Congratulations to Lia DeForce-Petersen, a graduate of Deer Lakes High School, will be attending the University of Pittsburgh to pursue a degree in Communication Science with the goal of becoming a speech language pathologist. Lia is passionate about helping others, especially children, and is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in their lives through communication development and support. Her academic performance has fueled her love of learning and inspired her to begin volunteer tutoring, where she discovered a talent for guiding others. Lia also found strength and resilience through athletics, particularly in Ninja Warrior training, where she learned to overcome challenges with perseverance and patience. Her involvement in church-led mission trips to the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota has deepened her cultural awareness and empathy, further shaping her commitment to service. As Lia shared, “By combining my education, involvement in activities, and desire to help others, I believe that I can make a tangible difference in the lives of others.”