The Spectator, April 2017

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S P E C TAT O R

VOLUME 95 NUMBER 6

1500 WEST KENNEDY ROAD, LAKE FOREST, IL 60045

Featured Stories NEWS

Funding for school trips page 2 NEWS

New classrooms part of Reid remodel

page 3 OP-ED

Would you buy mold for over $14,000? page 5 FEATURES

Caxy Profile Jim Abbott

page 10

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Music Review: Hunter Wolff’s top five favorite albums page 12 SPORTS

LFA alumnus Faith Ekakitie eyes NFL

page 16

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APRIL 28, 2017

16 years in the making, Dr. Strudwick’s accomplishments and the road ahead

Strudwick seeks larger endowment and renovations for future success

By Austin Clamage Editor-in-Chief After 16 years of leading LFA, Head of School Dr. John Strudwick has decided he will step down from his position after the 2018-2019 school year and culminate his 18-year tenure.

When Strudwick first arrived in the summer of 2001, he inherited a low endowment of only about $15 million. During his time, Strudwick has managed to double the endowment to almost $30 million. This significant increase has given financial stability to the school while allowing LFA to offer more financial aid to students.

In his final two years at LFA, Strudwick wants to continue to grow and strengthen the school’s endowment. Schools such as Phillips Exeter Academy and Deerfield Academy have a $1.1 billion and $532 million endowments respectively. “Endowment is the one area where we don’t compare to our competitors,” said Strudwick. “This is something I want to continue to build, and see grow, and be a focus when I leave. It will allow the school to continue to improve.”

Another major accomplishment seen during Strudwick’s era was the vast renovation and construction of the campus. In all, 10 new buildings were constructed and placed in service. These buildings were: The Cressey Center for the Arts (2001 and 2015), West Village faculty homes (2006), Fitzsimmons Athletic wing (2009), Crown Fitness and Wellness Center (2010), Ferry Hall (2012), Reyes Family Science Center (2013), Corbin Academic Center (2014), Korhumel Wing (2014), and the Student Union (2016).

According to Strudwick, improving the buildings at LFA has been essential for the school in order to attract more students.

“We were very systematic in looking at what we needed to do to raise Lake Forest Academy’s standards as an educational institution to be one of the best institutions in the country,” explained Strudwick.

When Strudwick first arrived, the student body was merely 300 students. Today, the student population has grown to 426 students. The school has been able to accommodate this large influx due to the new dormitories and other renovations.

Photo courtesy of LFA SmugMug

Strudwick will walk his final graduation at LFA in the 2018-19 school year.

Already having a legacy for construction, Strudwick wants to continue to renovate the campus. In his final two years, his focus for renovating will primarily be on upper Reid Hall. His goal is to rearrange the layout in order to generate more classrooms.

In addition to this, Strudwick says he also plans to focus on housing decisions for the faculty, the hiring of new faculty, and his own classes that he teaches.

While Strudwick will leave a large footprint on the progression of the school, it “hasn’t been perfect”. Even though Strudwick would not change anything he has done, he does wish the 2008 economic downturn did not occur because it made it hard for the school to raise money and donations.

Through his time at LFA, Strudwick believes he’s become more experienced and especially more patient. According to Strudwick, having to communicate with different people, such as the trustees, teachers, alumni and students, has allowed him to understand the intentions of different people. With these different ideas, Strudwick has been able to create a plan that will universally accommodate everyone’s needs. One thing Strudwick has not planned for are his personal intentions after being the headmaster at LFA. While he does not plan on doing another headship, Strudwick does want to continue to teach.

“It’s what keeps me going, and keeps me young,” joked Strudwick.

If Strudwick does teach at a school, he also would relish the opportunity of being a track coach again. Strudwick was unable to coach track at LFA due to the time consuming nature of his job, but track is a sport that Strudwick participated in throughout high school and coached at other schools before coming to LFA. “What I’m proud of is that we’ve taken a very good school with great history and we’ve clearly strengthened it in the past 16 years,” said Strudwick.

THE SPECTATOR

News

2

World News Roundup Compiled by Lucas Jacob Sports Editor

North Korea parades missiles

School trips:

By Dieter Villegas News Editor

Lake Forest Academy offers students a North Korean leader Kim Jong Un variety of trips to travel around the world has found a hobby in creating nucleprimarily during Spring Break. In addiar weapons. Over the past couple of tion to the Spring Break trips, some class years, he has distributed plenty of nuclecourses incorporate a trip involving their ar threats to the United States and this curriculum with no extra cost for the time it could be a problem. Last week students. But how are these trips funded?

Un arranged a parade in North Korea’s “The school budgets a certain amount capital, Pyongyang. The parade was of money that can be divided or allocatto celebrate the 105th birthday of his ed among these trips,” said Dean of Stugrandfather, North Korea’s founding dents Chris Tennyson. “The cost per parpresident. The parade had an impresticipant will vary depending on whether sive display of high powered missiles. the trip is domestic or international.”

“The vast number of solid-fuel missiles This academic year four classes deon display was most likely intended to cided to add a trip to their curriculum. drive home the point that (North Korea) Three of the classes -- AP Environmenhas achieved the technical capability to tal Science, Le Monde Francophone, produce longer-range solid-fuel misand Conversación y Cultura del Mundo siles,” said David Schmerler, a research Hispano -- took their trip during their associate at the James Martin Center for Spring Break, while Choir decided to Nonproliferation Studies. After hearing take its a week before the break. This about this parade, the Pentagon plans year LFA’s approximate budget consiston conducting two tests in May of its ed of $125,000. The school accounts ability to shoot down North Korean misfor the cost of these trips because, as an siles. Both tests will be done in the Painstitution, LFA has committed to excific Ocean. The first test will be firing a periential learning to give the students, standard missile off a Navy ship and the such that it is a priority for the school. other test will examine the ability of the The location for this trips depends on US to shoot down a future North Korethe class and the teachers. Mrs. Noelle an intercontinental ballistic missile. The Balson, teacher of the Conversación y Pentagon hopes the progress they’ve Cultura del Mundo Hispano, asks her made on these missiles will be sufficient students what their preference is in locain stopping potential threats like North Korea’s. tion at the beginning of each school year.

The Le Monde Francophone and the

AP Environmental Science classes have Russia develops new defense system gone to the same place the past two years.

In recent reports from multiple Russian news cites, Russia has claimed they’ve found a way to shut down expensive, high powered, American war weapons without having to match their price.

“Today, our Russian Electronic Warfare (REW) troops can detect and neutralize any target from a ship’s system and a raBy Elizabeth Christoph dar, to a satellite,” read a Russian news A&E Editor source. Russia claims they have the technology to create an electronic jam What would you think if I told you on US ships and planes which would that each and every one of you were make them appear invisible on radar. carefully analyzed and placed in your They also claim they have the electronic advisory to fit your unique identity? power to paralyze American ships; this What many don’t know here at LFA is is called “radio-electronic jamming”. that advisory placement is not a random Russian reports claim a single Russiprocess at all, but then again why would an war plane flew several times around it be if advisory is one of the most inAmerican destroyer in the Black Sea fluential parts of a student’s life? The several years ago, disabling its systems advisory is a sort of second family, not and leaving it helpless. United States ofonly guiding the student to find sucficials have yet to confirm whether this cess academically, but also socially alleged tactic by the Russians is accurate and in terms of overall achievement. or not, nor have they made a announced “Ms. Gorowski summarizes some of a plan of action. The United States hopes the information that has been gathered this is a bluff as electronic warfare could during the application process, and be very difficult to fend off. passes it along to me, so then I can go Sources: CNN, Fox through that sheet and get a good sense

APRIL 28, 2017

Where does the money come from?

Choir in the other hand, which has alternated trips with Orchestra every year, makes a decision based on availability.

Approximately 70 students participated in these trips this year. If next year the number of students were to increase, the budget would probably not increase, but funds would have to be reallocated from somewhere else or the trips itself would have to adjust according to the money available. However, Tennyson hopes that over time other classes find curricular travel, as he believes ex-

periential learning is very beneficial.

Although some free time is given, the amount of leisure time is minimal during the trips—as they only get an average of eight days to immerse in the culture and experience new things. Senior Blake Cedergren, who went to Panama, expressed one of his favorite instances of the trip.

“Meeting new people in Panama, including indigenous people, really helped me learned a lot, as we were immersed in a culture that is different from the United States,” he said.

Photo by Noelle Balson

Senior, Zhuri Bryant, being taught by an Emeberá woman how to weave baskets with local plants during the Panama trip.

Process of advisory placement of what the student’s interest are,” said Dean of Students Chris Tennyson, describing how he tries to ensure that every student is placed accordingly.

With approximately 60 advisories at LFA, it is a daunting task to place all the new students in their “second home.” Tennyson takes into account a student’s interests, grade, and day/ boarding status in order to produce a variety of students within an advisory.

The advisory plays an imperative role at LFA, and it “speaks volumes of the relationship that students and faculty have here,” said Tennyson.

