GreatNews.Life Student Voices: La Lu girls tennis dominates the competition

What’s recently happened?

La Lumiere School (La Lu) has been an athletic and academic powerhouse recently. With spring co-curriculars in session, the Lakers have been busy with weekly matches and games, all while juggling school events and AP testing.

The girls tennis team is currently undefeated with a 6-0 record. Even while combating rainy weather and game cancellations, girls tennis is having a really strong season so far. The team has picked up wins over South Bend John Adams and South Bend John Glenn over the past few weeks.

The Lakers continue their road to glory as they take on the Slicer Invitational on Saturday, May 9, which tends to be some of the strongest competition they will face all year. The invitational is expected to be an important test for the team as they continue into the later part of the season.

In addition to athletics, La Lu’s Art Week is in full swing, with each day beginning the week of May 4 packed with activities. Tuesday marked the annual reading of The Massasauga, the school’s nationally recognized literary magazine publication. Members of the community gathered at Moore House to listen to students read their work and enjoy snacks.

Wednesday, May 6, held the much-anticipated Film Fest, where the community came together to watch student-made films and vote on the best one for a La Lu Oscar award. Students and faculty filled the room to support the filmmakers and celebrate the creativity present within the school community.

The week concludes with two final arts events, the Spring Choir Concert on Thursday and Fine Arts Friday, giving students an opportunity to showcase their artwork. These events continue to highlight the balance between academics, athletics, and the arts that is such a large part of student life at La Lu.

At the same time, AP testing season has officially begun. Students across campus have been spending long hours studying and preparing for exams while still remaining involved in sports, clubs, and other activities. The final weeks of school are always some of the busiest, but they are also some of the most memorable.

What’s coming up?

The school year officially comes to an end on Friday, May 22, but before then there is still a lot for the Lakers to accomplish before leaving for the summer.

Students still have a great deal of testing ahead as AP exams take place during the weeks of May 4 and May 11, while final exams will be held during the week of May 18. As classes begin wrapping up, students are balancing studying with final projects and end-of-year activities.

Woven into the extensive testing schedule are some favorite La Lu traditions. The Head’s Cup finals take place on May 13, with competitions including tug-of-war, relay races, and water balloon tosses. The event always brings excitement to campus as students compete alongside their classmates and dorms.

The following day is Senior Candles, a La Lu tradition where seniors give a candle to a lowerclassman, symbolizing the passing on of the light. The tradition is especially meaningful for seniors as they reflect on the relationships and memories they have made throughout their time at La Lu.

After that comes the Prefect Block Party, hosted by the prefects as a fun final send-off with a fire, outdoor volleyball, and games. It gives students an opportunity to relax and spend time together before finals week fully begins.

The following week includes Convocation, awards ceremonies, Senior Mass and dinner, and finally Commencement as campus closes for the summer. Although the end of the year is stressful at times, it is also a chance for students and faculty to celebrate accomplishments and recognize graduating seniors before everyone heads into summer break.

Staff spotlight:

Mike Heffron is a pivotal figure in the La Lu community. In addition to teaching AP U.S. History, AP U.S. Government, and Micro and Macroeconomics, he also serves as Director of Residential Life. Many students describe him as a tough but influential instructor whose classes are challenging, rigorous, and ultimately rewarding.

He enjoys working at La Lu and loves the boarding and day student environment that the school has to offer. Heffron said he values the boarding school environment because it allows him to work with students both inside and outside the classroom.

“Education is a holistic process and La Lu gives me the opportunity to connect with students in the classroom, dorms, and on athletic fields,” Heffron said.

As for traditions, orientation is his favorite because of the excitement and sense of possibility that comes with the beginning of a new school year. He also shared that one of his favorite memories was watching his daughter graduate from La Lumiere after growing up around campus her entire life.

When asked to describe his teaching style in three words, he chose “structured, student-centered, and discussion-based.” Students appreciate the way he pushes them academically while also encouraging discussion and critical thinking within the classroom.

Student spotlight:

Sloane Sampson is a sophomore at La Lu from South Bend, Indiana. She has attended the school for both years so far and is deeply involved within the community.

She is a three-season athlete and plays volleyball, basketball, and tennis. She loves hanging out with her friends during the school day, but she especially enjoys the tradition of Family Weekend. She likes how there are no classes and both her friends and family can come together within the school’s community.

“There has not been a day at La Lu where I haven’t felt seen or heard by my peers and teachers and that truly makes every day amazing. I feel valued at La Lu and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Sampson said.

She is truly a positive presence on and off campus and contributes greatly to both the academics and athletics of the school. Sampson puts her full effort into both her schoolwork and athletics, and her presence within the La Lu community makes a strong impact on the lives of many students around her.