For Ryann Lux, storytelling comes naturally. As a sophomore at Vandalia High School and a leader in the yearbook class, Ryann has discovered a passion for capturing moments that might otherwise slip by unnoticed. With her dedication to academics, leadership roles, and a creative spirit, she exemplifies the best of Vandalia’s next generation.

Born in Vandalia, Ryann lived briefly in Effingham before her family returned when she was in first grade. Since then, she has grown up surrounded by familiar faces and the close-knit community that defines Vandalia. “It’s a place where everyone knows everyone,” she says. “People here remember me as a kid because they knew my mom when she was growing up.”

Ryann’s interest in photography and storytelling blossomed through her work on the Vandalia High School yearbook, where she and another student lead a team of 10. “It’s a student-led class,” Ryann explains. “We handle everything—from taking photos to writing captions and creating layouts.” Using professional-grade Canon cameras, the team captures every moment, from sports games to spirit week events, ensuring the yearbook reflects the vibrancy of the school.

But for Ryann, the yearbook is more than just a collection of photos. “We’re not just creating a book,” she says. “We’re telling the story of our school—capturing details that might otherwise be forgotten.” She takes pride in the write-ups included on each page, which describe the events and moments behind the pictures. “It’s about creating something meaningful that people can look back on years from now.”

Beyond her work in yearbook, Ryann is deeply involved in other aspects of school life. She serves as vice president of her sophomore class and is an active member of the student council and Interact, a service organization focused on helping those in need. Through Interact, Ryann participates in various projects that raise money and provide support for the community. “It’s a way to give back,” she says. “We’re helping people who need it, whether it’s through school initiatives or broader community efforts.”

In the classroom, Ryann’s favorite subject is chemistry, taught by her favorite teacher, Mr. Forbes. “He makes learning fun and engaging,” she says. While she’s not a fan of all aspects of school, she values the social connections and opportunities to work collaboratively with her peers. Next year, she plans to take advanced biology, exploring topics that align with her dream of becoming a dental hygienist. “It seems like such a fun job,” Ryann says. “I’ve always been interested in it.”

Ryann is already thinking ahead to college and plans to attend Lakeland College, which has a strong dental hygiene program. Though she’s excited about the future, she’s focused on making the most of her time at Vandalia High School. “I want to enjoy every moment,” she says. “These years go by so fast, and there’s so much to experience.”

When reflecting on what makes Vandalia special, Ryann points to the sense of connection and familiarity. “It’s a close community,” she says. “People are always there for each other. That’s what makes it unique.” 

This sense of belonging drives her passion for capturing and preserving the memories of her classmates and her school.

Looking back, Ryann is proud of her accomplishments but remains humble about her role in shaping Vandalia’s history through the yearbook. “People might not realize how much work goes into it,” she says. “But years from now, when they open it up and see the stories and details, they’ll remember what made this time special.”

Ryann Lux’s story is one of creativity, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference. Whether she’s capturing the essence of Vandalia High School in a photo or planning for a future in dental hygiene, she embodies the values of hard work and connection. For Ryann, every picture and every word is an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of her school and her community.