The Spectator - Happy 160th Birthday, LFA!

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S P E C TAT O R

VOLUME 95 NUMBER 4

1500 WEST KENNEDY ROAD, LAKE FOREST, IL 60045

Featured Stories NEWS

Lake Forest Park District to help LFA rebuild bridge next to campus

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JANUARY 31, 2017

LFA approaching160th anniversary

School continues to make progressive strides while still holding to tradition

page 2

LFA students and teachers attend President Trump inauguration page 4 FEATURE

Caxy Profile

Senior Nevzat Gedikoglu reports on the Chicago Bulls

page 6

OP-ED

Dr. Strudwick on the coming160th Founders’ Day page 11 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Music Review

Childish Gambino page 12 SPORTS

Effect of Winter Break on winter sports page 16

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How has LFA changed over the past 160 years?

See pages 8 & 9

THE SPECTATOR

News

2

World News Roundup

Compiled by Austin Clamage Editor-in-Chief

World News Roundup is a compilation of some of the prominent events occurring in the World today.

Photo courtesy of CNN

Gang members in the Brazilian prison stand on the prison walls during the riot.

Brazilian prison riots Major prison riots, fueled by corruption allegations in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, have led to the suspension of the head of the Brazilian jails, Jose Carvalho da Silva. At least 56 inmates were killed during the riots.

The allegations came from two inmates who explained that prison officials were receiving money from gangs within the prison. In exchange, the guards smuggled in weapons, drugs and cell phones. In addition, the officials were also allegedly contributing to the escape of prisoners. Authorities are investigating these claims.

The riots lasted 17 hours. Almost all who died were killed in fights with rival gangs, and some of those who died had their bodies deformed, decapitated or incinerated. Public Safety Secretary for the State of Amazonas Sergio Fontes believes that the riot started as a result of rival gangs fighting over drug trades.

Russian response to tampering accusations of U.S. elections Russian government spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has condemned the allegations that Russia tampered with the U.S. elections by calling it a “full scale witch hunt”. “[The American government’s] absolutely unsubstantiated allegations sound rather amateur and emotional,” Peskov stated later in a press conference.

Even before the elections occurred, the U.S. had accused Russia of intentionally interfering with the elections in favor of President-elect Donald Trump.

The U.S. believes that Russia was sending documents to WikiLeaks about the presidential nominees. However, the founder of WikiLeaks, Julian Assange, has denied this claim.

Sources: BBC, CNN, DailyNews, TIME

Bridging the gap:

By Peter Corsiglia Managing Editor Construction of a bridge between Middlefork Savannah and LFA is set to begin this March. The bridge will cross the train tracks between campus and the Open Lands, allowing students and faculty easier access to walk, run, and bike on the trails.

Chief Financial Officer Mike Reidy explained that student safety is the number one reason LFA is pitching in to help out.

“It’s a great place to go and we can get there safely now,” said Reidy about how the bridge will improve access to the savanna. “We don’t have to worry about getting hit by a train.”

The project will cost more than $2 million, with funding from Open Lands, the City of Lake Forest, the Lake County Park District, and state and federal governments.

However, LFA is the only private organization that helped out financially, donating $25,000 toward the project.

Such a bridge used to exist when the campus was part of the Armour estate in the first decade of the 1900’s. A major benefit of the new bridge will be that LFA sports teams, in particular cross-country, will be able to use the bridge to access Open Lands trails to run on. Assistant Boys’ Cross Country Coach Margaret Tennyson said the new access to trails will greatly help the cross country teams train.

“The new connection bridge for the Open Lands trails will allow the cross country teams to access over five miles of uninterrupted crushed limestone trail,” said Tennyson, “This is a huge upgrade for our teams.”

There is always a chance that the bridge will bring more visitors and traffic to campus, but Reidy said there will be signage posted to limit such traffic.

JANUARY 31, 2017

New bridge construction will connect Open Lands to LFA campus

“Security does a good job of monitoring and making sure there aren’t people wandering around that shouldn’t be,” commented Reidy.

The construction season for state and federal projects is very stringent, so work on the bridge is scheduled to start on March 15. The largest task in the construction process is to build up the dirt mounds near the bridge, which will require trucks of dirt to be brought on campus. Construction

noise and disturbance should be minimal.

Ultimately, the plan is to connect the path all the way west down Route 60 to a bike path near St. Mary’s Road. In the future, there will be a large, connected system of paths and the bridge will help join the paths.

“The City of Lake Forest came to us with the idea asking our permission to land it on our property and we were all for it,” concluded Reidy about the project.

Photo courtesy of Mr. Michael Reidy

A proposed plan shows where the bridge is supposed to be built allowing access to trails.

Annual College Workshop provides insight on college admissions process for LFA juniors

By Ayaan Ahmed Features Editor

The annual January College Workshop run by the LFA College Counseling Department was a case study program which consisted of 12-15 college admissions officers who come to Lake Forest Academy to better inform LFA juniors of the college process. The workshop was held in the Cressey Center for the Arts on January 29 from 12 pm to 4 pm and was mandatory for LFA juniors.

“College workshop helps students because it gives them a detailed and more thorough understanding of what different variables college admissions officers will be looking at,” explained Dean of College Counseling Andrew Poska.

As many juniors were not fully familiar with the college admissions process, the workshop was a great way for students to learn what happens behind the scenes of the college admissions process. Students pretended they were college admissions officers. They were given five real applications to read and to determine if those applications should be accepted or not based on a specific scenario. Students were guided by the admissions officers throughout the four-hour process, thus gaining the understanding of what admissions officers are looking for in an applicant.

“The college workshop gives you a detailed and more thorough understanding of how different schools may have different institutional initiatives or review

applications differently,” remarked Poska.

Students will also be able to gain knowledge of what different types of schools would like to see in an applicant, as every school reviews their applications differently.

“The college workshop prompted me to create a college application that stands out,” recounted senior Hanna Sutkowski.

The day started off with the introduction of the college admissions officers followed by a few opening remarks by Poska. Then students were divided into groups where they reviewed the sample applications. Afterward, the students rejoined the larger group for a general recap followed by a Q&A session open to students and parents to end the day.

THE SPECTATOR

News

JANUARY 31, 2017

New security gate in Student Union helps insure safety of students

By Allison Torres Photography Editor A new edition was added to the Student Union over Christmas Break -- security gates in doorways to the cafeteria serving area. Despite student misconceptions, the gates were not put in place because of the status of cleanliness in the Student Union, said cafeteria administrators. The gates were put in to insure the safety of students who are in the Student Union unsupervised.

“The reason why they’re doing this, I’ll be honest, is mostly for safety. If nobody is

watching the students in there and somebody slips and falls, it could be bad,” commented General Manager of Student Dining Services, Debbie Lindstrom.

According to Lindstrom, the gates were always part of the original building plans for the Student Union. They were just delayed of the time the project required and budget cuts.

“It came delivered before Thanksgiving, but because this was such a major thing to put in, they needed more than just the Thanksgiving break, “ said Lindstrom.

With the curved wood work that was needed for the gate near the dish return,

Photo by Allison Torres

Salomon Rocha closes the new Student Union cage as the day comes to an end.

the process was more tedious than it would seem. Lindstrom did comment on a few incidents that occurred before the gates were in the Student Union, stating that when dining hours were over, students would still go in and eat food. This would lead to coffee cups and cereal bowls over by the dish return after it was closed.

The issue of cleanliness in the Student Union has been an ongoing situation all year and the Prefects decided to take the initiative by offering periods in which Lake Forest Academy students can come in and help the Sodexo staff.

“The purpose of this is to have the students who do decide to help realize how much work the Sodexo staff has. Hopefully they will be more appreciative and more mindful about the messes they leave behind,” stated Zhuri Bryant, a Prefect who helped come up with the idea.

