By Kayla Knowles
Staff Writer
The road leading to senior Lauren Hagedorn’s Student of the Year award has been filled with hard work, determination and her will to succeed. Hagedorn has worn many hats during her time at Costa.
Hagedorn, one of five nominees, was announced as the 2013 Student of the Year at the All Awards Ceremony on May 30 in the Costa auditorium. The other nominees were Meghan Burns, Brady Currey, Adam Gerard and Issac Seigemund-Broka. All nominees had to have certain grades, leadership skills and involvement in both academic and extracurricular activities.
“I was shocked and completely surprised,” Hagedorn said. “It was crazy to see my baby picture up there on the slideshow that my parents made. All of the nominees are so qualified and are such amazing people.”
Hagedorn has been a member of both the cross country and track teams since freshman year, and served as co-captain of the track team her senior year. Running has taught her discipline and a concentrated mentality that has contributed to her success.
“I’ve known Lauren since middle school, and she deserves it,” co-captain senior Sarah Locke-Henderson said. “She’s inspiring and encouraging and deserves this more than anyone I know.”
Hagedorn also devoted a majority of her high school career to the Mustang Morning News. According to Broadcast Journalism advisor Michael Hernandez, Hagedorn always does her best by going above and beyond what is expected of her. She continues to produce the most effective news stories.
“[Lauren’s] work ethic is outstanding,” Hernandez said. “She really puts in 110 percent into everything she does. She’s happy to do it and cares about having a quality finished product.”
Hagedorn has participated in numerous clubs at Costa including the Sign Language Club, Friendship Circle, Runners’ Club and Science Olympiad. According to Hagedorn, these clubs were a great way to meet new people who share common interests.
“If you are passionate about your club, that’s all that truly matters,” Hagedorn said. “Most clubs I participate in are things that interest me.”
Even with her success, Hagedorn has faced obstacles during her high school career. According to Hagedorn, it was difficult when she was unable to run due to her exercise-induced syndrome in her shin because of her great passion for running.
“Anyone that’s ever taught Lauren knows that she is a one-of-a-kind student that you love to have in your class,” Biology teacher Jessica Bledsoe said. “She’s always there with great ideas and pushes the limits of her knowledge. I feel blessed to have taught her.”
Hagedorn will attend Duke University in North Carolina in the fall. She is unsure of what she will be majoring in specifically, but she plans to either study biology or environmental science.
“Duke is the perfect place for me,” Hagedorn said. “It has the perfect mixture of everything I need. I’m so ready to experience life as a Blue Devil.”
According to Hagedorn’s family, she is a selfless person who always puts others’ needs before her own. She sets high standards for herself and makes sure her work exceeds what is expected of her.
“As funny as it sounds, she colored inside the lines on her first art project,” Hagedorn’s father, Michael Hagedorn, said. “I knew then that she was thoughtful and deliberate, and whatever she did, she would do her best, and only that would satisfy her, and that is her definition of success.”
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