HAHarvey Walden
11 hours agoLindenhurst Resident Profile: Ava Swearengen
Our next Lindenhurst Resident Profile features Ava Swearengen, who moved to Lindenhurst from Arizona with her family in 2013. Now 16, Ava attends Lakes High School. A multi-sport athlete, she plays ice hockey with the North Shore Warhawks, and runs track at Lakes. She is also an excellent golfer.
“I hope to play golf competitively someday,” she said. “I was the No. 1 golfer in my conference last year, and I hope to repeat next season. I am also an honor roll student.
Ava grew up attending Lindenfest with her parents, and has many great memories of playing with her brother and neighborhood friends at Hastings Lake Forest Preserve.
Reflecting on America’s 250th, Ava notes “My parents' great grandparents came from all over Europe, mainly Poland, Germany and Ireland. I feel more connected to my dad's military service (he served in the United States Air Force). It always made me proud when he would come to my school on Veterans Day.”
Ava has visited forts and monuments, and several National Parks, such as Fort Ticonderoga and Rocky Mountain State Park and The Smoky Mountains. “I think the parks mean the most to me because I see it as our responsibility to preserve our natural resources.”
She would take anyone visiting Lindenhurst to “the new plaza to eat and play at the Links on Grand golf simulator, eat at one of the restaurants there and maybe Hitz the Spot to throw some axes!”
Though just 16, Lindenhurst’s 70th birthday is meaningful to her.
“I wonder about all the people who have been here since the beginning and what their stories are. I try to imagine what it might be like to live here before all the buildings; what the lakes looked like before the houses. I also want to know why there are so many Beck Roads!
“I like the vibe. It is a great place to grow up. I feel safe here, too. I am proud to call Lindenhurst home, and while I look forward to exploring the world, I will always think of it as home.”
Throughout 2026, the Village will be collecting Lindenhurst Resident Profiles to capture the memories, experiences, and perspectives that make our community special. Residents are encouraged to share their story by completing the online questionnaire at www.lindenhurstil.org/residentprofile or by picking up a form at Village Hall (2301 E. Sand Lake Road). Learn more about the Village's plans for celebrating America 250 and Lindenhurst 70 by visiting the Village website at www.lindenhurstil.org/america250lindy70.
