Twice-Told Tale

The Student News Site of Lake Highland Preparatory School
(Above) President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were officially sworn in as the 47th President and 50th Vice President of the United States on January 20, 2025. Katie Mathews, grade 11 and Founder of Nerd Nite Next Gen, states,"With the rise of the new Bird Flu, we don't have the research and vaccine access necessary to combat this disease. The decline of our shared resources with other countries might put us behind and isolate the U.S., leading to scary outcomes."
W.H.O. Leaves Future Uncertain
March 12, 2025
(Above) Tessa Guerra, grade 12, loves sets that she can dress up and down, making all her outfits perfect for every occasion. Her set is designed for business casual from Aritzia's luxury line. She dresses her outfit down to make it casual with white sneakers, and scrunchies on her wrist.
Students Predict New Trends
March 5, 2025
(Above) MSG attracts people all across the globe in various ways, with the most notable being its impeccable sound system. The sound quality of the arena leads guests to believe that they left the best concert from sections as high as the nose bleeds. This factor also adds to how artists, such as Billie Eilish, sell out stadiums for high prices.
Venues Make or Break the Concert Experience
February 19, 2025
(Above) Because of the widespread use of plastic, it is impossible to completely remove it from our diet, but it is possible to stop some of the consumption. Fruits and vegetables absorb plastics through roots which go into the plant. A study by Gea Oliveri Conti, PhD, found that apples and carrots have the highest concentration of plastics. Both are very healthy, but finding alternatives might stop more plastic consumption.
Our Bodies are Landfills
October 30, 2024
(Above, left to right) Elizabeth Rudd, grade 11, Sofia Tenghoff, grade 12, Fiona Knight, grade 9, Yara Koteish, grade 11, and Hayden Roberts, grade 11, show off their trendy Adidas, ranging from $90 to $120. These sneakers seem to be everywhere on campus, and walking between classes has turned into an Adidas fashion show. Many students have gotten inspiration from friends and social media, encouraging them to buy these trendy shoes.
Our Microtrends are Creating Macro Waste
October 23, 2024
(Above) Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have adopted Ollie into the family. Ollie has become one of their favorite travel buddies, taking him on most family vacations, especially at the beach. Ollie loves to spend time with his family and loves to play on the sandy shores of Neptune Beach.
Mr. Thomas Transforms LHP Sports
March 21, 2025
(Above) Walt Disney World’s Epcot has a diverse selection of country pavilions to capture the around-the-world effect. The China pavilion is one of the two Asian countries that are a part of the park’s pavilions: The China pavilion highlights nature during the International Flower and Garden Festival with attractions such as this pond that has lilypads, tadpoles, topiaries, and gardens.
Epcot Blooms Into Spring
March 20, 2025
(Above) Mr. Arney has had a positive and quick readjustment period at Lake Highland. He has enjoyed the campus so far and has noticed how Lake Highland’s, “Vibe is more upbeat” and, “Also, the facilities here are top-notch.” He also claims that his favorite part about Lake Highland is how welcoming everyone is, including faculty and students. The main thing he appreciates is how everyone in the Lake Highland community is always there for each other and has everyone’s back. This has helped him feel supported in his journey as he navigates his way through Lake Highland.
Second Semester Surprises With New Teacher
February 28, 2025
(Above) When my grandfather was still an E.R. physician, he used to treat the monks of the Wat Florida Dhammaram in the early 2000s. After all, he was once a monk too. Many Thai men, like my grandfather, temporarily ordained as monks for a period of time in their lives, a practice believed to bring merit and peace to their families.
Thai Festival Celebrates Culture Post-COVID
February 27, 2025
(Above) Mr. Rudy Chihak teaches AP Psychology and coaches Boys Varsity Track. Mr. Chihak belives the concept is a very real phenomenon. Mr. Chihak even states that he advises his students who get nervous in social settings to, “Act like one of there more social friends.”
Faking Authentic Realities
November 18, 2024
(Above) SOHO's new seating area is more vibrant and tropical rather than their old design which now matches the vibe of their colorful açaí bowls.
SOHO Debunks Health Myths
March 13, 2025
(Above) On display at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts are six albums that represent some of the music present during the rise of the hippie movement. The bright colors on the album covers highlight the psychedelic style of the hippie movement.
Music Through the Ages Moves Policy
February 20, 2025
(Above) Florida is facing significant environmental challenges as new housing developments continue to expand. Mattamy Homes is building the population of the houses and areas continues to grow driven by factors like its warm climate and economic opportunities. This has led to a surge in demand for new homes. Unfortunately, this growth often comes at the expense of Florida’s ecosystems. The green that everyone knows Florida has is slowly disappearing under the sand and bricks of the homes with no social connection. The house market has exploded, and to be fair, it was in a reasonable way. The houses are selling higher than what they were originally listed at, but somewhere in the owner feels bad taking away everything that isn’t there.
