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
Mary Rivera-Scheeringa

Mary Rivera-Scheeringa, Producer of Podcasts

All content by Mary Rivera-Scheeringa
(Courtesy of @DisneyStudiosLA on Instagram)

Recent Movie Releases — Zootopia 2

Mary Rivera-Scheeringa and Trinity Xu
December 10, 2025
Photos by Riley Mormon '26 hang in the JC Cowart Student Center.

Capturing Lake Forest Through a Lens: Riley Mormon’s Art Display Brings Local Life to Campus

Mary Rivera-Scheeringa, Producer of Podcasts
November 21, 2025
"A Keller Christmas Vacation" aired November 9, 2025.

Hallmark Movies Return to Warm Hearts Early This Holiday Season

Mary Rivera-Scheeringa, Producer of Podcasts
November 6, 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
The upcoming film Wicked: For Good sparks a surge of Glinda-and-Elphaba-inspired costumes this Halloween season. (Courtesy of @wickedmovie on Instagram)

Costume Craze: What’s Trending This Halloween?

Mary Rivera-Scheeringa, Producer of Podcasts
October 31, 2025
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy strike a pose.

“Dancing With the Stars” Season 34 Heats Up As It Nears the Finish Line

Mary Rivera-Scheeringa, Director of Podcasts
October 30, 2025
Christine Devine poses in a classroom with journalism students.

Emmy Award-Winning Anchor Christine Devine Inspires LFA Students

Mary Rivera-Scheeringa, Producer of Podcasts
October 22, 2025
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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