From
“It makes me feel more confident and I trust my ability to defend myself in the worst case scenarios.”
-Lorenzo Castellanos (11)
C ntents
Around the School Entertainment Sports Lifestyle
8-9 14-15
C MET STAFF
On the cover, Lorenzo Castellanos (11) poses with his boxing gloves. The serious tone of the cover shows his strong passion for the sport. Castellanos often practices outside of school. In addition to boxing, Castellanos also participated in wrestling and Hapkido throughout the years. Discover more about Martial Arts on pages 20-21.
CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEFS
Zainab Mohiuddin & Katie Poncin
MEDIA CHIEF
Madelynne Bush
PHOTO EDITORS
Abigael Brennan
Ivan Carey
DESIGN EDITORS
Sky Simmons
Mia Legaspi
COPY EDITORS
Izabel Ontiveros
Madeline Ross
Josina Nye
ADVISER
STAFFERS
Josephine Amenta
Jocelyn Dunkerley
Isabella Magallanes
Lillian Hobbins
Claire Madon
Aubrey Walker
Sophie Lapointe
Piotr Zarozny
Jessica Salerno
Elaina Gromala
Carrie Wadycki-Cruz
Hey LC! Welcome back to the second issue of Comet! As the fall season continues, this is the time of year when students really dive into their studies and classes start to pick up. Take some tips from the “Academic Weapons” page to help study and stay calm. Another way to relieve stress is to check out the various murals we have around our school. Discover where these paintings are located in the “Pop Up Paintings” story. The colder months also leave many students including us to turn to all kinds of comfort shows and movies, even including pieces from horror media. Find out more about these two topics in the “Tales of Terror” and “Comfort in Cinema” articles. Speaking of comfort, you can find out more about our region’s favorite sports’ teams postseason: the Cubs in “The Friendly Confines”. Now, turning to a new subject, we learned a lot about Martial Arts, this issue, and the different sports students do out of school in “From Mat to
Mind”. We discovered that this combat sport is a great way to express yourself, and another way LC students express themselves is through nail art. Check out students’ nails and a Q&A with a high school nail artist in the “Nailed It!” story! Another unique aspect at our high school is the variety of cultures students are a part. Lots of students even travel from other countries to study at our own school each year, and leave with great experiences. Find out more about this story in “Cultural Connections!” We hope you enjoy this issue, and see you for the next one! Until next time…
Sincerely, Katie Poncin & Zainab Mohiuddin
aR Und THE School
Mrs. Abigail Drzewiecki’s (Arts) Advanced 2D Art
Oseguera (11)
Photo Provided by: Lake Central Facebook
Academic
Weapons
Students balance classes, extracurriculars and test prep to reach their goals
As the school year progresses, students begin to worry about upcoming assignments and quizzes that they need to complete and study for. It is important for students to learn how to properly balance their academic lives with their social lives.
“I involve my personal life with my academic life, so whenever I have free time, I will study or I will do homework. It is a domino effect; if you do well on a test, then you will get into a better college. Then, you will have a better chance at succeeding in life and making better financial decisions because you have that education,” Erdenebayar Amarsaikhan (12) said.
The PSAT and SAT both open the door to scholarships, including the National Merit Scholarship, if a high enough score is achieved. Scholarships allow high school students to attend colleges they may not have been able to pay for previously.
“Standardized tests and APs do make a difference in people’s lives. The test scores are not determinate of students’ lives; however, they do open up a lot of opportunities. If I get a good test score, I might get a scholarship,” Riya Patel (12) said. While the SAT can provide such opportunities only during a student’s junior year of high school, AP exams are administered regardless of age and grade.
“I have not taken the SAT yet, but I did take an AP class my freshman year. I took another one during my sophomore year, and right now I am taking five AP classes,” Dylan Bielecki (11) said. Exam-taking ability varies from school to school based on available class sequencing. Regardless, these digital exams highlight a path in which future college students may practice and even earn college credits early and more easily, given their own prior knowledge and appropriate practice of the tasks of a specific exam in its required timeframe.
best for improving their career choices in the future. It is important that the choice is made carefully in order to handle the workload and enjoy their schedule.
“I chose AP biology because I want to go into the medical field, and APUSH because I have always been Fascinated with U. S. history. I chose my AP classes based on what I am interested in and what I want do in the
Riya Patel(12)
Carson Cuevas(9)
future,”Amarsaikhan said.
However, there is also a variety of different options students can utilize to prepare for assessments in their AP classes.
