The student news site of Lake Forest Academy

The Spectator
University students lounge on the University of Pennsylvania campus quad.
Cyberattack Hits University of Pennsylvania Databases
Jamaica faces severe destruction after Hurricane Melissa.
Hurricane Melissa: A Path of Destruction
Erika Kirk speaks at memorial service held by Turning Point USA for her husband, Charlie Kirk.
Charlie Kirk’s Death Prompts Free Speech Debate in Schools
The new fountain sits outside of Reid Hall.
Reviving a Piece of LFA History: The Fountain Returns to Reid Hall
Ferry Hall Prefect Christina Quiroz ‘26 poses with Ferry Hall themed cake pops and cookies. (Courtesy of @lfacademy on Instagram)
The 2025-26 Ferry Hall Festivities
Pilgrims feast with the Wampanog people.
Thanksgiving: What Are We Really Celebrating?
The official poster for the Starbucks holiday menu drinks.
Get Cozy with Starbucks Holiday Drinks and Treats
LFA’s Homecoming was set with a Hollywood theme.
2025-26: “Hollywood” Homecoming Review
AJK and LFA students pose with their Halloween candy during the 2024 Trunk or Treat.
Project Pumpkin: A Celebration of Community
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?
Mikie Sherrill smiles after winning the election as the first female governor of New Jersey.
2025 Elections: A Night of New Beginnings
Erika Kirk speaks at memorial service held by Turning Point USA for her husband, Charlie Kirk.
Charlie Kirk’s Death Prompts Free Speech Debate in Schools
(Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)
Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo: The Supreme Court’s Decision on Racial Profiling
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks after Trump’s statement on potential causes of autism in children. (Courtesy of The White House)
Trump and Kennedy Pursue Investigation on the Causes of Autism, Blame Tylenol
Students and other attendees fill Dee Glen Smith Spectrum at a Turning Point Event at Utah State University. (Courtesy of @turningpointusa on Instagram)
Turning Point USA Continues College Tours After Charlie Kirk Assassination
No Friday Night Lights: Looking for School Spirit
A girl joined protests against mass deportations in the street.
Honoring the Indigenous, Not the Colonizers
The actors in Decednants pose for a promotional photo
Descedants (2015) Movie Review
Taylor Swift's Discography, Ranked
Taylor Swift’s Discography, Ranked
Jimmy Kimmel returned live on his show on Tuesday, September 23.
The Suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Brought Unity for Free Speech
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”
Are Parents Responsible for Children’s Gun Crimes?
Sauce Gardner suited up for his first game with the Indianapolis Colts.
The 2025 NFL Trade Deadline Recap
Chicago Bulls fans cheer on the team after their 126-113 win against the Sacramento Kings, giving them a 4-0 record.
Chicago Bulls Start Season Strong
Michigan’s Tre Donaldson shoots a contested three against Wisconsin in the Big Ten tournament. (Courtesy of the Big Ten)
Previewing the 2025-26 College Basketball Season
Allie Quigley runs a basketball clinic “All Gas, No Breaks” alongside longtime Chicago Sky teammate and wife, Courtney Vandersloot. (Courtesy of @chicagosky on Instagram)
From the Courts of Joliet to the Rafters of the WNBA
2025 MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander goes for a layup against the Houston Rockets in a preseason game.
NBA Preview: What to Expect this Upcoming Season
"Everybody Scream" by Florence and the Machine, released October 31, 2025.
Album Review: Everybody Scream by Florence and the Machine
"A Keller Christmas Vacation" aired November 9, 2025.
Hallmark Movies Return to Warm Hearts Early This Holiday Season
The official "Deadbeat Tour" poster.
Tame Impala Brings the Deadbeat Tour to Chicago
The Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swift, released October 3, 2025
Album Review: The Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swift
The official announcements of “Hamilton” in theaters and Leslie Odom Jr.’s return to Broadway. (Courtesy of @hamiltonmusical on Instagram)
As “Hamilton” Hits Theaters, Leslie Odom Jr. Returns to the Stage
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
Palestine has been recognized by 155 U.N. member states. (Courtesy of @socialistsanddemocrats on Instagram)
United Kingdom, Australia, Canada Recognize Palestine
Protesters stand on top of the Singha Dubar after it was set on fire the week prior. (Courtesy of NBC News on Facebook)
Inside the Gen Z Protests That Overturned Nepal’s Government
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greets President Donald on October 13. (Courtesy of The White House)
Israel, Hamas Agree to Ceasefire
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
The student news site of Lake Forest Academy

The Spectator
The student news site of Lake Forest Academy

The Spectator
Parker Pollak

Parker Pollak, Sports Editor

All content by Parker Pollak
Laufey performs "Falling Behind" in front of a sold-out crowd at the United Center on October 10.

