Lafayette High School news. Student-run.

The Lancer Feed
The first bell of the day rings at 8:28 a.m. and students who are in school at this time are expected to be present in their classrooms. Students who have not yet entered the building are required to sign in at the Welcome Center. If they do not have a valid reason with proper documentation they will be marked absent-late.
School policy marks students who sign in after 8:28 a.m. as absent-late, not tardy
During AcLab, freshmen students are able to meet with their counselors to talk more about their personalized four year academic plan. Freshmen Ambrose Fischer and Humza Gulzar meet with counselor Annie Tichacek during first mod of AcLab.
New system allows students to plan courses for all years of high school
Sophomore Mary Kirtley holds her Dressember Foundation button. The buttons are passed down to the new STL Spark executive board members each year and they are encouraged to place them on their backpacks to help raise awareness about human trafficking. My sister, [Class of 2020 alumni] Grace Kirtley, started STL Spark when she was in high school and she would have people carry it on after she graduated, Mary said. Last year I got invited to join the board again with my sister, senior Patty Kirtley, and so weve been working on carrying her legacy a bit. Its become somewhat of a family project.
Fundraising for freedom
ROTC and STUCO members load cans onto the Circle of Concern truck Nov. 20. Lancers collected a total of 8,796 cans.
Lancers collect 8,796 cans during annual drive
During FACS Department Chair Becky Lawrences 5th Hour Baking and Pastries class on Nov. 17, juniors Jack Dolle and Armani Turner eat the pies they made during their previous class. Because they cant use the water in their classroom, they also cant run their dishwashers. So, Lawrence had her students use paper plates and plastic utensils. Luckily I had disposable things on hand for them to eat with, so they used that. And then, the pie plate and server I’m just going to throw in the other [classes] dishwashers in between classes and hopefully I can keep up on it, Lawrence said.
Water lead content causes FACS classroom to adjust lessons
At the Winter Market on Dec. 3, vendors set up booths along Foundry Way. Papa Bear Popcorn set up their booth at the beginning of the street and sold holiday themed popcorn along with some of their best selling flavors including movie butter and caramel popcorn.
Festive finds
After winning all three training level tests at the National Dressage Pony Cup, senior Grace Miltenberger hugs her horse, Bentley.
Senior plans to part ways with horse to save for college
Sitting in the five seat, Hunn rows at the US Rowing Youth National Championship, June 8, 2023 in Sarasota, Florida. Hunns team ended up placing 17th.
Game On: Bailey Hunn
At the end of the 18th Annual Indianapolis Open, Abhinav Rao is congratulated by the tournament director. Rao tied for 2nd place with five other players, after he lost in the last round. I had fun at the tournament. It was tough but I played well, Rao said.
People of Lafayette: Abhinav Rao
During their first meeting Nov. 15, International Day President Akilesh Rajan presents to possible volunteers. Members discussed possible stations and performances to have at the 2024 event.
International Day begins planning, needs volunteers
Both Thirteen reasons Why and Glass Castle are featured in the Lafayette librarys Banned Book Week display. The library currently has three copies of Thirteen Reasons Why and one copy of Glass Castle.
Library Media Specialists review favorite challenged books
Published in 2004, Crank by Ellen Hopkins gives a realistic depiction of a teens plunge into drug addiction. While this book as been challenged, Lafayettes Library still has three copies.
Crank: a cautionary tale
The Perks of Being a Wallflower has been a #1 New York Times bestseller, and has won many awards, including the American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults award (2000). The book has been challenged and banned at high schools across the nation, although Lafayettes Library still has four copies.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower: a unique perspective
Lafayettes Library has four copies of Looking for Alaska by John Green in. The book is a Michael L. Printz Award winner and The New York Times bestseller.
Looking for Alaska: a representation of teenage life
Due to Senate Bill 775, all Rockwood schools took Gender Queer: A Memoir off of library shelves. The St. Louis County Library also does not carry any copies.
Gender Queer: beauty behind the bans
Winter Guard members, Sam Shoeing, Daisy Foster and Brooke Elston, participate in a painting fundraiser. The fundraiser was a way for the team to spend time together.
