The student news site of Lake Forest Academy

The Spectator
Health and Wellness Prefects Charley Gopin ‘26 and Matthew Jun ‘26 pose in Korhumel.
Lake Forest Academy Hosts Wellness Weekend Ahead of Finals
Paper frogs honoring the Giving Day Donors are on the wall in the Student Union.
A Celebration of Gratitude: LFA’s First Giving Day
Davin Lee ‘26 prepares to play a concerto at the Fall Orchestra Concert.
Davin Lee ‘26 Takes Home Prestigious National YoungArts Award
Pumpkins sit in the LFA formal gardens during a fall weekend.
LFA Welcomes Families During Annual Fall Open House
Colson Whitehead signs a copy of his book, "The Underground Railroad."
Two-Time Pulitzer Prize Winner Colson Whitehead Comes to LFA
LFA Journalism students and teacher Mark Eleveld pose with Bears’ writers Larry Mayer and Gabby Hajduk in the press room.
The Spectator Takes on Halas Hall
Students snack on popcorn at last year’s Caxy Cafe. (Courtesy of @lfacademy on Instagram)
Less Stress, More Success: A Guide to Winter Finals
A Kinara is a candle holder used for Kwanzaa celebration. Courtesy of @whitehouse46archive on Instagram
A Glimpse into Holiday Traditions
A table is set with flowers and candles for Friendsgiving.
Turkeys, Traditions and Trots: What the Caxys Are Doing to Give Thanks this Year
Sweet autumn treats line the shelves at Apple Holler.
Fall: A Season to Savor
President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed meet in the Oval Office. (Courtesy of The White House)
The Trump Oval Office Meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed
President Trump and Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. (Courtesy of @realmarjoriegreene on Instagram)
Marjorie Taylor Greene Breaks With Trump, Submits Shock Resignation
A statue of Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein stands in front of the U.S. Capitol. (Courtesy of @thecomplex on Instagram)
Trump Signs “Epstein Files Transparency Act,” Long-Awaited Epstein Files to be Released
U.N. officials raise the flag of Palestine in 2015. (Courtesy of the United Nations)
U.N. Moves Forward With Trump Plan for Gaza
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. (Courtesy of @claudia_shein on Instagram)
Tensions Rise Between Mexico and United States Over Proposed Intervention in Cartel Attacks
Courtesy of Creative Commons
The Art of Giving: A Gift Guide for The Holidays
From One Student to Another: Caxy Advice Column
Is Teen Burnout The New Norm?
Is Teen Burnout The New Norm?
Samantha Lee ‘29 runs in the Lake Forest Lights Out Invitational.
Beyond the Finish Line: The Unseen Side of Running Cross Country
Does LFA’S Letter Day Schedule Cause Balance or Burnout?
Does LFA’S Letter Day Schedule Cause Balance or Burnout?
No Friday Night Lights: Looking for School Spirit
LFA Makes an A+ a 98: The Issues With Raising the Bar
Graphic by Alexandra Zhu
A Letter from the Editors
More Than a Number: The Invisible Expectations Behind LFA’s “A+ Diversity”
Lindsay Farbman '26 drives the ball up the court in a game against Vernon Hills. (Photo by George Pfoertner) | Dawson Ward '28 takes serve in a match against Latin. (Photo by David Atas)
Player of The Month: December
Blanka Devai ‘27 throws inbound pass to Akshara Ginjupalli ‘28 against Vernon Hills during the Cougar Classic game.
Girls Varsity Basketball in Debut Cougar Classic Tournament
A fan cheers on Max Verstappen as he rounds the first corner.
Formula One Rolls the Dice in Las Vegas
Samantha Lee ‘29 runs in the Lake Forest Lights Out Invitational.
Beyond the Finish Line: The Unseen Side of Running Cross Country
The New England Patriots defense celebrates in the end zone after a Jaylinn Hawkins interception against the Cleveland Browns.
What We Have Learned from the First Half of the NFL Season
(Courtesy of Spotify)
The 10 Best Albums of 2025, Ranked
(Courtesy of @funkopopsnews on Instagram)
Recent Movie Releases — Wicked: For Good
(Courtesy of @DisneyStudiosLA on Instagram)
Recent Movie Releases — Zootopia 2
Poster for "Wicked: For Good" starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, released November 21, 2025.
“The Wizard of Oz” and “Wicked”: Fantasy Films or Political Allegories?
Davin Lee ‘26 prepares to play a concerto at the Fall Orchestra Concert.
Davin Lee ‘26 Takes Home Prestigious National YoungArts Award
Women march with signs in favor of an abortion referendum during a Maryland protest.
A Nation Divided: The Battle for Abortion Rights on the Ballot
Students participate in an SDA-organized school walkout.
Students Demand Action Stands up Against Gun Violence
Lyle and Erik Menendez sit silently at their court hearing.
The Menendez Brothers: Revisiting a Horrific Murder Case
A whiteboard is displayed with supportive notes at Apalachee High School.
A New Normal: Navigating School Shootings in 2024
Migrants out on the streets because they don't have places to stay in
The Pouring Number of Migrants in New York City
President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed meet in the Oval Office. (Courtesy of The White House)
The Trump Oval Office Meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed
U.N. officials raise the flag of Palestine in 2015. (Courtesy of the United Nations)
U.N. Moves Forward With Trump Plan for Gaza
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. (Courtesy of @claudia_shein on Instagram)
Tensions Rise Between Mexico and United States Over Proposed Intervention in Cartel Attacks
Citizens search through a destroyed house. (Courtesy of @freehour_malta on Instagram)
Tensions Grow as U.S. Pushes for Stability in Gaza
Pete Hegseth addresses a crowd of military officials. (Courtesy of The White House)
Airstrikes on South American Ships Allegedly Carrying Drugs Continue as Trump Weighs War with Venezuela
The student news site of Lake Forest Academy

