GreatNews.Life Student Voices: ‘Marsch’ Madness and more at La Lu

What’s recently happened?

La Lumiere School (La Lu) officially kicked off the basketball season on October 30 with the annual Marsch Madness, a tradition packed with events to hype up the teams and get the school excited for the season. The Historic Marsch Gymnasium was filled with students, faculty, and family who were all there to cheer on the players. The student section showed up in full La Lu spirit, waving glow sticks and clappers, ready to support their classmates. The night started with the cheer team performing a dance that even incorporated the basketball players into their routine.

The first big competition of the night was the 3-point contest, and Jacob Webber took home the win after sinking over 16 shots in both of his rounds. Next up was the dunk contest, judged on a scale from one to 10, where Rivers Knight came out on top.

The finale was the four-shot challenge, a feat requiring a lay-up, free throw, 3-pointer, and a full-court shot all in under a minute. Students had nominated their classmates throughout the week, and while three names were drawn, only Bennett Farina successfully completed it. As a reward, the entire student section got a Chick-fil-A coupon.

Leading up to Marsch Madness, students had been participating in Spirit Week, consisting of themes like Pajama Day, College/Jersey Day, Twin Day, and, on October 31, students got to show off their Halloween costumes at school. The energy and school spirit from the week carried through the weekend.

The fun continued on November 1 with one of La Lu’s two annual dances: Fall Ball. It was held from 7–10 p.m. at White Oak Farm in Michigan City, with a number of students showing up. Fall Ball was the perfect way to cap off a fun and spirited week at La Lu.

What’s coming up?

With Marsch Madness signaling the start of the cheer and basketball season, there’s a lot to look forward to in the upcoming winter months. La Lu does what it does best—basketball—and students are excited for an entertaining season ahead. The energy from fall athletics and Marsch Madness has already set the tone, and it’s expected to carry on as the season heats up.

La Lu is recognized as a competitive basketball school, and this year’s team looks especially promising. With only one returning player from last year’s varsity national team, everyone is eager to see how the roster shapes up. The first game is scheduled for November 7, and with a Hawaiian theme, it’s sure to be a fun kickoff to the season. Students are already hyped for the cheers, school spirit, and excitement that each game will bring.

Amid the busy season, a much-needed break is approaching. La Lu will be closed for the entire week of November 24–28 for Thanksgiving, giving students time to rest, recuperate, and spend the holiday with their families. Boarding students get a chance to leave campus and enjoy a change of pace, while day students can relax at home.

Before the break, La Lu hosts its annual Thanksgiving dinner at school, a tradition organized by the prefects. All boarders are required to attend, and day students are welcome as well. Students get to enjoy classic Thanksgiving dishes while sharing time with friends and faculty, creating a unique and meaningful experience that brings the La Lu community together before everyone heads home to their families.

Staff spotlight:

Matt Buchanan is a California-born, accordion-playing word nerd and University of California (UC) San Diego alum who loves to teach. He currently serves as English Department Chair at La Lu, teaching classes ranging from the Art of Rhetoric to AP English Language and Composition.

Buchanan’s involvement at La Lu goes beyond academics. He is the assistant coach for Boys Tennis in the fall and baseball in the spring. He is also the faculty advisor for “The Torch,” the student-run newspaper on campus. On the residential side, Buchanan is the assistant dorm parent for Becket Dorm, where he enjoys the beauty of the campus and its wildlife, including a variety of birds in their habitats.

“My favorite is the red-shouldered hawk who likes to perch on the foul pole and the heron who flies awkwardly past the lake,” Buchanan said.

He also cherishes the community and conversations La Lu offers.

“The conversations I’ve been blessed to have with both my colleagues and students—marked by curiosity, kindness, and genuine willingness to engage in conversation about everything—are what make La Lu so great,” he said.

This love of conversation is why Buchanan encourages students to drop by tutorial to discuss any writing projects, whether for class or personal pursuits.

Buchanan’s favorite traditions are a tie between the Senior Bonfire and Taste of La Lumiere. He loves the big fire, and for the past 15 years, he’s taken a photo of his kids with it, though it always comes out as a fuzzy silhouette against an overexposed fire. Taste of La Lumiere, he says, is a community gathering celebrating everything he loves about La Lu, and the food can’t be beat.

Student spotlight:

Lexi Barry, a 10th grader from La Porte, has been part of the La Lu community for the past two years, leading up to her sophomore year. Her family’s involvement at La Lu runs deep, with both of her older brothers having graduated from the school.

One of Barry’s favorite things about La Lu is the community as well as the beauty of the campus.

“I love how everyone knows everyone,” she said.

She’s involved in a wide range of activities, from fitness and volleyball to tennis and Film Club, which meets every Wednesday as part of the Lumina program. The club gives her the chance to discuss different films and ideas with her peers, something she really enjoys.

Barry plays varsity volleyball during the fall season and is known for her positive energy and constant encouragement on the court. During the winter, she continues volleyball with her club team while participating in fitness on campus, and she’s looking forward to playing tennis for the first time this spring.

Her favorite event at La Lu is Family Weekend, mainly because of the Heads Cup games and the school spirit that comes with them.

“The student sections and energy are great, especially during volleyball games,” she said.

Lastly, when thinking about her favorite teacher, Barry didn’t hesitate to mention Sarah Berndt, her AP World History teacher this year, who is extremely kind and understanding.