Lafayette’s Winter Guard uses painting fundraiser to pay for their season
Located in Wildwood Town Center Milk and Honey is a boutique that sells a variety of unique items. For the holiday season, they are featuring a number of special gift selections.
Milk and Honey offers a large variety of unique shopping options
Lafayette Student Publications travels to Boston for National High School Journalism Convention
To start her morning, co-owner Julie Ring takes a customer’s order. With the fall season, Daylight Donuts released pumpkin-flavored donuts, baked cinnamon rolls, and fall-inspired drinks. They are open at 6 AM and close between 12-9 PM. For high schoolers, like Charlie Wagner, this is a great way to work with friends and get involved in the community. Located in Hilltown Village Center Chesterfield, Daylight Donuts connects with its customers on a personal level.
Daylight Donuts uses food to connect with community
Community helps robotics team reach larger audience
At Barnes & Noble, senior Vedika Kumar participated in Blind Date with a Book. During this event, books are wrapped in paper with descriptive words that give a hint about the novel, and individuals are free to choose which one they want to buy.
To the next chapter
After finishing their tests in history teacher Steve Klawiters class, students can participate in an optional trivia section. While Klawiter usually doesnt offer rewards for the highest score on the trivia section, it offers a way for students to decompress after unit tests.
History teacher provides de-stressing activities to students
Freshman Emi Limon competes in the 2022 World Kickboxing and Karate Union Championship in Wales. Even though Limon has only been doing karate for three years, he won four medals at the October competition— a gold medals in Weapons with Music and Korean Forms, a silver medal in Hardstyle Forms and a bronze medal in Weapons with no Music.
Kicking the competition
As seen in the Image, some Lancers tell the unique stories and meanings behind their names.
What’s In a Name?
Rockwood bans 22 books due to new state law
To introduce kids to the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, gifted teacher Shannon Batt put together a display. She is a certified Choctaw artist and was able to teach gifted students at Lafayette the art of beading.
Listen In: Native American Heritage Month offers gifted teacher opportunity to teach culture
To build the frame for the Car Club’s go-kart, sophomore Adit Swami cuts metal in his garage. Working with sophomore Logan Martin’s dad, Matt Martin, Swami learns more about metal working and takes back to teach the other members of the club.
Listen In: Car debate leads friends to form new club
Listen In: Heart Health Month sparks reflections on soccer tryouts
Listen In: Heart Health Month sparks reflections on soccer tryouts
Freshman Akiko Field poses for a picture with her cousins in front of a restaurant in Japan.
Listen In: Student experienced cultural shifts with Japanese-American family, move to America
At Magnolia Flavor House, a Filipino ice cream shop, sophomore Chris Songco eats ice cream. Although his family hasn’t been able to go recently, Songco has been to the Philippines multiple times to visit family, including when he was seven.
Listen In: Asian American, Pacific Islander Month inspires pride in culture
Cutting through the water, junior Talia Ramsey comes up for air during her breaststroke. Ramsey and the Lancers won their meet against Parkway Central, 94-92.
Boys wrestling wins tournament, swimming finishes 4th in relay
With her back against the mat, senior Toby Goertz pins her Lindbergh opponent, Dec. 7, 2022. Last year Goertz placed 4th in State.
Basketball wins season opener, hockey faces local rivals
Battling under the basket, Class of 2023 alumni PJ Rogan fights against his Marquette defender for a rebound. The Lancers will play the Mustangs at home Dec. 15. at 7 p.m.
Hockey bounces back after loss; basketball, wrestling prepare for season
In the individual medley, senior Caleb Warner glides through the water with his butterfly stroke. Warner became a State Champion in the 200-meter individual medley and the 100-meter breaststroke.
Boys swim finish 3rd in State, break more school records
After their State victory on Nov. 4, the volleyball team celebrates on the court. The team defeated Francis Howell in straight sets, 3-0. Everyone was out-of-this-world excited. [Winning back-to-back] was something that hasnt happened in awhile, Nelson said.
Girls volleyball repeats as State Champions, Barnard sets new record with State title run
Lafayette High School news. Student-run.

