Nominee* in Speculative Fiction for "The Dust Gold"; SILVER in Personal Essay & Memoir for "Bam Chowder" 

Cecelia B. (11th grade) - SILVER in Critical Essay for "How Abolitionists Forced Slavery Onto Lincoln's Agenda" 

Scarlet G. (12th grade) - Honorable Mention in Journalism for "The Vital Ms. Vela"

Lyla G. (12th grade) - SILVER in Personal Essay & Memoir for "Red Seat"

Klein K. (11th grade) - Gold and and American Visions Nominee* in Poetry for "sandwiches"; Silver in Poetry for "the girl next door"; Honorable Mentions in Poetry for "closet love," puzzle pieces," "things i would say to you if you would listen: a list," and "tides" 

Joseph O. (12th grade) - SILVER in Critical Essay for "Qian’s Final Lesson: A Unique Perspective On The Chinese Communist Party’s Inner Workings"

Genevieve R. (11th grade) - SILVER in Journalism for "ICE Raids Target Families, Not ‘Crime’"

*Regional American Visions Award Nominees are eligible to receive a national American Visions medal.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the nation's longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. They seek to honor "the vision, ingenuity and talent of our nation’s youth, and provide opportunities for creative teens to be celebrated." Past winners include Richard Avedon - photographer, Ken Burns - producer, Robert Indiana - artist, Joyce Carol Oates - author, and Amanda Gorman - poet.

We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the award winners for their remarkable achievements. We also want to express our sincere gratitude to our teachers for their unwavering dedication to helping our students pursue their passions and seek excellence.

Learn more about these awards at the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. 

Congratulations to our student-athletes on a wonderful winter season. The Romans closed out 2025 and kicked off 2026 with remarkable individual and team accomplishments that reflect their hard work and dedication. Below are some of the highlights from the season.

Girls Basketball
Girls basketball built on its championship standard this winter behind a strong senior class. The team reached the championship game of Latin's inaugural Thanksgiving tournament and followed that with a strong showing at the Regina winter tournament. Multiple athletes earned Athlete of the Week recognitions; Cali K. was named to an All-Tournament Team; and the team had two 1st Team All-Conference selections, one 2nd Team selection, and one Honorable Mention. The Romans also captured their fifth straight regional championship and made it to the sectional semifinal. 

Boys Basketball
Boys basketball made one of the biggest jumps in the conference this season. After finishing 7-18 and fourth in the ISL last year, the team turned it around with a 20-9 record and a share of the ISL Championship. The group finished second in their Thanksgiving tournament, with Rohin S. and Josh S. earning All-Tournament Team honors. The growth across the roster, combined with senior leadership, helped reset the standard for the program.

Boys Swimming
Boys swimming had a strong growth year both in and out of the pool, with captains Clark S. and Emilio E. setting the tone with steady leadership and accountability. The team finished 4–6 overall and placed 3rd at ISLs. Every swimmer qualified for sectionals, with the group finishing 8th overall thanks to the impressive depth of their roster. Ben R. and Oscar T. each earned Athlete of the Week honors for standout performances during the season. The team also completed three community service projects, continuing Latin's expectation that our student-athletes compete hard and give back. This group laid a solid foundation and gained experience that will pay off next year!

The following student-athletes and coach earned individual accolades for their performances this season.

Independent School League 1st Team All-Conference

• Ari G. – Basketball
• Ellie S. – Basketball
• Connor K. – Basketball
• Josh S. – Basketball

Independent School League 2nd Team All-Conference

• Cali K. – Basketball
• Thomas M. – Basketball
• Rohin S. – Basketball

Independent School League 2nd Place Individual Event

• Clark S. - 100-yard Backstroke

Independent School League All-Conference Honorable Mention

• Teagan M. – Basketball

Illinois Athletic Director Association All-State Award
Each year, the Illinois Athletic Directors Association (IADA) recognizes seniors across the state who stand out in athletics, academics, leadership and service. Congratulations to the following student-athletes for receiving this recognition of their commitment and excellence in athletics and beyond.

• Teagan M. - 1st Team All State
• Josh S. - Honorable Mention

Illinois Basketball Coaches Association - Hall of Fame Inductee, Max Rouse '93
Last year, Latin celebrated the 400th career win of varsity girls basketball coach and Latin alumnus Max Rouse '93. This year, we have the honor of congratulating him on his selection for induction into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2026.

The IBCA Hall of Fame recognizes coaches from across the state for their long-term excellence, impact, and commitment to the game. This honor reflects not just wins, but the culture Coach Rouse has built and the consistency of his program over time. 

Thank you to all of our student-athletes, families, coaches and athletics staff for making this another successful season for the Latin community. We look forward to an exciting spring season for our Romans. Be sure to keep up with the latest spring team schedules with the Latin Athletic Calendar.

When did you start playing basketball?
I started playing basketball in fourth grade at my school and then started playing club basketball in sixth grade.

Why do you enjoy playing basketball at Latin?
I like the sport in general and, specifically at Latin, my team is a core part of enjoying it, including the coaches. We are all very close. 

How have you evolved as a basketball player and teammate over the years?
I’ve learned from my mistakes each year and what I needed to practice for the upcoming seasons. 

As a teammate, I went from watching others lead in previous years to serving as a captain myself, where I try to apply what I appreciated most about the captains before me.

Any pre- or post-game rituals for you?
Recently, the team has been going to Starbucks and Chipotle and getting something from there before each game. We’ve been winning, so I’m keeping that going. 

I’ll also listen to music during halftime of the JV girls basketball game while we’re warming up.  

How do you feel being in your last year of Athletics at Latin? 
Very sad, especially since I’m not playing a sport in college, so my competitive athletic career will be over. I’m sad to leave all of the friends I’ve made from playing sports at Latin.

What have you learned from your teammates & coaches over the years?
I’ve learned something new from all of my teammates. It’s specific to each person. They’ve taught me a lot.

Coach Max, specifically, has taught me to keep my composure. I can get easily frustrated when playing sports, and he helped me a lot with that. If you mess up, just play harder to get it back.

What has been a highlight of this winter season?
Beating Regina at home! It was a really good game for us, and our team played really well together. We haven’t beat them at home in a long time, so that was fun. 

You were recently named to the Illinois Athletic Directors Association (IADA) All-State Team. How did it feel to 1) be nominated by Upper School AD Katie Johnson and 2) receive that recognition?
I was honored to be nominated because there are so many amazing student-athletes who are also academic- and service-oriented at Latin. It was really nice to be nominated. I got really excited when she emailed me.

To then earn the honor was also a really exciting moment. It proved that all of the hard work I’ve put in over the many years of balancing sports and academics has paid off.