Industry Replaces Environment
November 12, 2024
(Above) After Operation Homecoming, Mary Jane McManus reunited with her husband Kevin J. McManus in Honolulu after being separated for over five years on February 22, 1973. Holding back tears, Mary Jane was able to look at her husband, knowing he was now safe. Reporters were desperate to know what had happened in those five years. Mr. McManus would share his journey with reporters, citizens, and schools. He mentioned to Mary Jane that all the class boys would frequently ask about the tortures. Mr. McManus was said to have been struggling to contain his laughter as the boys would try to come up with their methods to use against prisoners. Although McManus went through thick and thin, he still loved to share his experience.
The Sacrifice of One, For All
October 31, 2024
(Above) Señora Sybil McKinzy, AP Spanish and Honors IV teacher, is enjoying traditional Hispanic food from various countries.
Hispanic Forum Inspires Leaders
October 29, 2024
(Above) The history of Mardi Gras goes way back and is a completely different experience when understanding why it came to be. Mardi Gras, which means “Fat Tuesday” in French, has roots that go back to ancient times. It started as a way to celebrate before the season of Lent, which means they fast. People would eat fatty foods on the day before Lent to use them up before the fasting began. It was brought to America by French settlers, and overtime became a big festival. Today, Mardi Gras is known for its grand celebrations, especially in New Orleans, and is a huge event before Lent begins.
Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler
March 14, 2025
(Above) When Nikki Glaser first started to approach how she wanted to write her jokes for the 2025 Golden Globes, she decided she'd, "Fawn and then flame." She pointed out that for all hosts, it's really important to balance being respectful and fun, and to her credit, it translated to her performance.
First Solo Woman to Host Golden Globes
March 7, 2025
(Above) At the Artist's Alley one of the more common things to be sold are figurines. Pictured here are some figures of characters from the anima Demon Slayer. These figurines are collectors items and often sell for a hefty price!
Stranger Things to See at Megacon
February 21, 2025
Milton, Ivana Tobon, Grade 10, Pen and ink and ink wash.
Fall Literary Magazine Released 2024
January 8, 2025
(Above) In ELLE Magazine’s issue for August 2024, the Future of Fashion issue, Hoyeon Jung is profiled following the success of her 2021 premiere acting role in the popular Squid Game series. Now, she is committed to taking on all the modeling opportunities and acting roles that follow her new profound fame.
The Undiscovered Joy of Magazines
November 19, 2024
(Above) Clint Potner, grade 11, is getting ready to begin his wrestling match. Keeping his head in the game at all times is very important in such a quick- paced individual sport. Wrestler Ronin Gault, grade 11, mentions that, “Most of the team does their work after morning practice” which is an efficient way he makes sure he never falls behind in schoolwork. Their team tends to help each other and keep each other accountable with work.
Walk Three Paths With Different Athletes
March 6, 2025
(Above) Eadyn Rivera, grade 10, worked on practicing her free throws during the offseason and quickly has become one of the teams best free throw shooters. Making Eadyn more of an offensive weapon with many teams having to foul her to prevent her from making her three point shots, and tough layups in the paint. As one of the leaders on the team Eadyn also makes sure her team is prepared to grab the rebound and set up a new offensive play.
Connections on the Court Outplay Challenges
March 3, 2025
(Above) Beck Tews, grade 11, demonstrates how he does his backhand while instructing the athletes on how to get the perfect form. Tews said, “I enjoy teaching tennis to the younger kids at LHP. It’s always good to show the kids new skills and making them try something new. So in the future, hopefully they will stick with it and love it as much as I do.” After talking to the athletes they started to follow his instructions after watching an example of what to copy. With more practice the athletes began to finally under- stand the importance of coordination whether it is playing together or just practicing by themselves. Learning with a bounce drop from the coaches, which is thrown directly in front of them for practice to be able to start their warm ups and get ready for the rest of practice.
Tennis Camps Make a Racket
November 13, 2024
(Above) While the Pride is one of only three professional women’s sports teams in Florida, it isn’t the last. With Orlando Pride, the USSSA Pride, Florida’s professional softball team, has inspired young women in the state to pursue their athletic careers after their establishment in 2009. This is seen by the addition of the Orlando Valkyries, a professional volleyball team, that started their first season in January. Similarly, the United Soccer League is starting the first season of their Division I Super League (USLS) this coming August, with two Florida soccer teams joining—Fort Lauderdale United FC and Tampa Bay Sun FC—and teams from Jacksonville and Palm Beach joining USLS in 2025.
