By Victoria Lubas
FEATURES EDITOR

From day one of freshman year, Francesca Goerg has made the most of her IHA experience. From her many clubs and service projects to her many advanced classes, Francesca is extremely dedicated to everything she sets her mind to.

Francesca has been a dedicated member of Mock Trial since freshman year and has also been the team manager of the Varsity Softball team for the last four years.  Francesca is also a member of the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, and the National Spanish Honor Society. Since her junior year at IHA, Francesca has been a prefect, and says she has “loved volunteering at all the open houses!”

Francesca was also selected to be one of IHA’s representatives at the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership (HOBY) conference during her sophomore year, which teaches high school students about leadership while helping them develop an interest in serving others.

Francesca has been a member of CARE for all four years at IHA. Since sophomore year, Francesca has been a member of the Christian Service Board, serving as president in her junior year, and for two years she has been group leader of Buddy Blessings–a CARE group that helps underprivileged children in Jersey City with their homework. Francesca also began an Easter Basket Drive her freshman year, during which she made seventy baskets to be donated to a home for battered women called “Shelter Our Sisters.” Francesca used her position as a member of the Christian Service Board to bring the Easter Basket Drive to IHA, resulting in the creation of over five hundred baskets.

Francesca has taken numerous honors and AP classes during her four years at IHA. Dr. Brennan, Francesca’s Biology Honors teacher during her first year at IHA, and one of her favorite teachers, said, “Tessie was a fun student to have in class. In those moments when students share glimpses of their lives with the class, she would have us all laughing with the retelling of comical and sweet moments of her own life.  I loved that she was an enthusiastic learner and that she never gave up trying to grasp the material even at the times when it felt uncomfortably difficult. She has a beautiful, sincere heart.”

In between participating in Mock Trial, helping inner-city children with their homework and getting great grades in her AP and honors classes, Francesca works after school at the Montessori Daycare in Ridgewood and loves to read, swim and spend time with her friends. Looking back on her four years, Francesca said, “I honestly don’t think I would have changed anything. I loved my IHA experience so much and am so fortunate to have met so many wonderful and inspiring people. I am so reluctant to leave. However, I know I will carry the friendships and memories made at IHA with me forever.”

Francesca is looking forward to attending the University of Georgia with a Classic Scholars scholarship in the fall. “I am so excited to begin this new adventure in my life,” Francesca exclaims. She is currently undecided about her major, but hopes to decide sometime during freshman year.

Every member of the IHA community will miss Francesca’s hard work and dedication to the school, along with her loving and enthusiastic personality. Francesca has been incredibly dedicated to IHA and has touched the lives of many, both in the IHA community and beyond. Good luck at the University of Georgia next year, and IHA wishes you continued success!