Spark

Committing to the Craft

The Marching Thunderhawks spend countless hours practicing, performing, and learning the craft of marching.

Addison Stallsmith, Culture Editor • January 14, 2025

Friday night. An integral part of the culture at many high schools across the country. The student section is roaring, the lights are blinding, and football players keep the energy up as they march towards...

Beyond the Canvas

East senior Kaleb Watts pursues a lifelong passion of his in the form of drawing.

Claire Rutherford, Staff Writer • November 25, 2024

He glides the charcoal across the textured page, intention behind every motion, outlining his subject’s features. Kaleb Watts, a senior at Lakota East, has a passion for art. His love for art motivates...

Best in the Nests: Sofia Wise

Sofia Wise is a senior member of the Lakota East Dance team, contributing to the team’s three state titles for Game Day performance, two state titles for Small Hip Hop, and four Universal Dance Association High School Nationals finalist titles.

Gwen Gilbert, Sports Editor • November 22, 2024

Q: What has kept you coming back to dance season after season? A: Each season brings new challenges, opportunities to learn, and the joy of collaborating with such talented individuals. The emotional...

East @ Moeller — Video Highlights

Reed McClelland • November 11, 2024

New Beginnings

After 90 years of operation the Junior State of America decided to cease operations, affecting one of the longest lasting clubs at East.

Sydney Alderman, Business Manager • October 26, 2024

Every Friday at 3 o’clock for years, Lakota East students would gather in a small classroom covered wall to wall in political propaganda, memes, and posters. There would be a podium with a gavel resting...

New Notions

College Credit Plus classes help provide a stronger understanding of dedication, work effort, and can better prepare high school students for whatever career path they aspire to choose.

Caden Powels, Staff Writer • October 23, 2024

I am always up for a challenge, but it wasn’t until I was in high school where I had one of the biggest challenges of my academic career. I have countless stories about how I was in school just breezing...

New Year, New Team

East Varsity Football opens the 2024-25 season with a fresh start. As a result of the hard work put in over the off-season, an exciting year is anticipated.

Max Earl, Associate Sports Editor • October 21, 2024

At the beginning of the 2023-24 high school football season, the Lakota East Football team was at the top of all the local headlines due to the hire of Jon Kitna, the head coach for East Varsity Football....

Fresh Foundations on the Field

East Girls Varsity Soccer enters the season with new head coach and familiar face Emily Miller and her exciting agenda for greatness in the 2024-25 season.

Gwen Gilbert, Sports Editor • October 6, 2024

Dumbbells slam against the ground as athletes of the East Girls Soccer team train in the weight room at 4 p.m. after school. Arm curls, deadlifts, push-ups, and box jumps are all precisely executed in...

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...

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...

Hawks for the Cure

Lakota East girls volleyball played their annual “Hawks for the Cure” match raising money for breast cancer awareness.

Camden Braden, Sports Writer • September 29, 2023

STORY CAMDEN BRADEN | PHOTOGRAPHY CARA RAIFORD The Lakota East girls volleyball teams hosted Princeton for their annual “Hawks for the Cure” fundraiser event on Sept. 28. The event revolves around...

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...