The volunteers put on aprons and hair nets and learn what it’s like to feed over 400 students. They do not do major tasks, instead they wipe tables down, bring out the deserts, and refill certain stations.

“Being able to help out a little and show the appreciation I have for the Sodexo staff and seeing their smiling faces as a couple of them were trying to show me how to do certain things, goes a lot farther than simply saying thank you,” Norah Ntagungira commented after she worked with the staff.

With the new gates and work periods, there is hope for a cleaner Student Union.

Social Media now deemed to be unreliable source for news

By Lucas Jacob Sports editor

Social media, and the “news” that it broadcasts, seem to be taking over the world in 2017. According to kissmetrics. com, Facebook has over 500 million users, of which half log on every day. Kissmetrics.com also holds Facebook’s pages and users accountable for posting billions of news articles and videos a day to be shared and commented on by all users. Relying on social media for news shouldn’t be a problem, however social media news has taken a turn for the worst when it comes to exaggeration; we call this fake news.

With almost the whole LFA student body as active Facebook users, Ms. Ashley Kolovitz and Rita MacAyeal have decided to teach seminar classes to Lake Forest Academy students on how to monitor and prevent “fake news”.

Now some just say that fake news is easily avoidable: “Just filter out the fake stuff and only listen to the real news.” However social media sites like Facebook are circulating so much fake news it’s very hard to decipher what is real. During the 2016

election, an election with a lot of opinion, fake news on social media added to voters’ confusion about the candidates.

According to Facebook’s founder, Mark Zuckerberg, 99% of Facebook’s news is authentic.

However, the Lake Forest Academy community saw some heated discussion because of social media news – real or otherwise MacAyeal and Kolovitz, who both specialize in educational technology, are doing their best to give students strategies on how to spot fake news.

“You can’t prevent it.

Obviously people are going to create it for a variety of reasons,” said MacAyeal. “It comes -Ms. Rita down to having the media literacy skills to

it seems realistic. These are all red flags for fake news.”

When reporting on the amount of fake news growing on social media, the New York Times said: “Facebook must create institutionalized pathways for journalists and policymakers to help shape any further changes to the algorithm. They must create an internal team dedicated to media ethics concerns with an explicit mission statement driven by values rather than increasing clicks and views, to prevent fake news.”

In other words, Facebook is favoring views and publicity over truth and until their web algorithms are changed, fake news will remain MacAyeal a problem. Until then, students at Lake Forest Academy can use the new skills to be taught in seminar to help them self monitor fake news by using their own judgment on the authentication of these stories.

“You can’t prevent it. Obviously people are going to create it... It comes down to having the media literacy skills to identify it.”

identify it. We want to teach our students to be able to chase it down and decide if an article looks legitimate or not. You can look at who wrote it, what site it’s on, or if

3

Campus News Roundup

Compiled by Austin Clamage Editor-in-Chief

Campus News Round-Up highlights important events occurring in the upcoming month.

Student Council begins to plan upcoming Winter Formal dance Get your dancing shoes out! Winter Formal is scheduled for February 25th. It’s one of the three major dances that occur at LFA, and while the plans have not yet been finalized, it is expected that Winter Formal will be held in the Garden Room and Reid Hall.

According to multiple Student Council members, the hardest decision so far for them has been finding a way to make the dance fun yet appropriate.

“We want everyone to have a great time, and we don’t want to be the ones getting in the way of that,” explained council member Tyler Grumhaus. “At the same time, it’s a school dance, so we need everyone to realize that they can’t get away with some of the things that they might want to do.”

The main way Student Council is working to make the dance memorable is by choosing a unique theme.

The dance is expected to be Harry Potter-themed.

“We wanted to have a theme that worked for other schools, but with a twist of originality. We think (a Harry Potter theme) is the best idea,” said Grumhaus.

Other Events February 2: Progress reports due to advisors February 13: LFA Charter Day February 14: St. Valentine’s Day February 18-20: Winter Weekend (no school) February 25: Winter Formal February 27: Spring Sports season begins

THE SPECTATOR 4

News

JANUARY 31, 2017

Students, faculty travel to D.C. to witness historical inauguration of 2017

By Sandra Shaw Editor-in-Chief

The countdown for the anticipated inauguration of the President Donald Trump has ended. But for some students, History Department Chair Christian Dozois, and History Instructor Suzy Vaughn, their experience of witnessing President Trump’s inauguration in Washington D.C. through an LFA trip will be a memory they hold onto forever.

This is the first LFA inauguration trip since 2009, when former History Department Chair Dr. James Quillin and Science Instructor Dr. Kerry Cedergren, took a group of LFA students to see Barack Obama’s inauguration.

Cedergren was recently remembering that 2009 trip.

After a long day being packed with 3.2 million people, “they were helping each other out and there didn’t seem to be anything bad about it. The mood was just so electric,” Cedergren said about the 2009 trip.

“I was interested in seeing [the inauguration] for myself,” said Dozois. “Seeing the peaceful transition of power, and seeing what it would be like to be in that atmosphere was very interesting. I also thought it would be good to lead a student group.”

For many students, it was their first time in the U.S. Capitol. During the five-day trip, the group also toured famous memorials, various Smithsonian museums, the Washington Monument, and Mount Vernon.

After one of the most fervent and debated elections in recent history, this inauguration trip opened the path to witness firsthand the beginning of an unprecedented four years.

“In my mind, witnessing it is more about

witnessing the people around,” said Dozois, noting the hundreds of thousands of people gathered for this event, consisting of both supporters and the protestors.

“I think just being part of that, no matter what political side you’re on, just being there is still a historical moment,” said Vaughn.

According to Dozois, this inauguration was about the peaceful transfer of power, one of the primary things that makes American democracy stand out to the world.

“The energy was lower than I expected.

It felt a little more like a rally than a full blown inauguration. I definitely expected more chanting or cheers,” remarked senior Nelofer Siddiqui.

The inauguration trip is one of many excursions hosted by LFA that expands on political, environmental, and social awareness.

“I think it’s a great thing for our school to [host such trips] with our global population,” said Dozois.

Photo courtesy of Explorica

After an early morning flight, the LFA students visited many famous memorials through a guided sightseeing tour, making a stop by the Lincoln Memorial on their first day in Washington D.C.

Inquiring Photographer

What was your most memorable part of the inauguration trip?

“Getting to see the Women’s March right after seeing the inauguration, getting together over one women’s rights was the most interesting part.”

-Chris Morrison ‘18

“To me the Women’s March was more significant than the inauguration beccause it was way better energy. People were rallied around hope.”

-Davis Priest ‘20

“It would definitely be when we went to the Women’s March on Saturday. It was so much fun being together and I know it will be down in the history books.”

-Joan Karstrom ‘18

“The Women’s March was the most fun because there was just a lot of love there, and it was very different from the inauguration.”

-Kaitlin Fisher ‘19

“The most memorable part was the contrast between the underwhelming crowd at the inauguration as opposed to the overwhelming crowd at the Women’s March.”

-Katie Dozois ‘17

“I think the most memorable moment of the trip was definitely being able to visit war memorials because I have family members that served and died in the war.

It was emotional but it was really fun.”

-Caleb Celano ‘17

“The energy [at the Women’s March] was totally different. There was so much support and love everywhere, and the fact that there were so many people and it was still peaceful was amazing.”

-Nelofer Siddiqui ‘17

“For me the Women’s March was still the best because it was amazing being a part of that, and then seeing it spread out throughout all these cities was incredible.”

-Marilou Cameron ‘17

All photos by Sandra Shaw

THE SPECTATOR

News

JANUARY 31, 2017

5

Your paraniod parents are watching you and you might not even know that it’s happening

Teen monitoring softwares are the new way parents are monitering their children, and the technology is simply baffling!

