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
Jeff Zavelsky

Jeff Zavelsky, Editor-in-Chief

All content by Jeff Zavelsky
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

Baking With The Spectator

Kayla Moore, Alexandra Zhu, Jeff Zavelsky, and Jackson Pick
November 21, 2025
Whiplash in Concert at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago.

Whiplash in Concert: A Movie Brought to Life on Stage

Jeff Zavelsky, Editor-in-Chief
October 31, 2025
Graphic by Alexandra Zhu

A Letter from the Editors

Kayla Moore, Jackson Pick, Alexandra Zhu, and Jeff Zavelsky
September 15, 2025
The Ratliff family makes a poised entrance at The White Lotus resort in Thailand in style, blissfully unaware of the twists ahead.

Money, Murder and Moral Decay: Thailand’s “The White Lotus” Spotlight

Chloe Jhin and Jeff Zavelsky
April 30, 2025
Jeff Zavelsky with Bob Odenkirk at the stage door.

Jeff’s Broadway Experience

Jeff Zavelsky, Producer of Podcasts
April 3, 2025
The Old Orchard Christmas Tree is decorated for the holidays.

The Best Shopping Spots for December Deals and Holiday Cheer

Jeff Zavelsky and Kayla Moore
December 11, 2024

First Snow at LFA!

Jeff Zavelsky, Producer of Podcasts
December 6, 2024
Two students look at the anonymous Instagram account.

Anonymity on Social Media Sparks Debate in the Community

Mimi Sexton and Jeff Zavelsky
November 22, 2024

Varsity Hockey vs. New Trier (IL)

Parker Pollak and Mary Rivera-Scheeringa
November 14, 2024
Screenshot 2024-11-14 at 7.03.54 PM

Jeff Zavelsky, Producer of Podcasts
November 14, 2024
IMG_1523

[Photo]

Parker Pollak, Reporter
November 14, 2024
Campus Chatter

Image courtesy of Newsweek

US Election 2024 – Live Coverage

Jackson Pick, Managing Editor of Politics
November 5, 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
The 2024 school year's new student leaders, including Prefects, Proctors, Student Council, and Head Ambassadors.

The New Leadership of the 2024-2025 School Year

Jeff Zavelsky and Bela Bock
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
Matt Boresi teaching his advanced acting class.

Faculty Members Leaving Lake Forest Academy

Jeff Zavelsky and Jennifer Ji
May 22, 2024
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