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S P E C TAT O R 1500 West Kennedy Road Lake Forest, IL 60045
Volume 89 Number 3
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December 9, 2010
New girls dorm approved By Ariana Bhatia News Editor Over the past few years, LFA has added numerous new facilities to campus including the new Student Center, the recently completed Crown Fitness Center, and the Fitzsimmons building. Students and faculty at LFA recently learned that the exciting new projects are not finished yet. There is another new development horizon: a new girls’ dorm, to be called Ferry Hall, was approved unanimously at the Fall Trustees Meeting. The new project will also include the renovation and move of Durand House to another site on campus. “It’s always exciting for the board to approve a new major project,” noted Head of School Dr. John Strudwick. “Fundamentally, everyone felt very good about where LFA is currently and the project made sense.” This new undertaking will be a $7.9 million, twophase project that the board is hoping to have completed by sometime in early 2011. The new Ferry Hall will be the first building at LFA planned with the full intention of being a girls’ dorm. The 36-bed facility will have four faculty apartments attached to the wings, as well as a kitchen, a large commons space on the first floor, a smaller commons space on the second floor, and a vending area. People throughout the LFA community were excited by the announcement of this new project; however, no one was more thrilled than the girl boarders.
Architect’s rendering of the new Ferry Hall Girls Dorm, which is expected to be completed in early 2011.
“ I’m really excited to have a new place for girls to hang out, bond and do homework,” said sophomore Abby Ripoli. “I think it will be a really great addition to the campus and I can’t wait to see it happen!” Junior Allie Matherne felt the same way and commented that the students are “stoked” for the new building. “I’m extremely excited because, even if I can only live in it a semester, it will have two floors, a full kitchen, air conditioning, and a lot more hangout space,” said junior Rachel Riccio. While many see this as a great under-
taking, many upperclassmen are sad that they will not reap the full benefits of Ferry Hall. “I’m kinda sad because I have to see it all being built but probably won’t get the chance to live in it!” said junior Sarah Hong. According to school officials, after Ferry Hall is built, Field Dorm will undergo some changes as well. The 82-bed dorm will be reduced to 72 beds, many doubles will be converted to singles and an air conditioning system will be added to both Field and Macintosh. Girl dorm story continued on page 4
Vox debut concert was a huge success By Takia Broomfield A&E Editor
Photo by Kathleen Kennedy
The Fine Arts Department of LFA has started a new group student singing group called VOX and the concept is already extremely popular with students. Mrs. Peg Plambeck is the official director of the group. “Vox was created to allow non-Arts Concentration students to participate in the school’s musical performances,” said Plambeck during an interview with The Spectator this week. Before Vox, there was a group called Art Concentration singers, but the name and reality were in disagreement because most of the students were not in the Arts Concentration program. “Vox is an attempt to meet the needs of students who want to sing in a group without being exclusive Arts Vox story continued on page 13
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Students in VOX perfom at an Arts Concentration concert.
Harvesting Hope Update
See page 2
Crown Fitness Center See page 8
Sports Media
See page 11
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december 9, 2010
World News 11 new trustees Roundup join LFA’s board
Assembled by Sophia Salsbery Photo Editor
Cholera outbreak in Haiti
Information from CNN So far the cholera outbreak in Haiti has killed 724 people and has sickened 11,000. Epidemiologists say that the outbreak could last for months and that the entire nation is at rick because they have no immunity to cholera. Health officials say that the infection is spreading quickly from congest, unsanitary conditions and impoverished neighborhoods. Cholera is a diarrheal illness, symptoms can be mild or severe, but if left untreated a person can die within hours. The American Red Cross have been telling people of the importance of drinking clean water and outlining specific things that can help avoid contamination.
Photo Courtesy of Tribune Media Services
Haitians suffer as cholera spreads.
Tensions in North Korea
Information from BBC News “The situation on the Korean Peninsula is getting closer and closer to the brink of war” said the Norths’ KCNA news agency. On Tuesday four South Koreans died when the North shelled the Southern Island of Yeonpyeong and on Fri-
day artillery-like sounds were heard on North Korean territory close to Yeonpyeong. Gen Sharp said that Tuesday’s attack was a violation of the 1953 armistice. US-South Korean naval manoeuvres have angered North Korea and unsettled China, who issued a warning on Friday against military activity in the area. This area extands 200 miles (320km) from China’s coast and includes areas south of Yeonpyeong. This week’s tension increases as the North undergoes a transition of power from leader Kim Jong-il to son Kim Jong-un.
Photo Courtesy of Tribune Media Services
Tensions between North Korea and South Korea intensify.
Afghanistan suicide bombers attack in Paktika
Information from BBC News Two suicide bombers attacked a police headquarters in Paktika province in Afghanistan. Atleast 13 policemen were injured. The bombers reportedly detonated devices in the compound of the regional police headquarters. The attackers were dressed as police officers and entered the main police compound about 20 minutes apart. Nawab Waziry, the head of Paktika’s provincial council, said “There are lots of casualties. The site was covered in blood.”
By Ariana Bhatia News Editor This year’s Fall Trustee Meeting not only brought new ideas and projects to the table, but also included the seating 11 new trustees on the school’s guiding board. These trustees come from various backgrounds and are of different ages, nationalities, as well as gender— greatly improving the mix of the group as a whole, according to school administrators. “Certainly it was one of the strategic planning objectives from 2003,” Head of School Dr. John Strudwick commented. “This was re-emphasized in 2008 to ensure a board of trustees that in many ways reflected the student body and also have a real balance in terms of alumni trustees and parent trustees.”
According to Chief Financial Officer and Director of Financial Aid Andrew Kerr the new board members represent the largest group of new trustees ever brought on to the board at one time. While the board has been fairly diverse in past years, this influx of new members is bound to bring new perspectives and fresh ideas into the school. “I’m looking forward to it because I think it will spur more dynamic discussion and thought about the school and our direction,” said Strudwick. These 11 newcomers will round raise the board to a total of 34 trustees for the year. While only one trustee was added last year, this year brought many terms to an end (nine-year limit) and opened up slots for a fresh set of minds.
This fall’s meeting served as an orientation for these members. “One of the aspects of the weekend that was most fun for me was the ability to give them a tour of the campus,” Kerr commented. “The reason it was fun for me was that many are alums...all the men that are new members were chuckling about the fact that their old locker room in Glore is now a hallway.” While a lot of the agenda is routine procedure, the Fall Trustee Meeting went well as a whole. “It was one of the best board meetings we’ve had in a few years,” said Strudwick. “The school is also at a great point; the fact that we can celebrate the Capital Campaign success to date—there were fireworks that Friday night and the cornerstone campaign celebration that day.”
