February Spectator 2011

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S P E C TAT O R 1500 West Kennedy Road Lake Forest, IL 60045

Volume 89 Number 5

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February 25, 2011

Academic dishonesty survey: 39% of LFA students admit to cheating

By Taylor Jenkins Editor-in-Chief

Students and teachers alike have been heard lately wondering about the extent of academic dishonesty at Lake Forest Academy. Some people think it is pervasive; some think it isn’t a problem at all. In an effort to clarify the possible problem, The Spectator staff recently undertook an online survey to discover the severity of academic dishonesty at LFA. In that survey, 39% of the students who responded admitted to cheating on something at LFA.

The six questions on the survey – distributed to the student body through surveymonkey – were specifically designed to discover the amount, methods, and opinion of the LFA student population on academic dishonesty. While the results are shocking, they should not be taken as an exact representation of the situation due to possible non-responses and false answers on questions.

The survey found that 39% of all LFA students have done something that would be considered academically dishonest. This means that approximately 2/5 students openly admitted to violating one of LFA’s major rules. According to the survey results, the two most prevalent ways to commit academic dishonesty were copying homework (23.7%) and discussing tests with

other students who have already taken the test (21.6%).

Twenty percent of respondents also felt that at least 1-of-5 LFA students have plagiarized from the internet. Plagiarism is described in the handbook as “… the use of another person’s words, thoughts, or ideas without crediting the source. Students are especially cautioned that using and copying material from internet sites and presenting it as one’s own work is entirely dishonest and easily distinguished by one’s teachers as the work of another writer.”

“I’ve been almost forced to copy homework on multiple occasions because of the sheer amount of work we get. It gets to the point where I can’t possibly complete all of my homework so I am forced to get answers off other students in the class,” admitted an anonymous survey respondent.

This was a very common response among students who admitted to cheating in one form or another. Many stated that they simply couldn’t complete all their work due to its sheer volume and that they viewed cheating as their only option, other than handing

in late work.

Another surprising result of the survey was that 62% of those who responded felt that cheating was not a major issue around campus, yet 45% of responders believed that at least 1/5 of LFA students have been Story continued on page 4 academically Photo Courtesy of Tribune News Services

According to a survey taken by Lake Forest Academy students, the two most common ways of cheating is copying homework and discussing tests.

Dual screen tablet future of textbooks

By Ariana Bhatia News Editor

For those who are tired of lugging around pounds of textbooks each night, tablet technology may have found you a solution. As of December 2010, Kno Inc. began shipping its newest invention, the Dual Screen Tablet, in attempt to revolutionize the education industry. The Kno Dual Screen Tablet offers a lightweight and compact alternative to the traditional set of textbooks. The new device opens like a book, but instead of pages a reader is greeted by two 14-inch-screens. While few may have heard of Kno, its new product has the potential to completely change the way students learn.

The Dual Screen Tablet is being marketed as a “digital textbook.” After purchasing a tablet, students can download all their textbooks onto this one device. Instead of carrying around a 20 lb. backpack, all students will need

is their tablet.

“I think it would definitely help students because, for one, it obviously allows them to carry all their textbooks with them... I don’t think its practical for the students to carry textbooks, not only to the classroom, but on athletic trips and other student trips,” said Mr. David Aykroid, LFA’s Director of Information Technology, “Consumers are going to demand that this technology is available.”

Not only will they be able to read the tablet textbook in full size without scrolling, but also use the stylus to annotate the text or create sticky notes, highlight passages, and even look up words in the dictionary. The double screens were designed to allow students to read on one side while simultaneously taking notes or researching on the web on the other. In addition to texts the tablet can store study guides, handouts, or a student’s own work and back them up online, if necessary.

“This device has a stylus technology and there are studies that have shown that writing out hand written notes allows students to have better retention than notes that are typed,” commented Aykroid.

The device was created with college students in mind; however, it already has the capabilities to download numerous textbooks used at LFA. While many see the ease of purchasing books digitally as a plus, this factor is also responsible for the wariness of publishers to the tablets.

Aykroid mentioned that publishers are “concerned with the ease of duplication.”

Students responded to the idea of using such a device with mixed feelings.

“I like the concept of no actual textbooks,” said junior Matt Goad.

“It’s genius!” junior Casey Coulter seconded.

However others see possible downsides to such a Story continued on page 2 technology.

6 8-9 12

Get to know Groupon

See page 6

Comparing the aspirations of two LFA classes

See page 8

LFA Oscar predictions

See page 12

lfa spectator

news 2

february 25, 2011

World News “Race to Nowhere” stresses an overbearing Roundup Assembled by Sophia Salsberry Photo Editor

Affetto, the baby robot Information from BBC news.

Japanese roboticists Minoru Asada, Hisashi Ishihara, and

pressure on students

By Rickey Larke and Erica Lewis Op-Ed Editors

Yuichiro Yoshikawa have developed a robotic tabletop baby’s head,

Every

February

the

Affetto, which means affection in Italian. Affetto was designed to

LFA All-School Meeting is re-

look like a 1-2 year old child with realistic facial expressions, life-

lated to the month-long celebra-

like eyes, and a mouth that opens and closes. Affetto is not the first

tion of Black History Month,

robo-baby, he follows Kindy and Noby, Diego, and CB2. The idea

but this year the school decided

behind Affetto is that scientists will be able to use him to study baby development and is meant to be treated as a human being by caregiv-

to use the first ASM meeting slot to tackle the controversial film “Race to Nowhere,” di-

ers.

rected Vicki Abeles and Jessica

Protestors force Egyptian President to step down

Congdon. The documentary discusses the American School system, the increased emphasis on school tests and college choices, and the stress levels that causes

for students and family members. It chronicled several families and students in California applying for college and struggling with class workloads. Attendees viewed the film and then had a frank discussion with school administrators present in the theater.

Photo courtesy of Tribune News Services Egyptian demonstrators protesting president

A major critical point

stated in the movie was that American schools are failing to educate students in critical

Information from BBC news.

After 18 days of protest, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak

is removed from his position and the new ruling military council has dissolved the parliament and suspended the constitution. The higher

thinking, a skill needed to bring new solutions to the world.

“The American educa-

tion system is a mile wide and an inch deep,” said Abeles, chal-

military council plans to set up a committee to draft a new constitu-

lenging teachers and parents to

tion and then put it to a popular referendum. The military has stressed

find ways to better equip future

that it would be best for Egyptians to return to work for a smooth

generations to tackle new prob-

transition to civilian rule. Yet fresh protests and strikes from bankers, transport and tourism workers, and policemen have erupted over better pay and conditions from Egypt’s new military rulers. The military’s biggest challenge will be staving off future protests and strikes.

lems. Abeles contends that more time is spent on learning to take tests than developing actual

educational skills in American

problems occurring in the film

schools. She said this is done

did not permeate the LFA com-

because of the intense focus on

munity.

getting into the “best” colleges.

Even though the film

tions about making the school

dealt primarily with public

day longer or dropping home-

schools, Academic Dean Phil

work all together, Mr. David

Schwartz felt the film was so

Wick, a Latin and English teach-

important that he wanted LFA

er at Lake Forest Academy re-

students and parents alike to

marked that: “Each problem is

view it.

different for each family, so it’s

“As a school we are in-

After hearing sugges-

hard to have one solution for a

terested in the overall well being

mass of kids.”

of our students,” said Schwartz.

“The film raises questions that

in school are different, so are all

our faculty and staff have been

institutions and teachers,” Wick

working to address over the past

continued, “but I think at LFA

few years (stress, sleep depriva-

educators do a good job at cer-

tion, academic, etc.).”

tain things and are able to con-

The film, which gar-

nect and reach kids. However,

nered mixed emotions from

we all do have things we need to

students, seemed to gain a lot of

work on to become a better insti-

support from the crowd of par-

tution, but I’d like to think we’re

ents who came to see it in the

making a good attempt to better

Cressey Center.

ourselves already.”

