Lake County Gazette

Lake Forest Schools announced that during the Boys Track and Field Invitational hosted by Lake Forest High School (LFHS), an official from the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) recognized a student for exceptional character with a sportsmanship award.

At the event held on April 26, an IHSA official presented the ITCCOA Sportsmanship Award baton to LFHS student Xavier Garriques. The official had been carrying the baton for some time, waiting for the right moment to recognize an athlete who exemplified outstanding character. "Xavier was chosen for his positive attitude, respect, and exemplary behavior, in addition to his athletic performance, making him a proud representative of Scout Nation," according to Lake Forest Schools.

The IHSA is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1900 that oversees interscholastic sports and activities for over 800 high schools in Illinois. It promotes good sportsmanship and equitable participation in sports, enriching students’ educational experiences. The IHSA manages state tournaments, enforces bylaws, and updates rules through member schools’ proposals and advisory committees. It offers 15 championship series in various boys' sports, including baseball, basketball, track, and wrestling. Girls may compete in certain boys’ sports, with wrestling and football being the most common. The IHSA is headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois.

Lake Forest High School was established in 1935 as a public secondary school serving grades 9–12 in Lake Forest, Illinois. Approximately 95% of its students pursue higher education, supported by personalized instruction and a collaborative school environment. It serves the communities of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood with the motto "Pursuits become habits."

Lake Forest Community High School District 115 serves approximately 1,500 students from Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood. The district offers a range of academic programs and extracurricular activities including career pathways and community service opportunities. Its curriculum includes advanced placement courses and specialized electives with access to athletics, performing arts, and various clubs. Feeder schools include Deer Path Middle School, Lake Bluff Middle School, along with several private and parochial schools in the area.