“The LFA students outnumbered the AJK kids, but it still worked out,” said junior Grace Robinson. “It was possible to have everyone be completely involved because of the large number of LFA kids.” In the dance group, the Cheerleaders, Bomb Squad, and Salsa Club volunteered. “The enrichment day this year was just as much fun as last year,” said senior cheerleading captain Catalina Todd. “It’s great to spend the day with the AJK kids and have fun teaching them how to do the things you enjoy.” The art group had an interesting project creating Tibetan prayer flags. “In Tibet, people make prayer flags and hang them up,” said Shen. “When the flag floats off into the wind, their prayers will be answered.” Finally, the hospitality group worked on decorating the school and setting up breakfast. The group worked registration and made sure ev-
ery child was checked in and set up in a class for the day. New to this year’s Enrichment Day, AJK kids were able to take part in two different classes. Additionally, Rogozinski led a photo group in which every kid got their picture taken as well as received copies of the photos. The day concluded with an exciting Coax concert consisting of five songs. AJK kids danced and listened until their parents picked them up. Overall, both AJK kids and LFA students enjoyed the community service day. “I had a really good time at the Enrichment Day, and the kids enjoyed it as well,” Shen commented. “It was great to see LFA students working together with the AJ Katzenmeier kids.” The connection between volunteers and the children was very apparent in the cheerful atmosphere of the day. “I liked being so close with the kids,” Robinson said. “I was really impressed with people’s abilities to connect with the kids and have a good time.“
Successful second annual Harvesting Hope Enrichment Day By Mary Kate Hayes News Editor
LFA students arrived at the A.J. Katzenmaier School in North Chicago at 7:45 a.m. on November 20 in order to participate in the Second Annual Harvesting Hope Enrichment Day led by senior club leaders Mariel Rogozinski, Nick Ustaski, Eric Clamage, and Director of Service Learning Sarah Collins. As part of the overall harvesting Hope Project, one of LFA’s largest social service efforts, students had the choice to help in four categories at Enrichment Day: sports, dance, art, or hospitality. The sports leaders were junior Spencer Friske and senior Ben Smiley. Senior Catalina Todd led the dance group; seniors Heather Choung and Ellena Sea led the art group, and juniors Andrea Shen and Shane Penman led the hospitality group. The sports group played soccer, basketball, and Sharks and Minnows.
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By Takia Broomfield A&E Editor Two of the highest profile Chicago trials in recent times involved celebrities Kanye West and Rob Blagojevich. The two will be tied together forever by sharing the same defense attorney -- successful lawyer and LFA alum Sam Adam Jr.. He visited his alma mater recently to talk about his recent stint as exGovernor Blagojevich’s defense attorney, but he also spoke about his years attending LFA. Adam told students that while defending Blagojevich, he had one barefaced belief and stuck to it throughout the entire trial: “The guy ain’t corrupt.” During a quarrel with the trial judge, in which Judge Zagel threatened to hold Adam in contempt of court, Adam even went as far as to say that he would go to jail for what is right. “With all due deference to the court, I have a man here who’s arguing for his life. . . . I can’t effectively represent this man. . . . I can’t follow this
order,” Adam told Judge Zagel. “I’m willing to go to jail on this.” After a triumphant outcome in Blagojevich’s corruption case, Adam can be found all over the nationwide news headlines. Because of his passionate defense of the former governor, there have been numerous people who have questioned whether or not Adam is, indeed ,an ethical defense attorney. During his presentation to students, Adam commented on this questioning of his ethics by observers. “It is my job to make sure that the government does its job. If someone, who the government thinks is guilty, is proven otherwise, then the government failed to do its job,” he said. “It is the government’s job to prove them guilty.” When discussing his past years at LFA, he seemed enthusiastic to talk about his theater class with Mr. Mark Dryfoos, and the many pranks he played while here at LFA. Dryfoos exclaimed that it is funny and ironic to think that
Photo by Alexandra Campbell
a silly kid in his theater class called “Skippy” would end up being such a theatrical defense attorney. While eating dinner together Adam and Dryfoos shared a story about how Dryfoos recommended that Adam should memorize the lines to a letter that he had to read aloud during a performance. Adam seemed completely op-
posed to doing this. To teach him a lesson, the night of the performance Dryfoos gave him a blank letter with no words. Adams, however, recited the letter by heart. Dryfoos said that Adam always took good advice, even if he seemed opposed to it. During his visit, Adam was extremely surprised at all the new changes and facilities at LFA. He was also exceedingly
pleased when he found out that the students taking government at LFA had qualified for state in the “We the People” competition the same day. Adam firmly believes that it is the job of students to change the government and better the political system when they become adults.
“It opened my eyes to the little things everyone could do to decrease our negative effects on the environment,” said junior Shane Penman. “You can unplug your device chargers at night and turn off your lights when they aren’t in use.” Other students said this problem will affect us in the future, not in the present. “The environmental
problems seem like they will affect us more in the future when we start to really see changes in the weather and in the plants and animals and we start to not be as healthy,” said junior Lexi DeYoung. “The presentation made me more conscious about how much the little things I do every day really affect the whole world.” Stressed in its recent
presentation, the members of A.C.E. underline the importance of taking action now. “After the presentation, I was so inspired to think of stuff that could help the world’s environment,” said junior Donwon Choi. “I actually have numerous ideas. To me, the presentation represented hope for our future.”
Alliance for Climate Education presents a “hot” topic to LFA community Mary Kate Hayes News Editor The Alliance for Climate Education recently presented an entertaining cartoon at LFA’s All School Meeting displaying the ways high school teens affect the environment and ways teens can prevent the increase of climate change. According to its website, A.C.E.’s mission is “to educate high school students on the science behind climate change and inspire them to take action to curb the causes of global warming.” In the LFA community, students have already begun banding together to take action against global warming. LFA students founded an environmental club called H.E.A.T. with the purpose of “helping Earth, animals, and trees.” “We promote reducing, reusing, and recycling,” said senior co-leader Emily Kulas. “This year we’ve been
putting more of our efforts into finding an animal shelter where we can volunteer.” Besides the members of H.E.A.T, many other students at LFA were affected by A.C.E.’s strong message to the student body. “I truly believe we are the people that will need to change the environment,” stated junior Casey Coulter. “I believe our world has reached it’s ‘tipping point’, or point of no return, where we can no longer live in the same world we do today. We need to do something about this, and fast. I talked to the speaker after her A.C.E presentation and this motivated me even more to do something to help the environment.” But not everyone was aware of the climate crisis or the actions that are easy to execute that can help so much. “I didn’t realize the consequences,” said freshman Tommy Chandler. “The presentation motivated me to do the small things around the house.”
Photo taken from ema-online.org
The ACE cartoon presentation stressed the huge difference that could be made if each person did one thing.