“The film was spot-on

“Just like all children

A few students attended

for me and my family,” com-

the screening and they offered

mented one parent. “Especially

mixed feelings in the post-film

the story about the third grade

discussion.

boy already under stress in the

film. That made me understand

wick stated the movie was “spot

what the filmmaker was trying

on”, while others posed the

to show the audience.”

question “Are we becoming too

“The film highlighted

lazy?” Most students seemed to

a lack of ‘love for learning’ in

be able to understand both argu-

schools today,” said another

ments and were committed, like

LFA parent. “When I viewed it

their parents, to working with

that way, it was very upsetting.”

administrators to help change

the school system in this coun-

Most of the post-film

conversation centered on what

Sophomore Jane Strud-

try.

students, faculty, and parents alike could do to make sure the

Tablet capable of changing future school materials continued from page 1

China’s economy surpasses Japan’s

“I think it would be efficient, but personally I like reading out of a physical book,” commented junior Natalie Bernstein.

“I feel like that would be a great idea. It would be much easier to carry. It would cost a little but in the long run it would be

Information from BBC news

China has overtaken Japan as the world’s second biggest

economy, with Japan’s economy worth at $5.474 trillion and China at $5.8 trillion at the end of 2010. Japan experienced a drop in exports and consumer demand, while China has hit a manufacturing boom. At China’s current growth rate it is expected that it will replace the US as the world’s leader in about a decade. Japan played down the significance of the economic change in rank even though this is the first time they have been replaced as the world’s second largest economy in four decades.

Photo courtesy of www.kno.com

The Kno Dual Tablet allows efficient multitasking by using both LCD screens.

a lot cheaper than buying tons of textbooks every year,” said junior Aline Feijo, “but what worries me would be the E-waste that it could produce.”

The technology department has recently been looking into the possibility of bringing such devices to LFA student life.

news 3

february 25, 2011

By Hunter Johnstone Staff Writer

to make it more interactive and fun. He also says at the end of the day there will be a surprise per-

One of Lake Forest Academy’s longstanding traditions is Multicultural Day, a day on which both students and faculty get to learn about, and express the diversity of, cultures and traditions one can find at the school.

This year, the faculty overseers of Multicultural Day (Mr. Steve Ryder and Ms. Lily Zhao) aim to make Multicultural Day an entertaining event for all through small changes to the day’s schedule, while emphasizing the same goal of cultural learning that the experience was built upon.

“We always do our best to make it fun for everybody and to offer a variety of activities,” said Ryder. “We’re just tweaking details.”

Ryder explained that they will continue to have the one-day language classes due to their success last year, and by request they will now be extended to be 45 minutes. The booths representing different countries will now have a trivia game involved

formance that he doesn’t want to give away.

Other small changes are coming from student leaders, like senior Kenny Chavez, who is one of the proctors for Multicultural Day.

“We will try to bring the Student Diversity Leadership Conference experience to LFA this year. We will do this with a series of activities that we have planned to promote a more diverse and inclusive community,” said Chavez.

Some people at LFA are still fond of the main activities that are held every year. For example Mr. Justin Jones believes the best part of Multicultural Day is the International Fair. Accodring to Jones, it gives international students a chance to not only try different foods from around the world, but also to “represent and be proud of their culture and where they’re from.”

Others who’ve never experienced Multicultural Day have high ex-

By Natasha Patel Op-Ed Editor

ture and often create a space for

stated, “and what role we, as con-

themselves. So, it is necessary to

sumers play, in the evolution that

Photo courtesy of Ruth Keyso Students demonstrate an international dance during the talent show that follows the International Fair.

pectations as well.

“I hope it will be fun, interesting, and culturally eyeopening,” said freshman Caroline Duckworth. Similarly, Ben Diaz, junior, expects a day of “globally pluralistic fun.”

In all, the purpose of Multicultural Day has always

been to “celebrate the cultural differences we have here on campus,” as Ryder phrased it, but some want to make sure that this message is not received the wrong way.

“We can’t just look at it superficially as ‘this is how diverse LFA is,’ but we must recog-

nize the whole idea of having an opportunity to be exposed to all the different cultures and countries represented here in preparation for what one might encounter in the real world,” said Dean of Pluralism Lusanda Mayikana.

“Overall there’ll always be a benefit.”

New electives allow students to explore new fields of study afford students an opportunity to There are many new

we have seen in hip hop culture

explore and examine these issues

elective courses being offered

since the 1970s.”

as they apply to what many see

this semester, primarily geared

“I really like it so far,”

as commonplace in our everyday

towards the seniors, as their last

said Zach Volland, a senior at

lives in order to bring them to the

semester at Lake Forest Academy

LFA, who takes this elective. “We

center.”

are basically learning about how

begins.

These electives cover

Mayikana’s favorite part

specific subjects in great depth,

rap music is misunderstood by a

about teaching this elective is

similar to college elective cours-

lot of people and about everyone

“when students realize that you

es, and tend to be taken by very

who started the different forms of

hear different things when you

interested students.

hip hop.”

listen in different ways and shar-

Ms. Lusanda Mayikana

Mr. Ted Stewart, Head

ing research about how Hip Hop

created a new English elective en-

Football Coach at LFA, has intro-

incorporates culture and society

titled “Power and Politics in Hip

duced an elective entitled “Sport

– especially issues that pertain to

Hop Culture.”

in American History”. He has

representation and power.”

a master’s degree in Sport Ad-

Mayikana

was intro-

with the major questions of phi-

ministration and an undergradu-

duced to Hip Hop as an academic

losophy, identity, ideology, art

ate degree in American Studies.

discipline through lectures and

and existence, and it is essentially

When asked what Stewart enjoys

seminars run by the W.E.B. Du

a study of race, ethnicity, class,

about the subject matter, he re-

Bois Institute at Harvard.

plied, “teaching an elective, be-

“Hip hop is concerned

gender, sexuality and identity

“My interest was piqued

as they are lived by urban youth

by the realization that most peo-

and their communities,” said

ple listen to and participate in hip

Mayikana. “It foregrounds how

“In our course we hit on

hop culture without taking into

oppressed people and marginal

a number of different topics and

consideration the power and poli-

voices move into dominant cul-

try to bring everything together

tics that drive the industry,” she

to answer two or three overarch-

cause there are no boundaries on what to teach.”

ing questions,” said Stewart, who

Murphy commented that

also enjoys interacting with stu-

the class works on “connecting

dents on an academic level.

how literature that was created

Senior Jared Dimakos

and written in Chicago was af-

takes this elective and explained

fected by the movements of dif-

that the class began with dis-

ferent populations into and out of

cussions on the development of

Chicago.”

sports by Native Americans and

The class is working on

how they were used for more

several unique projects. For ex-

than simply entertainment. When

ample, they recently took poems

asked about the course Dimakos

by author Carl Sandburg and

said, “it’s a fun class and very in-

transformed them into moving

teresting.”

slideshows to illustrate their in-

Mr. William Murphy, an

terpretations.

English teacher and head of The

Spectator, established an elective

and I find it really interesting,”

called “Literature of Chicago.” It

said Jess Kaminsky, a senior at

is brand new and was actually the

LFA taking this course, “especial-

idea of former English Depart-

ly because we not only examine

ment Chair, Jeff Bell, who asked

poems and novels like a regular

Murphy to develop it.

English class, we also get to learn

“I really enjoy the class

When asked why he was

a lot about the history of Chicago

interested in starting this elective,

and why things are the way they

Murphy responded that he was

are now. It’s almost like an Eng-

attracted to the chance to teach

lish and history class based upon

seniors, because he usually only

right around where we live and go

teaches freshmen.

to school.”

lfa spectator

March 2nd: Multicultural Day showcases LFA diversity

lfa spectator

news 4

february 25, 2011

Touch screens in library receive varying reviews

By Mary Kate Hayes News Editor

Ever since September of this school year, the LFA library has attracted students, and their mixed feelings, to its three new, large touch-screen computers.

Each computer has a cost of $3,000, which has created some criticism.

“I think they’re kind of cool and work well enough,” said sophomore Brian Challenger.

