Since 1935, LFHS’s legacy has rooted in timeless traditions, shaping the school into what it is today. Though slowly, these traditions are fading away, and current students could see the last of them. Will Lake Forest’s traditions stand the test of time? 

The traditions that we uphold within these walls are sacred and need to be savored as the years pass by. The Prom Red Carpet, Senior Sunrise, and the Homecoming Pep Rally are just some of the most memorable events at LFHS. These are a few of the lasting customs continuing strong. 

However, some of the most cherished elements of our school’s culture are slipping away, just beneath our fingers. 

The Spear that once crossed through the LF in our school’s logo has disappeared, and the phrase “Fear the Spear” is now frowned upon. Skippy the Scout used to be a figure representing our school community, yet he is vanishing. Conclusively, we may even be The Lake Forest Scouts in the near future due to a potential Illinois ban, leaving us to question what this means for the succeeding years of LFHS. 

Many people are curious about the meaning behind the potential ban, and questions are being raised regarding its purpose. 

“There are people who are concerned about how marginalized groups are targeted due to our mascot– though I feel as if it is an homage to them,” Class of ‘91 alumna and faculty member Mel Walsh said.

The Scout is a figure in our community that represents the best qualities of LFHS, and promotes a sense of unity that has been assembled over many years. 

“We hold the Scout in such high regard, and it is such a notable symbol for LFHS and has been for so long. I would be sad to see it go as I think it represents honor, bravery and strength,” Class of ‘97 alumna Sage Lansing DePree said. 

Our school’s image is not the only thing that is being exploited from our history. The long standing student customs and practices have slowly been departing over the years. 

We’ve lost the front lawn’s days when it was utilized for eating lunch, gathering and socializing, on a daily basis. Yet now, the lawn is solely utilized for girls sports and the Wellness Walk celebrations. 

“On nice days, we would sit outside on the lawn— kids would play hacky sack or throw a frisbee,” DePree said. “Girls would try to get a suntan– it was just a nice break from the school day.”

The Senior Star’s moments of being guarded by seniors— aching to penalize underclassmen– are long gone. The Homecoming Car Parade followed by a celebration at the beach is no longer. Senior pranks are discouraged, and the Senior Stage that once existed in the cafeteria has been replaced with the Senior Commons. This leads us to wonder, what’s next?

These traditions are a rite of passage and a way to honor the legacy of our school. The students who have come before us have built these traditions, and I believe that we have a responsibility to carry them forward. There is a need to preserve these customs and pass them on to future generations to celebrate the 88 years of rich history that have casted spirit on today.

The memories that are held by alumni are cherished, especially those that captured the essence of school pride. 

“Dan Coad dressed up as Skippy for four years– and if you look at the yearbooks between ‘88 and ‘91, you’ll see he wore full face paint and a headdress,” Mrs. Walsh said. “One year, we had a wrestling coach who was very muscular and went all out, barely dressed as Skippy the Scout.” These unique elements have shaped this school as we appreciate its origins. 

Participating and upholding these traditions that we, as a school, came together to make, foster the sense of community that makes LFHS special.

I believe there is a need to savor our school’s identity, as it is one of the most profound qualities of the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff community. If we let go of too much, then there is a risk of losing any connection, any value, any expectation that has been established over time.

Those who came before us have created an entire culture: the Scout legacy. A culture that is based on unity, connection, and tradition. The identity of LFHS cannot become lost.

This identity connects us to the past; to an idea of what it means to be a Scout. 

As we look toward the future, we need to ensure that our beloved traditions that we still have today are not just remembered, but embraced by all.