Devin Magnusen(12)
“The knowledge that the AP tests require [for a passing score] helps me in my everyday life by opening up a lot of opportunities in my life; for example, taking sciences helps me enjoy pre-med and volunteer at hospitals,” Patel said. Several students may wonder which AP classes are
smart steps
Advice from upperclassmen about experiences with national tests, including AP (Advanced Placement) and PSAT/SAT
“If you are serious about college, make sure to study as hard as you can and take it seriously. Remember not to overthink. It can really make or break the exams.”
-Mostafa Abdeljaber (12)
“Study the topics you struggle with the most for longer periods of time, and the ones you thought were easier you can study less. Also, finding online practice exams will help out your score a lot.”
“Try to start a study group so you can help each other. Make sure you pay attention to your assignments and any review that a teacher gives you.”
Jeffers (12)
“Doing practice problems to prepare yourself and an active recall to memorize will help. I usually do the whiteboard method where I write everything down, and I also use a Quizlet,” Addison said.
Studying for the national AP exam is most often the largest hurdle for students to face in the grand scheme of taking the AP class. Their knowledge must become cumulative. Earning a score of three, four or five can allow students to earn college credits, depending on their major and the college they attend.
“To stay on top of AP classes, do your work and make sure you are on top of assignments. I use past materials from my classes and make a schedule for myself to study in order to prepare for my AP tests,” Zoe Polusky (11) said.
Sometimes it may prove difficult to balance the stress of handling AP classes, extracurriculars, and a social life. However, to also adequately maintain their mental health, they learn to do so in their own way.
“With my academic life, I also have volleyball in the spring and work, but I always try to plan my time out so that I also have time for my social life. Volleyball season can be really busy, so I always make sure I have my work done. Do the work so that you are not behind and you understand the material you are learning,” Bielecki said.
“Make sure you do any Khan Academy assignment that is required for homework, or just in general to study those that help out a lot.”
-Katherine Sirkin (12)
Four
Types of Learning
Kinesthetic
Learns best through physical activity and experiences.hands-on
Study tip: Make studying into an activity and study while moving your body. Engage in experiments and use flashcards that you can manipulate.
Reading &Writing
Learn best through written words.
Study tip: Take detailed notes, and create summaries of essays. Read textbooks and articles thoroughly.
“Do all of your homework. Study for the tests and quizzes. If teachers let you do the test corrections, please do the test corrections. They will help your grades.”
-Riya Patel (12)
Auditory
Learns best by hearing information and through spoken instructions.
Listen to lectures, podcasts and audio recordings. Discuss topics with others and read your notes aloud.
Visual
Learns best through seeing information in a graphic format.
Study tip: Use charts, diagrams, flashcards,mindmaps, videos and color- code notes and highlight text.
-Madison
-Peyton Knoll (12)
Page by: Jocelyn Dunkerley & Abigael Brennan Design by: Katie Poncin, Zainab Mohiuddin & Mia Legaspi
Murals Map
APop Up Paintings
Where did the new murals in Lake Central come from?
fter the long 2025 summer break, students came back to some surprise pops of color on the walls throughout different parts of the school. Tall vibrant murals appeared almost without any reason or explanation from the school’s staff. However, they have a deep history consisting of the initial creation of them along with the battle to even allow them to be portrayed in the school.
“These murals were in the hallways long before I was a student here in the 2010’s and were hung up everywhere in the ‘old school’ before most of it was torn down for rebuilding. Most were done in the 90’s as class projects,” Mrs. Abigail Drzewiecki (Art) said. “The first few murals were actually painted on the brick walls of the school, but later classes began painting them on wood boards that were taken down and saved before the school was torn down. The idea behind the murals was to first of all, beautify the school and second, to expose students and staff to some of the great artworks in the Art Institute of Chicago. The Starry Night was one of the first murals to be done during that summer art course.”
off by talking to the other teachers in my department and our department head and I would bring it up every year. Mrs. Drzewiecki decided to step in at this point and she had a meeting with Dr. [Larry] Veracco [Superintendent] who suggested that we form a committee to decide where the murals would be hung. We measured them and located places for them to be hung, ” Mrs. Cowan said.
As the fight for the murals was dying down, there were issues on deciding where to put them.
“Once we had that info, the placements had to be approved. We did have to move
Mrs. Cowan and Mrs. Drzewiecki agree that the murals contribute to a creative atmosphere for students and an outlet for teachers to potentially relate art to lessons in the classroom.
