NANTICOKE: At Greater Nanticoke Area, it takes a specific kind of drive to balance varsity sports, the arts, and the weight of student government. For class officer Lillian Kochanski, that drive comes from a simple goal: turning negatives into positives.
We sat down with Lillian to discuss her role in the student silver-and-blue, her advice for her younger self, and her dreams of Broadway—or perhaps the head of an English classroom.
A Vision for Leadership
Lillian didn’t run for office just for the title. She ran because she felt a calling to lead her peers toward success. “I decided to run for class office because I want to help make changes, especially in our school,” she explained.
When asked what defines a leader, Lillian pointed to a mix of mental toughness and heart. According to her, a great leader needs:
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Determination and Patience: To accomplish things others might think impossible.
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Intelligence: To solve problems with strategy and speed.
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Enthusiasm: To be a kind, welcoming resource for any student in need.
“Most importantly, you need to have a good attitude,” Lillian said. “You can’t give up easily in harsh situations. You always have to keep your head up.”
The Balancing Act
Between Varsity Field Hockey, GNA Chorus, Drama Club, and weekly vocal lessons, Lillian’s schedule would make most students dizzy. Her secret? A strict hierarchy of priorities.
“To be completely honest, I prioritize schoolwork first,” she admitted. “I then do my important officer duties. If there is any time left, I will read a book or play field hockey.” Even with her heavy involvement in singing competitions and theater, Lillian stresses the importance of a schedule to avoid burnout.
Facing School Challenges
Lillian isn’t afraid to tackle the “elephants in the room” at GNA. When asked about the biggest hurdle facing the student body, she pointed toward a lack of respect between students and staff. Her proposed solution is one of accountability.
“I think this could be helped by the officers suggesting that privileges be taken away from those who don’t deserve them,” Lillian suggested. She also sees herself and her fellow officers as vital mediators who can bridge the gap between the student body and the administration.
Roots in Nanticoke
Having grown up in the area, Lillian feels a deep connection to her classmates. “I am able to connect with my peers more. It is easy to make new friends by talking about the area and recognizing past connections,” she noted.
However, that local experience has also given her some hard-earned wisdom. If she could travel back to her first day of freshman year, her advice would be about discernment: “Be careful with whom you trust; not everyone is your friend. Be careful with who you stand up for and ask yourself, ‘Would they do the same for me?'”
Looking Toward the Future
Whether she’s analyzing a classic novel or hitting a high note on stage, Lillian’s future looks bright. Her primary goal is to attend a university to study English Literature, fueled by a passion for reading and writing that often makes her lose track of time.
“I hope to become an ELA teacher in the future to teach students about the importance of literature,” she said. But don’t count out the bright lights of stardom just yet. With a smile, she added, “If the whole acting and singing career works out, Hollywood may be my future plan instead.”
