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After the meeting, students were given an opportunity to meet the senators and ask Senator Koenig why the testimony was ended early. [Koenig] said they had already heard three hours of testimony last week about Bills 4 and 89, which covered similar education issues, so they had to move on to other bills, Bass said.
Sophomore travels to testify during Senate committee hearing
At the 2022 blood drive on Jan. 28, social studies teacher Vincent Deblasi donates blood. This year, the drive will be on Jan. 27 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
STUCO to host annual blood drive on Jan. 27
Students dance in the Commons during the 2022 Winter Formal. This years theme is Disco Fever.
“Disco Fever” Winter Formal Week starts Jan. 23
The Rockwood School of Business will be offering courses such as Accounting, Business Management and Graphic Media for the 2023-2024 school year. Student will be able to sign up for these and many other courses starting Jan. 27.
Enrollment for 2023-2024 school year begins Jan. 27
Holding out his arm, Class of 2022 graduate Gavin Krone volunteers at the Soccer Swift Kick stand. All proceeds from the Winter Carnival go to the Freshman Class.
Winter Carnival returns from three-year hiatus
On the first snow day of the school year, freshman Giancarlo Fernandez spends his day building a snowman in his neighborhood. Rockwood has announced two snow days in the school year because of inclement weather. Phil the groundhog then predicted six more weeks of winter on Feb. 2.
Throwback Thursday: Phil the groundhog predicts six more weeks
Mochi Donut Factory opened on Sept. 12, 2022, and began selling their treats. Flavors featured include rocky road, churro, chocolate, pistachio, strawberry and hazelnut.
Out and About: Mochi Donut Factory brings unique treats to the community
According to girlscouts.org, in the 1950s, when the Girl Scout Cookies began to rise in popularity, there were three different varieties of cookies to choose from: A shortbread cookie, a sandwich cookie and the infamous Thin Mints cookie. The shortbread and sandwich cookies were originally just available in chocolate and vanilla, however, the flavors evolved and by the 1970s, their standard cookies became Thin Mints, Do-si-dos, Trefoils and Samoas which are still around today.
Girl Scout Cookie sales beginning Jan. 7
Senior Kyle Dean plays his solo during a performance with the Tuesday Night Rock Band at the Coffee House music event at Lafayette. Dean has been playing the guitar for four and a half years.
Students inducted into new all-state music group
Junior Taylor Lefkowitz lights the third candle in her Menorah. Menorahs held nine candles, and each night, during Hanukkah, a new candle got lit.
Lancers celebrate more than Christmas in December
At the Forest Park Festival on Sept. 10, Lafayette varsity girls cross country senior Grace Tyson runs a long course. She placed first, with a time of 18:30.40 and Lafayette placed second overall in that meet.
Lancers recognized for athletic achievement
On Jan. 28, juniors Landon Griesbach and Elizabeth Tremper, sophomore Tose Toriolla and freshman Connor Kash perform part of their routine, Itll Be Okay. Winter Guard placed 1st in their division.
Escadrille, Winter Guard begin seasons with win
On Dec. 21, sophomore Taylor Nania, who leads in points for the Lancers, dribbles toward the basket on offense trying to get around a Wildcat defender. The team lost, 67-17.
Wrestling tournament leads to three Lancer champions, girls swimming and diving continue winning streak
While facing Marquette Dec. 2, senior Shru Singh dribbles the ball away from the opposing team. Singh helped the girls basketball team get their first win Jan. 12, scoring 21 points against Parkway Central.
Henderson wins 1st at girls wrestling tournament, Haefner breaks Lancer record
Junior Toby Goertz pins down her opponent at the Fred Ross Invitational. At the invitational, Goertz placed second while her team placed fifth overall.
Junior Dylan Roth reaches 100 wins, hockey wins Battle of 109
For special holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, my family and I have certain traditions which some of them we carry on for many years.
Now is the time to make family memories
The holiday season can be a stressful time for students. Instead of focusing on that stress, they should look for holiday things that make them happy.
Stay grounded, have fun during holidays
A can of tomato soup was thrown at Sunflowers, one of Vincent Van Goghs paintings, in protest. While the environmental movement needs to be acknowledged now, the decision to protest by attempting to ruin a painting is ineffective.
Food is not protest
During intruder drills, the expectations are that students stop what they are doing, lock the doors and hide in a place out of view of the door.
Staff Editorial: We don’t feel safe
Taylor Swifts album Midnights was released Oct. 21 at midnight EST. The album is available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and other streaming services.
The clock strikes again with Swift’s Midnights release
Students worked as volunteers at the Jan. 21 Winter Carnival operating game booths and managing other areas of the event. Many of the Lancers also attended the Winter Carnival when they were in elementary school.
Winter Carnival returns as Freshman Class fundraiser; local children enjoy day of indoor fun
Robotics team members freshmen Ahan Singh, Pardhu Konakandla and Giancarlo Fernandez put together a robot. The Hadrons worked together to prepare for the competition.
Three separate teams compete this year for Lancer Robotics
At one of his favorite spots to ride, junior Hunter Grander rides on a downhill trail at Bluff View Park.
Local park provides variety of trails for varied skill levels, riding interests
Junior Elizabeth Hanson sculpts the details on her frog during Ceramics class 1st Hour.
Ceramics students put skills learned throughout semester to practice on final project
Matt Haefner goes up for a layup in the varsity game against Francis Howell. Haefner is averaging 19 points per game.
Lafayette travels to Eureka for basketball rivalry game
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
Sophomore Kaden Stottler poses in the Zen Garden. Stottler begins his new rap music career using only his Iphone, a microphone and a little help from close friends and family.
Sophomore begins journey into future rap career
Class of 2022: Senior Spotlights
Class of 2022: Senior Spotlights
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
As part of the curriculum for several language arts classes, students are checked out a copy of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Since the author wrote the main character in the book to be autistic, reading it can be a way to understand what having autism is like.
Listen In: Book promotes autism awareness, acceptance
To recognize Black History Month, the library created a display of diverse books. Reading books with diverse characters can be a way to widen perspectives.
Listen In: Taking a pause during Black History Month
College and Career counselors Alex Dusenberry and Sarah Hicks speak about what they do at their office and how they can help seniors decide which college option benefits them the most. The seniors met during AcLab on Aug. 26 to learn information about the upcoming school year.
Listen In: Traditional vs. non-traditional college options
Lafayette High School news. Student-run.

