After attending public school for elementary and middle school, junior Shakira Kahl made the switch to La Salle after encouragement from her sister and cousins who have also attended the school. 

She comes from a large family with four siblings: one older sister, two younger brothers, and one younger sister. “I have a big family, so my house is always loud all the time,” Kahl said. “There’s always something to do.” 

Though her family doesn’t adhere to many traditions, their Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations every year are something that stands out to her, especially the midnight church services. “Normally [the service] is done at 2 a.m.,” she said. “So I’ll leave with my sister and our two cousins, and we’ll get pancakes or something.”

So far, what Kahl enjoys most about being at La Salle are the friends she’s made, going to sporting events, and the relationships she has with her teachers. “Mr. Larson…I can just go into his classroom and talk about anything,” she said about English teacher Mr. Gregory Larson. 

Her favorite sports to watch at La Salle are volleyball and football because of the themes to dress up for. “My favorite one was ‘pink out’ because I brought glitter with me and a glue stick,” she said. “I went around to literally the whole student section to ask if anyone wanted glitter.” 

Not only does Kahl go all out for sporting events, she also likes to play sports. She has played volleyball for La Salle as a sophomore, and plays with friends and family outside of school. “I always have a volleyball in my car so we can just go play anywhere,” she said. “One time I played in a random parking lot.” 

While making sure to spend plenty of time with friends, Kahl is also very dedicated to her schoolwork. Her favorite classes this year are Psychology and Honors Algebra II. “Math somewhat comes easy for me, and the people in that class just make it more fun,” she said. 

One of her favorite teachers at La Salle has been science teacher Mr. Matthew Owen, who she had last year for Honors Chemistry. “Mr. Owen was a really good teacher,” she said. “He’s entertaining. He’s funny. He makes sure we actually understand.” 

Taking Honors Chemistry has played a role in helping Kahl envision her future career path. “I could possibly go into biochemistry or some sort of science field,” she said. 

Working with her father in his lab over the past summer has greatly influenced her interest in science as well as his career as a microbiologist. “It’s pretty fun honestly, doing measurements and testing certain things,” Kahl said. 

Outside of school, Kahl enjoys creative activities such as painting and decorating her room. When struggling to find things to do, she likes to print pictures of memories with her friends to hang on her walls. “I just like decorating my room with photos of my life. I like having those memories where I can see them,” she said. 

In her free time, Kahl listens to a variety of music and really likes the artist Chase Atlantic currently. However, her favorite band has always been One Direction. “I was a One Direction girl since I was in fourth grade,” she said. “Once you are, you just never aren’t.” 

“Outgoing” is the word Kahl would use to best describe herself, as she is a very social person. “When I’m hanging out with my friends, I like not having a plan,” she said. “A phrase I use a lot is ‘I’ll do it if you do it.’ I love that phrase.”

If she could travel anywhere in the world, Kahl would go to Paris. She hopes to see the Eiffel Tower and experience the city someday. “That’s been my answer to that question since I was six,” she said.