Light of the Seniors
Hundreds surrounded the fifteen foot tall pile of wood, their eyes straining to peer through the darkness. Across the lake, they could just make out flickers of light from in between the thick trees. Soft voices grew as the lights got closer and closer until the pile of wood was surrounded by people holding torches and chanting. This is not a movie scene being filmed, though it feels like one. The hundreds of people consisted of family members and students waiting to watch a senior they know take part in a revered tradition at La Lumiere School: the senior bonfire.
The senior bonfire is the grand finale to spirit week and the first night of Parent’s Weekend. The stars shone during this year’s bonfire with a soft breeze, making for perfect weather. The seniors gathered behind the school where Mrs. Leake, Director of Student Life, reminded them of a very important thing: this bonfire signified the beginning of the end. In short: make it count. The seniors marched through the woods to the amphitheatre where they would light their torches and begin their walk.
It was a bittersweet moment when the first senior Channing Scott appeared. Scott had the honor of being in front as she is the Head Prefect. Chants of “seventeen” were heard as all sixty-two seniors emerged from the woods and surrounded the woodpile.
Underclassmen looked on with wonder, thoughts of their upcoming senior bonfire dancing in their heads. The seniors paused in a moment of silence, reflecting on what exactly that torch they were holding represented. The unwavering flame meant they had made it; they were in the homestretch. In the halls of La Lumiere they had gone from awkward freshmen to young adults, and the spark they had harbored during that first year grew into a gleaming torch. As seniors, they were ready to combine their lights and show everyone just how brilliant they had become.
The seniors stepped towards the pile in unison, placing their torches onto the fire. The wood was immediately engulfed in flames and people scrambled to snap a photo with their friends to commemorate another successful bonfire and spirit week.
Pumpkins, Pride, and Pink
It has been an impressive football season for almost every Northwest Indiana school, and La Lumiere is no different. The Lakers ended their regular season undefeated with a 42-8 win over the Patriots. They are the 2016 GLCAC champions and look ahead to the playoffs that will begin shortly.
Volleyball is preparing for their annual Dig Pink game on October 20th. The game celebrates breast cancer survivors and raises money for ongoing breast cancer research. The student body will be encouraged to wear all pink attire and baked goods will be available for purchase in the gym. A raffle will also be held to raise money.
As the leaves change colors and the weather cools, students are reminded that Halloween is just around the corner. To celebrate the spooky day, La Lumiere is offering a trip to Cedar Point for Halloweekend. At least half of the school goes each year, and it is a fun way for international students to get out of the dorms. Halloweekend is from the 28th to the 30th.
Another way La Lumiere is getting into the spooky spirit is by hosting a Halloween dance in the Fine Arts Building on October 15th from 8 P.M. to 11 P.M. It is highly recommended that students dress up, and pizza and dessert will be provided.
Staff Spotlight: Chef Hale
At around five in the evening on Friday, September 23rd, a feast was laid out for the parents and students of La Lumiere. Everything from perfectly seasoned chicken to fried eggplant was ready to be devoured. Of course, the meal did not magically make itself. La Lumiere is proud to have a kitchen staff lead by their very own chef Mike Hale.
“I started at La Lumiere in the middle of 2011, the day of the Thanksgiving dinner,” said Hale. The Thanksgiving dinner is a big deal at La Lumiere, allowing the international students a taste of fine American cuisine.
Not only is Chef Hale responsible for lunch, but also breakfast and dinner for the boarders. He is attentive when students have restrictions or requests, making sure there are always vegetarian alternatives for lunch. The Moore House, where students eat and the kitchen is located, is also decorated with facts about the superfood of the month. This month is yogurt.
“I came to La Lu because when I was interviewed, students were a large part of the process, and I saw how much they cared about every little detail that may influence their school. Plus, they let me do pretty much whatever I want with food which is very cool.”
Chef Hale can be seen at any time in the kitchen, singing and smiling while cooking his latest creation.
Student Spotlight: Caroline Bates
La Lumiere is known for being openly accepting to student’s passions and ideas. When junior Caroline Bates came to Athletic Director Sean Murphy about representing La Lumiere in the Northwest Indiana Equestrian Team’s first show, she knew she would be given nothing but support.
“My sport is different to say the least,” acknowledged Bates. “But the show was my chance to compete for my school and bring pride back to La Lu.”
And compete she did, earning multiple ribbons such as one 6th, three 4ths, four 3rds, and two 2nds at the show.
Bates also rows for the crew team, jetting off to their first regatta after the horse show. When questioned on why she joined crew, Bates replied, “I did dance before high school and wanted to try something totally new.”
The crew team did very well for their first regatta at the Head of the Rock in Illinois. Many school records were set and many boats placed in the top ten.
“I chose La Lu because I wanted to go to a school that was academically challenging, but also provided a sense of community,” said Bates.
The Northwest Indiana Equestrian Team does not have a show scheduled until next spring. Crew wraps up its fall season in a few weeks.