By Will Everett Managing Editor Op-Ed Several new services that allow parents to snoop on their children’s cell phone activity have discretely been taking America by storm. Using various apps, parents can now tell what, when, and with whom you communicate by phone, where you are, and even if you are using your smart phone while driving. Some people might begin to feel it is 1984 and Big Brother is watching!

“TeenSafe is an online software dedicated to helping parents protect their children from harm,” explains an informational video located on the homepage of the website (TeenSmart.com).

The software grants parents power to control and monitor the device. Anything from their child’s location to their messages, current and deleted, can be seen.

Certain apps such as Instagram, Kik Messenger, WhatsApp and even their private photo album can be blocked and accounts can be suspended. Internet history and call logs can all be monitored with TeenSafe. All parents have to do is pay $14.95/month.

According to TeenSmart.com, many major talk shows such as The View, The New York Post, The Today Show, ABC 7 News, and Fox News have showcased the service. The website dedicates a separate tab where viewers can examine each news story. Even “The View” host, Rosie O’Donnell, has shown her approval for the site.

“I use TeenSafe. As a parent of five, this is what I am doing and it’s working,” she said.

The goal of the software is to, “keep teens out of dangerous situations”, but what are the dangers of the service itself? Parents purchase the service and are given a six-digit account number. Once logged in, a parent can see every message, app, photo on the phone and the location of the phone.

Then, the software places what is called a mobile device management (MDM) certificate on the child’s phone in the phone’s settings. In more simple terms, a MDM is a way that any device

can be remotely controlled from another. A “bug” one could say.

It’s extremely difficult to remove, and even if a child effectively removed the MDM from the phone, TeenSmart is emailed and passes that news onto the parent. The process is similar for Android phones. The app not only gives access to virtually every aspect of the device’s activity, it can “pause” the phone or even shut it off entirely at bedtime and while driving.

It is understandable why parents would want to take these measures as they limit the distraction the phone causes. In today’s youth, electronics are considered to be the number one cause of distraction according to OurEverydayLife.com.

“Sixty percent of accidents between Memorial Day and 100 days after Memorial Day (known as the 100 deadliest days) are caused by teen drivers who are simultaneously using a cell phone and driving,” reported the American Auto Association (AAA).

AAA is one of the most highly regarded insurance companies in the United States and one which covers many families with teenagers.

Along with the erie aspect of the power a parent could have over their teens most private information, many argue that the service is unconstitutional. The company explains several times throughout their website that their service is in fact legal.

Similar to TeenSafe, two other monitoring softwares have gained recognition. Net Nanny allows you to control your child’s internet activity remotely. Secure Teen, the second and more effecive service, can do all that Net Nanny does with the added feature of call log monitoring. This means that parents can know who their child is called, what time of day and for how long.

The privacy policy states, “Parents and Guardians have a legal right to monitor their children under the age of 18 if they pay the phone bill.”

If the child was over the age of 18, technically being labeled an adult, the service would be in violation of the person’s fourth

The apps that are watching you and what they do 1. Teen Watch.com A. Text, call log, internet history, location monitering.

B. $14.95/month for unristricted monitoring of unlimited people.

2. Net Nanny.com A. Internet monitoring which includes blocking websites, web traffic analysis and filter web access.

B. $39.99/ yr for one device. PC or Mac only.

Photo courtesy of TeenSafe

TeenSafe gives parents the chance to see their child’s text and call history.

amendment right to security of their belongings, which includes their cell phone.

The service is new to the technology world, but it is unclear whether it will pick up steam. It

is unknown how many current subscriptions the website has. In a world where parents will go to extreme heights to protect their children, some might begin to wonder where the ceiling stops.

3. SecureTeen.com A. Programmed more for Android, PC and Mac. Similar to Net Nanny with added call log monitoring.

B. $39.99/ yr for 3 devices.

To see more digital content on this article visit our online website www.caxynews.com

Photo by Austin Clamage

Will Everett explores the Teen Watch website. The website requires an account to be created before any monitoring can be done. The website asks for your credit card and email amongst other private information.

THE SPECTATOR 6

Features

JANUARY 31, 2017

Senior Nev Gedikoglu gets opportunity to report on the Chicago Bulls for TrendBasket

By Austin Clamage Editor-in-Chief Haven’t you always wanted to be a sportswriter, to have conversations with professional athletes and go to sporting events for free? Well, senior Nevzat Gedikoglu, better known as Nev, has had that opportunity by reporting on the Chicago Bulls this year.

Nev was given the opportunity when a friend he used to go to school with asked him for help. He was asked to write stories for TrendBasket, which is an online Turkish basketball publication. The publication is trying to expand its site by covering the NBA, and Nev, who is also Turkish, was the best person to help cover the Bulls.

Nev started reporting this year, and he writes his game recaps for TrendBasket in Turkish.

“It’s a great opportunity,” said Nev. “It’s amazing. You watch them on TV and you’re like these guys are legends, so you see them in real life and it’s so surreal.”

If you try to find Nev’s stories, you can’t -- not in his name, that is. That’s due to age restrictions in Turkey that do not allow him to publish work until he is 18 years old.

Nev, a boarder, gets to the games with the help of his friends: seniors Andrew Ryder

and Logan Shaughnessy. The seniors help give Nev a ride to the Lake Forest train station, who then takes a train to the city, and then takes an Uber to the United Center.

However, Nev is only able to go to games on the weekends due to school being a conflict.

“I have to show up three hours before the game, and then stay for about an hour after,” explained Nev. “The games last for about two hours also, so I’m at the stadium alone for up to six hours.”

Traveling to the game takes over an hour each way, so in total, Nev spends over eight hours to report one game. This is why he is unable to go to games that are on school days.

When at the United Center, Nev is able to be on the court to watch and interview players until the game starts. Then, he goes up to the press box to watch the game. The press box is on the 300 level, which is also equipped with TVs. After games, he goes back down to record and listen in on the post-game press conference. Nev also has access to both teams’ locker rooms.

Nev has gotten the opportunity to speak with superstars from across the league including LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, along with most of the Chicago Bulls’ players.

Photo courtesy of Nev Gedikoglu

Nev’s point-of-view in the locker room listening to Cleveland Cavaliers’ coach Tyronn Lue give his post-game thoughts.

Photo courtesy of Nev Gedikoglu

Nev arrives to the arena hours before the game to talk to the players before the game.

“All the players I talk to are so nice. I always try to talk with superstars because it’s always worth a try,” said Nev. “My favorite player I’ve talked with is Doug McDermott.”

While Nev tries to speak with as many players as possible, he tries not to overstep his boundaries.

“My first day of working, I heard about a college kid who was doing a reporting job like me. He started asking questions to players when he wasn’t supposed to, and he ended up getting his credentials taken

away,” explained Nev. Unfortunately, since Nev will be going back home in the summer and going to college next year, he won’t be able to report about the Bulls much longer. However, he’s optimistic that he will be able to report about a different NBA team where he goes to college.

TrendBasket currently has reporters in about half of the NBA cities spread across the U.S. and is trying to expand to the entire league.

Photo courtesy of Nev Gedikoglu

Nev showing off his media pass while standing on the floor of the United Center during the pre-game shoot around.

THE SPECTATOR JANUARY 31, 2017

Features

7

Insight on the annual Fireside Chat

By Dieter Villegas News Editor The Fireside Chat and Dinner is an event to inform parents about the LFA community and is held every year by Dr. John Strudwick, Head of School. Strudwick provides the parents with an overview of the school, what is going on at the school today, and where is the administration planning to go. This year the chat will be held on Wednesday, February 8 at 6:30 P.M. in the Little Theater.

The Fireside Chat started more than 10 years ago, and it has become one of the most popular events for parents during the school year, noted Strudwick, who emphasized that it is an informal event, which is very helpful for parents.