What are three words your teammates would use to describe you?
Competitive, leader, caring

Who has contributed to your basketball journey? Who would you thank & why?
My parents and my sisters. I probably wouldn’t have played basketball if my sisters didn’t play because I liked to follow what they did.

I’d also thank all of the Latin coaches–Max, Nikki, Adam, Jade–and my teammates from every year that I’ve played, too.

What is your favorite part about being on a team at Latin?
Each team I’ve played on is insanely different and I love that they’re different. With field hockey, we’re all super competitive and worked really hard, but still had fun.

With basketball, we still work hard, but we goof off a little more. I think our basketball team is probably a little closer since it’s such a small team.

Track is more of an individual sport, but you are still part of a team. It’s a different experience because you connect with your team while focusing on achieving your individual goals. 

Overall, playing sports at Latin was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It helped me connect with people from different grades and different friend groups. At a larger school, I’m not sure if I’d have been able to play all three sports that I love. Being able to do that is the best.  

Who inspires you? Who do you look up to?
My cousins got my sisters and me into sports and we look up to them a lot. I look to both of my sisters for guidance through everything because they’ve already been through it and we’ve played mostly the same sports. And my parents, especially them.

Favorite warm-up song?
The team-wide favorite song is “Jimmy Cooks” by Drake. It’s the first song we play for every warmup. It’s been our walk-out song since my freshman year and we’ve kept it until now. Reese and Megen started that several years ago and we’ve kept it going. 

What are you involved with at Latin outside of basketball?
Field hockey and track. I’m also a Roman Ambassador and the head of the Marketing Club.

Being a senior, what are you looking forward to the rest of this year?
Finishing off the year with my friends and making the most of it. I’m excited to finish out the year with track in the spring season.

What’s next after Latin?
I’m undecided, but I’ll go to college somewhere. I hope to study something with science. I’m not quite sure yet.

We asked long-time girls varsity basketball coach Max Rouse a few questions regarding Teagan’s basketball journey... 

How many years have you been coaching Teagan?
I have coached Teagan since she was finishing up middle school and practiced with the Chicago Sky Basketball Academy. It has been a pleasure working with her over the years!  

What do you enjoy about having Teagan on the team and in Latin's basketball program?
Teagan has always brought a competitive mindset while still having fun. Over the years, she has learned to maximize her athleticism and speed, becoming a menace in our press and a strong finisher at the rim on offense. Her confidence has grown, and she is now a more physical and resilient player.

How could other players learn from Teagan?
One of the most exciting parts of Teagan’s development has been watching her grow into a strong and impactful leader. It has not always been easy for her. She has faced injuries and setbacks along the way. Over the course of her career in overcoming these obstacles, Teagan has developed a leadership style that focuses on bringing positive energy and giving her full effort in practices and games. The foundation of Teagan's leadership has been her actions, and that is a lesson all athletes can use to help themselves and their teams.

Congratulations to the varsity girls basketball team on a successful season that included winning the 3A regional championship.

You can stay up-to-date on the latest spring athletics schedule with Latin’s Athletic Calendar.

It’s been another successful year at Latin, filled with remarkable accomplishments and memorable milestones. Below are some of the highlights that made this school year so special.

Athletics

• Latin’s varsity teams and student-athletes won the following titles during the 2024-25 school year:
  • Independent School League championship - baseball, boys cross country, Francesca M. in girls cross country, field hockey, Jack Z. in boys golf, girls soccer, boys tennis as a team along with Kiyan A. in singles and Jake G. and Mark T. in doubles, girls and boys track and field
  • Regional championship - baseball, girls basketball, boys and girls cross country, field hockey, Jack Z. in boys golf, girls soccer, and girls and boys volleyball
  • Sectional championship - girls cross country, field hockey, Malia C. and Nicola K. in doubles for girls tennis, boys tennis as a team along with Kiyan A. in singles and Jake G. and Mark T. in doubles, girls volleyball
     
• Student-athletes and coaches earned the following individual honors during the 2024-25 season: 
  • Eight All-State selections
  • Eight ISL Player of the Year selections
  • Four ISL Coaching Staff of the Year selections
  • Nearly 20 All-Sectional selections
  • More than 35 All-Conference selections
     
• The following teams, student-athletes and coaches achieved milestones during the 2024-25 school year:
  • The field hockey team earned a trip to the final four for the first time in program history. 
  • The boys and girls track and field teams won ISL championships in the same season for the first time in approximately 40 years.
  • The boys volleyball team won back-to-back regional titles for the first time in program history. 
  • Nate W.’s swim in the 100-yard breaststroke at sectionals broke a school record dating back to 2006.
  • Girls basketball coach Max Rouse earned his 400th career victory.
  • The club squash team reached the finals of the U.S. High School Nationals for the first time ever. 
  • The club sailing team won the Illinois State Championship.
     
• Latin’s sports program had several additional highlights during the 2024-25 school year:
  • Eight student-athletes signed letters of intent to play collegiate athletics. 
  • The Chicago Latin Swim Club (CLSC) qualified 12 student-athletes for the Illinois regional championship meet. In that group, five placed in the top eight in many of their individual events at the regional meet, and two earned times that qualified them for the state tournament.
  • The boys swimming team had personal bests in every event at sectionals. 
  • The boys soccer team earned the ISL Sportsmanship award for the dedication and sportsmanship they exhibited throughout the season.

Performing and Visual Arts

• Twelve Latin students were selected for the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) honor choirs, marking the highest number of students chosen from our school in recent years. 
   
• Middle School student Neysa P. was selected for the ILMEA All-State Junior Honors Chorus and performed at the Illinois Music Education Conference.
   
• Jeremiah W.’s short film “Cinephile” won “Best in Show” in the Time Arts category at the Illinois High School Art Exhibition. He was one of several Upper School students who represented Latin at the event. 
   
• Eight Upper School students were recognized by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers in conjunction with its Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The entries they submitted for the regional competition earned a total of 12 awards, including three Gold Keys, four Silver Keys and five Honorable Mentions.
   
• Upper School student Wyatt P. earned an Honorable Mention in the Chicago Public Library’s 10th Annual Teen Winter Challenge art competition. His artwork will be featured in the library’s print catalog and displayed in a special exhibition at the Harold Washington Library Center.
   
• Upper School students Jonah K., Izzy S., and Ajay S. were members of the Lookingglass Young Ensemble that performed in the theatre company’s production of “The Portrait of Madame X.”
   
• Middle School student Sahana M. was part of an elite group of singers from Uniting Voices of Chicago who performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the direction of famed conductor Klaus Mäkelä.
   
