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
Charley Gopin

Charley Gopin, Features Editor

All content by Charley Gopin
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
Sweet autumn treats line the shelves at Apple Holler.

Fall: A Season to Savor

Charley Gopin, Features Editor
November 21, 2025
Climate protesters march to demand greater climate protection efforts in Belém Pará, Brazil.

Marching for the Planet: Tens of Thousands Protest during COP30 in Brazil

Charley Gopin, Features Editor
November 17, 2025
The official poster for the Starbucks holiday menu drinks.

Get Cozy with Starbucks Holiday Drinks and Treats

Charley Gopin, Features Editor
November 7, 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
Zoe Wolfberg '26 studies in the library.

The Best Study Spots on Campus: A Curated Selection

Charley Gopin, Features Editor
October 29, 2025

Photo Art: Fall Colors on Campus

Charley Gopin and Sadie Bruns
October 27, 2025
Yue Chen poses in front of the global classroom in Upper Corbin.

The Global Department: Preparing Leaders for an Interconnected World

Charley Gopin, Features Editor
October 1, 2025
(Courtesy of @thesummeriturnedpretty on Instagram)

The Summer I Turned Pretty: The Season That Has Everyone Talking

Charley Gopin, Features Editor
September 26, 2025
Freshmen extend their arms, revealing adjectives describing themselves. (Courtesy of the LFA Marketing and Communications Office)

Fresh Starts and Final Years: LFA Class Retreats Create Lasting Memories

Charley Gopin and Ami Rosen
September 26, 2025
Bird Master Teaching Chair Jonathan Freeman sits with a set of Colson Whitehead novels.

An Overview of LFA’s Bird Artist Series

Charley Gopin and Jasiek Bugaj
September 17, 2025

Spectator Senior Spotlight: 2024–25

Charley Gopin, Esther Park, and Madeleine Stastny
May 30, 2025
NYU’s website reveals that average admitted ACT, SAT and GPA differ based on race.

NYU Admissions Database Breach Exposes Alleged Affirmative Action Practices

Charley Gopin and Zoe Wolfberg
May 19, 2025
Whole Foods features a buffet with a variety of foods avaliable for customers to choose.

Top Vernon Hills Spots: Quick Bites and Favorite Eats

Charley Gopin, Riley Mormon, and Sophia DeLise
March 14, 2025
Common Valentine’s Day gifts include flowers and chocolates.

Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day: The Histories, Traditions, and Celebrations

Charley Gopin and Gabby Wang
March 14, 2025
New York investigators observe the scene where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot. (Courtesy of the New York Times)

Behind the Headlines: How Brian Thompson’s Murder Sparked a Nationwide Conversation

Charley Gopin
January 31, 2025
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears in court to give his testimony. (Courtesy of AP News)

Netanyahu Takes the Stand: The Trial That Could Define Israel’s Future

Charley Gopin, Managing Editor of Features
January 31, 2025
A Lake Forest house is decorated for Christmas and Gorton’s Yuletide Tour of Lights.

Celebrating the Season: A Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa

Bela Bock, Emma Swanson, Kayla Moore, and Charley Gopin
December 11, 2024
Jenni Gorey poses by LFA’s hockey rink, equipped with first aid necessities.

Hero Jenni Gorey Saves a Life

Jasiek Bugaj and Charley Gopin
November 22, 2024
Haitians seek shelter from gang violence in an old boxing arena.

A Nation on the Brink: The Haiti Humanitarian Crisis and Its Fight for Stability

Charley Gopin, Managing Editor of Features
November 22, 2024
Parents of LFA students connect at the Parents Association Welcome Luncheon.

2024 LFA Family Weekend Recap

Charley Gopin, Riley Mormon, and Parker Pollak
October 30, 2024
Jennifer Rundles speaks to students at an All School Meeting.

LFA Introduces New Pillar Pin Policy

Jasiek Bugaj, Charley Gopin, Jennifer Ji, and Zoe Wolfberg
October 30, 2024
Homecoming’s Effiel Tower sets the scene for a “Night in Paris” theme.

2024-2025: Homecoming Review

Jeff Zavelsky, Charley Gopin, and Bela Bock
October 30, 2024
Cava bowls are displayed on a table.

Cava Opens in Vernon Hills: A Mediterranean Escape for Busy LFA Students

Charley Gopin, Managing Editor of Features
September 30, 2024
All of the portraits of the new faculty.

New Faculty of the 2024-2025 School Year: Congratulations and Welcome to LFA!

Charley Gopin, Jeff Zavelsky, Zoe Wolfberg, Parker Pollak, and Jennifer Ji
September 30, 2024
A pro-Palestine protest.

College Protests Ignite Over Israel-Hamas Conflict

Zoe Wolfberg and Charley Gopin
May 22, 2024
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