Tell us about your family:
My fiancé, Ben Fournier ’96, and I have a blended family of five children. I have two daughters and a son, and Ben has a son and a daughter. We also have a 1½-year-old grandson who keeps us busy and smiling.

How many people in your family graduated from LI?
LI has been part of my family’s story for many years. Between my siblings and my son, eight members of my immediate family are LI graduates: Bobbie Densmore ’02 (Hever), Mary Jardine ’01 (Hever), Sheila Hever ’98, Amy Solinsky ’93, Jeffrey “Joe” Solinsky ’91, Jennifer Nolan ’88 (Solinsky), Debra Austin ’79 (Germain), and my son, Daegan Hever ’26.

What would you say to a freshman just starting out at LI that would help or inspire them on their journey?
Your teachers want you to succeed! Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help if you’re struggling—they genuinely want to see you do well.

Step outside your comfort zone, too. Join a sport, audition for the play, or take a class that interests you, even if none of your friends are doing it. Some of my closest friendships began simply because I was willing to try something new. Don’t let the fear of what others might think keep you from new experiences or connections.

People grow and change so much throughout high school. Someone you’ve known since middle school may become a completely different person by graduation. Be open to reintroducing yourself and giving people another chance—you might just find someone who will be by your side for years to come.

Who was your favorite teacher or staff member at LI?
This is a tough one because several teachers made a lasting impact on me. However, Mr. Norwood stands out. For as long as I can remember, I dreaded math class until I had him as a teacher. He explained concepts in a way that finally made sense, and for the first time, I actually enjoyed the subject. Beyond that, he had a knack for getting off topic, sharing funny stories, and taking the time to listen to ours.

Which class helped you the most with your future endeavors?
Latin. I enrolled reluctantly at the time, mostly because my mom insisted, but it ended up helping me prepare for the SAT, understand medical terminology throughout my healthcare career, and even decipher unfamiliar words today. That “dead language” has proven to be anything but dead in its usefulness!

What would you name the autobiography of your life?
But Wait…There’s More!

What type of vehicle did you drive to school?
An Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. The driver’s-side door latch had a habit of freezing every winter. More than once, I’d be turning a corner and the door would swing wide open! Since the seatbelt was attached to the door, it definitely added a little excitement to the drive!

What do you miss the most about your time at LI?
The community. One thing that made LI so special was bringing students from so many small towns together under one roof. By senior year, everybody seemed to know everybody. Athletics, clubs, and shared classes created friendships you never would have expected. Before long, the kid who was just another face in your freshman math class became someone you spent almost every weekend with.

What do you wish you had done or learned at LI?
I wish I had taken my own advice and tried theater. I had friends who were involved, and I always loved watching them perform. Looking back, it would have been another opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and meet new people. Plus, according to my family, back then I had a real flair for the dramatic!