Although Tennyson does his best to make every student happy with their initial advisory, some decide to switch either because they formed a really strong relationship with another faculty member, or because they want to be

with their friends in a different advisory.

“I was able to find a better fit because my advisor now was my teacher, and we really connected,” said junior Annie Lee on why she decided to switch.

Regarding the advisory switching process, students typically get their first choice. Tennyson does state that it is important that a student’s new advisory accommodates them as a social family, as well as the advisor keeping the student accountable in all aspects.

Because this is such a vital part of the experience that LFA offers, Tennyson makes sure that wherever he places a student, they will be advocated for, listened to, and challenged by their advisor. In addition to this, he takes into account the other members of the advisory so that a new student will feel welcomed into LFA and aware of all it has to offer.

THE SPECTATOR

News New English classroom space, global conference rooms at top priority for this summer’s renovations on campus APRIL 28, 2017

By Sandra Shaw Editor-in-Chief

The LFA infrastructure seems to be constantly undergoing many renovations in recent years. The two newest projects will be the creation of new English classrooms in upper Reid Hall and a technology-based conference room in the Student Union that will welcome the students and faculty when they return to campus in the fall of 2017.

“The idea is to provide more classroom space for English rather than English not being taught all around different parts of the campus and more cohesion for the department,” remarked Head of School Dr. John Strudwick.

According to English Department Chair Dr. Patrick Finnessy, the creation of new English classrooms will meet the demand of the number of growing English classes and bring the English department, which is currently spread across LFA campus from lower Korhummel Wing to the infirmary hallway, closer together. The current English Department office will most likely keep its current location and be expanded to house more teachers.

“We have found student feedback [to say] that when they are taking their English classes actually in Reid Hall, there’s a sense of really being in this English space where literature and literary discussions can happen. And so by bringing even more of the English classes to Reid Hall we want to continue to enhance that,” said Finnessy.

“It just feels more English.”

Because Reid Hall is a registered historic site, there are limits to what can be done to the building. Unlike the renovations that have modernized the Corbin Academic

Each and every LFA student attends the annual Service Learning Day and participates in a service project. Because last year was such a success, the director of LFA’s Service Learning Day, Mrs. Sarah Collins, hoped to pick up right where the students left off and even make some improvements during last week’s 2017 event. Each year, the goal of the day remains the same: get all of LFA’s students and faculty active in improving the Lake County community through acts of voluntary community service. The day puts LFA’s values of character, citizenship, responsibility and hard work into action, while also bringing fun and a break from schoolwork.

Campus News Roundup Compiled by Max Hayes Sports Editor Campus News Round-Up highlights important events occurring in the upcoming month.

‘Grandparent’ scam at LFA

Invitation courtesy of LFA External Relations Office This year’s Gala is taking place on May 6, 2017, focusing on renovations for the summer. The invitation theme “O, Wonder!” is inspired by William Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest.

Center and Korhummel Wing over the past few years, most of the architectural design and furniture will remain the same.

“For the moment, we want to maintain it as a glorious cornerstone of Lake Forest Academy and certainly a home for the English department,” said Strudwick.

Along with the creation of new classroom and conference space, the External Relations office currently in upper Reid will move to the current Business Office’s location in New Hall, while the Business Office will move to new space in the lower level of the Student Union.

According to Strudwick, the second part of the project is to add “two Skype-ready, more technology equipped classrooms in the lower level of the Student Union,” which is currently unfinished.

These new classrooms will be the vehicle for new international opportunities to materialize. The technology-equipped classrooms will offer cameras and microphones that will be set up specifically for conferencing and Skyping, perhaps to oth-

er classrooms around the globe.

This year in the AP United States & Comparative Government class that is taught by Strudwick and History Instructor Dr. Julia Sagraves, the class was able to Skype with another class in Britain via the technology in the Stuart Center of the Student Union.

“We were able to set up for a nice Skyping opportunity, and it worked very well.

I’d like to see more of that,” said Strudwick.

Each year, according to Director of Parent Relations Sheila Moller, “the school picks a different project that can be accomplished over the summer.”

The funds that are raised at the annual Spring Gala are ultimately what makes these projects attainable. According to Chief Financial Officer Michael Reidy, the projects that are presented are able to be covered by the proceeds of the Gala, though the projects can be “scalable.”

“If we get more, then we can do more. If we get less, then maybe we have to scale some things back,” said Reidy.

This year, students had a choice of 16 different locations where they could provide service, as well as here at LFA, providing the campus gardens with some needed care. Last year, 1,000 trees were planted for Lake County Forest Preserves, 15,380 meals were packed at Feed My Starving Children, 5,500 lbs of meat were packed at the Northern Illinois Food Bank, and more than 1,000 sandbags were filled to help flood control for Des Plaines. Despite those incredible numbers, Collins believes she can improve the day by allowing more spaces to the more popular trips.

“This year we were very lucky to get Bernie’s Book Bank to agree to host our largest trip with over 45 students and 7 adults,” Collins said, comparing it to the seven people they were able to take last year.

On top of all the free-choice trips, the football team and the choir also hosted their own trips. This year, the choir, led by Choir Director Timothy Plambeck, went to Sedgebrook Retirement Home in Lincolnshire for its eighth time, while the football team, led by Coach Robin Bowkett, went on their fifth team service trip.

The football team traveled to the Des Plaines Department of Public Works to fill sandbags, while the choir did its trip completely independent from the rest of the school.

“It is a great team bonding experience and the team gets to live in the shoes of those who do some blue collar work for a living. To me, Service Day is an opportunity for teams to build character together,” responded Bowkett.

Service Learning Day continues its success

By Alex Jackson Staff Writer

3

During the week of April 3-7, Lake Forest Academy students may have noticed a peculiar notification when they clicked on the LFA website, alerting visitors of an apparent scam using LFA’s name as part of a scam. The notification that appeared when “lfanet. org” was opened, stated the following: “It has come to our attention that the Lake Forest Academy name is being wrongfully used in a scheme to fraudulently get money from individuals not affiliated with the school. We encourage people who feel they might be a victim of such a scam to contact their local authorities to report any incident.”

Thanks to an interview with Cathy Morrison, dean of communications at LFA, hosted by Mark Lawton in an article published on the Lake Forester website, more information has been disseminated about the nature of the scams. Five scam attempts have been reported so far. The scams are executed either using social media or email.

However, none of LFA’s social media platforms have been spoofed by the scammers. The scams consist of an unknown scammer, posing as a member of the LFA community, attempting to steal money from people outside of the LFA community, claiming an emergency has occurred within the community, such as an LFA student is in desperate need for money due to either a family issue or an emergency. According to Morrison, the scam came to LFA’s attention when a victim of the scam sent money directly to LFA in the name of an alleged student in an emergency.

However, when LFA received the money for the student, the student’s name was not a real student attending LFA. According to the Lake Forester, Lake Forest police are not conducting any investigation at this time, as they cannot determine the identity or location of the scammers. However, it is certain that the scams have not victimized anyone in the LFA community and the scammers are clearly someone outside of the LFA community.

Other Campus News: - April 28th- One Act Plays (7:30 P.M.) - May 13th- Ra Weekend - May 22nd- Last Day of Classes - May 26th- Move Up Day - May 27th- LFA Graduation

THE SPECTATOR 4

Opinion and Editorial

Synchronized skating

Words that describe me: Sandra Shaw.

Figure skater. Synchronized skater. The girl who misses school all the time for skating competitions. However, there are many sides to the story beyond just the words “synchronized skating” for me. Currently a senior at LFA, I’ve been a figure skater for about 11 years of my life. I joined Starlights Synchronized Skating Teams and have been with them for the past 7 years, competing at the Juvenile, Intermediate, and Junior divisions. I have been to nationals the past 6 seasons, but no other season has been more exciting than my last one.

This year, our team was able to compete as Team USA in Zagreb, Croatia, which was a completely new international adventure that I was so glad to have experienced with such a passionate and hardworking team.

Being in the stadium at Zagreb with teams from other countries such as Germany, Australia, Austria, Sweden, and Italy was a defining moment in my skating journey: 1) The realization of the fact that we were overseas not just representing our own skating club but also the United States of America did not hit me until we were on the ice warming up for our short program and we heard overhead the panel announce “representing the United States, Team United States of America.” After a multitude of competitions from the regional, to the Midwestern, to the national level, I thought I was prepared to stay calm and

Over the years: OCTOBER 18, 1954: Modern synchro begins with Dr. Richard Porter’s first team of skaters in Ann Arbor, Michigan MARCH 16, 1984: The first synchronized skating “nationals” was held in Ohio and had 38 teams compete

-it’s a sport!

By Sandra Shaw Editor-in-Chief

APRIL 28, 2017

confident while skating in front of crowds of hundreds or even thousands of spectators. This moment, however, welcomed back the “butterflies” for just a moment.

2) When we were in the stands watching the senior division (and cheering on the other Team USA team that was at this competition with us) we cheered with people from many other countries.We came together from many different countries for this sport that we all loved.

One of the many questions people ask me is... what exactly is synchronized skating?