• Upper School student Edie P. performed with the Northeastern Illinois University orchestra after winning the Chicago Chamber Music Festival’s 10th Annual Concerto Competition.

Clubs and Activities 

• The Student Philanthropy Initiative, a project founded and run by Latin students, earned the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Chicago Chapter. This award is presented to “a youth leader or leaders, or a youth-generated project and its team, having demonstrated a significant impact on the Chicago community.” 
   
• Upper School students Natalie A. (Superior in Editorial Writing), Sofia G. (Superior in Commentary Writing), Scarlet G. (Excellent in News Editing/Headline/Current Events) and Edie P. (Honorable Mention in Feature Writing) won awards in writing and layout contests held in conjunction with the JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention. 
   
• Upper School students won five Superior Achievement awards and three Excellent Achievement awards in conjunction with the annual McCormick Foundation High School Media Competition hosted by the Scholastic Press Association of Chicago.
   
• Upper School students Alexa N. and Teddy L. won awards in conjunction with the 2025 Private School Journalism Association (PSJA) Contest. Alexa took second place in the Sophomore of the Year category, while Teddy took third place in the Designer of the Year category.
   
• The Upper School Robotics Team tied for fourth place at their regional tournament and took first in the Control Award, which recognizes excellence in autonomous code and strategy.
   
• The Middle School’s varsity Science Olympiad team has a tremendous showing at the state tournament. The team finished eighth overall, medaled in 10 individual events following top five finishes, and earned top 10 placements in an additional 10 events.
   
• Seven Upper School students earned Best Delegate awards and another received an Honorable Mention at the Harvard Model Congress conference. 
   
• Upper School students Graham S. and Kai G. both earned Honorable Mention awards during the Model UN Invitational Conference (CSMUN XV) hosted by Carl Sandburg.
   
• The Model UN Club hosted Latin's first-ever invitational conference (LSCMUN I), which drew approximately 220 delegates from Chicago-area high schools.

Faculty and Staff

• Cat Curry, the Director of Latin 360°, won the 2025 Distinguished Service Award from the Illinois chapter of the American Camp Association. This prestigious award is given to people who “demonstrate significant, long-term and impactful leadership and service to ACA Illinois and the camp profession.”
   
• Upper School English teachers Jim Joyce and Ann McGlinn moderated discussions during the Annual Printers Row Lit Fest, which is the largest free outdoor literary showcase in the Midwest.
   
• Annessa Staab and Katie Vautier from Latin's Enrollment Management team were invited to present at the Enrollment Management Association's annual conference. Their session, which was titled "The Evolution of Latin's Lower School Admissions Process: From ABCs & 123s to Standardization," offered an interactive exploration of how Latin's admissions process has evolved. 

Alumni

• Eliza Lampert ’24 made school history by earning the prestigious Story of the Year award from the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) for an opinion piece she wrote for The Forum in October 2023. This was the first time a Latin student received this national recognition as part of NSPA’s Individual Awards, which “honor the nation’s best scholastic journalism.”
   
• Nora Cheng ’21 and her band Horsegirl released their second album, “Phonetics On and On,” on February 14. The group was profiled in Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair; and had their album reviewed by publications such as SPIN magazine and The Guardian.
   
• Helen Hu '19 won the individual title on the balance beam at the NCAA women's gymnastics championships. Her first-place finish on beam helped her University of Missouri team take third place overall and earn a final national ranking of No. 3—the highest ever for any Mizzou women's sports team in school history.
   
• Marianne Mihas ’21, who was captain of Harvard Track and Field, and Bea Parr ’21, who was captain of Middlebury Track and Field, both earned First Team All-American honors in the distance medley relay.
   
• Catie Cronister ‘16 was named one of Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30 Professional and Philanthropic Leaders for 2025. This honor, presented by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, recognizes young professionals who are making a name for themselves in their careers and helps them grow into community leaders and influencers.

Additional Student Accomplishments 

• Upper School student Theodore T. earned several impressive accolades for his independent research design project "Assisting EMS with drones in underserved areas." He won a silver award at the Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences (IJAS) Regional Fair, was selected to present at the Illinois State Academy of Sciences, and was named a semi-finalist for the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. His work also received a Gold designation and an Exceptional Project in Engineering award at the IJAS State Science Exposition.
   
• Upper School student Edie P. qualified for the Illinois History Day Competition with her research paper “The Legal Blueprint of Rome: Rights and Responsibilities in the Twelve Tables,” which she completed through Latin’s Independent Study Program under the supervision of Upper School teachers Sarah Landis and Matthew June.
   
• Lower School student Luke M. earned a perfect score on the WordMasters Challenge, which is a national competition for students in grades three through eight that encourages growth in vocabulary and verbal reasoning.
   
• Lower School student Connor H. took fourth place in the Under 400 (K-8) section at the 156th Kumbaya Chess Tournament, which helped Latin earn a third place finish at the event.
   
• Upper School student Kerry K. was crowned Miss Windy City’s Teen.
   
• Upper School student Theodore T. medaled in the Cadet Men’s Epee event at USA Fencing's annual Junior Olympics and North American Cup. This prestigious competition drew approximately 350 qualified fencers from across the country.
   
• Upper School student Isabella H. had an incredible year in the world of horse riding that was highlighted by a first place finish in her event at the 2024 UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show, and a second place finish in her event at the 2024 World’s Championship Horse Show held during the Kentucky State Fair.
   
• Lower School student Caden H. had a great showing at the 2025 Men’s Eastern National Championships for gymnastics. He placed seventh out of 30 in the all-around thanks, in large part, to his sixth place finish in the parallel bars and seventh place finish on the floor. His performance earned him an invite to the United States of America Gymnastics Future Stars Development Camp.
   
• Middle School student Aryana M., a member of the Chicago Wolfpack Aquatic Club, qualified for six regional swim events during the recent short-course season and earned a spot on the state relay team.

Latin’s Middle School Division A Science Olympiad team had a tremendous showing at the state tournament on April 12. The team finished eighth overall, medaled in 10 individual events following top five finishes, and earned top 10 placements in an additional 10 events.

Below is a list of the team's top 10 finishes at state. The team also published a newsletter detailing its experience at the tournament. 

We want to congratulate the team on an incredible finish to its outstanding season. 