“Our school is so plain. Bringing art to the walls can help to inspire, not only artists, but non-artists as well. My hope is that the art brings a smile to students’ faces and may encourage them to learn more about the artwork or artist. I also hope that they can be used as a teaching resource for teachers who may be teaching History, Art or even Foreign Language,” Mrs. Cowan said.
two to different locations than we had originally picked,” Mrs. Cowan said.
As these murals hold significance to past artistic students of Lake Central, a
future for more vibrant art in the school could soon be anticipated.
Although the murals were perfectly preserved and ready to nail to any wall, there was still conflict within the new building that was preventing the murals from being hung up.
“From what I have been told, when the new school was built, the architects who designed the school had a contract with Lake Central where we couldn’t change anything on the walls for approximately 10 years. I believe this is because the design firm was using our school as an example of their work to show to other school districts,” Mrs. Liz Cowan (Art) said.
After looking into why the murals hadn’t been hung up for the initial portion of the school’s reconstruction, it had been over 10 years, so why hadn’t they been hung up?
The grueling process of hanging up the murals in the new school did not run as smooth as Mrs. Cowan and Mrs. Drzewiecki had wanted to, but they believed the fight was worth it.
“I have been trying to get the
“I think the murals help to liven up the hallways and bring joy to students and staff. Having these murals showcased in the school is so important because they serve as a tribute to the creativity of past students. They connect current students to the history and culture of the school, creating a sense of continuity and pride. These artworks brighten the environment, making the school a more welcoming and inspiring place for everyone who walks its halls,” Mrs. Drzewiecki said.
“We are hopeful that we will be allowed to hang more of the murals up next summer. We still have about 10 more that need to be hung. We also hope that the 2D art classes will continue on the tradition by painting new murals in the coming years,” Mrs. Cowan said.
With a track to the rest of the paintings made, the teachers can’t wait for the future of the new murals.
“Eventually, I’d love new murals to be a part of our advanced class to continue the legacy of the murals of the past and to bring joy to students of the future,” Mrs. Drzewiecki said.
Page by: Piotr Zarozny & Mia Legaspi
Design by: Sky Simmons & Mia Legaspi
Inspired by Inspired by
Inspired by Cow’s Skull with Calico Roses Mona Lisa Nefea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry?)
da Vinci
Musicians
Picasso
Entertainment
In pop culture thoughout the years, the horror genre has been interpreted in many different ways. Between psychological thrillers to classic slasher films, there are many forms of horror fans have enjoyed. ““Over the years, horror has gained more popularity. It’s really evolved through CGI and editing. They are able to make things look more realistic, which makes it way more scary. Movies that are truly scary are the ones that could happen in real life. That’s why ‘The Conjuring’ is so scary because it’s based on a true story,” Vanessa Romano (11) said.
Photo by: Abigael Brennan (11)
1764
The novel “The Castle of Otranto” by Horace Walpole is released, which is considered the very first horror/gothic novel.
1818
The novel “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley is published, which is often cited as one of the most foundational and classic horror novels of all time.
1896
“Le Manoir du Diable” by Georges Méliès is a three minute silent film that is widely thought of as the first horror film.
1920-30s
1960s
With advancing technology, movies now have sound. Production studios started to create Universal Monster films like the original “Dracula”, “Frankenstein” and “The Phantom of the Opera”.
Movies shift from supernatural monsters to human psychological and physical violence. “Pschyo” by Alfred Hitchcock shocked many and pushed the boundaries of what is considered acceptable on screen.
1970-80s
Slasher movies boom. The bloodier the film, the better. Movies like “Halloween”, “Nightmare on Elm Street”, “Friday the 13th” and “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” define the slasher genre.
1987
Japanese comics called “horror manga” are released. Artist Junji Ito is widely considered the modern master of the horror manga genre.
127 votes for psychological movies
“Psychological horror is more of an umbrella term since there are different types. For example, you can have stuff that is more paranormal/demonic, like ‘The Exorcist’, you can have the cult plots, like ‘Midsommar’, you could have investigative plots, like ‘Silence of the Lambs’ and so many other subgenres. Also, a lot of psychological horror movies can also be classified as dramas. Psychological movies are usually pretty slow and have deeper meanings to think about,” Samuel Camp (12) said.
PsYChological slasher Vs
96 for slasher movies
2000-20s
Psychological terror becomes mainstream with movies like “Us”, “Hereditary”, “Saw” and “The Others”.