To start, it’s a discipline of figure skating that is not part of the Olympics like freestyle, ice dance, and pairs are. And it is definitely more effective to see it through pictures than explaining it through mere words, because words simply cannot convey the full extent of what synchronized skating entails.

To save you the Google search, Wikipedia defines synchronized skating as a sport “originally called precision skating […] because of the emphasis on maintaining precise formations and timing in the group.” Unlike synchronized diving, we are a team of 16-20 people (depending on the level). Unlike synchronized swimming, we use the entire surface of arena to perform our programs. (Unlike curling, it wasn’t voted by the International Olympic Committee to be included in the 2018 Winter Olympics… but it is my hope that the sport will eventually be a part of the Olympics).

To me, being a part of such a competitive

Photo by Logan Luo

The iconic trophy picture that we took during the awards ceremony after we found out that we had claimed the gold at our first international debut.

sport that required so much time (3-5 hour practices 4 times a week, individual practicing, and regional, national, and international competitions) that concurred with school days became a prominent part of my life. I experienced everything ranging from pure excitement, to frustration, to lethargy, to a renewed sense of discovery. In this regard, it is much like other sports such as soccer, basketball, and tennis. However, not everyone knows the magnitude of being a part of synchronized skating because of its relative obscurity.

Legitimacy of this sport was a hovering question throughout all childhood, and it even persisted into high school. When I was 8, one of my classmates asked if figure skating was even a sport (“all you do are ‘twirls’ and ‘tricks’…”). In sophomore year, one of my teachers questioned why I had to leave “yet again” for another competition following one that just happened one week ago because “high school sports never took this much time off school.”

Not exactly the same thing.

It’s understandable when people gape when they hear how much school I actually miss for competitions that happen around the country. Case in point: this February, our team had three back to back competitions in the time span of three weeks. I think I was only in school for a total of 8 days in that month (granted, it’s a shorter month).

However, in the end, it didn’t matter if it is or is not an NCAA or D1 sport-- I loved every minute I was on the ice because through being on a synchronized skating team all of these years, I went through successes and failures that all make up the full experience of an athlete. I have met so many friends who have shaped my life into what it is now. I have had so many exhilarating moments in the “kiss and cry” and on the podium. I have felt pang and loss and defeat. But nothing was more potent than feeling at home on the ice.

I hope for people reading this that your passion that will become a part of your life the same way skating has become exquisitely intertwined with mine.

AUGUST 21, 1994: ISU, the international sport federation administring ice skating sports, recognizes synchronized skating APRIL 15, 2000: The first World Synchronized Skating Championships are held in Minneapolis by the ISU 2010-2011: I joined the Starlights Juvenile team, having the 2010-2011 synchro season become my first FEBRUARY 14-20, 2017: The Starlights Junior team and I attend our first international competition held in Zagreb, Croatia

FEBRUARY 22-24, 2017: We became the national bronze medalists of the junior division during the 2017 US Synchronized Skating Championships

Photo courtesy of KrPhotogs Photography Source: U.S. Figure Skating

THE SPECTATOR

Opinion and Editorial

APRIL 28, 2017

Editorial:

T h e L a k e A c a d e m y

What does our All School President do?

All School Presidents are universally known for their occasional speeches and Morning Meeting announcements. However, their true role is largely unknown. Does the All School President actually serve a purpose in the functioning and culture of Lake Forest Academy?

The Spectator believes that the person who is the All School President has a vital position in determining the culture of the school, as well as organizing school events. An enthusiastic, involved All School President who has a very visible presence in the school can lift the entire population of the school up with them. Additionally, an excellent All School President can leave a lasting impact.

“Most students who were here three years ago still talk about Romaer Chopra,” said current All School President Eli Kuli. “He was just a pillar of positivity.”

The majority of the current staff

members of The Spectator were at LFA when Romaer was ASP, and still remember some of his most iconic speeches, such as “touch the butt”.

But what role does the All School President have in the functioning of the school? The most visible way the All School President contributes is through large scale school events.

“I help to make sure that everyone is on task, and take a leadership role during Student Council meetings,” said Kuli. “Student Council runs larger scale events such as Ra Weekend.”

The All School President also serves as a conduit between the emotions of the students and the administration of the school. The ASP offers a much more in-touch perspective on the student body.

This is because a good ASP, like Eli, will have a presence throughout all four years of the school and have a finger on the pulse of the entire student body. The

All School President frequently meets with members of the administration.

“I have meetings with Dr. Strudwick wherein we discuss overall school morale,” stated Kuli, when talking about how he works with the administration. “And how the student and administrative bodies can work more cohesively.”

The Spectator believes that the All School President, be they Eli, Ella, Romaer, or, next year, Dieter, is an important leader.

The ASP is also an important part of what makes LFA’s culture special. Fun announcements and inspiring speeches are valuable additions made to the community by the All School President that help make the LFA experience truly unique.

“I think that I’m able to affect the school in positive and humorous ways, and I have an awesome Student Council to aid in that pursuit,” said Kuli. The Spectator staff agrees.

Man pays $14000 for mold swatch

5 F o r e s t

S P E C TAT O R

STAFF LIST Editors-in-Chief

Austin Clamage Sandra Shaw Hunter Wolff

Managing Editor of News

Peter Corsiglia

Managing Editor of Photography

Allison Torres

Managing Editor of Op-Ed

Will Everett

Managing Editor of Features

Andrew Ryder

Managing Editor of Sports

Obaid Ansari

Managing Editor of A&E

Hong Joo Kwon

News Editor

Ananta Srivastava Dieter Villegas

Features Editors

Shreya Singhvi Ayaan Ahmed

Op-Ed Editor

Daniel Chia

A&E Editors

Elizabeth Christoph Katy Morrison

Senior Sports Editors

Jacob Chagoya Lucas Jacob Nithin Reddy

Sports Editors

Jaleel Gray Max Hayes Jack Mahon

Staff Writer

Kyle O’Shaughnessy

Faculty Adviser

William Murphy

Online Faculty Adviser

Jeremy Sands

PUBLICATION

The Spectator is published eight times per year by the students of Lake Forest Academy and is a forum for student expression. The views and reporting herein are the sole product of The Spectator’s student reporters and in no way reflect the official views of Lake Forest Academy faculty, staff, administration or Board of Trustees.

Photo courtesy of CBS News

By Will Everett Managing Editor Question: Would you buy a 90-year-old piece of mold from the famed Dr. Alexander Fleming? Let me remind you that Dr. Fleming developed the world’s first antibiotic, and is dubbed the founder of penicillin. If you answered yes to my question, my next question would be: How much would you pay for it? $500? $1,000? How about £11,875?

That’s British pounds ladies and gentleman. The sum of £11,875 is how much an anonymous buyer spent for the swatch of mold in a London auction house earlier this month. To put it in perspective, that’s about $14,600 (yes, the pound is worth more than the dollar).

I’m assuming you would not purchase a swatch of mold for

$14,600 because there are plenty of other things you could purchase with that money. One example being a four-day, three-night vacation in Paris with all first-class travel and the presidential suite at the Intercontinental Le-Grand.

Perhaps a hot tub, or a pool, or both! You could even purchase a really low grade used car. Perhaps you’re not the spending type. You could save the money; better yet invest the money! You could turn $14,600 (at 4% (rare) interest) into a hefty $21,612...in 10 years.

One could also donate the money. There are plenty of credible charities that would put $14,600 to fantastic use. It doesn’t even need to be a charity either. Medical institutions need money to power research and operations.

That money could save five, 10, maybe 20 lives if used correctly.

You could buy $14,600 worth of

new clothing, march down to the Salvation Army or Goodwill or any thrift store and do something that not many people these days do. Give. Give them the clothing because it’s going to let a child wear something to school that his friends have never seen before.

It’s going to let somebody trying to rejoin society wear a suit to a job interview.

What about food? Spending $14,600 on groceries will stock a charitable food pantry for three, possibly four months.

In the end, the dollar amount isn’t important, but the idea contains significance. Sure, having a piece of mold from the laboratory of the doctor who invented penicillin is really cool. Nonetheless, I would argue clothing a child, saving a life, or feeding a hungry person is, in my opinion, much more substantial.

EDITORIALS Opinions of the staff are presented in the form of unsigned editorials. Personal views are bylined or presented as formal dissents.

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS The Spectator welcomes responses to its articles in the form of Letters to the Editors in addition to letters on subjects of the author’s choosing. Please e-mail Letters to the Editors to Mr. Murphy at wmurphy@lfanet.org.

AWARDS The Spectator has been awarded several prestigious journalism awards in recent years. It has consistently taken first place in competitions against schools of similar size held by the American Scholastic Press Association and the Kettle Moraine Press Association.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“Just do what must be done.

This may not be happiness, but it is greatness.”

-George Bernard Shaw

THE SPECTATOR 6

Features

APRIL 28, 2017

The mystery of the Board of Trustees and how they work to improve LFA

By Andrew Ryder Managing Editor When walking through the halls of LFA, it’s easy to feel the impact of students and faculty here. What many students may not realize, however, is that there’s a small group of devoted volunteers that spend countless hours of their time to ensure that the school continues to run smoothly. This group is the Board of Trustees, which is chaired by Mr. J. Michael Schell ’65.