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

The Lancer Feed
Juli Mejia

Juli Mejia, Editor In Chief

Grade: Senior

Pronouns: She/Her

Years on Staff: 4

Hobbies and Interests: Writing, Reading, Poetry, Biking, YouTube, Philosophy, Greek Mythology

Favorite Quote: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”-Maya Angelou

Favorite Hot Take: Climate reforms should be prioritized over everything else

Fun Fact: I can say the alphabet backwards

 

All content by Juli Mejia
Mochi Donut Factory opened on Sept. 12, 2022, and began selling their treats. Flavors featured include rocky road, churro, chocolate, pistachio, strawberry and hazelnut.

Out and About: Mochi Donut Factory brings unique treats to the community

January 30, 2023
Hannah Wozniak, Class of 2019, sings during the 2018 Madrigal Dinner. The 2022 Madrigal Dinner will be on Dec. 15-16 in the Commons from about 6-9 p.m.

A knight to remember

December 15, 2022
From senior Jayla Jones to Board of Education Director Izzy Imig to Director of Student Services Terry Harris, several Rockwood community members have voiced their opinion on the contracts being canceled.

Contract negotation

December 13, 2022
A can of tomato soup was thrown at Sunflowers, one of Vincent Van Goghs paintings, in protest. While the environmental movement needs to be acknowledged now, the decision to protest by attempting to ruin a painting is ineffective.

