The student news site of Lake Forest Academy

The Spectator
University students lounge on the University of Pennsylvania campus quad.
Cyberattack Hits University of Pennsylvania Databases
Jamaica faces severe destruction after Hurricane Melissa.
Hurricane Melissa: A Path of Destruction
Erika Kirk speaks at memorial service held by Turning Point USA for her husband, Charlie Kirk.
Charlie Kirk’s Death Prompts Free Speech Debate in Schools
The new fountain sits outside of Reid Hall.
Reviving a Piece of LFA History: The Fountain Returns to Reid Hall
Ferry Hall Prefect Christina Quiroz ‘26 poses with Ferry Hall themed cake pops and cookies. (Courtesy of @lfacademy on Instagram)
The 2025-26 Ferry Hall Festivities
Pilgrims feast with the Wampanog people.
Thanksgiving: What Are We Really Celebrating?
The official poster for the Starbucks holiday menu drinks.
Get Cozy with Starbucks Holiday Drinks and Treats
LFA’s Homecoming was set with a Hollywood theme.
2025-26: “Hollywood” Homecoming Review
AJK and LFA students pose with their Halloween candy during the 2024 Trunk or Treat.
Project Pumpkin: A Celebration of Community
The upcoming film Wicked: For Good sparks a surge of Glinda-and-Elphaba-inspired costumes this Halloween season. (Courtesy of @wickedmovie on Instagram)
Costume Craze: What’s Trending This Halloween?
Mikie Sherrill smiles after winning the election as the first female governor of New Jersey.
2025 Elections: A Night of New Beginnings
Erika Kirk speaks at memorial service held by Turning Point USA for her husband, Charlie Kirk.
Charlie Kirk’s Death Prompts Free Speech Debate in Schools
(Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)
Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo: The Supreme Court’s Decision on Racial Profiling
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks after Trump’s statement on potential causes of autism in children. (Courtesy of The White House)
Trump and Kennedy Pursue Investigation on the Causes of Autism, Blame Tylenol
Students and other attendees fill Dee Glen Smith Spectrum at a Turning Point Event at Utah State University. (Courtesy of @turningpointusa on Instagram)
Turning Point USA Continues College Tours After Charlie Kirk Assassination
No Friday Night Lights: Looking for School Spirit
A girl joined protests against mass deportations in the street.
Honoring the Indigenous, Not the Colonizers
The actors in Decednants pose for a promotional photo
Descedants (2015) Movie Review
Taylor Swift's Discography, Ranked
Taylor Swift’s Discography, Ranked
Jimmy Kimmel returned live on his show on Tuesday, September 23.
The Suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Brought Unity for Free Speech
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”
Are Parents Responsible for Children’s Gun Crimes?
Sauce Gardner suited up for his first game with the Indianapolis Colts.
The 2025 NFL Trade Deadline Recap
Chicago Bulls fans cheer on the team after their 126-113 win against the Sacramento Kings, giving them a 4-0 record.
Chicago Bulls Start Season Strong
Michigan’s Tre Donaldson shoots a contested three against Wisconsin in the Big Ten tournament. (Courtesy of the Big Ten)
Previewing the 2025-26 College Basketball Season
Allie Quigley runs a basketball clinic “All Gas, No Breaks” alongside longtime Chicago Sky teammate and wife, Courtney Vandersloot. (Courtesy of @chicagosky on Instagram)
From the Courts of Joliet to the Rafters of the WNBA
2025 MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander goes for a layup against the Houston Rockets in a preseason game.
NBA Preview: What to Expect this Upcoming Season
"Everybody Scream" by Florence and the Machine, released October 31, 2025.
Album Review: Everybody Scream by Florence and the Machine
"A Keller Christmas Vacation" aired November 9, 2025.
Hallmark Movies Return to Warm Hearts Early This Holiday Season
The official "Deadbeat Tour" poster.
Tame Impala Brings the Deadbeat Tour to Chicago
The Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swift, released October 3, 2025
Album Review: The Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swift
The official announcements of “Hamilton” in theaters and Leslie Odom Jr.’s return to Broadway. (Courtesy of @hamiltonmusical on Instagram)
As “Hamilton” Hits Theaters, Leslie Odom Jr. Returns to the Stage
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
Palestine has been recognized by 155 U.N. member states. (Courtesy of @socialistsanddemocrats on Instagram)
United Kingdom, Australia, Canada Recognize Palestine
Protesters stand on top of the Singha Dubar after it was set on fire the week prior. (Courtesy of NBC News on Facebook)
Inside the Gen Z Protests That Overturned Nepal’s Government
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greets President Donald on October 13. (Courtesy of The White House)
Israel, Hamas Agree to Ceasefire
A group of people celebrate the first Earth Day in New York City.
Celebrating Earth Day: A Global Movement for a Greener Tomorrow
Crops of lettuce grow using the vertical farming technique inside the container farm.
Students Get to Experience the Future of Sustainable Farming
The student news site of Lake Forest Academy

The Spectator
The student news site of Lake Forest Academy

The Spectator
This Just In...
Politics
Erika Kirk speaks at memorial service held by Turning Point USA for her husband, Charlie Kirk.
Charlie Kirk’s Death Prompts Free Speech Debate in Schools
Jack Menton, Reporter • October 31, 2025

Many teachers, professors, school administrators and others working in schools have been fired, forced to resign or put on leave in the wake...

(Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)
Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo: The Supreme Court’s Decision on Racial Profiling
Maya Tafolla, Politics Editor • October 31, 2025

The Supreme Court came to a final decision on Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo on September 8. The case debates the constitutionality of immigration agents...

News
Jamaica faces severe destruction after Hurricane Melissa.
Hurricane Melissa: A Path of Destruction
Zoe Wolfberg, News Editor • November 3, 2025
Erika Kirk speaks at memorial service held by Turning Point USA for her husband, Charlie Kirk.
Charlie Kirk’s Death Prompts Free Speech Debate in Schools
Jack Menton, Reporter • October 31, 2025
The new fountain sits outside of Reid Hall.
Reviving a Piece of LFA History: The Fountain Returns to Reid Hall
Jennifer Ji, Layout Editor • October 31, 2025
Sports
Chicago Bulls fans cheer on the team after their 126-113 win against the Sacramento Kings, giving them a 4-0 record.
Chicago Bulls Start Season Strong
Madeleine Stastny, Sports Editor • November 4, 2025
Michigan’s Tre Donaldson shoots a contested three against Wisconsin in the Big Ten tournament. (Courtesy of the Big Ten)
Previewing the 2025-26 College Basketball Season
Chris Frekko and Fitz Knight • October 31, 2025
Allie Quigley runs a basketball clinic “All Gas, No Breaks” alongside longtime Chicago Sky teammate and wife, Courtney Vandersloot. (Courtesy of @chicagosky on Instagram)
From the Courts of Joliet to the Rafters of the WNBA
Madeleine Stastny, Sports Editor • October 31, 2025
2025 MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander goes for a layup against the Houston Rockets in a preseason game.
NBA Preview: What to Expect this Upcoming Season
Madeleine Stastny, Sports Editor • October 22, 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
Palestine has been recognized by 155 U.N. member states. (Courtesy of @socialistsanddemocrats on Instagram)
United Kingdom, Australia, Canada Recognize Palestine
Max Bae, Layout Editor • October 31, 2025

The United Kingdom, Australia and Canada made a rare diplomatic move on September 21, jointly agreeing to officially recognize the state of Palestine....

Protesters stand on top of the Singha Dubar after it was set on fire the week prior. (Courtesy of NBC News on Facebook)
Inside the Gen Z Protests That Overturned Nepal’s Government
October 31, 2025
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greets President Donald on October 13. (Courtesy of The White House)
Israel, Hamas Agree to Ceasefire
October 17, 2025
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University students lounge on the University of Pennsylvania campus quad.

Cyberattack Hits University of Pennsylvania Databases

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Erika Kirk speaks at memorial service held by Turning Point USA for her husband, Charlie Kirk.

Charlie Kirk’s Death Prompts Free Speech Debate in Schools

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"Everybody Scream" by Florence and the Machine, released October 31, 2025.

Album Review: Everybody Scream by Florence and the Machine

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Pilgrims feast with the Wampanog people.

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Features
LFA’s Homecoming was set with a Hollywood theme.
2025-26: “Hollywood” Homecoming Review
Trinity Xu, Reporter • October 31, 2025
AJK and LFA students pose with their Halloween candy during the 2024 Trunk or Treat.
Project Pumpkin: A Celebration of Community
Charley Gopin, Features Editor • October 31, 2025
The upcoming film Wicked: For Good sparks a surge of Glinda-and-Elphaba-inspired costumes this Halloween season. (Courtesy of @wickedmovie on Instagram)
Costume Craze: What’s Trending This Halloween?
Mary Rivera-Scheeringa, Producer of Podcasts • October 31, 2025
Opinon
No Friday Night Lights: Looking for School Spirit
Editorial Board • October 31, 2025

Friday Night Lights: An excitement that surrounds Friday night football games in high schools under the bright lights of a football field. An...

A girl joined protests against mass deportations in the street.
Honoring the Indigenous, Not the Colonizers
Amalia Rosen, Opinions Editor • October 23, 2025
The actors in Decednants pose for a promotional photo
Descedants (2015) Movie Review
Amalia Rosen, Opinions Editor • October 15, 2025
A&E
The official "Deadbeat Tour" poster.
Tame Impala Brings the Deadbeat Tour to Chicago
Sadie Bruns, Reporter • November 3, 2025

Tame Impala, the psychedelic solo project of Kevin Parker, is back on the road presenting the new album: “Deadbeat.” Released in October,...

The Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swift, released October 3, 2025
Album Review: The Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swift
Jasiek Bugaj and Mary Rivera-Scheeringa • October 31, 2025
The official announcements of “Hamilton” in theaters and Leslie Odom Jr.’s return to Broadway. (Courtesy of @hamiltonmusical on Instagram)
As “Hamilton” Hits Theaters, Leslie Odom Jr. Returns to the Stage
Sadie Bruns, Reporter • October 31, 2025