Ariel Lozner - '21

The irony isn’t lost on Ariel Lozner. When he looks back at his time here at Community Consolidated School District 21, it’s colored by one giant thing: the pandemic. In March of 2020, during the end of his 7th grade year at Holmes Middle School, Ariel, like the rest of the world, stayed home and kept his distance.

Flash forward to now, six years later, and Ariel is anything but distant. As a first-year student taking classes through Harper Community College, with plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in history, Ariel spends his days in class studying psychology, speech, and history. But once class ends, he is on the move. Whether that’s working his paid internship in the office of Congressman Brad Schneider, volunteering for local community organizations and starting his own, mentoring students on the Wheeling High School congressional debate team, or attending local board meetings, Ariel is constantly finding ways to stay engaged and involved. That drive started early. At Wheeling High School, Ariel served as captain of the debate team, an experience that helped shape both his confidence and his voice. Not long after starting college, he put that voice to use by speaking at a board meeting about a resolution impacting his community, an experience that further solidified his interest in government and public service.

His core mission today is simple: build connections and stand up for people who cannot stand up for themselves. It’s a mindset shaped by both his experiences during the pandemic and the lessons he carried with him from District 21. Despite spending part of middle school physically separated from peers, Ariel came away with a strong understanding of the importance of community.

He credits Holmes Middle School English teacher Mrs. Warner as one of the most influential people in his educational journey. To Ariel, she was more than a teacher. She created a space where students felt heard and empowered to make a difference, something that left a lasting impression.

During his time at D21, Ariel learned lessons that continue to guide him today: be kind, include others, and look out for the people around you. He has even turned that into his New Year’s resolution for 2026: make an effort to notice the person who is by themselves and take the first step to connect (how he earned an unexpected pen pal). For Ariel, community is something you actively build, one interaction at a time.

The contrast between his middle school experience and his life today is not lost on him. What was once a time of isolation has helped shape someone who now seeks out connection in everything he does. Whether he is mentoring students, volunteering his time, or getting involved in local government, Ariel is intentional about making an impact.

In his spare time, which is rare, Ariel enjoys reading, especially history, nonfiction, and the news. He often finds himself going down rabbit holes, reading about the world through books and articles, always looking to learn something new.

From navigating the distance of the pandemic, to becoming someone deeply rooted in his community and the goal of bringing it together, Ariel Lozner is a clear example of what it means to turn experience into purpose.

If you know someone who embodies the spirit and values of our school district—whether a student, staff member, or alumnus —we’d love to hear about them! Please send their name and a few details to [email protected]  so we can consider featuring their story in an upcoming profile.