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Famous defense lawyer and alum Sam Adam visits LFA
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Successful Government class moving on to state level competition By Taylor Jenkins Editor-in-Chief The U.S. Government class, led by Dr. James Quillin, recently took second place in the Regional “We The People” competition. This performance earned the Caxys a trip to the State Championships and a chance to unseat the defending Illinois Champions, Main South H.S. “We The People” is a government-sponsored, national program for high school students. It tests participants in their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, constitutional history and democratic citizenship. The contests take the form of a mock congressional hearing, which is judged by local experts who then select the winners. According to Quillin, the LFA students are excited to compete against Main South H.S. While the team from LFA
has shown great potential for success, Main South has won the Illinois state contest for the last 16 years. The underdog
Caxy’s will have to give a historic performance in order to dethrone the more experienced Main South team. Despite these odds Quillin still feel confident that his students will perform under the pressure. “I think our chances are good as ever,” he said, “and we learn more about what is required for his competition every time we take part.” Historically LFA has given strong performances in the “We the People” competition. They have only failed to make it to the state competition once, and they have taken second or third place every time they did advance. “We don’t get to see the other teams compete, which is an unfortunate aspect of the way the competition is struc-
Photo by Kathleen Kennedy
Erin Peterson, Andrew Haddad, and Brian Richardson hard at work preparing for the state competition.
tured. The judges were extremely knowledgeable, asked tough questions, and, as far as I could tell, were very fair,” stated Dr. Quillin, expressing his one critique of the contest.
“This really is a competition where everyone wins,” he added, “ because even if you don’t take home the prize, preparing for the competition forces you to become more aware of
for students to read as long as it’s directed towards the right age group,” said Hallie Ventling. Librarian Grier Carson was passionate in his objection to the actions in Missouri. “It’s a real threat when people try to ban things in that
kind of society,” said Carson, “Banning something from students who are prepared is like saying, ‘I don’t think you can handle this, I don’t trust you to read it and understand it, therefore I’m not going to let you see this.’”
LFA Required Reading Selection: A Banned Book? By Grace Coburn Staff Writer The old fashioned idea of book banning is experiencing resurgence at Missouri State University thanks to efforts by Associate Professor Wesley Scroggins. He is trying to ban the book Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson,. This national news story should be of particular interest to students at LFA, because Speak has been required summer reading for incoming freshmen during the last two years. Speak is not only a nationally-popular teen novel, but it’s also a movie that stares Twilight actress, Kristen Stewart. Penguin Group published this novel in April of 2006. For those of you who haven’t read the book, or seen the movie, that have stirred up the national debate, it’s a story about a girl who goes through the experience of rape at a summer party before her freshman year begins. The protagonist doesn’t tell anyone. As she enters ninth grade she feels terribly alone; all of her friends, as well as
numerous other students, are furious at her for calling the police to the party. Throughout the entire book she goes through the struggle of finding her identity, and she ends up expressing it through art. Speak contains a graphic description of the sexual assault, and for this reason Scroggins wants to eliminate the book from the public school curriculum. The Spectator spoke with numerous LFA students who have read the book over the last two years and asked them for their opinions about the novel. “Speak needs to be read,” said sophomore Nadeem Bandealy, “It describes real world events that actually happen. People should be aware of such occurrences so we can prevent them.” As the freshmen join the LFA community just this year, they can relate to the feeling of finding your identity at a new school. “I can see why he would want to ban the book, but I think that it was a good book
Photo by Bill Murphy
LFA freshman discuss banned book Speak during English class.
your rights and responsibilities as a democratic citizen, which helps to maintain and improve the long-term quality of our democracy.”
New girl’s dorm and Durand house renovation continued from page 1 As it turns out the best place to build Ferry Hall, is where Durand House currently stands. Chief Financial Officer and director of Financial Aid, Mr. Andrew Kerr explained they will, “literally pick up and move Durand house...between Macintosh and West Village.” Durand house, a former orangery, on the Armor estate, will be completely gutted and rebuilt as six faculty apartments. The first floor will contain three, two-bedroom apartments with basements and the top floor will have three, onebedroom apartments. Due to the gutting, five faculty members have moved off campus for the rest of the year and are living in apartments in east Lake Forest, courtesy of the school. If all goes as planned, they should be able to move back in by early spring next year.
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for boarders and day students alike Page By Kathleen Kennedy Photo Editor Winter has officially started and for everyone who has spent a winter in Chicago, or a winter at LFA, we know snow is on the horizon. Although many look forward to snow, because it is a sign of the holiday season and winter break, we can probably all admit that the cold winters cause some restrictions when it comes to fun activities on campus. The sludge of snow and extremely cold weather may put an end to campus activities such as ultimate Frisbee, the occasional Slip-n-Slide competition, or just hanging out with your friends on the field hockey field. However, this does not have to be the end of fun. It may even be the beginning to a season filled with laughter and amusement. After the typical snowball fight, students may feel the need to leave campus in order to fill up their winter days. What is there to do, you ask? For those of you who are not from the area, you can be assured that there is plenty of fun to have in the Chicago area. An obvious activity is ice-skating. Chicago offers a variety of ice rinks that could spice things up more than repetitive laps around the LFA rink. Millennium Park, in downtown Chicago, contains an ice rink in the winter months. Beautifully lit buildings and an excellent restaurant surround the rink, which has free admission. This rink is often filled with carefree residents enjoying themselves, their surroundings, and the holiday months. For those hoping to rough it out a little more on the ice, there are also numerous outdoor rinks in surrounding towns (Lake Bluff, Glencoe, Highland Park, and Winnetka, for example) that are perfect for pick-up hockey games. “I go to the rink in Lake Bluff or Lake Forest and play some pickup hockey. There are always people there to play with so it’s a lot of fun,” said junior Casey Coulter. For those willing to take the train or drive to the city, there are a variety of other options for winter fun. For example, entertainment such as “The Nutcracker” ballet or any Chicago sports game (choose from the Bulls, Blackhawks, or Wolves) may complete your getaway day. Obviously the city is filled with places to shop; but if you’re all spent out, window-shopping on Michigan Avenue is just as much fun! Who knows, maybe something you see will end up under the Christmas tree! The holiday window decorations at Macy’s (the old Marshall Field’s) have attracted visitors for decades, and the John Hancock building has an annual display of electric trains in its lobby, which may be a fun stop while wandering around the city. If taking the train or driving downtown is not an option, do not fear. There is plenty of more local fun to be had, even during a snowstorm. Senior Emily Kulas suggested a few ways to simply get off campus for a short time. “Bowling is an easy way to get out for a few hours,” she said, “and a good game of broomball is always interesting.” Sledding or tobogganing are also winter classics, and easily manageable. “There are a lot of sledding hills in Lake Forest and the surrounding areas that I’m sure students could get a van run to,” stated senior Jess Kaminsky. “They are always a lot of fun!” If you do not own a sled, a tray from Hutch could do the trick! Of course there is always the option of going home with a day student and baking some gingerbread cookies, followed up by a board game and/or a movie in a comfy home. So don’t let the sludgy snow and painful winter breezes keep you locked up in the dorms for the season. Embrace the holiday lights, hot chocolate, and warm winter mittens and fill your winter days with some excitement.
