Alumni Profiles
Michelle Longo
Academy at the Lakes ‘06, Elon ‘10
I transferred to Academy at the Lakes when my family moved from New York. Naturally, I was homesick and unhappy. However, it took me exactly two days to realize that Academy at the Lakes was the best thing that could have ever happened to me.
I was invited to join the basketball team – my passion since third grade – and quickly made new friends. From day one, my teachers took a genuine interest in me and really made me feel comfortable. They strengthened my interest in communications and journalism and always encouraged me. Now I’m attending Elon University, pursuing my dream of becoming a sports journalist. I’m the editor of the sports section of The Pendulum and supervise nine reporters and photographers. I will be eternally grateful for my experience at Academy at the Lakes. They taught me the importance of relationships, helped me establish a work ethic to balance my school work, activities, and daily life, and they instilled in me morals that help me make the right decisions. I feel Academy has prepared me to take on the big world.”
Tommy Giglio
Academy at the Lakes ‘05, Northwestern ‘09
I like to joke that Mr. Sullivan, my middle school English teacher, “forced” me to be the Editor-in-Chief of the school’s yearbook. I was sure I would hate that job, but soon discovered that I had a true talent for it. I had attended the Academy since second grade, so it’s no surprise that my teachers knew me better than I knew myself. That’s the great thing about the Academy. Everyone knows who you are and encourages you to be your best. There are so many opportunities to try new things, to be involved, to explore your interests.
Even now, as a graduate from the journalism school at Northwestern, I seek out new opportunities. My Academy education definitely provided me the experiences and the confidence to pursue my dreams.