Currently there are 35 members on the board. 24 of them are graduates of LFA, while the remaining 11 are parents of current or former students. The board meets three times a year and is always seeking ways to improve all aspects of the school.

“We have to make sure that the school continues on its path and maintains its mission,” said board member John Marlatt ’65.

“It’s also important that we help manage everything that is important to our school.

We work closely with Dr. Strudwick and the administration to make sure that LFA is as good as it can be.”

The board is also committed to its diversity according to Marlatt.

“We want to have a Board of Trustees that’s reflective of the diversity of the

school and its student body.”

Within the board, there are several governing committees that are responsible for overseeing specific aspects of the school.

These committees focus on education, finance, diversity, the endowment, advancement of the school, LFA’s property and one for finding new trustees. Each committee meets at least three times annually, either in person or over the phone, to discuss important areas and topics that need to be changed or improved. The last committee of the board is called the Executive Committee. It is made up of the heads of all of the governing committees plus selected members of LFA’s administration including Dr. Strudwick. The Executive Committee discusses all relevant topics of the governing committees and makes recommendations to the full Board of Trustees.

An example of a school project going through this system is the new student union. Members of the Property Committee, headed by Mr. Marlatt, worked closely with all interested parties to finalize and recommend the final plans. Thereupon, the Executive Committee approved the plan and with its recommendation, the full Board of Trustees gave them approval to go ahead with the project. Nine months lat-

er, the new facility opened.

The board is always looking for good people to join. To become a trustee, candidates are generally suggested by current board members and then undergo a series

of up to four interviews with trustees and Dr. Strudwick.

“We’re always looking for people with a passion for the school and the commitment to volunteer their time,” said Marlatt.

Photo courtesy of Grace Kim

Members of the 2015-2016 Board of Trustees pose for a photo in the new student union. Since then, 10 new trustees have joined the board.

LFA student body loses its passion towards House Cup competitions

By Ayaan Ahmed Features Editor Previously, the House Cup competition at LFA was a focal point for student participation on campus. But recently, House Cup seems to have lost its fervor among the student body. Students and faculty introduced House Cup to the LFA community around 2004 inspired by various English boarding school traditions. However, the participation and enthusiasm level of House Cup has diminished in recent years.

“The novelty of House Cup attributed to the attendance and now it is just part of the routine. We have to find ways to reactivate it,” said Associate Dean of Students Jonathan Freeman, the administrator in charge of House Cup. As House Cup has become a part of an LFA student’s daily life, students treat House Cup as an ordinary event. This causes less attendance and less enthusiasm among the students during various events, which makes the House Captains’ jobs harder.

“I think the students see it as an old thing now and are just so busy. Students have so many commitments that it’s tough to bal-

ance their work with their extra-curriculars,” stated Welch House Captain Andrew Ryder.

Alongside House Cup’s loss of novelty

among the community, many students are busy with other commitments making it harder for them to put in much effort in showing up at House Cup events. Hence,

Photo courtesy of LFA SmugMug

Senior Taylor Moore and sophomore Jack Selati participate in the annual February Frog Hunt.

when they are asked to come on the weekends for various events, students find it burdensome and many likely will be absent.

“If there are things we can do to activate the community that don’t cause us millions of dollars or tremendous amounts of time and effort, that is definitely open for consideration,” added Freeman.

Among many of the ideas to promote student participation and enthusiasm for House Cup events is to move major competitions to G-day afternoons. Students would have free time to participate in such events on G-days. In turn, this would allow for students to be more willing to take part. G-day afternoon competitions would reduce the amount of effort the students would have to devote in attempting to attend House Cup competitions.

Another idea to invigorate the student body to participate would be to have it more student-initiated. For example, giving house captains the opportunity to challenge other houses. Thus, by putting more of the organization and planning of House Cup in the students’ hands, it will bring students to the forefront of House Cup, which could increase student enthusiasm.

THE SPECTATOR APRIL 28, 2017

Features

Boarders escape to downtown Evanston

By Hong Joo Kwon & Allison Torres Managing Editors

Allison and Angela have decided to write about nearby trips that boarders could take for a break away from campus. On their first trip, they went to Evanston in search of some entertainment and authentic Korean food that boarders could easily access.

The boarders headed off for the Downtown Lake Forest train station, going towards Evanston, which cost only three dollars with the student discount.

Upon arrival at Evanston, we took a taxi to the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art on the Northwestern University campus.

Though the museum was small, the admission was free. There were only four art works on the first floor with a film showing in the backroom. However, as the Boarders proceeded to the second floor, there was a larger selection of art pieces. Both floors displayed a variety of mediums such as paintings, photographs, small installations, and 3D displays with short descriptions on the side of each work.

After the museum, the Boarders strolled through the Northwestern University campus for about seven minutes to get to

Koco Table Evanston, an authentic Korean restaurant. It was easy to get seating, especially with reservations. If you go with two people, it is easier to get the seating by the window, which is nicely decorated and perfect for taking pictures. Allison and Angela reserved through the website of Koco Table but found it to be slightly confusing since they don’t email you a confirmation.

The atmosphere of the restaurant was very lively with Northwestern students and Kpop music playing in the background. The overall noise level was moderate because it was easy to carry a conversation and enjoy the music. The waiters were quick to help and they were mostly Korean students from the university.

Allison ordered Beef Bibimbab, which is a traditional Korean dish with white rice, eggs, various kinds of vegetables, and your choice of meat. Angela ordered Chicken Donkatsu, a fusion of Japanese and Korean large fried chicken with cheese inside.

The food came in about 10 minutes later, and the Boarders shared the plates. For the Beef Bibimbab, Allison needed to add a lot of spicy sauce to give it more flavor. Without the sauce, the food does not have any other seasoning or sauce. The vegetables in

Photo by Allison Torres

The Beef Bibimbab (bottom) and Chicken Donkatsu (top) ordered at Koco Table.

the Beef Bibimbab tasted fresh and the egg yolk consistency was complimentary with the rest of the dish and was easy to mix.

The Chicken Donkatsu was marinated with a sauce that went alongside the cheese and they melted together creating a delicious duo. The soft texture of the cheese contrasted with the texture of the chicken in a way that was surprisingly pleasing. Aside from the chicken, the order came with the side of white rice that was softer than the rice in the Beef Bibimbap. Despite the rice being very flavorful, it did not match up well with the fried chicken. It would have been better to have that texture of rice in the Beef Bibimbap. The serving size is relatively big, especially considering the price of the food as well as the fact that we had not eaten anything after lunch. Both Allison and Angela had leftovers, which is perfect for boarders since they can choose to have it for the next day for lunch or dinner instead of having to go to the dining hall.

After a filling dinner, the Boarders walked around the shopping area only about five minutes away from Koco Table, into Urban Outfitters. The store was very large and was open until 9pm. The general atmosphere of that shopping area was very safe

7

and peaceful as there were many young people walking around casually. The trees on the streets were lit up making it seem like a welcoming part of town.

Once the Boarders had walked around enough they were ready for dessert and headed out to Andy’s Frozen Custard for some ice cream. The place was full with families and teenagers in line waiting to order. Despite the overwhelming long line that they walked into, the line moved quickly and it was time for Allison and Angela to order. The menu is a lot to take in and as first timers they were not sure what to order and shared a small Jitterbug, which was essentially, vanilla custard blended with almonds, a Heath Bar and some espresso. There was no place to sit comfortably afterwards and the ice cream shop got really loud from time to time. The ice cream was very delicious and did not seem too sweet.

Overall, the trip was not too expensive, spending about $20 each. The close distance from place to place really helped The Boarders get around. Allison and Angela would recommend the boarders take a trip down to Evanston to enjoy art, shopping, and tasty food for a reasonable price.

Photo by Allison Torres

Angela Kwon lookng at an art work on the first floor of the Mary and Leigh Block Museum.

THE SPECTATOR

Centerfold

8

APRIL 28, 2017

Research reveals imp needed in campus se

By Kennedy Hayes and Jasmine Filawo Staff Writers

Many students sleep soundly here at Lake Forest Academy, and learn comfortably within our campus, knowing that LFA is their home away from home. However, LFA’s security might become a bigger concern once a new bridge is built this spring, connecting the LFA campus to the Lake Forest Open Lands, and an untold number of strangers.

Members of The Spectator staff have overheard numerous students discussing concerns about campus security now that the bridge construction has started on Caxy Drive. Those concerns are what prompted the staff to put together this information package about campus security.

“We have expert technology cameras all throughout campus in dorms, Crown and academic areas, in addition to a computer system for accessing control to unlock and open doors, said Security Supervisor Norman Sydnor when he described the current implements of security on campus.

Even so, LFA has only a team of five Campus Safety members who control traffic and patrol the campus in the evenings, taking shifts. But can five security guards really control a 150-acre (0.61 km2) campus with 430 students in the day and 206 boarding students at night, not including the faculty living on campus? How can one security guard reach all the way from Crown to Reid Hall in an immediate fashion?