• Marika and Ella - second place in Botany (Trial) 
• Aarav and Nathan - second place in Helicopter 
• Ella and Marika - third place in Agricultural Science (Trial) 
• Ryan and Dexter - third place in Optics 
• Dexter and Aarav - fourth place in Microbe Mission 
• Eytan and Harvey - fourth place in Road Scholar  
• Raji and Madison - fifth place in Anatomy & Physiology 
• Juliette and Dexter - fifth place in Entomology 
• Marika, Ella, Harvey and Devan - fifth place in Pentathlon (Trial) 
• Marika and Harvey - fifth place in Remote Sensing (Trial) 
• Grace and Gracyn - sixth place in Crime Busters
• Madison and Raji - sixth place in Disease Detectives 
• Ella and Aarav - sixth place in Geocaching (Trial)
• Jake and Ronen - eighth place in Meteorology 
• Ronen, Eytan and Ryan - ninth place in Codebusters 
• Grace and Gracyn - ninth place in Potions & Poisons 
• Aarav and Devan - 10th place in Air Trajectory 
• Devan, Nathan and Ronen - 10th place in Experimental Design 
• Jake and Dexter - 10th place in Reach for the Stars 
• Nathan and Devan - 10th place in Scrambler 

Jeremy Taulbee from Dave Dinaso’s Traveling World of Reptiles stopped by the Lower School with a few of his friends to give our second, third and fourth graders an up-close look at reptiles and amphibians from around the world.
 

Our Roman Ambassadors are Upper School students who lead tours of the building, serve as shadow hosts and attend admissions events! Our Roman Ambassadors answer any questions prospective students and families may have about Latin. Meet a few of our senior leaders!

Juliette

1. What school did you come from?
   I came from Latin–I have been here since JK.

2. What are you involved in at Latin?
   My favorite part of high school has been the diverse extracurricular opportunities I’ve explored at Latin. I have served on Student Government for four years, currently lead the Model Congress club, sing in 59 West A Cappella and have played field hockey, lacrosse and golf. I also serve on the Difficult Dialogues Council and the Roman2Roman Steering Committee, Latin's mentor program.

3. What is your favorite part of being a Roman Ambassador?
   My favorite part of being a Roman Ambassador is how fun and natural it is for me to talk about all things Latin. Whether I’m leading tours, speaking on panels, or having genuine conversations, I love the opportunity to represent a school that has given me so much. It’s incredibly rewarding to share my passion for Latin while also welcoming new students and helping them feel at home.

4. Why is Latin a special place?
   Latin is one of the most magical, welcoming, and supportive environments I’ve ever experienced. The sense of community here is unmatched, with people always ready to help you succeed. In the Upper School, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible teachers who truly know and understand me. The teacher-student relationship at Latin is uniquely special, with teachers and community members genuinely invested in your success.

Danny

1. What school did you come from?
   I came from Bernard Zell.

2. What are you involved in at Latin?
   I am involved in cross-country/track, the Latin School Investment Fund, the Harvard Model Congress and the Student Philanthropy Initiative, to name a few.

3. What is your favorite class at Latin?
   I really enjoyed AP Physics: Mechanics. Not only were my peers and teacher in that class amazing, but I really enjoyed everything we learned about.

4. As a senior, why would you recommend Latin?
   I would recommend Latin because it will provide you with a great community, wonderful opportunities and moments that you will never forget. You get unrivaled attention from your teachers, who truly want you to succeed, alongside peers who are always willing to help and it becomes a definitive formula for success.

Myles

1. What school did you come from?
   Bernard Zell

2. What are you involved in at Latin?
   The Forum, Model UN, JSC, Ultimate Frisbee, Cross Country, and the Roman Ambassadors Program.

3. What is your advice for students applying to 9th grade?
   I would encourage incoming 9th graders to discover all of the great courses Latin offers and to take full advantage of our amazing clubs and sports teams.

4. Why did you choose Latin?
   I chose Latin because of its unique and close-knit community that inspires genuine relationships between students and teachers that go beyond the classroom.

Carla

1. What school did you come from?
   St. Clement 
    
2. What are you involved in at Latin?
   I am one of the heads of Hope Squad, a part of the Difficult Dialogues Council, and Co-leader of We Will Vote Club. I currently play on the ice hockey team and previously played on the soccer team for my 9th and 10th grade years.
    
3. What is your favorite class? 
   I really enjoy my Chicago Politics and American Politics class.
    
4. As a senior why would you recommend Latin?
   I would choose Latin not only because of the incredible academic environment but because of the people. My teachers and classmates are what make the school such an amazing learning environment, along with their connections and dedication, which open up so many incredible opportunities.

Avani

1. What school did you come from?
   British School of Chicago

2. What are you involved in at Latin?
   Roman Ambassadors (senior leader)
   R2R
   Asian Student Alliance
   Young Women of Color
   Model United Nations
   Romans Volleyball
   Intersectional Feminist Alliance
   Marketing Club

3. What is your favorite class at Latin?
   World Religions with Mr. Cruz.

4. As a senior, why would you recommend Latin?
   Latin is foundational not only because of the strong academics, but because it prepares you for the future, teaching essential social skills, and nurturing intellectual curiosity. I feel ready for whatever my future holds for me because Latin has helped me discover more about my identity as well as useful skills like communication, self-advocacy, and drive. I recommend Latin for those who want to build on academic AND social skills and for those who want to explore new interests or delve deeper into existing interests. 

Fowowe

1. What school did you come from?
   Latin Lifer

2. What are you involved in at Latin?
   Roman ambassador
   Bus
   Cyber patriot
   LIFE
   Computer science club
   SAGE
   Debate Club

3. Why did you choose Latin?
   I chose Latin and stayed my whole life because of the lifelong connections you are able to make at Latin. Not only do I have friends from as early as kindergarten but some of my closest friends even came to Latin freshman year.

4. As a senior, why would you recommend Latin?
   I would recommend Latin because I believe it is a school that offers a wide course selection with excellent academics. Latin also has many opportunities to get involved with your high school such as extracurriculars or service learning opportunities. I also think the people at Latin are such a draw to the school. Latin is an incredibly welcoming school that makes you feel at home from day one.

Ten Latin students were recently recognized by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers through its Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

The entries they submitted for the regional competition earned a total of 20 awards, including four Gold Keys, seven Silver Keys and nine Honorable Mentions. Below are the names of the students, the awards they won and the categories in which the awards were received.

