GreatNews.Life Student Voices: La Lu’s Bahamian adventures

What’s recently happened?

La Lumiere School (La Lu) began its Winter Break on December 19. After a packed finals week, students were ready for a much needed break. Long distance Lakers hopped on planes and trains to reunite with family and friends for the upcoming holidays. With three weeks off, students spent their break in a variety of ways. One specific group of students got the opportunity to spend the last week of break in the Bahamas. 

Two faculty members and 18 students embarked on a week-long trip to the Island School on Eleuthera during the week of January 5. The Island School resides on Cape Eleuthera and hosts a variety of students, educators, and researchers all hoping to explore the marine life there and work towards conservation efforts.

While there, Lakers spent the week in accommodations that opened directly to the sea and the beautiful beaches of the Bahamas. Everyday was spent outside, whether out on the water, exploring the island, or the campus itself. All students and faculty got the opportunity to go scuba diving and snorkeling in the nearby reefs and see different kinds of sea creatures ranging from sharks to angel fish to lionfish. The lionfish are invasive and harmful to the reefs there, so students went out with instructors to spear them and then eventually dissect them. 

Beyond the educational experiences on the trip, there were a number of fun activities as well. Students got to reflect on their time at the school on the many beaches and even face their fears by going cliff jumping. There were two hours everyday where students could explore the campus and the nearby marina as well.

Without cell phones, students came together as a group and truly bonded throughout the experience. The lack of connection to the internet helped everyone to realize the beauty of the outdoors and learn to appreciate it. The Island School is focused on conservation efforts, the conservation of water and food and the environment. 

“The Island School has really clever systems in place to conserve resources, create renewable energy, grow its own food, and manage its own waste. It was inspirational to think about the small adjustments I can make to take better care of my little corner of the world,” said Sarah Berndt, a faculty member that went on the trip.

After a packed trip, the Lakers returned to La Lu on Tuesday, January 13, filled with new appreciation and knowledge of the world beyond ours. 

What’s coming up? 

Students returned to school on Monday, January 12 to begin the second semester. Sports and activities are about to swing back into session, with many school basketball games ahead on the schedule. All school games are events that bring the whole community together to support the teams. Game themes like Pink Out or USA invoke a strong school spirit as everyone comes together. 

La Lu’s campus is looking forward to seeing lots of snow and cold temperatures in the future as the winter season is being fully embraced. The academic buildings are coated in a fresh layer of white snow and more winter activities have returned. Students will take to the bowl to go sledding and have snow ball fights for several weeks to come.

One special winter tradition is returning to La Lu this year as well. The Ski Trip is set to take place on Saturday, January 31. All interested students will travel to Bittersweet Ski Resort in Michigan for a full day of skiing and snowboarding before returning late at night. This tradition is finally returning after a two-year lull, and students are excited to continue the tradition. 

“I am so glad we have such a willing community to bring back old traditions to La Lu, and I am so excited to be participating in the upcoming ski trip,” said Junior Aubs Abele.

Staff spotlight: 

Sarah Berndt is one of La Lu’s social science teachers as well as the department chair. She teaches World History II, AP World History, as well as the newly introduced AP Human Geography class. Outside of the classroom, Berndt can be found sporting stylish outfits or teaching students pilates during the spring season. 

She has fallen in love with the strong sense of community at La Lu. She loves greeting students in the morning and in between passing periods.

“One of my favorite moments of the day is greeting students during passing periods. I feel like those little moments reflect the kindness and connection in our community,” said Berndt.

Berndt’s favorite La Lu tradition is senior chapels. She loves getting to hear how each senior has grown throughout their time at the school and working with students and getting to learn more about them. Her classroom door is always open during tutorials if students need help with work or a place to rest.

“I want students to feel that my classroom is a welcoming space to stop by, hang out, or talk whenever they need,” said Berndt.

Berndt also had the opportunity to be the female faculty member for the Bahamas trip that happened over Winter Break. She loved getting to spend everyday outside compared to the inside nature of winter time in Indiana. 

“I think I needed a reminder of how energizing it is to spend time in nature and live outdoors,” said Berndt.

The trip was a great way for her to spend time with students outside of the school setting and also get to learn new things herself and appreciate time spent outside.

Student spotlight: 

Jack Vanderveen is a current junior at La Lumiere and a highly involved member of the school’s community both on and off the athletic fields. He is an avid participant in class and will never shy away from meeting new people.

A multi-sport athlete, Vanderveen competes in both tennis and golf, and he was previously playing soccer as well. Through sports, he has become immersed in the community at La Lu. Throughout his three years, Vanderveen has learned to love and appreciate the community at La Lu.

“La Lumiere is a place where everyone around you, both friends and faculty, want to see you live up to your absolute highest potential and they are committed to it in a way that you don’t get at any other school,” Vanderveen said.

Beyond campus, he brings a worldly perspective to the school. He is a dual citizen of Canada, has been skiing since the age of 3, and has traveled to more than 20 different countries. Whether participating in sports or being engaged in the community, Vanderveen is making a positive impact as a junior at La Lu.