Meet Mallory Craker

Whiz Kid's name: Mallory Craker

Whiz Kid's age: 18

Whiz Kid's school: Lakes High School

Whiz Kid's accomplishment: Mallory, a 2011 honor graduate and senior-class president, is off to the University of Washington in the fall, where she plans to study biochemistry. She will also be a UW cheerleader. During her time at , Mallory maintained a 3.98 grade-point average while taking five Advanced Placement classes. She was captain of the Lancer dance team for two years and involved with ASB all four years. She also tutored students in math and organized several food drives.    

Whiz Kid's key to awesomeness: Mallory credits her family—both her own and what she calls her “Lakes family”—for her success. “I always felt inspired and motivated to be the best I could be and go for my dreams,” she said.

She said dance coach Deb Yearsley and calculus teacher and ASB adviser Ray Kurtz were especially inspiring, calling them “incredible people who always encouraged me, both academically and personally.”

Having such support was instrumental when it came time to plan the prom. As senior-class president, Mallory was in charge of the biggest dance of the year. Not only was it a chance to get “fancied-up” one last time, but she said it meant a lot to have such trust placed upon her by the faculty and other students.

“I was able to see my vision come alive,” she said. “It turned out perfect and beautiful.”

Mallory said the best moment of her senior year was watching the boys basketball team in front of a packed crowd at the Tacoma Dome in March.

“We always go to state for basketball and football, but had never actually won,” she said of her four years at Lakes. “It was an amazing experience being able to share that moment with my family and see my friends win a championship.”