Garden Spot High School
Olivia Lapp
Senior
Olivia Lapp, grade 12, is an ambitious and motivated young woman who is a pillar in the student community here at Garden Spot High School. Lapp is one of the school’s most recognized artists with many significant achievements to her name.
This past year, Lapp submitted one of her watercolor paintings to a contest at The Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, where she won both a gold award and a scholarship to the college. She also designed the cover of the 2026 yearbook, which features a one-of-a-kind pencil sketch of a Spartan.
Her artwork was also placed in a gallery showing last spring at Lancaster Museum of Art where she won multiple awards for those pieces as well.
One of the things that she appreciates most about pursuing the arts is, “You’re not expected to make anything according to how others want it,” Lapp says. “There are no limits. The lack of pressure allows me to express myself and recreate what the world has in a different but beautiful way.”
Lapp is enrolled in many art classes here at G.S and she is very grateful to be a part of Emily Horning’s advanced wheel throwing class, which challenges her in an artform that she is not used to. The ability to adapt and grow is what is most important to her in this class.
Outside of the art room, Lapp is devoted to her faith and attends youth group at DOVE Westgate Church, while also going to Bible study at Gateway House of Prayer.
After graduation, Lapp wants to attend The Pennsylvania College of Art and Design. She hopes that the skills she obtained from her G.S. art courses will help her build a career around her many artistic talents.
Written by: Toby Griffin
Vernon Toaltoan
Junior
Garden Spot High School Junior Vernon Toaltoan is an energetic, inspiring, and passionate young man. He is active in the student body, competing for both the varsity wrestling and football teams. He enjoys snowboarding and playing video games in his free time.
Despite being a top-notch athlete, Toaltoan also likes drawing and other artistic activities. In April, he will make his musical debut in Garden Spot Performing Arts’ production of “The SpongeBob Musical,” starring as Mr. Krabs.
Toaltoan is excited to bring such an iconic character to life—and he hopes to pursue comedy acting in the future.
Often a man of few words, Toaltoan always makes a lasting impression through his sincerity and joyful personality. “If I had the ability to change one thing about the world today, I would end hunger and starvation. I think that everyone should have access to the good food they deserve and need to live.”
Toaltoan says that his favorite part of school isn’t playing sports or participating in activities—it’s about being part of the lives of all the great students and staff that he’s honored to know.
His favorite class is Graphic Communications with Mr. Goebel. He says that he likes the class because he’s able to create original design and posters, and he’s entrusted with freedom to create whatever his imagination likes.
Throughout his time at Garden Spot, one teacher has really stood out to him: football coach and biology teacher Matthew Zamperini. “Coach Z is someone who truly cares about students and isn’t afraid to call them out and hold them accountable,” Toaltoan said.
As for his plans after graduation, he’s considering college or enlisting in the military.
Written by: Ryan Miller
Elena Zimmerman
Senior
At Garden Spot High School, it’s hard to find anyone who’s more musically involved and ambitious than senior Elena Zimmerman.
Zimmerman boasts a large musical resume—her experience includes being a two-time Drum Major for the Marching Band, president of Tri-M Music Honor Society, as well as being a member of Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Chorus.
Not only is she heavily involved in the school’s music program, but Zimmerman also plays a major role in making the Spartanus Yearbook, where she serves as a Senior Editor and Media Coordinator.
When asked to reflect on her favorite experience at Garden Spot, Zimmerman’s answer was as multi-faceted as she is.
“If I had to pick one favorite class, it would have to be Yearbook, because I get to run the social media and help showcase the year in one big book. Honestly, my role is mainly marketing, which is something I will be focusing on in college, so I really like that I can dig into that aspect of my future.”
Zimmerman also notes that she is very thankful she was given the opportunity to take a Yearbook class this year. In the past, yearbook was only offered as a club, so she was only able to work on the book during scarce club periods—about 30 minutes every other week.
Outside of school, Zimmerman enjoys running a small-scale nail business. Additionally, she’s part of the youth group and worship team at her church, Weaverland Anabaptist Faith Community.
After graduation, Zimmerman is following in her older sister’s footsteps and will attend West Chester University to major in Business Administration and Management. Eventually she will use her degree to help run her family’s business.
