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Lafayette High School news. Student-run.

The Lancer Feed
Between songs being performed, music teacher Brad Balog recognizes his students.
Lafayette Department of Fine Arts hosts Vox Solus & Jazz Ensemble concert
At the basketball station, an athlete winds-up to dunk on the hoop. Athletes who made the basketball in the hoop were awarded candy.
Lancers participate in activities with their athletes for the annual Special Olympics
On Jan 7, a disasterous fire swept in and completly destroyed Class of ‘95 graduate, Neal Flesner's home. The image depicts the before and after effects of the fire.
‘I saw firsthand the devastation of our community’
Last year, the Fine Arts Festival was hosted through April 21-22. The festival included the Guitar Festival, April 21, and the Art show, April 22.
Fine Arts Festival to celebrate districtwide student achievement, feature performances from LHS musicians, actors
On Friday, April 11, at 7 p.m., Lafayette students will be performing in the annual Guitar Festival featuring Tuesday Night Rock Band, Wednesday Jam Band, Monday Jam Band, AcLab Country Club and Guitar Ensemble. Admission is free.
Students to perform in annual Guitar Festival
After a shot from a 'Ville attacker, sophomore goalkeeper Sydney Schott makes the save. Lafayette-Eureka defeated Mehlville-Oakville 9-4 on Thursday, Apr. 24.
Ramsey shows out on Senior Night, as the Lancercats take down The ‘Ville
Sliding into third base, senior centerfielder Michael Callahan moves into scoring position during their 11-5 loss to Rockwood Summit April 15. The Lancers lost both games in their series with the Falcons.
Baseball outscored by Summit in conference matchup
Before throwing the ball to a teammate, senior goalkeeper Beck Henderson holds the ball to slow the pace of the game. Henderson has signed a letter of intent to play collegiate soccer for i2i Academy at Leeds Beckett University in England.
Kickin’ it in England
With ball in hand, catcher TJ Bender attempts to tag out a Eureka runner. Bender played in both rivalry games against Eureka this week.
Lafayette baseball splits series with rivals
The Lafayette girls soccer team celebrates Addison Keen's winning penalty against Eureka. The Lancers won the Battle of 109 5-3 on penalties on Tuesday, Apr. 8.
Keen and Vogt play key role in nail biting win over Eureka
Before throwing the ball to a teammate, senior goalkeeper Beck Henderson holds the ball to slow the pace of the game. Henderson has signed a letter of intent to play collegiate soccer for i2i Academy at Leeds Beckett University in England.
Kickin’ it in England
On Jan 7, a disasterous fire swept in and completly destroyed Class of ‘95 graduate, Neal Flesner's home. The image depicts the before and after effects of the fire.
‘I saw firsthand the devastation of our community’
Last year, the Fine Arts Festival was hosted through April 21-22. The festival included the Guitar Festival, April 21, and the Art show, April 22.
Fine Arts Festival to celebrate districtwide student achievement, feature performances from LHS musicians, actors
On Friday, April 11, at 7 p.m., Lafayette students will be performing in the annual Guitar Festival featuring Tuesday Night Rock Band, Wednesday Jam Band, Monday Jam Band, AcLab Country Club and Guitar Ensemble. Admission is free.
Students to perform in annual Guitar Festival
After being inspired by a challenge between two magicians in the 1900's, Class of ‘07 alumni John Kinney hosts a show for 52 audience members titled '1885.'
It’s Magic!
All Varsity members, as well as the three JV members who came to support, pose in front of the Winter Guard International sign. Photo Contributed by Dawn Hagen.
The Final Catch
People have mixed reactions on a Facebook reel by Fox2Now in response to the demonstration of the neo-Nazis, Oct. 5.
With national issues turning local, advocating for change is imperative
After picking up all the tennis balls on court, I decided to take pictures with the kids and their buddy.
Serving Smiles
Fake news online is rampant now that anyone can post anything. It is up to an individual to be proactive and fact check the media they consume.
It’s Time to Face the Facts
CARTOON: The evolution of the first day of school
CARTOON: The evolution of the first day of school
Junior, Zach Diethelm, performs for his peers during his lunch period. He started the concerts because his peers requested him to.
One man show lunch concerts shut down for safety reasons
Juniors Connor Kash and Owen Waeckerle at their booth, Washer Toss. They ended the day with 224 tickets.
Annual Winter Carnival fuels friendly competition
For this years Spring Musical, LTC is putting on the show, "Once Upon a Mattress" which is a re-telling of the classic fairytale, "The Princess and The Pea" with just a little twist to it.
LTC to perform Once Upon a Mattress for Spring Musical
Community members browse items for sale during the Marketplace Craft Fair, from many available vendors.
Marketplace Craft Fair raises money for band, raises awareness for non-profits
Vedha Inampudi draws for two clubs for this rendition of Gone Clubbing.
Digital Media Gone Clubbing #2
At the basketball station, an athlete winds-up to dunk on the hoop. Athletes who made the basketball in the hoop were awarded candy.
Lancers participate in activities with their athletes for the annual Special Olympics
Decked out in 80's workout gear, the SSD department performs a dance routine that went on to win them the title of 'Best Group Costume'.
Drop Dead Gore-geous
Lancers don their Lafayette gear for black and gold spirit day
Lancers don their Lafayette gear for black and gold spirit day
Lancers blast to the past for Throwback Thursday HoCo Spirit Day
Lancers blast to the past for Throwback Thursday HoCo Spirit Day
Day three of HoCo Spirit Week has Lancer's setting sail
Day three of HoCo Spirit Week has Lancer’s setting sail
Pi Day celebrates the mathematical symbol of pi. People like math teacher Kevin O'Gorman have celebrated by eating pie and pizza on March 14.
Pi Day offers opportunity to learn more about symbol, eat pie
March 1 is National Compliment Day. A theory taught in AP Psychology mentions the benefits of both giving and receiving compliments.
Listen In: Giving compliments provides benefits for giver, receiver
Throughout her house, junior Jessica Guan has decorations for the Lunar New Year. Her favorite are the fish, which promise auspiciousness.
Listen In: Lunar New Year celebration holds tradition, culture
Class of 2011 graduate Charles Zimmerman (middle) is paired with Bonne Bedingfield (left) and Rabiha Sami (right) to form the Sugar Bandits, a culinary arts team on Holiday Wars. Team Sugar Bandits went into the finale and finished 2nd out of nine teams.
Listen In: Competition show builds friendship, learning opportunities
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
Lafayette High School news. Student-run.