“But I question the actual practicality of them. I feel like a simple mouse could have worked just as well, if not better.”

Most students interviewed for this story tended to agree with Challenger on the cost of the touch-screens versus the value they provide.

“The school should cut spending on things such as touchscreens when the ones we have are doing just fine,” commented sophomore Will Shoemaker. “[They should] put it towards furthering our academics and actual necessities.”

But the computers are

not meant to be just novelties, as many students seem to believe.

“I sort of feel like it’s just one of those things for the school to say ‘Look we have touch-screen computers,’” said Challenger.

On the other hand, the computers bring a new level of technology to the library.

“Although the money may not have been spent in the best way, now that we have them I think the fancy computers look good, work good, and are a great addition to the library,” said sophomore Clay Danly.

Director of Library Information Services Grier Carson brings a new view on the investment to the table.

“At this school,” commented Carson, “we pride ourselves with the privilege to experiment for the benefit of students and teachers.”

Although the touchscreens are fairly expensive, said Carson, because they are new technologies, they allow for presentations and group work to be “more effective and

Cheating survey results revealed continued from page 1 dishonest. This shows that, as a whole, students don’t feel that cheating is a major offense because it is known that many do it and yet is still not believed to be a major issue.

“I don’t feel like talking about a test with a student from another class is a big deal.

It does not hurt anyone and it’s not full-out cheating,” stated another source when asked about the lax feeling about cheating

among students.

Academic dishonesty has an entire section in the LFA Student Handbook dedicated to helping students understand what is and is not acceptable. It is viewed as a very serious offence in the eyes of the school and violators can often be subject to disciplinary action up-to and including dismissal from the school.

The Spectator cheating survey was completed by hundreds of LFA students

Despite mixed reviews students use the touch screen computers to access websites quickly.

impressive.”

Another immediate benefit is that touch-screen interfaces are the future of technology and the LFA community will already be adjusted to it.

A positive aspect most students see is the easy access to printing. These computers don’t require the user to sign in, allowing students to print

assignments from email or heir school folders in little time.

“I use them to print things,” said senior Michelle Moon. “That’s all.”

The computers are constantly being used, and rarely produce technological problems.

“Whenever I’m in the library there’s always someone on them,” said Grace Coburn.

“So as long as they’re put to good

Photo by Sophia Salsberry

use, I don’t think it was a waste of money.”

Students complain about the lack of privacy, but as Carson stressed, the computers are there for specific purposes.

He feels that the investment will be advantageous to the advancement of technology at LFA, despite some doubts of the student users.

AIF dance to help kids in India

By Taylor Jenkins Editor- in- Chief

The American Indian Foundation will be holding a dance marathon on campus on February 26th. Its main objective will be to raise money to help support underprivileged children in India. Participants are asked to find sponsors who will donate a total of 25 dollars to those who take part in the dance. This provides students a unique opportunity for students to support the all school symposium while still enjoying themselves at the dance.

Money raised at this event will go to help children in impoverished areas of India. AIF focuses on important aspects of improving developing areas such as education, public health and social equity.

“We had around 70 people come for past events. I’m not sure exactly but it would be nice to see more people,” is how Mills described previous events.

In the past the event has drawn approximately 70 people according to Adam Mills the treasurer of the local AIF chapter.

Both Mills and Sophia Smith,

Photo by Ariana Bhatia Students gathered for the AIF dance at CROYA in past years. This year it will be held at LFA.

AIF member, seem confident that this event will draw more attention for LFA students due to better advertisement and this year’s dance being located on campus.

“We wanted to get kids involved and a dance was a perfect idea for that because it is something people would be willing to raise money for. Plus it’s fun,” said Mills explaining why they chose a dance for the fundraiser.

For those considering

joining, AIF provides students an opportunity to help others their age in a major developing country.

“Its catalyzing social change in India, in an age group closer to our own. It really shows that people our age can make a difference,” said Smith while explaining why she volunteers at AIF. Those who would like more information should talk to Ariana Bhatia the Junior Board Chair or visit aif.org.

lfa spectator

features 5

february 25, 2011

Spring into the season with new shoes The Spectator reports what shoes are hot for the spring season

By Rickey Larke and Erica Lewis Op-Ed Editors

In a school where the dress code can restrict your ability to express your personal style, shoes serve as a way to remain in dress code as well as exhibit individuality. As the new spring season approaches, and the old, winter boots seem to be going out of fashion, The Spectator writers Rickey Larke and Erica Lewis lend their shoe expertise to LFA students:

Rain Boots Because the weather at Lake Forest Academy remains unpredictable, rain boots seem to be a perfect solution to the crazy temperatures. As the snow will soon

Gladiator Sandals With the dress code strictly forbidding flip flops, gladiator- style sandals give off the same sense of comfort while also remaining inside the guidelines for what is permitted shoe-wise. These sandals come in many different combinations of colors and patterns, styles and designs.

Secure and comfy, the bright colors linked to these shoes are going to have a major presence for girls at LFA during the upcoming warmer months.

melt, leaving the ground gross, muddy and slippery, rain boots easily tackle the dirtiness of melted snow and thick mud. Coming in several different colors and patterns, these boots are often spotted around the halls of LFA. Rain boots overcome the hardships that come with uncertain weather, while simultaneously maintaining a sense of style.

Image courtesy of shopesolefood.blogspot.com

Dio Boot

Creative Recreation may sound like a toddler play zone but this little known brand has begun to build great merit within the Sneaker Head community. The line previously only known for its casual and athletic sports shoes now ventured into a new realm of the shoe universe with their new line of boots. Though a causal boot/shoe it resembles their infamous slim sneaker style and is almost identical to the shoe except with the elevated heal and new suede and leather textures. The Boot which can be found in more colors than most of their shoes is most fashionable in the original Tan and brown mix and sports the gold logo on the top. There have already been sightings of this shoe in Atlass and is sure to continue to show up in the community. The boot will cost anywhere from 62.00 to150.00 depending on size and which distributer it is bought through.

Image courtesy of 6z3.com

Jordan CMFT 11 Viz Airs Spring is a time when colors are always abundant, so to “kick” off the new season Jordan brand is launching their new casual sporty “crossover” the Jordan CMFT 11 Viz Airs. The Cross between the Air-Jordan XI and the Nike Air Maxes are unique twist on the usual spring tennis shoe. While the casual look appeals to most people just looking for a new pair to wear every day, the funky colors including Chlorine Blue and Black-Spark-Anthracite and the Original Jordan print will draw shoe connoisseurs alike. The date for the release of the shoe is scheduled in mid- February with a retail cost of $110.00. Though the price is particularly expensive for most shoes, it is considerably cheaper than most new Jordan arrivals and is sure to be a very popular shoe in the coming months.

Image courtesy of shoes.com

Moccasins The snug, cozy flair of moccasins make them a very well-liked shoe among high school girls. These trendy shoes can match with nearly any outfit, coming in several basic colors like black or tan. moccasin style shoes range from tasseled boots to simple flats The flexibility of moccasin shoes allow them to be worn during every season.

Image courtesy of undergroundsoles.com

Image courtesy of boots-sale.com

lfa spectator

features 6

Log on to Groupon

february 25, 2011 An online coupon website could end up saving you hundreds of dollars on things you actually buy

Lucy Emery Editor-in-Chief

Ask any child of this age of technology to sit on a Saturday morning and clip coupons, and they will give you a look like you just asked them to do the insane for several reasons, partly because teenagers spend their Saturday mornings doing something much more meaningful, sleeping, and also because the computer and websites can email you coupons for stores you actually go to, all without having to spend hours wasting your time doing the tedious. Sites like Groupon are paving the path for new ways to shop.

Groupon is a website that sends out daily emails to its subscribers about daily deals to stores that are in proximity to each user.

Groupon sends its subscribers deals that are catered to certain geographic regions. Users can filter the types of coupons so they can find coupons for things they will actually use. They have localized markets in many countries such as Canada, Brazil, Germany, Greece, France and UK. It was launched in 2008 in Chicago and now has 35 million users.