l fl a f as p s peec ct at at ot or r
Fun winter ways to spend cold winter days:
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The Shopper’s Dilemma:
Is it better to shop online or in-stores? By Lucy Emery Editor-in-Chief
To many people, shop-
ping is a dreaded task that is avoided until it is completely necessary; but for some, shopping is a hobby, which they have managed to evolve into an art. Shoppers will tell you that the best deals are not ones that mysteriously land in their closet, but ones that they watch closely and then impulsively pounce on. But stalking deals in this digital age now takes on two forms: in stores and online. In a recent article in the Chicago Tribune, reporter Kristin Samuelson quoted a recent study atCalifornia Institute of Technology, which stated that consumers would pay an average of 50% morefor items that they could touch, versus ordering online. Many LFA students said that they too would rather go to store to buy clothes. The moral dilemma of shopping online or in stores is taken a step further with Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Black
Friday is the infamous day-afterThanksgiving, when many large stores offer incredible deals, which usually start in the early
get through, with seemingly the entire American public squeezed into one mall, and rude employees watching you shop, adds to some
racks of clothes is lost when you shop online. “I don’t like shopping online, because shopping in stores
hours of the morning. Then the following Monday – Cyber Monday -- many online stores introduce their best deals to shoppers. Many of the best deals are found on Cyber Monday, when higher end stores begin their sales as well as large websites, such as Amazon, Wal-Mart,
people’s enjoyment of shopping. Many people find shopping in stores the easier way to do things. Shopping in stores allows you to touch and feel the merchandise. Something that looks utterly fabulous online, may look like the most heinous thing you have ever laid eyes on when shopping
is fun,” said senior Erin Petersen, “It’s just a fun activity”. Senior Hailey Arnold, who was featured in a previous issue of The Spectator as one of several best dressed students, said she almost always shops in stores, but does admit to buying shoes online because (she said)
“....consumers would pay an average of 50% more for items that they could touch, versus ordering online.” and Best Buy. Typically, by shopping online versus braving the crowds on Black Friday, you can save as much money as you would in stores, and even more time. The real conditions of lines that take twenty minutes to
in person. “Everything looks different online,” explained senior Hannah Dwyer, “You need to see it in real life to see if it will actually work.” Some customers feel that the thrill of hunting through
that there is little room for error once you know your shoe size. Even though the general consensus among LFA shoppers surveyed for this article seems to be a preference for shopping in stores, some people prefer to do get their shopping out of the way
by doing it online. You can sit on the couch while watching T.V. and pick out your new super chic wardrobe. The shipping costs do make people question online shopping from a fiscal standpoint; but now, many sites offer free shipping on orders above a certain price, so you simply have to spend more money. “[Shopping online] is easier and more convenient,” said junior Morgan Jones. Sometimes finding the time, and in many boarders cases, a ride to the mall, makes shopping online more convenient. “Shopping online is easier as a boarder” said junior Rolan Tan “But I’d much rather go to the stores and try things on.” Shopping online also allows you to compare prices sideby-side, so you can be sure that you are finding the best deal. Though you can perhaps find that new item of clothing online for a cheaper price, you cannot put a price tag on the delight you get when you step into a store and see that shirt or dress that just screams you.
Is your Facebook page college friendly? Facebook becoming a helpful tool in the admissions process By Eric Clamage
view my profile or the comments
Editor in Chief
on my wall,” said Pabrai, “in case they were to search me.” “I try not to swear as much in my status updates and try to keep them appropriate,” said senior Holly West. When asked, many students in the community do not acknowledge the risk of badly chosen Facebook posts in the college admissions process. Lewis stressed that first impressions are the most lasting, and that students need to take into consideration that others may view their Facebook page in a negative way. Lewis did say that colleges looking at an applicants’ Facebook page is not right. “By strict definition,” said Lewis, “I think it is unethical; but students need to realize that what they post on the Internet is for everyone to see. Students just need to be careful on social networks. The guiding principle is that what is posted on your profile could be inappropriate or offensive to others depending on how they view it.”
A new trend in the college admissions process has been for admissions officers to look at applicants’ Facebook pages as part of the process. There are stories told (but not always proven) that, if two applicants are considered equal, a look at their respective Facebook pages can help admissions officers decide which student they will accept. According to Ms. Carolyn Schoen, assistant dean of college counseling at LFA, some college admission counselors are looking at students’ Facebook profiles to help understand who the student truly is and how they convey themselves to everyone else. Dean of College Counseling Jack Lewis agrees. He feels that admissions officers have gone on students’ pages to review the pictures a student has posted of one of his/her activities, or, in some cases, if an admissions officer wants to know more about the applicant. Lewis didn’t
Photo by Mr. Bill Murphy
Ms. Carolyn Schoen of the College Counseling Office recommends that srudents check their Facebook pages for questionable material before college admissions officers do.
think colleges are going on Facebook as often as students believe they do; however, it is a growing trend. “Students need to check their Facebook or Myspace accounts regularly to make sure nothing inappropriate is on the
page,” stated Lewis. “Even your friends could be putting inappropriate comments on your page and it is not worth the risk.” The common theme among the college counselors is, according to Schoen, that students need to be smart about what
they put on their Facebook profile because they never know who is looking at it. Senior Nate Pabrai has taken steps to help prevent colleges from looking at his profile. “I have set my privacy controls so they are not able to
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By Andrea Shen A&E Editor
“An Audi R8 (with a subwoofer). If it’s good enough for Tony Stark, it’s good enough for me.” –Leo Rudberg
The winter chill is setting in, the leaves have fallen from the trees, and Starbucks is offering hot chocolate and peppermint-flavored drinks, which means the holidays will be upon us before we know it. ‘Tis the season to sit on the couch and watch holiday movie marathons, eat too many candy canes and cookies, and, most importantly, unwrap presents. Every year, we eagerly open our presents, hoping for the season’s coolest gadget or cutest purse. Sometimes, we are thrilled with what we find in the box; other times, we are disappointed. As much as we love the sweaters from grandma (the ones that are too embarrassing to wear in public), there is always something that tops our wish list. So if money were no object, what would be your dream holiday gift? Image courtesy of dymee.com
Image courtesy of mamacheaps.com
“Good grades, because then my parents would be happy for me!” –Michael O’Doherty and Cara Kingsley
Image courtesy of river-cabin.net
“A ski trip to Switzerland, complete with the best hot chocolate shopping.” –Jane Strudwick
Image courtesy of allstarvacationhomes.com
“I would take my whole advisory to Disney World, since I can’t pick one faImage courtesy of findamachine.com-vorite advisee.” “My dream gift would be an essay grading machine. I would - Mr. Chris Dozios be able to scan papers in and enter in my expectations. “My favorite gift is inexpensive… Out would appear essays, graded, with comments written but priceless, to me. When a stu- in my handwriting. You students would be none the wiser dent recognizes the efforts I have and I would be able to spend my evenings watching realexpended on his or her behalf and ity TV instead of grading these &*&^% slavery papers. Oh, says ‘Thanks,’ there is no better gift.” the joy that such a gift would bring me…” –Mrs. Suzy Vaughn -Mr. Bill Murphy
lfa spectator
‘Tis the season for dream holiday gifts What’s on your wish list?