“Slasher movies are gory, violent and bloody. They are more about killing than anything else, like they’re not super deep. I’m a slasher fan, like ‘Halloween’, ‘Scream’, ‘Friday the 13th’, ‘Terrifier’, those types of movies,”
Vanessa Romano (11) said.
2014 Scott Cawthon uploaded the game “Five Nights at Freddy’s” onto the online platform Steam. The game shot up in popularity after being showcased by a number of YouTubers.
Tales TERROR of
Exploring horror in media and the history of the scary genre Page by:
Madelynne Bush & Sophie Lapointe
With the continuous advancement of technology, the popular genre of horror that has been around for centuries is now taking on many new forms. With new kinds of media comes new adaptations and styles of horror stories through movie adaptions, video games and theatrical productions.
“Analog horror is feeling fear through the internet. Horror in the form of a haunted house is physical and you can see it, but when you are in your home, comfortable, and it’s on your screen it’s a little more scary. It’s very invasive in my opinion,” Adeline Metcalf (10) said.
Analog horror is a subgenre of internet horror that mimics the aesthetic of old analog media such as VHS tapes, public broadcasts and old television to create a sense of unease and fear. This horror, unlike regular horror, relies heavily on ambiance and suggestion to create a sense of dread and suspense.
“‘Mandela Catalog’ is the most famous version of analog horror, and in my opinion, one of the best ones. With that being said, my favorite is ‘Greylock’, which I think is right up there with ‘Mandela Catalog’. The type of analog horror you watch depends on how far you really want to go,” Metcalf said.
Different types of internet horror have been around since the 1990s, originating with online urban legends. From which, collaborative horror projects have fostered many communities online and have shot up in popularity due to how easy it is to interact with others. Some of the most famous and influential collaborative horror projects, such as The Backrooms, SCP (Secure Contain Protect) Foundation and the Creepypasta fandom, have introduced many people to horror and have entertained millions, while also helping many people explore their creativity in the horror genre.
“The SCP Foundation is a big government foundation that has different anomalies that they have to try to contain so they don’t hurt people. There isn’t really a concrete reason in the lore as to why the foundation exists or why they have to contain these anomalies,” Amelia Bridges (11) said.
“The SCP Foundation started, I believe, in the 2000s when somebody posted an article about a statue that kills you if you stop looking at it. I think SCP-173 was the first ever one, and people started adding onto that story. Now there are over 6,000 stories connected to it. People have to compete for numbers for their own stories and ideas. A bunch of YouTubers also made the franchise really popular. The franchise has multiple games but I don’t think any of them are official because it’s a collaborative horror project and there is no one author.”
Horror has always been interactive, accessible and has brought people together through many different forms. Horror video games, specifically, had such a large boom in popularity due to the creation of new indie titles separate from mass produced games. They gave people the ability to create and explore a whole new storytelling format to expand on creating a sense of terror.
“I think games foster a lot of community, especially if it’s horror, because fear bonds people and talking about how things were so scary is just fun. Horror games are simply exciting to play, so a lot of people would definitely want to talk about it and communities manage to build off of that. There is also so much thought put into some of these games because they are made with love and time instead of for money. With small developers versus large corporations, you can tell which one has more time and consideration put into it,” George Manous (12) said.
People spend their lives dedicated to the horror genre as a form of storytelling and art. Whether people are coming together to solve the lore in a complex storyline, or someone is writing alone, the narratives can bond humanity.
“I feel that horror games became popular because life is kind of boring, and nowadays people need some sort of adrenaline or excitement to give them something to feel.
People like to get scared and be scared with other people. That’s why a lot of people like to go to haunted houses together and stuff like that. It builds, I wouldn’t say trust, but a sense of being,” Bridges said.
2017
The movie “It” by Andrés Muschietti, an adaptation of a novel by the same title written by Stephen King in 1986, became the highest grossing horror movie of all time.
2017-25
The first chapter of “Faith: The Unholy Trinity” was released on Steam on Oct. 4, 2017 by developer Airdorf. Later, two more chapters were added. The game’s popularity is mainly defined from its horrific, in-depth story-telling and unique design of 80s style pixel games.
2019-22
The Backrooms originated when an anonymous user on 4chan uploaded a picture and post of an iconic room with yellow wallpaper with fluorescent lights and a short story explaining ‘no-clipping out of reality’ which became the foundation of the narrative in 2019. The story quickly shot up in popularity and was adopted by the internet community and became a massive collaborative creepypasta.
13.