“It’s really for strengthening the communication between the administration, the parents, and parents association, ” expressed Strudwick.

A week before the meeting, Strudwick meets with the Board of Trustees, insuring that he will have the most up-to-date and coordinated message for parents at

the chat. Some of the things he presents to the parents are key strategic initiatives, economics of the school, and fundraisers that may need to be done.

“What we [as parents] personally love is that it is very transparent…you know what is happening here [LFA] and it keeps the parents in the community involved and informed,” said President of the Parents Association Maureen Mullarkey.

After Strudwick finishes his presentation, he opens it up for parents to share feedback, ideas, or concerns. The meeting is held in the evening so that working parents are able to attend. However, if a parent is unable to attend, Grace Kim, Assistant Dean of Communications at LFA, records the meeting and uploads it to YouTube so the parent can refer to it later.

The Fireside Chat is organized by both the Head of School and the Parents Association. They believe having a light dinner to start with will break the ice and make the environment more comfortable.

In previous years, parents have been separated into smaller discussion groups to stimulate feedback and ideas during the

evening.

An example from last year of what was discussed was the tuition increase, and mentioned were the reasons why this occurred. Mullarkey believes that the par-

interactive drum performance.

“Meeting kids from all over the country and discussing current events in America with them was an amazing opportunity that I am so happy to have been a part of,” said junior Elizabeth Kasten when asked about her experience.

Students were encouraged to keep open minds and engage in meaningful conversations with their peers. The community norms were presented at the beginning of the conference, and were reiterated throughout the breakout sessions.

Glasglow emphasized the importance of “leaning into discomfort” and being mindful of not only yourself but also those around you. The conference was met with rave reviews, and was even described as “life changing”. The goal of the conference was for students to learn from each other, then go back to their respective schools and make change.

LFA usually sends a group of four or five students to a conference called Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) every December, but was unable to this year because the dates fell the same week of finals. To make up for missing it, the FIRE conference was organized by Ms. Lusanda Mayikana, the Dean of Pluralism and Multicultural Affairs, and Mr. Matt Nink, the Executive Director of the Global Youth Leadership Institute. Students loved the experience, and the Academy hopes to make FIRE an

annual event. Plans for next year’s conference are already being discussed.

The schools in attendance were Adlai Stevenson, IMSA, the Laurel School (Ohio), Hotchkiss (CT), Milwaukee Collegiate, University School of Milwaukee, Puis IX (WI), and the Reggie Grigs-

ents come out of the meeting with a positive feel.

“It’s a nice event in the school calendar for the parents and for the Head of School,” expressed Strudwick.

Photo courtesy of LFA SmugMug

Last year, Dr. Strudwick explains to the parents the reasons why the tuition increased.

LFA hosts first FIRE Diversity Conference

By Shreya Singhvi Features Editor The first annual FIRE (Fostering Intercultural Respect and Empowerment) Diversity Conference took place at Lake Forest Academy on January 14-15. The conference consisted of students engaging in dialogue regarding current events and social issues, and keynote presentations by guest speakers.

After an opening address by Head of School Dr. John Strudwick, students were broken up into groups of 10 for small breakout sessions. Some of the ideas addressed in the breakout sessions were the same topics discussed in LFA’s advisory clusters, including the 5 C’s of awareness. Other topics students discussed were gender and sexuality, social media and activism, the election and how to create a safe community, and religious pluralism. Guest speaker Mr. Michael Fosberg performed his one man play called “Incognito” in which he grappled with his racial identity after finding his biological father. Next, speaker Mr. Rodney Glasglow discussed how a new era of civil rights is approaching and how to stay engaged and create progress. On day two, Dr. Amer F. Ahmed gave a powerful presentation on Islam and Islamophobia, and dispelled common myths prevalent in American society. After the last breakout session, S.O.U.L. Creations held an

by School (Chicago). Some students from these schools commuted hours to attend the conference, staying in a hotel overnight. A few schools had to pull out at the last minute after discovering that the conference interfered with their finals schedule.

Photo courtesy of LFA SmugMug

Chaaze’ P. Roberts, member of S.O.U.L. creations, leads drum workshop at the Conference.

THE SPECTATOR 8

Centerfold

JANUARY 31, 2017

The Spectator reflects on LFA histor

School has withstood test of time thanks to tranformation and strength of its community

By Ananta Srivastava News Editor Every school day in upper Korhumel Hall, Lake Forest Academy students are taught to appreciate the study of history, both ancient and national. But on one day this February, the school community will be reflecting upon its own significant history. This year, the school will be celebrating the 160th anniversary of Charter Day -- February 13, 1857 – when LFA was founded with a charter issued by the state of Illinois.

“We are celebrating this day to look back at the school’s history and importance, while also looking forward to many more years,” said Head of School John Strudwick.

Director of the Library Rita MacAyeal stated that Lake Forest Academy was chartered as part of a three-sectioned university. It also consisted of Lake Forest College, which was known as Lind University at the time, and the collegiate department. LFA was originally a secondary independent department for boys, located on the South

part of Lake Forest College’s campus.

However, after a fire destroyed the academic building in 1946, LFA moved to the present-day campus in 1948. Both Strudwick and MacAyeal described the transition of campuses as one of the most significant milestones of the school in terms of

construction over the last 160 years.

“I think less about the changes in the construction and more about how much stronger the students and faculty have become since I came here in 1984,” reported Associate Head of School Bill Dolbee.

Aside from remembering the physical

Photo courtesy of SmugMug

transformations LFA had undergone since its foundation, Strudwick pointed out that Charter Day was also a time to recognize the students and faculty. The school had always strived for a student-centered style of education since its foundation, stressing smaller classes and independent studies.

As a result of these, he remarked that LFA had a consistent theme of having a close connection between the faculty and students.

Dolbee added that when he looked back at the school since its founding in 1857, another strength of LFA was its diversity.

While it did not start that way, LFA had become a bastion of diversity, which Dolbee considered a great step in the school’s history.

“Any good institution will always get better and evolve, but we have to remember where we came from and in this case, it is the charter of the school,” Strudwick stated. “I believe that we continue to be loyal to the original intent of providing a high-level, quality education for the students to experience.”

LFA and Ferry Hall merged as a co-educational school in 1974.

Photo courtesy of SmugMug

Ferry Hall girls started the Move Up Day tradition of wearing all white, which began in 1906.

Evolutio Ferry Hall founded as a girls prepa- LFA adopts “Caxy” as mascot ratory school 1896 1869

1857 Lake Forest established as a boys preparatory school

Move Up Day tradition started at Ferry Hall 1906

1903 1925 Ferry Hall begins “Feild Day” which ends in 1970 but is re-estab- LFA and Ferry Hall legally separatlished in 2004 as the House Cup ed from Lake Forest College (LFC) Competition

THE SPECTATOR

Centerfold

JANUARY 31, 2017

ry to celebrate 160th Charter Day

9

Notable Aumni

By Kennedy Hayes Staff Writer

• Arts

Photo courtesy of Google Images

•

Notable alumna Jean Harlow attended LFA from 1926-1927 and has a club “Harlow Society” named after her.

Co-Ed milestone

By Elizabeth Christoph A&E Editor

By the late 1960’s, times were becoming more modern and single sex education was no longer as popular as it used to be. As a kind of pilot, Lake Forest Academy and Ferry Hall had been practicing coordinated education since the late 60’s, sending students between campuses for classes, although officially they were still separate schools with students living in their respective campus’s dorms.

“It became evident that it was financially a better situation for the schools to merge,” stated Director of the Library and Archivist Rita MacAyeal. “They would get more interest and applicants.”

Trustees of both schools voted in the fall of 1973 and on January 10, 1974 the two schools officially became one: Lake Forest Academy-Ferry Hall.

