Reflecting on 2024: A Year in Review
As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the moments that defined our school year. This year at LHS was marked by memorable events, challenges, and growing school spirit. From unforgettable events to new challenges, this year has been a mix of growth, connection, and resilience within our school community.
One of the most memorable experiences of the year was the visit from Dongtan High School students, leaving a lasting impression on many. “It was so fun talking to students from another country,” said Emily Ryu (’25). “They were all super sweet, and it was interesting hearing how much they loved our school.” The exchange brought international perspectives in addition to connections and a sense of community.
Among the more familiar events, homecoming stood out as a highlight for many students. “Homecoming was definitely my favorite,” said Mark Portrick (’25), whose enthusiasm for the tradition was shared by many. Spirit week leading up to homecoming was also a hit among many, including fun themes and lively participation. Emily Ryu added, “The school spirit seems to be improving every year. I think Spirit Week was especially successful this year!” Throwback Thursday was a crowd favorite, and the rise of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok played a role in motivating participation.
This sense of community extended to the athletic fields and club meetings, where participation and success were undeniable. The baseball, softball, and flag football teams all captured league titles in 2024, marking a year of remarkable athletic achievement. The men’s cross-country team’s undefeated season was another standout, showcasing dedication and teamwork. At the same time, initiatives like the Ribbon Club gained traction, with more students embracing its message by wearing colors to represent causes throughout the year.
As school spirit reached new heights, there were also challenges that students had to overcome. In late November an issue regarding misbehavior occured, only leaving one bathroom open for the entire school. This led to frustration among many, with Emily sharing, “The bathroom change caused a lot of issues. It was hard to go to the bathroom because too many people were out.” Mark Portrick echoed the same sentiment, expressing his frustration with the lack of access to a restroom.
Meanwhile, seniors were feeling the weight of college applications. “Everyone was pretty stressed about those, and a lot of people didn’t know there was extra financial stuff they had to do,” Viviana said, highlighting the often overlooked complexity of the college application process. Many students had to juggle their academic responsibilities with the stress of planning for the future.
Though there were unexpected moments, like the surprise introduction of flextime, which left many students questioning the new schedule, there was no shortage of surprises. “I was really surprised by the concept of flex time when it first came out,” Emily recalled, reflecting the initial confusion surrounding this new initiative. But as the year progressed, students began to adjust and find ways to make it work for them.
As we look to the New year, many seniors are excited about what’s ahead. “I’m really excited for the trips I’ll be going on this year and all of the upcoming senior events like senior week!” said Emily, looking forward to the moments that will define her final year. For others, the excitement of graduation is what keeps them looking ahead. After a year filled with highs and lows, it’s clear that these milestones will be a source of pride and reflection for the class of 2025.
2024 was a year of ups and downs, but it brought our school community closer together. From celebrating achievements in athletics and clubs to overcoming challenges, students have shown resilience and spirit in every aspect of their school life.
