Top Stories
Lafayette High School news. Student-run.

The Lancer Feed
Were going on summer break!
We’re going on summer break!
In November, 2022, freshman Akiko Field presents her poster on Japan for AP Human Geography’s project called the Cultural Cookbook. AP Human Geography is one of the classes that will be cut for the 2023-2024 school year.
Nine classes to be cut for the 2023-2024 school year, two added
The Manternach family spends a day at Gulf Shores, Alabama in 2009. Since Dana’s melanoma diagnosis in 2008, her family has paid more attention to sun care, especially during trips to the beach. “We take constant breaks. We try to reapply [sunscreen] every hour and a half to two hours,” Dana said.
The dangers of UV
The Class of 2023 had their graduation practice in the Back Gym on May 26. Their actual graduation will occur June 3 at Chaifetz Arena and seniors Rockwood Google accounts will close June 30.
Senior accounts to close June 30
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
After winning a trip to Florida, senior Josiah Hickman sits in a Blue Origin crew capsule. Hickman won his trip to Florida and Blue Origin by being named a finalist in Space for the Benefit of Earth Challenge.
Shooting for the stars
In a game against Lindbergh April 18, senior PJ Rogan was on the bump for the Lancers for four innings. While the Lancers lost this game, when they faced Lindbergh the next day, they won 17-3. Going into the May 27 State Quarterfinal game, they are 20-12-1 overall.
People of Lafayette: ambidextrous pitcher reaches State Quarterfinal
While wearing a cap and gown, senior Josh Dennis and Babler Elementary 5th Grader Malcolm Haney look off at Lafayette. As also featured on the cover photo of the senior magazine, the two are preparing to graduate from their respective schools.
Seniors offer advice to incoming freshmen
The people on senior Riley Powells team pose with their national awards in July of 2022. Top five win a medal or trophy at nationals, Powell said.
People of Lafayette: senior takes part in unique sport
During their 2019 trip to Arizona, the Roy twins visited a chasm in Antelope Canyon. Their trip to Arizona was a part of a larger mission to visit all 50 states.
Best State I Ever Visited: Roy twins travel across all 50 states
Leaping from the ground, junior Hadley Hendrickson rises for a header. Hendrickson scored the winning goal against Liberty with a rising header from a corner kick.
Girls track place third in State, volleyball falls short in State
In a game against Lindbergh April 18, senior PJ Rogan was on the bump for the Lancers for four innings. While the Lancers lost this game, when they faced Lindbergh the next day, they won 17-3. Going into the May 27 State Quarterfinal game, they are 20-12-1 overall.
People of Lafayette: ambidextrous pitcher reaches State Quarterfinal
Swinging his bat to the ball, junior Paul Pratte hits the ball. In their 3-1 win over Marquette, Pratte has had 15 runs batted in this season.
Baseball, girls soccer win Districts; girls track wins Sectionals
Neck and neck with each other, juniors Dillon Cronin and Jack Robeson race in the 3200-meter. Robeson placed 1st and Cronin placed 2nd in their district meet.
Girls track and fields wins districts, sophomore breaks school record again
Preparing to start his leg, freshman Kai Han receives the baton from senior Marshall Ems in the 4x400-meter race. Juniors Dillon Cronin and Jack Robeson, along with Ems and Han, won the 4x400-meter relay at the Suburban Conference Meet.
Girls soccer wins both games after regulation, boys golf wins conference title
The legislation being introduced in Missouri and throughout the US demonizes the LGBTQ+ community. By attending drag shows and other events hosted by members of the LGBTQ+ community, it shows support and validates their experiences.
Restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights ostracize queer teens
Several students have started taking an alternative route, Eatherton Road, on their way to school each morning. Based on an experiment, Eatherton turned out to be the more successful route.
What road is faster: Old Eatherton Road or 109?
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
StuPub reporter Zosia Paciorek stands by the Stifel Theatre on Feb 18, 2022 after watching the incredible Shen Yun performance
Entering the realm of Shen Yun is a delightful experience
When dyeing hair at home, its important to follow instructions. In a salon, it can be easier since theres less steps to follow on your own.
Dyeing to be different
The College and Counseling room at Lafayette keeps a bulletin board full of job flyers for students to be exposed to summer opportunities.
Business teacher, counselor discuss importance of summer jobs for teenagers
Brothers Paul and Jack Tobin went to the special Olympics as buddies to help their younger brother John Henry compete.
2023 Special Olympics builds connection with athletes, community
Juniors Sebastien Gardet and Isaac Jovcevski line up to serve. Pickleball Club started at beginning of the 2022-2023 school year.
New Pickleball Club invites students to bond through competition
Members of Mic Drop, practice for their April 27 performance during AcLab. The group was formed last spring and worked all year to learn the music and choreography for the seven-song show.
New show choir takes stage for first performance
At the Fine Arts Festival, young artists had the chance to create some of their own artwork. The event took place April 22.
Lafayette Fine Arts Festival highlights the work of Rockwood Artists
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
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
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
Lafayette High School news. Student-run.