Science teacher, Dr. Barton, recently tried using Groupon for the first time and found the experience to be positive.

“It was a very easy experience,” explained Barton, “I hadn’t used it before because I

Image courtesy of http://tonybradshaw.files.wordpress.com

Groupon offers its users daily deals to stores and services that are in local to each user.

was afraid it would be too difficult, but I found it to be easy. I was sent an email alerting me about the sale. The only scary part is sending money.”

Barton elaborated by saying that you just have to assume they will send you the gift card, which can be frightening.

She also mentioned she would not initially use the website for large purchases, until she was sure it was safe.

Math teacher, Mrs. Tennyson has been using Groupon for around two years.

“I have purchased a variety of different coupons. A few retail, some restaurants, and others for services like yoga or nails.” Explained Tennyson about what she usually buys.

“My overall experience has been very positive.” Says Tennyson, “You have to be careful not to spend money you would

not have otherwise just because you are getting a discount. For example, if I wasn’t planning to buy anything at a certain store, I shouldn’t pay $25 for a Groupon even if it is worth $50, because that is still $25 more than I should have spent. You also have to ‘read the fine print’ and be aware of when Groupons expire- but you can get some pretty great deals.”

Another allure of the website is having a large period

of time to use the gift card they send you.

Despite having a loyal users, Groupon’s monopoly in the market has been recently taken by another coupon website called LivingSocial. LivingSocial began to stir things up when they worked with Amazon to give users a promotion that was all too difficult to resist for millions of users. The two companies are now fierce competitors and are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to ways to advertise.

Recently, Groupon has received a lot of backlash for their Super bowl commercial, which many claim pokes fun at Tibet, which makes the race for the best deals even narrower, with many users looking towards LivingsSocial.

“I would use the website again if I knew I would use the coupon I’m purchasing.” Explained Barton about using Groupon again, “I like the convenience and knowing I’ll use what I am paying for” To join this hit program, you simply have to sign up at groupon.com, and then find the deals that appeal to you, and then you purchase them at a discounted price. If enough people purchase the coupon, then you will be notified and then you can print the coupon and purchase whatever you want at a discounted price

Recession? What recession?

Teens are spending more carelessly than ever

By Lucy Irungu Features Editor

What seemed to be a fun-filled Friday afternoon hobby for most American teens has now become a national crisis.

Teenage girls are turning in their dolls for credit cards and boys have become spending machines.

Why has teen spending become so popular? The answer is quite simple. Teenagers don’t spend money anymore because they need things; they spend because they have this fervent desire to spend money whereever they go.

For retailers around the country, this seems to be the answer to all their problems. It is the only thing that is keeping many companies above water in this struggling economy. Popular stores such as Forever 21 and H&M have greatly profited from

this boost in teen consumerism.

During the recession, stores were not meeting their sales mark for specific months, but in the last two years, more stores have been meeting their quotas. Abercrombie and Fitch, which is a highly popular store amongst middle school teens, saw an 8% increase in sales in the past year, all due to teenage spending. The more time kids spend in the malls, the more they are subconsciously willing to spend money on unnecessary items. Now that more teens are employed and have another source of income, they have more money to frivolously spend on items they don’t necessarily need, but want simply because they can now afford it.

“Since I have had a job, I spend more on myself because I have the money to do so. Also, when I was younger I had a lot

more restrictions on how much I could spend because I only got money from my parents. I have more freedom to buy what I want when I want it,” said freshman Chinara Hill.

Without the hefty load of bills and other expenses that adults have to pay, it only makes sense that with more money, teens will spend more. However, it becomes a problem when teens begin to spend excessively and stop saving for the future.

“I think it is important that teens learn how to save in high school because it will help them better manage their money when they are older, says LFA freshman Hector Murrieta. “If they just continue to spend too much and not save, they will have a harder time adjusting as adults.”

Many teens feel pressured by their peers to spend,

making it easier to justify that spending $600 on a pair of jeans is acceptable. At times, teens will buy things just because they feel pressure from their friends, even though it might be out of their budget.

“It’s easier to spend money when you’re with your friends because they are probably spending as well, so it just feels alright,” says LFA sophomore Bea Hepkema.”It’s also awkward when everyone around you if spending money and you’re not.

It makes you feel like you’re not part of the group.”

Spending has become a method of “self-assurance”. In order to feel good about themselves, they look to spend money for that extra dose of self-confidence.

Money has always been a part of high school social ladders across the country and has become of

even more importance over the past two years.

“People are always judging you on how you look,” says Chinara. “I think teenagers feel that if they have nice clothes on people will view them differently.”

Chinara brings up a solid point.

Teenagers spend millions of dollars on clothing every year because they want people to think they are financially secure, even though that may not always be the case.

“Teaching teens how to spend responsibly is very important because for example at LFA, it is so easy to sign a charge sheet and expect your parents to pay for it,” said LFA Dean of Multiculturalism Lusanda Mayikana. “If we don’t start controlling how much teens are spending, the future of our economy will be at risk.”

features 7

february 25, 2011

By Georgiana Managing

Wagemann Editor

the class. “It made me think about what I say, before I say it more.”

Although these exer To most students, the cises do have the tendency to word “poetry” initiates a roll put students out of their comfort of the eyes, an internal cringe, zone, both Kulas and Mayikaor anxiety about a future poetic na agreed that the exercises analysis paper. But when Mr. were enjoyable and advantaJamele Adams stepped onto the geous in their growth as writers.

LFA stage earlier this month, the Ms. Mayikana, who LFA community fell into an at- teaches the Hip Hop Culture tentive and anticipatory silence. class, was responsible for findImmediately, he rocked the stage ing Adams to share his talwith a passionate poem spoken ent with the LFA community. with precision and purpose. Ap- Ms. Mayikana was extremely plause erupted following the per- pleased with the effect that Adformance, and Adams introduced ams had on the student-body. himself to the audience with a ge- “He makes poetry acniality that highly contrasted the cessible and allowed students intensity he had employed mere to let go of their inhibitions,” seconds ago. Not only did Ad- she noted. “Adams emphasized ams intrigue the LFA community the idea of presentation and at All School Meeting, but he also having an emotional outlet.” taught a more intimate poetry sem- Regarding the ininar during Ms. Lusanda Mayika- class activities, Ms. Mayikana na’s Hip Hop Culture class. praises his techniques, stat What exactly occurred ing that he allowed people to during this class? Senior Emily let their guards down and be Kulas explained that he [Adams] vulnerable to explore poetry. made the class write spontane- Most importantly to ous Haikus about someone in Ms. Mayikana, Adams stated the class. But that was not all. that the classroom was a “safe

“We then had to pres- space,” and that what was said ent our Haiku to the class,” in the classroom, stayed in the said Kulas, explaining that Ad- class room. This allowed stuams’ exercise emphasized the dents to be more willing to share spontaneity of writing. Accord- their poetry and whatever emoing to Kulas, Adams’ message tions accompanied them, without was: “If you feel it, write it.” worrying about their personal

“We wrote pieces on information being revealed folwhether or not we deserve to lowing the class. Adams emphalive,” recalled Mbasa Mayikana, sized that spontaneous poetry is a freshman who was present in excellent because it is something

Image Courtesy of blogs.brandeis.edu

Poet Jamele Adams captivated LFA students during an All School Meeting earlier this month.

tangible, proof of one’s feelings at a specific moment in time.

“A poem acts as evidence of your feelings at one precise moment,” said Ms. Mayika-

na. “One could look back on a poem written passionately three months ago and not even recall for what purpose it had been constructed. Therein lay the proof

that emotions had existed, feelings had been concrete and real even if they have faded.”

Chicago Shakespeare Theatre is coming A curse to arrive at LFA: to LFA to perform Macbeth

By Eric Clamage Editor in Chief

Image Courtesy of Michael McNamara

Macbeth wrestles with the prophecy given to him by the witches in Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s

On March 9 2011, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater will be visiting Lake Forest Academy and performing Macbeth for students and faculty. The performance will be on a G-day after school.

