Spark

Collecting Crowds

A new entertainment complex, the Liberty Collective, has finished construction and offers an activity-filled environment for the Lakota community.

Annabelle McCarty, News Editor • December 31, 2025

On Sept. 10, the Liberty Collective held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to its doors to the public for the first time. Spouses and co-owners Mike and Heather Ewers had the entertainment center built on an plot...

Catching Cups of Khichidi

East junior Deeptaj Kaur shares her family memories with the popular Indian dish Khichdi.

Sydney Alderman, Business Manager • May 17, 2025

Whenever she wakes up feeling like bear claws scratching at her throat, or her nose is running while her head burns up with fever, there is only one thing on her mind. There was nothing in the world she...

Taste of Tradition

East junior Liani Tirado-Crespo shares two traditional Puerto Rican recipes, inviting her parents to describe the rich culture behind each dish.

Delaney Finch, Staff Writer • May 16, 2025

To the average person, the smell of garlic, fried plantains, coconut, and cinnamon wafting from a kitchen might not elicit a strong reaction. But to Liani Tirado-Crespo, these scents are much more than...

“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...

Who is Hungry?

As the Smart Snack program has led to the state of Ohio increasing the limitations and regulations on food in schools, it will lead to a slower step toward the health and well being of all high school students and culture.

Caden Powels, Staff Writer • March 15, 2025

Some kids cannot wait to get to school to pick up their powdered donuts or sugary cereal from the cafeteria for a quick breakfast before class. However, the Smart Snack program through the United States...

Fried & Tested

Culture and Graphics editor Alex Schwind reviews and ranks six different chicken tender/fries combos from various local restaurants.

Alex Schwind, Culture & Graphics Editor • February 21, 2025

1. CM Korean Fried Chicken 7206 Towne Centre Dr, Liberty Township, OH 45069 - $13.99 CM Chicken is the crème de la crème of the restaurants on this list. CM Chicken specializes in Korean fried chicken....

A Flavorful Legacy

East Intervention Specialist Ellen Bowmann has a burger dedicated to her at Ford’s Garage Liberty Center location.

Joselyn Duff, Opinion Editor • December 2, 2024

Arriving at Lakota East High School at 6:00 a.m., Ellen Bowmann gets ready for a lively, unpredictable day. This routine is nothing new to Bowmann, as she has worked in Lakota for 20 years, seven of those...

What’s the Scoop?

Bud and Jennifer Strudthoff achieved their dream of opening up their very own ice cream shop. Their creative ice-cream and cookie flavors light up loyal customer’s faces at their ice-cream sandwich store, Cincy Sammy’s.

Andie Madding, Feature and Broadcast Editor • November 22, 2022

STORY ANDIE MADDING PHOTOGRAPHY AUDREY ALLEN It started out as a random phone call to friends, but it ended up the realization of a dream. “{We had friends} that owned a brewery in Cherry...

Food for Thought

Anna Mullins • November 2, 2018

story and photography by Anna Mullins Schools like East Freshman, Shawnee Early Childhood School (ECS) and VanGorden Elementary have started their own food pantries. Adena Elementary food pantry inspired...

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