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LFA W The Crown Fitness Pages by Kathleen Kennedy and Sophia Salsbery
The Crown Fitness and Wellness Center has been in use for a students and faculty. There is room for hanging out and exercising alo school day, one will find students using the cardio and weight machin the Crown Center at all times while it is in use by the students to assu Center has given students a motive to workout after the school day. We have highlighted for you the main spaces of the Crown C
LFA upperclassmen hang out in the lounge area before practice. The lounge area is on the first floor of the building and consists of multiple couches and tables as well as a flat screen T.V. This has turned out to be a popular pre-practice hang out space for all students.
The Crown Center gives LFA a new view to adm front of Atlass. The facility is a big improvement another thing to be proud of.
The LFA wrestling team takes advantage of their new practice room. When the mats are removed this room is also used as a mutlipurpose room where the cheerleaders are able to practice their new stunts.
Students take advantage of the new aerobic eq treadmills, stationary bikes, and ellipticals. Te ing the weight room doesn’t get too crowded.
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december 9, 2010
about a month and a half and has become a popular facility for one or with a team. While walking around the fitness center after a nes and taking instruction from the weight trainers. The trainers are in ure safety. The bustling fitness and lounge rooms prove that the Crown
Center and the equipment each room includes.
mire while walking down the endless road in t for the LFA campus, giving the community
quipment at the end of the school day. Machines include eams have designated times to use the equipment assur-
The indoor track team works on their shoulder muscles by using the numerous medicine balls that the Crown Center has provided. Other equipment teams might use are squat machines, treadmills, and jump rope.
Students use the free weights which are among the many different weight machines provided by the Crown Center. The indoor “runway” is used by many atheletes. For example, ladders are often set up inside the “runway” lines, giving students the chance to work on their agility.
lfa spectator
Welcomes s and Wellness Center
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editorial & outlook 10
December 9, 2010
Caxy Rant: Does Anyone Really “Fear the Frog?” By Sophia Salsbery Staff Writer
Those who have had Mr. Justin Jones as a teacher know two things; it is easy to get him off topic in class and his multiple-choice quizzes are almost impossible. Sitting in Modern European history I knew I had to take Ms. Cooper’s advice and ask him about football. “Mr. Jones, How is football doing?” He answered by explaining their upcoming games and maybe a couple things they had to improve; but, to be honest, I wasn’t really paying attention. He then started talking about something else: the C-frog and how cool it would be if our frog was scarier. He also had ideas for a fight song. School spirit is something that I always thought was really important and sometimes I feel like our school lacks the little “umph” necessary to make us more intimidating. And I have long thought that our current mascot is not very intimidating. “Do you really think having a scarier mascot and fight song would be good for school
spirit?” I asked him, hoping he wouldn’t just give me a one-word answer. “Absolutely,” he said, and then turned toward me. “It gives something for the student body to rally around.” We continued to talk about specific ideas and examples. He had some great ideas like using a version of the Texas A&M fight song and using a frog logo similar to the TCU Horned Frog; but he ultimately left it up to the LFA students. Insisting that the “mascot of Caxy mascot stands” (pounding his fist on the table for emphasis), Mr. Jones thought it would be interesting for the student body to create a new logo that we could all rally behind. You may ask why. I feel that with great teams like basketball, ice hockey, and field hockey, we need something that promotes our school in a more “identifiable” way. We could add a new frog logo to our athletic and Caxy wear. It would be important because, as Mr. Jones has noticed, our school struggles with its identity. I couldn’t agree more. Our current frog logo is something that students are unable to relate to and that it doesn’t really show the “go get it” attitude our
Photo by Kathleen Kennedy
Senior Sophia Salsbery shows her disappointment in LFA school spirit while Mr. Jones shows his spirit for the fierce Texas Longhorns
sport teams have. I’m not sure that we want to actually swap the Caxy for another mascot. It is who we are. We are the nation’s only
Caxys. So keep the Caxy; but couldn’t it be a 21st century Caxy? Couldn’t we make the frog have a tougher exterior and
maybe a growl on its face? What we need is an intimidating frog that we aren’t embarrassed to wear.
Catchy Cartoon Captions Students can submit their own witty captions for the cartoon by emailing them to wmurphy@lfanet.org and will then be eligable for a prize. The staff will select the best caption for the cartoon to the right and publish it in next months issue.
The winner of last issue’s cartoon contest was Graham Harwood with the caption, “No one was adrdressing the elephant in the room.”
editorial & outlook 11
December 9, 2010
When members of the LFA community were asked their thoughts about whether or not the money was spent well by building the Crown Center they replied...
“That was a good way to spend money, however other things around school such as the TVs are not.” -Chinara Hill
“So far I think it is the best thing that LFA has done.” -Blake Choi
F o r e s t
S P E C TAT O R
STAFF LIST Editors-in-Chief News Managing Editor Feature Editor Sports Editor Arts & Entertainment Editor Op-Ed Editors Entropica Editor Staff Photographers Faculty Adviser
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 William Murphy
PUBLICATION
“I thnk they should have bought lights for the football field.” -Manny Chavez
Editorial: The recent controversial addition of a new Internet restriction policy for Lake Forest Academy boarding students has left some people questioning the decision. Many feel it gives an advantage to day students, who face no such Internet restrictions for completing homework or project assignments at home. The new rule turns the Internet for all boarding students off at midnight, then back on again at 5:30 the next morning. The staff at The Spectator has come to recognize that, even though the new rule appears to be an extreme inconvenience to boarders, the new Internet guidelines have the students’ best interests at heart. Our students need to get a healthy amount of sleep each night and turning off the Internet may be an incentive for that. Research shows that teenagers need approximately nine hours of sleep every night to maintain their health. With the wellness survey taken at LFA showing that 30% of students are still awake after midnight, it has become clear to LFA staff that student’s nightly activities must be modified. By the time students
“They could have done that but they might have done another gym so that multiple sports can practice at one time.” -Danni Alvarez
The Rule is Cool
have finished school and practice, eaten dinner, and gone back to their rooms to start their homework, it can be as later than seven o’clock at night. With the three to four hours of homework given, starting their work at seven certainly gives students enough time to completely finish their work before the new Internet disconnect time of midnight. The new policy has given students the extra motivation to get back to their rooms and complete all their homework before they are unable to access the Internet. Dean of Students Chris Tennyson called the Internet restrictions the “responsible thing to do.” Before the new Internet rules, students were easily tempted to spend endless hours on Facebook or YouTube every night. Now with this distraction limited, the administration hopes that students will use their saved hours after midnight to get some sleep. “I recently started doing homework right after I eat dinner because I have to make sure to finish all my homework before twelve. It has definitely changed my schedule and makes me more aware of how I’m
spending my time,” said sophomore Hannah Thuroff. The Spectator staff acknowledges the inconvenience the new rule may pose to many LFA boarders. We also think, however, that the overall intention is positive and well-meant. Several students have complained that, although the restriction may have good intentions, it can also backfire, that on certain nights students may need more Internet flexibility to complete their work. Other students have pointed out that, although the staff may turn off the Internet, they cannot actually make the students go to sleep any earlier. Texting, watching movies on laptops, or reading books are other explanations for students in the dorms lacking sleep, not simply the Internet. The Spectator staff understands that turning off the Internet is not automatically going to eliminate the sleep deprivation occurring in our school, but we do hope that the new guidelines will encourage students to correct their unhealthful sleeping habits.
