Alumni Spotlight - Sofia Gerstler, Class of 2017


Sofia Gerstler 1Which schools did you attend? What year did you graduate? 
I attended Hiller Elementary School, John Page Middle School, and Lamphere High School. I graduated from Lamphere in 2017.


Where do you live now? 
I currently live in Kent, Ohio


Tell us about what you've been doing since graduation:
I am currently in my second year at Kent State University as a Early Childhood Education major. Last summer I was lucky enough to work/volunteer with AmeriCorps VISTA at a local summer camp, where I taught and worked with children in poverty.











Sofia Gerstler 2Tell us about your family and/or hobbies:
I am a volunteer trainer and puppy raiser with 4 Paws for Ability. I am a part of their University Program through Kent State, and have been involved with the program since November 2017. I am currently raising my fourth dog, Percy. It is a joy and a blessing to be given this opportunity to make an impact in someone’s life. My former foster Epcot, who now goes by Happy, was just placed with his boy and forever family this past January. It has been such a rewarding experience. I also serve on an executive board at Kent State for a student organization that supports service dogs on campus and throughout Northeast Ohio, unaffiliated with 4 Paws for Ability. In my spare time, I like to sew. My best friend and I are in the midst of starting a dog gear company called Cheaper by the Hudson, which is named after his own service dog.



Sofia Gerstler 3How did your years at Lamphere affect your life?
My years at Lamphere ultimately helped to guide me to where I am today. I had incredible support and encouragement from my teachers, who prepared me for not only college but for my personal future in the real world as well. With that, I was able to find my passion early on and it has made my studies even more enjoyable. Lamphere gave me opportunities, such as AP classes and an entire year of experiential learning, that have also helped to guide me towards my passion and my future.


If you had a message for current Lamphere students what would it be?
My advice to current Lamphere students would be to take advantage of all the opportunities that are presented to you. Everything is a learning experience, and you never know who or what might have a great impact on you. Also, to be as involved as possible and to make as many memories as you can. It may be cheesy, but the time really does fly by, so enjoy it all while you can.