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
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. (Courtesy of @claudia_shein on Instagram)
Tensions Rise Between Mexico and United States Over Proposed Intervention in Cartel Attacks
U.N. officials raise the flag of Palestine in 2015. (Courtesy of the United Nations)
U.N. Moves Forward With Trump Plan for Gaza
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”
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
All content by David Atas
Davin Lee ‘26 prepares to play a concerto at the Fall Orchestra Concert.

[Photo] Davin Lee ‘26 Takes Home Prestigious National YoungArts Award

Jackson Pick, Editor-in-Chief
December 4, 2025
Left to right: Coco Zheng ‘28, Grace Wang ‘27, Levi VandeVenter ‘29, Patrick Wang ‘27 and Lydia Freeman ‘26.

[Photo] “Clue: On Stage” Delights Audiences with Mystery and Humor

Trinity Xu, Reporter
November 21, 2025
Senior Zach Houde lines up for a face-off against #96 on the Windy City Storm in their matchup on September 27, 2025.

[Photo] Previewing the 2025-26 Winter Season

Madeleine Stastny, Sports Editor
November 21, 2025
Hamza Jafri '26 plays in his squash match.

[Photo] Varsity Co-ed Squash Home Opener Recap

November 18, 2025
LFA’s Homecoming was set with a Hollywood theme.

[Photo] 2025-26: “Hollywood” Homecoming Review

Trinity Xu, Reporter
October 31, 2025
Abbey Welsh ‘28 stretches before a Cross Country meet. | Diego Pedroza ‘26 plays defense in a game against Northridge Prep.

[Photo] Player of the Month: October

Chris Frekko and Fitz Knight
October 31, 2025
Lucy Kirmser ‘25 runs with the ball in a Girls Varsity Lacrosse game against Regina Dominican. | Junior captain Roman McLaurine ‘26 stands tall on the track, ready for the season.

[Photo] Player of the Month: April

Madeleine Stastny and Myles Haight
April 30, 2025
Krish Bahadur '26 addresses Lake Forest Academy before the All School President election.

[Photo] Krish Bahadur: LFA’s New All School President

Maya Tafolla and Amalia Rosen
April 23, 2025
Carson Emery ‘25 prepares to serve.

[Photo] A Preview of the Spring Sports Season

Parker Pollak and Davin Lee
April 30, 2025
From left: Ysola Sanchez ‘25, Elizabeth Villagomez ‘27, Xitlali Ocote-Arellano ‘25, Bela Bock ‘25, Saige Chaseley ‘25 and Helena Secret ‘26 pose with Breaking Barriers faculty advisor, Angela Zhou (right).

[Photo] The Inaugural Breaking Barriers Gala

Bela Bock, Director of Logistics
April 30, 2025
Hamza Jafri ‘26 plays against his opponent.

[Photo] LFA Hosts Chicagoland High School Individual Squash Tourney at New Athletic Gym

Max Bae, Reporter
March 14, 2025
LFA’s Varsity Girls Hockey seniors pose for a media day picture.

[Photo] Founders Cup: LFA Girls Hockey Season of Success

Mimi Sexton and Madeleine Stastny
March 14, 2025
Enos Zaah'25 enjoying flag football during NFL weekend.

[Photo] Introducing Our New LFA All-School President

Joon Lee and Max Bae
September 30, 2024
The venue decorations that Prom Committee planned.

[Photo] Prom: A Festival of Lights on the Theater on the Lake

Mimi Sexton and Emma Swanson
May 2, 2024
“Members of both Varsity Orange and Black linking arms posing after the event. Seniors Sano Rutatika in the middle, Darius Duff second furthest to the right, and Brendan Flaherty furthest right.”

[Photo] Black vs. Orange Senior Night

Djasahn English and Riya Kapoor
April 26, 2022
Lake Forest Academy’s Yearbook Club captures a photo of the graduating class of 2022 in the formal gardens.

[Photo] The Truth About Senioritis

February 3, 2022
Moose & Muggsy Owner: David Atas Breed: Biewer terrierrs Age: 1 year old & 3 years old Special talents: Moose eats a lot. Muggsy can sit, paw, spin, and jump.

Load More Stories