Will Huelskamp

In over 13 extracurriculars, Lily Horton is an involved part of the East senior class of 2025. Her most notable activities being volleyball, basketball, HOSA, Hope Squad, and National Honor Society. Horton was also nominated by staff into the Student Leadership Team.

Lily’s mother, Julie Horton, described her as one of the hardest workers she knows. “She works hard in her academics, athletics, her job, extracurricular activities and her community service,” Julie told Spark.

On top of being involved with her school and community, Lily dreams of going into the environmental science field.

“I just love caring for the environment. It just makes me happy to know that I am doing something good,” Lily told Spark.

She is planning to major in environmental science at a big college such as Texas State or Michigan State. Julie said that she supports Lily in everything she does. “I know that she will excel in anything she chooses to do,” said Julie.

Lily said that she has found enjoyment in playing volleyball. Playing for a club team and being in the high school program for four years, this 2024-2025 varsity volleyball team captain has dedicated many hours to the sport. Lily’s former volleyball coach, Jen Dreher, said that Lily is very team-oriented and a natural leader.

“Lily upholds integrity and truly lives the East way,” Dreher told Spark. “She has instilled that a great work ethic will produce results, and that it is always TEAM before I.”

She aims to become a coach, which she will be fulfilling this upcoming spring when she becomes assistant coach of the Headlines 17u team. Once she graduates, Lily originally wanted to play collegiate volleyball, but she has since changed her path, so now her goal is to stay involved with the sport by becoming a collegiate equipment manager.

As a student, athlete, friend, and leader at East, Lily said she always gives her all to whatever she is doing. Working hard to make East a better place, she strives to make a difference in the world around her.