For Dahlia Lauer, senior at Macomb High School, life has always been a kind of symphony — each measure composed of hard work, curiosity, and a steady pursuit of meaning. Whether she’s leading in choir, volunteering through Rotary’s Interact Club, or preparing for her next violin recital, Dahlia moves through it all with quiet discipline and grace.

Her next movement begins this fall at the University of Chicago, where she’ll join her brother as a student. “It was the only school I applied to,” she said with a laugh. “I just knew.” Though she’s undecided on a major, she’s eager to explore. “I like to keep my options open,” she said.

Dahlia’s path has been shaped by parents who gave her independence early. “They weren’t helicopter parents,” she said. “They let me figure things out and make mistakes on my own so that I could grow and learn from them. That’s been huge for me.”

Her upbringing emphasized self-reliance, but also depth. “My parents are really smart,” she said simply. “They’re well-read, they’ve traveled, and they’ve taught me to love learning and to be curious about the world. They didn’t have an easy path, but they built their lives through hard work — and they passed that on to me.”

That work ethic extends into Dahlia’s life at Macomb High, where she juggles an impressive mix of academics, arts, and service. She’s president of the choir, vice president of the International Thespian Society, and vice president of the Interact Club, a Rotary-sponsored organization that leads community and global service projects. “We volunteer at the animal shelter, raise money for international relief organizations, and do projects like reading to kids at MacArthur Early Childhood Center,” she said. “It’s really meaningful.”

Music, though, remains her truest constant. “I’ve been playing violin since I was three and piano since I was six,” she said. “My parents started me young, and I’m so thankful for that.”

Though Macomb High doesn’t have an orchestra, Dahlia found creative ways to keep performing. “For a while I played as a guest musician with the WIU Orchestra,” she said. “It was amazing — I might pick it up again this spring.”

She studies piano with Dr. Natalie Landowski at Western Illinois University, practicing daily and performing in recitals each semester. “She’s wonderful,” Dahlia said. “I’ve learned so much from her.”

In addition to private lessons, Dahlia is a devoted member of the Macomb choir program under the direction of Mrs. Butcher. “Choir is probably my favorite class of the day,” she said. “Mrs. Butcher teaches everyone — from sixth grade through twelfth — and she does such a great job balancing different skill levels. Some students have been in music their whole lives, and others are just starting out, but everyone’s supported.”

That inclusivity is what Dahlia values most. “It’s not an honors class. You don’t have to audition or meet a requirement to be there. If you want to sing, you can,” she said. “And we all come from different groups — athletes, artists, everyone. It’s just this mix of people who come together to create something.”

Her perspective on music is both mature and heartfelt. “Music transcends language,” she said. “Anybody can listen and feel something. It’s a safe space where you can make mistakes and be creative without worrying about grades or perfection.”

That insight reveals a student who’s been shaped by both discipline and empathy — qualities that shine through even in the story of her college essay, which she wrote about something most teens take for granted: a television. “I’ve never had a TV in my house,” she said. “It wasn’t about money — we just never needed one. I didn’t get a phone until I was sixteen.”

That screen-free childhood, she said, changed her. “I had to find ways to fill my time — to be creative,” she said. “I spent a lot of time outside, reading, playing, and using my imagination. I think that helped me become self-sufficient. I’m not uncomfortable with boredom. I’m okay with waiting.”

Her maturity stands out, but it’s grounded in humility. “Living in a small town like Macomb, you really get to know people,” she said. “When I go to Walmart, I always run into at least ten people I know,” she laughed. “That’s part of the charm of it — you’re constantly reminded of how connected everyone is.”

That sense of connection guides her approach to leadership and friendship alike. “I try to be kind to everyone,” she said. “It’s easier to interact positively. And when I care about something, I try to get extra involved — not to be in charge, but to help others and make things better.”

Her teachers describe her as steady and self-motivated — a student who leads by example and brings warmth into every room. It’s easy to see why. Dahlia’s life is equal parts intellect and artistry, ambition and humility.

Asked what she hopes for the future, she paused thoughtfully. “I don’t know exactly what I’ll study yet,” she said, “but I want to do something meaningful — something that challenges me and lets me keep growing.”

She smiled. “For now, I just want to keep learning and keep creating beautiful things.”