Food is not protest

November 16, 2022
As seen in the Image, some Lancers tell the unique stories and meanings behind their names.

What’s In a Name?

November 4, 2022

Listen In: Student experienced cultural shifts with Japanese-American family, move to America

October 25, 2022
During the game on Sept. 16, senior Audrey Savacool spikes the ball to the other side during a volley. The game was the Chris Toomey memorial game, which was played in honor of the former coach who passed away over the summer.

Girls volleyball enters season with three new captains

September 28, 2022
Phil Milligan speaks against Jessica Clarks comments during Patron Comments at the Sept. 1 Board meeting. Milligan was a band teacher at Lafayette for 11 years before he became an elementary school principal. He strongly opposed Clarks remarks. Shame on you, he said towards her.

At Sept. 1 meeting, community patrons react to controversy surrounding BOE member’s comments

September 12, 2022
At the Sept. 1 Board of Education meeting, Jessica Clark listens to patron comments. Most patrons spoke about comments Clark made at a Real Talk Radio event on Aug. 23.

School board takes action to address recent controversy

September 2, 2022
Junior L Lamar opens up StudentSquare on a computer. ParentSquare will be utilized by teachers and parents in the 2022-23 school year, while StudentSquare will be utilized by students through either an app or online website.

[Photo] District moving to ParentSquare communication system for safety, easier accessibility

June 2, 2022
Environmentalistic is a new store at the St. Louis Premium Outlets. According to their website, their mission is to preserve the natural wonders and stunning beauty of the Planet Earth, [and] to become major contributors to environmental awareness. One of their mottos for the store is The Earth is in our hands.

‘The Earth is in our hands’

April 8, 2022
Virginia Weisar and Gary Rickerd stand in the front of the store. Weisar and Rickerd have many aspirations for the organization, including community projects and events.

[Photo] Materials, products contribute to end goal of store

April 8, 2022
The store leaves the door open to let sunlight in. The inside has several displays of shirts, hoodies and accessories along with couches and books.

[Photo]

Virginia Weisar puts away a shirt on a clothing rack. Weisar has been working for Environmentalistic since it opened, helping expand the store with different interactive activities such as a new chalkboard display.

[Photo] Teamwork helps to create store from scratch

April 8, 2022
Voters head to the polls today to elect two new members for the Rockwood Board of Education. The polls are open until 7 p.m.

[Photo] Voters go to polls today to decide fate of Prop P, two open school board seats

April 5, 2022
Having a successful life shouldnt require taking unnecessary measures to get there. Instead of wasting time on needless stressors, people should focus their attention on the things theyre passionate about.

[Photo] More than one path

March 31, 2022
Prices at the local Phillips 66 gas station off of a roundabout on highway 109 are currently underneath the national average of $4.255. Prices have been steeply rising since the Russian-Ukrainian War began at the end of February of 2022.

Gas price increase pushes students, staff to adjust spendings

March 20, 2022
Cars sit at a standstill as people try to leave the city on Feb. 24, 2022, in Kyiv, Ukraine. Overnight, Russia began a large-scale attack on Ukraine, with explosions reported in multiple cities and far outside the restive eastern regions held by Russian-backed rebels.

Ukraine’s fight is our fight too

February 25, 2022
During AcLab on Feb. 1, Asian American Association met to celebreate Lunar New Year. One of the club presidents, senior Ethan Xu, prepared snacks and activities for members. Along with writing Chinese characters, called Hanzi, and creating paper lanterns.

Clubs prepare for upcoming events

February 23, 2022
During AcLab on Feb. 1, Asian American Association met to celebreate Lunar New Year. One of the club presidents, senior Ethan Xu, prepared snacks and activities for members. Along with writing Chinese characters, called Hanzi, and creating paper lanterns.