Art Awards
Arlo H. (10th grade) - SILVER in Experimental Photography for "Electric City"; Honorable Mention in Experimental Photography for "Haunted Self"; Honorable Mention in Photography for "Sometimes I Feel Like a Nut"

Olivia L. (12th grade) - GOLD in Photography for "Clock"; Honorable Mentions in Photography for "Going Places" and "Reflecting"

Charles Y. (12th grade) - GOLD in Photography for "Incarcerated Liberty"

Writing Awards
Pilar A. (11th grade) - GOLD and American Visions Nominee* in Speculative Fiction for "The Dust Gold"; SILVER in Personal Essay & Memoir for "Bam Chowder" 

Cecelia B. (11th grade) - SILVER in Critical Essay for "How Abolitionists Forced Slavery Onto Lincoln's Agenda" 

Scarlet G. (12th grade) - Honorable Mention in Journalism for "The Vital Ms. Vela"

Lyla G. (12th grade) - SILVER in Personal Essay & Memoir for "Red Seat"

Klein K. (11th grade) - Gold and and American Visions Nominee* in Poetry for "sandwiches"; Silver in Poetry for "the girl next door"; Honorable Mentions in Poetry for "closet love," puzzle pieces," "things i would say to you if you would listen: a list," and "tides" 

Joseph O. (12th grade) - SILVER in Critical Essay for "Qian’s Final Lesson: A Unique Perspective On The Chinese Communist Party’s Inner Workings"

Genevieve R. (11th grade) - SILVER in Journalism for "ICE Raids Target Families, Not ‘Crime’"

*Regional American Visions Award Nominees are eligible to receive a national American Visions medal.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the nation's longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. They seek to honor "the vision, ingenuity and talent of our nation’s youth, and provide opportunities for creative teens to be celebrated." Past winners include Richard Avedon - photographer, Ken Burns - producer, Robert Indiana - artist, Joyce Carol Oates - author, and Amanda Gorman - poet.

We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the award winners for their remarkable achievements. We also want to express our sincere gratitude to our teachers for their unwavering dedication to helping our students pursue their passions and seek excellence.

Learn more about these awards at the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. 

The knowledge, skills, and talents of our second graders were on full display at their annual States Museum!

This event marked the culmination of a co-curricular research project that integrated learning across multiple subject areas:

~ Literacy: Students researched their chosen state using a variety of books and online resources.

~ Computer Science: Students laser-cut the shape of their state.

~ Art: Students drew their state’s flower or animal.

~ Science: Students built quiz boards with working circuits based on state facts.

~ Music: Students learned and performed the “50 States Song.”

On the day of the museum, students proudly shared their projects and discoveries with their classmates and families.

We’re incredibly proud of our curious, creative, and hardworking second graders. Great job, everyone!

Look at more photos on Latin's Instagram page.

Our 4th graders impressed us yet again with their creativity and problem-solving skills during Latin’s beloved Egg Drop challenge!

In April, students dove into the engineering design process, crafting innovative contraptions with a strict set of materials to protect an egg dropped from 20 feet. 

In May, the students used what they learned from their first prototype and applied it to a new design with new criteria and constraints. This updated prototype needed to survive the drop from Lower School Director Bliss Tobin's 2nd story balcony and hit a target on the sidewalk below, while accounting for outdoor conditions like the wind.

The results were nothing short of inspiring, with almost all of the eggs surviving the fall fully intact! We are so proud of their hard work, intelligence and creativity.

You can look at photos and videos of the egg drop on Latin's Instagram page.

We want to congratulate Alexa N. and Teddy L. on winning awards in conjunction with the 2025 Private School Journalism Association (PSJA) Contest. Alexa tool second place in the Sophomore of the Year category, while Teddy took third place in the Designer of the Year category. 

The PSJA Journalism Contest, co-sponsored by Quill and Scroll, honors the best journalism produced by private and independent school students. It is a “portfolio” contest that recognizes and rewards a pattern of excellence over the course of a year. 

Ten Latin students were recently recognized by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers through its Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

The entries they submitted for the regional competition earned a total of 20 awards, including four Gold Keys, seven Silver Keys and nine Honorable Mentions. Below are the names of the students, the awards they won and the categories in which the awards were received.

Art Awards
Arlo H. (10th grade) - SILVER in Experimental Photography for "Electric City"; Honorable Mention in Experimental Photography for "Haunted Self"; Honorable Mention in Photography for "Sometimes I Feel Like a Nut"

Olivia L. (12th grade) - GOLD in Photography for "Clock"; Honorable Mentions in Photography for "Going Places" and "Reflecting"

Charles Y. (12th grade) - GOLD in Photography for "Incarcerated Liberty"

Writing Awards
Pilar A. (11th grade) - GOLD and American Visions Nominee* in Speculative Fiction for "The Dust Gold"; SILVER in Personal Essay & Memoir for "Bam Chowder" 

Cecelia B. (11th grade) - SILVER in Critical Essay for "How Abolitionists Forced Slavery Onto Lincoln's Agenda" 

Scarlet G. (12th grade) - Honorable Mention in Journalism for "The Vital Ms. Vela"

Lyla G. (12th grade) - SILVER in Personal Essay & Memoir for "Red Seat"

Klein K. (11th grade) - Gold and and American Visions Nominee* in Poetry for "sandwiches"; Silver in Poetry for "the girl next door"; Honorable Mentions in Poetry for "closet love," puzzle pieces," "things i would say to you if you would listen: a list," and "tides" 

Joseph O. (12th grade) - SILVER in Critical Essay for "Qian’s Final Lesson: A Unique Perspective On The Chinese Communist Party’s Inner Workings"

Genevieve R. (11th grade) - SILVER in Journalism for "ICE Raids Target Families, Not ‘Crime’"

*Regional American Visions Award Nominees are eligible to receive a national American Visions medal.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the nation's longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. They seek to honor "the vision, ingenuity and talent of our nation’s youth, and provide opportunities for creative teens to be celebrated." Past winners include Richard Avedon - photographer, Ken Burns - producer, Robert Indiana - artist, Joyce Carol Oates - author, and Amanda Gorman - poet.

We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the award winners for their remarkable achievements. We also want to express our sincere gratitude to our teachers for their unwavering dedication to helping our students pursue their passions and seek excellence.

Learn more about these awards at the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. 

We congratulate Gabriel R. (11th grade) on being selected as one of the four finalists of the 2026 Crain-Maling Foundation CSO Young Artist Competition.

This is a prestigious concerto competition for Illinois’ top young soloists, sponsored by the Crain-Maling Foundation, whose mission includes supporting education and cultural activities. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1891, is consistently hailed as one of the greatest orchestras in the world.

After taking part in a preliminary round, Gabriel auditioned at Symphony Center alongside a competitive field of applicants in front of a distinguished panel of judges. From there, he was selected as one of four finalists.

As a finalist he has been invited to perform live in Orchestra Hall, accompanied by the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and led by Naomi Woo, Music Director of the NYO Canada.

The winner of this final round will earn a place as a featured soloist with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as part of the CSO School and Family Concerts series. We wish Gabriel the best of luck!

To learn more about this program, visit Young Artists Competition.

Congratulations to The Forum editorial staff for being recognized at the JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention in Nashville.

