2024-25 #SuperSchoolShoutout
Posted on 05/22/2025
This week, we’re showing our CPSD pride by giving a #SuperSchoolShoutout to Lakes High School history teacher Laura Brewster and senior Chase Washington.
After working in forensics and as a veterinary technician, Brewster fulfilled her lifelong calling of becoming a teacher three years ago when she joined Lakes. “It feels very full circle,” she said. “I love the students, teachers and culture here, and above all, I love the classes I get to teach.”
Brewster teaches world history and two AP classes: human geography and U.S. history. “These classes can be challenging, so I try to instill self-reliance,” she said. “Beyond the classroom, they will need to know how to research, use critical thinking skills and figure out problems on their own.”
Brewster is proud of her growth as a three-year teacher and the culture of reflection she has adopted from her fellow Lakes educators. “In many jobs you get a routine and continue it for as long as possible,” she said. “Here at Lakes, we look at what works and what can be improved through data collection to make sure we teachers are all continually learning as well.”
Washington has been a CPSD student since kindergarten and is leaving the district after making an indelible impact on his school community. “I found my confidence as a leader in fourth grade at Carter Lake,” he said. “Something that stands out about this district is that the staff and teachers are always willing to help you with any opportunity and support your journey.”
Throughout high school, Washington was a member of DECA, the Lakewood City Youth Council, the Superintendent Youth Advisory Council, ASB, the Black Student Union, the city of Lakewood’s Martin Luther King Celebration Committee and other sports and activities.
“Leadership helped me gain more confidence, get more experience working on teams and showed me the power of student voice,” Washington said. “I think it was the most helpful thing I did in high school to prepare me for my personal journey.”
Washington applied to 23 colleges and universities and was accepted into 15. Ultimately, he narrowed his sights on Stanford and Harvard, and after touring the two schools, he realized Harvard was where he was meant to be.
Washington’s future is sure to be bright. He is excited to begin his college journey but wants to take his time before committing to his major. “I’m leaning toward engineering right now, but I want to stay open to other opportunities and really take my time narrowing down my interests,” he said. “After enjoying DECA so much, I might pursue business or look for leadership opportunities.”
Go Lancers!