Written by: Camdyn Smith
Jack Harner
Senior
Jack Harner, class of 2026, is Garden Spot’s reigning homecoming king, and he is one of the most gregarious and outgoing students on campus.
Harner is involved with many activities, including choir, vocal ensemble, Tri-M music honor society, and our theatre program, Garden Spots Performing Arts.
“A moment I greatly cherish [with GSPA] is “Into The Woods,” Harner says about his experiences last spring.
“That musical positively impacted my life in a lot of ways…and it brought a lot of the cast and crew together. It was a very emotional and tender experience for us all to be involved with such a special, poignant production. It will always be a positive core memory of my high school years.”
After graduation, Harner plans to further his education at a university to major in biology with the hopes of pursuing a career in an animal-oriented environment.
In addition to furthering his education, Harner would like to work towards expanding his knowledge of music.
During his time at Garden Spot, Harner has had the honor of accumulating many friendships that he will carry with him in future endeavors. In addition to the friendships he’s made here at G.S., Harner is grateful to his teachers and advisors for all the support and encouragement they’ve offered throughout his school career.
Written by: Emily Lefever
Camdyn Smith
Senior
Camdyn Smith, Class of 2026, is one of Garden Spot’s most ambitious and diligent students—and this fall the student body recognized her many contributions when they selected her as the 2025 Homecoming Queen.
“Being homecoming queen,” Smith says, “means so much more to me than being the most popular. I hope it means I’m someone who my peers look up to…which I take as the highest compliment.”
Smith is involved with many activities; she’s historian for both Garden Spot Performing Arts and National Honor Society; she’s an editor for Spartanus Yearbook; she’s part of the varsity swim team, and she swims competitively for the Aquatic Club of Ephrata and the New Holland Dolphins. Outside of school, Smith is employed as a lifeguard and a barista.
After graduation, Smith plans to attend Kutztown University to major in Art History. She hopes to pursue a career as a museum curator or director. One of her greatest ambitions is to travel the world. She hopes to explore countries like Egypt, Morocco, Norway, and various South American nations.
The class that fueled her passion for Art History and inspired the pathway to her future ambition was Christopher Epler’s AP Art History; that class was “life changing” for Smith.
“Hands-down it’s my favorite class ever—it inspired me to aspire to study Art History in college, and I loved learning about the historical context behind art!”
An additional class that’s been formative for her is Hillary Martin’s Spartanus Yearbook. “Making the yearbook definitely isn’t easy, but I love working with everyone to make sure we’re representing every team and club. I also enjoy it because I get to see Ms. Martin every day, which is special because I’ve had her as a teacher every year since sophomore year!”
Written by: Emily Lefever
Mariah Santiago
Senior
Senior year can be one of the most stressful seasons for high-achieving students with ambitious plans for their future, but Mariah Santiago thrives under stress. Santiago, grade 12, is involved in Class of 2026, National Honor Society, Vocal ensemble, Chorus, Orchestra, Cheerleading, Garden Spot Performing Arts and Health Council.
Cheerleading has been an important part of Santiago’s life since she was in kindergarten and this year she’s serves as co-captain of the varsity squad.
During Santiago’s sophomore year, she began participating in the school’s theater group, Garden Spot Performing Arts, by playing in the pit for the spring musical. She says, “it’s a family, it’s a tight knit group.” Being in theater allowed her to have fun, make friends and develop her creativity.
When asked if she’s stressed about all her extracurricular activities, Santiago’s answer is, “I work under stress pretty well…I actually like being stressed.” This statement is quite unconventional since most teenagers would rather have a more relaxed day to day schedule. But for Santiago, stress is a motivation not only to do more but to contribute more to our GS community. Plus, she says, when a project or activity wraps up, there’s an overwhelming sense of accomplishment, and “it just feels good, like this weight’s been lifted off of you.”
Santiago admits that it can sometimes be hard for kids to acknowledge their faith in a public school. But she surrounds herself with people who share the same faith, and she knows what she stands for. Matthew 19:26 is a Bible verse that resonates with her: “Basically it speaks to not relying on myself but putting all my trust in Him.” After graduation, Santiago hopes to go to college to pursue a major in diagnostic medical sonography and a minor in music therapy.
Written by: Tia Hollinger