[Photo] MAIL delivers mental health advocacy

February 15, 2022
Face masks have been protested since the return to in-person school, where parents and community members have attended Board of Education (BOE) meetings to voice their opinion. Though the mask mandate was to be removed Jan. 18, the BOE extended the mandate through Feb. 3.

Masks recommended in Rockwood buildings starting Feb. 4

February 2, 2022
SpongeBob The Musicals Stage Manager sophomore Sam Haney reads the lines of cast members who were absent at a recent after school practice. The musical was planned for the week of Feb. 12, but is now taking place Feb. 24-26 due to numerous cast and crew members being out sick.

Winter Dance date moved again, several annual fundraisers canceled

January 19, 2022
At the Freshman Orientation on Aug. 19, 2021, Class of of 2025 members were required to wear masks as they learned about the school. The mask mandate has been in place for a year since the return to school on Nov. 12, 2020, following the COVID-19 outbreak. There was a short break from the mandate in the summer of 2021 when infection numbers in the area dropped significantly.

Rockwood will extend mask mandate through Feb. 3 to address rising COVID numbers

January 13, 2022
In December of 2021, junior Ella Stone decorates her cupcakes for a project in Culinary Arts 1. Hands-on classes similar to Baking and Pastry will do final assessments in the form of projects and assignments and vary from class to class.

Courses may opt for alternate forms of assessment rather than traditional final exam

January 11, 2022
All Boys Arent Blue, Crank, Gender Queer, Looking for Alaska, The Haters and Where I End And You Begin are books that were recently challenged in the Rockwood School District, with all six books decided to be retained without restriction. Objections to most of the books centered around language and content that critics considered inappropriate. Multiple parents spoke out against these books during recent Board of Education (BOE) meetings on Oct. 21 and Nov. 18 at Crestview Middle School and Eureka High School.

Controversial books remain in Rockwood libraries despite challenges

January 4, 2022
Class of 2007 alumni Lauren Weibert wins first place for Slopestyle at the 2019 Deaflympics in Italy. Weibert has held her title since 2015, having won gold in Slopestyle at her first Deaflympics in Russia as well.

Take it From Me: Lauren Weibert

December 20, 2021
The mask mandate was lifted in St. Louis County following a letter from the Acting Health Department leader Dr. Faisal Khan. Khan still recommends that everyone continue to wear masks in indoor places. Currently, the Rockwood School District has not made a move to remove its own mask mandate in schools.

Students, staff weigh in on St. Louis County mask mandate removal

December 10, 2021
Encanto, released by Walt Disney Animation Studios, is showing in local theaters like Marcus Chesterfield Cinema and B&B Theaters. The movie will also be on Disney Plus on Dec. 24.

Encanto has helped fix Colombia’s reputation

December 7, 2021
During his 6th Hour AP Literature and Compostion class on Dec. 2, language arts teacher David Choate works with the class to answer questions by annotating a passage from Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice.

[Photo] If it weren't for poetry

December 6, 2021
Oreos, Doritos, Sprite and Coke are all examples of junk food in America. Though junk food is not always bad, overconsumption of these products could lead to many health issues.

Be hungry for nutrition, not junk

November 23, 2021
1

Search for new superintendent continues as consultant shares updates at Nov. 18 Board meeting

November 19, 2021
With the worker shortage in the Cafeteria, Lafayettes child nutritionists struggle to make over 1100 lunches a day. Volunteers, student workers and culinary classes have helped workers feel less rushed to get meals done in time.

Cafeteria workers struggle with district-wide staff shortage

November 3, 2021
In preparation for the 2021-2022 yearbook, Legend sports editor senior Paige Halter works on one of her assignments. Yearbooks are typically finished at the end of a school year and are given to students around the beginning of the following school year.