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

The Lancer Feed
Samantha Haney

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor

Grade: Junior

Pronouns: She/Her

Years on Staff: 3

Hobbies and Interests: theater, photography and podcasting

Favorite Quote: “But you gotta be somebody sometime,” - Ordinaryish People, AJR

Favorite Hot Take: There’s no ‘right’ way to eat an Oreo

Fun Fact: I’m a published illustrator for a children's book series

All content by Samantha Haney
After Sharon Huber reads out Rochelle Bowers letter to nominate social studies teacher Vince DeBlasi as West Newsmagazines 2023 Teacher of the Year, DeBlasi thanks Rochelle. DeBlasi has been a social studies teacher at Lafayette since 2009 and currently teaches World History, Civil War and Reconstruction and Economics and Personal Finance.

DeBlasi awarded West Newsmagazine’s 2023 Teacher of the Year

Juli Mejia and Samantha Haney
May 18, 2023
Senior Caoimhe Farris sketches in AP Art and Design. Farris not only draws cartoons for the Image newsmagazine, but takes art classes to further develop their skills.

[Photo] People of Lafayette: cartoonist expresses opinions and news with humor

May 11, 2023
At the Tokyo marathon, math teacher Steven Stallis poses before recieving his medal. Stallis ran his personal record at the marathon, finishing 128 out of 27,927 racers.

Racing against the odds

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
April 28, 2023
The 2023 election will occur on April 4 in local elementary and middle schools. Along with three open board seats, there are also a few propositions on the ballot.

April 4 election opens three Board of Education seats, candidates share campaign goals

Samantha Haney and Rishit Sohaney
March 31, 2023
A proposed Missouri bill mimics Florida Dont Say Gay bill, barring teachers from discussing sexuality and gender identity.

[Photo] Bill currently under discussion in Missouri Senate is similar in content to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” legislation

March 30, 2023
When dyeing hair at home, its important to follow instructions. In a salon, it can be easier since theres less steps to follow on your own.

Dyeing to be different

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
March 13, 2023
Jackson, one of senior Dan Sheltons first clown figures, is considered a pierrot. Shelton has learned about many different types of clowns and has made art about them during AP Art and Design.

If It Weren’t For: Clown Figurines

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
March 2, 2023

Listen In: Heart Health Month sparks reflections on soccer tryouts

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
February 8, 2023
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

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
February 1, 2023
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

Samantha Haney and Maddy Cox
January 31, 2023
Though they are now working in education, several LHS staff members previously worked in other career fields.

[Photo] Those That Can Teach

February 10, 2023
IMG_9912

[Photo] Water main break causes damages to greenhouse, preschool

January 6, 2023
Sophomore Emma Leibrecht follows the puck during a game on Nov. 23 against Marquette. The Lancers lost the game 5-2.

