The LPHS Coffee Shop is a non-profit business that started in 2023 after Ms. LaRocco and her students discussed problems at LPHS. Now, three years later, the shop has sold thousands of drinks and is a popular LPHS spot.

In the 2024-2025 school year, they sold 3,862 drinks, and last school year they sold just under double that amount, 6,437. Their goal for this year is double the amount of drinks that they sold last year.

There are a wide variety of drink combinations students and staff members can choose from. There is a barista selected to create special drinks that people can try. They also do these things for special events. They had three special drinks to celebrate College GO! Week. For $3, staff and students can purchase the IU drink, which is a strawberry refresher; the ND drink, which is a blue raspberry and apple refresher; and Purdue, which is a mango and vanilla refresher.

If students are looking for new drinks or sales, the Coffee Shop has both a TikTok and Instagram page that updates customers. Their Instagram page is lpcoffeeclub, and their TikTok page is lpcoffeeclub. The shop offers BOGO Mondays and $1 off for the LPHS staff. While the cellphone ban has made things more challenging, they still find ways to promote their business.

Students in the Entrepreneurship pathway can apply to the Coffee Shop. During their second semester, they can apply, but have to be accepted by LaRocco. If a student finishes their third year of the pathway, they are then put in the Capstone class. In this class, they become managers at the Coffee Shop and are then put in their second student-run business, the t-shirt business.

“We hope to have students come enroll in the entrepreneurship program so we can keep our business growing,” LaRocco said.

This year, the LPHS Coffee Shop started a new t-shirt business called Slicer Made, where the former student store is located. Here, they do custom t-shirts for different sports and clubs in the community, and they sometimes do Slicer spirit wear. While this is still very new to the students, they have already made t-shirts for the Coffee Club and for the LPMS gymnastics team. Right now, they are working on making Slicer-themed wear.

“The challenge we are trying to solve is to create affordable club and sports shirts, hoodies, etc. With a quick turnaround time,” LaRocco said.

If one has questions or is interested in this pathway, email Ms. LaRocco at alarocco@lpcsc.k12.in.us

A North American river otter was spotted at the Bronx River for the first time in over 100 years on June 23rd, 2026.

According to the River Dale Press, three decades ago, activists sparked the Tibbett’s Brook Daylighting Project. This project was to reduce combined sewer overflows that pollute the Harlem River. As the cleanup continues, the river has improved significantly and has even led to other endangered or vulnerable species to be spotted, like the Horseshoe crab.

The Horseshoe crab was spotted near Randall’s Island, which is directly next to the Harlem River. The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies the Horseshoe Crab as vulnerable, and this is due to habitat loss and pollution.

100 years ago, river otters were extremely common in the New York area; however, they were driven out due to the loss of habitats and pollution, just like the crabs were. Both of these sightings are the hope that America needs for a healthier earth.

The conservation efforts give the people of New York a better look for the future of their rivers and land. Over the course of these years, they have been able to remove several invasive species and even remove oil spills that people report in the rivers.

While the efforts from activists have been successful, there are ways that people can help. Avoid throwing non-biodegradable garbage in the rivers. Aquatic animals like fish or turtles can get stuck in the trash or even eat it. Instead, find a trash can or recycling can based on what someone might have and throw it away. People should also report any oil spillage that could be in a river. That way, cleaning efforts can begin as soon as possible before any damage can be done.

In conclusion to all of this, these animal sightings are so important because they show the efforts that Americans are putting in are really helping.

• https://www.riverdalepress.com/stories/bronx-river-gets-rare-otter-sighting-as-restoration-efforts-continue,242833

Over the summer I was able to go to Weird Al’s Bigger & Weirder Tour at United Center, Chicago, Illinois. That concert was the most fun I had all summer, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

When I arrived at the concert, my mom and I waited for a while in line at the entrance before being asked by staff members if we wanted some pre-show party tickets for free. I wasn’t expecting that at all and immediately took up the offer. The tickets offer several different perks like free food, early access to the stadium and merch tables, and a free digital picture people could take. The United Center staff also did a free raffle where someone could win a free piece of merchandise worth a specific amount of money. My mom and I enjoyed the experience so much and were not expecting it.

