Lily Avina is a senior at Eagle Rock High and an Editor-In-Chief of the Eagle’s Scream. You can find her all around the school, often at practice for the drill team! If Lily could have a conversation with anyone, she would choose the band One Direction, a childhood favorite. Her first connection to the arts came through ballet, which she began at a young age with support from her mom. She’s saved her very first pair of ballet shoes as a keepsake. Still a large part of who she is many years later, ballet training has given her a mix of discipline and creativity that shows up in other areas of her life. Today, she brings that same energy to drill, where she’s been involved for three years and has helped represent school spirit on campus.

Lily’s other major commitment is journalism. She grew interested in it back in seventh grade, when her English teacher, Mr. Hicks, made writing more approachable for her. That early experience sparked what has since become a steady role in the school’s journalism program. Now, she takes on leadership responsibilities, with an eye toward continuing to build her skills as part of the paper.

Her family helps shape her goals, too. Her mom teaches elementary school, her dad works in cancer research, and her younger brother has also gotten into journalism. Lily is working towards being a doctor, inspired by her dad, and hopes to help many people. At home, traditions like baking cakes for birthdays, or sharing her grandfather’s ceviche, keep everyone connected. 

Looking ahead, Lily will be studying medicine, with NYU high on her list. The idea of experiencing New York City appeals to her just as much as the academic opportunities. For now, she’s focused on finishing out her high school years strongly, balancing drill, journalism, friends, and college preparations.

Bio Blurb by Zazie Pritchett-Sidle