Forman Scholar Lorren Richards Uniting Love for Writing and Cheese in Wisconsin this Fall

Lorren Richards has lived in Salem her entire life. But with a family full of Chicago Bears fans, she’s made a trip or two to the Midwest, where she always finds herself enamored by the region’s atmosphere, culture and people. It was because of these very journeys to America’s heartland that the Forman Scholar has decided to study English and creative writing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, beginning this fall.

“On top of the people and the ambiance of the Midwest, the area’s food is just phenomenal,” Lorren said. “I am extremely excited to take what is shaping up to be a major leap and live on my own so far away from home. The ability to figure out my own path surrounded by new people who I’m able to share new experiences with is something I valued when embarking upon the college search process.”

And that is exactly what Lorren did. When considering what exactly to study as an undergraduate, Lorren always knew she had a passion for writing. While she is admittedly less interested in the essay-writing style commonly found in classrooms, she remains enthusiastic about creative writing, including the composition of short stories, screenplays and poems.

“I struggled for a long time to really lock in what I wanted to come out of my college experience,” Lorren said. “I’m still figuring it out, but the support and guidance of my teachers helped me realize that I love to write. Not to boast or brag, but I’d like to think I’m rather good at it, too. Finding my unique voice as a writer is something I’m looking forward to as I move to Wisconsin and begin pursuing my degree.”

Lorren’s long-term goals are nothing short of ambitious. She hopes to ultimately use her degree to publish a series of short stories or poems, and she’s open to the prospect of writing plays or film scripts after her time in college. This appreciation for the performing arts has its roots in her time at Salem High, where she participated in the school’s theatre and choir for many years. She even had the opportunity to play the titular character in Salem’s production of SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical.

“Playing SpongeBob was such an exhilarating experience from start to finish,” Lorren said. “In theatre, a cast is like a sports team in the sense that we’re all one big family. When you’re playing a leading role, you are called upon to serve as a mentor in that family dynamic and act with a certain sense of maturity. It was incredible to be in that position, and I really was able to have fun with it, too!”

Aside from theatre and choir, Lorren played tennis and was involved in Salem High’s environmental science and Interact clubs. This involvement took her to different museums and wildlife preserves and allowed her to take a more active role in her community.

Looking back, Lorren is most nostalgic about when she and her classmates won Spirit Week during their freshman year.

“That was really the first time I saw our entire grade come together and rally for something. We had an incredible class advisor, and she always pushed us to unify, work together and win as a team,” Lorren said.

Although Lorren is eager for the adventures that lie ahead, the thought of leaving Salem is bittersweet.

“I know Salem – and especially the Forman Acton Foundation – is always here for me,” Lorren said. “If I end up deciding to return to the area, I will take pride in the fact that I have been able to live on my own and experience life eighteen hours away from home. I have a momentous transition ahead of me, but the ongoing guidance of my family, friends and the Foundation will ensure I never go astray.”