Hello G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S!  I think the very first time I met Lauren, I did a photographer’s happy dance… I mean seriously, check out those dimples when she smiles!  Incredible!  We had so much fun taking her senior portraits; such a natural in front of the camera and oooooh so sweet <3  Introducing Class of 2017 Shelby Senior, Lauren Ely!

Lauren would describe her personality as outgoing, spunky, kind, silly, sassy, loyal and caring! (I couldn’t agree more!)

In school, she participates in Basketball and Soccer.  She loves to hike, swim, and do anything outdoors. She would describe her perfect day as hanging out with friends, going to Thorntons for slushies, shopping at the mall, and singing obnoxiously in the car. 🙂  Advice for incoming freshman: Don’t stress out, have fun, and make memories!

A moment she is most proud of is being asked to be a small group leader at Connect church. Also being asked to be a coach for the Curley Boo Basketball Camp over the summer.

If Lauren could acquire any superpower, it would be Spider powers, because “it would be awesome to swing from buildings and grab things from far away!”

Three things on her bucket list: 1. Travel to another country 2. Go on a long weekend road trip with friends 3. Swim with dolphins

We asked Lauren about her parents, What’s the best thing about your mom and dad?  “My mom is the most selfless person I know, she puts everyone else’s needs above her own. I know no matter what I end up doing or where I end up going in life, I’ll always have her neverending support and love.  The best thing about my dad is that we have the same personality ~ competitive in everything and stubborn! He is my biggest fan, in sport and life. He’s always pushing me to be the best in everything I do.”

Some fun facts about Lauren:

1. If she could eat one meal for the rest of her life, it would be steak and potatoes
2. Favorite family recipe: Marshmallow filled chocolate cupcakes
3. Favorite holiday: Thanksgiving
4. She loves country music!  Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, Sam Hunt, and Florida Georgia Line are the best!
5. Favorite sport to watch and play: Basketball
6. If she could travel anywhere in the world, it would be Australia because they have 6 of the 7 species of sea turtles there
7. The most daring thing she has done was go zip lining through the woods in Wisconsin
8. Favorite childhood memory: Putting on singing and dancing concerts in the living room with her older sister, Paige
9. Something interesting about Lauren that most people don’t know: I was a cheerleader in grade school
10.  “My hero is Grandpa Leffelman, because he is my best friend. He is full of life, fun, and he always has the best advice when I need it!”

Lauren – Can you believe it’s almost November??… you senior year is flying by!  I think you are super sweet, spunky, adorable, GORGEOUS, FUN and I’m sooooooo happy that I have been able to capture this special time in your life. You always make me smile!  So blessed that you are on of my Shelby Seniors!  XO – Cindy