Once we finally arrived at our seats, Puddles Pity Party came out as his opening act. He played several songs including “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows,” “Estoy sentado aquí,” and “Come Cry with Me,” My personal favorite was “Estoy sentado aquí” because he brought out someone and made them put a costume on.

Puddles Pity Party is an American Singer who plays the persona of a sad party clown. He sings popular music covers and makes his own music videos that correspond with the song.

While Puddles was playing, the staff came over to us and upgraded our seats to the floor. This surprised both my mom and me in a happy way.

After Puddles went off stage, Weird Al opened up with “Tacky.” He was wearing his iconic outfit combo consisting of a t-shirt and a fun Hawaiian shirt over it with printed pants. One of my favorite parts of the concert was the clips that he played during small intermissions. The clips were of him on television, like interviews and him in cartoons. My favorite clip of him was the My Little Pony one.

He played some other classics like “White & Nerdy,” “Polkamania,” “Fat,” and “eBay,” For every song he would dress the part, so for “Fat” he had a fat suit on.

The concert was a dream come true, and I really hope that I can go again next year. This went so much better than last year, and I will cherish this experience forever.

Marching Band season is coming up, with many new members. Here are some things that someone will need for the season.

Sunscreen is a must. Being outside in the sun for hours can cause people to burn. After getting a sunburn, it can be painful and uncomfortable, as I know from experience. I’d recommend 50+ SPF sunscreen, and I would buy the spray version.

When members are learning their show, they will need sheet covers for dots and music. Any office supply store will have the. This will ensure that nothing happens to their dots, whether someone accidentally spills something on them. Band directors sometimes want their members to study their music, so having it on them is important. Sometimes the paper sheets may be provided.

A gallon or half-gallon of water is basically forced upon by all band directors. These bottles can be found in lots of different stores. I purchased mine at Walmart.

Other miscellaneous items like Band-Aids, ankle braces, or knee braces are also things members should buy. While first aid is something any director can provide for them, having one on deck can make it easier.

Depending on what section they are in, they will need valve oil or extra reeds. I’m in the color guard, so I would recommend black and white electrical tape and scissors. For competitions, makeup, and any hair products like hairspray are recommended. For percussion sticks, white tape, and hair ties are needed. Pencils and notebooks are recommended for when someone needs to write down notes.

Clothing-wise, it can be confusing since members will wear different things for specific purposes. For band members, buy a white short-sleeve shirt for their uniform and black shorts and socks. They will also need to buy dinkles, also known as marching band shoes.  The rest will be provided by the band director. For parade, show camp, and any regular rehearsal requires having tennis shoes. This also goes for guard members as well.

For Guard, the uniform is most likely to be provided by the staff; however, in my best judgement, make sure to have black leggings and a black shirt. For the first two or three football games, we usually don’t have our uniforms yet, so we wear all black for those. Jazz shoes are something guard members will need to buy.

For the entire marching band, they’ll need to buy the designated LPMB shirt that will be worn in the 4th of July Parade. For band members, it might also be worn at football games if their uniforms have not come in yet. Another thing that members have to buy is their LPMB jackets. It is a part of their uniform and will keep members warm when it starts to get cold further into the season.

LPMB jackets cost $60 and can be bought when a student goes to register. That's also where people can purchase the LPMB shirt. There will also be a show shirt fundraiser later on in the season. Dinkles range from $30~$45 and can be purchased on several websites.

All of these things will help any rookie get through their first season. If any band member has any questions, email Mr. Clark or any other band director. Guard members can also ask Ms. McGuire or any of their guard captains for any help.

LPMB officially kicked off for its 2026/2027 marching band season. The show’s theme is called “Dragondance.”

Dragondance will feature music from How to Train Your Dragon and from Tangled.

The color guard section leaders for this year include junior Olivia Surowiec as the rifle captain and senior Natalie McGhee as flag captain and band president. They are both ready to put the guard to work and create a beautiful show.

“This season I think will show something different from our band and will create a story that everyone will love,” McGhee said.