Design by: Sky Simmons & Mia Legaspi
coMfort in c ine M a
finding comfort within media isn’t uncommon, especially for teenagers. Through movies, talkshows, sitcoms, reality shows and more, teenagers find consolidation in media that brings them joy, comfort or even nostalgia.
“Just find the genre of movies that you like and search for movies in that genre. I really like ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’. It’s probably one of the best movies. [I like] something that I can rewatch and even if I know the ending and I can just enjoy it as the story goes along,” Youstena Hanna (10) said.
The stories told in movies and shows bring emotion and a deeper feeling to the viewers. This emotion invoked through the storytelling and message of the movie or show is the reason why cinema is considered to be iconic and a timeless experience for all.
“Movies that comforted me when I was a kid still comfort me today. For example, my favorite Disney movie growing up was Brave, about a princess who works to have a better relationship with her mother. I still watch it sometimes today to feel that nostalgia and it makes me feel better,” Sophia Rodriguez (11) said.
Comfort comes in different shapes and forms for everybody. Some students just want an action-packed getaway from the daily struggles of life, while some prefer a movie that they can relax to.
“I think teenagers have comfort shows and movies because it’s a small piece of stability in a world full of homework and our own re-
lationships. We know the ending, and choose movies or shows that we’re familiar with,” Rodriguez said.
Despite all odds, there is a psychological reason behind why individuals turn to comfort movies and shows as coping mechanisms and escapes from reality. According to an article written by The OLu Muse, “When faced with the uncertainty of life and the inevitable changes that come with time, comfort movies are seen as a constant that can be trusted to deliver.” Movies and shows become even more fond and comforting when both students and the people around them find consolation and enjoyment in the same pieces of media as them.
“I think teenagers in general and people as well tend to have comfort movies and comfort shows because it’s nice to watch and see something that you enjoyed or that you have fond memories of. It’s also fun to talk about it with other people who may enjoy it the same way as you,” Tia Abughofah (12) said.
Comfort movies and shows are an endless cycle of enjoyment. Whether they bring happiness through constant rewatches or nostalgic movie nights after a stressful week, these special pieces of media are catered to bring comfort through the swings of life.
“Sometimes a comfort movie could be for stress, other times it could be a movie you can watch forever. For me, a comfort movie would be something I watched with my grandparents at their house. Something I can watch over and over,” Caiden Mestrich (11) said.
Brody McLaughLin (10)
Wiktoria koMperda (11)
SaMantha Lane (10)
charLotte Mauger (10)
Page by: Josie Nye & Lillian Hobbins Design by: Sky Simmons Why
haiLey heLMuth (10)
Sophia MaBunay (10)
vivian keLLy (10)
Maddux Brandt (10)
SP rts
18-19: the friendly confines
20-21: from mind to mat
Throughout the Northwest Indiana region, many people have grown up to become Cubs fans. On average, Wrigley Field held 37,259 fans at any given home game during this past season season. “I feel like anywhere in the U.S. you go to you’ll find Cubs fans. They are all over, and they have a true love and understanding for the sport. They all love Wrigley, and [the team] could be terrible, but the place would still be packed,” Isabella Saxsma (10) said.
Photo by: Ivan Carey (12)
Anthony Rizzo 2012-2025
Jake Arrieta 2013-2017, 2021
Matt Shaw 2023- Present
Derrek Lee 2004-2010
The Friendly
E“Going to the Cubs game when they had Cody Bellinger and they were down in the sixth inning and they came back and scored seven runs and won the game,” Blake Bustos (10) said.
“The second Cubs game I ever went to, it was after COVID and it was their first time back at 100% capacity after shutting down. It was against the Cardinals, which are our biggest rivals. It was a month before they traded their core group from the World Series, so it was the last time I saw them play. It was also a really good win. They won 8-5 against the Cardinals,” Isabella Saxsma (10) said.
Favorite Wrigley Memories
“Obviously winning the 2016 World Series is #1, but a close second has to be the first time we took my daughter to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field,” Mr. Brian McNamara (Social Studies) said.
“My favorite memory about the Cubs in general was winning the 2016 World Series. My wife and I had just gotten married so we were on a mini-honeymoon in Florida watching the game,” Mr. Stephen Fry (Social Studies) said.
veryone knows a Cubs fan. We are loud and proud. We do not just exist in Chicago, and we wear our pride on our sleeves. Ask us about the 2016 World Series, and we will talk about it for hours. Ask us about Wrigley Field, and we will talk for even longer. Our passion is evident in everything from our home decor to our treasure troves of Cubs merchandise.