The convention brought together almost 4,000 young journalists from across the country who attended workshops, networked with their peers, met with industry professionals, and sat for a critique of their publication. One of the highlights was the announcement of the winners of the National Media Contests, which offer high school students "a platform to showcase journalism excellence, earn recognition and receive feedback on their work."

Latin's student newspaper, The Forum, took fifth for Best of Show in the Website category amongst a highly competitive landscape. This is the highest award the staff has ever won at the national level. In addition, the following students were recognized for their individual contributions:

• Editorial Writing: Ben L. - Excellent
• Sports Writing: Anderson M. - Honorable Mention
• Editorial Cartooning: Lyla G. - Honorable Mention
• Commentary Writing: Eli S. - Honorable Mention
• News Editing/Headline Writing/Current Events: Rohin S. - Honorable Mention

Thank you to the Journalism Education Association and the National Scholastic Press Association for providing this wonderful opportunity. We are so proud of the Forum staff and congratulate them on these well-deserved accolades!

Read and follow The Forum
Learn about the National High School Journalism Convention

We congratulate Edie P. on being named Alternate Winner in the Senior Piano Division of the MTNA State Competition. This is a huge accomplishment, as it recognizes her as one of the top two student pianists in Illinois.

Per their website, the mission of MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) is to "advance the value of music study and music making to society and to support the professionalism of music teachers." Its competitions "provide educational experiences for students and teachers and to recognize exceptionally talented young artists."

Considered one of the most prestigious student music competitions in the country, MTNA attracts thousands of applicants who vie for state and national recognition. Edie's success comes from the commitment she has to her music and the hard work she puts in. Edie's mother also notes that her success "would not have been possible without Latin's support and teacher's understanding and flexibility." 

Edie also devotes time to giving back to the field she loves. She recently participated in a fundraising event with WFMT radio to support music programs in Chicago-area schools, and launched a mentorship initiative in partnership with the Chicago Center for Music Education.

We wish Edie continued success with her musical and philanthropic pursuits.

Learn about MTNA.
Learn about Chicago Center for Music Education.
Explore the Arts at Latin.

Congratulations to our student-athletes on a wonderful winter season. The Romans closed out 2025 and kicked off 2026 with remarkable individual and team accomplishments that reflect their hard work and dedication. Below are some of the highlights from the season.

Girls Basketball
Girls basketball built on its championship standard this winter behind a strong senior class. The team reached the championship game of Latin's inaugural Thanksgiving tournament and followed that with a strong showing at the Regina winter tournament. Multiple athletes earned Athlete of the Week recognitions; Cali K. was named to an All-Tournament Team; and the team had two 1st Team All-Conference selections, one 2nd Team selection, and one Honorable Mention. The Romans also captured their fifth straight regional championship and made it to the sectional semifinal. 

Boys Basketball
Boys basketball made one of the biggest jumps in the conference this season. After finishing 7-18 and fourth in the ISL last year, the team turned it around with a 20-9 record and a share of the ISL Championship. The group finished second in their Thanksgiving tournament, with Rohin S. and Josh S. earning All-Tournament Team honors. The growth across the roster, combined with senior leadership, helped reset the standard for the program.

Boys Swimming
Boys swimming had a strong growth year both in and out of the pool, with captains Clark S. and Emilio E. setting the tone with steady leadership and accountability. The team finished 4–6 overall and placed 3rd at ISLs. Every swimmer qualified for sectionals, with the group finishing 8th overall thanks to the impressive depth of their roster. Ben R. and Oscar T. each earned Athlete of the Week honors for standout performances during the season. The team also completed three community service projects, continuing Latin's expectation that our student-athletes compete hard and give back. This group laid a solid foundation and gained experience that will pay off next year!

The following student-athletes and coach earned individual accolades for their performances this season.

Independent School League 1st Team All-Conference

• Ari G. – Basketball
• Ellie S. – Basketball
• Connor K. – Basketball
• Josh S. – Basketball

Independent School League 2nd Team All-Conference

• Cali K. – Basketball
• Thomas M. – Basketball
• Rohin S. – Basketball

Independent School League 2nd Place Individual Event

• Clark S. - 100-yard Backstroke

Independent School League All-Conference Honorable Mention

• Teagan M. – Basketball

Illinois Athletic Director Association All-State Award
Each year, the Illinois Athletic Directors Association (IADA) recognizes seniors across the state who stand out in athletics, academics, leadership and service. Congratulations to the following student-athletes for receiving this recognition of their commitment and excellence in athletics and beyond.

• Teagan M. - 1st Team All State
• Josh S. - Honorable Mention

Illinois Basketball Coaches Association - Hall of Fame Inductee, Max Rouse '93
Last year, Latin celebrated the 400th career win of varsity girls basketball coach and Latin alumnus Max Rouse '93. This year, we have the honor of congratulating him on his selection for induction into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2026.

The IBCA Hall of Fame recognizes coaches from across the state for their long-term excellence, impact, and commitment to the game. This honor reflects not just wins, but the culture Coach Rouse has built and the consistency of his program over time. 

Thank you to all of our student-athletes, families, coaches and athletics staff for making this another successful season for the Latin community. We look forward to an exciting spring season for our Romans. Be sure to keep up with the latest spring team schedules with the Latin Athletic Calendar.

When did you start playing basketball?
I started playing basketball in fourth grade at my school and then started playing club basketball in sixth grade.

Why do you enjoy playing basketball at Latin?
I like the sport in general and, specifically at Latin, my team is a core part of enjoying it, including the coaches. We are all very close. 

How have you evolved as a basketball player and teammate over the years?
I’ve learned from my mistakes each year and what I needed to practice for the upcoming seasons. 

As a teammate, I went from watching others lead in previous years to serving as a captain myself, where I try to apply what I appreciated most about the captains before me.

Any pre- or post-game rituals for you?
Recently, the team has been going to Starbucks and Chipotle and getting something from there before each game. We’ve been winning, so I’m keeping that going. 

I’ll also listen to music during halftime of the JV girls basketball game while we’re warming up.  

How do you feel being in your last year of Athletics at Latin? 
Very sad, especially since I’m not playing a sport in college, so my competitive athletic career will be over. I’m sad to leave all of the friends I’ve made from playing sports at Latin.

What have you learned from your teammates & coaches over the years?
I’ve learned something new from all of my teammates. It’s specific to each person. They’ve taught me a lot.

Coach Max, specifically, has taught me to keep my composure. I can get easily frustrated when playing sports, and he helped me a lot with that. If you mess up, just play harder to get it back.

What has been a highlight of this winter season?
Beating Regina at home! It was a really good game for us, and our team played really well together. We haven’t beat them at home in a long time, so that was fun. 