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

The Lancer Feed
Ammu Lanka

Ammu Lanka, Reporter

I initially joined staff because I love writing and wanted to explore a new style, but over the years I’ve come to love finding unique stories about people and learning about what matters to my community!

Grade: Senior

Pronouns: She/Her

Years on Staff: 3

Hobbies: Singing, creative writing, reading and watching Netflix.

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

All content by Ammu Lanka
All kinds of posters, furniture and decorative pieces surround Orange Couch Coffee House and maintain the Friends-based set up. "I have the orange couch which is not like the orange couch from the show, but very similar looking. I went with the style of soft, warm, colorful as opposed to leather," cafe owner Maggie Schamber said.

Out and About: Orange Couch Coffee House

Ammu Lanka, Reporter
April 1, 2025
In the past few years, Winter Guard has been one large team. This year, because so many people signed up, a JV division returned, creating a five-member group. For the JV team members, this means having strong connection to one another. "At first, I was sort of disappointed because I wanted to perform with the seniors for their last show," junior Mini Walden said. "But having a group of five, we're very close, we have a groupchat that's just to be silly." Photo Contributed by Dawn Hagen

Tight-knit tosses

Ammu Lanka, Reporter
March 31, 2025
Shortly after winter break, Rockwood called off four out of five school days in one week. According to Chief Communications Officer Mary LaPak, the district has three remaining snow days allotted for this school year.