Wrestling comeback begins, girls swimming and diving wins meet

Samantha Haney and Sonya Sud
December 13, 2022
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

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
December 8, 2022
During a food fundamentals class in the 2021-22 school year, Assistant Principal Kirti Mehrotra teaches the class how to make an Indian dish. Mehrotra has enjoyed working with students during her time at Lafayette.

Assistant Principal announces retirement, ‘lengthy’ hiring process begins

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
December 8, 2022
During Economics and Personal Finance, juniors Hudson Kohler and Ella Manning research stocks as part of a stock market simulation project. For the project, they had to follow a $10,000 budget while teacher Vince DeBlasi gave them advice on what types of stocks to invest in to achieve the highest possible capital gains. The class is designed to help students learn saving and investing strategies and meets the .5 personal finance credit necessary to graduate through the required Missouri Personal Finance Assessment taken during the course.

[Photo] More bang for the buck

December 14, 2022
GroupMe, a communication platform, is blocked on all RSD devices and internet. Following federal regulations, the district is tightening up its access to a variety of resources that don’t fit specific approved criteria.

Technology takedown

Samantha Haney and Mateo LaMar
November 10, 2022
Pep_Assembly_Haney (1114)

[Photo] Lafayette celebrates Homecoming Week in Hollywood

October 18, 2022
The Chicken Salad Chick location in Chesterfield has a sign on the front of the building advertising the drive thru at the side of the building. Customers have the option to order at the drive thru or order through the mobile app beforehand.

Out and About: Local restaurant offers unique take on chicken salad

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
October 13, 2022
At a game on Sept. 12, sophomore Avery Brown follows the ball. Coach Meghan Conroy said Brown has been one of the players to watch this season.

Field hockey gains new coach, senior players lead team

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
October 12, 2022
Senior Cece Beckmann and junior Ben Dimmic rehearse scene two of How to Ruin Your Promposal on Oct. 10. Dimmic, who plays Brayden in the show, was in the previous fall play, Classic Mystery Game.

[Photo] LTC performs 21 Chump Street, How to Ruin Your Promposal for fall play

October 11, 2022
At the beginning of the race at Living Word Church on Oct. 1, junior Natalie Barnard and senior Elissa Barnard are in the lead. Elissa placed 15th and Natalie placed 18th at the State Championship last year.

[Photo] Girls cross country prioritizes hard work

October 10, 2022
Because there were no applicants for the open study hall position, In-School Suspension teacher Dale Walker has been supervising the study hall room each day since the beginning of the year, and Student Restore Program teacher Whitney Ralph is supervising students in ISS. “It’s temporary. They’re looking for a permanent teacher to fill in, so they had me move here to have a constant person,” Walker said.

Living with less

Samantha Haney and Daniel Carrillo
September 23, 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.

[Photo] 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

Juli Mejia, Samantha Haney, Sonya Sud, and Eshwar Murali
September 2, 2022
On Aug. 15, several of the incoming staff members attend a training led by Associate Principal Mike Franklin. They were shown different presentations throughout the day and got a chance to see their new classrooms as well.

New teaching staff includes four former Lancers, seven others

Samantha Haney , Opinions Editor
August 25, 2022
76FBC0DF-9676-4963-9EB1-AD4D7B92D4F6

[Photo] Olivia Jaeger, fine arts

August 25, 2022
F0005D78-4562-4777-AEC1-373F2AC5AFFB

[Photo] Kelly Hobbs, drama

August 25, 2022
Haney_new teachers (9)

[Photo] Meg O’Connell, physical education

August 25, 2022
Haney_new teachers (30)

[Photo] Neileigh Payne, SSD-Empower

August 25, 2022
Haney_new teachers (32)

[Photo] Kathy Klages, special education

August 25, 2022
Haney_new teachers (24)

[Photo] Zach Ruckman, business

August 25, 2022
Haney_new teachers (15)

[Photo] Zach Oreto, math

August 25, 2022
Haney_new teachers (23)

[Photo] Dale Walker, In-School Suspension

August 25, 2022
Haney_new teachers (18)

[Photo] Michelle Halter, fine arts

August 25, 2022
Haney_new teachers (11)

[Photo] Meghan Conroy, math

August 25, 2022
Yearbook staff member Jude Thomas, sophomore, helps distribute the 2022 Legend during parking pass pick-up days before the 2022-2023 school year starts. Yearbooks were first distributed on Aug. 8.

