Senior Spotlight: Lauryn Hiatt's Path from Dance to Forensic Science

Lauryn Hiatt, a senior at Newman Central Catholic High School, has been named student of the month for September. She plans to start at Sauk Valley Community College through the Impact Program for two years before moving on to a Catholic university to study forensic science.

Her favorite class is theology, taught by Mrs. Jungerman. The course mixes faith with science and uses real life examples, which helps her see how the two areas connect.

Outside of class she dances competitively, a passion she has had since she was four. Dance taught her responsibility and teamwork. She also volunteers with the Penguin Project of Sauk Valley, where she has spent three years helping mentors and participants, learning friendship, respect, patience and understanding.

A standout memory came during the freshman orientation in August. Father Doyle gave a homily about who the new students are now and who they will become in four years. Hearing it again as a senior made her emotional, reminding her how quickly high school passes.

She is the daughter of Frank and Jacalyn Hiatt and has two siblings, Jacob VanWassenhove and Isaac Hicks.