The student news site of Lake Forest Academy

The Spectator
Jane Goodall speaks at an annual World Economic Forum conference. (Courtesy of the World Economic Forum)
Jane Goodall: A Legacy of Science and Advocacy
Jimmy Kimmel, live on Tuesday, September 23.
The Suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Brought Unity for Free Speech
Course Tiering in the Mathematics Department
The New Normal: Math Department “Skill Checks”
(Courtesy of the LFA Marketing and Communications Office)
New Faculty of the 2025-2026 School Year
Student leaders pose for a photo in the Formal Gardens.
Leading the Way: How LFA Students Are Shaping Campus Life
Yue Chen poses in front of the global classroom in Upper Corbin.
The Global Department: Preparing Leaders for an Interconnected World
A viral online “Dubai chocolate matcha Labubu.”
Unboxing the Lingo: Dubai Chocolate Six Seven: What Does It Mean?
Students construct natural diagrams on pen and paper.
Journey to Jamaica – Our Architectural and Learning Experience
Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte is back in season. (Courtesy of @starbucks on Instagram)
Pumpkin Season is Brewing Again: A Taste of Starbucks’ 2025 Fall Menu
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
Charlie Kirk throws caps during his "American Comeback" tour.
Charlie Kirk: The Murder That Sparked Controversy Nationwide
Jimmy Kimmel, live on Tuesday, September 23.
The Suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Brought Unity for Free Speech
Trump meets with European leaders to discuss U.S. support of Ukraine. (Courtesy of The White House)
From Jeffrey Epstein to the Big Beautiful Bill: American Politics’ Summer of ’25
A National Guardsman patrols the National Mall. Photo by Elizabeth A. Schneider (Courtesy of The National Guard)
National Guard in Sanctuary Cities: LA, Washington D.C., Chicago
CECOT prison guards process U.S. deportees.
Inside the Trump Administration’s Deportation of 238 Venezuelan Immigrants
The actors in Decednants pose for a promotional photo
Descedants (2015) Movie Review
Jimmy Kimmel, live on Tuesday, September 23.
The Suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Brought Unity for Free Speech
LFA Makes an A+ a 98: The Issues With Raising the Bar
Madeleine Stastny '26 eats dinner after a shift at work.
Working and School: What I’ve Learned as a Hostess
Jon Pardi plays as the closer at Windy City Smokeout.
Why Windy City Smokeout Triumphs Over Other Music Festivals
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”
Are Parents Responsible for Children’s Gun Crimes?
Why Do AP Teachers Not Teach the AP Test?
Chicago’s Tremaine Edmunds chases down the Commanders’ Jayden Daniels in a 25-24 win for the Bears.
Commanders Make Crucial Mistakes to Hand Bears a 25-24 Win on “Monday Night Football”
Michigan’s Tre Donaldson shoots a contested three against Wisconsin in the Big 10 tournament
College Basketball Preview
The famous Marquee outside Wrigley Field displays the game score.
Cubs Win First Playoff Series Since 2017, Advance to NLDS
Prep Hockey Live Coverage vs. Windy City Storm
Josh Allen warms up before his week one matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. (Courtesy of @nfl on Instagram )
Predicting the 2025 NFL Season
Taylor Swift's Discography, Ranked
Taylor Swift’s Discography, Ranked
The official “The Late Nights and Young Romance Tour” poster.
sombr’s “The Late Nights and Young Romance Tour” Comes to Chicago
2025’s Top 10 Songs of the Summer
2025’s Top 10 Songs of the Summer
(Courtesy of Netflix on Facebook)
Movie Reviews: Happy Gilmore 2
(Courtesy of @Netflix on X)
Gunn’s ”Superman”: Working Through the Traditional “Super” Formula
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
A group of people celebrate the first Earth Day in New York City.
Celebrating Earth Day: A Global Movement for a Greener Tomorrow
Crops of lettuce grow using the vertical farming technique inside the container farm.
Students Get to Experience the Future of Sustainable Farming
LGBTQ+ protesters march among the streets of Thailand.
First Southeast Asian Country to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
ChatGPT consumes thousands of liters of water for its training process. (Cartoon by Gabby Wang)
ChatGPT’s Harmful Effect on the Environment
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gives a speech. (Courtesy of Creative Commons)
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Announces Resignation
The student news site of Lake Forest Academy

