Grace Kraidich is a senior at Lakewood High School. An active participant in global mission work, a part-time employee and a member of the Fourtes quartet, Symphonic Mixed Choir and Chamber Choir, this busy student has been attending Lakewood schools since kindergarten. In the midst of her senior year and planning for college, I decided to ask her some questions about her future and about this year full of “lasts” and transitions.

What has it been like attending Lakewood schools your whole life?

I’ve been extremely fortunate; I have had so many teachers that have not only taught me a lot, but have also been genuinely amazing people. Lakewood has a great school system and I am so lucky to have been on the receiving end of it.

What has been the most difficult thing about senior year so far?

The hardest part about senior year has been keeping on top of my school work and college stuff while simultaneously trying to enjoy the little things that make high school fun [like] hanging out with friends.

What has been the best part of senior year so far?

Spirit week and Homecoming, definitely.

What are your plans for the future?

[I am] going to college for a music and intercultural studies major with a minor in history, but I’m not really sure what comes next.

Where are you going to college?

I am pretty committed to Judson University, a very small private liberal arts college a little north of Chicago.

What parts of college and life after high school are you most excited about?

I am excited to live away from home and just have new life experiences.

Does anything scare you about going to college?

What scares me the most is exactly what I am most excited for. I am scared to live on my own away from my family and from everyone I have grown up with.

What will you miss most about Lakewood and LHS?

I will miss seeing my friends every day and I will miss a lot of high school stuff like choir and football games

What advice do you have for lower grade levels?

Get involved in extracurriculars because they are a great way to make friends and break up the monotony of school.