This year's drum major is senior Mya Moore, and she will also be the flute section leader for the band.

There have been many new things added to this program including a Marching Band Boot Camp and a parent preview show.

The Marching Band Boot Camp is a six week program that takes place before the first week of parade camp. Members are given one exercise per week that is dependent on what section they are in. It is also competition based. By the end of the six weeks, They will see which section wins. This also includes the staff as well.

The six week program basically allows members to get themselves used to different techniques that they will need for their section or just in general for marching band.

The parent preview show will be on August 22. This shows what the band has been working on throughout show camp.

If any student is interested in doing color guard, there will be three more training meetings that will be held every Wednesday for the rest of the month. They will be held in the fieldhouse, but students will meet in the band room first. In order for someone to spin a flag or rifle, they must turn in a medical form. Turn in the form to Ms. McGuire and email her for any questions.

Anyone still interested in joining marching band can register under a Google form. Email Mr. Clark, Mr. Sullivan, or Ms. Gamble for more information.

The groups are excited for this year and cannot wait to see what comes. Please wish the LPMB luck for their 2026 season!

The Winter Guard International Open Class (WGI) and World Class finals took place from April 9 to 11.

Several different classes perform each year: World, Regional A, A Class, and Open Class. Open Class and World Class are competitive classes, while Regional A is more of a non-competitive level.

Scoring takes place in several different categories: equipment, general effect, timing, movement, and design. All of them are scored under all of these categories; however, the amount that they are scored are different.

In the scholastic world, which features high school teams, Arcadia, Flanagan, and Avon. Avon took third place with a score of 96.700, Flanagan took second place with 97.900, and Arcadia took first with a score of 98.850.

Arcadia High School's show is entitled “reWIRED.” Their show was unique and had several different elements of technique. The show consisted of acro and tumbling, with different props. My favorite part is when they send sabres down a wire, almost like a zipline.

“Alternate Worlds” was performed by Avon High School. Avon has had a history at WGI, winning worlds in 2024 and breaking the record in score. I personally really enjoyed this show. I thought it was unique and was portrayed well.

In the independent world category, the top three groups were Fusion Winter Guard, Paramount, and Etude. Fusion took first place with a score of 97.400, Paramount in 2nd place with a score of 97.300, and Etude in third with a score of 94.550.

I’d also like to mention some other shows, such as “Follow Me, or How to Start A Movement,” a show performed by Paramount Winter Guard. Vox Artium had their World Class and A Class performances, “When Spring Yearns for Winter” performed by World Class, and “The Heart Remembers You” performed by their A class.

Overall, WGI went well this year and I cannot wait for Drum Corps International (DCI) and WGI 2027. If people are interested in recaps and anything marching news, head to https://www.flomarching.com/.

“ALTERNATE WORLDS”- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9PLNWrsLiQ

“REWIRED”- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsuOmi6jGfM

Fashion is subjective. What one loves, another hates. Pants are no exception.

Peyton:

I’m Peyton, and I think baggy jeans are better than sweatpants. Most of the time, a good pair of baggy jeans is great for a night out, work, or even a date. Baggy jeans are versatile, which makes them so much better.

Becca:

I’m Rebecca, and I believe baggy jeans aren’t very comfortable. They are usually not the cheapest, especially when people are looking for the best quality. That is why sweatpants are better.

Peyton:

Baggy jeans have shown time and time again to always stay in the fashion world. From the 1990s until now, baggy jeans have stayed in style. Regardless of gender, many people love  good baggy jeans, whether the jeans are as big as a parachute or the style of a mom jean. Baggy jeans come in many styles for different people.

Becca:

Sweatpants can be cute and comfortable. There are many different styles, from cuffed to baggy. They come in almost any color and shade that someone can think of, which makes them match almost any T-shirt or tank top color.

Peyton:

In my opinion, baggy jeans have a 10/10 on the comfort scale. They fit all types of people. They are flexible. Not only are they incredibly comfortable to sit in, but they are also great to walk around in. These jeans are comfortable to the skin, not squeezing too tightly, making it unbreathable.