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 earned a series of prestigious journalism awards over the last two years. 2008 The American Scholastic Press Association... 1st Place 2008 The KEMPA ... 1st Place 2009 The American Scholastic Press Association...1st Place 2009 The KEMPA... 1st Place
quote of the month “People may expect too much of journalism. Not only do they expect it to be entertaining, they expect it to be true.” -Lewis H. Lapham
lfa spectator
The Inquiring Photographer:
T h e L a k e A c a d e m y
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ar ts & enter tainment 12
december 9, 2010
Holiday movie preview Page by Andrea Shen A&E Editor
The holidays are almost here, which means to hit up the movie theaters with the family. The it is time to start planning out days for sledding, winter movie season promises some of the mostdrinking hot chocolate, and making snowmen. anticipated films of the year, and here are some of If you have had enough apple cider and candy the biggest movies coming out just in time for the canes to last you until next year, it may be time holidays. Tangled (November 24, 2010) Walt Disney Pictures brings us their take on the classic fairy tale Rapunzel. Tangled is an animated musical packed with comedy, action, and timeless Disney tunes. This feel-good, family film stars Mandy Moore as the voice of the teenaged Rapunzel and Zachary Levi as the voice of the charming Flynn Rider, a bandit who becomes Rapunzel’s knight in shining armor and her ticket out of the tower where she’s been locked away for years.
Black Swan (December 1, 2010) Black Swan is a psychological thriller starring Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis as ballet dancers in a New York City ballet company. Veteran Nina (Portman) finds competition in newcomer Lily (Kunis). Swan Lake requires a ballerina to play both the innocent and graceful White Swan, which fits Nina perfectly, and the sensual and cunning Black Swan, a role made for Lily. The dancers’ rivalry develops into a twisted friendship, and Nina begins to explore a darker side of herself.
Image courtesy of www.mposter.com
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (December 10, 2010) The Pevensies are back in the third installment of the Chronicles of Narnia. Edmund (Skandar Keynes), Lucy (Georgie Henley), and their cousin Eustace Scrubb (Will Poulter) are transported to Narnia through a painting of a ship, the Dawn Treader. There, they join the new King of Narnia, King Caspian (Ben Barnes), on a quest to find the seven lords who were banished by Caspian’s evil uncle Miraz. Their voyage aboard the Dawn Treader takes them to the mysterious Eastern Islands, and along the way, they will encounter new friends and old enemies alike.
Image courtesy of www.impawards.com
TRON: Legacy (December 17, 2010) After almost 30 years, the wait for the sequel to 1982’s TRON is finally over. This film focuses on the life of Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund), the son of video game creator Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges). Kevin Flynn has been living in the virtual world of the villainous software program known as the Master Control Program for the past 25 years. As Sam looks into his father’s disappearance, he finds himself suddenly pulled into the virtual world of TRON. Along with fearless warrior Quorra (Olivia Wilde), father and son embark on a life-or-death journey across a dangerous cyber universe in order to defeat a ruthless villain.
Little Fockers (December 22, 2010) The holidays are a time for family, and the Fockers and Byrnes know that best. 10 years after marrying Pam (Teri Polo), the daughter of retired CIA agent Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro), and two little Fockers later, Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) is finally starting to be accepted by his paranoid and uptight father-in-law. However, with the twins’ birthday party looming ahead, Greg must prove that he is capable of being the man of the house, which is easier said than done. Knowing these two clashing families, the holidays are bound for chaos. Image courtesy of www.movienewz.com
december 9, 2010
ar ts & enter tainment 13
By Lucy Irungu Features Editor With the Holiday season quickly approaching, the Academy’s Fine Arts Department completed weeks of work by staging LFA’s Annual Holiday Concert last week. A large audience was in attendance as both the LFA Choir and Orchestra took part in the show. “The Holiday Concert is one of our most fun concerts of the year,” commented Tim Plambeck, director of the LFA Choir. The concert featured classic holiday songs, as well as some jazz numbers for a lively change of pace. According to Plambeck, this year the choir consisted of 35 students, with a number of talented newcomers added to the group. “We have a really strong group of freshman this year,” explained Plambeck. “But there is also a lot of talent coming from the upperclassmen.” Senior Peter Lovecchio and freshman Jessie Rosso are among those talented new faces of the LFA choir.
“There are more freshman involved in this year’s choir which makes it one of the younger choirs LFA has had,” added Plambeck. Another great annual feature of the Holiday Concert was the Christmas Quiz. “It really gets the crowd going and there is a lot of audience involvement in the show because of the quiz,” Plambeck said. “I really enjoy being in the Choir because it adds more diversity and fun to my schedule,” said junior Haley Wilhelm, a returner to the choir. “It’s nice to have the small break from my regular academic classes during the day.” The concert also featured several performances by the LFA Orchestra as well. The Orchestra performed a series of song selections from Tchaikovsky and contemporary songs from Sleeping Beauty. “I’m was really nervous about the concert,” said sophomore Alexandria Moton. “The songs were challenging but I was ready to put on a show.”
Vox debut concert Continued from page 1
Concentration students. Students with all types of vocal ranges can be a part of the group. Students voted on what the name would be and decided on ‘Vox’ which means voice in Latin,” said Plambeck. Plambeck has been rehearsing the group on Monday nights with the assistance of LFA senior Olivija Cepaite and sophomore Hannah Olinger, who helped with choreography. The songs range from classical, to musical theatre, to pop. There are currently 27 members. A typical Vox concert contains four group songs and the rest are solos. Students can take voice lessons to work on their solos. During the group’s premier concert in November, Vox members performed numbers from the hit television show “Glee”, such as “Halo” and “Walking on Sunshine”, as well as classics like “Somebody to Love” and “True Colors”. The well-attended concert included many performances that were extremely theatrical, and all were fun to watch.
“It was definitely different than what was done in the past. It was more ‘pop cultureous’ and more active,” said senior Beverly Onyekwuluje, who attended the Vox event. “You were more engaged, especially during ‘Glee’ songs because I’m a fan of ‘Glee’.” The members of Vox seemed to draw positive energy from the audience during the event. “Things were just humming along quite well at the concert and I think we are really making some good noise in the LFA community,” said junior Haley Wilhelm. With a smile she continued to say, “We are working to stay in tune by blending both classical styles with pop hits. We put the “e” in Glee. VOX rocks!” “I thought the concert was awesome! A lot of new singers emerged that night, and I was highly impressed,” said senior Lamees Esmail, who attended the concert.” I personally really liked the whole show, especially the solos.”
Members of the Choir get into the holiday spirit at the Holiday Concert.