“We have security golf carts and vehicles, but we do have a small crew; so I always

want to remind everyone in the community that security is everyone’s business.

My motto is that if you see something, say something. If one of my officers is patrolling the Science Center, he cannot see all the way across campus, so if someone sees something, please call it in,” said Sydnor.

LFA’s Journalism team heard various suggestions from students concerning their feelings about more security including: having an exit and entrance gate, security camera, and active security guard at the beginning of Caxy Drive; that there should be multiple security guards on campus, 24-7; and even that trained security guards should be in each dorm. As some people noted, we may be in Lake Forest, but we are neighbors to a city that had 762 murders last year.

Director of Human Resources, Kristin Paisley pointed out that LFA’s security plan is constantly being improved.

“Each year we have implemented new policies and new technology. We have increased security staff, and now for every single wedding we are going to have an extra security guard circling around Reid Hall, so we are constantly making changes and we will continue to do so, if needed,” said Paisley.

On these pages, compiled by the Journalism I class, we have compared our school’s security to other private boarding schools, in addition to reporting how individuals at LFA feel about how secure and safe they feel on campus, especially with the addition of the new bridge to Open Lands.

As part of our centerfold on security we contacted three other comparable boarding schools in the surrounding area to compare security measures and techniques. We contacted St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy in Wisconsin, Wayland Academy in Wisconsin, and Western Reserve in Ohio.

Out of all of the schools, we were the only school who utilized the blue light system for alerting emergency services, as well as the only school not using mobile alert apps. We and Western Reserve have

dedicated security guards. Wayland Academy and St. John’s integrate their security into the entire faculty lineup. St. John’s has the largest footprint and the smallest student body, their integrated security guards and they claim to be able to effectively control and monitor the school. Wayland uses a similar system except that each shift one faculty member is chosen as “the one” and acts as the head security guard. Western Reserve and LFA both hire dedicated security guards and claim the effectiveness of that program.

Inquiring Photographer Do you feel the security at the LFA campus is sufficient?

“I feel safe given that there hasn’t been much of a threat. I think that there could be someone monitoring who comes on and off campus.”

-Mr. Tim Plambeck, Director of Music

“Yes. There are many security guards that are easily approachable and always there when you need. “ -Elizabeth Christoph ‘18

“I feel safe, but I also feel as though there’s so many entrances that we often just open the door for strangers to be welcoming and polite.”

-Mrs. Loring Strudwick, Math Instructor

“I feel that security guards are readily at service, because when I call them they respond in a timely fashion when I get locked out of the dorm, locked out of your room, or need help around campus.

-Eli Kuli ‘17 Photos by Tiffany Filawo and Sydney Olinger

THE SPECTATOR

Centerfold

APRIL 28, 2017

provement ecurity

9

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Suggestions for LFA security 1. Shades to cover doors so that intruders cannot see into • The concept of using shades to help cover the heavily glassed windows of the school would be crucial to keeping the school safe in the event of an intruder. If shades are up, intruders are less likely to enter a room or area without being able to see their surroundings. In the unfortunate event of a school intruder with malicious intent, it is quite possible that protecting the rooms with shades could keep the students and faculty safe.

Photo by Adriana Rivera

Student Tyler Medevec, comparing the blue light system on campus to mobile applications.

Phones for safety: welcome to 2017

By Parker Amoroso Staff Writer One of the biggest concerns around the world today is safety. Whether it’s boarding a plane, or simply entering the mall, different forms of security are present everywhere.

One place where security is a very important issue is schools. So what is the best way to ensure the top security at a school campus? Many argue that new security apps are the best option, especially in a society where people are so attached to their phones. But would these apps be a good fit for Lake Forest Academy?

Mr. Chris Tennyson, dean of students at LFA, says the school has been looking into different app options to improve security.

“LFA is always looking at the possibility of using an app for emergency notifications,” said Tennyson, “and finding the one that is best suited for us is something that we are currently exploring.”

Currently, many schools (including LFA) send an e-mail alerting students of potential problems, but the argument can be made that this is hardly an instant notification. Experts from The National Center for Campus Public Safety argue that apps are

useful because of the ease of access students have to their phones and how many times a day they check them. According to the Huffington Post, research done by Nottingham Trent University showed that the average person checks their phone 85 times a day.

Many of the apps, such as CampusSafe, Guardly, and bSafe, include, but are not limited to, instant notifications or alerts, GPS tracking, direct connection to campus security, and the ability to report suspicious activity. These features go far beyond an email, which only has the ability to send a notification.

However, finding the best app and then implementing system would take time, so an app for the school most likely won’t be coming anywhere in the immediate future.

That said, the Dean of Students is confident in LFA’s current security and its procedures and feels that the LFA campus is definitely safe for the time being.

“I think that campus safety does a fantastic job on this campus and that they have created a very good system. With their new headquarters in the lower level of the student union, they are able to monitor the many cameras we have around campus,” said Tennyson.

2. Visitor passes • Throughout the days at Lake Forest Academy, parents come to either visit their children, or they have some sort of financial business to take care of.

Whether it is one or the other, they do not have a way to get in. Only students and faculty have an ID card leading the parents to knock on the door and wait for a student to open it.

However, this method is dangerous, because a student can not tell who is and is not a parent. This school needs visitor passes at the front door of Reid with someone handing them out so that students are able to know who should and should not be allowed in.

3. More security guards • The security team here at LFA consists of various security cameras, auto-locking doors, and five security guards. The guards are trained and knowledgeable in the field of protecting the campus and students that roam the halls; however there is an issue with the guards here. There’s simply not enough of them. LFA’s campus is 150 acres, which means that when a single on-duty security guard is required to protect this massive campus, they are presented with a major challenge. The LFA security team needs to increase its size and on-duty presence here on campus in order to keep the students safe.

4. Lighting improvements on campus • Throughout the campus along the paths that students walk, there are almost no lights. This is very unsafe for the people who have to walk from the Student Union at night, Crown, or some other building that they were studying in. If the school were able to improve lighting, than students would have a safe carefree walk back to either their dorm or their car.

Photo courtesy of Google Images

THE SPECTATOR 10

Features

APRIL 28, 2017

Renaissance man Jim Abbott and his journey from casino dealer to LFA teacher

By Peter Corsiglia Managing Editor From dealing cards at an Indian casino, to actuarial insurance work, to teaching math at LFA, Mr. James Abbott has had an eventful and unorthodox career. After graduating from Grinnell College, Abbott received his master’s degree in Statistics.

He explained that, upon graduation, he had no desire to pursue a normal career path for math majors, so he went to a job fair for a new casino opening in Oregon and landed his first “temporary” job.

Abbott started work in 1995 at the Oregon Mountain Casino, where he remained until 2001. In the first year, the only table games at the casino were Blackjack and Poker, so Abbott dealt Blackjack. The next year, the casino adopted “Vegas style gaming” and Abbott ran a Craps table for the succeeding four years.

“One of the things that working at the casino did was it made me not anti-gambling for the world but for me,” said Abbott. “I just don’t find it fun... Casinos are just basically big toilets.”

Although not a gambler himself, Abbott has achieved high success at several board and card games. He has achieved a 90th percentile tournament rank in both Bridge and Chess, and also excels at Scrabble. He humbly added that he is “nowhere near professional” and would not be able to make a living playing any of these games.

During his years working in the casino, Abbott acquired his fair share of stories, one of which explains the main reason he left. While running a craps game, Abbott

teased one of his regular customers, Charlie, who was having an unlucky day at the casino. When Charlie got the dice for his roll, he threw them at Abbott’s head. The incident didn’t get Abbott or Charlie in any trouble, but exemplified the casino’s unpleasant environment, which was antagonistic and lacked personal support.

“I thought I should get a job where I wasn’t hit in the head by my customers,” joked Abbott.

In 2001, Abbott changed careers and began to work as an actuary. He explained that actuarial positions were almost exclusively determined by test scores. By doing well on actuarial exams, and having a master’s degree in Statistics, he had more credibility than he had in other fields. He wasn’t set on being an actuary but when he was offered a job he accepted and moved to Chicago. He described his work as making financial predictions about the future for a specific insurance policy. When the insurance product he specialized in was discontinued, he began to search for other jobs, especially teaching jobs.

“Although I was very good at getting teaching interviews, I was not very good at getting teaching jobs,” Abbott stated comically.

He was offered his first teaching job in 2008 at the University Liggett School in Grosse Point Michigan near Detroit. Abbott did not enjoy living in Detroit so he moved back to Chicago before finding a new job.

Abbott was first introduced to LFA in 2003 when Math Department Chair Mathew Less started a bridge club at LFA

Photo by Allison Torres

Abbott demonstrates the card spread he used to do while dealing blackjack at the casino.

and asked Abbott to help out one night a week. Four years later, Abbott was still helping out with the bridge club, when Mrs. Margaret Tennyson then went on maternity leave and Abbott was hired as a substitute. Abbott was later offered a fulltime position and began his tenure as math teacher at LFA. Abbott explained that his previous jobs gave rise to his desire to teach. Working in a casino he saw a lot of smart people who were severely limited in what they were

able to do because they lacked access to education. Abbott also explained that, in his first two jobs, he didn’t feel that he was making the world around him a better place, but as an LFA teacher he thinks he does to a small degree.

