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
Sonya Sud

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief

Grade: Senior

Pronouns: She/Her

Years on Staff: 3

Hobbies and Interests: Reading, Netflixing (yes, I made Netflix a verb)

Favorite Quote: “Be who you are and say how you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.” - Dr. Seuss

Favorite Hot Take: Sleep is for the weak.

Fun Fact: My favorite food is lemons!

All content by Sonya Sud
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

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
November 21, 2023
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

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
November 21, 2023
At a Town Hall Meeting Oct. 17 at Lafayette, Director of Finance Dan Steinbruegge explains the upcoming Prop 3 bond issue. Voters will decide on the issue during voting on Nov. 7.

Rockwood voters will decide on fate of Prop 3 Tuesday

Rishit Sohaney, Daniel Carrillo, Zosia Paciorek, Audrey Keller, and Sonya Sud
November 6, 2023
After Lancer Regiment’s halftime show Sept. 22, volunteers (clockwise) Isaac Wilson, Lance Dauw, John Hackett, Sabra Sellers and Christine Jefferies help deconstruct one of the backdrops used in the performance. The show, “Haunted” includes props and scrims, or backdrops, that help tell the story and accompany the music, which is a collection of eerie songs.

[Photo]

In her AcLab Homeroom, math teacher Cheryl Zimmerman shows her class a video explaining Nice November. All teachers were encouraged to show the video in their AcLab Homerooms.

[Photo] Nice November aims to promote kindness and positivity across building

Daniel Carrillo, News Staff
November 1, 2023
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

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
October 4, 2023
Containing 14 tracks, Autumn Variations explores various emotions and experiences. Ed Sheeran released Autumn Variations on Sept. 29, 2023.

[Photo] Ed Sheeran’s Autumn Variations album offers diverse topics, tones

Audrey Keller, News Staff
September 29, 2023
Holding the ball up, senior Matheus Gasparino takes on his Parkway Central defender. Gasparino scored a goal against the Colts in the Lancers 2-1 win Sept. 19.

Lancers win Homecoming Game, soccer keeps two clean sheets

Eshwar Murali and Sonya Sud
September 25, 2023
On Aug. 15, senior Kate Kilmer went to Mimis Prom dress shop to try on some dresses. The blue dress on the left is the dress Kilmer bought for Homecoming this year. As an influencer for the shop, Kilmer has a promo code and when people use that code, it gives her a discount on her dresses.

People of Lafayette: Kate Kilmer

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
September 19, 2023
The word affirmative action has different definitions in different dictionaries. However, every dictionarys description of the term has one thing in common; the purpose of affirmative action is to aid a minority group. On June 29, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against affirmative action programs at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina.

Lancers reflect on the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action programs

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
July 3, 2023
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?

Juli Mejia and Sonya Sud
May 31, 2023
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

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
May 31, 2023
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

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
May 31, 2023
During an overnight shift as an EMT, Class of 2021 grad Rebecca Atteberry and her co-workers visit the Washington Monuments. Atteberry and her co-workers decided to go visit the monuments to celebrate Atteberrys first shift.

Take it from me: Rebecca Atteberry

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
May 9, 2023
Class of 2021 grad Anna Savacool dances for the Florida State University Golden Girls Dance Team. This is her second year on the team and her team got picked at the U.S. National Team this year and got to compete in the world finals.

Take it from me: Anna Savacool

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
April 27, 2023
In addition to learning languages on her own outside of school, junior Zubaida Jamali is currently enrolled in Spanish 4. Lafayette also offers courses in French and American Sign Language. In the past, LHS offered both German and Latin world language classes also, but, due to lack of certified staff to teach those classes, they were discontinued.

Lost in translation

Maddy Cox and Sonya Sud
April 19, 2023
With a new school record in javelin, sophomore Robby Preckel thinks he can break his own record. “I can definitely beat that record again,” Preckel said. 

[Photo] Track and field teams win Invitational, girls soccer bounces back from loss

April 10, 2023
Spanish teacher Sarah Masterson had both of her bathroom passes missing for a few weeks. Because of this, students werent allowed to use the bathroom, None of my kids could use the bathroom because we didn’t have any bathroom passes left, Masterson said. Additionally, Masterson put a sign up next to where passes usually hang that read no bathroom until pass is returned.

New hall pass system raises challenges

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
April 5, 2023
Math teacher Patricia Mabie has her own procedures of running the hall pass systems in her classroom. In order to keep track of where students are, she has them write down their name on a white board when they take a pass to go use the restroom.

[Photo] Teachers have different processes of implementing pass system

April 5, 2023
Crumbl Cookies on Clarkson Road opened in early December of 2022. The bakery has a variety of flavors available, with six different cookie flavors to try each week.

