Spark

Gambler’s Prayer

“Desire, I Want To Turn Into You,” and the album's deluxe “Everasking Edition” is Caroline Polachek’s sophomore album, released on Feb. 14, 2023.

Alex Schwind, Culture & Graphics Editor • January 31, 2025

Life and death, love and heartbreak, glory and the journey seeking it; Caroline Polachek, an indie-alternative pop artist with a uniquely enchanting voice and distinct production, explores an array...

Staff Playlist: January 2025

Listen in to Spark staffers’ songs they are bringing into new year.

Spark Staff • January 31, 2025

CHOSEN BY SPARK STAFF 1. Ribs by Lorde 2. Die With A Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars -Macie Manzardo 2. ICON by TWICE -Delaney Finch 3. Mando by Will Paquin -Emma Vernon 4....

Don’t Open the Door.

“Alien: Romulus,” the latest movie in one of the most classic science fiction series, “Alien,” has been thrilling audiences since August 2024.

Grace Callahan, Editor-in-Chief • January 31, 2025

The long-lasting science fiction thriller series that started in 1979 with the movie “Alien” has finally been continued. The ninth installment to this series is “Alien: Romulus,” which was released...

Smart Snacks

Smart Snack guidelines are being enforced by the district and will have an impact on clubs holding bake sales after school hours.

Sophie Schaller, Feature Editor • January 30, 2025

With USDA Food and Nutrition services guidelines, East bake sales containing the typical baked goods have been left in 2024. In allegiance with the USDA’s school lunch program is a system entitled...

Cultivating Communication

Superintendent Dr. Ashley Whitely held four Community Conversations that invited English Second Language families to share their thoughts on the English Language Learner program at Lakota.

Ashley Skinner, In-Depth Editor • January 30, 2025

East junior Nassiba Maminova was the only student that spoke Russian when she started at East Freshman Campus in 2023. She loved it. “Actually, it was pretty easy,” Maminova told Spark. “I...

Head to Head: Artificial Intelligence

January 30, 2025

Head to Head: Artificial Intelligence is Good

No; Artificial intelligence is not harmful and can improve education

Madison Springmyer, Staff Writer • January 30, 2025

Any question or statistic people want or need to know is right at their fingertips thanks to John McCarthy, the original developer of Artificial Intelligence (AI), technology that is currently changing...

It’s here, It’s You

Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin, the indie-pop duo behind Magdalena Bay, released their sophomore album “Imaginal Disk” on August 23, 2024.

Alex Schwind, Culture & Graphics Editor • January 29, 2025

Dynamic American alternative pop duo Magdalena Bay imagined and brought to life a new universe of music with their otherworldly, synth-pop, disco-inspired sophomore album “Imaginal Disk.” Proceeded...

Best in the Nests: Shaun Dickerson

Shaun Dickerson is a senior captain for the Lakota East Boys Varsity Soccer team and three-year letterman. Dickerson is ranked in the top 384 nationally, top 56 in Ohio, top two in Division I and first in the Greater Miami leaderboard for assists with 15. Dickerson has also broken two school records for most assists in a single season (15) and most career assists (25).

Sophie Schaller, Feature Editor • January 28, 2025

Q: What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve learned from playing soccer? A: My favorite piece of advice I’ve been told is that the best players are the ones who can move on from mistakes...

The Treacherous Tree Trunk War

Alex Schwind, Culture & Graphics Editor • January 28, 2025

Thud, thud, thud. A repeated gravelly sound of metal scraping against clay filled my ears, and the smell of grass and mud permeated the air like gasoline at a gas station. The hot summer sun beat against...

Cracking the Code

East junior Gloria Fritsch reflects on her passion for cybersecurity and the skills she has learned for the next chapters of her life.

Eliana Rau, Staff Writer • January 27, 2025

Gloria Fritsch’s eyebrows furrow as she stares intently at her computer screen. She is locked deep in concentration as she works her way through a “puzzle.” However, Fritsch is not actually completing...

Crossing the Line

Discussions are being held regarding the safety of Lakota school crosswalks following the death of East freshman, Aspen Runnels, after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing Bethany Road.

Allie Haucke, Feature Editor & Business Manager • January 26, 2025

When the bell rings at 2:10, East freshmen rush out of the doors. The parking lot is filled with students as they pile onto the buses to bring them home. Some students choose to walk instead of boarding...