Piling Up the Snow Days

Abby Scott and Ammu Lanka
February 11, 2025
sophomore Siri Kativarapu

[Photo] Would you rather have AMI days and end school on May 24 or have additional snow days extend the school year?

February 10, 2025
Out of 520 total entries for “Beginnings”, freshman Annabella Graham’s long exposure photo will be one of 74 on display at the St. Louis Kooyumjian Gallery. “I had no clue my photo was gonna get picked at all,” Graham said. “But I was very happy about it.” photo contributed by Annabelle Graham

Beginnings 2024: More than an exhibition

Ammu Lanka, Reporter
January 14, 2025
As the MIOS Concert progressed, percussionists sophomores Charlie Henson and Jacob Tate as well as freshman Charlie Heger play their instruments.

LHS, RVMS bands perform in holiday concert

Abby Scott and Ammu Lanka
December 9, 2024
During "Sleigh Ride" sophomore Jacob Tate and freshman Charlie Heger hold their slap-sticks, awaiting their cue from music teacher Kevin Lowe.

Music teacher Andrew Reader conducts "Sleigh Ride" as the flautists section plays on their cue.

After the MIOS concert, Jazz Band members wear Christmas attire while setting up to perform on the Commons stage.

To open the concert, Rockwood Valley Middle School bands perform their pieces, with senior percussionist Greg Umstead accompanying them.

At the back of the band, percussionist ____ plays the sleigh bells during the final piece, "Sleigh Ride".

St. Louis All Suburban Band and Missouri All State Collective members were recognized during the concert. Among them were sophomores Claire Eltoft and Emma Hagen, as well as freshman Amanda Vache.

Wind ensemble flautists seniors Gracie Hagen and Gauri Kathula and sophomore Claire Eltoft play with and Percussion 1 members juniors Thomas Morgan and Sam Schoening in a piece called “Queen of Sheba."

After being introduced by music teacher Brad Balog, STL Spark members senior Avery Townsend and junior Mahi Chechani talk about Dressember, an organization that STL Spark partners with for human trafficking awareness.

Junior Jaclyn Morton stands for recognition for St. Louis All Suburban Band.

Sophomore Dean Klawiter plays the drums during "The Mandalorian."

Lafayette’s three levels of band combine for the first time in the year during the MIOS concert. Senior Grace Lankford and freshman MJ Clancy play bass clarinet as the band opens with “The Mandalorian.”

Music teacher Kevin Lowe directs the percussionists with slap-sticks in the stands, as well as the audience members who were encouraged to participate by clapping.

Over the weekend, when she doesn't have cross country practice, sophomore Kelly Archambeault restores a vinyl fence in Sunset Hills. " It's a lot to balance," Archambeault said. "And that's another reason why we wanted to make the business. We didn't have much time in our lives and wanted to be able to make our own hours and time for work."

Getting the Job Done

Ammu Lanka, Reporter
October 9, 2024
Linebacker Alex Behl takes an interception to the house for 6 points.

Lancers clinch 23-21 win at first home football game, first Kirkwood win since 2008

Theo Koury, Darby Morel, Ammu Lanka, and Maddie Roberts
September 18, 2024
For the Japanese Festival Opening Ceremony, performers play Taiko drums. The event is hosted in the Botanical Gardens due to having one of the largest Japanese gardens in the United States. "The garden [has] cherry blossoms, Japanese palm trees, a beautiful lake and a bonsai, very Japanese style. There’s a lot of Japanese related events because of that," Webster University instructor Hitomi Salini said. Photo Courtesy Of Nathan Kwarta

Festival celebrating Japanese culture to visit St. Louis Botanical Gardens Aug. 31-Sept. 2

Ammu Lanka, Reporter
August 29, 2024
Teri Klein is a new social studies teacher located in Room 118. This year, she will teach U.S history and Junior Government, she will also coach wrestling.

Ramona Nnakwe is a new language arts teacher located in Room 154. This year, she will teach 10th and 11th grade language arts.