“I think education is very important, I really do, I think it is more important than you can realize until you see a group of people who don’t have access to it,” concluded Abbott.

Photo by Allison Torres

Abbott plans his next move in a chess game. Chess is one of the many game that he has played at a tournament level.

THE SPECTATOR APRIL 28, 2017

Arts and Entertainment

11

How to fuel for your spring sport

Post workout recovery

By Katy Morrison A&E editor

By Shreya Singhvi

With the spring sports season in full swing, a practice or game concludes every afternoon of school and by that hour, if not after, most people have worked up an appetite. What you eat before and after a workout determines a lot of the results. This month, Caxy Corner wants to help you achieve your goals, starting with what you should try to eat.

It is important to fuel your body before a workout. While you may not feel extremely hungry at first, as your body starts to work, it depends on stored foods to give it the energy it needs. A snack should be consumed anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours before a workout, but those times vary per person. For some, right before can make them feel nauseous while others can feel the energy from the calories instantly and it’s the same for after.

Before a workout, one of the best ways to fuel your body is carbs. Simply put, carbs are energy and are required to fuel your body and allow it to work at its top potential. The carbohydrates contain glucose which without, the body can feel tired and weak which could result in failure to complete the workout. Simple carbohydrates such as a piece of fruit, crackers, or rice cakes prove to be beneficial choices as they are typically digested fast giving instant energy. Additionally, protein’s pre-workout value is important.

Protein helps repair and strengthen mus-

Sore muscles after game day can put a damper on any victory. Find a way to avoid the aches and pains during this spring season with these easy tricks!

Stiff, uncomfortable muscles usually come after an intense workout, which causes micro-tears in your muscles and can leave you feeling miserable and in pain for days. To combat these after workout aches, the best thing to do immediately after you finish exercising is stretch. Even stretching for a mere five minutes could do wonders for your flexibility and mobility for the days to come.

Another great way to stop the soreness is to roll out using a foam roller, making sure to spend extra time on places that feel tight. Then, take a dip in the ice baths at the trainer’s office. Icing your body can inhibit inflammation and speed up your body’s healing process. Just make sure not to stay in there too long!

Once you’ve finished stretching and rolling out, take some time to eat nutritious foods. Eating fatty acids and healthy proteins, carbohydrates, and fats can help your body repair and maintain damaged muscles. If you still feel super sore, try to move around some more. Although it seems counterintuitive, doing as much exercise as possible can train your body to feel less and less tired and stiff.

If none of these tips work, sleep it off!

Hopefully you’ll be ready for another win.

Features Editor

Caxy Corner is a page for up-to date recipes, DIY’s (do-it-yourself), and super useful hacks! Compiled by Shreya, Katy, Elizabeth. cles, which can allow for needed strength.

Good proteins include yogurt, eggs or lean meats. As always, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Unfortunately, there is no magic number for how many ounces one must drink as it varies by person.

What you eat after a workout is also extremely important. Such foods can fuel your body for the rest of the day’s activities and allow for muscle recovery and strength. For one trying to lose weight, it is important not to overcompensate or eat more than you just burned. That said, either way, something should be consumed whether big or small. Protein is highly valued after because it can repair small

tears that occurred during the workout.

Athletes training for long periods of time (forty-five minutes and above) may require a little extra protein. For someone hovering around 130 pounds, a protein intake of around twenty-four to thirty grams. If the right things are consumed, achieving such can be simple. Take for example a chicken breast. One four-ounce portion contains thirty grams of protein and alone meets the goal. Other ideas include hummus, nut butter, eggs, milk, yogurt or chicken/fish.

It’s important to remember that all of these hacks are simply suggestions and vary greatly by person. We hope you will be fit and ready for your spring sport!

Get rid of the smell: do-it-yourself sweet smelling lavender bags

By Elizabeth Christoph A&E Editor

As the weather begins to turn warmer and spring sports season gets into full swing, the rain brings mud and sports equipment and bags take on some pungent smells, it is imperative to keep your equipment clean and fresh-smelling. This lavender sachet is a simple and effective way to eliminate the odor in your sports bag and is incredibly easy to make. All you need is: -Colorful, pretty fabric -Scissors -Pins -A sewing needle -Thread -Ribbon -A button

-Dried lavender, mint, or any other sweet smelling leaves Cut out a piece of 7x6 inch fabric. Fold the fabric in half width-ways, with the pattern facing inwards. Pin along the sides, allowing for a 1/3 inch seam, then thread the needle and stitch together. Diagonally snip the bottom corners of the bag then turn it the right side out. Cut a length of ribbon, fold it in half to find the center point, then stitch this to the back of the bag about 1¼ inch from the top edge (this will be used to tie the bag up in a bow). Sew on a button about 1¼ inch from the top on the front of the bag. To make the inner pouch for the lavender, cut another piece of fabric, this time measuring 7x5 inch. Fold it in half and stitch up the bottom and side, again allowing a 1/3 inch seam. Turn the bag

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Christoph

These lavender bags are super easy to make and smell so good. They leave a fresh and sweet aroma and are small enough to fit in whatever bag you decide to place it in.

right side out and fill with the dried lavender (or any other dried leaves), stripped off the stem. Hand stitch all along the top to enclose the lavender. Pop the lavender bag inside your decorative bag and tie the

ribbon by wrapping it around the button.

Place your lavender sachet in your sports bag or any other clothing drawer, this will eliminate the odor from your bag and equipment and leave it with a sweet scent.

THE SPECTATOR 12

Arts and Entertainment

APRIL 28, 2017

Hunter’s top 5 albums

By Hunter Wolff Editor-in-Chief

For the last two years I’ve written a wide array of music reviews: from Korean R&B to Alternative Rock to Hip-Hop. As an avid music fan with knowledge for many genres of music, it is inevitable that for my final review with the Spectator I rank my personal top 5 favorite albums of all time. Within the rankings you’ll see a diverse selection of music, from Kanye West to Pink Floyd, and a span of 44 years represented. The albums are also some of the best regarded of all time, with over 17 million sales and four Grammy awards between the five albums.

When choosing five albums, I listened to a selection of my 12 favorite albums. When listening I paid attention for lyrical content, instrumental depth, and thematic consistency throughout an album. This is not a list solely for the music that is most popular; it’s about the high quality content that artists produce. I hope you enjoy the list!

4. Wildheart by Miguel

2. Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd

1. Channel ORANGE by Frank Ocean

On Wildheart, Miguel opens up to create one of the most honest, emotional, and passionate albums ever. Musically, the project perfectly inter-mixes R&B and Rock with strong guitar melodies and sharp synths and bass. This record shows Miguel maturing into a producer in addition to his already strong songwriting and vocal ability. However the lyrics are where this project really shines. Miguel dives deep within himself to bring out his struggles, his passion, and sexuality to create an uplifting lyrical personal narrative. Wildheart is a symbol of not being afraid to be who you are.

The Dark Side of the Moon is a timeless project that many artists attempt to replicate, however, the result is usually not even close to the masterpiece Pink Floyd created in 1973. The album has great continuity with each song flowing perfectly into the next and thematically remaining consistent. Besides the music, the album is very relatable to the average middle class working person giving a “blue collar” or “industrial” feeling through the subject matter on songs like “Money” and “On the Run”. The Dark Side of the Moon is as close to a perfect album as you can get.

Channel ORANGE is not set in reality, which is a major reason why I think it is the best album. The record is not easy to understand because of its abstract nature, making every listen seem like an entirely new experience. Every time you listen to Channel ORANGE you understand a new part of Ocean’s fantasy. Yet through the fiction that Ocean creates on Channel ORANGE, listeners can substitute themselves into the album. The album challenges the imagination, making it an addictively attractive project to listen to. Channel ORANGE is music of the highest quality.

Caxy Match

5. Graduation by Kanye West

3. Blonde by Frank Ocean

As the album that created pop hip-hop and changed rap music forever, Kanye West’s Graduation was one of the most influential albums of all time when it came out in 2007. Graduation was a very aggressive project and featured a new style of music for West. The project was influenced by dance-hall electronic music as well as alternative rock. These influences can be clearly seen on “Stronger”, “Homecoming”, and “Flashing Lights”. The entire album has a very slow tempo, yet, is filled with stadium anthems and crowd-moving bangers. Graduation, as an album, features hit song after hit song, one right after another for an electrifying listening experience.

People have never been able to understand who Frank Ocean really is. He has had no social media presence (except the occasional Tumblr post) for the last three years, making him an unusually mysterious artist in a time of constant media communication. That’s the beautifully unique irony and juxtaposition that Frank Ocean brings to music. Blonde essentially acts as Frank’s personal diary; a collection of beautifully sung and produced memoirs.