Although the two schools had been closely connected for a very long time and always had a sort of brother-sister culture, a lot of students, especially Ferry Hall girls, were uncertain about the merge.

“You didn’t know what you were going to get or what it was going to be like,” Alumna Beth Shaw (née Petit) ‘75 said.

As an already established junior at Ferry

on of LFA

Hall, Shaw recalled that the girls mourned the loss of the many Ferry Hall traditions like Field Day with pretty ribbons, chapel, and Monty the bear that were left behind, or changed, in wake of the merger.

“The girls were most concerned about Ferry Hall’s legacy,” said alumnus Gregg Hague ’75. “I think most girls wanted Ferry Hall to stay its own school, but continue to share classes with LFA.” Hague also recalled that from the boys point of view there was not as great of an impact due to the merger, besides the name change, which he was not too excited about. (Ferry Hall was later taken out of the official name in 1988 and the school became just Lake Forest Academy.)

Some of the traditions like House Cup, were recently reborn as “…an attempt to recapture something that was very nice at Ferry Hall, very positive, a great bonding experience for the girls,” Shaw said.

Even though some strictly Ferry Hall traditions were lost, the times called for innovation and the merging of the two schools would ultimately be for the best, letting new traditions develop. Lake Forest Academy acknowledges Ferry Hall as an important part of its history, and continues to seek to honor its legacy in any way it can.

•

•

•

•

John Agar was an actor (Sands of Iwo Jima, Tarantula, Revenge of the Creature), formerly married to Shirley Temple.

•

Max Demián (2005), performance artist.

•

Jean Harlow, actress (attended 1926–1927).

•

McLean Stevenson was an award-winning actor best known for his work on television (Henry Blake on the television series M*A*S*H).

Business and law •

James Aubrey (attended 1931–32) was the president of CBS and MGM.

•

George N. Gillett, Jr. (1956) is a communications mogul, former co–owner of the English Premier League team Liverpool F.C. and NASCAR auto-racing team Richard Petty Motorsports, and also once owned the Montreal Canadiens, Miami Dolphins and the Harlem Globetrotters.

•

Ellmore Clark Patterson, Jr., Class of 1931, chairman and CEO of J. P. Morgan & Co. shaped financial community’s response to New York City’s fiscal crisis of the 1970s.

•

Rawleigh Warner, Jr. (attended 1935–36) was chairman/CEO of Mobil Oil.

Government and public service •

Richard L. Conolly (1910) was an Admiral of the United States Navy during World War II. The destroyer USS Conolly (DD-979) was named after him.

•

Charles T. Hollingshead, class of 1950, was the original voice of NASA Space Center.

•

George H. “Barney” Ross, class of 1937, World War II PT boat captain, John F. Kennedy friend who accompanied him on the PT 109 excursion and later returned to help Kennedy win election to the presidency. Kennedy named him to the President’s Committee on Juvenile Delinquency and Youth.

Journalism and letters •

Bill Ayers is a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago who co-founded the Weather Underground. In 2008, his relationship with presidential candidate Barack Obama was the subject of media coverage.

•

Michael Leonard, class of 1966, feature reporter for NBC’s Today show.

Athletics •

Babe Frump, NFL player with the Chicago Bears.

•

Genevieve Lacasse, Olympic gold medalist goalkeeper, Canadian national women’s hockey team.

•

Paul Schuette, NFL player with the New York Giants, Chicago Bears, and Boston Braves

Source: Wikipedia Timeline compiled by Austin Clamage and Peter Corsiglia

A fire burned down LFA’s building on the LFC campus, and LFA purchased the Armour Estate 1946

LFA and Ferry Hall merged into Reyes Family Science Center constructed one co-educational school

1950’s Glore Memorial Gymnasium was built

1988 The school dropped “Ferry Hall” 2001 from its name Dr. John Strudwick becomes Head of School at LFA

1974

2013

THE SPECTATOR 10

Features

JANUARY 31, 2017

Clubs throughout school have big plans to make second semester a successful one

By Andrew Ryder Managing Editor

Now that classes have resumed and students are settled in, clubs throughout the school are starting back up again. Several clubs have special events planned, some with a social service inclination, for what they hope to be a successful second semester.

The Jewish Student Union has some big plans for this semester. Senior club leaders Austin Clamage, Hunter Wolff, and Daniel Rabin plan on making their yearly visit to “Once Upon a Bagel”, a bakery in Highland Park with several kosher options.

They also plan on volunteering at Maot Chitim of Greater Chicago in Lincolnwood in early April during Passover. They’ll help package food which will then be sent to those in need in the Chicagoland Jewish Community.

The Black Student Union (BSU), led by seniors Zhuri Bryant, Erin Snoddy, and Kenan Clarke, have many events planned for the remainder of the year. Their first event planned is to show a movie on campus in February hosted by Jack and Jill of America, an organization that encourages the development of African American youth as they grow older and become leaders in society.

After that, they plan to have their annual black excellence meeting, which is when people at LFA who identify as black come together and have a party. At the party, they

Photo courtesy of Hunter Wolff

Members of the Jewish Student Union at last year’s Maot Chitim food packaging event in Lincolnwood. eat food, watch a movie, and discuss about what they’ve experienced at LFA. The club also plans to host meetings during February which is Black History Month.

“We want to celebrate black history and show everyone our culture,” said Bryant.

Bryant also noted how much the club has grown in her four years at LFA. “When we were freshman, only five or six of us showed up to the meetings,” she said. “This year, around 35 people show up to them.”

In addition, the Relay for Life Club has

Photo by Allison Torres

Senior club leader Zhuri Bryant and other members of the Black Student Union at a meeting in January discussing their plans for Black History Month.

plenty planned for second semester. Relay for Life, led by senior Felipe Alban, is a club that raises money and awareness for cancer research by selling t-shirts and hosting events. Currently, Alban is planning a fundraiser football tournament by partnering with seniors Nithin Reddy and Blake Cedergren who are in charge of the Flag Football Club.

“It’s definitely something that I’m looking forward to doing this spring,” Alban said. “We tried to fit it in last semester but we were all too busy.”

They plan on hosting the fundraiser in

April or May with a requirement of at least a five dollar donation for entry into the tournament.

Alban is also hoping to have a fundraiser where you can play bubble soccer, a game where you strap yourself into a big inflatable ball and knock your opponents around.

“The club raised $8,000 my sophomore year and $10,000 last year,” Alban said.

“The t-shirt sales we’ve done in the past have been really successful so there’s a good chance we do that again.”

Photo courtesy of festivalsandshows.com

Bubble soccer, the game that senior Felipe Alban wants to schedule as a fundraiser for the Relay for Life club.

THE SPECTATOR JANUARY 31, 2017

Opinion and Editorial

Editorial:

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

Explaining the global mind through the midwestern heart

Midwestern heart, global mind. While LFA generally does a good job of living up to this slogan in many small things it does daily, there is a huge way to embody this even more: school trips, such as the one to Washington, D.C for the inauguration, which are truly educational in nature.

While many school trips sponsored by LFA do have some educational aspects, it seems that many of them are mainly for fun. Trips like those to Australia, or to Utah for skiing last March were fun trips. Students get to go to new and different places with their friends. The primary aspect of the trip is enjoying the trip and having a

good time. The educational part often comes up secondary.

“I would say that there are definitely more fun aspects to school trips,” said senior Joey Thomas, who has gone on multiple school trips.

The Spectator staff feels that the school better serves its educational mission when Spring Break trips, like the trip that recently went to D.C. to watch the history be made (as well as go to museums and monuments), are the primary focus of school travel. These educational trips do more to further LFA’s goal of creating global citizens than almost anything else we do during the school year.

“Although we did tie in some

learning about Australian culture, the education was kind of collateral,” commented junior Chris Morrison, who went on the trip to Australia and New Zealand last March.

