The
Free Press
More Than Meets The Eye
Photos by EMMA PRAVECEK Page by MACKENZIE BICKLING
Issue 2 • 21 September 2017 • Edition 21
Staff Editorial:
Unchecked Privilege
Tackling Gender
Norms
Table of Contents* Issue 2 • 21 September 2017 • Edition 21 Feature Racial profiling....................14-16
Opinion
Photo
Free Press Feedback...................3
Not Your Holler Back Girl.24-25
News Genderless HoCo..................4-5
Reviews Natural Selection.....................6-7
Coming to Terms......................17 Meet FEDS................................18
Sports Season Start Up...................26-27
Opinion
Profiles Tackling Gender Norms........8-9
FEDS ......................19
Style
Student Life
Outfit of the Day.................20-21
Over Overpopulation.........28-29
Entertainment
Ascending to New Heights....22-23
Embarrassing Stories...............30 Are you Easily Embarrassed?..31
Art
Featured Art........................12-13
This Issue...
Photo Editor
Eclipse Photos...........................32
Designers
Reporters
Mackenzie Bickling............ Adam El-Hamoudeh.......... Sabrina Castle.................... Print Co-Editors in Chief Brooks Hartsock................. Will Davis........................... Maya Hodison................... Sports Editor Greta Hayden..................... Grace Porter....................... Juna Murao........................ Will Cook...........................
Design Editor
Business Editor
Goldie Schmiedeler............ Carly Oliver........................
Copy Editor Erin Liston..........................
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Pages by GOLDIE SCHMIEDELER
Photographers Madison Goeser.................. Emma Harris...................... Paige Kirkpatrick................ Emma Pravecek.................. Nicola Santangelo..............
Free Press Feedback*
Anonymous students respond to Issue 1 of the Free Press
“Good”
“Too much liberal bias”
“I really like the colorful pages and graphics!!!!”
“Good design but boring stories”
“The art was really pretty!”
“I thought it was a good issue, especially for being done in such a short time. I would just make sure to get a variety of topics to cover”
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A Tradition Questioned
StuCo considers non-gendered Homecoming court, votes for no change Story by GRACE PORTER
A
non-gendered homecoming court was considered by FSHS’s Student Council before nominations were made, but in the tradition of a court made up of eight males and eight femailes remains. Though there are some on StuCo who believe a change will eventually happen; perhaps as soon as prom this year or Homecoming next year. Lawrence High’s StuCo voted to nominate 16 candidates regardless of gender. The LHS candidates are running as individuals as opposed to couples. Instead of pairing up couples in convertibles for the homecoming parade,
During her lunch period, senior Sidney Patrick selects her nominations for this year’s homecoming court. Patrick is excited she is now a senior and able to nominate candidates for homecoming king and queen. Patrick didn’t think question why a nongendered homecoming was proposed. “I mean it’s 2017, so I can see why they’re doing that. It’s not going to affect me. I won’t be here, so I mean it really doesn’t matter to me,” Patrick said. Pages by Brooks Hartsock Photos by Madison Geoser
seating will be chosen alphabetically regardless of gender. Anyone who wants to can wear a tiara or crown regardless of their gender. The candidates will be referred to as “Royalty” instead of “King” or “Queen.” The proposals at both LHS and Free State were an attempt to be more inclusive to nonbinary and LGBT students. “Multiple graduated students had approached me over the summer asking if changes were being made since Lawrence High had already made the change,” StuCo sponsor Kylee Wright said. With the changes taking place at LHS for homecoming court students and adults began to question what was stopping Free State from doing the same thing. “I think this gives non-CIS students a chance to have one of those sort of classic high school experiences. [Homecoming and] Prom royalty is such an old tradition and it’s cool that it’s evolving as time goes on,” LHS junior Julian Weslander said. Student body co-president, senior Charlie Newsome said an overwhelming amount of StuCo members had voted against the proposal, including himself. “For this homecoming I did vote against it,” Newsom said. “We were given like 20 minutes to discuss it. I’m not against the general idea, and it should be getting done for prom, but for this homecoming it was too fast to do with out a real discussion. Junior Seth Williams voted in favor of the proposal as a sign to the student body that StuCo is taking the lead in making Free State more inclusive. “We’re the first stop for that,” Williams said. “I think Student Council is one of the groups that needs to kind of push that.” In response to hearing about the potential for change, transgender student senior Trinity Hall believes it was too long of a wait. “I almost feel like we waited too long,” Hall said. “It’s not a matter of opinion it’s a matter of equality. We’re here, we’re students
Front row (l-r): Caroline Patton, Maggie Ziegler, Anna Bial, Sydni Beeley, Maya Hodison, Amelia Carttar, Murphy O’Malley, Cameryn Thomas. Back row: Evan Eskilson, Eli Börk, Charlie Newsome, Teddy Carttar, Cameron Hodge, Simon McCaffrey, Will Cook, Thomas White.