Frank touches on his experiences with sexuality, his passion for cars, and his relationships with friends. The way that Frank reveals his feelings and emotions is like no other artist I’ve ever listened to. Blonde is unapologetically Frank (no pun intended).

Every month, The Spectator chooses one person at LFA who bears a striking resemblance to a celebrity figure. This month we have matched Editor-in-Chief Hunter Wolff with fashion model Dilone.

THE SPECTATOR APRIL 28, 2017

Arts and Entertainment

One Acts Festival undergoes unforseen changes this year

By Katy Morrison A&E editor With April coming to an end, the historically-loved One Acts festival returns to Lake Forest Academy bringing about an unforeseen change. This year, the One Acts plays will not be directed by students, but instead by Dr. Monica Palmer, due to low enrollment in her directing class.

Many things are the same- as usual, One Acts will take place at the end of April, on 27-28, at 7:30pm in the Cressey Theater.

They will includes students from LFA as actors in a small selection of one-act plays.

“The most fun part is seeing the students create their own individual works of art and having them [learn] what the artistic process is all about,” Palmer emphasized.

However, changes to the One Acts Festival needed to be made this year.

The plays will be directed by Palmer, herself. Having only one student enrolled in her Directing class this year posed a problem for the formerly student-direct-

ed One Acts. Palmer had no choice but to take it upon herself to direct the shows this year while still “hoping to continue the student-directed shows” in the following years. The one student enrolled in her class has a passionate interest in film directing, so to comply with the situation, One Acts will debut a 15-20 minute film directed by her student.

But all this work could not come about quickly. The One Acts festival takes many weeks to prepare. Palmer shared that preparation technically started a month before Spring Break! This year, Palmer began presenting her students with plays near January or February. At that time, the students were expected to begin finding plays that they liked, resonated, or delighted in, and over the two-week break period, were assigned the task of memorizing their chosen plays. Now that the students have returned from Spring Break, a more in depth process of the acting has commenced and thus the work intensifies.

In the end, Palmer hopes that her students

13

Photo courtesy of LFA SmugMug

Teni Bakare ‘19 and Julia Shroeder ‘17 both participated in last year’s One Acts Festival.

will be able to gain a heightened sense of confidence of performing on a stage through intense collaboration. Through all their hard work she believes that the stu-

dents will also naturally inherit pride and joy in the end result, a product of their hard work and dedication.

The Cressey Theater calls for finales from five stellar seniors in Arts Concentration

By Hunter Wolff Editor-in-Chief

Five senior performing artists in the Arts Concentration Program will take the stage at the Cressey Center for the Arts on Thursday, May 4th for their showcase performance after years of intensive practicing.

Of the five performers, four are vocalists: Nick Lin, Ellie Annibali, Zoe Lewis, and Sampson Hao. The other performer is pianist Jane Su. The musicians pick their favorite songs that they’ve performed while at LFA or songs that they have never performed before; it is entirely up to them.

The arts concentration course at LFA is in place to help develop musicians and prepare them to pursue music in college, according to Director of Music Timothy Plambeck. While not all students in arts concentration go on to study a music major in college, the goal of the program is to instill a passion for music, and provide the musicians with the skills to continue playing music throughout their life.

“We give the students the background and the ability to potentially be music majors in college, that’s the purpose of it,” said Plambeck.

The five musicians performing will display the diverse talents within the LFA Art Department. Each performer must put in a tremendous amount of work throughout

the arts concentration program by performing in many shows throughout the year, taking classes such as AP Music Theory, and practicing with Plambeck and his wife, Peg, multiple times a week.

“Being in vocal arts concentration means that you are required to audition for the musical, be in Vox, be in choir, and take a musical theatre history independent study,” said vocalist Nick Lin, who is a regular face to the Cressey stage. “Shows and rehears-

als have really defined my time at LFA.” Lin, who is a veteran performer, will be going on to Northwestern University next year to study voice and opera at the Bienen School of Music. He is the only senior to go on to pursue a degree in music.

“I plan to be in at least one choir and I will also audition for parts in yearly opera and operetta opportunities,” said Lin. “Time allowing, I will also consider auditioning for the strong musical theatre and a

cappella community at Northwestern.”

The Arts Concentration Concert is the pinnacle showcase for the five seniors that have worked relentlessly in the program.

“They have been working very hard and have made wonderful progress as singers and pianists,” said Plambeck. “When people come to the show and see how talented the students are, I think they will be really impressed and realize what a strong music program we have.”

Photo courtesy of LFA SmugMug

Jane Su ‘17 played piano during a concert at all school meeting where she was followed by her fellow AC students, the choir, and orchestra.

THE SPECTATOR 14

Sports

APRIL 28, 2017

Senior Sandra Shaw competes internationally and nationally for synchronized skating

By Ananta Srivastava News Editor On February 14, 2017, Lake Forest Academy senior Sandra Shaw traveled across the world with her team, the Starlights, to compete in the International Synchronized Skating competition in Croatia. By the end of the competition at the Zagreb Snowflakes Trophy, the Starlights took home the gold medal for the United States. As Shaw came out triumphant from the competition during her final season of synchronized skating, her road towards this victory had been a long one.

“I started skating when I was in first grade after one of my friends asked me to join her skating lesson. After that, not only did I fell in love with it, but I also realized that I didn’t want to quit,” said Shaw.

Shaw’s journey began when the same friend inquired if she wanted to go to see a synchronized skating exhibition for the Starlights. According to Shaw, she went to the exhibition because she had never seen this sport before. However, after watching the synchronized skaters create shapes with precision and work together cohesively, Shaw knew she wanted to do this too.

“I have now been a part of the Star-

lights synchronized skating team for seven years,” stated Shaw. “ I started in the juvenile division, then I cross-skated juvenile intermediate, and I was finally put on the junior team, which has become a second home to me.”

During Shaw’s season prior to this year, she recollected that the Starlights had a slim chance of competing internationally because her junior team had never competed at that international level before. When the Starlights were placed in the International Selection Pool as candidates for internationals, they did not qualify at first.

However, Shaw described that although it was sad news, her team was not discouraged. Instead, they began practicing harder than ever before. In the new season, with the new-found confidence from their prior success, Shaw described how all the Starlight’s hard work paid off as they finally received the exciting news that they were going to Croatia for internationals.

“That was one of the best days of my life, and in our practice, you could feel all the energy and excitement that bounced off each other,” Shaw explained. “It was also a great knowing that I would be skating at internationals next to 19 of my best friends.”

Photo by Jacob Chagoya

Senior Jackson Bedward tries to create a water polo team at LFA.

Plans for water polo team fall through

By Jacob Chagoya Senior Sports Editor

Photo courtesy of KrPhotogs Phtography

Senior Sandra Shaw performing step sequence in the no hold element with her team at 2017 Nationals short program, with the theme of the “Music Box.”

Water polo has garnered interest from LFA students as a potential sport, however the school continues to lack a team.

Though there have been efforts made this year to have an inaugural team, the plans fell apart due to miscommunication and a lack of commitment.

“We had a good group of people but basically the main issue was we needed a certain number of meetings to qualify for a PE or a sport, and we didn’t have the coaching power necessary to do it,” said senior Jackson Bedward, the main organizer of the team.

Theoretically, the team would play in the spring, as there are no other teams using the pool during this season. The opponents that a potential team would play would be an issue, as schools similar to LFA would most likely not have a team.

Thus, our team would play more experienced opponents.

There has been interest in having a water polo team for years, but no student had taken charge to organize a team up to this point. This year, Bedward decided he would attempt to create the team. He made an announcement at Morning Meeting looking for members and spoke with

teachers to find a coach.

After the announcement, there were 17 students who had shown interest in the team. Seventeen athletes would have been sufficient for a team, as there are six field players and one keeper needed in the water for a team. However, Bedward cites miscommunication between him, potential coaches, and the players as a reason for the fall through.

“I wasn’t communicating very well the status of finding a new coach and I wasn’t getting very much communication back on who was still interested and what the plan was going forward,” said Bedward.

The potential coach of the team would have current swimming coach Ms. Natalie Schawel. Schawel has been a water polo coach in the past, but she has already coached two seasons. A potential idea was to find another coach who could help Schawel to allow it to be a sport.

“I think the main issue was that Ms. Schawel was totally down to do a PE but a lot of the people who showed interest needed a sport credit for the year, so they couldn’t actually come through if it was just a PE,” said Bedward.

Plans for a water polo team fell apart, yet Bedward believes that with the extra attention on the sport a team is possible in the future.

THE SPECTATOR

Sports

APRIL 28, 2017

15

LFA sports seasons feel incomplete due to inability to compete in state

By Nithin Reddy Senior Sports Editor

Lake Forest Academy constantly produces collegiate athletes, as well as some of the best teams in Illinois, yet many sports seasons feel incomplete since there are no opportunities to compete in a state tournament. There are numerous reasons why LFA can’t compete for a state title, but the main reason is because Lake Forest Academy is a boarding school.

“We have boarding students, so that is viewed as an unfair advantage since we have the ability to go get people from 37 different countries,” said LFA’s Athletic Director Darrin Madeley.