[Photo] 2022 Legend early bird sales to end Oct. 29

October 21, 2021
Classic Mystery Game will be performed on Oct. 14, 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. in the Theater. Tickets will be sold for $5 during all lunch shifts starting Oct. 11 and will also be available at the front of the Theater prior to the performances for $8.

[Photo] LTC set to perform fall play, Classic Mystery Game

October 11, 2021
drama teacher Natasha Fischer visited her relatives in Puerto Rico in May of 2021. Fischer has three children and takes them to Puerto Rico as often as she can to embrace them in the culture. “They actually play a game in my house called going to Puerto Rico where they pack a bag and get on an airplane and go and eat rice and beans,” Fischer said

Students, staff share their stories for Hispanic Heritage Month

October 1, 2021
Similar to the 2020-2021 school year, students and staff will still be required to wear masks following Interim Superintendent Tim Rickers mask mandate announcement on Aug. 4.

Rockwood initiates face mask mandate as COVID delta variant surges in Missouri

August 21, 2021
The Rockwood School District (RSD) created a temporary website for the community to use in response to the malware attack. RSD will be gradually adding information to the website until the original website can be restored.

Malware attack on district affects community, students

July 1, 2021
Patients who contracted the coronavirus lie in beds while connected to oxygen supplies inside the emergency ward of a Covid-19 hospital on May 03, 2021, in New Delhi, India. India recorded more than 360,000 coronavirus cases in one day for the 12th day in a row as the total number of those infected according to Health Ministry data neared 20 million.

Indian-Americans reflect on COVID-19 crisis in India

May 18, 2021
Peaceful protests that took place in one of Colombias biggest cities, Cali. Cali has been the city with the most protests so far, along with other big cities like Bogota and Medellin.

Opinion: The Colombian protests should be acknowledged

May 14, 2021
Lafayette school nurse Kristen Emms checks Infinite Campus in her office during 4th Hour on May 4. Emms has been one of Lafayettes nurses for two years.

[Photo] Nurses provide medical, mental resources for students during school day

May 4, 2021
Principal Karen Calcaterra along with SASSP board member Gary Jansen after being surprised with the 2020-2021 Principal of the Year award.

Calcaterra earns recognition as 2020-2021 St. Louis Principal of the Year

April 16, 2021
Freshman Ian Branson sits at a table during his lunch period. After returning to in-person school, Branson had to adjust to a new kind of lunch with limited seating.

[Photo] Freshman Ian Branson returns to in-person school after year of learning virtually

April 17, 2021
Books from the Library including: The Vintage Book of Contemporary World Poetry edited by J.D. McClatchy, Write Your Own Poetry by Laura Purdie Salas and The Great Modern Poets edited by Michael Schmidt.

Opinion: Poetry is not a thing of the past

April 13, 2021
Kelsey Clayman, Class of 2012, speaks during a Women in STEM meeting. Clayman attended Harvard University in Boston, where she also played soccer. She now attends Columbia medical school in New York City and will graduate in May of 2022. Her mother, Lafayette teacher Kathy Clayman, said, Shes never done anything because she thought it would further her. Shes done everything out of passion. She will never say I cant do it, she will continue working at it until she can do it. Shes a really great advocate for womens rights and really the rights of everyone.

Women in Lancer community share their stories about pathways to success

March 17, 2021
One of Podgorniks pieces of paper artwork

Eye on Art: Andi Podgornik shares his love for drawing

February 27, 2021
Senior Josh Moellenhoff waits to get signed in so he can donate at the Student Council Blood Drive on Feb. 12. He was one of 40 first-time donors who participated.

Blood Drive participants, organizers reflect on event’s success

February 22, 2021
A student prepares for an upcoming ACT despite many colleges going test-optional on their admissions requirements for next year. However, strong test scores can still help students improve their chances of acceptance to some schools and also help in earning valuable scholarship money.

