Let’s give a warm “Spotlight on Seniors” welcome to Ava LaBracke – Oconomowoc High School!

Meet Ava LaBracke, a senior at Oconomowoc High School. She’s the youngest sibling in her family with 2 older brothers, one in college and one in the work world. She loves music, drama and singing. I’ve known Ava since she was born, as her mom and I are good friends. She’s always been a very creative person. I remember her having a fondness for cooking as a young girl. Her mom and I were fans of Top Chef, and Ava would sometimes take a turn at creating a unique dish, or baking something special. It’s been fun watching her grow into this young woman, and it is a pleasure to showcase her with other graduating seniors in the Lake Country area.

What are your interests and hobbies?

I like vocal performance, participating in drama/theater productions and spending time with friends and family.

Tell us about one of your favorite classes in school.

English has always been my strongest subject. But, it only became my favorite when I reached high school and was presented with more challenging texts in IB English. Taking this class and being part of such a passionate community of thinkers inspired me to take my interest to the next level. Now it will be my major in college and choice of career beyond that.

What’s your least favorite?

When I was younger, I loved to do things I was good at and hated everything else. One of the latter was math, which I’ve disliked ever since, despite growing out of that immature mindset.

Do you have a favorite memory from the school year?

Directing a play consumed so much of my life this year. It’s hard to think of a good memory without it. Some of my favorite memories from that time include snow tubing and axe throwing at cast bonding. The feeling of accomplishment and pride I had during opening night. And the playwright, Karen Shaeffer, coming to closing night and having a talk-back with us.

What’s something you worked hard on this past year, a moment or an achievement you’re particularly proud of?

The most stressful and rewarding achievement I’ve made this year is by far directing a play alongside my co-director, Peyton White. Over the course of months, we selected, cast, blocked, advertised, and set designed Girls’ Weekend, working though the many problems that accompany the task as we went. We were even lucky enough to have the playwright, Karen Schaeffer, fly to see the show closing night. It was an unexpected honor I still can’t quite wrap my head around.

This experience taught me countless lessons, including how to ensure everyone’s voice is heard in a collaborative setting. And the most rewarding part was seeing friendships form because of the play, something I experienced my junior year.

What has surprised you most about school this past year?

The person that I’ve become as a whole is very surprising to me when I consider my past. Before Covid and doing online school sophomore year, I would have never been as social or involved in school. I’m quite ambitious now, which is an incredibly positive personal development that I’m so glad happened.

What are you looking forward to in the upcoming year?

In my future at college, I’m most looking forward to getting involved in the community through the countless opportunities UW-Madison offers. I plan to audition for musical and theatrical productions, film-related clubs, and enjoy the local music scene while I’m there.

What are some of your goals (academic, sports, personal)?

This year, I’d like to work on my ability to balance school with social and personal time. I’ve been able to accomplish a lot in my high school career, which I’m proud of. But it was sometimes at the expense of my mental health, which I plan to prioritize more in the future.

What is something you are good at and/or enjoy doing?

My strengths are in communication, open-mindedness, leadership, and performance, which I appreciate because they allow me to connect with others on a deeper level.

Explain a time you wanted to give up but didn’t?

With all the activities, coursework, and personal issues I had to juggle in high school, I can’t even count the number of times I wanted to just give up and leave it all behind me. However, every instance when I continued anyway and finished the thing that stressed me out is proof that I can get through stressors in my current and future life.

What are your favorite memories?

When I picture my happy place, I think of my family friend’s cabin up north. I’ve gone there every summer since I was a baby, and have countless memories with family and friends there tubing, cooking, and getting away from the stress of everyday life.

Is there someone special who you admire?

My favorites teachers are ones that inspire me as I prepare to go down the same path. I appreciate their down-to-earthness, intelligence, and ability to form powerful relationships with students. Some teachers I feel truly demonstrate these traits at OHS are Mrs. Ryan-Lofy, Ms. Brooks, and Mrs. Schuh.

Do you have plans for the future?

In the future, I plan to attend graduate school, study abroad, teach English at a high school or college, and share the beauty of the discipline with the next generation. As for my personal life, I would love to travel and explore cultures other than my own, continue being involved in the arts, and have at least one cat.

What advice would you give to an incoming student?

Get involved, don’t be shy. The time at high school really passes by quickly. Do the things that interest you and maybe try something new. I definitely regret suppressing artistic and passionate parts of myself while I was an underclassmen because I was afraid of judgement from my friends. If I could go back, I would have gotten involved in school and performing earlier, but I actually value the experience, because it taught me what to look for in the people I surround myself with.