The community that we Cubs fans have built since the team was founded in 1870 is one of the largest and most loyal groups of sports fans in the world. The use of Chicagobased WGN-TV around the nation from the 1940s to the late 80s caused all types of people from the East Coast to the West Coast to become Cubs fans.
I am a loud and proud Cubs fan, and I always have been. My family goes to all the Cubs games they can get tickets for. For my tenth birthday, my aunt and uncle took me and a friend to Wrigley for a Cubs v. Cincinnati Reds game. The Cubs won, of course, but the real highlight was getting to meet other die-hard Cubs fans and making friends with like-minded fans.
Since trading their most iconic players from the 2016 World Series, such as Javy Baez, Anthony Rizzo and Chris Bryant, the Cubs have entered an undeniable slump. For the past few years, every Cubs win was something to celebrate, purely because the wins were not as common as they used to be. If you have heard more about the Cubs this season, there’s a good reason for that: we, the fans, were excited. If you looked at social media at all during this year’s postseason, you saw everyone posting something about the Cubs. This year, of all years, we had a shot at the World Series again. Not a good one, to be honest, but being called a wild card team lifted the spirits of every fan out there. We had watch parties for the games, and every win we had made us
just a little bit louder and prouder. It felt good to talk about the Cubs in a context that was not just the age-old debate of Cubs or White Sox (Cubs, obviously). It felt good to wear our pride on our sleeves again. Obviously, the Cubs did not make it all the way through the postseason this year. After two wins against the Milwaukee Brewers during games three and four and two losses during games one and two of the National League Division Series, the pressure was on for game five. The Brewers won the game with a score of 3-1 and eliminated the Cubs from the running for the World Series. But Cubs fans were not entirely disheartened. Our position during the postseason showed Cubs fans from around the world that maybe, just maybe, our slump was over. Maybe, just maybe, we could recapture the fervor that engulfed us during the 2016 World Series.
That is still a long way away though. Our Cubbies have a lot to work on until they can reach the peak they hit in 2016, but the best thing about Cubs fans has always been our unwavering loyalty to our Lovable Losers. Cubs fans will never change answer to is your team?’ they favorite New York such long good records, it will take a lot more to dishearten the team’s loyal fanbase. Besides, when we have such an iconic theme song, who would not want to be a Cubbie?
Confines
Cubs fans’ passion for the team shined bright during the 2025 postseason
Page by: Ivan Carey
Design by: Zainab Mohiuddin, Katie Poncin & Mia Legaspi
Pick your Punch
Mindmat From Mindmat
SThe top 5 most practiced martial arts
TAEKWONDO
Consists of high, fast and spinning kicks. Taekwondo translates to ‘The way of Hand and Foot. This fighting style mostly uses the parts of the body for offensive and defensive moves.’
Karate
Consists of blocking evasions, joint manipulations, blocks and throws. Karate translates to ‘empty hand’. Karate is divided into three aspects, kata, kumite and kihon.
judo
Consists of throwing opponents to the ground and pinning them down with chokes. Judo translates to ‘the gentle way’.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Consists of grappling and wrestling an opponent. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu translates to ‘gentle art’.
Kung FU
Consists of strikes, kicks, blocks and stances. It helps build lower body strength and stability. Translates to ‘energy and time’.
everal students chase the thrill of seasonal sports such as basketball or soccer, while some maintain their passion year-round participating in martial arts. Martial arts isn’t just karate, it includes a variety of self-defense styles. Each style offers something different, and some individuals take the opportunity to experience more than one.
“I’ve done boxing, wrestling and a form of a fighting style called Hapkido. I have always thought martial arts was a cool sport and knowing how to defend yourself in extreme situations was a valuable skill,” Lorenzo Castellanos (11) said.
Martial arts have been around since 2000 BCE, and have stemmed from all over the world. Each martial art style takes in customs from their culture, region and environment. In many cases, martial arts is passed down through generations where some begin training at a young age within their family.
“I do Tang Soo Do, which is a Korean based fighting style. I grew up with it, my family has been in it for a very long time. It’s been ingrained into what I do, it’s just a part of me,” Alexis Theros (10) said.
Being part of a family tradition like this means learning more than just the techniques. Growing up in a martial arts environment encourages mental discipline alongside physical training. This discipline often carries over into other areas of life, helping students manage their time and responsibilities.
