Meet Two Extraordinary Graduates from the Lenart Class of 2026

This week, schools across the district are celebrating their Class of 2026 graduates, and Aniya and Ari are some of the best. Not only do the scholars both excel academically, but they are also incredible student-athletes and leaders!

Ari is an inspiring student leader with dreams of attending Yale to become an anesthesiologist, as he believes everyone deserves compassionate care. He excels in track and field, a sport he started in sixth grade, and has earned the title of All-American by placing in several competitions with the Gately Park Athletic Club. Ari will be attending St. Ignatius College Prep this upcoming Fall, where he looks forward to exploring its Track & Field program.

Aniya serves as a positive role model, supporting her school community by fundraising, planning school activities, and decision-making through her participation in the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) and the student voice committee. She is also an outstanding student-athlete who helped lead Lenart’s competitive cheerleading team to win their CPS SCORE Regional competition and place in the top 5 at the City Championships. Aniya is excited to continue her cheerleading career and has already made the team at her high school, Brooks College Prep.

Learn more about Aniya and Ari’s Lenart experience below!

What are your interests inside and outside of the classroom?

Ari: Inside the classroom, I really liked participating in all our academic opportunities, like our advanced math classes. Outside of class, I liked participating in track & field.

Aniya: Outside of the classroom, I really enjoyed cheerleading, especially being cheer captain. Inside the classroom, I enjoyed all the leadership opportunities we were offered.

What are some of your favorite memories at Lenart?

Ari: My favorite memory had to be going to the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) because we got to experience the life of other students and what it’s like to attend a boarding school.

Aniya: My favorite memory was when our school took us to Washington, D.C. I really enjoyed meeting new people and learning about our capital outside of the classroom on the trip.

Is there a teacher at Lenart whom you know you’ll always remember?

Ari: I will always remember our homeroom and science teacher, Ms. Doyle. She always looked out for us and made sure we had what we needed to succeed and graduate.

Aniya: I will always remember Ms. Smith, our geometry teacher. Without her, I don’t think I would have passed the class. Math was challenging, but she made it enjoyable.

What is something you learned during your time at Lenart that you’ll be bringing with you into high school?

Ari: At Lenart, I learned how to speak up for what I need. For example, our teachers emphasized reaching out to them and having conversations to communicate with them what we need to succeed.

Aniya: At Lenart, I really learned a lot about leadership, how to be creative, and open-minded.

What are you considering as a potential future career?

Ari: When I’m older, I want to either be an anesthesiologist or a CRNA. I've undergone two surgeries growing up, and I remember the anesthesiologist always being there for me and making sure I was comfortable both times.

Aniya: I really want to be a neonatologist who works with babies. I was a premature baby, so learning about how doctors saved my life inspired me to one day do the same.

What advice would you give to future 8th graders at Lenart?

Ari: My advice would be to learn how to take a teacher’s message or advice. As we’ve grown, we’ve learned that our teachers' intentions aren’t to be mean or strict, but to help us in the classroom and improve our work ethic.

Aniya: Use your resources. If you don’t understand something, ask the teacher! Our principal is amazing and helps us with everything, so don’t be afraid to reach out for help.