Spotlight On: Laken Jorgensen, CCES Class of 2022

Christ Church Episcopal School experiences have prepared graduating seniors for whatever comes next and to make a positive difference in the world. Each week, we will put the spotlight on a graduating senior from the Class of 2022. We hope you enjoy getting to know these amazing CCES students!

While the first thing many notice about Laken Jorgensen ’22 is her bright smile and positive attitude, she is also equally driven and focused. So it is no surprise that she quickly narrowed down her college search and made it happen. Laken applied to a handful of schools, including UVA, Washington and Lee, and Rhodes, but her top choice was always Davidson College. Her mom is an alumna and loved her time there, and Davidson also fit her vision of a small school where it’s possible to know most people on campus. Laken ultimately has her sights set on medical school, hoping to go into either pediatrics or OBGYN.

 

As a 13-year veteran of CCES, Laken has made “unforgettable” friendships and memories during her time here. Some of her favorite memories include football games, winning state with the basketball team twice, and spirit weeks. Nominated by her classmates as “the life of the party” for Senior Superlatives, it makes sense that Laken is very involved in a wide range of areas at CCES and brings the joy for which she is known to whatever she does. Over her four years of high school, Laken has been on the Varsity Basketball and Cross Country teams, led the Pep Club, served as Student Ambassador Chair, taken part in the Prom Committee (during COVID no less) and the Leadership Academy, and volunteered her time at Serenity Place.

 

While Laken is a prominent participant and leader in extracurricular activities, she has remained dedicated to her schoolwork, maintaining either Honor Roll (9-11) or High Honor Roll (12). She was invited to the National Youth Leadership Forum for Medicine in 2019 and nominated for the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists Award of Excellence (10), demonstrating her passion and readiness for the field of medicine. Laken’s teachers describe her as a leader in the classroom and one who is always ready to lend a helping hand. They mention her attention to detail, work ethic, and how beloved and respected she is by her peers. And of course, all who have had the pleasure of teaching Laken describe her “bright and cheerful personality, infectious smile, and fun sense of humor” without fail.

 

Associate Director of College Counseling, Bartley Sides, says of Laken: “Most students do community service, but Laken embodies it.” She has spent countless hours volunteering at Serenity Place, a local residential treatment center for pregnant women, young mothers, and their children. Laken recalls being introduced to volunteer work in the Lower School by Elizabeth Jarrett, Director of Service and Experiential Learning, calling her “my biggest role model during my many years at CCES.” Through her volunteer work, Laken has seen her passion for service grow and learned “it’s all about the small things.” She says: “Whether it’s donating something or just sitting with someone who needs a person to talk to, I will always be grateful for the wonderful people I have met through Serenity Place and Project Host Soup Kitchen.” Laken was recognized for her commitment to service last year as the recipient of the Rhodes College Book Award, an award given to one who “makes exemplary contributions to the school and the community through community service.”

 

Whether it be on the basketball court winning the state championship, in the classroom engaging in discussion, or volunteering at Serenity Place, Laken is known for her consistent positivity. While it can be easy for stress to creep in, especially during high school, Laken says the best thing to do is “look at the bright side.” She shares: “It’s easy to forget how fortunate we are, so I try to stop and cherish the moments I’m living in – it makes them more memorable and overall more enjoyable. When things get hard, I try to take a step back and look at situations from different perspectives and see how I can make it better for not only myself, but also everyone around me.”

 

When Laken graduates in May, she will, as she hoped, embark on her new chapter at Davidson College. Our CCES community will lose one of its brightest smiles and positive spirits, but does so knowing that Laken’s enthusiasm and joy will continue to impact everyone she meets as she continues to seek ways to touch lives and make this world a better place.

 

Just for Fun!

Where in the world would you like to get lost? Hawaii

Tell us something most people probably don’t know about you. When I was little, I once swallowed a sharp-edged bracelet charm to hide it from my brothers.

Name something this world could use more of? Taylor Swift music

Current TV show binge? New Girl

Who would you want to play you in a movie? Blake Lively