The Pride of Orlando’s Sports League
October 24, 2024
Construction Relocates Athletics
October 1, 2024
(Above) Part of Gen-Z’s influence on book culture is the modernized effect of sprayed edges on special edition copies of books. This generation’s take on an old tradition is just another way that young readers are making an impact.
Gen-Z Motivates B&N Expansion
March 24, 2025
(Above) Curl creams are used to provide curls with definition while still maintaining your natural hair's pattern. It can be applied by raking it in your wet hair using your fingers, or applying with
Unraveling Curly Hair Stigmas
March 19, 2025
(Above) The Australian brand Cotton On's store is located at the Florida Mall in Orlando. This location provides all of the clothing mentioned in the article along with some other great finds that only Australian fashion has produced.
Down Under Brings Up New Trends
February 26, 2025
(Above) The Supreme Court upheld the TikTok ban on January 17. TikTok went dark for U.S. citizens for 14 hours on January 18 at 10:40 P.M. TikTok soon reopened but is still removed from all app stores, making it unable to be newly downloaded.
TikTok Ban Debate Continues
February 18, 2025
(Above) The outward slanted fencing surrounding Lake Highland's campus is a new addition to this year's extensive security measures. This fencing is extremely different from that of previous years that anyone could easily pass through.
Normalized Doesn’t Mean Normal
November 6, 2024
(Above) Once people had their bags filled they would take them to a bag checking station, with the help of teachers Mr. Sharkey and Mrs. Flader, to determine the sizing of the clothes. Clothing items extended from shirts, sweatpants, flip flops, and many other kinds of sizes of clothes. Evan stated, “The event itself was both a huge success and a blast. I enjoyed watching both my fellow teachers and friends compete with each other to see who could fill the most bags out of everyone.” Evan, getting into specific detail, mentioned “Most of the articles of clothing and hygiene products were purchased from Dollar Tree. This was the best place to buy the items and make sure that I had enough.”
Backpacks Pack a Fresh Start
March 18, 2025
(Above) For Martin Luther King Day this year, Lake Highland Preparatory's Upper School had the honor of hearing Mr. Derreck Kayongo speak during the routine Unity meeting. Students such as myself and others had the opportunity to speak to him one-on-one and ask him questions about his inspiring speech.
Embodying MLK’s Spirit
March 11, 2025
(Above) Ms. Angie Wohltman, Wellness and Yoga Teacher, and Rachel McKenzie, grade 9, enjoy making "Worry Dolls."
Crafty Corner Creates Kind Krafts
March 10, 2025
(Above) Seniors, such as Ayla Moffitt, who took Intro to Leadership often decided to K.I.L.T. during the year that follows. This allows students to share their love of volunteering with others.
Leadership and Service Go Hand in Hand
February 25, 2025
(Above) The iconic bell was gifted by the Class of 2019, and the Senior Wall was gifted by the Class of 2023.
Seniors Ring in the New Year
February 17, 2025
(Above) The atmosphere of Raising Cane’s locations are unmatched compared to other fast food chains. The usage of vibrant, stark colors and graphic designs makes the interior not look drab and bland like some other fast food chains. It creates a welcoming environment that fosters a dine-in experience just as much as a drive-through experience. Today, it is common for most places to be more of a drive through kind of restaurant due to the lack of atmospheric aesthetic and cost that dressier interiors require.
Florida Dips Into Canes
March 25, 2025
(Above) Many of Freya Skye’s songs have been hits so far. According to alisaltrojantribune.com, these songs include “Who Says,” “Walk Over,” “Someone to Love,” and “Winter Dream.” It also states that out of all of these songs, “Winter Dream” has grown the most attraction as it is, “A festive song perfect for the holiday season.” Her songs have unique tunes and many themes, from intense and emotional to festive and happy.
Former Eurovision Star Rises to Fame
March 17, 2025
(Above) One dish named Branzino is a whole fish that is either fried or grilled. It is a European Sea Bass rubbed in Greek spices and overall tastes amazing. The fish is sourced locally from various fish markets to ensure that they are always served fresh. Many describe the taste as flaky and also slightly sweet.
Bosphorus Creators Open Parea
March 3, 2025
(Above) Lots of famous actors and Korean stars were included in this series, such as BigBang’s T.O.P, and former IZ*ONE member Jo Yu-ri. These actors bring the psychological games to life and leave fans waiting for more spectacular acting.
I’ve Played These Games Before
February 24, 2025
(Above) The Madras Cafe is located on Sand Lake Road and is open from 11:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. for their breakfast and lunch dining, and then from 5:00 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. for their evening dinner experience. Guests can be seated indoors or outdoors.
Spicing Up South Indian Flavors
November 11, 2024