Cade Fluchel is a new language arts teacher located in Room 144. This year, he will teach 9th and 10th grade language arts.

Early on Monday morning, multiple regions of the school had air conditioning and power outages, causing some classes to move periodically for the 1st Hour final block.

Power outages affect multiple schools in Wildwood area, parts of Lafayette building

Ammu Lanka, Reporter
May 23, 2024
Due to a shortage of ten custodians, custodian Andrew Doyle begins his after school shift after being rehired to Lafayette from Crestview Middle School three months ago. “We are very short handed. It affects us by more than 50%,” Doyle said.

Support staff openings create additional responsibilities for current staff

Ammu Lanka, Reporter
May 16, 2024
Leaping in the air, junior Carl King gets over a hurdle. King finished 1st in the 300-meter hurdle.

Boys track wins at Conference, volleyball begins playoff run

Eshwar Murali, Rachel Emma Saferite, and Ammu Lanka
May 7, 2024
During her 4th Hour ALARP 1 class, language arts teacher Jenny Ingram instructs at the front of the room. Ingram is one of five language arts teachers leaving at the end of this year, and is one of eight teachers who have put in their resignation this school year.

Filling in the blanks

Ammu Lanka and Abby Scott
May 6, 2024
At a North Carolina national park in 2015, junior Megan Pannell first discovered her fear of spiders. Her dad pointed out a spider, which caused Pannell to panic at the sight. “That’s when I think he realized, ‘yeah, you’re definitely afraid of spiders’," Pannell said.

Last Time I Was Scared: Megan Pannell

Ammu Lanka, Reporter
April 29, 2024
After downloading the Here Comes the Bus app, parents can create an account for students with a Rockwood-specific code. Initially, the code will be available for 14 Rockwood buses. "We felt it would provide another layer of convenience, communication and security for our students and families,” Mike Heyman, Rockwood’s Director of Transportation, said.

Rockwood to trial bus tracking app “Here Comes the Bus” in late March

Ammu Lanka, Reporter
March 13, 2024
Ball in hand, junior Patrick Boyette spots senior John Renken calling for the ball. The Lancers won this game against Francis Howell Central 59-37.

Boys wrestling finishes 2nd at State, boys basketball wins at buzzer

Eshwar Murali and Ammu Lanka
February 27, 2024
With a set criteria to evaluate applicants on scholastic abilities, communication, involvement, leadership and interest in field of education, Rockwood National Education Association will select up to four applicants for the RNEA Scholarship and up to two applicants for the RNEA Member's Scholarship.

Rockwood National Education Association offers new scholarship for future education majors

Ammu Lanka, Reporter
January 31, 2024
In order to meet Federal Student Aid application deadlines, many local resources, including Lafayette counselors, are available for one-on-one meetings. "Even if you think your college is paid for, we still heavily recommend going ahead and filing the FAFSA so that you don't lose out on any opportunities," College and Career counselor Alex Dusenberry said. "A lot of four year universities say you can only get scholarships if you complete the FASFA. [Also], it is a requirement that you complete the FSA in order to get A+ credit."

FAFSA deadlines delayed due to congressional push to make changes

Ammu Lanka, Reporter
January 25, 2024
At the 2023 Music State Conference, All-State Concert Band performs for music educators, after concentrated rehearsals throughout the year. All-State Conferences are held in resorts within the state, with the 2023 conference being held at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Competitive state program amplifies opportunities for music department

Ammu Lanka, Reporter
January 2, 2024
Right before the doors open, students gather around the west entrance, in 39 degrees. Since students came back in-person after COVID-19, this practice has been in place--this year it has been much stricter.

Practice of opening school doors at 8 a.m. stems from staffing issues, safety concerns

Ammu Lanka, Reporter
December 20, 2023
In her room, junior Kalie McLaughlin practices the chords of "You're 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, Reporter
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, Reporter
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, Reporter
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, Reporter
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, Reporter
May 10, 2023
While Missouri's 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, Reporter
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, Reporter
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, Reporter
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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