This editorial is not meant in any way to disparage such LFA’s Spring Break trips. The Spectator believes that having fun is always good, and, having fun at Spring Break offers a needed form of relaxation before the arrival of final exams and APs. The Spectator simply believes that LFA offering more trips like the one to the inauguration, whose main purpose is to learn, would be a powerful move towards the goal of creating pluralistic and global citizens.

Reflecting on 160 years of LFA

By Dr. John Strudwick Head of School On the occasion of Lake Forest Academy’s 160th birthday, it is worthwhile to reflect on the school’s past, present, and future. Founded in 1857, LFA has always been an institution that has focused on the individual student’s experience, placing each and every student at the center of his or her own learning.

This focus is a core principle of the school and one that I believe will be a cornerstone for the next 160 years at the Academy. Even though the school’s location has moved several times since our founding in 1857, a girls and a boys schools merged, new buildings have been built, and advanced technology has been adopted, the Academy has always been and will always be a school that puts the student first.

The Academy has also always been an institution that has attracted the highest quality faculty as teachers, coaches, administrators, and advisors. It is a nurturing place that emphasises empathy and compassion, and I am confident that these values

“The fundamental mission of excellence in character, scholarship, citizenship, and responsibility remains the same.” will continue. Faculty at LFA have always cared about their students, doing everything they can to help each student succeed.

It is a testament to the quality of the faculty that alumni from all generations as well as the current student body speak so highly of their teachers at LFA. LFA recently adopted the tagline of “Midwestern Heart – Global Mind” to reflect this nurturing approach and strong core values as well as the modern and forward-looking focus on becoming a citizen of the world.

Looking forward, I hope that LFA will always maintain these two core strengths. It is vitally important to all of our students that they be surrounded in their education by an emphasis on

compassion and an understanding of global pluralism.

LFA is a great school, and it is one that has created a remarkable legacy since its founding 160 years ago. Although it looks very different today--especially after the recent building projects--and the student body is more diverse in all ways, the fundamental mission of excellence in character, scholarship, citizenship, and responsibility remains the same. Yes, there is now a greater emphasis on learning through a global lens, but the fundamental goals of student development, character formation, and an awareness of self and others have always been and will always be the core tenets of the school.

11 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 Chagoy Jucas Jacob Nithin Reddy

Sports Editors

Jacob Chagoya Jaleel Gray Max Hayes Jack Mahon Lucas Jacob

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.

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

“What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say”- Ralph Waldo Emerson

THE SPECTATOR 12

Arts and Entertainment

JANUARY 31, 2017

Childish Gambino brings the funk on latest album, “Awaken, My Love!”

By Hunter Wolff Editor-in-Chief

Donald Glover has now firmly cemented his place in pop culture as an actor, writer, comedian, producer, singer, and rapper.

2016 was a huge year for the 33-year-old artist from Atlanta. He released his first television show (Golden Globe Award winning), Atlanta, which he produced, wrote, and starred in. In addition he held his own “exclusive” music festival called “Pharos” in Joshua Tree National Park where he debuted his new album to cellphone-less fans so that his show would go unshared and undocumented on the internet. Finally, Glover released his third studio album under his stage name Childish Gambino, “Awaken, My Love!”, in early December to a surprised fan base. His latest album received generally positive reviews, but what surprised his fans most was his completely new change in sound from what everyone was used to hearing.

Gambino has been making hip-hop/rap music since his debut mixtape in 2010.

His last album Because the Internet, which came out in 2013, was a growth of maturity for the Atlanta rapper. His high quality production and his lyrical talents were respected in the hip-hop industry for the first time in his career. Because the Internet was, for me, one of my favorite albums of all time.

The project didn’t solely provide great music to listen to, rather, it was a complete experience of the artist. Along with the album Gambino released a 70-page screenplay and 25 minute short film. I was impressed with the amount of thought that went into the project, but it only made for an incredibly tough act to follow.

“Awaken, My Love!” is not a hip-hop/ rap album; in fact, Apple Music labels it as R&B/Soul. I would agree, however, Gambino clearly takes influences from funk as well. Gambino’s yearning for nostalgic sounding tracks are clearly shown with his influences on this LP being: Funkadelic, Prince, Sly and the Family Stone, and several other funk-rock artists of the 1970’s

and 80’s. Tracks on “Awaken, My Love!” such as “Have Some Love”, “Zombies”, “Boogieman”, and “Redbone” have this sensational funk sound. The album oozes with feelings of scariness and sexuality, both at the same time. Gambino’s screams are deeply emotional and passionate while the instrumentals can range from dark and creepy to chaotic elation. It’s amazing how Gambino could succeed in the funk genre on his first attempt.

One of the most notable elements of Gambino’s “neo-funk” album is his incredible vocals. Gambino sings nearly the entirety of the album and without any auto-tune or vocal editing, what you hear is real. Gambino can reach pitches far beyond what many could imagine possible for him and many thought it was a woman singing instead of Gambino himself. He really shows off his vocal abilities on the song “Redbone”, one of the highlights of the album.

In contrast, the song “California” shows Gambino’s most annoying vocal display I’ve ever heard from him. His voice goes into this whining tone and into odd melodies that drift from the fun and playful calypso sounding instrumental. But in all honesty, the production and instrumental is so good on this track that it makes you forgive him for the horrendous vocals and fall in love with the staccato pops from the percussion.

The production on the album is phenomenal. Gambino and his long time co-producer Ludwig Göransson use soulful guitars and the Gary Clark Jr. feature on “The Night Me and your Mama Met” was a great addition. The first song on the album “Me and Your Mama” and the last song on the album “Stand Tall” utilized impressive beat switches to make a diverse range of sounds within each respective track.

“Awaken, My Love!” is a beautiful album and definitely one of my favorites of 2016.

Musically, this is Gambino’s best album.

He produces a wide range of sounds instrumentally and vocally, showing his talents beyond just hip-hop and rapping. However thematically “Awaken, My Love!” cannot

Photo courtesy of Apple Music

“Awaken, My Love!” debuted at number five on the Billboard 200 chart and was streamed 41.5 million times in the first week, making it Gambino’s highest-charting album to date.

compare to the amazing storyline of Because the Internet. Nevertheless, Donald Glover’s evolution in 2016 has solidified

him as one of the most talented artists of our generation.

Caxy Match

Every month, The Spectator chooses one person at LFA who bears a striking resemblance to a celebrity figure. This month, we have paired junior Joan Karstrom with critically acclaimed and three-time Academy Award winning actress Meryl Streep.

THE SPECTATOR JANUARY 31, 2017

Arts and Entertainment

13

Lights, cameras, deadlines: Preparing for Once on this Island

By Katy Morrison A&E Editor Putting together Lake Forest Academy’s annual winter musical is always a technical and artistic challenge, and this year’s production of Once on This Island has proven to be no exception. The musical is set to debut on February 16 at 7:00. Other lead performances will be held on the evenings of Feb. 17-18. There will also be a show on February 17 at 1:30 p.m. that is devoted to the understudies, showcasing their hard work.

With the show only two weeks away, the entire cast and crew appears to collectively feel excited and positive about the upcoming performances.

Mr. Timothy Plambeck, the show’s musical director, noted that the cast was “very much on track” and would be ready to perform when the time comes.

“It’s a fun show… with a very positive spirit about it” noted Plambeck. “It’s always a lot of moving pieces to put together, that’s the interesting thing. It’s kind of nerve wrecking, and always takes a bit of time, but it’s exciting and always works out.”

Mr. Jason Koenig in charge of the technical components such as, but not limited to,

Tiffany Filawo and Teni Bakare practice a dance routine for the upcoming musical.

lighting, sound effects, and the set itself, said he enjoys the pressure of an approaching show opening.