You were recently named to the Illinois Athletic Directors Association (IADA) All-State Team. How did it feel to 1) be nominated by Upper School AD Katie Johnson and 2) receive that recognition?
I was honored to be nominated because there are so many amazing student-athletes who are also academic- and service-oriented at Latin. It was really nice to be nominated. I got really excited when she emailed me.

To then earn the honor was also a really exciting moment. It proved that all of the hard work I’ve put in over the many years of balancing sports and academics has paid off.

What are three words your teammates would use to describe you?
Competitive, leader, caring

Who has contributed to your basketball journey? Who would you thank & why?
My parents and my sisters. I probably wouldn’t have played basketball if my sisters didn’t play because I liked to follow what they did.

I’d also thank all of the Latin coaches–Max, Nikki, Adam, Jade–and my teammates from every year that I’ve played, too.

What is your favorite part about being on a team at Latin?
Each team I’ve played on is insanely different and I love that they’re different. With field hockey, we’re all super competitive and worked really hard, but still had fun.

With basketball, we still work hard, but we goof off a little more. I think our basketball team is probably a little closer since it’s such a small team.

Track is more of an individual sport, but you are still part of a team. It’s a different experience because you connect with your team while focusing on achieving your individual goals. 

Overall, playing sports at Latin was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It helped me connect with people from different grades and different friend groups. At a larger school, I’m not sure if I’d have been able to play all three sports that I love. Being able to do that is the best.  

Who inspires you? Who do you look up to?
My cousins got my sisters and me into sports and we look up to them a lot. I look to both of my sisters for guidance through everything because they’ve already been through it and we’ve played mostly the same sports. And my parents, especially them.

Favorite warm-up song?
The team-wide favorite song is “Jimmy Cooks” by Drake. It’s the first song we play for every warmup. It’s been our walk-out song since my freshman year and we’ve kept it until now. Reese and Megen started that several years ago and we’ve kept it going. 

What are you involved with at Latin outside of basketball?
Field hockey and track. I’m also a Roman Ambassador and the head of the Marketing Club.

Being a senior, what are you looking forward to the rest of this year?
Finishing off the year with my friends and making the most of it. I’m excited to finish out the year with track in the spring season.

What’s next after Latin?
I’m undecided, but I’ll go to college somewhere. I hope to study something with science. I’m not quite sure yet.

We asked long-time girls varsity basketball coach Max Rouse a few questions regarding Teagan’s basketball journey... 

How many years have you been coaching Teagan?
I have coached Teagan since she was finishing up middle school and practiced with the Chicago Sky Basketball Academy. It has been a pleasure working with her over the years!  

What do you enjoy about having Teagan on the team and in Latin's basketball program?
Teagan has always brought a competitive mindset while still having fun. Over the years, she has learned to maximize her athleticism and speed, becoming a menace in our press and a strong finisher at the rim on offense. Her confidence has grown, and she is now a more physical and resilient player.

How could other players learn from Teagan?
One of the most exciting parts of Teagan’s development has been watching her grow into a strong and impactful leader. It has not always been easy for her. She has faced injuries and setbacks along the way. Over the course of her career in overcoming these obstacles, Teagan has developed a leadership style that focuses on bringing positive energy and giving her full effort in practices and games. The foundation of Teagan's leadership has been her actions, and that is a lesson all athletes can use to help themselves and their teams.

Congratulations to the varsity girls basketball team on a successful season that included winning the 3A regional championship.

You can stay up-to-date on the latest spring athletics schedule with Latin’s Athletic Calendar.

When did you start swimming?
My parents got me in swim lessons at around three years old. It’s been a big part of my life since then.

You’ve been a part of Latin Aquatics since 2017 - what’s kept you coming back?
We’ve always had really good coaches here who know how to keep you motivated and inspire you to keep going. They've allowed me to push myself and become a better swimmer because of that. They want to see you thrive and get better.

How have you improved as a swimmer over the years? How has your role on the team evolved?
As a swimmer, I’ve improved by being able to focus more in the pool and on setting my own goals. Having goals in your mind helps you remember why you’re doing this.

We had a very welcoming community my freshman year. The seniors and juniors that year - Hugh and Julian - took me under their wing and provided me with the ground rules on how to lead. I learned that it’s not always the athletic skill that helps you connect with other people and lead. I’ve wanted to be a captain since day one. 

This year, we have a much smaller team than we’ve had in the past. A lot of it is just making sure people still feel connected to the sport. You should take it seriously, but focus more on your personal best and having a team that’s connected and enjoys each other’s company. I make sure we all want to put our best into the season. 

What’s something you’ve learned from your teammates over the years?
Nate Weldon, prestiged breaststroke record holder and captain last year, taught me a lot about work ethic. I did both Latin and club swimming with him. Seeing him put in the work to achieve his goals pushed me and led me to have the mindset that anything is possible. Nate was super valuable to my swimming career.

Hugh also made a difference for me as a person. He helped me destress and acclimate to Latin as a freshman.

How do you feel being in your last year at Latin and your last season with the team?
I’ve enjoyed my time at Latin and I’m definitely excited for college. I’m also bummed to leave, but know the guys will continue to do great things in and out of the pool. 

How have you contributed to the swim team culture at Latin?
Our focus this year was making the team feel “wholesome” and “whimsical.” Emillio and I have done that as captains by encouraging team bonding outside of the pool - shoutout Dave’s Hot Chicken - and helping with the girls season in the fall by timing meets and attending practices.

I also help my teammates understand what they’re there for - to swim, yes, but also to make friends and enjoy the community. We really try to be as supportive of one another as possible.

Why do you enjoy swimming?
Swimming is like an art form. It’s both an individual and team sport. Seeing your own progress but also motivating your teammates is really rewarding. There are no downsides. JOIN THE SWIM TEAM!

Every time I’m done with practice or a difficult set, I’m always grinning ear to ear. I’m having a good time. It’s easy for me to romanticize swimming. It's a blissful event in my life.

What event(s) do you swim? Do you have a favorite?
I swim 200 IM - individual and relay, 100 backstroke, and 400 relay.

My favorite is the 100 backstroke. I get to breathe the entire time and it is the easiest to process. Shoutout Coach Logan for engraving the bpm to Staying Alive while in backstroke.

Who has contributed to your swimming journey at Latin? Who would you like to thank and why?
The obvious - Coach Danielle! She’s coached me since I was 7 years old. She’s been a huge factor in my life. She has allowed me to appreciate swimming more and has also made me infinitely better. As a kid, I didn’t have a competitive edge. Now, I want to beat our competitors. If you have the opportunity to work with her, she’s fantastic. She's one of the greatest coaches you can ever have. 