2023 Legend back to school special to end Aug. 31

Sonya Sud and Samantha Haney
August 16, 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.

District moving to ParentSquare communication system for safety, easier accessibility

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
June 2, 2022
[infographic credit="" align="center"] [/infographic].  

[Video] Listen In: Asian American, Pacific Islander Month inspires pride in culture

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
May 20, 2022
@stlactivists posted on Instagram to try and get students from different schools to wear red. According to the post, a student sent this to the account as part of something they were doing for their school.

Blog: Today I took a stand

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
May 5, 2022

Listen In: Book promotes autism awareness, acceptance

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
April 21, 2022
To promote their business, Airbnb owners Class of 2013 graduate Brian McKanna (right) and his wife Kat McKanna (left) pose for promotional photos. Taken on March 11, these photos featured the remodeled kitchen and other parts of the STL Brick House Airbnb.

Airbnbs channel entrepreneurial dreams

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
April 18, 2022
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

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
February 26, 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.

[Photo] Masks recommended in Rockwood buildings starting Feb. 4

February 2, 2022
As part of making sure his skills are improving, sophomore Lucas Brown practices the marimba during AcLab. Brown is usually in band for AcLab once a week to practice his solos and other pieces.

[Photo] Marching to the beat of his own drum

January 25, 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

Juli Mejia, Hannah Fitts, Samantha Haney, and
January 19, 2022
A fish was made by Tremper two years ago for a copic marker contest.

[Photo] Eye on Art: Elizabeth Tremper shares strong passion for all things art

January 7, 2022
The Botanical Gardens Garden Glow includes a tunnel of lights for visitors to walk through and take pictures in. Popular holiday lights have offered unique ways for people to take holiday pictures.

[Photo] Area attractions offer variety of holiday lights, unique displays

December 23, 2021
I Love to Write Day was established by author John Riddle in 2002 to inspire people, especially students, to write. According to daysoftheyear.com, The aim is to get people to sit down and put something on paper or on a computer, however short and in whatever style, kick-starting their writing and giving them confidence through being part of a global movement.

[Photo] Finding the write words

November 15, 2021
The 2020-2021 Teacher of the Year winner, industrial tech teacher Mark McAllister, takes a picture with Principal Karen Calcaterra. McAllister had been nominated in previous years, but only received the award this past year.

TOY nominations open for 2021-2022 school year

Samantha Haney and Jack Daws
November 9, 2021
Located in Chesterfield, Pinspiration has its signature striped awning and blue bike. This location opened around the time COVID-19 started, leading to a small amount of customers so far.

Out and About: Pinspiration offers easy way to create

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
November 5, 2021
Halloweens originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain and formally became introduced in the United States in the mid 1800s, according to the History website.

Listen In: Halloween brings friends, families closer together

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
October 29, 2021
On a French 4 and Spanish 4 field trip to the University of St. Louis in 2019, Class of 2021 alumni Samreen Khan and Pranavi Pitchyaiah participate in a team-building activity during their junior year. The world language students participated in multiple activities, including a scavenger hunt. This was part of a field trip for World Language Day, where students got the opportunity to visit UMSL.

Rockwood clears way for academic field trips though substitute shortage continues to be problematic

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
September 29, 2021
To fit with her classroom decoration, Stephanie Hruby has bins with holes in them as her phone boxes. These allow students to see their phones, along with providing a decorative way for the phones to stay away from students for the class period.

Listen In: Math teacher shares experience utilizing ‘phone boxes’ during class

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
September 24, 2021
On Art Hill in Forest Park, a special memorial for the 9/11 anniversary displays nearly 7,500 American flags — one for each of the nation’s men and women killed in military combat since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, as well as the 412 first responders who died in the line of duty that day. Lafayette held its own Patriot Day Ceremony on Sept. 10 .