“When it comes down to it, I like having a little bit of pressure on a deadline…

I feel a little bit more motivated by that,” said Koenig. “I also enjoy having student leaders who are experienced in their (technical) fields, because that helps the stage crew operate very much like a team.”

Complementing the Head of School

Symposium theme of the Caribbean, Once on This Island should keep viewers captivated through the Afro-Caribbean, romantic storytelling of a young orphaned girl and a wealthy city boy whom she saves from death with involvement, both good and bad, from the gods.

One of the leads in the show, junior Anna Markey described the show as a “colorful, dynamic twist on fairytale-like story” that she hopes will keep the audience captivat-

Photo by Allison Torres

ed.

Once on This Island had been performed at LFA 13 or 14 years prior, under former director Mark Dryfoos, a beloved, and recently retired theater teacher. Dr. Monica Palmer, head of the Fine Arts Department is excited for the show the sense that she felt the show “is a wonderful continuation of his legacy”.

Laptop Orchestra will perform solos featuring the theme of ‘Chance’

By Hong Joo Kwon Managing Editor/A&E

The LFA Laptop Orchestra will be having their first concert of the semester in The Cressey Center for the Arts at 7 P.M. on Tuesday, February 28. There will feature a number of special solos, duets, and collaborations featuring the students in the Laptop Orchestra: Stephen Kostov, Gyumin Lee, Oscar (Zongyun) Li, Donte Sibley, David (Ting) Sun, and Calvin (Hongyang) Wang.

“The solo pieces have special theme of chance, so all of the pieces have to contain at least one element that is determined by chance, like a roll of a die or a flip of a coin. In chance music, you set up parameters and then you let something like a roll of a die determines what happens next,” said Mr. Adam Schlipmann, the director of instrumental music. “It’s kind of a game and each person will approach it differently, and so they’ll present their ideas at the concert.”

The music they will be playing will be

mainly music that the students composed themselves, as the concert is based on solos, duets, and collaborations. Although Schlipmann selects the music for the concert, going through student recordings and listening to artists that the students have performed before, trying to pick out how many parts there are, how technical the parts are, and seeing if they have the people able to play those, he also opens the musical choices up in case any of the students have a piece they are listening to that they want to try and perform. They have started looking at the solo pieces in December and they are in the process of composing their music now.

“The course of laptop orchestra makes me feel like that I could use my own creativity to make music under a general theme but not just playing the works from other person’s work. Also, there’s no such standard for the music itself. We definitely hope that the audience would like the music which we made,” said Sun. “For the concert, we played through several songs, and everyone took a part from one song. The experience

Photo courtesy of LFA Smugmug Calvin Wang and Oscar Li perform during the November Laptop Orchestra Concert.

is great because you don’t have to do all the work. The corporation makes it up. I’m confident about the upcoming concert.”

With the special theme, the students’

original composition, and their overall preparedness, Schlipmann said the audience can expect a concert that shines in originality.

THE SPECTATOR 14

Arts and Entertainment

Easy and Warm Fleece Tie Blankets

beat the cold! But one can only drink the classic recipe for so long. Here are some simple and easy ways to spice up your drink!

First, start by making a basic cup of

By Katy Morrison A&E editor In lieu of the bitter cold this month, Caxy Corner is hoping to help you cope with tactics to stay warm this season. After being outside, whether you’re walking back from the Student Union or walking from a class, when you arrive back in your dorm room or home, undoubtedly one feels cold. Upon arriving in your room, nothing sounds more comforting and cozy than a fleece blanket due to the warm and soft properties of a fleece.

To make a quick and easy fleece tied blanket, guaranteed to keep you warm, you will need two and a half yards of fleece, a ruler, and scissors.

Begin by layering both pieces of fleece on top of one another with the sides you want hidden facing one another. Be careful not to pick two fleeces with different patterned sides. Instead, opt for one patterned fabric along with a complimenting plain color in order to achieve the simplest and least distracting combination.

With sharp scissors, cut four square corners, four inches by four inches on each side. Using your scissors, cut slits into the blanket ¼ inch wide and four inches long.

While the strips don’t need to be uniform,

JANUARY 31, 2017

Caxy Corner is a page for up-to date recipes, DIY’s (do-it-yourself), and super useful hacks! Compiled

by Shreya, Katy, Elizabeth. it helps with appearance. Do this along all four of the blanket’s sides, cutting even strips continuously.

Once all the blanket’s sides have been cut, begin tying each set of strips by grabbing the top and bottom fabric, then tying in a double knot. The double knots are important because the fleece can slip easily in single knots, which may lead the blanket to fall apart.

After tying all four sides, the blanket is complete! These blankets make an incredibly warm addition to any room and can also be used as a gift to make anyone warm during the Chicago’s harsh winter.

Beyond Hot Cocoa: various twists to a classic winter staple

By Shreya Singvhi A&E Editor As the temperatures start to dip, all I’ve been wanting to do is curl up with a nice, steaming cup of hot chocolate and sip it while looking at the snow falling gently out of the window. It’s the perfect way to

hot chocolate. You can either make it by scratch, or use a pre-made mix. To make it by scratch, all you need to do is mix one cup of milk with 1/2 a cup of the melted chocolate of your choice. It’s a lot easier to melt if you use chocolate chips, or if you break up a chocolate bar into smaller pieces. That way, you can avoid burning it or a clumpy consistency.

There are lots of ways to add variation to your drink. To make a peppermint hot chocolate, all you need to add is a tablespoon of peppermint extract, or you can add a candy cane in and slowly let it melt as you drink. To make it vegan, add one cup of vanilla almond milk with 1 1/2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and two tablespoons of coconut palm sugar for a healthier alternative. If you want a more unique flavor, try an Aztec style cup, by mixing one cup of milk with 5 oz. of melted,chopped dark chocolate. You can choose to melt the chocolate either in a double broiler, or in a pyrex dish in the microwave. To create an Aztec-inspired cup, add a small pinch of cayenne pepper, as well as 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon.

Hot chocolate can go far beyond these three recipes, and below are seven additional hot chocolate spin-offs you can whip up this winter season. Pinterest offers countless ideas and additional recipes to add to your collection.

Top off any of the above recipes, or an inventive variation with lots of marshmallows, whipped cream, caramel, or cinnamon sticks and enjoy!

How to deal with the winter blues

By Elizabeth Christoph A&E Editor Although the time from Christmas until Spring Break seems like the longest drab period of the year, winter offers a lot more than meets the eye. Even if the temperature and grey weather seem to never get better, with a little effort you just might find yourself enjoying all the activities there really are to brighten up your winter blues.

Winter might seem like the time to snug-

gle up indoors and dream about summer, but in fact there are many fun things to do outdoors that are close and easy. Skating is a must do on your winter activity checklist, and where better to do it than in Chicago? Millennium Park’s McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is open on weekdays until 8 P.M., and 9 P.M. on weekends. Skating is free and for just $12 you can rent a pair of skates. Another popular winter sport, skiing can be done locally as well. You do not need to travel west in order to hit the

Photo courtesy of Katy Morrison

Junior Katy Morrison takes advantage of the ice skating rink at Millenium Park.

slopes. Forty-five minutes to an hour north is Wilmot Mountain, which has been completely revamped by its newest owner, Vail Resorts. Wilmot also features a tubing hill with a magic carpet to carry you up the hill and sled down in designated tracks. Winter may seem too cold to go outside, but the reality is that there are many activities very near that make the dreary days go by much faster.

Sometimes it is just a little too cold or drab outside to go out, and there are many equally fun things to do inside as well.

Snuggling up by the fireplace with a book, or relaxing in a warm bubble bath seem like the only thing to do, but these activities get old after a while. The winter season is a great time to utilize time inside to make baked goods and give warm treats to friends and family. Crafts like snowflake paper cutouts and winter holiday cards not only are a great way to decorate but also brighten up a friend’s day. Another great indoor activity is the Chicago Art Institute which offers free admission to Illinois residents on Thursdays from 5-8 P.M.

