Cashing it in at Casino Night
Students are generally encouraged not to gamble, but one night a year at La Lumiere, that is thrown out the window. That night is Casino Night, where students put on their finest clothes, or some sweatpants, and head up to the cafeteria for some fun and friendly games. The teachers become intimidating dealers at Blackjack tables, roulette, and Spicy Uno. The students all receive chips when they enter, which they can bet however they like. At the end of the evening, the kids return their chips to their Headmaster Cup house for valuable points.
Tensions run high in all or nothing bets that could earn crucial points for students Head Cup teams. Trivia questions about the school can earn more chips, which could be enough to push a team into the lead. This year, many high stake bets were placed, one of fifty on a triple or nothing round. This student got lucky and hit blackjack on that very hand, while others started to panic that they may have just lost their team’s hope of victory. At the end of the evening, Moore reigned triumphant with a counted 2,800+ worth of chips, a truly staggering amount. This was followed distantly by Bunting’s 900 chips, then Webster, and finally Sullivan. This stark contrast goes to show the importance and intensity that goes into each bet. This fun evening yielded smiles all around, though, and students anxiously await to get their redemption next year!
On Broadway
La Lumiere is an incredibly talented community and one place this shines through is in the theatre program. Filled with a handful of dedicated thespians, the spring drama season tests its student participants in many different ways. Not only do they have to quickly memorize and stage their scenes, they also must be prepared to perform in front of the entire school in a two-night special, this year taking place on Wednesday and Thursday May 9 and 10. One thing that makes La Lumiere’s spring drama stand out from those around it is the student written plays. Any student that feels compelled to write a play can try to create one, and some are chosen for production. This has been a tradition for many years and is incredible to realize the hidden talents of those who may not be visibly upon the stage.
This year, the drama team decided to take it one step further. Spearheaded by three ambitious students, they worked to create a Musical elective and began the process of putting on a Broadway musical. This was not able to happen, though. Instead, they chose to do a student written musical. One of them came up with the lyrics and music, while the others worked on choreography and helping the scenes to flow. Titled, “Oh Brother!” La Lumiere’s second musical ever and first student written musical will be put on this year. Stage fright is beginning to kick in as dress rehearsals near, but it looks like this year’s drama production will be new and exciting, featuring a play written by Vincent Chen, and another one act play, in addition to a couple select songs from musicals and the one act student musical. Excitement is high as the extraordinary actors and writers prepare for this incredible showcasing of their talents!
A Great Lake
The involvement of students in leadership at the school through the Prefect system is very unique and inclusive. This year’s Head Prefect is Annabelle Lake. She will be a senior next year and is always involved in everything on campus, from planning things on committees to running yearbook. She loves getting to see all of the different perspectives that the community includes, plotting spirit week theme days and winter fest games.
“All of these fun activities,” she says, “make the school extra special. I love coming to school, which is rare but here it’s a common sentiment.”
Annabelle has excelled at school and been around La Lumiere forever, almost having the school as a second home.
She really loves how this community is like a big family, and she knows what a big family is like. With five brothers and one sister, Annabelle has always known what it’s like to have friends and siblings around at all times. La Lumiere is an extension of that, something not everyone can claim about their school. As she heads into her final year here, she is excited to see the ways the school will grow and to continue to deepen her relationships with her extended family!
The Campus Dad
Mr. Mike Heffron is the Director of Residential Life, as well as the campus cynic. He loves to be a part of this community where kids can learn all day. He sees that only ten percent of learning really comes in a classroom, but this place cultivates a culture of engaging and discovering things all day. This is something uniquely achievable at a boarding school and a huge influencer on his role as the Residential Life coordinator. He gets to make sure all of the students are accounted for and stay safe, and many see him as a father figure as they live away from home. He is married and his daughter, Emma, will be coming to La Lumiere next year, so he has been able to draw from his experiences with her to best guide the students in the dorm he runs.
Beyond his dorm duties, Mr. Heffron also is incredibly spiritual. He has found the beauty of long walks around campus to think and the power of meditation. He has come full circle in his faith journey, being a complete atheist ten years ago, to now believing in and trying to reach a higher power. This community makes it difficult to not find spirituality, something he appreciates each day. It is so open to all different avenues of religion and helps to cultivate students at whatever place they may be. He loves getting to see this side of La Lumiere, and not just being confined to the Residential Life side. The awesome blend in this community helps to inspire him for the years to come.