Launch at LPS: Brooke builds winning portfolio during her North Star career

April 9, 2025

North Star High School senior Brooke has created an academic, social and community portfolio that puts her in a Fortune 500 level at Lincoln Public Schools.
 
The future finance-based professional has set herself apart at North Star with a winning combination of academic talent, a hardworking mindset and a kind and compassionate demeanor. She is a National Merit Scholar Finalist, has won multiple state business awards, leads the school newspaper and has studied environmental issues in Chile and Argentina. She has also worked three jobs in high school, earned a national leadership scholarship and been a friendly face to everyone in North Star’s hallways.

 
Brooke has used that wide range of opportunities to launch a successful life at LPS. She said it has been fun to share those moments with friends, classmates and teachers at school.
 
“What I’ve enjoyed most about North Star is the diversity that we have here, not only in people, but in different clubs and classes that we can take,” Brooke said. “For me, I’m involved in four different extracurriculars, and I think it’s super important to have that variety. I think it’s helped me a lot to grow as a person, just having those different experiences.”

 
Shelby Cowan and Shaima Shakir said Brooke is the gold standard of the Gator community because of her work ethic and empathy for others. Cowan teaches English classes and advises the school’s yearbook and newspaper staff, and Shakir steers hundreds of students in positive directions as a school counselor. Both said they have been impressed with the type of role model Brooke has become for many people.
 
“When you have a high GPA and all of these achievements, you’re a leader, but with that, she has a great personality,” Shakir said. “Being nice, being kind, being respectful and always being there when somebody needs her. It doesn’t matter who it is. That’s what sets her apart.”
 
“Brooke is the epitome of leading by example,” Cowan said. “Her quiet confidence and pursuit of excellence in everything she does makes her an outstanding example for other North Star students.”
 
Shakir said Brooke’s willingness to go above and beyond is one reason why she has become a standout student and citizen. She has compiled a 4.51 grade point average with her work in Advanced Placement and honors courses, and she has volunteered her time with Downtown Lincoln Association, NeighborWorks Lincoln and the Indian Village Neighborhood Association. She is also a member of North Star’s National Honor Society chapter and the LNS Environmental Club.

 
Brooke’s hard work recently helped her win a $25,000 national scholarship from the Girls Inc. organization, which provides leadership opportunities for girls interested in careers such as science, math and technology. Girls Inc. required applicants to write three essays in addition to providing an academic transcript and letters of recommendation. Brooke penned her essays last fall and received her good news in February.
 
“That’s the thing about Brooke. She doesn’t stop and think, ‘Oh, someone else will do the work for me.’ She does the work herself,” Shakir said. “She takes time out, even though she’s doing everything else.
 
“She puts 120 percent into everything, whether it’s scholarships or college applications, no matter how much the process is. Some students might get scared and stop, but with Brooke, she moves on. It doesn’t matter how much time it’s going to take or how difficult it is. She challenges herself.”

 
That frame of mind propelled Brooke to become editor-in-chief of “The Gator Galaxy” newspaper this year. She caught the writing bug after taking an AP language class as a junior, and she felt journalism would be a good way to continue crafting stories. She said working on the yearbook and newspaper have helped her connect with even more of her fellow Gators.
 
“Just getting to know the school and bringing it all together in one book is really neat,” Brooke said. “It’s just super cool to be able to unite everyone in that way.”

 
Brooke has also excelled in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) organization. She was on an International Business team that secured a trip to nationals with a fourth-place finish at last year’s state contest. She also won an eighth-place state medal in Business Calculations, participated in FBLA community service projects and helped with career exploration events at school.
 
Brooke said her busy schedule has helped her improve her time management skills. She has also learned to zero in on activities that she thoroughly enjoys. She would like to study either economics or data science in college.
 
“One piece of advice I’ve heard is that when you say yes to one thing, you have to say no to another thing, so I’m really being conscious of what I’m opening myself to, because it means I’m closing another door,” Brooke said. “I’m definitely just prioritizing what matters most.”

 
Shakir said Brooke’s future prospects are trending upward every day. She felt Brooke would represent North Star well because of her positive outlook on life.
 
“She shows respect to adults and students with everything she does,” Shakir said. “That’s what I see in her. She’s a great communicator, she has critical thinking and she’s a great leader. I feel like she’s a great role model not just for students here at North Star, but for everyone in the community.”

Congratulations, Brooke!

We wish you the best in your future endeavors.
We are thankful our educators could help you Launch at LPS!

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Check out our graduation page at https://home.lps.org/graduation/ to get the details on celebrating your favorite high school grad.

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