[Photo] As Seen In The Image: Testing Out

February 22, 2021
LHS community shares thoughts on social injustice, efforts to make changes in attitudes

LHS community shares thoughts on social injustice, efforts to make changes in attitudes

February 1, 2021
When second semester begins on Jan. 19, 1,099 students are expected to enter the Lafayette halls for in-person school.

Lancers begin second semester with another new schedule, larger in-person numbers

January 17, 2021
Material Distribution Day occured for second quarter on Oct. 24. Students filled out a COVID-19 symptom form before entering the building and stood in lines six feet apart to pick up and drop off their materials. The Material Distribution Day for online students on Jan. 15 will be held in the lower Commons.

Material return, distribution day set for virtual students

January 13, 2021
Sophomore Jeremy Lewis enters the school for the first day of return to in-person learning on Nov. 12. Lewis is a member of the VICC program and every school day makes the journey from St. Louis City to attend Lafayette High School.

VICC program agreement between St. Louis City, County runs out of extensions, will begin phase out process

January 12, 2021
Junior helps organize local blood drive

Junior helps organize local blood drive

December 3, 2020
Before earning degrees at the University of North Carolina and Washington University, Democratic candidate for Missouri Attorney General, Rich Finneran could be found in classrooms at Lafayette. He was heavily involved in Mock Trial, Theater, Speech and Debate among other things. He said he became interested in public service and the law early in life. He still has strong connections to LHS, serving on the board of the Class of 2002s Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Class of 2002 grad on Missouri’s Nov. 3 ballot for Attorney General

October 15, 2020
As fall rolls around, so do the local fall activities. Grab your pumpkin spice latte, cozy sweater and a mask to travel to these fun local areas, from haunted houses to petting zoos.

Out and About: 10 places to visit this October to enjoy some traditional fall festivities

October 5, 2020
In November 2019, Lancers Helping Lancers organized and executed a mental health week. Seniors Sydney Stinnett and Taylor Wulf help to make clothespins to clip on to unsuspecting students clothes and backpacks with uplifting messages written on them.

COVID-19 affects mental health of students in differing ways

September 30, 2020
During her 1st Hour AP Environmental Science class, Gretchen Whelan begins her Zoom session. Teachers have been working from the building unless they were given permission to work from home due to a special circumstance like a health condition.

Elementary returns to in-person learning; RSD exploring ways to bring secondary students back safely

September 28, 2020
District, Lafayette respond to FAQs about upcoming school year

District, Lafayette respond to FAQs about upcoming school year

July 28, 2020
Retiree Paul Krull. math teacher, congratulates the Class of 2020 at their Farewell Parade on May 21. He displayed his infamous The World Stops for a Senior sign.

Krull, Meyer face next chapter as they head out with the Class of 2020

June 9, 2020
With the switch to online courses and Rockwoods announcement of the 2020-2021 school year to begin virtually, many teachers rely on Zoom to keep in contact with their students and teach live lectures. In addition to this, all classwork is done online.

Rockwood continues with original ALP format

April 28, 2020
On February 22, Nick Hess had his last game of the season at the Affton Ice Rink, facing the Meramec Sharks.

Five Questions with Nick Hess

April 20, 2020
Hendricks BBQ is located in St. Charles, MO and has been providing customers with St. Louis style ribs and comfort grub since its opening in 2012.

Out and About: Hendricks BBQ

April 15, 2020
In the hospital, Danna Stone holds a bottle of contrast she has to drink before getting scanned for cancer. Stone has been cancer-free since 2017.

High-risk students, families take precautions against COVID-19

April 14, 2020
Both freshman Yasmin Hassan and sophomore Pooja Reddy are first generation Americans, both of their parents came to the Unites States in hopes of pursuing a better life for their children.

Listen in: Lancers gain insight from life as first generation Americans

April 3, 2020
ROTC cadets line up before marching down to the flag located by the football field in order to perform the 9/11 Ceremony on Sept. 11, 2019.

ROTC program faces potential loss of funding due to low enrollment

February 3, 2020
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