Image Courtesy of Gina Campbell
Potter works magic in theaters By Georgiana Wagemann Managing Editor On Friday, November 19th, millions of avid fans clad in scarves, robes, and lightning-bolts rushed to theaters worldwide to view the highly-anticipated Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. The film is part one in the two-part conclusion to the critically acclaimed and highly successful series of seven Potter movies. Even at the midnight showing attended by this reporter, fatigue was not a possibility, as the vivid cinematography, satirical dialogue, and swift action scenes flashed before the audience’s eyes. Accompanied by his two closest friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, Harry Potter sets out on a mission to discover and destroy the seven horcruxes that hide the seven parts of Lord Voldemort’s soul. Along
the way, they embark on fearful journeys, encounter old friends, and face not only uncertainty, but death itself. So how does the LFA community feel about the Potter Phenomenon? Some, such as senior Catalina Todd, were ecstatically anticipating the movie’s premiere. Todd has not only read all of the books but has also seen all the movies. “I couldn’t wait to see the movie,” said Todd, “but I’m sad that the movies are coming to
Arnold and junior Sophia Smith anticipated the film, they didn’t understand the decision to release the final movie in two parts. Some students admitted they couldn’t care less about Harry Potter, even going so far to say “I have a life,” words that would surely sting a Potter fan. I would personally recommend that you not see the movie unless you have at least viewed the sixth movie (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince). If this movie is your first encounter with Harry Potter,
a close- I’ll have nothing to look forward to!” “I’m sad that the series is winding down,” admitted Senior Rob McNerney, “but the books are a thousand times better than the movies.” However, some people in the LFA community were not so eager about the movie’s premiere. Although senior Hailey
then you will be utterly lost and confused, because let’s face it, the movie simply doesn’t have time to summarize what has happened in the past six books. However, if you do have some interest in the series, I highly recommend watching the sixth movie so that you can go and see the seventh without pestering the person next to you out of confusion.
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LFA Choir and Orchestra deck the Cressey halls with cheer
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spor ts 14
december 9, 2010
Girls Basketball to play a challenging schedule:
Adjusting to new team dynamic By Lucy Irungu Features Editor
Photo Courtesy of Ruth Keyso
Senior Erin Peterson, a returning starter of the team plays defense.
Wrestling looks to have another successful season by Chris Boudreaux Sports Editor
The LFA wrestling team has its largest team ever this year, with a total of 11 wrestlers covering eight different weight classes. Despite the size of the team only two wrestlers, seniors Andrew Haddad and Matt Payne, return from the previous season. Peter Lovecchio, the team’s third senior this year, looks to add some much needed experience to this young team. According to team members, what the team lacks in experience it is making up for in hard work. “The team is working really hard,” said junior Taylor Jemilo. “We are getting noticeably better each practice.” The effort of the team members pays off in more than one-way, according to Haddad. “Wrestling pushes your limits and makes you work beyond them. It shapes you into a stronger person both mentally and physically,” said Haddad.
Coach Mathias Kerr echoes Haddad’s sentiment about hard work. “The strength of the team members is their attitude and drive,” noted Kerr. “Because it is a small group, there is a good team dynamic. There is a positive attitude in the room. The guys that are committed to the team also have a lot of fight in them and a want to learn.” The team is looking forward to a competitive and fun season due to the enthusiasm shown by the members of the team. “This season will be a building year,” admitted Kerr. “We have a couple wrestlers with some experience, but this is their first year wrestling at the high school level. There are also a lot of new faces so the goal is to learn and perfect the basic moves of the sport and make sure that they do not develop any bad habits this season.”
Speed, new talent, and a challenging schedule will make for a great season for the Lake Forest Academy girls basketball team. Lead by senior captain Kathleen Kennedy, the girls are ready to prove that they can play with some of the toughest teams around the area. “We start off playing in the Cougar Classic in Vernon Hills,” said Mr. Chris Tennyson, girls basketball coach at LFA. “The tournament is mostly public schools from around the area so it should be a great change from the schools that we normally play year-to-year.” The team is working on adjusting to a new playing style as well, said Tennyson, dictated by the change in players’ physical talents since last year. “The girls have been conditioned to get the ball to the tallest players near the bas-
ket,” explained Tennyson, “but this year, with our improved speed, there will be more opportunities to open things up for the guards.” The Caxy team graduated both Victoria Smith and Lauren Kraemer, two players that were more than six feet tall, who led the Caxys to numerous wins last season. This year the Caxys will try and take advantage of improved speed, outside shooting, and ball movement. Joining the coaching staff this year are Ms. Michelle Weber, who formerly coached the Junior Varsity girls basketball team, and Lizeth Turk, who also coaches at Joy of the Game, an indoor sports facility in Deerfield, Illinois. Since there is only one gym on campus, both the girls and boys basketball teams switch off going to Joy of the Game in order to provide both teams practice space. “Joy of the Game is similar to the Waukegan facility we have gone to in previ-
ous years, but it is closer to LFA which helps with transportation time. It has also benefitted us in building a nice outside relationship,” said Tennyson. “There is a great relationship with the upperclassmen and lower classmen on the team,” commented Jackie Jacobson, a sophomore on the team. “I think the seniors are really great mentors for us and have really helped the newcomers get used to the practices,” she stated. Tennyson agreed, saying that the seniors have set a phenomenal example, for both new and returning players, that has really increased communication on the court. The girls play a number of challenging teams this winter including The Latin School of Chicago, Grant High School, and North Shore Country Day School. “This year’s team is very hardworking and quick and I’m excited to see what we can do this season,” commented Tennyson.
Clay Danly and John Luttig compete in the Great Lakes High School Championship
Photo Courtesy of Bruce Danly
LFA wins Varsity B-Division sailing title Special to The Spectator Lake Forest Academy’s sailing team participated in its first Great Lakes High School Championship during the November 13-14 weekend and won first place in the Varsity B-Division. The fall championship regatta had 18 Midwestern schools competing in two 420 divisions and one Laser division. Good breezes helped create top-notch competition throughout the weekend, hosted by the Chicago Yacht Club. The overall competition was
not decided until the final competition of the 12-race series. New Trier High School was the overall winner of the championship event with LFA placing 10th overall. In Varsity B-Divisions, Clay Danly was the LFA skipper, with John Luttig and Emily Shanley- Roberts alternating as crew, who won the event. Danly finished strong on Sunday with a first place in the final race to clinch the victory. In the Varsit A-Division, Hunter Johnstone was at the helm, with Hannah Kiesler and Casper Clausen crewing,
and sailed a solid series to finish 10th. An honorary award was given for sportsmanship, voted by the 150 high school sailors that participated at the regatta. Freshman Emily Shanley Roberts won the award. Members of Lake Forest Academy’s sailing team included: Arlo Clarke, Casper Clausen, Clay Danly, Hunter Johnstone, Hannah Kiesler, John Luttig, Emily Shanley Roberts, Chris Shadek, and Max Thauer. Mr. Hunter Ratliff served as the Head Coach and Mr. Mathias Kerr was the LFA Sailing team advisor.