Out and About: Crumbl Cookies offers weekly rotating flavors

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
March 14, 2023
Matt Borzillo will replace Kirti Mehrotra as Assistant Principal starting July 1 because of her retirement. Borzillo is the current assistant principal of Selvidge Middle School.

New assistant principal announced for 2023-2024 school year

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
February 10, 2023
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

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
January 24, 2023
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

Sonya Sud and Adwyta Chelikavada
January 23, 2023
There are six candidates running in the school board elections this year. Three positions are open for three-year terms.

School board candidates file for election

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
January 10, 2023
Former teacher charged with three criminal offenses by St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney

Former teacher charged with three criminal offenses by St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
December 21, 2022
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

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
December 15, 2022
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 Fermions team participates in a STEM night outreach event at Eureka Elementary School. During the STEM night, members taught the elementary school kids how their robot works and the kids learned how to drive it.

Robotics Club adds third team

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
December 9, 2022
At the Forest Park Festival on Sept. 10, Lafayette varsity girls cross country gets recognized for placing second. Senior Grace Tyson placed first, junior Natalie Barnard placed fourth and senior Elissa Barnard placed eighth.

Girls cross country, volleyball earn State titles as fall season concludes

Sonya Sud and Penelope Proffitt
November 21, 2022
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

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
October 24, 2022
In Lafayettes 49-0 routing of Northwest on Sept. 16, sophomore QB Jack Behl avoids the defense as he fades back to pass. Behl threw for two touchdowns in the game.

Lancers head into Battle of 109 with 4-2 record

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
October 6, 2022
Happy mind = happy life

Happy mind = happy life

Annie Leath and Sonya Sud
September 23, 2022
Copy of 988 infographic

[Photo]

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

Sonya Sud and Juli Mejia
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
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.

Bathroom hall passes, guest check-in implemented as new security procedures

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
August 29, 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
Community mourns loss of assistant volleyball coach

Community mourns loss of assistant volleyball coach

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
June 8, 2022
“Turning Red” was released on Disney+ on March 11, 2022. The movie followed a 13-year-old girl navigating the changes she is experiencing while growing up.

Review: ‘Turning Red’ perfectly portrays the struggles of being a teenager in today’s world

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
April 26, 2022
The Fine Arts Festival will be April 22 and April 23. the festival will feature art displays, a Guitar Festival, kids crafts, local artist demos, Solo and Ensemble Acts and an improv show.

New Fine Arts Festival to start April 22

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
April 20, 2022
Class of 2020 Cailey Bingham at the 2020 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Districts at St. Louis University. The 2022 FBLA State Leadership conference will take place around Springfield, MO at different places like the University Plaza Hotel, EXPO Center, and JQH Arena at Missouri State University from April 10-12.

FBLA, HOSA prepare for upcoming State competitions

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
February 23, 2022
Sophomore Katie Rattenborg’s home book shelf is currently organized by genre, where her favorite books tend to be on the bottom, and the top is more random. In the past, Rattenborg has organized her books by color, as well as the last name of authors.

Fully Booked

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
February 9, 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.

Marching to the beat of his own drum

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
January 25, 2022
Tremper made a four-series acrylic painting at the beginning of last year. It took two days to complete. Although Tremper didn’t start the project with a theme in mind, she says the picture represents how love is blinding.

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

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
January 7, 2022
One of Vincent Van Gogh’s series, known as Vase of Flowers, includes several oil based paintings. It was completed in June of 1890 and is currently displayed at the Beyond Van Gogh Exhibit at Saint Louis Galleria.

Out and About: Beyond Van Gogh Museum

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
December 3, 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.

Finding the write words

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
November 15, 2021
On Diwali, gifts are commonly exchanged between friends and family. Those celebrating may also decorate their houses in garlands, lights and more in celebration of Diwali.

Diwali is an important way to celebrate good, stay connected to culture

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
November 4, 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.

2022 Legend early bird sales to end Oct. 29

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
October 21, 2021
In lieu of meat, vegetables provide a majority of nutrients needed in a vegetarian diet. New plant-based burgers are starting to become popular, offering vegetarians an alternative to meat.

Living on the Veg

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
October 15, 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 .

Listen in: Science teacher Shannon Campbell shares 9/11 memories

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
September 10, 2021
Ben Coopmans, Class of 2021, leads the line at JROTC 9/11 ceremony on Sept. 11, 2019. This year, LHS will have their ceremony on Sept. 10 at 8 a.m.

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

Sonya Sud, News Editor in Chief
September 8, 2021
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