As the second semester for La Salle’s 2023-2024 school year is underway, students may find several new faces in our community, as students from both local and international schools join the flock.

Jimmy Kuffner

Freshman Jimmy Kuffner transferred to La Salle from The American School in Japan. Kuffner said he chose to transfer to La Salle because many of his family members have been involved in the community, such as a few of his cousins and his uncle, who was once the principal. 

Another reason for Kuffner’s transfer to La Salle is his admiration for the boys soccer program. Kuffner has been playing soccer for the past eight years and wants to play soccer on La Salle’s varsity team in the future. 

So far, he has really enjoyed the warm and welcoming environment and has especially enjoyed his English I class with Mr. Christopher Krantz. “The first day of school is always challenging for everyone, everyone was really nice and welcoming,” Kuffner said.

Kuffner, while just recently starting at La Salle, is ready to jump ahead to the festivities that La Salle has to offer. These activities include Spirit Week and St. La Salle Day. “I want to see what the last week of school looks like because I heard it’s fun,” Kuffner said.

Born in Japan, Kuffner is half-Japanese and half-American. He spent the first half of the year at The American School in Japan, before moving to America and then started his second semester here at La Salle.

So far one of Kuffner’s favorite things he’s tried since moving to America has been Jersey Mike’s. “I like Jersey Mike’s.” Kuffner said. “[When] I moved to America it was the first thing I ate, it’s pretty good.” 

One item on Kuffner’s bucket list he wishes to accomplish is to visit Brazil. “It sounds pretty cool,” Kuffner said. 

Lolo Gibson

Coming from Central Catholic High School, junior Lolo Gibson came to La Salle looking for a fresh start in a new community. “The community just wasn’t really for me anymore, so I thought I needed something new,” Gibson said. Gibson shadowed last year and fell in love with the community that La Salle had to offer. 

Gibson enjoys her Psychology class, which is taught by Mr. Peter Snow, and AP English III with Mr. Paul Driesbach. “[Driesbach is] just a really funny guy,” Gibson said. 

Outside of school, Gibson works at the Moda Center and Providence Park selling merchandise, and is looking to become involved in extracurriculars at La Salle by joining the track team in the spring. She also spends a lot of time at the gym. “I’m big into leg day,” Gibson said.

Gibson loves listening to Frank Ocean and SZA. “Open Arms from SZA’s new album is great, and then White Ferrari by Frank Ocean is probably one of my top songs,” Gibson said. 

She is also fluent in Japanese. “I studied for 10 years, so I went to Richmond and Mount Tabor before Central.” Gibson said.

Gibson hopes to travel around the world, to Italy in particular. “I really want to go cliff diving in Italy,” Gibson said, “I love Italy and feel like diving off the Amalfi Coast would be crazy.” 

One of Gibson’s goals since coming to La Salle is to graduate with honors and be prepared for college. “The course load [at La Salle] is crazy and I have a lot more homework to do,” Gibson said. “But I definitely think it’ll prepare me for college.”

Millie Bennett

Halfway through her first year of high school, freshman Millie Bennett decided transferring to La Salle would be the right choice. “I wanted more opportunities in terms of academics,” Bennett said, “I felt there wasn’t a lot of wiggle room at Clackamas [High School].” 

Bennett noted that it’s been difficult to meet new people and make more friends, but moving to La Salle has proven to be a good choice for her. “It’s nice to be in a community where people care about God, [and] I can say that out loud,” Bennett said. 

Outside of school, you can find Bennett playing her cello, going on runs with her friend, or hanging out in the Innovation and Design Center after school. Bennet just joined the La Salle theater department and is a member of the spring musical’s set crew. 

Bennett aspires to work for Disney one day and believes that La Salle’s art programs can help her get there. “The art classes here and the work from the students is amazing,” Bennet said, “I really want to get into Ms. Cha’s art class one day.” 

Bennett’s favorite show at the moment is “Percy Jackson and the Olympians”. “I really like watching the Percy Jackson series with my family,” Bennett said. “I have three little siblings. We all love it. I read the books when I was in middle school, so it’s fun to see them come to life.”