Coach Ryan, who took over during Coach Danielle’s maternity leave my sophomore year, gives the most legendary pre-meet pep talks. They are engrained into my mind, specifically “it’s you versus you.” That sticks with me at meets. Big ups to Coach Ashlyn, too.

From Latin Aquatics, Coach Logan, a force to be reckoned with, and Coach Nick, relentless guy who really knew his stuff. 

Coach Jon got me to love swimming as a kid, gave me all the fundamentals, and let me be myself and enjoy life.

What are three words your teammates would use to describe you?
Whimsical, determined, LOCKED-IN

Favorite warm-up song?
Gliding Through Everything by Four Tet

Goldie by A$AP Rocky

What is your favorite part about being on a team at Latin?
Being a part of a team allows you to find a community who have a shared interest. You’ll never find a better bond than after a brutal practice. It’s the easiest way to connect with anybody and there’s instantly a friendship connection there.

Swimming is the most rewarding sport you can do. 

What do you enjoy doing at Latin outside of swimming?
I like sewing a lot. I’m trying to get more into that. I enjoy DJing with friends and watching TV, particularly anything with Danny McBride.

What’s next after Latin?
I will be class of 2030 at Babson College in Massachusetts, studying entrepreneurship and literary and visual arts. I’m very excited. 

What is a favorite memory you have from being on the swim team at Latin?
When Nate broke Latin’s breaststroke record, we were all huddled around his lane cheering at Sectionals. That moment is forever solidified in my mind.

Any upcoming swim meets that you want to shout out for fellow Romans to come to and cheer on you and your teammates?
We’re hosting ISLs at home this year on Saturday, February 7, which would be great to have people at.

I’m the only senior this year, but I’ll plug our team’s Senior Night, AKA Clark Night, on Wednesday, February 11, since it’s the final home meet of the year. 

We asked Latin Aquatics Director and Varsity swim coach Danielle Carlson a few questions about Clark’s swim journey at Latin…

How long have you coached Clark?
Clark has been a part of Latin Aquatics since 2017, and it’s been an honor to be a part of his swim journey for the last decade. 

What do you enjoy about having Clark on the team and in Latin's swimming program?
Clark is a really fun athlete to coach. It has been a privilege to celebrate his successes with him each year. 

I am really appreciative of how Clark shows up for this team. As a senior and team captain this year, he consistently demonstrates both the dedication and resilience needed to be a successful varsity swimmer. He keeps the atmosphere light and whimsical, even through the most challenging sets and practices. He is personable, funny and knows how to connect with everyone, creating a really inclusive environment in the pool. 

How could other players learn from Clark?
Clark has found a way to maintain wonderful balance as a student-athlete. He is dedicated both to the sport and his team, while also accomplishing success in his academics and his other passions, including the arts and community service. While Clark makes it look easy, this balancing act can be very difficult!

When did you start playing basketball?

I played on club basketball teams in elementary school and at Latin starting in Middle School.

What are your goals for this season? What are your hopes for the Latin basketball program?

We’ve made it further in the playoffs the past couple of years, which I think has helped change the narrative about Latin basketball. One of my main goals is to keep that narrative going by helping younger teammates understand that we’re a team that can win big games.

I was out last year early in the season due to an injury. I worked hard in the offseason, so my individual goal is to contribute on both sides of the ball this year.

How has your role on the team evolved over the years?

As a freshman on the varsity team, I was focused on learning from my teammates and cheering people on.

Last year, with my injury, I led more from off of the court. This included watching a lot of game film and giving my teammates tips.

This year, I’m combining both of those experiences and using the things I learned from older players as a freshman and while watching from the bench when I was injured. I am going to use communication, my performance and positive energy to be a leader on the court this season. 

What has basketball taught you?

One of the biggest things basketball has taught me is that good performance comes from proper preparation. The work you put in is the improvement that you’ll see. I try to apply that mentality to school, as well.

What is a favorite memory you have from basketball at Latin?

This season, we had a really cool win in a close game against Montini, a big school with great basketball players. 

Also, when we went to super sectionals my freshman year, having a bunch of fans drive two hours to come support was really memorable. Even though we didn’t win, that memory pushes me to get our team back there in the playoffs.

Do you have any pre- or post-game rituals, routines, or snacks?

It’s not quite a superstition, but one time someone offered me Twizzlers before a game and I played really well, so I have Twizzlers before every game.

What are three words your teammates would use to describe you?

Dedicated, leader, supportive.

What is your favorite part about being on a team at Latin?

The bonds you develop with your teammates. I’ve been able to build friendships with teammates in all different grades over the years.

Favorite warm-up song?

Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Migos before games. 

What are you involved in at Latin outside of basketball?

I run on the varsity track team at Latin. Three of my teammates and I set the school record for the
4x100 meter relay my freshman year.

I also serve as the junior prefect of Student Government and am on Latin’s SAAB.

Great segway! You’re a member of Latin’s first Student-Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB) - what has that experience been like for you so far?

It’s been a really cool experience to talk about ways to improve teamwork and leadership in Latin’s Athletics programs. 

You recently attended the IHSA Leadership Conference with fellow SAAB members…what was that like? What stood out to you?

I got to meet students from across the state and talk to them about the challenges we face in Athletics and ways to approach them.

What stood out to me is the fact that we’re from all over, yet we have similar experiences with our sports teams. It was cool to bond over that and learn from other students about how they lead their team and build teamwork.

Who would you like to thank for contributing to your journey as an athlete and why

First, my parents. My mom and dad are very supportive of me. 

I’m also thankful for our coaches at Latin - Justin, Harris, Loomey, and our former coach DeNard. I’ve built really strong relationships with them while on the team. They push me to be the best possible version of myself.

Any particular games that you’d like to shoutout for fellow Romans to come cheer you and your teammates on at?

After we come back from winter break, we’ll have a lot of conference games. Fans at any home or away game against an ISL school will help us get those tough wins and get that ISL title!

And, of course, the Big Games on January 30. 

Coach Halloran, you’ve coached Rohin since his freshman year on varsity. What do you enjoy most about having him on the team?

Rohin is a joy to coach. He cares deeply about the program, and brings great energy and a competitive spirit every day. He has adapted to new roles and stepped up to new challenges each year, and always does everything he can to help the team win. 

This year, Rohin is a vocal leader on top of being our leading scorer and rebounder. His commitment level is something that other players can learn from. Last year, he suffered an unfortunate injury that caused him to sit out the majority of the season; and, to his credit, he still showed up every day with positive energy, cheered on his teammates, and found ways to help the team.

Mark your calendars for January 30, as Latin’s varsity basketball teams take on Parker in the annual “Big Games” at UIC’s Credit Union One Arena. The girls team plays at 5 p.m. and the boys team plays at 6:30 p.m.