The Spectator
The student news site of Lake Forest Academy

The Spectator
This Just In...
Politics
A statue of Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein stands in front of the U.S. Capitol. (Courtesy of @thecomplex on Instagram)
Trump Signs “Epstein Files Transparency Act,” Long-Awaited Epstein Files to be Released
Maya Tafolla, Politics Editor • December 10, 2025

On November 19, after much pressure from the Democratic party and months of resistance, President Trump approved legislation for the release...

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. (Courtesy of @claudia_shein on Instagram)
Tensions Rise Between Mexico and United States Over Proposed Intervention in Cartel Attacks
Maya Tafolla, Politics Editor • December 10, 2025

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has rejected President Trump’s proposal of U.S. interference as cartel attacks stay strong in Mexico. Trump...

News
Health and Wellness Prefects Charley Gopin ‘26 and Matthew Jun ‘26 pose in Korhumel.
Lake Forest Academy Hosts Wellness Weekend Ahead of Finals
Charley Gopin, Features Editor • December 10, 2025
Paper frogs honoring the Giving Day Donors are on the wall in the Student Union.
A Celebration of Gratitude: LFA’s First Giving Day
Zoe Wolfberg and Charley Gopin • December 10, 2025
Davin Lee ‘26 prepares to play a concerto at the Fall Orchestra Concert.
Davin Lee ‘26 Takes Home Prestigious National YoungArts Award
Jackson Pick, Editor-in-Chief • December 4, 2025
Sports
A fan cheers on Max Verstappen as he rounds the first corner.
Formula One Rolls the Dice in Las Vegas
Parker Pollak, Sports Editor • December 10, 2025
Samantha Lee ‘29 runs in the Lake Forest Lights Out Invitational.
Beyond the Finish Line: The Unseen Side of Running Cross Country
Ellie Kim, Journalism I Student • November 21, 2025
The New England Patriots defense celebrates in the end zone after a Jaylinn Hawkins interception against the Cleveland Browns.
What We Have Learned from the First Half of the NFL Season
Jack Menton and Chris Frekko • November 21, 2025
Penn State Head Coach James Franklin was fired following three straight losses. (Courtesy of @BleacherReport on X)
Coaches on the Move in College Football
Fitz Knight, Reporter • November 21, 2025
Social Justice
Women march with signs in favor of an abortion referendum during a Maryland protest.
A Nation Divided: The Battle for Abortion Rights on the Ballot
Liv Kelly, Editor-in-Chief • November 22, 2024

Since the beginning of the U.S., public opinion has been heavily valued and seen as an American right. Inevitably, the ability to voice candid...

