Words by Kim Vreeland, Director of Marketing and Communications
Eryn McLeod is currently studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Florida, after spending her entire educational journey at Academy at the Lakes. An AP Scholar with Distinction and member of National Honor Society, Eryn consistently excelled in the classroom, earning Head of School’s Honor Roll every semester of her academic career.
A dedicated member of Odyssey of the Mind, she and her teammates competed and placed at the regional, national, and world levels, earning the prestigious Ranatra Fusca Award for outstanding creativity and innovation. Sharing her passion, she had the opportunity to coach a primary team this year, “Coaching was so much fun because I got to give back to a program I learned so much from. I loved getting to see the creativity and intelligence of young kids.”
Eryn appreciates the vast opportunities that Academy provided, “I think going to such a small school can be valuable – from my close connections to teachers to recognizing and saying hi to nearly everyone I see walking down the hallways.” This comfort led her to try new things such as joining the swim team in seventh grade – a sport in which she had no experience, and ended up qualifying for the regional meet for three consecutive years. But swimming was just the tip of the iceberg. Eryn participated in Battle of the Books, the All-School Musical, Chorus, and Strings. In Middle School, she also played volleyball and softball, and ran track.
Contributing to and giving back to her community was a common theme during Eryn’s time at Academy, and she did so often; her leadership evident at every turn – yearbook editor, school ambassador, pit musician in the orchestra. And in sixth grade, she founded Green Club with her Girl Scout troop! Eryn made Academy a better place by contributing positively to its culture and community.
And she’s made plenty of memories along the way such as waking up at 5 a.m. to jump into a pool of “freezing” water for early morning swim practice, the extended trips, the retreats, and the senior prank. Eryn shares, “It’s been amazing to have attended Academy at the Lakes my entire life. I’m still friends with classmates I’ve known since kindergarten, and I’ve been able to learn and grow so much because I was in an environment where I always felt supported and comfortable.”