“I go to [Martial Arts] classes during the day and after school. I pick certain days out of the week and only have one or two days where I just sit at home. I could train once a week or more than once a week. It really depends on how I feel, but it’s pretty much every Friday and Saturday,” Madelyn Lazarski (11) said.
Maintaining this busy schedule requires discipline, but it also allows students to fully commit to their training and reap the benefits of martial arts. This dedication doesn’t just shape daily routines, but it also builds confidence and practical skills that carry over into everyday life.
“It makes me feel more confident and I trust
my ability to defend myself in the worst-case scenarios. Knowing how to defend yourself in extreme situations is a valuable skill,” Castella nos said.
This boost in confidence is an experience shared by many students, including Lazarski, who reflected on how martial arts has positively shaped her self-assurance.
“Martial arts have impacted me very positively. I’ve been more confident with it and I love com peting,” Lazarski said.
Competing can be empowering, but not every competition feels the same. Larger tournaments can be intimidating, even for experienced stu dents.
“I was terrified when I most recently competed in a class A tournament where it was more than just one state. There are class C tournaments where it’s just dojo exclusive for people to rack up points so then they can qualify for the big tournaments like district, nationals and worlds,”
Daniel Michniewicz (11) said.
Madelyn Lazarski (11)
The world of martial arts offers athletes opportunities to showcase their talent at events ranging from regional meets to international championships. These tournaments not only highlight their skill but also reflect the dedication and hard work that go into reaching such a high level of performance.
“I do compete. They’re all over, I have been to a couple of regionals, nationals, and worlds. I was third at Worlds for karate. I recently got two firsts and a third at our last regionals. I was the runner up out of the whole competition.”
Lazarski said.
After competing in numerous tournaments, students like Lazarski and Michniewicz gain not only experience but also a deeper appreciation for the lessons martial arts teaches. Martial arts goes beyond the competitions, shaping students into focused and determined individuals both inside and outside the dojo.
“I don’t do great competing for other things because I get really nervous but when you get in the ring it’s like you flip a switch. It’s weird, it’s like tunnel vision,” Theros said.
how do you train?
“Tang Soo Do training could be once a week or more. It really depends on how I feel that week, but it’s pretty much every Friday and Saturday. Friday nights are intense.”
Why did you join your martial arts sport?
“I joined somewhere in middle school, it wasn’t really something that I specifically wanted to do. My parents signed me up for it anyway, but I ended up really getting into it.”
What was so special about Taekwondo?
“I always had a thing for combat and mixed martial arts in general, and at one point I actually did Karate. But at the time I was struggling with school so badly that it didn’t last. So I guess it was just like me finding a way back into sort of the roots of martial arts for me.”
Why did you join your martial arts sport?
“I was just so unhealthy. I’ve been in a lot of sports, but I never stuck with them. I always had an interest in Martial Arts and combat. I tried out Kara te before Taekwondo and found a better liking for it. The journey made me enjoy it and stick with it.”
how do you train?
“Training for me depends, sometimes it’s with a coach and in a facility, like a gym or basement with equipment. Or it’s just me practicing with myself. Currently I train once or twice a week which isn’t a lot but I’m trying to get more time in.”
Why did you join your martial arts sport?
“I decided to learn how to box partially because it is a good form of cardio and to stay in shape. I also think it is a good skill to know in case I have to defend myself.”
Page by: Aubrey Walker & Isabella Magallanes
Design by: Sky Simmons & Mia Legaspi
21.
Photo by: Aubrey Walker (11)
Photo provided by: Daniel Michniewicz (11)
Photo provided by: Madelyn Lazarski (11)
(Double Dragon Tae Kwon Do School, 2025)
(Maryknoll Shotokan Karate Club 2025)
(USA Judo School, 2025)
(Renzo Gracie Academy 2025)
(Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu, 2025)
On the nails, there is a halloween theme featuring pumpkins with snoopy sitting on top. Self expression can be shown in a variety of ways; especially through nail art. “What inspired me was the creativity that came with it because I’ve
(11) said.
I’ve
liked painting as well,” Francesca
Peglow
Photo by: Ivan Carey (12)
the variety of nail art around you!
Prices can range between $15-$150 per appointment, whereas an athome nail kit costs on average $30.
Q: When did you get into nails?
A: “I started doing nails towards the middle of 2024 as just a hobby and continued until the beginning of summer 2025, but just doing my family’s nails, as well as my close friends.”
Q: What is your favorite design?
A: “My favorite design is honestly just French tips. I really love how clean and simple they look and they take time but they’re so satisfying to do. I also like doing more dramatic sets if I have the ability to. I like how unique it looks in the end.”