The Spectator
The student news site of Lake Forest Academy

The Spectator
Mary Rivera-Scheeringa

Mary Rivera-Scheeringa, Producer of Podcasts

All content by Mary Rivera-Scheeringa
Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte is back in season. (Courtesy of @starbucks on Instagram)

Pumpkin Season is Brewing Again: A Taste of Starbucks’ 2025 Fall Menu

Mary Rivera-Scheeringa, Producer of Podcasts
September 26, 2025
Shawn Mendes’ On The Road Again Tour poster featuring all dates and stops.

Shawn Mendes returns to Chicago with On The Road Again Tour

Mary Rivera-Scheeringa, Producer of Podcasts
September 19, 2025
The official “Mayhem Ball” Tour poster.

Lady Gaga Brings the “Mayhem Ball” Tour to Chicago

Mary Rivera-Scheeringa, Producer of Podcasts
September 9, 2025
Dua Lipa lights up the stage during her Radical Optimism Tour in Chicago.

Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism Tour Was Pure Pop Perfection

Mary Rivera-Scheeringa, Producer of Podcasts
September 8, 2025
Lia Moore, Julie Park, Almira Tepe, Mike Hall, Kaylie Gast and Olivia Rogalski pose at the Senior Retreat.

Celebrating Senior Moments: Reflecting on Favorite Traditions

Riley Mormon and Mary Rivera-Scheeringa
May 30, 2025
The previous “Mamma Mia!” cast performs Super Trouper.

“Mamma Mia!” Returns to Broadway: A Hit That Keeps on Dancing!

Mary Rivera-Scheeringa, Director of Podcats
April 30, 2025
Students pose in front of a fountain in Puerto Rico.

2025 LFA Spring Break Trip: Caxys Abroad!

Mary Rivera-Scheeringa, Alexandra Zhu, Gabby Wang, Mimi Sexton, Sophia DeLise, and Davin Lee
April 30, 2025
TikTok's brief ban set the tone for a new age in social media.

The 2025 TikTok Ban: A Turning Point for Social Media and Privacy

Mary Rivera-Scheeringa, Director of Podcasts
March 14, 2025

Boys Varsity Senior Night Glenbrook North Live Coverage

Riley Mormon and Mary Rivera-Scheeringa
February 4, 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

Looking Ahead: A Day in the Life of a High School Student in 2124

Mary Rivera-Scheeringa, Director of Podcasts
January 18, 2025
Starbucks 2024 Holiday Menu: A Taste of the Season

Starbucks 2024 Holiday Menu: A Taste of the Season

Mary Rivera-Scheeringa, Director of Podcasts
December 11, 2024
Sarah Sylvester and Janie Schaffer take their seats for the Victoria’s Secret fashion show.

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024: A Dazzling Return to the Runway

Riley Mormon and Mary Rivera-Scheeringa
November 22, 2024
Liam Payne’s memorial stands in front of the hotel he passed away in.

Fans Mourn the Loss of Liam Payne: A Tribute to the Beloved Star

Mary Rivera-Scheeringa and Riley Mormon
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

Varsity Hockey vs. New Trier (IL)

Parker Pollak and Mary Rivera-Scheeringa
November 14, 2024
Yaseen

What are LFA students most scared of?

Mary Rivera-Scheeringa and Riley Mormon
November 13, 2024
A graph shows the direct correlation of the impact of time students spent online and mental health.

Positive and Negative Impacts of Social Media on Students

Riley Mormon and Mary Rivera-Scheeringa
October 30, 2024
Anna Delvey performs with Erza Sosa.

Stepping Into the Spotlight: Anna Delvey’s Dance Journey on “Dancing With the Stars”

Mary Rivera-Scheeringa, Director of Podcasts
October 30, 2024
Love Island cast poses together.

Summer Entertainment: Love Island and New Movies

Mary Rivera- Scheeringa and Zoe Wolfberg
September 30, 2024
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