Twice-Told Tale

Twice-Told Tale
(Above) Clint Potner, grade 11, is getting ready to begin his wrestling match. Keeping his head in the game at all times is very important in such a quick- paced individual sport. Wrestler Ronin Gault, grade 11, mentions that, “Most of the team does their work after morning practice” which is an efficient way he makes sure he never falls behind in schoolwork. Their team tends to help each other and keep each other accountable with work.

Walk Three Paths With Different Athletes

Emily Sacco, Staff • March 6, 2025

Being a student-athlete can be challenging, especially when both your academic and athletic schedules are jam-packed. Many students here at Lake Highland Preparatory School are student-athletes and have...

(Above) Eadyn Rivera, grade 10, worked on practicing her free throws during the offseason and quickly has become one of the teams best free throw shooters. Making Eadyn more of an offensive weapon with many teams having to foul her to prevent her from making her three point shots, and tough layups in the paint. As one of the leaders on the team Eadyn also makes sure her team is prepared to grab the rebound and set up a new offensive play.

Connections on the Court Outplay Challenges

Hayden Roberts, Co-Editor • March 3, 2025

As Lake Highland’s athletic department adds more trophies to its collection each season with Fall, Winter, and Spring sports, one program that has consistently dominated the trophy case is Girls’ Basketball....

(Above) Beck Tews, grade 11, demonstrates how he does his backhand while instructing the athletes on how to get the perfect form. Tews said, “I enjoy teaching tennis to the younger kids at LHP. It’s always good to show the kids new skills and making them try something new. So in the future, hopefully they will stick with it and love it as much as I do.” After talking to the athletes they started to follow his instructions after watching an example of what to copy. With more practice the athletes began to finally under- stand the importance of coordination whether it is playing together or just practicing by themselves. Learning with a bounce drop from the coaches, which is thrown directly in front of them for practice to be able to start their warm ups and get ready for the rest of practice.

Tennis Camps Make a Racket

Elizabeth Rudd, Staff • November 13, 2024

In September of 2024, the tennis courts began to bring big groups of Lower School students to participate in fun after-school activities. Lake Highland welcomed children from grades one through four by...

(Above) While the Pride is one of only three professional women’s sports teams in Florida, it isn’t the last. With Orlando Pride, the USSSA Pride, Florida’s professional softball team, has inspired young women in the state to pursue their athletic careers after their establishment in 2009. This is seen by the addition of the Orlando Valkyries, a professional volleyball team, that started their first season in January. Similarly, the United Soccer League is starting the first season of their Division I Super League (USLS) this coming August, with two Florida soccer teams joining—Fort Lauderdale United FC and Tampa Bay Sun FC—and teams from Jacksonville and Palm Beach joining USLS in 2025.

