Warm and festive greetings from the Spectator. In a time when the days are getting shorter and the air is cooling, the holiday season allows Lake Forest Academy to unite and celebrate together. Excitement grows all around as Christmas trees, lights, music and more become present all around.
At LFA, celebrating the holidays and the new year is always well-done and well-appreciated. After all, the hard work and dedication that the student body puts into academics, sports, clubs and extracurricular activities should be celebrated and rewarded. In the past, LFA has taken students to holiday-focused events for weekend activities and has had themed lunches and fun holiday all-school meetings. It is important to give thanks to the faculty and staff as they, along with the students, are responsible for making the holiday season so memorable at LFA and making our school truly feel like light in winter’s darkness.
The holiday season is also a time for kindness, which LFA ensures to bring to every student and teacher every year. This year, during one morning meeting, colorful post-it notes were placed on almost every chair in Cressey Theatre with notes of positivity and self-love hand-written on each note. Now, if that doesn’t spread holiday cheer, what does?
For students, the month of December can be a stressful time with final exams approaching. But staying positive, organized and willing to help others can make the biggest difference – in your life and someone else’s. Remaining a positive person can brighten other’s day and help them stay calm when stressed.
At LFA, we’re lucky enough to have a large diversity of celebrations among students including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Day and other winter traditions. To celebrate these different holidays, different student unions will present at morning meetings and have fundraisers in Senior Square to spread the word of their delightful celebrations. Understanding that not everyone celebrates the same holiday and participating in celebrations from other cultures different from your own can foster a sense of unity and community, and make you a better citizen of the world.
This year has been extremely memorable and successful for LFA. From winning new sports titles, to having 10 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists, to hosting renowned authors and having a successful Giving Day, there is so much to be grateful for and proud of. In the New Year, we can only hope for new opportunities, successes and growth for LFA and encourage students to spend time with loved ones, rest and reflect over the winter break.
Good luck on finals everyone, travel safely and have the merriest of holidays. Make sure to bring LFA cheer wherever you go and spread positivity into the new year.
Sincerely,