Hannah Van Der Karr

Hannah found her leadership voice as part of FCCLA – Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America. As she says, “giving back to others was what I was meant to do.” After immersing herself in community service projects, Hannah was ready to take her involvement to the next level. Though she initially struggled to secure an officer position, she remained loyal and climbed to Illinois FCCLA state president this year, leading 3,000 members. Through this role, Hannah refined her public speaking and communications skills, which she plans to further in college. Outside of FCCLA, Hannah was section leader for band, library club president, captain of winter guard, and a member of Mathletes. Her principal remarks that in his 30 years as an educator, “he was never seen a more determined young lady than Hannah.” From Dwight, Illinois, Hannah will attend Marquette University in the fall.