About Sam
Movement Science • Kinesiology • Psychology
I am a student-athlete from Lake Bluff, Illinois, who is passionate about the connection between movement, psychology, and overall well-being. Through leadership, athletics, and service, I hope to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
​National Dance Medalist | Student Leader | Healthcare Volunteer​
EDUCATION
5.324 GPA
Lake Forest High School (Illinois)
1400 SAT
National Merit Commended Scholar
10 AP Courses
AP Scholar with Distinction
Illinois State Scholar
Global Seal of Biliteracy (French)
MY JOURNEY
Ever since I began competitive dance, I have been fascinated by the connection between the mind and body. Dance has taught me resilience, discipline, teamwork, and how movement can transform confidence and well-being.
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Today, that passion extends beyond athletics. Through physical therapy shadowing, psychology coursework, healthcare volunteering, and leadership initiatives, I hope to better understand how movement and mental health work together to improve people's lives.​
My goal is to study Movement Science or Kinesiology while preparing for a career as a physical therapist who combines compassion, evidence-based care, and motivation to help patients regain confidence and independence.
HONORS & AWARDS
National Silver Medalist UDA Dance
Gold Medalist Illinois State Champion (Dance)
North Suburban Conference All Academic
LFHS Scout Way Award (For Respect, Empathy, & Kindness)
La Société Honoraire de Français
National Honor Society
Career Goals
My long-term goal is to become a physical therapist who integrates movement science, psychology, and evidence-based rehabilitation to help individuals regain mobility, confidence, and independence. I hope to work with athletes, children, and individuals recovering from injury while promoting lifelong physical and mental wellness through compassionate care.
EXPERIENCE
Professional Background
Athletico Physical Therapy
Rehabilitation Aide (paid) & Summer Shadow Program
Only student selected from career shadowing program for a paid rehabilitation aide position; assisted therapists with patient care, exercises, and daily clinic operations.
Healthcare Shadowing
Observer of PT & Athletic Training
Locations included: Venture Dance, Bodyworks, Quest Performance, Lurie Children’s Hospital, Rosalind Franklin University Cadaver Lab
American Heart Association
National Volunteer
Creator of Ambassadors of the Heart volunteer program for busy teens, presented to National Director.
Repressed Memory Project
Student Researcher
Researched this topic in psychology extensively and presented for in-class assessment.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS
Yale University- The Science of Well-being
Northwestern University- Psychology: Inside Diagnosis & Treatment
Physical Therapy Assistant Certificate
American Psychological Association Student Member
Dance
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National Silver Medalist
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Illinois State Champion
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Three-year Varsity member
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JV Captain (10) Senior Leader (12)
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Team ranked 2nd nationally
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Music & Spirit Leader
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Coaches Award
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Positive Energy Award
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UDA Camp Pin It Forward Award
DANCE EXPERIENCE
High School Teams and Pre-professional Program
LFHS Competition Dance
LFHS Sideline Dance
LoMastro Pre-professional Program
Senior Leader, Music & Spirit
Three year Varsity team member for the most awarded team at LFHS. Positive Energy is Contagious Award 10. Conference All Academic Award
Captain, Leader, 4 year member
Sideline and halftime dancer for school’s varsity and junior varsity program. Coaches Award Most Improved 9. Conference All Academic Award
14 years dance experience
Involved in company dance for ballet, jazz, contemporary and production. Soloist and featured dancer including performing for 5 years in The Nutcracker.
Poms 2025
UDA Nationals, Orlando, FL
2nd Place Nationals 2A
Conference Champions
Regional Champions
1st Place Local Tournaments
Jazz 2026
IHSA Illinois State Competition
Illinois State Champions
7th Place UDA Nationals Div 1
Conference Champions
Regional Champions
1st Place Local Tournaments
Poms 2026
UDA Nationals, Orlando, FL
11th Place Nationals Division 1
Conference Champions
Regional Champions
1st Place Local Tournaments
Hip Hop Homecoming
Lake Forest High School
Lake Forest, IL
Original Choreography for Homecoming festivities
SCHOOL & COMMUNITY CLUBS & ATHLETICS
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Global Health Impact Club
President & Founder
Provide health improvements in over 20 countries to benefit approximately 1500 people in international rural communities through micro-loans with KIVA. Raised over $2500 with St. Patrick’s Day Bake Sale & other fundraisers
Student to Student
CROYA Youth Association
Leadership Team & 4 year member
Teen Leadership Development Graduate
Help new LFHS students acclimate. Ambassador at school tours, VIP/parent nights. Event organizer- new family night, pumpkin carving, beach walk
Organize, plan, promote and attend weekly events for area students to reduce anxiety and have fun. Events include Dodgeball Tournament, Flour Fights, and Hamster Ball
French Club & La Société Honoraire de Français
LINK Crew
LFHS Student Council
Initiate and member
Selected member of honor society and active club member studying French culture and language
LINK Leader
Member
Selected to assist with Freshman orientation and help students feel welcome and acclimate to the high school
Helped coordinate school spirit weeks, dances, events, and fundraisers
EXPERIENCE
Part time work and Community Service
Community Service
Mighty Sprouts Camp
Neighborhood Helper
Frequent Volunteer (130 hours)
GLASA Great Lake Adaptive Sports Association, Camp Hope, Move for More Pediatric Cancer Benefit, Reading Power, Feed My Starving Children, Bernie’s Book Bank, Northern Illinois Food Bank, and Fil A Heart for Kids
Counselor
Engaged with students & helped acclimate & get the most out of daily activities; Lead athletic & other activities, supervised & ensured camper safety. (2 Summers)
Babysitter, Pet sitter, House sitter
Help neighborhood families with a variety of roles helping over 4 years, during summers and when available.