Jeneca Hoidal, 18, Lakewood High School senior

Among royalty: Was homecoming queen for her school’s royalty court last week.

Leading the way: Is student body president and this year’s slogan is “Bringing back the pride.” Believes the school is well on its way, saying this year’s welcome-back assembly was the most spirited she has seen in her time at Lakewood High School. Hopes to find ways to recognize students who have less-publicized interests this year. Another spirit barometer: more than half the seniors wore togas on toga day.

More on spirit: “Last (Wednesday), I went home to make 20 extra hula skirts” for Hawaiian-theme day.

Feeling invested: Likes leading student government and getting to interact with different people every day. Was one of several students allowed to interview and give impressions of principal candidates last spring. “That was really cool feeling like that I was a part and had a choice and that it was open to students.”

Homegrown: Has grown up near Lake Goodwin and affectionately calls herself a “Lakewood lifer,” having gone to local schools since kindergarten. “I’ve really liked it. You get to know everybody really well.”

Future: Plans to go to college and is considering a degree in physical therapy. Some folks at her school have their doubts. “My teachers swear I’m going to be a teacher. We’ll see.”

Favorite author: James Patterson.

Favorite movie: “Save The Last Dance.”

Three sports: Plays soccer and basketball and runs track for her school. Favorite sport is soccer.

Spare time: Time to herself is in short supply with student government, sports and school work, but she says when she gets it, “I like to shop for clothes, shoes, anything.”

Sophomore sibling: Drives her younger brother, Jake, to school each day. Likes to talk to him on the way. Has another brother, Jared, in the third grade.

Strings attached: Is proud of Jared for how well he plays guitar but admits it gets a little annoying when he’s playing first thing in the morning. “In the summer, as soon as he gets up, he’s playing. But I’ve got to say, it sounds really good.”

Rigorous schedule: Classes include physics, calculus, college-level English, Advanced Placement college-level government, leadership and being a teacher assistant. Favorite class is math because “it makes the most sense to me.”

Best memory: Being in the third grade and getting called out of class so she could go visit the hospital for the birth of her youngest brother. Remembers being dressed up for the occasion. “I had to wear a bow that was like bigger than my head.”

Helping hand: Works for the local chamber of commerce when she has the time.

Miss Cordiality: Believes being outgoing instills a feeling of belonging in others. “When people walk by, I like to say ‘hi’ and make a difference in their days.”

Know a super kid? Call 425-339-3036 or e-mail schoolfyi@hearldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Floodwater from the Snohomish River partially covers a flood water sign along Lincoln Avenue on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Images from the flooding in Snohomish County.

Our photographers have spent this week documenting the flooding in… Continue reading

A rendering of possible configuration for a new multi-purpose stadium in downtown Everett. (DLR Group)
Everett council resolution lays out priorities for proposed stadium

The resolution directs city staff to, among other things, protect the rights of future workers if they push for unionization.

LifeWise Bibles available for students in their classroom set up at New Hope Assembly on Monday, April 14, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Parents back Everett district after LifeWise lawsuit threat

Dozens gathered at a board meeting Tuesday to voice their concerns over the Bible education program that pulls students out of public school during the day.

Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin delivers her budget address during a city council meeting on Oct. 22, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett mayor talks priorities for third term in office

Cassie Franklin will focus largely on public safety, housing and human services, and community engagement over the next four years, she told The Daily Herald in an interview.

A view of downtown Everett facing north on Oct. 14, 2025. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett expands Downtown Improvement District

The district, which collects rates to provide services for downtown businesses, will now include more properties along Pacific and Everett Avenues.

Darryl Dyck file photo
Mohammed Asif, an Indian national, conspired with others to bill Medicare for COVID-19 and other respiratory tests that hadn’t been ordered or performed, according to a U.S. Department of Justice press release.
Man sentenced to 2 years in prison for $1 million health care fraud scheme

Mohammed Asif, 35, owned an Everett-based testing laboratory and billed Medicare for COVID-19 tests that patients never received.

Snohomish County Fire District No. 4 and Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue responded to a two-vehicle head-on collision on U.S. 2 on Feb. 21, 2024, in Snohomish. (Snohomish County Fire District #4)
Family of Monroe woman killed in U.S. 2 crash sues WSDOT for $50 million

The wrongful death lawsuit filed in Snohomish County Superior Court on Nov. 24 alleges the agency’s negligence led to Tu Lam’s death.

Judy Tuohy, the executive director of the Schack Art Center, in 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Director of Everett’s Schack Art Center announces retirement

Judy Tuohy, also a city council member, will step down from the executive director role next year after 32 years in the position.

Human trafficking probe nets arrest of Calif. man, rescue of 17-year-old girl

The investigation by multiple agencies culminated with the arrest of a California man in Snohomish County.

A Flock Safety camera on the corner of 64th Avenue West and 196th Street Southwest on Oct. 28, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett seeks SnoCo judgment that Flock footage is not public record

The filing comes after a Skagit County judge ruled Flock footage is subject to records requests. That ruling is under appeal.

Information panels on display as a part of the national exhibit being showcased at Edmonds College on Nov. 19, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds College hosts new climate change and community resilience exhibit

Through Jan. 21, visit the school library in Lynnwood to learn about how climate change is affecting weather patterns and landscapes and how communities are adapting.

Lynnwood City Council members gather for a meeting on Monday, March 17, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood raises property, utility taxes amid budget shortfall

The council approved a 24% property tax increase, lower than the 53% it was allowed to enact without voter approval.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.