![Watching a small group scrimmage, Ben Lundt, St. Louis City SC goalkeeper and founder of Lundt Pro Soccer Training, shouts words of encouragement to players on Sunday, April 26 n the Lafayette grass soccer field. “The idea behind [the event] was to bring the professional soccer players closer to the community because usually people only get to see us on TV or in the stadium. [Families] actually having the opportunity to have their kids on the field with us is the most important aspect,” Ben Lundt said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_6823-1200x800.jpg)
![In celebration of winning his second straight state title in the 215 weight class, junior Carter Brown backflips before leaving the mat. Brown won his bout against junior Kobe Rhymes of North Kansas City High School by fall in just 41 seconds. "Carter does what Carter does. We expect [success] out of him and his goals are bigger than the state championship," coach Sam Ritchie said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_2784-1200x800.jpg)
The Symphonic Orchestra was ranked sixth in the United States at this year’s National Orchestra Festival in Kansas City on March 18.
The festival is known as one of the most prestigious in the nation, hosted by the American String Teachers Association.
Orchestra member junior Sarah Park noted that the class has been practicing for months leading up to the competition.
“We played a 30 to 40 set, and three judges judged us one to five,” orchestra member junior Jacob Monash said.
“I was very proud of their performance and behavior as they were ambassadors of the Rookwood School District and especially the best of the best Lafayette has to offer,” Orchestra teacher Joe Gutowski said.
According to Gutowski, the clinician who worked with the students before their competition was very impressed with their work ethic and willingness to experiment with different styles and techniques, which makes music a good experience for the audience.
Gutowski is very proud of his orchestra and said, “It was a very fine concert and a great honor to be invited to the competition.”
