By Mackenzie Acker
Staff Writer
Lilly Zaks is easy to write about. Her never-ending involvement at R.J. Reynolds and her leadership roles in the Winston-Salem community would be enough to fill three articles over. She impacts every corner of RJR from being the Senior Girls Service Club (SGSC) president, to soccer captain, and to student body vice president. However, around campus, Zaks isn’t known for this shining resume. It’s her eternal optimism and welcoming presence for which people remember her. Through her positivity, Zaks improves the lives of those around her, one extracurricular at a time.
“It’s been super cool to feel connected all over campus,” Zaks said. “When I’m at Academic Team, for example, I get to see a different group of people than when I’m doing soccer or SGSC.”
At RJR, it’s common for people to become insulated in their friend circles, but Lilly actively pushes past this comfort zone. She seeks out new environments at RJR, notably with her experience in student government.
“I helped to restore the student government after it was inactive at Reynolds,” Zaks said. “I then served as student body vice president my junior year, and I’m currently serving as an at-large member.”
Along with revitalizing the student government at RJR, this year, Zaks set her sights on the Senior Girls Service Club (SGSC). She transformed the club to prioritize service, with the club accumulating over 3000 hours of service this year. Similar to the service she has done with SGSC, Zaks’s work with the religious charity Love Thy Neighbor (LTN) has been pivotal throughout her high school experience.
“I’ve served on the leadership team at Centenary Methodist Church’s LTN since my freshman year,” Zaks said. “I’ve planned and led the Love Thy Neighbor charity event on the first Sunday of every month.”
All this involvement led Zaks to be a finalist for the prestigious full-ride Morehead-Cain Scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this year. The process of being a finalist entailed a weekend at UNC full of interviews, essays, and academic exercises. Upon reflection, Zaks didn’t dwell on the grueling academic fulfillments. To her, it was again- the people.
“I really enjoyed all the opportunities to connect with alumni and learn more about the program,” Zaks said. “That’s what it’s all about.”
In March, Zaks was selected to receive the Morehead-Cain Scholarship, and she plans to attend UNC-CH in the fall. While she’s excited for what’s ahead, saying goodbye to RJR isn’t easy. She’s left her mark in classrooms, on fields, and in countless lives. Her optimism has made RJR a better place, and the love she has for this community will stick with her wherever she goes.