as well.” Senior Sapphira Knight is an openly gay student who also supports the proposal. “[It] will make more LGBT students feel safe in the school,” Knight said. “Every year it’s the same cliche thing, the popular kids that everyone knows for some reason [are nominated]. Having more openly gay people and other types of people will it open it up.” Another change up for consideration is including a faculty vote for homecoming nominees so it isn’t just a popularity contest. Other important changes that could be implemented is allowing candidates to be escorted by either of their parents, a guardian or important adult figure during the royalty ceremony. The ultimate goal for all of these proposed changes is to make sure every student feels safe and included for who they are. Wright sums up her intended purpose for bringing the idea to StuCo. “Every voice matters” Wright said. “My strong hope for StuCo is that we’re giving everyone a voice.”
Check out the Candidate Bios on Instagram @FSJournalism
Several senior students, including Adam Roecker, nominate the homecoming candidates. For Roecker the idea of a non-gendered homecoming court in the future was a sign of the times. “[It’s] a reasonable thing to do,” Roecker said. “Because you know society
is changing. I feel like the older traditions should change along with it.” Roecker was excited for the nominations because he though it was a great opportunity to show his appreciation for the people who contributed to the things he likes to do.
LUCKED OUT AT LUCKY BERRY New restaurant offers all-natural selections for everybody
I
walked into Lucky Berry for the first time and I was amazed at the environment I was surrounded by, with a jungle of plants and trendy decorations, the shop has a hipster vibe. Lucky Berry is a newly-opened downtown restaurant with a smoothie and juice bar. The restaurant side offers a salad bar, grab-and-go sushi, acai bowls and all-natural frozen yogurt. I was greeted with a smile and outstanding service. Before choosing what I was going to dine on, I examined my choices and ended up creating a salad at their freshly grown salad bar and a cold-pressed juice. The salad bar had a variety of fruits, veggies, dressings and other toppings, but what I was most impressed by was their berry vinaigrette dressing. It was a flavorful combination of blueberries, blackberries and peaches. My cold-pressed juice contained carrot, apple, ginger and lemon. I was surprised it actually tasted like everything it was made out of. It made me feel like I actually knew what I was putting in my body. Along with listing the ingredients, the juice label also includes the drinks benefits. My juice proported to help with skin and immunity.
Story by ERIN LISTON
Lucky Berry offers...
• Cold-pressed juices (right) • Smoothies (back right) • Acai bowls (front center) • A variety of grab-and-go sushi and salads • Self serve ice cream
Cold-pressed juices Acai bowls Grab-and-Go Sushi Smoothies Soft serve ice cream
$2.50- $6.50 $5.99- $8.99 $5.99- $7.99 $0.49/ oz $0.49/ oz
Ingredients are... all-natural, mostly local, vegan and gluten-free friendly
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Pages by ADAM EL-HAMOUDEH Photos by EMMA HARRIS
The Lucky Berry Juice Cafe
845 Massachusetts St. in the former TCBY location Owner Shantel Grace also owns Ramen Bowl At the register the cashier offered me a sample of their signature smoothie. It tasted sweet and was delectable. All of their products come in recyclable or biodegradable containers and by using freshly grown produce the restaurant attempts to minimize their carbon footprint. Although the food was a little pricey for a teenager, my small salad was only $8. It could be the perfect place to go every now and then as long as your budget will allow. Along with food and drinks they sell fresh produce, flower bouquets, t-shirts, and woven baskets. Overall, I enjoyed my time at Lucky Berry and I will be going back very soon to order one of their signature smoothies.