Students participate in an SDA-organized school walkout.
Students Demand Action Stands up Against Gun Violence
November 22, 2024
Lyle and Erik Menendez sit silently at their court hearing.
The Menendez Brothers: Revisiting a Horrific Murder Case
November 22, 2024
Global Perspective
U.N. officials raise the flag of Palestine in 2015. (Courtesy of the United Nations)
U.N. Moves Forward With Trump Plan for Gaza
Jackson Pick, Editor-in-Chief • December 10, 2025

On November 18, the United Nations Security Council voted to endorse a plan for peace in Gaza proposed by President Donald Trump. The vote passed...

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. (Courtesy of @claudia_shein on Instagram)
Tensions Rise Between Mexico and United States Over Proposed Intervention in Cartel Attacks
December 10, 2025
Citizens search through a destroyed house. (Courtesy of @freehour_malta on Instagram)
Tensions Grow as U.S. Pushes for Stability in Gaza
November 21, 2025
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Davin Lee ‘26 prepares to play a concerto at the Fall Orchestra Concert.

Davin Lee ‘26 Takes Home Prestigious National YoungArts Award

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ChatGPT consumes thousands of liters of water for its training process. (Cartoon by Gabby Wang)

ChatGPT’s Harmful Effect on the Environment

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Poster for "Wicked: For Good" starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, released November 21, 2025.

“The Wizard of Oz” and “Wicked”: Fantasy Films or Political Allegories?

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Schweppe Mansion stands beautifully alone, vacant of an owner.

Schweppe Mansion: The Haunted Story Behind the Walls

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Senior Zach Houde lines up for a face-off against #96 on the Windy City Storm in their matchup on September 27, 2025.

Previewing the 2025-26 Winter Season

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The 25 Best Songs of 2025, Ranked

The 25 Best Songs of 2025, Ranked

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Samantha Lee ‘29 runs in the Lake Forest Lights Out Invitational.

Beyond the Finish Line: The Unseen Side of Running Cross Country

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Coutersy of Anok Yai

Met Gala 2024

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The official poster for "Stranger Things" Season 5.

Stranger Things Recap: Everything You Need to Know Before the Finale

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NYU’s website reveals that average admitted ACT, SAT and GPA differ based on race.

NYU Admissions Database Breach Exposes Alleged Affirmative Action Practices

Spectator Instagram
Features
LFA Journalism students and teacher Mark Eleveld pose with Bears’ writers Larry Mayer and Gabby Hajduk in the press room.
The Spectator Takes on Halas Hall
Jack Menton, Reporter • December 10, 2025
Students snack on popcorn at last year’s Caxy Cafe. (Courtesy of @lfacademy on Instagram)
Less Stress, More Success: A Guide to Winter Finals
Sadie Bruns and Ella Brys • December 10, 2025
A Kinara is a candle holder used for Kwanzaa celebration. Courtesy of @whitehouse46archive on Instagram
A Glimpse into Holiday Traditions
Jeff Zavelsky, Jennifer Ji, Camilla Sheftel, and Alexandra Zhu • December 10, 2025
Opinon
From One Student to Another: Caxy Advice Column
Kayla Moore, Executive Editor-in-Chief • December 10, 2025

I have trouble making friends because I’m shy. Any advice? Making friends can be hard for everyone – especially in new environments. However,...

Is Teen Burnout The New Norm?
Is Teen Burnout The New Norm?
Vlada Hordiichuk, Journalism I Student • November 21, 2025
Samantha Lee ‘29 runs in the Lake Forest Lights Out Invitational.
Beyond the Finish Line: The Unseen Side of Running Cross Country
Ellie Kim, Journalism I Student • November 21, 2025
A&E
(Courtesy of @DisneyStudiosLA on Instagram)
Recent Movie Releases — Zootopia 2
Mary Rivera-Scheeringa and Trinity Xu • December 10, 2025

After eight years of waiting since the first film, everyone’s favorite duo, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, are finally returning to the big screen....

Poster for "Wicked: For Good" starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, released November 21, 2025.
“The Wizard of Oz” and “Wicked”: Fantasy Films or Political Allegories?
Liza Lewis, Journalism I Student • December 4, 2025
Davin Lee ‘26 prepares to play a concerto at the Fall Orchestra Concert.
Davin Lee ‘26 Takes Home Prestigious National YoungArts Award
Jackson Pick, Editor-in-Chief • December 4, 2025