Finding His Direction Through Brotherhood, Competition, and Friendship

Evan Femminineo’s story at De La Salle Collegiate isn’t really about a student who has participated in a lot of activities. 

It’s about a student whose four years at DLS have been shaped by brotherhood, sports, and friendships, while his academic experiences, particularly Advanced Placement (AP) Government, have helped point him toward a future in government and law.

A membe of the National Honor Society, Evan is on track to graduate summa cum laude in May 2027. 

Finding His Place

Evan attended St. Lawrence Grade School before coming to DLS. 

He quickly found a place among his classmates and on the tennis and golf teams that are an important part of his high school experience.

For Evan, sports have always been about more than competition. 

Tennis and golf have challenged him to work on his skills, remain disciplined and, perhaps most importantly, learn to compete against himself. 

Through tennis, golf, and his daily life at De La Salle, Evan has found the friendships and sense of belonging that are at the heart of the school’s brotherhood. He is a captain of the tennis team this year. 

Looking back on his four years, those relationships may be what he remembers most. 

“I cannot pick one favorite sports event, but I would definitely say that my favorite memories that I have are out on the golf course playing with all of my friends. We get to go out and play nine together, and I have so many great memories of doing that.”

Coaches' Comments

Admissions Director and Varsity Tennis Coach Ben Westphal, ‘16, knows Evan well. 

Wesphal said, “Evan is a prime example of a Lasallian man who continues to defy all challenges and works to make an impact in the lives of everyone he encounters. On the tennis courts, he is always supporting his teammates with a positive mindset and is a role model to the underclassmen. In the classroom, Evan has pushed himself to be the best in every high level course. He is truly one who displays what it means to be a De La Salle Pilot!”

Varsity Golf Coach Dennis Koch, ‘94, said, “What's not to like about Fem?  He works hard, he's always there, and he's always trying to get better. He's a coach's dream.”

Hard Worker In and Out of the Classroom

Evan’s work ethic has translated into the classroom as well, where he approaches academics with the same determination he brings to sports: a perfectionist who is not satisfied unless he has done something to the best of his ability and gotten it right.

One of Evan’s most memorable academic accomplishments came in AP U.S. Government, where he earned the highest grade and AP score in the class. The experience also helped him discover an area of study that he could see himself pursuing beyond high school.

AP Government teacher Thaier Mukhtar has high praise for Evan, calling him “One of DLS’s finest.”

Mukhtar went on. “He is a perfectionist who wants everything done correctly, he works diligently in both academics and athletics, he understands that people want what is best for him, and he has a wonderful loving family that supports him. I have no doubt that Evan will make De La Salle proud in the next chapter of his life.”

Kathy Erickson, who teaches Math, describes Evan as a hardworking student and athlete. 

“He sets high standards for himself and works tirelessly to meet them,” she said. “His leadership and kindness stand out among his peers and he leads by example, uplifting his classmates and teammates.”

Erickson added, “Evan encourages his tennis teammates with positive comments about their play and improvement. Even when busy with his own responsibilities, he takes the time to be kind to others."

Mock Trial Team Experience

Evan has been a member of the Law Club since freshman year, and moderator Brad Robinson described him as “conscientious.” Robinson added, “In Mock Trial competition last year, he took the role of lawyer and excelled. He has been one of the leaders of the Law Club.”

Evan said, “One memory I have is going to the law club state competition. Even when the odds were against us, we made it to the state competition. We had so much fun at states. It was a great time, and we really enjoyed competing against the best mock trial teams in the state.”

Managing His Schedule

With a heavy academic dose of AP classes to go along with his year-round involvement in sports, Evan has learned to manage a demanding schedule.

His approach:

• Get as much schoolwork done as possible during the school day.
• After activities, "lock in" for another hour or two to finish his work.
• Make sure he gets enough sleep.

College Plans

While Evan is considering a college major in either business or political science, his interest in attending Michigan State has been influenced in part by his family; Evan’s father David, DLS ‘90 went to MSU and his brother Zachary, DLS ‘2023, is now there. 

And Evan is a huge college basketball fan. “I could talk about college basketball for hours,” he said.

He is interested in possibly becoming the Spartans’ men’s basketball team student manager. 

Family and Brotherhood

His four years at De La Salle, however, have never been solely about academics or athletics or clubs.

Evan has grown up surrounded by a family that supports and encourages him, and his connection to De La Salle has been strengthened by the relationships he has built with classmates, teammates, and teachers. 

In addition to his father and brother, his uncle Jacob is also a a DLS alumnus, Class of 1988. 

That family connection gave Evan an introduction to De La Salle before he ever walked through its doors, but his own experiences have made the school his.

Personal Growth

While he entered high school with some knowledge of the school, and his older brother’s experience as a guide, Evan will leave as someone who has developed his own relationships and identity. 

Evan says he has changed during his four years at De La Salle, becoming more outgoing and developing a better sense of where he is going. He says his friends would probably describe him as kind, thoughtful, and nice. 

Favorite Memories

Evan said, “I think my favorite DLS tradition is the continued family that DLS forms every year. Even though people come in and out every single year, a family is built throughout each and every school year.” 

Advice to Freshmen

Evan’s advice to freshmen is simple: enjoy high school and appreciate the experience and opportunity. “De La Salle is a good place to be,” he said.