Another major reason why Lake Forest Academy can’t compete for a state title is because the school allows transfer students to play immediately rather than sit out. For these reasons, LFA has been given an associate status by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), which means that LFA can compete against other schools in Illinois, but cannot compete for a state championship. If LFA’s associate status was taken away, every team would have to go out of state to play games.

Some may wonder why schools like IMG Academy, as well as other boarding schools, can compete for a state title, and it is because different states have different

rules.

“If you go out east [boarding schools] can all play for state. The difference there is you can find a boarding school every 1520 minutes, so it’s an even playing field,” said Madeley, “Here I believe the only other schools that board are Woodlands, and they have maybe 10 students that board, and Mooseheart.”

Although teams can’t compete for state, some individuals have the opportunity. In swimming and tennis, athletes can compete for their club teams in the state tournament.

It isn’t what LFA wants, but it may be a stepping stone for the future.

While LFA may never have teams compete for state, it would be a nice consolation if all sports joined a conference.

“I want [students] to have the best possible experience while they’re here. If there’s a way to join conferences so they can compete with other teams and see where they are in the standings I’d love to see that,” said Madeley.

While joining a conference wouldn’t have the same effect as state, it would allow teams to play similar schools, create rivalries, and have a more traditional role of high school athletics. However, it may be hard to join a conference since very few schools are in a similar boat, but small wins like joining a conference could be extremely valuable to the LFA experience.

Photo courtesy of LFA SmugMug

Senior Maggie Stoll playing field hockey. They are one of the few teams at LFA that can compete for state since field hockey is not apart of the IHSA.

New coach brightens future for girls lacrosse

By Obaid Ansari Managing Editor

Photo courtesy of Margeuax Adam

Senior Margeaux Adam helps lead the team to a 6-1 start.

After only winning one game last year the Varsity Girls Lacrosse team wants to improve this season after getting a new coach, Sarah Mastey, and getting a lot of new talent, especially underclassmen.

“Lily Drury, who is a freshman, stands out. We have four or five freshman that are really good, and then we also have a new senior, Margeaux Adam”, said Assistant Coach Mark Dryfoos.

Drury has already made a big impact this season in the midfield. The first game of the season she scored seven goals and helped to create many more goals for her team mates. In her second game she scored nine times. Her outstanding play will be vital for the team going forward.

Another important player for the team is Adam who transferred this year. She recently committed to the University of Colorado, and although she will only end up playing one year for LFA, she will be a major force in the midfield and as a forward. She will also be really helpful in developing the many talented young players such as Drury, sophomore Lena Ansari, and sophomore MJ Alexander.

Senior Captain Hanna Sutkowski makes it a priority to have all the un-

derclassman feel a part of the team and to make sure they are always participating in team practice and activities.

“I try to make sure that everyone is included in everything and have the other upperclassman also make sure that no one is left out,” said Sutkowski.

To go along with this improved team, Coach Mastey has brought along a competitive philosophy that really complements the team and their goal to improve.

Both Dryfoos and Sutkowski had great things to say about Mastey and how she has impacted this team for the better.

“She came in really excited for the opportunity to coach. She’s young, energetic, kind, very skill-oriented, and she’s really focused on getting each player to be better at what they do,” said Dryfoos.

“She’s made a huge difference. She is more engaged and makes us more dedicated,” said Sutkowski. “I really think she is going to change the program.”

With all the new pieces settled in, the girls are prepped to have a successful season, and with all the underclassman and new coach it looks like the team will be competitive for years to come.

“We have a better equipped lacrosse team, we have better skills and have gelled as a unit,” said Dryfoos. “We’re all on the same page as far as wanting to win.

Sports

16

APRIL 28, 2017

Dylan Ennis:

Former LFA basketball star seeking NBA career

By Lucas Jacob

Unfortunately though, Ennis suffered a

Sports Editor

broken foot and was out for the season.

Since that was his fifth year of basket-

Photo courtesy of Scout.com

In 2015, Ekakitie saw action in 12 games, recording 13 tackles and a fumble recovery.

Faith Ekakitie: Former LFA football star hopes to bring his talent to NFL/CFL

By Max Hayes

ty. He is actively trying to continue his

Sports Editor

football career beyond college. In preparation for Iowa’s Pro Day, he worked out

Faith Ekakitie graduated from the Lake

extensively at Iowa. He’s been working

Forest Academy in 2012, going on to

out upper body and lower body equally,

play football at the University of Iowa as

and is sticking to their normal off-sea-

a defensive tackle. Ekakitie, a 6’3, 290

son weight lifting workouts. Also, he’s

pound defensive tackle from Brampton,

focusing more on working out for drills

Ontario, is currently pursuing a career in

that will be held at the pro day such as

professional football, either in the Unit-

the 40-yard-dash and the shuttle. A ma-

ed States (NFL) or in Canada (CFL). In

jority of his training leading up to the pro

the CFL prospect rankings, he is one of

day was geared toward the drills hosted

the top-ranked prospects available. In

at the event. According to Ekakitie, sev-

his pursuit of a football career in Ameri-

en or eight other teammates from his se-

ca, Ekakitie just recently took part in the

nior class joined him at the pro day.

University of Iowa’s “NFL Pro Day” on

Although Iowa provided Ekakitie with

March 27th, in which he hoped to catch

a wonderful experience, he reflected

the attention of potentially interested

back on LFA as being a place that pro-

scouts.

vided him with many rare opportunities

While reflecting on his time at LFA, Ekakitie acknowledged that LFA fully ics, though he admits that college foot-

ferent people all over the world, you

ball is a totally “different animal” com-

can’t replicate that anywhere else,” Eka-

pared to high school football. During

kitie remembered.

his LFA football career, many teams

Ekakitie proves that coming from a

that Ekakitie and his LFA football team-

small high school and finding success

mates played against were bigger and

playing D1 college football at a Big 10

more talented. Ekakitie believes playing

school is possible with hard work. With

these teams helped him in the long run in

this experience, Ekakitie offers wise ad-

preparation for the time and effort that

vice to all aspiring college athletes.

preparing them for the next level of com-

successfully able to appeal Ennis’ eligi-

petition. It’s always a delight being able

bility to the NCAA and he was able to

to watch these players perform in college

squeeze in a sixth season for the Ducks

and to be able to root on fellow alumni.

due to his two-season-long injuries.

Last month was extra special being able

So now that one of the longest careers

to watch LFA’s own Dylan Ennis take

in NCAA basketball history is over,

Oregon to a trip to the Final Four in the

some want to know what Ennis’ plans

NCAA’s Men’s Basketball Tournament.

are next. Ennis got his undergraduate

Though others may see Ennis as just an-

degree in communications at Villanova.

other college- hopping basketball player,

He is currently in a two-year graduate

he has been through quite the journey

degree program at Oregon called Con-

in his past six (yes, six) seasons in the

flict and Dispute Resolution. He’s only

NCAA. The 25-year old’s journey has

completed 3/4 of the degree and plans to

consisted of two transfers and two inju-

complete it in the near future. But En-

ries, but he isn’t stopping here.

nis won’t be able to complete the degree

Graduating LFA in 2011, Ennis started his college career at Rice University

anytime soon, because he has left Oregon to train for the NBA draft.

where he made the conference USA all-

“I’m still deciding who I’m going to

freshman team. The following season,

do pre-draft workouts with. Then come

2012-2013, Ennis transferred to Villano-

NBA workouts and from there, hopeful-

va seeking an even bigger stage. Unfor-

ly, I get picked up by a team. And if not

tunately though, Ennis was ineligible to

I’ll definitely play overseas or go to the

play the whole season due to the NCAA’s

D-league (NBA Developmental league);

transfer policies. In Ennis’ first season of

whatever’s best for my basketball ca-

eligibility for Villanova, he suffered a

reer,” said Ennis when asked about his

broken hand which limited his play. The

future plans.

next year he returned for a full season at

Ennis has pushed through plenty of ad-

Villanova. In the 2015-2016 Ennis decid-

versity in this six-year stretch and hope-

ed to transfer to the University of Oregon

fully he can use that as motivation in

for what he thought was his final year.

training for the 2017 NBA draft.

I’m all for chasing your dreams, but you have to do that within reason. You got

much time college athletes have to ded-

to ask yourself if you’re willing to put

icate to their craft. It’s essentially a full

in the time and effort that is associated

time job,” stated Ekakitie.

with being a college athlete at any lev-

always Ekakitie’s number one priori-

coming to an end. However, Oregon was

“You got to be realistic with yourself.

“A lot of people don’t realize how

During his time at Iowa, football was

oping athletes as Division I recruits and

world.

“The relationships you build with dif-

athlete.

ball, it seemed like his NCAA career was

to meet new people from all over the

prepared him for college-level academ-

goes into being a full-time D1 college

LFA has done an excellent job of devel-

el,” shared Ekakitie.

Photo Courtesy of Andy Nelson/The Register-Guard

Dylan Ennis and the Oregon Ducks battled their way to the Final Four during the 20162017 season March Madness tournament.