Laufey’s “A Matter of Time” Tour: A Love Letter to Music and Emotion

Parker Pollak and Alexandra Zhu
October 31, 2025
Mirielle Palm teaches French to parents during a mini class.

Parents Experience Student Life at LFA’s Annual Family Weekend

Parker Pollak, Sports Editor
October 31, 2025
Max Verstappen celebrates his pole position during the Austin Grand Prix weekend.

Formula One Returns to the United States: Verstappen Wins in Austin

Parker Pollak, Sports Editor
October 21, 2025
The famous Marquee outside Wrigley Field displays the game score.

Cubs Win First Playoff Series Since 2017, Advance to NLDS

Parker Pollak, Sports Editor
October 3, 2025

Girls Varsity Field Hockey @ North Shore Country Day

Parker Pollak, Sports Editor
September 17, 2025
Coach Mike Hall poses with seniors at the last game of the season.

A Recap of the Spring Sports Season

Parker Pollak and Davin Lee
May 30, 2025
75th Season of Formula One Has a Surprising Start

75th Season of Formula One Has a Surprising Start

Parker Pollak and Davin Lee
April 30, 2025
Carson Emery ‘25 prepares to serve.

A Preview of the Spring Sports Season

Parker Pollak and Davin Lee
April 30, 2025
Levente Tallos ‘26 goes for a layup. (Photo by David Atas) | Dora Huang ‘27 poses with the state championship trophy after winning her match against Latin School of Chicago 3-1. (Photo by Noah Goldfayn)

Player of the Month: February/March

Parker Pollak and Madeleine Stastny
March 14, 2025
LFA celebrates its 168th Charter Day on February 13 with orange-colored treats in the Cressey Center for the Arts.

LFA Celebrates Charter Day: 168 Years Old

Kayla Moore and Parker Pollak
March 14, 2025

Caxy’s Insights for Daily Dilemmas

Chloe Jhin, Kayla Moore, and Parker Pollak
March 14, 2025
Ford Sweet ‘25 skates up the ice in a game against York Community High School.

Winter Sports Recap

Madeleine Stastny and Parker Pollak
March 14, 2025
Ohio State head Coach Ryan Day hoists the National Championship trophy alongside his team. (Courtesy of Columbus Dispatch)

A Recap of the 2025 NCAA National Championship Game

Parker Pollak and Riley Mormon
January 31, 2025
Notre Dame celebrates after they win the Orange Bowl.

Overview of the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal Games

Parker Pollak and Riley Mormon
January 31, 2025
Coach Madeley gives a speech to his Prep Hockey Team.

Darrin Madeley Inducted Into Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame

Parker Pollak and Madeleine Stastny
January 31, 2025

Girls Varsity Hockey SENIOR NIGHT vs. LFHS (IL)

Parker Pollak and Riley Mormon
January 26, 2025
Serena Gilani ‘26 rushes with the puck up the ice in a game against Lake Forest High School.

A Midseason Snapshot of Winter Sports

Ford Sweet, Parker Pollak, and Madeleine Stastny
December 11, 2024
Freddie Freeman raises the World Series MVP trophy over his head after leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to victory over the New York Yankees.

Crowning a Champion: Reviewing the 2024 World Series

Parker Pollak, Reporter
November 22, 2024

Varsity Hockey vs. New Trier (IL)

Parker Pollak and Mary Rivera-Scheeringa
November 14, 2024
Parents of LFA students connect at the Parents Association Welcome Luncheon.

2024 LFA Family Weekend Recap

Charley Gopin, Riley Mormon, and Parker Pollak
October 30, 2024
The Girls Varsity Field Hockey team competes against DePaul.

LFA 2024 Fall Season Athletic Review

Mimi Sexton, Ford Sweet, Riley Mormon, Madeleine Stastny, and Parker Pollak
October 30, 2024
The girls hockey goalie defends the net.

LFA 2024 Winter Season Athletic Preview

Mimi Sexton, Ford Sweet, Riley Mormon, Madeleine Stastny, and Parker Pollak
October 30, 2024
7-time world champion Lewis Hamilton stands atop the podium at his home Grand Prix.

2024 Formula 1 Season: What’s in Store for the Remainder?

Parker Pollak, Staff Writer
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
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