As part of Lake George Jr.-Sr. High School’s 100th anniversary celebration, we’re highlighting alumni whose stories reflect generations of Lake George students. This month, we catch up with Maggie Earl, a third-generation Lake George High School graduate, to hear where life has taken her since graduation and how growing up in Lake George helped shape her journey.
Q: Where did you go after graduating from Lake George?
A: After graduation, I attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where I was accepted into an accelerated coterminal Engineering/MBA program. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering in 2021 and my MBA in 2022, completing both degrees in five years. My connection to RPI actually began while I was still at Lake George. During my junior year, I received the Rensselaer Medal Scholarship, which I was able to extend through all five years of my education at RPI.
Q: What was your experience like as a Lake George student?
A: I had an overwhelmingly positive experience as a Lake George student from kindergarten through 12th grade. My parents always encouraged me to get involved, which led to a pretty unique variety of experiences. I participated in volleyball, cross-country, golf and tennis. I served as Class Treasurer from seventh grade through my senior year and was involved in National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society and Technology Club. One of my most memorable opportunities was participating in the Saga City, Japan exchange program. My family hosted a Japanese student in 2014, and I traveled to Japan in 2015. During my senior year, I also participated in the New Visions Engineering program through BOCES.
Q: How did growing up in Lake George and attending school here shape who you are today?
A: Lake George is very much a family tradition for me. I am a third-generation Lake George High School graduate, following my father, Todd Earl, Class of 1974, and my grandfather, Wayde Earl, Class of 1939. My mom also spent 28 years as a school counselor at Lake George and later became a member of the Board of Education. Both sides of my family have deep roots in the community and have been involved in numerous local organizations. Growing up with that connection gave me an incredible support system. My family, teachers and community continually reminded me that I could “do hard things” and accomplish whatever I set my mind to. That has stayed with me.
Q: What are you doing today?
A: During my junior year at RPI, I began an engineering co-op with Lockheed Martin Rotary & Mission Systems in Syracuse. I continued working with the team while completing my education and joined full-time after graduating in 2022. Today, I am the Lead Hardware Engineer for a Lockheed Martin U.S. Navy Sensors, Effectors & Mission Systems program. Outside of work, I enjoy skiing, making wine, knitting, traveling and exploring new places. For the past eight years, I have volunteered as an Adaptive Ski Instructor at Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne, teaching children with disabilities and life-threatening illnesses how to ski. Giving back has always been important in my family, and I recently continued another family tradition by taking my father’s place on the Lake George Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Q: Where has life taken you since graduation?
A: After graduating from RPI, I moved to the Syracuse area with my boyfriend, Alex, a 2015 Queensbury High School graduate whom I began dating during my senior year at Lake George. In 2024, we purchased a townhouse in Baldwinsville. Lake George, however, is never very far away. My parents still live here, and I try to come home about once a month. When I’m not working or volunteering, you’ll probably find me traveling to a concert, riding a unique roller coaster, visiting a new ski area or exploring another city somewhere around the world with family and friends.