SITES Spotlight

Meet Danielle Lajko, a North Olmsted High School SITES student volunteering at City Hall as part of the school’s Social Involvement Through Education and Service program.

How long have you been living in North Olmsted? What are some fond memories of growing up in your neighborhood?

I have been living in North Olmsted since I was a baby. Some fond memories of growing up are going to my neighborhood pool and going to the parades and parties hosted there, such as their Fourth of July parade and moonlight swims. They would also host the Mini-Olympics which incorporated the park.

What are your favorite things to do around North Olmsted? Do any people, places or things stick out to you as uniquely North Olmsted?

My favorite thing to do around North Olmsted is going to the Metroparks. I like to run there and see the leaves change color. I also enjoy working out at the Rec Center and going swimming afterwards with my friends. I also like to go to Applebee’s after school games and seeing all friends there.

Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

I am captain of the Eaglet Flag Team as well as the Eaglet Dance Team. I’m also in Link Crew, a mentoring program for incoming freshmen as well as the SITES Service Learning Program.

What are your plans after you graduate?

I plan to go to The Ohio State University for Dental Hygiene. However, I am still deciding.

What are your job duties at the Rec Center? Can you share any unique stories or observations from your time there?

I am a skate guard at the North Olmsted Rec Center. I help give out skates, monitor the ice and answer any questions. On the ice, I see figure skaters varying in ages. I also see tons of skaters improve each time they go there.

What are your favorite memories and/or current experiences at the Rec Center?

My favorite memories from being a skate guard are becoming friends with co-workers. I have a great time joking around with them. I also like learning new tricks on the ice. Figure skaters teach me all types of moves and I am always practicing them.

From your perspective, what recreational activities or programming would you like to see more of around North Olmsted? What is currently great that should be celebrated?

I would love to see a rock climbing wall and an indoor running track at the Rec Center. Frostville is amazing and should be celebrated more.

What is a fun fact that most people wouldn’t know about you?

I have danced at Dance FX since I was 3 years old and I can play piano!