The student news site of Lake Forest Academy

The Spectator
Almira Tepe '25 participates in an open discussion at the 2025 FIRE Conference.
FIRE Conference Returning to LFA for 7th Year
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
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
A law enforcement officer points a gun at a protester in Chicago on October 14.
A New Era of Desensitization
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?
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”
Zach Tom and Terrell Smith play football at Soldier Field.
Bears v. Packers: A Historic Win for Chicago
A general view shows the Olympic rings on the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, which will host the curling, wheelchair curling, and Paralympic closing ceremony during the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games 2026, in Cortina, Italy, January 25, 2025.
Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics – The Logistics of Co-hosting in Cities 250 Miles Apart
Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman catches a fly ball during the second inning at Rogers Centre.
Cubs Sign Bregman, Cabrera
Chicago Bears wide receiver Jahdae Walker catches a touchdown pass against the Green Bay Packers to force overtime.
Bears vs. Packers: NFL Wild Card Preview
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
(Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes)
What Makes James Cameron’s “Avatar” Successful?
(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?
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
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
Amalia Rosen, Opinions Editor • December 10, 2025

In a meeting with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on November 18 about Saudi investment in the U.S., President Trump once again...

President Trump and Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. (Courtesy of @realmarjoriegreene on Instagram)
Marjorie Taylor Greene Breaks With Trump, Submits Shock Resignation
Madeleine Stastny, Sports Editor • December 10, 2025

On November 18, amidst the settled dust of a tense Capitol Hill, Majorie Taylor Greene stood in front of reporters, expressing her vehement dissatisfaction...

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
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
Chris Frekko and Fitz Knight • December 10, 2025
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
Madeleine Stastny, Sports Editor • December 10, 2025
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, Junior 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
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
Amalia Rosen, Opinions Editor • December 10, 2025

In a meeting with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on November 18 about Saudi investment in the U.S., President Trump once again...

U.N. officials raise the flag of Palestine in 2015. (Courtesy of the United Nations)
U.N. Moves Forward With Trump Plan for Gaza
December 10, 2025
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
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Almira Tepe '25 participates in an open discussion at the 2025 FIRE Conference.

FIRE Conference Returning to LFA for 7th Year

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A general view shows the Olympic rings on the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, which will host the curling, wheelchair curling, and Paralympic closing ceremony during the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games 2026, in Cortina, Italy, January 25, 2025.

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Yiwen Lu ‘25, Mohammad Soiano Bilal, Xitlali Ocote-Arellano ‘25 and Lusanda Mayikana pose for a picture together.

LFA's Sixth Annual FIRE Conference

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New Faculty of the 2025-2026 School Year

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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
Courtesy of Creative Commons
The Art of Giving: A Gift Guide for The Holidays
Zoe Wolfberg, News Editor • December 10, 2025

The holiday season is a time full of magic, but the pressure to get the perfect gift can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, it doesn’t need to...

From One Student to Another: Caxy Advice Column
Kayla Moore, Executive Editor-in-Chief • December 10, 2025
Is Teen Burnout The New Norm?
Is Teen Burnout The New Norm?
Vlada Hordiichuk, Junior Reporter • November 21, 2025
A&E
(Courtesy of Spotify)
The 10 Best Albums of 2025, Ranked
Jasiek Bugaj, Head of Online Publish • December 10, 2025

10. EUSEXUA/Afterglow by FKA Twigs Five years after her last studio album, FKA Twigs returns with a heavily techno, electronica-inspired sound....

(Courtesy of @funkopopsnews on Instagram)
Recent Movie Releases — Wicked: For Good
Max Bae, Layout Editor • December 10, 2025
(Courtesy of @DisneyStudiosLA on Instagram)
Recent Movie Releases — Zootopia 2
Mary Rivera-Scheeringa and Trinity Xu • December 10, 2025