Lake Forest Academy is not simply a high school; it is a home for more than 200 students from across the world. To support the residential community, the school offers weekend activities and Residential Community Dinners. These programs have become a crucial part of student life by giving students opportunities to explore off-campus activities, spend time with friends and feel a sense of belonging to the school.
Director of Residential Life David Atas was responsible for implementing different activities for the past two years. Activities such as Target runs every Sunday and trips to H Mart and Mitsuwa created routines for students. Atas frequently announced themed weekends where he curated activities around a specific subject or an event. He introduced the Residential Community Dinner, bringing students from different dorms together.
This year, Kevin Ingram and Jennifer Rundles took over as the Directors of Residential Life. Ingram said he would be “continuing Atas’ legacy” and “keeping the tradition alive.” Rather than introducing sudden changes, he is aiming to create “at least one main event on and off campus each weekend.”
As the NBA and NFL seasons are starting, he is looking forward to creating fantasy brackets for boarders.
Ingram wants to highlight students’ role in perfecting the weekend activities. Last year, Atas encountered students who signed up for an event and did not show up. This became a problem especially when the event should be reserved, such as buying tickets for the Minecraft movie. Thus, he encourages the students to stay involved in activities. The Student Weekend Activities Group (S.W.A.G.) was created to offer students the opportunity to lead weekend activities. Ingram said he is excited about the different creative ideas students will bring to the program.
The first Residential Community Dinner, held on August 30, was a success. The Student Center served jerk chicken and traditional Caribbean dishes. Dan Lee ‘28 said the event was a “grand welcoming to the new year.” Lee was pleased with the opportunity to bond with new dormmates and catch up with the community.
“The yams were great,” he said while describing the improved food quality. As many enjoyed this event, Ingram hopes to “bring the optimism and spirit” to future works.
Despite leadership change behind weekend activities, traditions will continue with more themed weekends and various activities. Ingram hopes to build on the “foundation left by Atas” and is looking forward to the year.