Becca:

Working out in sweatpants is easy. Sweat sets can not only be worn on a regular basis but also when you work out. A sweat set is a two-piece outfit usually with a zipper jacket and sweatpants. People can be cute while working out.

Peyton:

Baggy jeans can be welcome at all occasions. They work for a night out with friends, a nice dinner party, or even birthday parties. People are able to wear them in the winter with a cute sweater or in the summer with a pretty blouse, and can even work with a nice shirt and heels. That is one of the many reasons why many are in love with baggy jeans. Baggy jeans have a breathable waistband, too, and even if someone wants a looser fit and a tight waistband, they use belts to style and wear them comfortably.

Becca:

Sweatpants are affordable and can be found everywhere. Usually, jeans can cost $40, and even if they are cheaper, the quality is cheap. With sweatpants, one can find any pair for pretty cheap, and they’re comfortable no matter what. Usually, even when they’re a different style, most of the time it is the same price, even if they’re different colors.

Peyton:

Baggy jeans have a variety of sizes and fit all types of shapes. Many people, including me, love to see how the different types of jeans can fit better. They are fashionable in every style. To teenagers, styling the baggy jeans is even for moms who create an everyday outfit. Men may have been the ones to first wear the loose jeans, but women have also learned to love the baggy jeans, too. Not only are they versatile in style, but also in color; they range from dark blue, black, light blue, and tan.

Peyton:

Even though sweatpants are comfortable, they are not always the best pants to wear. Sweatpants can become itchy after a long time, like on a summer day, and can get dirty with fur and lint quickly. Talking about the looks of the sweatpants, cuffed sweatpants are not popular much anymore, though people still love the flared sweats.

Becca:

Even though baggy jeans are cute and stylish, they aren’t exactly the most comfortable. Whenever jeans get stained, it is hard to get them out, especially when it comes to grass stains. Sweatpants can be cute, stylish, and comfortable; people can wear them out. They are a generational staple and are very popular because of the Y2K aesthetic.

Peyton & Becca:

To conclude, in Peyton’s opinion, many love baggy jeans. They are breathable, stylish, and adorable. In Rebecca's opinion, sweatpants are better than jeans because they are comfortable, cheaper, stylish, and a generational staple.

Another class that I would recommend is Animal Science, which is the second class in the Principles of Agriculture being first and Advanced Animal Science or Animals 1 and 2 being the last. Ms. England teaches the class, and students learn several different concepts. In order to take this class, students must be a sophomore, junior, or senior.

If a student is under the Academic Honors Diploma or has finished taking the Introduction to Agriculture, this would be the next class. Animal Science counts as a science elective, so if a student is under that diploma, they can take it for that credit. Normally, this class is also a dual credit class, which students will need to take if they’re under the Academic or Technical Honors Diploma.

In Animal Science, students will learn about the classification of animals, the animal welfare law, the introduction to small animal care, nutrition, basic cell biology, functions of animals, and other things, such as labs. The class also now has class pets. Ms. England has two Holland Loped bunnies, which will allow students to learn the basic care of rabbits and the biology.

“And of course we will be doing lots of static projects like demonstrations, presentations, and model building focusing on breeds, reproduction, nutrition and digestion, animal welfare and handling, anatomy, and biosecurity,” England said.

In Animal Science, there are several projects that students do. The class will be taking care of Holland Loped Rabbits and learning about their nutrition. Students will bottle feed goats and assist in vaccinations and health checks. The class will learn about livestock evaluation and have an actual livestock judging contest. Students will also be incubating eggs and will raise chicks.

If a student chooses to take the advanced course next year, they will be looking at animal cells through a microscope and even parasites. Students will also have the opportunity to dissect and extract DNA from fruit.

Animal Science will allow students to take Advanced Life Science, Animals 1 and 2. Advanced Life Science gives students a chance to earn a certificate in animal CPR. Students can also take Advanced Animal Science, which will talk more about the same concepts in a bigger picture.

I would recommend Animal Science to anyone who enjoys learning about animals or wants to become a veterinarian. This class will allow students to learn the basics of animal care, which will expand their career path opportunities.