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
Sadie Bruns

Sadie Bruns, Reporter

All content by Sadie Bruns
Students snack on popcorn at last year’s Caxy Cafe. (Courtesy of @lfacademy on Instagram)

Less Stress, More Success: A Guide to Winter Finals

Sadie Bruns and Ella Brys
December 10, 2025
The official poster for "Stranger Things" Season 5.

Stranger Things Recap: Everything You Need to Know Before the Finale

Sadie Bruns, Reporter
November 25, 2025
The official "Stranger Things" season five poster. (Courtesy of @strangerthingstv on Instagram)

Stranger Things Season Five Promotion Draws Mixed Reactions

Sadie Bruns, Reporter
November 21, 2025
"Everybody Scream" by Florence and the Machine, released October 31, 2025.

Album Review: Everybody Scream by Florence and the Machine

Sadie Bruns, Reporter
November 13, 2025
The official "Deadbeat Tour" poster.

Tame Impala Brings the Deadbeat Tour to Chicago

Sadie Bruns, Reporter
November 3, 2025
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

Sadie Bruns, Reporter
October 31, 2025

Photo Art: Fall Colors on Campus

Charley Gopin and Sadie Bruns
October 27, 2025
American flags fly next to a memorial photo of Charlie Kirk.

State Department Revokes Visas Over Charlie Kirk Comments

Sadie Bruns, Reporter
October 20, 2025
The official “The Late Nights and Young Romance Tour” poster.

sombr’s “The Late Nights and Young Romance Tour” Comes to Chicago

Sadie Bruns, Reporter
October 2, 2025
(Courtesy of the LFA Marketing and Communications Office)

New Faculty of the 2025-2026 School Year

Sadie Bruns and Max Bae
September 26, 2025
Conan Gray performs his “Wishbone Pajama Show” in Tinley Park.

Conan Gray’s “The Wishbone Pajama Show” Was a Dream Come True

Sadie Bruns, Reporter
September 18, 2025
The official "The Wishbone Pajama Show" poster.

Conan Gray’s “The Wishbone Pajama Show” Hits Tinley Park

Sadie Bruns, Reporter
September 13, 2025
Magic, Murder, Minecraft: 2025’s Best and Worst Films so far

Magic, Murder, Minecraft: 2025’s Best and Worst Films so far

Phil Nguyen, Ella Brys, and Sadie Bruns
April 23, 2025
The Crux Album Cover.

Album Review: “The Crux” by Djo

Sadie Bruns, Reporter
April 16, 2025

Capital Punishment: Con

Sadie Bruns, Reporter
January 17, 2025
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