Lauren Van Vlierbergen

Harry D. Jacobs High School
Algonquin, Illinois

she doesn’t give up… not on herself, and not on anyone who needs her.

Lauren Van Vlierbergen’s inner drive has enabled her to run through searing hip pain to help her track team win a race and qualify for State. It’s what compels her to be a part of her community’s “Girls on the Run” program, where she works with young girls to help them become confident athletes and stronger individuals. It’s what motivates her to follow in her older brother’s footsteps and support her local “Relay for Life” walks, which raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer.

Most importantly, Lauren’s commitment to achieving her best and doing her part helped her save a life. As a lifeguard at her local Lifetime Fitness, Lauren’s biggest challenge is normally to keep patrons from diving into the shallow end of the pool. But one day, in the blink of an eye, Lauren found herself in an emergency situation that demanded all her inner strength.

A mother with her baby in her arms had fallen on the pool deck while suffering a seizure. Lauren’s training kicked in as she ran to the woman’s side and before the baby could shed a tear, Lauren had the child safely in the arms of a bystander. Then, Lauren held the mother’s head in her hands until the seizure passed.

This humbling experience taught Lauren to approach each day not as a routine, but as a gift, and it reinforced the importance of being prepared to handle any situation. This is part of what inspires Lauren to continually fight through obstacles and weaknesses to achieve her personal goals – so she can be ready to excel when she’s needed most.

 

  • Lauren Van Vlierbergen

  • Lauren Van Vlierbergen

  • Lauren Van Vlierbergen

  • Lauren Van Vlierbergen

  • Lauren Van Vlierbergen


Athletic

Achievements

CROSS COUNTRY

  • 3 years Captain
  • 4 years Varsity Letter Winner
  • 3 years MVP
  • 4 years All-Conference
  • 4 years All-District
  • 3 years All-State
  • IHSA 3A State Finals 7th Place in 3 Mile (16:47)
    School Record in 3 Mile (16:47)

track & field

  • 2 years Captain
  • 3 years Varsity Letter Winner
  • 2 years MVP
  • 3 years All-Conference
  • 3 years All-District
  • 2 years All-State
  • School Record in 4x800m Relay (9:16)
  • School Record in 800m (2:10.1) – Won Class 3A IHSA State Track Meet
  • School Record in 1600m (4:55.4) – Placed 4th in 3Q State Track Meet
  • School Record in 3200m (10:45.1) – Won a Conference Dual Meet
  • Illinois Prep Top Times Indoor State Record in 800m (2:11.8)
  • County Record Holder in 800m (2:12.1)

basketball

  • 2 year Varsity Letter Winner

 


Academic Honors

  • National Honor Society
  • Super Honor Roll
  • AP Scholar with Honors
  • VFW Scholarship Recipient – Voice of Democracy Essay/Speech
  • President’s Volunteer Service Award for 100 Hours of Service a Year
  • Illinois Junior Academy of Science
  • Silver Medal for paper session at State
  • Rotary Youth Leadership Conference and Fox Valley Leadership Conference
  • Student Athlete Leadership Board

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School/Community Involvement

  • Student Council
  • Interact Club
  • Jacobs Safety Initiative (President)
  • Girls on the Run (President)
  • Founders Day Run Chair
  • _
  • Lauren Van Vlierbergen

  • Lauren Van Vlierbergen

 

 

 

“I’ve learned to approach each day as a gift.”
~ Lauren Van Vlierbergen ~