Eden Genova, who celebrated her 18th birthday on February 25, has called Lake Highlands North home since birth. Nestled in the White Rock Elementary zone, Eden says her neighborhood feels like a small town, where neighbors rally together in times of need. She’s experienced that firsthand, with her mom and stepmom battling breast cancer simultaneously and her dad recovering from a stroke. “I will always be grateful for the Lake Highlands community,” Eden says.

Family is central to Eden’s life. She splits her time between her mom, Elissa Genova, and her dad, Jeremy Hebert. At her dad’s house, she lives with her stepmom Jody and two younger sisters, Emerson—a fellow Highlandette and LHHS sophomore—and Kate, a sixth grader at LHMS.

Eden will be attending the University of Oklahoma, where she plans to major in Communication Sciences and Disorders, aiming for a career in Speech Pathology—a path inspired by her dad’s recovery journey.

A leader both on and off campus, Eden serves as First Lieutenant of the Lake Highlands Highlandettes and participates in National Charity League, Girls Service League, National Honor Society, and YoungLife. She also teaches at Lake Highlands Dance Academy, works at Rush Bowls, and runs her own business, Signs and Stones, a hand-painted sign company celebrating its first anniversary.

Eden’s commitment to community shines through her philanthropic work. She has led multiple food drives for Feed Lake Highlands, volunteered at The Dallas Arboretum, The Audelia Branch Library, and helped clean up White Rock Lake. “My neighbors are always eager to help when I ask,” she notes.

Despite her busy schedule, Eden finds time to enjoy the arts, from opera and ballet to musicals and concerts. She even jokes about her “old soul,” saying her Spotify Wrapped once guessed she was 68 years old.

Those closest to Eden admire her perseverance and drive. “My parents admire my determination, and my friends would say I’m loyal, a good leader, and strong,” she says. A central role model in her life is her mom, who Eden describes as her best friend and guiding force, helping her navigate challenges like ADHD while balancing life’s demands.

Eden’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and a passion for giving back—a true face of the future in Lake Highlands.