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Girl
Play Like A
Meet the face of one of Free State’s few female varsity football players
Story by SABRINA CASTLE
SS
ince she was four, Katelynn Wampler, senior, has proved that she can play as well as the boys. As a kicker on the varsity football team, Wampler is subjected to hard practices, stressful games and unpredictable injuries. She is expected to put in just as much as any of her male teammates and earn her spot on the team. With the pressure she feels as the only female on the field, one has to wonder whether Wampler, or any other girl, should be able to play on a male team if they so choose. Wampler believes no matter the gender, everybody is the same. “We’re all the same even though we are different genders,” Wampler said. Since Free State opened in 1997, only three girls have ever played on any
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of the football teams, according to Coach Bob Lisher. Whether it’s the aggressive contact between players, the tough atmosphere during practices or the intense workouts and drills, football is not an appealing sport to some young women. However, with more girls proving they can keep up with their male counterparts, it has become unclear whether it's the sport, or the stigma around the sports that keeps females from playing. “I think it’s uncommon [for girls to play football] because of all of the pressures from guys,” senior varsity player Gabe Del Valle said. “In today’s society, girls get a lot of crap for just doing something.
They get judged a lot more than guys do -- it’s just reality today.” Some argue gender segregation is appropriate during athletic activities, considering anatomically boys gain muscle faster and more efficiently than girls, giving boys an unfair advantage. Wampler argues this disposition does not affect her at all. “Boys and girls may have different parts, but it doesn’t intimidate me,” Wampler said. It could also be said the male players and coaches might feel the need to give female players special treatment, given society teaches men it is unacceptable to hurt women.
Standing on the sidelines, senior Katelynn Wampler watches practice. This is her first year on the team and she feels she has grown closer to the team. “My favorite part of practice is just playing,” Wampler said.
Senior Katelynn Wampler is a kicker for the football team. Wampler has enjoyed being a part of the team during her senior year. “I’m happy I’m on the team because I’ve played football my whole life,” Wampler said.
“I think everyone on the field is treated equally,” Del Valle said. “Everyone deserves an equal amount of respect. There’s no special treatment that I’ve seen.” With role models like Serena Williams, Simone Biles and Rhonda Rousey, who have shattered records comparable to their male counterparts, the argument for gender separation is becoming harder to justify. “I think if something isn’t offered for guys then they should be able to try out for the girls team and vice versa,” head varsity coach Bob Lisher said.
“For example, I know there are guys around here who really like volleyball but there’s no boys volleyball team, and there are girls around here who like to play football but there’s no girls football team. I think every opportunity should be available to everyone.” Fortunately, for Wampler, the football program is on the right track. “I would never turn anyone down who has a dream of playing football, as long as they’re willing to come out and put in the work,” Lisher said. “Anyone is welcome to come out.”