spor ts 15
december 9, 2010
by Chris Boudreaux Sports Editor In an era where information is easily attainable and consumers are searching for the fastest most efficient way to gain it, professional sports media is leading the trend. As people continue to abandon their televisions for the Internet,
for example, frequently checks his Blackberry Smartphone to access an ESPN mobile app, which he uses to follow Bears games or the standings in a NASCAR race. “The ESPN mobile app makes my life a lot easier”, said Levine, who is himself a budding race car driver. “It allows me to check up on my fa-
Image courtesy of ESPN.com
sports has been an early adopter of many new technologies, changing the way that sports fans follow such major events as the World Series or Conference Championship games in NCAA football. Many LFA students – who mirror sports fans across the country -- have tapped into Twitter, Facebook, and text messaging to enhance their involvement in following national sporting events. Senior David Levine,
vorite teams or NASCAR drivers at any time or any place.” Senior Dylan Ennis also uses a different form of social media to follow his sports. Ennis, like many younger sports fans, is a user of Twitter, uses tweets to follow games while they are happening. “Twitter allows me to get short recaps of games more easily and quickly than I would be able to get online” said Ennis.
By Eric Clamage Editor in Chief Director of Athletics Kevin Versen is trying to find three students to broadcast
LFA sporting events online. The school is affiliated with an online sports broadcasting website called ihigh.com. On this webpage, schools are able to upload sporting events and
LFA also has an alumni connection in this field of social networking sports media. Brad Stewart, Class of 2010, started a website called Fanhuddle which focuses on this alternative way to follow and blog about sports. Stewart currently attends Northwestern’s famous Medill School of Journalism. FanHuddle is a site that not only provides news but also opinion and entertainment about the professional sports teams in cities of Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Boston. Fanhuddle, already an established part of the wave of Internet sports media, is branching out towards other forms of media as well. According to Stewart, FanHuddle is using Twitter,
“I think with more access to information on the Internet, people aren’t satisfied anymore with just hearing one reporter’s take on a story”, said Stewart. “They want to get multiple opinions and Fan Huddle
provides one of those opinions.” Stewart himself also uses a lot of alternative media to follow sports. “I use social media ev-
Image courtesy of Twitter.com
Facebook, and RSS Feeds to get the news and information out to fans as quickly and efficiently as possible.
ery day to follow sports. I’d say, more often than not, I read a headline on Facebook and click a link to an article from Face-
community gatherings for people to watch. “This is a great opportunity for any student, specifically anyone who is interested in the field of communications,”
and the two to serve as the announcing team. Any students who have aspirations of being on Sports Center someday could earn valuable experience though this project.
said Versen. According to Versen, many high schools nationwide are now trying to stream their sports contests online for students, families, faculty and alumni to see. A minimum of three students is needed for the project, one to film the games
“It is not only good exposure for our students,” said Versen, “but it allows boarding students’ parents, especially international parents, to see their children play, even though they could not be there in person.” Junior Adam Mills likes the idea as a way to increase
book rather than finding it directly on a sports news website, like ESPN. Plus, you get to know people’s opinions on what’s happening rather than just hearing the news,” said Stewart. It appears that the evo-
Image courtesy of FanHuddle.com
lution of sports media will continue. According to ESPN.com, 40% of its total viewers access the website online to address their sports needs. Alternative sports media has a very bright future and the user base continues to grow. “Sports media, as with all forms of media, has an exciting but also uncertain future,” said Stewart. “Information is going to keep coming at a faster and faster pace and it’s going to be up to the consumer to determine what is a trustworthy source of infomation and what isn’t.”
Athletic Department hopes to provide students a valuable opportunity in sports broadcasting
Image Courtesy of Shutterstock,com
“This is a great opportunity for any student, specifically anyone who is interested in the field of communications” -Kevin Versen
LFA’s sense of community. “I think it would be a great idea for LFA to stream sporting events online,” said Carolyn Gillette, “because it will allow students to support their friends when they can’t physically be there for other reasons.” Giovanni James believes that it would be a good idea because, “people tend to be very busy at this school and this would just help them find time for LFA sports.” Versen has tried to make this opportunity a classroom experience; however, no department has come forward to take such a course into its department curriculum yet. Versen thought, however, that if students show interest in the broadcasting project than there might be a possibility it could turn in to a class credit as an independent study.
lfa spectator
Sports fans turning more often to Twitter, Facebook, and their Smartphones to follow the news
The place where stuff happens
Where’s Wagemann?
“Where’s Wagemann” is now a reoccuring feature to the paper. We have set up a scenario where one Lake Forest Academy student, Georgiana Wagemann, is hiding somewhere. Try to find her but be careful, she’s sneaky/creepy.
Top 10: Ways to scare parents away from Facebook By Mark Yingling Entropica Editor
I can’t imagine logging onto your Facebook account and
discovering that your mom or dad has sent you a friend request. If my parents are like yours, hopefully it’s your dad. He will not stalk you every day, like a mother would, or “check up on you”, as my mom would call it. Having a parent be on Facebook, let alone being friends with them, can force one to dramatically change the way they edit their profile or comment on other people’s walls.
“I’ve almost stopped using Facebook altogether be-
cause everything I do, whether it’s posting a picture or making
a status, my mom feels the need to “like” it and comment on it,” said one anonymous student.
Receiving a friend request from a parent (especially a
mom) can be devastating, emotionally and socially. Therefore,
I have compiled a list of ways to help you prevent getting that horrific friend request:
10. Tell your parents that Facebook is too technologically advanced and complicated for them.
9. Threaten to never accept their friend request if they get a Facebook account.
8. Tell them all the “weird” parents do it.
7. If they ask you if they should get a Facebook account, politely reply: “Yeah, if you want to scar me for the rest of my life.”
6. Tell them they will have too many creepy old middle school or high school classmates trying to re-connect with them. Photo by Kathleen Kennedy
Riddles/Jokes of the Month
5. (For the mom) Tell her it will reduce the amount of time she has to watch “Desperate Housewives” or “Oprah.”
4. Stretch the truth by saying: “Oh, there’s no use in getting one, I never go on mine anymore, and neither does anyone else.”
3. Tell them that Facebook does not allow anyone born after 1990 to create an account.
1.What gets bigger the more you take away?
2. Threaten to get a tattoo if they create an account; that should do the trick.
2. What has four wheels and flies?
Caxy Match
1. Tell them to get a MySpace account.
3. What did the cowboy say to the pencil? 4. Why do gorillas have big nostrils? 5. What kind of keys do kids like to carry? 6. Did you hear about the man who lost his whole left side? Answers: 1. A hole! 2. A garbage truck 3. Draw, partner! 4. Because they have big fingers 5. Coo-kies! 6. He’s all right now!
lfa spectator
entropica
December 9, 2010
Photo courtest of Latina.com
Photo by Sophia Salsbery
This edition’s look-alike is a comparison between a LFA student and a famous actor. Freshman, JJ Munoz, and actor Rico Rodriguez.