Q: Where do you get inspiration from?
A: “I get my ideas or inspiration from TikTok. I always see videos of other nail artists and I take their inspo pics or I watch their design tutorials. I also follow accounts on social media that do tips and tricks on how to get designs done easier.”
by Myajeh Lee (11)
Cultural onnections
Every year, students from all over the world come to Lake Central to gain new experiences, make lasting memories and meet new people. During their time in the United States, exchange students often experience surprising differences between their life here and their home countries.
“I am from Spain. Some things are different, for example, the meals. In Spain, we usually have a larger lunch and not as much dinner, and that’s [the opposite] here. High school is different in some aspects. For example, in classes, you have to do more projects here than in Spain. I feel surprised [by a few things], for example, cars are propane here, and the supermarkets are huge,” Mateo Cano Milo (10) said.
Although moving to a new country can be challenging, these students appreciate the experiences, changes and opportunities that come with studying here. Several of them find that differences can be made into learning opportunities.
“I am from Germany and everything is bigger [in America]. The school here is very different, and I think the people here are more friendly and open. That’s the main difference,” Luisa Pongratz (11) said.
While living in America and experiencing the culture is a dream for many, students also make an effort to preserve their own cultural traditions.
“I feel like my culture is important to me because it shows my identity. As I was born in Nigeria and then moved to America, my culture really shapes who I am and influences my decisions. I moved to America when I was around one year old. In my culture, we are very respectful. We have to greet our parents, say good morning and kneel down to them. We are also very
Italy
“This picture is people wearing traditional Sardinian clothes,”
-Aurora Pileri (12)
Christian, so every morning, we pray, and every night, we pray. Before we eat, we pray,” Precious Fasanaya (12) said.
Some students choose to spend a year in America for the experience, others to learn the language and others for a chance to learn and to grow. No matter the reason, they are living out a dream.
“I wanted to become an exchange student because it’s a dream that I’ve had since I was five years old, because of my mom. All my life, I’ve traveled the world, so I want to know about other cultures and get out of my comfort zone,” Mariana Marques (10) said.
When in a new place, exchange students such as Marques often notice unique differences that are not found in their home countries. Usually, everyday things, such as changes in routine, stand out to them.
“The school [here] was a big shock for me because here, there are thousands of people, and it is very big. In my school, there are only around 1,200 people. Here, there are different classes, [in Italy,] I have just one class and have had the same classmates for five years,”
Aurora Pileri (12) said.
Adjusting to a new school schedule can be a challenge for some exchange students. Several notice differences in class schedules as well as the size and structure of the school day.
“Here, [you spend] a long time in school, more than half of the day [is spent] here. The classes are longer, and you go to the teacher’s room instead of the teacher coming to your class. I have different classes here, in my country, [Brazil], the teacher comes to my class. I’m going to graduate with all of my friends, so it’s kind of crazy,” Marques said.
Spain
If you got to pick a country to study abroad for a year, which would you pick?
“If I were an exchange student, I’d like to go to France. I would like to visit Paris and go to the Eiffel Tower”
-Kael Holmes (9)
“I would go to either England or Great Britain because they have a lot of good architecture there, and it’s not too different from America”
-Jaelyn Johnson (9)
“In the one of the fire, I would say that we have a lot of wild forest in Spain, and we like to enjoy activities outdoors,”
-Mateo Cano Milo (10)
“I would go to Poland if I was an exchange student because I know the language and I also have family there”
-Gabriella Sigrist (9)
“I would go to Australia because I want to study there. I want to study animals. and Australia has a lot of exotic animals”
-Nevaeh Barlow (11)
Nigeria
“I am wearing a style of clothing called aso-oke. I wore it for a photo shoot for my dad’s birthday. On my head is a head piece called Gele,”
-Precious Fasanya (12)
“I would want to go to Italy because I have never been there before and I feel like it would be a really cool experience”
-Eva Shurbaji (9)
“If I were an exchange student, I would probably go to Germany. I have family there and I know people there, so I am familiar with it”
-Cailin Delaney (10)
Brazil
“This photo was taken on my best friend’s 15th birthday. We have a tradition that when a girl turns 15, a big party is held to celebrate the transition from childhood to adulthood or adolescence.”
-Mariana Marques (10)
Page by: Izabel Ontiveros & Josephine Amenta Design by: Katie Poncin & Zainab Mohiuddin
Several students embrace their own customs and influence those around them, including exchange students
