LFA News

Audrey McGrail ’20 joined the Admission Office at Lake Forest Academy this semester and serves as Assistant Dean of Admission. In her role, she works with prospective students and their families through the admission process. She also will serve as an assistant coach to the girls junior varsity basketball and girls junior varsity soccer teams. She graduated from College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. with a Bachelor of Arts in Classics. As a proud 2020 alumna of the Academy, Audrey is very happy to be back in Reid Hall as a faculty member.

Q: What attracted you to LFA? A: I graduated from the Academy in 2020 and I know from experience how formative the LFA mission-driven education is. The community here feels like an extension of my own family and I am really grateful to work with these colleagues every day.

Q: What are you most excited about in your first year? A: I'm thrilled to return to LFA and contribute to its mission to educate young adults. I'm really looking forward to meeting prospective and current students through my work in the Admission Office and through my involvements on campus.

Q: What's an LFA event or tradition you're looking forward to? A: The end of the year picnic is a special LFA tradition. After finals conclude, the entire campus community gathers together on the Silver Family Green. It's a fun way to come together as a community before the more formal end-of-year events and before students leave for summer break.

Courtney Montross comes to Lake Forest Academy as the new Advancement Events Manager. Courtney grew up in Lake Forest and attended a fellow boarding school, Westminster School in Simsbury, Conn. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree in English literature from Denison University, followed by a master's degree in sustainability management from Columbia University. During her time at Columbia University, Courtney served as a graduate consultant for Bloomberg Associates. Other work experience includes Event Coordinator for Motion Picture Enterprises and Manager at Penthouse 45, both in New York. She further honed her skills as a project manager for VShift, before returning to her roots in Illinois, where she most recently served as the Senior Events Manager at All Things Party in Lake Forest.

Q: What attracted you to LFA? A: It is an amazing school and community. I loved the idea of planning events that create a positive impact for student life and education.

Q: What's an LFA event or tradition you're looking forward to A: Gala!

Q: What's one fun fact people may not know about you? A: I have a three-legged pomeranian named Bowie!