The Pride of Orlando’s Sports League

Minaal Arain and Delaney Bolstein • October 24, 2024

   While Florida’s love for theme parks is unbelievable, so are its passions for the sports industry. In fact, Sports Business Journal, ranked Orlando number one for, “Best Sports Bussiness Cities”...

Construction Relocates Athletics

Ava Anderson and Reily Green • October 1, 2024

As the new school year begins, football season, school drills, and Homecoming are quickly approaching from right around the corner. However, an issue is running through most students' and teachers' minds:...

(Above) Camila De Pool Maisonet, grade 12, celebrates winning the last tournament of the season with team Puerto Rico. Camila hopes to continue her career with this team.

Lake Highland Goes Global

Hayden Roberts, Co-Editor • April 23, 2024

As high school sports get more competitive, coaches are always looking to improve their team. Recently, coaches have begun to recruit international talent more frequently, bringing new aspects and advantages...

(Above) Before every game players participate in warm-up to prepare, but they are not the only ones getting ready. The managers are also hard at work preparing in every way. Manager Mehr Ohri, grade 10, who has only just become a basketball manager this year, says, “My favorite part of being a manager for the basketball team is getting to sit on the bench and watch the home games, especially the ones that we win.” Mehr along with her fellow managers help the players throughout the game by handing out water as well.

Managers are the Secret to Success

Emily Cypher, Copy Editor • April 11, 2024

At the highest level of any sport, whether it’s the National Basketball Association (NBA) or the National Hockey League (NHL), sports managers are the secret to success. Managers are acknowledged in...

(Above) The boys get ready for their game with their pre-game chant. The boys will huddle up after high-fiving their opponents at the net. They use this cheer to prepare the mindset for the game.

Constant Growth Spikes for Team

Hayden Roberts, Co-Editor • March 12, 2024

Lake Highland’s athletic program is one of the best in the country, constantly striving to improve and dominate competition in all sports, from football to boys’ volleyball. Many programs have been...

(Above) The many athletes like to take photos after each event for memories and to help calm them down before they know the final results. The swimmers had great scores in States with relay, breaststroke, and freestyle.

Swim and Dive Makes a Splash

Hayden Roberts, Co-Editor • February 29, 2024

Sunshine State aquatic sports always strive to perform at the top level. Lake Highland’s swim and dive team is no exception, performing as one of the best in the state and the country. The team is constantly...

(Above) The girls Varsity Bowling team likes to take lots of photos so they can look back and remember the fun times they had with their friends. It is important to have a great team chemistry to help the team improve and make friends during the season.

Varsity Bowling Strikes Out Competition

Hayden Roberts, Co-Editor • November 7, 2023

Lake Highland is known as the “School of Opportunity,” providing many academic and athletic programs that will meet students’ interests. Despite the relatively new addition to LHPS, the Varsity Bowling...

(Above) The football team reflects on the game against Orangewood Christian Academy. The post-game speech consists of the highs and lows of the game. It is important to remember on the game to help them know what they will work on in practice, and what to look for when watching a game or practice film next. Coach Bullock tells the xteam what he saw in the game, making sure to spotlight the plays of the game and impact players. Also during the speech, Coach Bullock makes sure to mentally prepare the team for the next game. Coach Bullock always ends every speech on a high note., to keep his players’ energy up.

Bullock Coaches Highlanders to a “Three-Peat”

Hayden Roberts, Co-Editor • October 18, 2023

When elite high school athletic programs come to mind, it is guaranteed that Lake Highland will be at the top of the list. Lake Highland Preparatory School is home to star athletes across various sports....

(Above) Every Wednesday and Tuesday the LHPS cheer team meets at 6:15 A.M. This helps create, structure in students’ schedules.

Cheer Goes Fullout

Emily Cypher, Historian • October 3, 2023

When Coach Megan Maerkl was asked about how the Lake Highland Cheer Team is taking steps towards their upcoming 2024 season, she responded by saying, “Every practice, we condition, jump, and stunt in...

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