Spark

“Let Them Eat Cake”

Due to changes in the USDA “Smart Snack“ policies, Lakota has made adjustments to their policies regarding bake sales.These changes have club leaders concerned regarding future fundraising efforts.

Sophie Schaller, Feature Editor • April 13, 2025

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

MacFarlane Moves In

After the resignation of Rob Burnside Matt MacFarlane has been named the interim principal of Lakota East High School for the remainder of the school year.

Luke Viviano, News Editor & Business Manager • March 30, 2025

At 3:00 p.m. on November 1, students rushed out of the building just like they had for every other week of the school year. But when they returned back on Monday, principal Rob Burnside was nowhere...

Seasonal Showcase

The biggest fundraiser for the Lakota PTSO, the annual East Winter Arts and Crafts Show, was held November 9-10.

Sara McGuire, Staff Writer • March 2, 2025

Twinkling lights, warm pecan smells, and crowds of people admiring the unique creations all encapsulate the Lakota East Winter Arts and Crafts Show. Each year the craft show offers an opportunity for artisans...

Battle of Wits

East sophomore Shae Srishti initiates Speech and Debate as a way for students to be persuasive, build confidence, and think critically.

Will Huelskamp, Editor-in-Chief • February 28, 2025

East sophomore Shae Srishti stands in front of the white board in room 228 every Wednesday. The notes on the board outline what topics they will be discussing during the meeting. Srishti is a co-president...

Reaching for the Stars

Lakota received 4.5 out of 5 stars on the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce 2023-24 report card. This is a jump from the 3.5 out of 5-star rating that the district received the previous school year.

Ashley Skinner, In-Depth Editor • February 15, 2025

Walking through the rows of desks in her classroom, East English teacher Lisa Schmaltz sees students reading, analyzing, and writing behind their computer screens. Schmaltz is leading one of five...

THawk News: First Edition

Lakota East Spark and Broadcasting club join together to create the first ever Thunderhawk news segment!

Spark Staff and Lakota East Broadcasting • February 13, 2025

Support Our Program!

Mr. Lakota East is a male beauty pageant consisting of seven acts featuring seven contestants. Three seniors, two juniors, and two sophomores will be competing for a chance to be crowned Spark's 14th annual MR. LAKOTA EAST!

Emma Vernon, Website Manager • February 10, 2025

Color for a Cause

Hopewell Junior middle school hosts an annual color run as a fun way to help provide funding for the Parent Teacher Student Organization.

Sydney Alderman, Business Manager • February 9, 2025

On Friday, Sept. 20, kids in both 7th and 8th grade gathered on the football field of Hopewell Junior School (HJS) covered head to toe in a rainbow of different neon colors. Students who chose to participate...

Policing Phones

In accordance with House Bill 250 every district in Ohio must have a phone policy in place before the 2025-26 school year. Lakota has been engaging the community to see what issues matter most to them in regard to phones.

Luke Viviano, News Editor & Business Manager • February 2, 2025

On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed into law House Bill 250, after the bill unanimously passed in the House and Senate. The bill requires every school in the state of Ohio to...

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...

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...