“I came into my freshman year from St. John Brebeuf knowing only three people, and that was it,” senior Olivia Schoenfeldt said. “But I immediately joined clubs within the school and soon knew a ton of people by the end of freshman year.”

President of the German club, co-founder of the Polish club, an executive in Dance Marathon, a singer in masters choir, and a homeroom mentor, Schoenfeldt is always running around the school keeping up with each club.

“I’ve been involved in German club since freshman year, when I served as Secretary. This year, I’m President, so I basically run all the meetings, keep in touch with our sponsors and set up activities and fundraisers,” Schoenfeldt said.

West is known for its diversity, and Olivia helped revive Polish club, which was started by students in the past but then died off. Along with senior Beata Soltys and other Polish seniors in the school, Polish Club was added to the cultural clubs.

“[Polish Club] officially started my junior year (2013) although it was formed my sophomore year (2012),” Schoenfeldt said.

Schoenfeldt’s passion to give back to the community lead her to join Dance Marathon, and is an exec this year.

“It’s hard to explain the feeling I get in May when the total amount of money raised is announced at the big dance that we [Dance Marathon]. Raising upwards of $80 thousand dollars for a charity is unbelievable because majority of it is student raised. I just love being a part of it,” Schoenfeldt said

Schoenfeldt also has been singing since third grade and is a part of Niles West’s choir along with her church choir.

“Singing is just a part of me,” Schoenfeldt said. “I enjoy singing pop and classical music, so there is a wide range of possible songs to sing.”

Schoenfeldt’s freshmen really appreciate the time and commitment she has dedicated to them throughout the year.

“She’s really sweet and goes out of her way to make us [freshmen] feel comfortable,” freshman Casey Sproat said. “After finals, she gave us candy just because we made it through our first finals which was really nice!”

“I guess I sometimes bribe them with food, but it’s only because I want to see them continue doing well in their academics and extracurricular activities,” Schoenfeldt said.

Hoping to attend Bradley University next year, Schoenfeldt wants to become an elementary teacher, but get experience in all levels.

“I became a homeroom mentor because I want to become a teacher, and this is a small way to start my experience. I feel its an experience that will help ready me for other mentoring or teacher’s aid positions,” Schoenfeldt said.