Lauren transferred to Yavneh after spending her Freshman year at JJ Pearce.   

"Moving to Yavneh was one of the best decisions I've ever made," said Lauren, adding that Yavneh has opened many doors for her and also that it gave her the chance to find herself.  The self, that is Lauren, is academically inclined not only in her own classrooms, but in those of youngsters in our community.

President of Students4Students, Lauren has been key to Yavneh's weekly Student Mentoring program of the children of Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet in Richardson.  "The principal and the teachers are always so appreciative of our help and I've gotten many messages about what a difference our being in the classrooms makes and how important our program is to them," said Lauren, who also played on the Yavneh Lady Bulldogs Volleyball team for one year and who is a Senior Class Representative on Yavneh's Student Council. "There is one teacher to every 33 students at Hamilton Park and the time we are there allows the teachers to 'breathe' just a little. For those of us who have volunteered, we get so much from the kids, mostly the realization to respect and appreciate all that we have as students at a place like Yavneh.  We have so much, and it really is special to be able to go into our community and share.

Working with children is not so far from Lauren's career hopes - as she is considering a career as an Art Therapist.  She has committed to attending the University of Michigan, saying it hosts the most amazing art resources she's ever seen, and she plans to major in Psychology and either Art or Marketing, following those who have served as her role models, the camp counselors of her childhood.  In addition to the "Big Blue," Lauren was also accepted to Indiana University, Northwestern University/NUiu, School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Tulane University/Honors College, University of Illinois, and the University of Wisconsin at Madison/L&S Honors College. 

"Lauren's greatest strengths are her enthusiasm and ability to get the job done. She is a natural leader but one that leads with a sincere concern for those around her," said English teacher, Bonnie Atkins.  "I have especially enjoyed working with Lauren on her college application essays and learning about her passion to work with children through art therapy. Many children have already and will benefit from her many gifts. I just recommend anyone opposing Lauren to get out of the way - quickly!"

Yavneh's dual curriculum does mean double the homework, double the tests, and double the time to dedicate to studies, but it also teaches the students a huge lesson: time management," said Lauren. "The best part about Yavneh is the ability to really excel if you make the effort to do so."

"Lauren is naturally gifted at mathematics, but she pushes herself beyond her natural ability until she shines. She is a hard-working student who is determined to succeed, she excels in all course assignments and assessments and she is very conscientious," said Math teacher, Nicole Friedman.  "Lauren asks thought-provoking questions that demonstrate her ability to think abstractly, always offering a helping hand to her classmates who struggle with the material. Lauren is also a talented artist, and I have enjoyed speaking with her about art as she weaves her artistic viewpoint into mathematical applications."

"In addition to her academic success, Lauren is very friendly and respectful," said Mrs. Friedman.  "She's a friendly face in the hallways and treats her peers with respect as well. I applaud Lauren's drive to succeed and her friendly demeanor and I believe her efforts are worthy of recognition." 

A Dallasite from birth, Lauren is the daughter of Stacey and John and the older sister of Margot.  She belongs to Temple Emanu-El of Dallas, where she's worked as an assistant in the Sunday School.  During the summer, in addition to working at the Aaron Family JCC's Tennis Pro Shop, she has been both camper, and now counselor, at the JCC Camp Chi in Wisconsin.  "I have learned a lot about working with people in all of the positions I've held, especially about working with children and I'm excited about a career that I can incorporate my love for kids."

"Before coming to school at Yavneh - camp really was my 'Jewish life.' I could read some Hebrew, but I couldn't really speak any and it was a challenge but I found a whole new connection to my religion and to what being a Jew meant to me," Lauren said about transferring to Yavneh.  "I can now participate in services differently than before and I'm a different kind of counselor, teacher, and Jew.  I have a greater connection to being a Jew and no matter where I go, I'll find other Jews and I will connect to them. I love that part of what Yavneh has given me."

And Yavneh Lauren, loves the imprint that you leave behind.