The Lancer Feed
Lafayette High School news. Student-run.

The Lancer Feed
Ammu Lanka

Ammu Lanka, News Assistant Editor

Grade: Junior

Pronouns: She/Her

Years on Staff: 2

Hobbies and Interests: reading, creative writing, Carnatic music, violin, history, space

Favorite Quote: “No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars or sailed an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.” - Helen Keller

Favorite Hot Take: Pepsi and Coca-Cola taste the same.

Fun Fact: I have eleven distinguishable birthmarks on my face.

All content by Ammu Lanka
In her room, junior Kalie McLaughlin practices the chords of Youre On Your Own, Kid, by Taylor Swift. McLaughlin gets most of her inspiration from Swift during the songwriting process.

Eye on Art: Kalie McLaughlin

Ammu Lanka, News Assistant Editor
November 13, 2023
To view the solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017, classes evacuate the building using the emergency evacuation procedure. On Nov. 8, Lafayette will follow the same procedure to prepare for emergencies.

Preparing for emergencies

Ammu Lanka, News Assistant Editor
November 7, 2023
Holding the tournament bracket, senior and State champion Amber Yin stands next to All-State doubles teammates sophomore Mia Yin and freshman Mary Sublette. Amber won State without dropping a set and the doubles team of Mia and Sublette placed 5th.

Lady Lancer wins State Championship, Football wins in overtime

Ammu Lanka and Eshwar Murali
October 16, 2023
As the Patriot Day ceremony wraps up, AFJROTC walks back to Lafayette with flags. The ceremony took place before school to commemorate lives lost on the attacks of 9/11.

Teachers reflect on the events of 9/11

Ammu Lanka, News Assistant Editor
September 11, 2023
Hall passes at Lafayette were implemented last school year in response to students roaming the halls after asking to go to the bathroom. However, with the school still having issues with students roaming, the school will be implementing a new blackout time bathroom system.

Administration implements new policies to keep students from roaming during class

Ammu Lanka, News Assistant Editor
August 23, 2023
Gifted education teacher Paige Hartley, Assistant Principal Dr. Kirti Mehrotra, special education teacher Sharon Luedloff and physical education teacher David Witter are leaving after the 2022-23 school year. They have been making plans for after retirement that include time with family, volunteering and traveling.

Retiring staff members reflect on time at Lafayette, share plans for future

Ammu Lanka and Zosia Paciorek
May 26, 2023
David Choate, the current teacher of the year, hands the Lafayette Teacher of the Year Scholarship to recipient Reese Ruppert. Choate was on the committee with former teachers of the year to select the recipient.

Senior Awards Night celebrates Class of 2023

Ammu Lanka, News Assistant Editor
May 10, 2023
While Missouris government aims to allow citizens to carry firearms, the federal court requires states to have proper gun regulation because of the violence caused by them. The current laws that are in place are not enough.

Legislative gun protection puts lives in danger

Ammu Lanka, News Assistant Editor
April 26, 2023
While visiting Port Aransus in Texas, sophomore Gauri Kathula holds a fish in her hand. Kathula was on a fishing boat tour that demonstrated the fishing process, one of the many ways she has worked to learn more about detrimental impacts on ocean life.

If It Weren’t For: sophomores research project inspires passion

Ammu Lanka, News Assistant Editor
April 14, 2023
While teaching the Guitar Ensemble, fine arts teacher Traci Bolton tells her students to take notes of an audio clip. Bolton recently won the Outstanding Music Educator Award from the St. Louis Suburban Music Educators Association, along with a Rose Award from Rockwood.

Bolton wins Outstanding Music Educators Award

Ammu Lanka, News Assistant Editor
March 6, 2023
Since 2001, Trivia night has been a big hit with a fun night of games, food and raffle items. Though it stopped happening because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was brought back in 2022.

LPO sets $15,000 goal for Trivia Night

Molly Brim and Ammu Lanka
February 23, 2023
Several books written by Black authors are being highlighted during February in the Library. This year for Black History Month, various classes like Art Fundamentals and Black Literature are acknowledging the importance of Black History Month with class projects.

Several classes, book club recognizes Black History Month’s significance

Molly Brim and Ammu Lanka
February 16, 2023
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