[Photo] ROTC recognizes 20th anniversary of 9/11 attacks with Patriot Day Ceremony

September 8, 2021
Sophomore Melissa Pinkstaff walks into school on Friday, Sept. 3, wearing a crop top as part of a staged protest.

Sophomore organizes protest of school dress code

Jack Daws and Samantha Haney
September 3, 2021
Image from iOS (3)

[Photo] Bryan Keim: Math (Online)

September 1, 2021
Image from iOS (4)

[Photo] Ryan Butchart: Spanish

September 1, 2021
Image from iOS (2)

[Photo] Julie Bates: American Sign Language

September 1, 2021
New Teachers_Haney (4)

[Photo] New LHS staff join Lancer community

September 1, 2021
Interim superintendent Timothy Ricker speaks at his first Board of Education meeting on July 22. Thank you for the grand welcome that I have received from the 22 days that Ive been officially in the district, Ricker said. I really look forward to listening and hearing what people have to say based on the issues in the district now and into the future.

[Photo] Ricker begins position as interim superintendent

July 23, 2021

[Video] Class of 2021 celebrates final year with special events during Senior Week

May 27, 2021
Math teacher Kimberly Marcic teaches to her AP Java class 4th hour. Maricics classes also include Algebra 3 and C++.

Math teacher looks forward to retirement after stressful year of school

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
May 25, 2021
A poster for the virtual art show includes its website address and a QR code that links to the website.

District Art Show adapts to virtual setting, finds new benefits

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
May 21, 2021
Junior Avery Calderon smiles after receiving her COVID-19 vaccine. Calderon said, I originally wanted to get vaccinated to keep my grandparents safe because they are around my family a lot, and they are at a higher risk, but then it also came with other benefits such as being able to take my mask off in small groups.

Students begin receiving vaccines; multiple opportunities available

Jack Daws and Samantha Haney
April 30, 2021
Junior Rylee Howard runs past the Parkway South defender in a game on March 30. The Lady Lancers won the game 3-0 and Howard had one goal within the game.

Boys tennis, girls soccer remain undefeated; boys track finishes second at SLUH invitational

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
April 7, 2021
1

[Photo] Excitement of winter weather loses some appeal with addition of virtual snow day schedule

March 11, 2021
Listen in: Business teacher explains Shop Local

Listen in: Business teacher explains ‘Shop Local’

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
February 18, 2021
Science teacher Shannon Campbell is surprised by Principal Karen Calcaterra during her 2nd Hour class on Jan. 11 when she was named a Teacher of the Year Finalist.

Teacher of the Year selection process continues, naming five finalists

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
January 20, 2021
Going into the 2020-2021 school year, RSD experienced a 3.9% decrease in enrollment. Staff speculate that the decrease has much to do with students enrolling in private schools in order to attend in-person from the beginning of the school year.

RSD experiences unexpected drop in enrollment

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
December 14, 2020
Clouds was released on Disney+ on Oct. 16, 2020. The movie followed the true story of Zach Sobiechs life as a cancer patient with a passion for music. The director, Justin Baldoni, made the movie in memory of Sobiech, who he was close friends with.

Review: ‘Clouds’ offers refreshing take on typical high school flick

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
December 2, 2020
With the switch to online learning, the opportunity for academic dishonesty among classes has been widened. Apps such as Photomath have made using outside resources during tests and quizzes more accessible.

Online learning brings new challenges regarding academic dishonesty

Samantha Haney, Opinions Editor
November 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

Makayla Archambeault, Juli Mejia, Caoimhe Farris, Cece Beckmann, Sophia Wasson, and Samantha Haney
September 30, 2020
Load More Stories

The Lancer Feed

Lafayette High School news. Student-run.
The Lancer Feed • © 2023 The Lancer Feed. All rights reserved. • FLEX Pro WordPress Theme by SNO • Log in
Donate to The Lancer Feed
$755
$3000
Contributed
Our Goal