Of the 57 members of the recently graduated Class of 2009, one of the most colorful and individualistic was Laura Voitik. Whether it was her multiple changes of hair color or unique fashion sense or fiercely independent way of looking at things, Voitik was hard to miss during the past five years. Learn more about this future veterinarian.

When Katherine Allen met Jeremy Kemball three years ago, she discovered that their families shared a South African connection. Their paths didn't cross much after that, but as the 2008-09 school year approached its conclusion, Katherine decided to learn more about this University of Illinois-bound senior before he graduated.

What do you get when you combine a devotion to biking, a love of environmental studies, and a penchant for finding out-of-the-ordinary destinations for reflection? Say hello and goodbye to Class of 2009 alum Andrew Lovdahl as we explore the quirky method behind his thoughtful madness.

"I've been drawing since … forever, I guess," Paul Miller says. With his Uni career about to end, the talented senior plans to study visual arts at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. "The change of setting might be healthy after 19 years here," he says. "I have no idea what my career will be. But I'm sure I'll do art the rest of my life."

If you ever feel a breeze in the hallway, despite the fact there's no window or door open, don't fret. Math executive teacher Craig Russell probably just walked by so quickly that you didn't even see him. A blur of activity, Russell inspires students with his energy and enthusiasm. This past year, he even wrote his own textbook.

1968 Uni alum David Goldwasser is an accomplished veterinarian. He is also the proud father of two sons, Ben and Jacob. If the last name sounds familiar, that's because Ben Goldwasser is one curly-headed half of the indie-rock duo MGMT. Check inside for more about Uni's connection to one of the most successful bands of 2008.

Have you ever wondered what your donations to a group like United for Uganda are used for? Have you ever considered taking your commitment to volunteer service to the next level? Read on to see how one young woman's church-sponsored volunteer work during high school evolved into an international passion.

During third period this year, seniors Russell and Stephen Prochaska could usually be found relaxing in the lounge. Elaine Gu recently interviewed them and found out that despite their frequent squabbles and fights over food, the two are actually very close — maybe even best friends.

Last month, senior Kareem Sayegh took to the national stage of this year's Poetry Out Loud competition, dazzling audience members and judges with his recitation of Ginsberg, Hopkins, and Bishop. Hadley Hauser recently spoke with Sayegh and learned the secrets behind his third-place (and $5,000) finish.

This week marks the 11th annual Ebertfest, the much-anticipated five-day film festival at the Virginia Theatre. With Uni student volunteers working behind the scenes and a former student featured as one of the guest filmmakers, the school is well represented at this year's event.

When Steve Rayburn's students read Dante's "Inferno" this year, he didn't assign them a traditional essay to write. Instead, he asked them to "tweet" from the nine rings of hell, which caught the attention of a noted library journal. Learn how new social media are changing the way writing is taught.

Meet Jeffrey Walkington: Ph.D. in English, former public school teacher, longtime private school teacher and administrator, central Illinois native, father of two, current VP of academic affairs at the Latin School of Chicago — and Uni High's next director, effective July 16. Check inside for an interview with "Doc Walk."

Recently you may have noticed an unfamiliar face in Uni's halls and even in some of your classes. Rest assured, the prox card system has not failed. That new face belongs to Juliette Baralon, a high school student from Toulouse, France, who has been visiting Uni for the past two weeks.

For three days and four shows, senior Sheri Grill dazzled audiences in the sold-out North Attic Playhouse with her portrayal of Maria in Uni's production of "West Side Story." While rehearsals were still going on, Hadley Hauser took five with Grill to learn more about this gifted singer who teamed up with senior Daniel Borup to breathe new life into the doomed romance between Tony and Maria.

If Maria is the Juliet of "West Side Story," then Tony is Romeo — a young man madly in love yet doomed to tragedy. In four sold-out performances, senior Daniel Borup has dazzled audiences with his interpretation of this iconic role. Check inside for more about the male lead in this year's spring musical.