The Chicago Shakespeare Theater coming will be visiting the school thanks to English teacher, Mr. William Murphy.

“They’re coming in no small part because of Mr. Murphy – in fact, without his efforts these visits simply wouldn’t happen. It’s a phenomenal accomplishment to persuade a company of the caliber of the Chicago Shakespeare Theater to visit our school,” noted Mr. Jonathan Free-

man who is head of the English department.

Last year, the company came and performed, The Comedy of Errors.

Sophomore Hannah Thuroff thought that, “It was one of the best all school meetings we had and I am looking forward to them coming on campus again.”

Freeman is also excited for their upcoming performance noting that Macbeth has all aspects of a good play, “murder, blood, guts, psychological torment, witches, invisible daggers, sleepwalking, moving forests, a severed head – what’s not to like?”

The freshman class is also reading Macbeth and Freeman hopes that teachers, “will get a chance to spend some class time discussing the way CST (Chicago

Shakespeare Company) presented the play.

“If you believe in curses, don’t say the name of the play or its main character inside the Cressey Center.

Call it “The Scottish Play” and call him “The Scottish Lord” instead. I have lots of actor friends – logical, intelligent, serious people – who believe absolutely in the curse,” explained Freeman who believes in the Macbeth curse.

Most students agree that last year’s performance from the theater company was one of the highlights of the year and many are excited for their upcoming performance.

“It was entertaining and fun last year and I am looking forward to seeing them perform again,” said Junior Grace Robinson.

lfa spectator

Poetry powerhouse Jamele Adams pays a visit to the LFA community

features 8

feburary 25, 2011

lfa spectator

Looking back...

A look at the class of 2001

Duane Jackson Duane Jackson, a former member of The Spectator staff, knew ten years ago that he wanted to pursue a career in finance.

While at LFA, he founded an investment club called the Junk Bond Society in his Sophomore year. That club served as a forum for him and others to explore careers in finance and business.

He currently works at the U.S. Department of the Treasury where he makes and manages investments under the Emergency Troubled Asset Relief Program.

At the Treasury, he assisted in the management of a portfolio of more than 500 investments in banks across the country totaling

$35 billion and helped to structure a program designed to support lending in low-and-middle income communities.

He has remained involved in the LFA community as a member of the Alumni Coucil. He even came back to LFA for his wedding.

“My fiance fell in love with the Formal Garden and insisted that we get married on campus, which we did in July 2009,” said Jackson.

Right now he plans to return to college to pursue an MBA in the fall and re-focus on his interest in developing a career in private equity.

A dec apa

Anita Bhardwaj

Anita Bhardwaj graduated from Lake Forest Academy in 2001. Since then she went on to college in order to further her goal of becoming a family physician.

“I always saw myself becoming a family doctor, and having my own private practice somewhere in the Chicago community,” Bhardwaj said when asked where she saw herself as a high school senior.

Knowing exactly what

she desired to be and where she wanted to be after LFA, Bhardwaj went after her goals and attended the University of Misouri’s BA-MD program.

She completed her residency through Rush University and is currently practicing family medicine in Chicago’s northern suburbs. As for her non-academic attainments, Bhardwaj has been married for two years and she has been a new mother for five months.

2001

Comparing th of two LF

Photo Courtesy of

This page was produced by all the m Zunaira Arshad, Carina Baker, Sa Johnstone, Mimi Moses, Phil Pray

Adam Levin

Margaret Kelley

Adam Levin left LFA thinking that he was going to go into medicine. In the end, he took a completely different path and decided to be a musician. He is now an accomplished classical guitarist who performed at LFA recently.

His advice to any current seniors is to: “Work at 100

rary Spanish music. He received the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship for Community Service to work with seniors and students and to introduce them to classical guitar music, something they might not ordinarily encounter. He has received numerous fellowships and scholarships as he continues his studies. He has also won many

Margaret Kelley left LFA with only a vague idea about what she would wind up doing; she was interested in education.

After earning her Master’s Degree in Montessori Elementary Education, she went on to receive two other post-graduate degrees in education and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Literature.

though 10 years have passed.

She now works as the Alumni Relations Director for the school she attended before coming to LFA. She also takes care of her eight-month-old son. She has enjoyed reconnecting with LFA teachers, occasionally, and has kept in touch with a few of her old classmates.

percent with the flexibility of mind that your goals may change through your course of study.”

Levin spent the past twoand-a-half years in Madrid researching and playing Contempo-

top prizes in international guitar competitions. He still keeps in touch with his close friends from LFA. Just last January he came back and held a concert with violinist William Knuth here at LFA.

“I still don’t feel that much older than I did in high school,” she admitted, even

She said, “It is special to have friends whom I have known for so long.”

As the class of 2011 prog ter at LFA, the seniors prepare college and to their futures. Th same position ten years ago, an prised to learn that many of tho they had originally planned wh The Spectator contacted class of 2001, and their experie this year’s graduates. Looking seniors 10 years ago, and the li these alumni know exactly wh through now.

The current senior class ple with diverse interests -- inc vestors, and engineers -- all wit hope to be in 10 years. The sen lar hopes and finally arrived at The Spectator compares the tw this information will help the co them how plans can change an

features 9

feburary 25, 2011

The future look of the senior class

cade art:

he aspirations FA classes

Casper Clausen

Lamees Esmail

2011

Casper Clausen, founder of the LFA Jet Engine Club, member of the Robotics Club, and a student in Computer Science, may just be planning a future in engineering.

“I hope to see myself possibly at the start of a long legacy of technical innovators,” said Clausen when asked where he sees himself in 10 years. “I would focus on creating seamless integration between man and technology to make it an indispensable part of our daily lives.”

Clausen is particularly interested in material science and the creation of ‘memory metals’: those that can be returned to their original shape through heating.

Clausen’s goals have also been influenced by his family (his grandfather and cousins are engineers), Albert Einstein (a role model of his), and Lake Forest Academy, which helped him “develop the conscience for a need for new technological innovations in a positive way.”

In 10 years, Lamees Esmail sees herself just out of graduate school, working on a “undetermined” career somewhere in the Middle East. Esmail is still uncertain about what that career will be, but said she is interested in “science and math mainly” and might go into pharmaceutical science.

“Right now my thought process is still focused on college,” explains Esmail, who also said she continues to show interest in her schoolwork despite be-

ing a second-semester senior.

A prefect, Esmail has excelled in the LFA community with teachers and students and continues to show her school spirit through her dedication to academics. Having considered going to a day school back home in Saudi Arabia, Esmail feels she made the right choice in coming to LFA. “At LFA I feel like my opportunities were broadened and I was able to excel in areas I didn’t expect I would.”

f www.commentsyard.com

members of the Journalism I class: arah Clark, Grace Coburn, Hunter y, Matt Stevens, and Jane Xu.

gresses through its final semese to take the often-scary step to he LFA class of 2001 was in the nd today’s seniors might be surose alumni didn’t end up where hen they left LFA. d several members of the LFA ences might serve as a guide to back at their own goals as LFA ives they have built since then, hat the class of 2011 is going

has collected a variety of peocluding aspiring performers, inth concrete ideas of where they niors of 2001 had pursued simisettled lives a decade later. As wo classes, our staff hopes that ollege-bound seniors, showing nd how futures turn out.

Jenna Madeley

Senior, Jenna Madeley is well known around the LFA community through her active participation in the Fine Arts Program. In 10 years, Madeley hopes to see herself as a successful actress, possibly in films.

After college she wants to move to Los Angeles, but she already plans on working as hard as possible in college, by going to auditions in the summer, and getting an agent.

“I’m just not going to get knocked down by this really

tough industry that I’m trying to make a living in,” Madeley said.

Madeley’s acting inspiration is Kate Winslet, an actress who knew, like Madeley, that she wanted to act from early childhood. Madeley also admires Leonard DiCaprio as an actor who challenges himself and is passionate about the art of acting. Madeley also points to her mother and great-grandmother for their example on how to love life.

