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
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”
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
Jasiek Bugaj

Jasiek Bugaj, Head of Online Publishing

All content by Jasiek Bugaj
(Courtesy of Spotify)

The 10 Best Albums of 2025, Ranked

Jasiek Bugaj, Head of Online Publish
December 10, 2025
The 25 Best Songs of 2025, Ranked

The 25 Best Songs of 2025, Ranked

Jasiek Bugaj, Head of Online Publishing
November 21, 2025
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
Owen Cooper accepts his award at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards. (Courtesy of @elleusa on Instagram)

Owen Cooper’s Historic Emmy Win

Jasiek Bugaj, Arts & Entertainment Editor
October 31, 2025
Christine Devine poses in a classroom with journalism students.

[Photo] Emmy Award-Winning Anchor Christine Devine Inspires LFA Students

Mary Rivera-Scheeringa, Producer of Podcasts
October 22, 2025
Taylor Swift's Discography, Ranked

Taylor Swift’s Discography, Ranked

Jasiek Bugaj, Arts & Entertainment Editor
October 2, 2025
2025’s Top 10 Songs of the Summer

2025’s Top 10 Songs of the Summer

Jasiek Bugaj, Arts & Entertainment Editor
September 26, 2025
"Who's the Clown?" by Audrey Hobert, released August 15, 2025.

Album Review: “Who’s the Clown?” by Audrey Hobert

Jasiek Bugaj, Arts & Entertainment Editor
September 25, 2025
Bird Master Teaching Chair Jonathan Freeman sits with a set of Colson Whitehead novels.

[Photo] An Overview of LFA's Bird Artist Series

September 17, 2025
The official "Ultrasound World Tour" poster.

Lorde’s “Ultrasound World Tour” is Coming to United Center

Jasiek Bugaj, Arts & Entertainment Editor
September 18, 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
Virgin by Lorde, released June 27, 2025.

Album Review: “Virgin” by Lorde

Jasiek Bugaj, Arts & Entertainment Editor
September 11, 2025
Man's Best Friend by Sabrina Carpenter, released August 29, 2025.

Album Review: “Man’s Best Friend” by Sabrina Carpenter

Jasiek Bugaj, Arts & Entertainment Editor
September 4, 2025
Katy Perry kisses the ground after returning from her Blue Origin flight.

Blue Origin-ageddon: The Katy Perry Agenda

Jasiek Bugaj and Madeleine Stastny
May 30, 2025
Guy Blessing gets ready to take the ice as a goalie for the Air Force Academy Falcons.

Alumni Achievements: Guy Blessing ’19 and Patrick McCarthy ’73

Gabby Wang, Jasiek Bugaj, and Zoe Wolfberg
April 30, 2025
Lady Gaga’s music video for “Abracadabra” was released on February 2, 2025.

Album Review: “MAYHEM” by Lady Gaga

Jasiek Bugaj, Managing Editor of A&E
April 30, 2025
Album Review: At The Beach, In Every Life by Gigi Perez

Album Review: At The Beach, In Every Life by Gigi Perez

Jasiek Bugaj, Director of Album Reviews
April 29, 2025
Album Review: "Achilles" by Kevin Atwater

Album Review: “Achilles” by Kevin Atwater

Jasiek Bugaj, Director of Album Reviews
April 11, 2025
Album Review: "HURRY UP TOMORROW" by The Weeknd

Album Review: “HURRY UP TOMORROW” by The Weeknd

Jasiek Bugaj, Director of Album Reviews
April 10, 2025
Album Review: "MUSIC" by Playboi Carti

Album Review: “MUSIC” by Playboi Carti

Jasiek Bugaj, Director of Album Reviews
April 10, 2025
Album Review: "brighter days ahead" by Ariana Grande

Album Review: “brighter days ahead” by Ariana Grande

Jasiek Bugaj, Director of Album Reviews
April 10, 2025
Album Review: "Forever Is A Feeling" by Lucy Dacus

Album Review: “Forever Is A Feeling” by Lucy Dacus

Jasiek Bugaj, Director of Album Reviews
April 10, 2025
Album Review: "So Close to What" by Tate McRae

Album Review: “So Close to What” by Tate McRae

Jasiek Bugaj, Director of Album Reviews
April 10, 2025
Lilian Chung ‘16 talks to LFA students about her career in E-Commerce and Product Development.

A Night to Remember: Young Alumni Networking Night

Jasiek Bugaj, Managing Editor of A&E
March 14, 2025
SZA’s new release, SOS Deluxe: LANA, was released on December 20, 2024. (Courtesy of Spotify)

Album Review: “LANA” by SZA

Jasiek Bugaj and Mary Rivera-Scheeringa
January 31, 2025
Nikki Glaser gives her opening monologue at the 82nd Golden Globes.

The 2025 Golden Globes: Fashion, Engagements, and Humorous Moments Steal the Show

Mary Rivera-Scheeringa and Jasiek Bugaj
January 31, 2025
Predictions and Winners of the 67th GRAMMYs

Predictions and Winners of the 67th GRAMMYs

Jasiek Bugaj, Managing Editor of A&E
January 28, 2025
The 25 Best Songs of the 21st Century So Far, Ranked

The 25 Best Songs of the 21st Century So Far, Ranked

Jasiek Bugaj, Director of Album Reviews
January 22, 2025
The 2024 Spectator Holiday Playlist

The 2024 Spectator Holiday Playlist

Jasiek Bugaj, Managing Editor of A&E
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
"The Eras Tour" Toronto Night 4 - Live Updates

“The Eras Tour” Toronto Night 4 – Live Updates

Mary Rivera-Scheeringa and Jasiek Bugaj
November 21, 2024
The 25 Best Albums of the 2020’s So Far, Ranked

The 25 Best Albums of the 2020’s So Far, Ranked

Jasiek Bugaj, Director of Album Reviews
November 19, 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
The cast of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” poses for a photo.

An Overview of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives”

Jasiek Bugaj, Managing Editor of A&E
October 30, 2024
Album Review: "CHROMAKOPIA" by Tyler, the Creator

Album Review: “CHROMAKOPIA” by Tyler, the Creator

Jasiek Bugaj, Director of Album Reviews
October 29, 2024
Nikocado Avocado poses before and after his weight-loss transformation.

An Overview of Nikocado Avocado’s Career

Jasiek Bugaj, Managing Editor of A&E
October 23, 2024
Album Review: “Older (and Wiser)” by Lizzy McAlpine

Album Review: “Older (and Wiser)” by Lizzy McAlpine

Jasiek Bugaj, Director of Album Reviews
October 22, 2024
Album Review: “Brat and it's completely different but also still brat” by Charli xcx

Album Review: “Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat” by Charli xcx

Jasiek Bugaj, Director of Album Reviews
October 22, 2024
2024 Summer Albums in Review

2024 Summer Albums in Review

Jasiek Bugaj and Madeleine Stastny
September 29, 2024
Taylor Swift performs in Kansas City, 2023.

Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras Tour’ Concerts Cancelled in Vienna

Jasiek Bugaj, Managing Editor of Arts & Entertainment
September 29, 2024
Students explore different cuisines from affinity groups at Jamnesty on May 3rd 2024.

Finding Safe Spaces in Affinity Groups

Jasiek Bugaj, Staff Writer
May 22, 2024
Courtesy of @taylornation on Instagram

The Music Industry (Taylor’s Version) – How Taylor Swift’s Re-Recording Process Has Changed the Swiftie World

Jasiek Bugaj
May 9, 2024
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