Spark

Farm Fresh Frenzy

Full of vendors with a variety of items to sell and customers to buy them, the Lebanon Farmers Market was held outside Bicentennial Park in downtown Lebanon for its opening day on May 16.

Ashley Skinner, In-Depth Editor • August 5, 2024

STORY AND PHOTGRAPHY ASHLEY SKINNER The savory aroma of fresh baked sourdough, bright hues of blossomed flowers, sweet taste of apple cider donuts, and the strong musk of a lavender scented candle can...

In The Spotlight

The second annual Light Up Lakota showcase was held at East’s Main Campus this year, allowing each school in the district to hold a booth demonstrating an aspect of their school that they were most proud of.

Ashley Skinner, Staff Writer • April 14, 2024

STORY ASHLEY SKINNER | PHOTOGRAPHY MADDIE BEHRMANN The sounds of a symphony from the East jazz band traveled down East’s Main Street and offered a warm welcome to all attendees of the event. Finger...

Not Just a Business

Ava Huening • January 29, 2024

STORY AVA HUENING | PHOTOGRAPHY AVA HUENING AND COLIN KUNZ

Eastside Voices Take D.C.

Eastside Voices Choir embarks to Washington, D.C. to perform in the Parade of Heroes for Veterans Day.

Leah Arnett, Staff Writer • November 23, 2023

Eastside Voices, East’s most competitive choir, headed to Washington, D.C. for their biggest performance yet: the Parade of Heroes. The singing Thunderhawks were one of only three choirs and three bands...

Youth In Philanthropy students hold their first Culture Potluck

Students of West Chester and Liberty Township’s Youth In Philanthropy organization took a new approach to bring together members of the community and raise money for a good cause.

Ria Malhi, News Editor and Business Manager • November 22, 2023

Students, parents, and community members of all cultures and backgrounds gathered together on Tuesday, Nov. 14 for Youth In Philanthropy’s (YIP) first-ever Culture Potluck. The event was put together...

East Commemorates Veterans at its Annual Student Parade and Assembly

East hosted military veterans for a Cracker Barrel breakfast followed by a touching ceremony recognizing veterans that served for the country.

Will Huelskamp, News Editor • November 9, 2023

The deep base of drums echo through the gymnasium, setting a focused tone in order for students, staff, and veterans to realize the emotional ceremony that would be presented by Lakota East Veterans’...

Childrens Hospital Residential Unit Update

Pictured below: photos from the Childrens Hospital construction site. Residential units that will be available for children undergoing treatment at the proton therapy center with an affordable place to stay will be available soon.

Rista Dahal, Staff Writer/Photographer • August 31, 2023

Lakota Local School District furthers Search for New Superintendent

On June 27th the district, Board of Education, parents, and community members gathered to hear from the top candidates in the search for a new superintendent

Colin Kunz, Editor-in-Chief • June 28, 2023

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY COLIN KUNZ Parents and administrators file into the cafeteria of Lakota West High School, ready to form their opinions on the three finalists for Lakota superintendent. In preparation...

A Red, White, and Blue Gift

A framed American flag with the words “In God We Trust” was donated to the Lakota Local School District on Jan. 9, 2023 by Michael Connaughton, who worked with the In God We Trust Project, a group that donates flags to schools.

Martha Makabu, Staff Writer • May 30, 2023

STORY MARTHA MAKABU | PHOTOGRAPHY MADDIE BEHRMANN Lakota East and West High Schools were each gifted a framed flag, both with the motto “In God We Trust” by the In God We Trust Project, an organization...

Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

Former Lakota East students express the differences between their hometown of Liberty Township and their current place of residence.

Rista Dahal, Staff Writer • April 27, 2023

STORY RISTA DAHAL PHOTOGRAPHY USED WITH PERMISSION AVA FABIAN She embraces her friends in the lobby of her middle school, exchanging tearful goodbyes and promises to always stay in...

East Holds Naturalization Ceremony and Welcomes 71 new Citizens

Allie Haucke • April 5, 2023

STORY ALLIE HAUCKE PHOTOGRAPHY KAITLIN DWOMOH & MARTHA MAKABU Hundreds of people filed into the school gym. On the bleachers, students, friends, and family sat in anticipation. The soon-to-become...

Lions, Dragons, and Proposals, Oh My!

Tails were wagging in every direction during a dog costume contest at Voice of America Park.

Cara Raiford, Visuals • December 8, 2022

STORY CARA RAIFORD PHOTOGRAPHY CARA RAIFORD King Eddie was walking down the gravel path, his short legs striding proudly in support of the crown on his head. A bee was buzzing around, but it was not...