GreatNews.Life Student Voices: La Lu Basketball Ballers are taking the school by storm

What’s recently happened? 

La Lumiere High School (La Lu) has been busy in recent weeks, particularly pertaining to sports. On Friday, February 27, La Lu’s National Boys’ Basketball team was able to successfully defeat SPIRE Academy in an upset. With a final score of 81-73, the game was certainly one to remember. 

When teams come to play in the Historic Marsch Gymnasium, they are sure to have a memorable experience. However, what tends to be especially memorable is the student section. Officially named “The Lake Effect,” La Lu’s student body is always equipped with spirit and enthusiasm. 

The Lakers sported a white-out theme for the game on Friday and brought all the energy that carried the basketball team to victory. The Marsch Gymnasium was packed as the National Team went on to get a favorable seed in the upcoming tournament. 

La Lu is known for its basketball program, and that is clear in everyday aspects on campus too. The school had a successful start to its annual Bookstore Basketball tournament on Tuesday, March 3.

Bookstore Basketball is an opportunity for students to form teams to compete for the title of Bookstore Basketball champions. In an ultimate three-versus-three showdown, students play a series of games in a tournament leading up to a championship game. It is a great way for students, regardless of skill level, to take part in the sport that makes La Lu so special. 

What’s coming up? 

After a series of busy weeks, La Lu is in for a much needed break. Spring break for the Lakers began on Friday, March 6, and spans to Monday, March 23. This leaves students and faculty with a whole two weeks off. Boarding and day students have ample time to go home and spend time with family and friends or take a vacation. 

After two weeks to recoup, students return to school in full swing. Spring co-curricular activities begin on the Monday students return. Classic spring sports options are available to all students. 

Girls’ Tennis, Boys’ Golf and Boys’ Baseball are returning. A new sport has also recently been made available. Flag football has been added to the spring repertoire for both boys and girls. Beyond sports, academic superbowl and fitness remain options for students to participate in.

In addition to the start of spring activities, there are a number of community events approaching as well. As the season progresses, students and faculty will have the opportunity to celebrate Easter together on campus with the annual easter egg hunt and dinner. 

Another highly anticipated event that is approaching is the Taste of La Lu. This event gives members of the community a chance to share foods that represent both their cultures and backgrounds. These events help to bring the community together to be able to appreciate all of the special traditions that take place.

Staff spotlight: 

Known and loved by all, Mrs. Ridley is a frequent substitute teacher at La Lu. She had been retired from teaching for 11 years when she reached out to an old friend of hers at La Lu, looking for substitute teacher opportunities. 

The rest was history as Ridley has been subbing for La Lu for years. She loves being able to fill in for extended periods of time and getting to know all of the students. She enjoys returning to see kids grow up over time.

“I have truly never met such wonderful people, and I find the students here are one of a kind,” Ridley said.

A true optimist, she is not afraid to sub for any subject or class, but makes a point to her students that she is unable to answer any questions pertaining to math or science. She has been able to truly become immersed in the school’s community in all subjects and traditions. She even plans to cook some food for the Taste of La Lu this year.

“La Lu has become one of my happy places, and I am so very blessed and happy to be a part of the community here,” Ridley said.

Ridley is always sure to leave students with a smile, and maybe even some homemade cookies or candy on their way out of her classroom.

Student spotlight: 

Maiyah Lewis is currently a junior at La Lu and is involved in a number of different activities across campus. Originally from Munster, Lewis is spending her third year as a boarding student. She made the decision to move away to the small school in the middle of the forest because her two best friends were planning on attending as well.

This decision proved to be a good one as Lewis is now thriving within the La Lu community. She is involved in the student-run newspaper, hospitality council, as well as the black student union. 

She loves the community that the school has to offer and greatly appreciates the family aspect that she has found within the dorms.

“La Lu is more than just a school; It is a place where we grow and have a number of different opportunities,” said Lewis.

Beyond activities, Lewis is also involved in sports at La Lu. She has played on the Girls’ Volleyball Team as well as the Girls’ Tennis Team all three years so far. 

Lewis is a great contributor to the school and a strong student who continues to make the community a better place.