Nate Pabrai

“I want to finish college and get an engineering major,” said LFA senior Nate Pabrai about his life over the next ten years. “If

Club) and hopes to see himself “on top of a company” or starting a hedge fund. .” George Soros, a billionaire hedge fund manager,

I don’t find immediate success, I could see myself going back to school to get an MBA, or I could see myself at Goldman Sachs six years further down the line.”

Pabrai is primarily interested in business (shown through his participation in the Investment

has served as a role model to Pabrai in this area.

“I think it’d be fun to run a hedge fund,” said Pabrai. “It’s not necessarily to make money, but it’s much like a game, a very elaborate game, and I am going to win that game.”

lfa spectator

...Looking forward

lfa spectator

editorial & outlook 10

Caxy Rant:

february 25, 2011

Is leaving our mark out of the question?

Photo by Sophia Salsbery

The statue given by the class of 1975.

Senior Takia Broomfield expresses her concern with Senior Class Gift ideas.

The welcome sign given by the class of 2008.

By Takia Broomfield A&E Editor

As, LFA seniors, I’m pretty sure we all know how to write a check. Say for example, you write a check out to Lake Forest Academy; you would put the payee, LFA, the date, the amount, and your signature, but imagine leaving out one significant detail, the memo, the sole reason

Photo by Sophia Salsbery

for writing the check. Would you feel secure that your money will be used for its actual intention, or would you be a bit skeptical?

As LFA seniors, we also have pride in seeing the LFA senior class gift. It is a joy to be able to physically see the past senior class gifts and to anticipate what visual mark your class will make on campus, but imagine having a giant sweepstakes

Caxy Rant:

check with a huge amount and no memo at all, and under it, “Courtesy of the Class of 2011”.

Recently, there have been discussions in the senior seminar classes about making the senior class gift monetary rather than allowing us to contribute something that can be physically seen on campus. There seems to be an evident controversy. When the issue was brought up in some classes, smiles turned into frowns and looks of skepticism almost immediately. There seems to be three main reasons why seniors are against making the senior class gift more transactional: 1.

Tradition- The senior class gift has been a tradition for years now at LFA. As you tour the campus, the gifts are displayed

with pride. From the Formal Gardens to Fitzsimmons, there are contributions from senior classes.

They add character to the campus, and allow the graduating seniors to leave a visual mark on the LFA campus. To discontinue any tradition at LFA would be a disappointment to those who carry it on sense LFA is a community so strongly built upon tradition.

2.

Funding without representation- No one wants to give money to an organization with no idea what it will be used for, and/ or no physical evidence of its use, even if the organization is LFA. LFA seniors trust the judgment of the school’s administrators; however, it human nature to want to see the results of money spent, or else we would all be writing

Photo by Sophia Salsbery

blank checks with no memos.

3.

Equal representation- LFA seniors come from all different types of economic backgrounds. Some may not be able to give as much as others.

Having a visual senior class gift allows each senior to be represented equally no matter what dollar amount they contribute.

With all of this being said, the seniors would love for the senior class gift to be an actual gift, one that comes from our hearts rather than just our wallets or our parents bank accounts. However, the decision is ultimately left up to the administration. Hopefully, they take our concerns into great consideration.

Fitness center workout hours aren’t working

By Lucy Irungu Features Editor

So you’re on a mission to get back into shape after vegetating in front of the television screen with a box of Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies, watching a plethora of mindless Jersey Shore reruns, and what do you find out? The weight room, the only no-nonsense, Snookiproof room on the entire LFA campus is banned for students

who do not participate in the Fitness P.E. class until after 5 p.m..

Now, I like cozying up on the couch, doing absolutely nothing for hours at a time, just as much as the next girl, but for the days I feel like getting up to work out, this rule really just destroys all the motivation I built up on my walk from my dorm to Crown. Not only does this rule get in the way of my preparation for the spring sports season, but it also hinders a

Photo by Sophia Salsbery

Senior Lucy Irungu expresses frusteration about the Crown fitness center hours

lot of other students who have opted to take a sport season off to focus on their academics, or merely just to have more free time. Imagine yourself walking all the way to Crown Fitness Center in the frigid cold only to be told that you can’t even step foot in the weight room even though the place is deserted, and nothing is being used.

There are two problems

with this scenario. First, if the entire weight room is not being occupied by students in the P.E. class, then why shouldn’t students who feel like working out be allowed to do so? And secondly, what was the point of building a new and more spacious gym if not everyone can have access to it when they want? I understand that priority should be given to those

students who have signed up for the Fitness P.E., but if I feel getting my weekly dose of GTL then so be it. Here’s a suggestion for you, LFA: if you’re going to spend tons of money renovating buildings to make things better for students, make sure we all have open access access to it when it’s open..

editorial & outlook 11

february 25, 2011

Tensions began to rise as high as the snow banks on Thursday, February 1 as people realized the severity of the impending storm. But the LFA community is to be commended for the way it battled the elements, and the work those elements caused, with tremendous strength. Our response to “snowpalozza” brought out much of what is creditable at LFA.

The faculty members were of specific note as they worked to help and support the students, and even members of the Sodexo staff. As there were, at times, only 2 Sodexo kitchen staff members on campus, Ms. Lusanda Mayikana, Mr. Kyle Koncz and Mr. Jason Koenig all gave generous amounts of their valuable time to help wash dishes in Hutch. In addition, Mrs.

Maggie Tennyson and Koenig both cleaned tables in Hutch and helped out with small tasks, such as restocking the fruit available to the students. Mr. Tennyson sacrificed his time, as well, as he shoveled outside of Hutch so that students would not have to climb through the frigid snow for a meal.

Without the caring and openhanded community here at LFA, students would have had a very uncomfortable and harsh couple days. It is certainly not everywhere that one could find faculty so willing to help and contribute, making the feeling on campus warm and special despite the surrounding cold weather. Mr. Mark Dryfoos even hosted two members of the Sodexo staff at his home for a few

chilly nights, an act of kindness that deserves great admiration.

Teachers did not have to be so helpful and accommodating, yet with their efforts, students were actually able to have an enjoyable day off. The genuine desire of the faculty to lend a hand was apparent and, more importantly, greatly appreciated by all, especially the boarders. When faculty and staff are so passionate about their community, a school becomes much more than simply an institution, but rather, a second home to everyone. The faculty at LFA is irreplaceable, and the student body is very grateful to be so lucky as to have such a reliable, outreaching, generous and approachable community led by such a great faculty.

Catchy Cartoon Captions Students can submit their own witty captions for the cartoon by emailing them to wmurphy@lfanet.org and will then be eligible for a prize. The staff will select the best caption for the cartoon to the right and publish it in next month’s issue.

L a k e

F o r e s t

A c a d -

S P E C TAT O R STAFF LIST Editors-in-Chief

News Editors

Managing Editor Feature Editor Sports Editor Arts & Entertainment Editor

Op-Ed Editors

Entropica Editor Photo Editors

Staff Writers

Eric Clamage Lucy Emery Taylor Jenkins Ariana Bhatia Mary Kate Hayes Georgiana Wagemann Lucy Irungu Chris Boudreaux Takia Broomfield Andrea Shen Rickey Larke Natasha Patel Erica Lewis Mark Yingling Kathleen Kennedy Sophia Salsbery Matt Stevens Grace Coburn Carina Baker Phil Pray Zunaira Arshad Jane Xu Sarah Clark Mimi Moses

Faculty Adviser

William Murphy

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.

SUBMISSIONS The Spectator welcomes submissions from the community.

If you would like to write an article, please see Mr. Murphy (please note: if space is limited, priority goes to journalism students). We also welcome short stories and poetry for our “Featured Writers” column, and we are always interested in publishing student artwork and photographs. Please send all submissions to Mr. Murphy via e-mail at wmurphy@lfanet. org, or hand them to him directly.

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 LFA Spectator has been awarded several very prestigeous journalism awards in recent years.