Photo courtesy of Pinterest.com

THE SPECTATOR

Sports

JANUARY 31, 2017

15

Prep Hockey ties the Soo Indians 2-2

Stay undefeated during their first home weekend

By Obaid Ansari Managing Editor of Sports

period, assisted by defender Hayden Clark

the third period with two penalties on the

tripping by Hillock with 12:25 left. How-

and defender Kalvin Hillock. The Caxys

Indians. The first was a cross check by Sil-

ever, due to a costly Caxys turnover near

had two chances to put the game away in

ver with 16:24 left and the second was for

their own goal, Indian’s forward Spencer

On Sunday January 15, the Prep Hock-

DenBeste scored a short-handed goal as-

ey team was looking to stay undefeated

sisted by defender Dylan Cook, leveling

during their first home weekend against

the score with 11:26 left in the game.

the Soo Indians. They drew them the night

“We made two horrible mental mistakes

before 3-3 and defeated Fountain Valley

and they capitalized on both,” stated Head

School 7-0 and 8-0.

Coach Darrin Madeley

Like their first meeting this game was

It looked like the Indians had flipped the

intense and physical. The Caxys started

momentum and would go on to win the

off really strong getting a quick 2-0 lead.

game. However, the Caxys responded and

The first goal was scored by junior Caleb

were literally inches away from retaking

Dusek and assisted by assistant captain

the lead. With about three minutes left in

Joe Alexander with 10:25 left in the first.

the game, the puck was half way over the

Soon after, they struck again with 4:58

line before being stopped by the Indians’

left. The goal was scored by senior cap-

goaltender. Unfortunately, the game end-

tain Jacob Upshall, assisted by Alexander

ed in a draw despite the Caxys outshoot-

and senior Ryan Nolan. The team was

ing the Indians 30 to 21.

Overall the weekend was successful,

dominating and it looked like they would

and the prep team hoped to improve for

run away with the game.

“We started to get complacent with the

their next home games which were sched-

two-goal lead and got on our heels,” said

uled as The Spectator was going to print

senior goaltender Zack Rose.

during the last weekend of January.

As the game continued to get more and

“It was a good weekend for the boys, but

more physical the Indians fought back.

we showed we can play better,” said se-

Indian’s forward Spencer Silver scored 7 minutes and 18 seconds into the second

Photo by Allison Torres

Senior Joe Alexander skates down the ice looking for an opportunity to score.

nior Captain Cameron Judge, “It’s always fun to play at home.”

Alumnus soccer star Stephen Payne finds pro success in Portugal

By Jaleel Gray Sports Editor

In a TopDrawerSoccer interview by J.R. Eskilson, Payne said, “They like playing me as left wing and right wing. They also

LFA alumnus Stephen Payne has made

are interested in me as right wing back,

his mark on the professional soccer scene

which they see me at the next level playing

as he joined the Portuguese Estoril Praia

also. It's a different transition but I like it

U23 club team. Payne graduated in 2015

and I'm up for that challenge.”

and was known as a crucial four-year var-

He is currently on their youth team which

sity player for the Caxys, playing as a mid-

is one step away from their first team in the

fielder and striker scoring 28 goals in his

first league of Portugal. He is also one of

senior year. He went on to play D1 soc-

the youngest players on the team, as the

cer at UCLA. However, after one season

club looks to push the teenager forward.

he left to pursue his professional career.

Payne hopes to get opportunities to play

Payne noted that this life changing deci-

with the U23s then get some first team

sion was well thought.

playing time.

"I talked with my parents and I felt like it was the right time to chase my dream

"I have a workout in the morning and

important and I'll go back and finish, but I

then breakfast,” he said. “After that I eat

want to go after this with everything," he

a light lunch before training in the after-

explained.

noon. Then I have the rest of the night to

cer league began when an agent from Por-

Stephen Payne played at UCLA for one year before moving on to the pro level.

workouts and training sessions.

of playing in Europe. School is definitely

Payne's interest with the Portuguese soc-

Photo courtesy of Stephen Payne

Payne has a rigorous daily schedule of

myself to just eat dinner and relax before bed."

tugal contacted his dad after US National

He enjoys the Portuguese environment

Team camp. Payne’s game is built on his

stating that it is friendly and welcoming.

technical skill on the ball as he has excep-

Payne also claimed that learning the lan-

tionally quick feet and can play in tight

guage is difficult but his teammates and

spaces. His position has not yet been estab-

coaches help him adjust to the team and

lished since the club coaches have looked

culture without having any linguistic hard-

to place him in a variety of positions.

ships.

16

Sports

JANUARY 31, 2017

Is winter break harmful or helpful to LFA sports?

By Max Hayes and Jack Mahon Sports Editors The highly anticipated winter break at Lake Forest Academy is known for three weeks of relaxation after a hard fought battle versus finals. The lengthy winter break is provided to LFA students family time, holidays, vacations and trips back home for boarders. However, these long three weeks may be affecting LFA winter athletics more than we realize, both in positive and negative ways.

“I think the break really helps refresh students. They have time to recover after first semester, and they come back second semester re-energized and excited to get back to their team,” said LFA Athletic Director Darrin Madeley.

According to Madeley, the long break is essential for students after the rigors and stress of December exams, something many schools near LFA do not have. Many public schools play games and practice over winter break so that their state ranking can continue to climb, as well as keep their athletes in shape and focused. However, it is not possible for LFA to compete for state because of IHSA restrictions regarding LFA boarders. Madeley believes that the long, relaxing winter break provides necessary relaxation time for LFA athletes to recover, and it ultimately gives LFA athletes an advantage when they come back from break refreshed, reenergized, and ready to go.

Boys/Girls Varsity Basketball and Prep Hockey are several of the sports that are affected by winter break at LFA. The

coaches and athletes that play for these teams have varying beliefs on whether or not the break has more of a positive or negative impact on LFA athletics.

“I’m really not a big fan of winter break, even though we get to practice on our own skills over break, it takes away from our team chemistry. The chemistry we built before break is lost, and when we get back it takes a couple weeks for that chemistry to work again,” said Boys Varisty basketball captain Austin Clamage.

Although many basketball players shared the same opinion as Clamage, some members of the team were on the other side of the spectrum.

“During winter break, I spent half of my time at the LFA gym practicing and just keeping conditioned, because coming back after three long weeks is not going to make practice easy,” said junior Mikey Mesrobian.

Girls Varsity Basketball coach Erica Wood said that although some chemistry and fitness is lost during the duration of break, the break is needed. But not all her players agree with her.

“Coming back from winter break is very hard for the team because everyone comes back out of shape and it’s hard to regain our momentum and chemistry,” said team captain Aleeya Sawyer.

One of the most intense LFA sports is Prep Hockey, and players had the whole winter break to decompress and recover from an intensive first half of the season.

According to Madeley, players had independence in terms of their fitness over break. They could run or workout as little

Photo by Allison Torres

Senior Ryan Nolan hunts down the puck against Fountain Valley School.

Photo by Allison Torres

Head Coach Matt Vaughn getting team together for first game back from break.

or as much as they wanted to.

“It’s up to them, but they need to know we have a run of five games starting the day after we get back from break,” said Madeley.

LFA winter athletics is definitely impacted by winter break in a variety of ways, whether or not that impact is neg-

ative or positive is up for debate. winter break definitely provides the necessary time to recover physically and mentally from grueling fall exams and sports, and opinions vary on whether or not this recovery time is an advantage or a disadvantage against other schools who have practices and games over the break.

Photo courtesy of LFA SmugMug

Senior Aleeya Sawyer brings the ball up the court against Latin School of Chicago.