2008 The American Scholastic Press Association... 1st Place 2008 The Kempler Moraine Press Association... 1st Place 2009 The American Scholastic Press Association... 1st Place 2009 The Kemper Moraine Press Association... 1st Place 2010 The American Scholastic Press Association... 1st Place

quote of the month “In America the President reigns for four years, and Journalism governs forever and ever” -Oscar Wilde

lfa spectator

Editorial: Cold outside, but... warm inside our hearts

T h e e m y

lfa spectator

ar ts & enter tainment 12

And the Academy Award goes to...

february 25, 2011

LFA predicts Oscar winners Page by Andrea Shen A&E Editor

Ladies and gentlemen, mark your calendars! On February 27, stars will hit the red carpet for the highly anticipated 83rd Annual Academy Awards, which will be hosted by James Franco and Anne Hathaway. This year has shown a promising and diverse selection of movies, from the animated “Toy Story 3”,

to the psychological thriller “Black Swan”, to the mind-blowing sci-fi “Inception”. But 2010 may prove to be to be a year of the biopics, as a stammering monarch and an internet mogul lead this year’s race for the Best Picture Oscar. LFA took a crack at predicting this year’s Oscar winners, and here are the results.

Best Picture

Actress in a Leading Role

Actor in a Leading Role

Annette Bening in “The Kids Are All Right” 3.1 %

Javier Bardem in “Biutiful”

2.0%

Nicole Kidman in “Rabbit Hole”

2.1%

Jeff Bridges in “True Grit”

12.1%

Jennifer Lawrence in “Winter’s Bone”

4.1%

Jesse Eisenberg in “The Social Network”

30.3%

Colin Firth in “The King’s Speech”

45.5%

James Franco in “127 Hours”

10.1%

Natalie Portman in “Black Swan” Michelle Williams in “Blue Valentine”

Actor in a Supporting Role Christian Bale in “The Fighter” John Hawkes in “Winter’s Bone” Jeremy Renner in “The Town”

85.6% 5.2%

Actress in a Supporting Role 45.3% Amy Adams in “The Fighter” 3.2% Helena Carter in “The King’s Speech” 11.6% Melissa Leo in “The Fighter”

Mark Ruffalo in “The Kids Are All Right” 8.4% Hailee Steinfeld in “True Grit” Geoffrey Rush in “The King’s Speech”

31.6% Jacki Weaver in “Animal Kingdom”

25.0% 33.3% 11.5% 27.1% 3.1%

ar ts & enter tainment 13

february 25, 2011 “Black Swan” Darren Aronofsky “The Fighter” David O. Russell

37.1% 7.2%

“The King’s Speech” Tom Hooper

18.6%

“The Social Network” David Fincher

29.9%

“True Grit” Joel Coen and Ethan Coen

7.2%

Inquiring Photographer Best Picture True Grit “Original and gripping, [True Grit] brought back real western movies.”

– Andrew Haddad Best supporting actress Hailee Steinfeld “[Steinfield] played a strong woman and played the role perfectly.”

– Andrew Haddad

Animated Feature Film 16.7% 5.2% 78.1%

How to Train Your Dragon The Illusionist Toy Story 3

Best Picture The King Speech “I loved it[The King Speech].

You have to go and see it.

It is the best I’ve seen for a long time. My top favorite.”

– Ms. Noelle Balson

Visual Effects Alice in Wonderland

13.3%

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 21.4% Best Picture Hereafter

2.0%

Inception

51.0%

Iron Man 2

12.2%

Music (Original Score) 19.1% 30.9% 17.0% 4.3% 28.7%

The Fighter “[The Fighter] seemed like a well done production of a true story with really interesting characters. Christian Bale’s performance was outstanding and believable. The character development and realism made it the best picture.”

– Mrs. Teresa Zaiff

`How to Train Your Dragon Inception The King’s Speech 127 Hours The Social Network

Best Visual Effects Inception “The fight scenes were all really fascinating in Inception.

The animation was amazing, as well as the entire concept.”

– Emma Haupt

Music (Original Song) “Coming Home” from “Country Strong”

31.3%

“I See the Light” from “Tangled”

21.9%

“If I Rise” from “127 Hours” “We Belong Together” from “Toy Story 3”

8.3% 38.5%

Best Actress Natalie Portman “[Portman] did a really good job in Black Swan.”

– Aline Feijo

lfa spectator

Best Director

lfa spectator

spor ts 14

february 25, 2011

Cheerleading competes in challenging competitions

By Sarah Clark Staff Writer Despite the many challenges they have faced, this year’s competitive cheerleading team continues to have success. Under new coaches Kristen Paisley and Brittany Roel, the team has competed against larger schools, worked through injuries, and made new strides as a program.

This year, the team took

part in two competitions in the Medium Varsity Division, placing them on the same level as many of the local public high schools.

According to senior captain Jess Kaminsky, LFA teams of previous seasons had been competing in only the Small Varsity Division for private schools. This step up made the season more difficult, but in invitationals at Jacob’s High School and Lake Zurich High School, they earned seventh and third place finishes, respectively.

“The squad did pretty

well in competitions,” said senior captain Alexa Wilson “We went up against squads with more girls

than us, so naturally it’s harder to

tunities, including a new atten-

score as well as them; but in one

tion to the development of more

competition we did have the least

difficult tumbling skills and stunt

number of deductions for our di-

work.

vision!”

“We’ve had more girls

The small size of the 14-

than in past seasons and so have

girl team wasn’t the only obstacle

been able to do bigger and better

that had to be overcome. Accord-

stunts and routines,” stated Wil-

ing to Coach Paisley, this season

son.

has also been riddled with injuries

for the team. This has forced the

to further performance opportu-

girls to be flexible with routines..

nities for the squad on campus.

“Because

of

This season has also led

injury

They were able to display one new

we’ve had to rearrange our rou-

routine to the LFA community at

tine for every competition,” re-

a recent Morning Meeting. Also,

marked Paisley.

for the first time in many seasons,

After one injury, the

the Cheerleading team finished its

team was forced to cancel its

winter season with performances

appearance

competition

on February 8th, 11th, and 16th at

in Grayslake. Nonetheless, the

half time during the Boy’s Var-

cheerleaders have continued to

sity Basketball games. Although

look forward toward improving

they faced many challenges this

as a group with the help of former

season, the cheerleading team has

Eastern Illinois University cheer-

had a successful and productive

leader, Coach Brittany Roel.

season that they can continue to

at

a

Roel, who Paisley calls “extremely

experienced”,

has

build on in the future.

“The team worked hard

helped the team has made great

and stayed positive no matter

progress. Her experience, and a

what,” said Paisley. “We faced

growing number of cheerleaders,

many barriers but hope to find

has allowed the team new oppor-

new opportunity in the future.”

Photo Courtesy of Ruth Keyso

Captain Jess Kaminsky being thrown in the air during a football game earlier this season, noting that the season was a success.

EFT strength coaches prove to be a helpful addition to the crown center

By Amelia Moses Staff Writer

All LFA community

members are aware of the recent improvements and enhancements to the Lake Forest Academy athletic facilities.

The new Crown Fitness Center hums with activity every afternoon as students work out with their teams or physical education group. Faculty members can be seen using the facilities before school begins or in the evenings.

But most students

don’t know much about one of the main improvements at the Crown – the new strength coaches from Effective Fitness Training. LFA is now providing two new trainers,

Photo by Kathleen Kennedy

EFT Coach Dan Timmers helps senior Greg Major with his workout.

Dan Timmers and Asia Ev-

ans, to support and promote the

fer to work out on their own.

development of the school’s

athletes

fitness

ers are a good addition to the

graduated

athletic department to help

from Sonoma University with

kids out with technique, but

a bachelor’s degree in Exer-

sometimes I just want to do

cise Science. He now works

my own thing,” explained

for EFT to bring cutting-edge

freshmen Chris Siemasko.

programs to athletes at LFA.

A former member of the Uni-

ny and enthusiastic about what

versity of Illinois’ Track and

they do. They are really help-

Field program, Evans earned

ful and make a great contribu-

a bachelor’s degree in Sports

tion to the students who are

Medicine while in Champaign.

working on strength training,”

Both trainers have en-

stated cheerleaders Hillary

joyed working with numerous

Werner and Izabela Tyszka.

the LFA sports teams and have

appreciated their hard work

dents

and persistence with the dif-

the new developments in

ficult exercise routines. Most

the

students value the personalized

and have benefitted from

guidance of these profession-

the motivation and instruc-

als, but some students still pre-

tion of its new trainers.

long-term

goals. Timmers

“I think the train-

“They are really fun-

Overall, LFA stuseem Athletic

pleased

with

Department

spor ts 15

february 25, 2011

Successful season provides wrestlers with new personal records with a list of ten goals and were

By Zunaira Arshad Staff Writer

able to complete four of them.”

LFA’s Boy’s wrestling

team has just completed one of its more successful seasons in recent years. According to Coach Mathis Kerr, this season was extremely important for the wrestlers’ personal records and progress in the sport. A majority of the Caxy wrestlers, being new to the sport, were able to show major improvements in their techniques throughout this season.

The team consisted of

seven wrestlers: Cole Adler, Brian Parmenter, Dylan Scandinaro, Taylor Jemilo, Matt Payne, Hector Murrieta, and Reggie White.

Since there were only participants in seven weight classes out of the overall fourteen, the team would start off each match at a major point disadvantage. Due to the fact that they had no representatives in seven weight classes, they automatically forfeited those class and gave up 35 team points at the start of the competition.

“The

season

According to Kerr, much

of what the wrestlers encountered was relatively new to them, but it

Swimming completes fantastic season: Team to return many veteran swimmers next year

offered a major learning opportunity for all and they responded with continuous improvement as the season progressed.

“I’ve

always

liked

teaching and coaching

entry

By Chris Boudreaux Sports Editor The LFA boys swim-

accomplishing even greater

tremely hard and everyone im-

success,” said Ivanauskaus.

proved so much” said Coulter.

A junior with previ-

“Both Coach Turner and Coach

experience,

ming team finished its season

Jennifer Madeley were awe-

Tong was so competitive this

this month, and it was certainly

some and taught us so much.”

year that he broke the school

a season to remember. Despite

record twice in the 200m

not having any senior team

made a substantial amount of

freestyle. Coulter, also a ju-

members, the Caxys finished

progress as the season pro-

nior, had a great season and,

to learn so many different moves,

the season with a dual-meet

although new to swimming,

which

they

willingly.”

record of 3-1. In addition to

was a major part of the team.

Although the captain,

the impressive meet record,

“Casey was new to

level wrestlers,” said Kerr. “New wrestlers are able to develop quickly. They experienced some frustration, because everything was so new. They were required did,

ous

swimming

The

whole

team

“We worked extremely hard and everyone improved so much.”

Matt Payne, is graduating, the

the team finished 2

at the

swimming, but he worked hard

team’s few new wrestlers will be

Metro Relays, 3rd at the Mid-

all year and was able to lower

able to contribute to the team for

west Prep Invitational, and 5

th

years to come. Freshmen, Cole

his times substantially,” said

at the Nowicki Sprint Meet.

Adler and Brian Parmenter, who

Coach Eric Turner, who added

-Junior Casey Coulter

The team was led

that hard work and determina-

gressed and according to Turner

have also had previous wrestling experience at their middle school, will be able to return to the team and will provide a nucleus for success for years to come.

nd

by

captains

Philbert Tong

and Casey Coulter, who gave the team both strong leadership and several formances

great per-

during

meets.

went

Their success was recognized

well,” said Kerr. “We started off

by fellow swimmer sopho-

Winter Sport Recaps

As the winter sports season draws to a close, it is clear that LFA’s sports teams have been tremendously succesful. Every sport has enjoyed the chance to participate inexciting games and matches with good fan support.

Boys Varsity Basketball: Record : 18-4 Coaches: Matt Vaughn, Kyle Kuncz, Dickey Simpkins Highlights: Big win over rival Lake Forest High School, Winning North Chicago Invite

more

Mantas

Ivanauskaus.

“I was not able to

“Philbert and Casey lead the team on to a great season, and next year we are looking at accomplishing even greater success.”

-Sophomore Mantas Ivanauskus

swim the whole season but

tion seemed to epitomize the

Philbert and Casey lead the

team throughout the season.

team on to a great season, and next year we are looking at

“This

season

Jay Shin, Yousef Kadir, and Qiankang Zhou were among those who improved the most.

Looking forward to next season, the team appears ready to improve upon great season they had this year. The team is still very young and the outlook for the future of the LFA swimming team is very promising.

was

unbelievable. We worked ex-

Girls Varsity Basketball: Record: 6-14 Coach: Chris Tennyson Highlights: Defeating rival Woodlands Academy, Boys Varsity Hockey: Record: 18-3 Coach: Tom Seputis, Darrin Madeley, Robert Klein Highlights: Winning the Glacier Cup, Defeating New Trier High School Girls Varsity Hockey: Record: 14-11-3 Coach: Jen Cloutheir, Kim Clouthier Highlights: Finishign strongly to make the championship game in the playoffs.

Additional: The championship game against Glenbrook South was played on February 22nd.

Prep Hockey: Record: 38-9-3 Coach: Darren Madeley, Andrew Poska Highlights: Winning Midget AAA Championship Game, Winning Madison Caps Tournament Additional: MPHL Playoffs begin on February 25th.

Photo Courtesy of Alex Campbell

Members of the swim team pose for a team photo after practice. The team had a succesful season with an impressive 3-1 duel meet record.

lfa spectator

Wrestling season provides the team with experience:

The place where stuff happens

Where’s Wagemann?

Here’s “Where’s Wagemann” again and this time she is in the school store display window right by the Student Center. Try to find her but be careful, she’s sneaky/creepy.

Top 10: Worst ways to Ruin a St. Patrick’s Day

By Mark Yingling Entropica Editor

Saint Patrick’s Day is “a wee bit away,” as a true Irishman

would say - I know it’s corny but just go with it. It is always a fun day and many people get ridiculously excited for it. The holiday’s

highlight is definitely the parade downtown, where the streets are filled with people wearing temporary tattoos of clovers and pots of gold while garbed in as much green as possible. Also, the river is dyed green, which is always a lot of fun- but not for the

fish of course. Personally, I would not like to be taking a bath

when suddenly someone comes along and pours slime into the water- but hey, that’s just me. So since the holiday is coming up, it’s time to start getting into the spirit and start to plan your awesome St. Patrick’s Day. However, there are some things that I would reccommend staying away from doing....

10. Swim in the green river, not as fun as it seems, trust me – it is really hard to wash out of your swim suit.

9. Claim that you are Irish even though you aren’t, because with the app “Ancestry.com” people will definitely call you out.

8. Steal a freshman and dress him up as a leprechaun.

7. Look for gold at the end of rainbows because it’s just a waste of time, most of the time.

6. Have too many Shamrock Shakes; you will have to brush your teeth at least 20 times to get the green out of your mouth.

5. See a Saint Patrick’s Day movie, mainly just because they don’t Photo by Kathleen Kennedy

exist.

4. Wear the shirt “kiss me I’m Irish.” It’s creepy and you’re trying too hard.

3. Buy the cereal “Lucky Charms”; you’ll never catch “Lucky,” even

“I Spy”

on St. Patrick’s Day. If Rickey wasn’t fast enough to catch him, you definitely won’t be.

2. For boys, cuffing your pants to look like a leprechaun. (Yes

To continue the theme of trying to find people/ things around school, we have taken a picture of this object that is located somewhere within the school. This will test your knowledge of how well you really know your school. Where/what is it?

Johnny Malusa, that means you).

1. Order Chinese food.

Caxy Match

Photo by Kathleen Kennedy Photo by Sophia Salsbery

cause it’s the only one in school that is half hanging down.

Answer: This clock is located in Mr.Murphy’s English classroom, you can tell be-

lfa spectator

entropica

january 28, 2011

Photo courtesy of mustangforums.com

This edition’s look-alike is a comparison between a LFA faculty member and a famous actor. The head of the library, Mr. Carson, and actor, the Allstate commercial representative known as “Mayhem.”