Photos by Emma Pravecek Pages by Greta Hayden
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September 1st 2nd 9th 30th
Purple Power Play in the Park - Marching Band K-State Football v. Central Arkansas - Band Director Day K-State Football v. Charlotte - K-State All Star Marching Band & Alumni Band Day K-State Football v. Baylor
October 7th 11th 12th 14th 21st 28th
Central States Marching Festival Concert: Wind Ensemble - 7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel Concert: Wind Symphony & Concert Band K-State Football v. TCU K-State Football v. Oklahoma - Homecoming K-State Football at Kansas
19th - Concert Band Clinic XXV 21st McCain, All Faiths Chapel, West Stadium, Nichols, etc
February 22nd - Kansas Music 24th Educators Association
March - 7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel
November
11th K-State Football v. West Virgina - Ft Riley Day & Trombone Day 25th K-State Football v. Iowa State 26th Concert: Marching Band - 3:00pm - Ahearn Field House
December
Possible BB: 4th, 5th, 7th, & 8th
6th Concert: Wind Ensemble & Wind Symphony
7
7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel
th
Concert: Concert Band & University Band 7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel
14th - Wind Ensemble Tour - Kennedy Center Performance 18th “International Music Festival�
April 24th Concert: Wind Ensemble & Concert Band 7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel
25th Concert: Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, & Brass Ensemble 7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel
26th Concert: University Band
1st-3rd Big IIX Championship Game - Dallas, TX 6th Concert: Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, & Brass Ensemble 7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel
7th Concert: Wind Ensemble & Concert Band 10th Marching Band Banquet - 6:00pm - Alumni Center
January
- 7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel
7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel
**Date and times subject to change
K-State Bands 226 McCain Auditorium, Manhattan, KS 66502 | 785-532-3816 - ksu.edu/band
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Medicine, P.A. 346 Maine Street Lawrence, KS 66044 Serving Lawrence for 50+ years
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Featured Art
Hank Hurst,
sophomore
Elsa Fair freshman
Mary Jo McPherson, sophomore
Amelia Lang, freshman
Mili Matthias, sophomore
E Zachary Comstock, junior
“Everything inspires me to create. How can it not? Anything from music to a moment with friends. What drives inspiration can come from any medium, which is what makes art so wonderfully amazing.�
Mili Matthias
Ethan Anderson, junior
Beatrice Van Holten, sophomore Spread by GRETA HAYDEN
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It's Personal
Students Recount Their Experiences with Racial Profiling
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Story by MAYA HODISON
ne day, when junior Katelin Hollinshed was in sixth grade, her history class took a test. She was the only black person in her class and the only person in her class to pass the test and the only person her teacher accused of cheating. “To me, racial profiling is accusing someone of doing something based on their race and their identity,” Hollinshed said. After her teacher made Hollinshed retake her test, Hollinshed earned the same grade as the first time. Even after proving she did not cheat, she still came home to an angry mother who had received a phone call from her history teacher. Hollinshed believes she was racially profiled because black students are often seen as incapable of being at the top of their class academically. Because she was the only black student, her teacher assumed she must have cheated. “He [teacher] made me feel like I did something wrong because I passed a test,” Hollinshed said. “I’ve never really liked history since then, and my experience with test-taking was kind of ruined overall.”
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Unfortunately, the incident with her middle school teacher was not Hollinshed's first time being racially profiled and it would not be her last. She experiences uncomfortable situations often. “I could go to Weaver’s to look for a dress for formal or prom and I’ll be followed around,” Hollinshed said. “It just takes the fun away when you have someone following you around.”
Katelin Hollinshed Pages by BROOKS HARTSOCK Photos by EMMA PRAVECEK
Things Aren’t So Simple Driving to school or work, going to the grocery store and walking on the sidewalk are simple day-to-day things people do. But for most people of color in America, those things aren’t so simple. Racial profiling is a harsh reality people of color face every day. Racial profiling is a practice that targets people for suspicion of crime or danger based on their race, ethnicity, religion or national origin. A misconception is this only happens between law enforcement officials and citizens. The number of unarmed black people being injured and killed is astronomical. Though there is an overwhelming amount of violent, and sometimes fatal, encounters between police officers and people of color, racial Asayiel Alhajeri profiling is not limited to law enforcement. There are forms of racial Starr believes because he was a black teen profiling that tend to happen more discretely, and had his backpack on, he looked suspicious. but victims experience it frequently enough for She asked him again if he needed help. He the profiling to become obvious. declined, but still she kept following him. Can I Help You? Junior Malachi Starr recalls a time when him and his mother were profiled while shopping at Walmart when an older white employee asked Starr if she could help them with something. They said “no,” but she continued to follow them. Nonetheless, they tried to ignore her and continue shopping. When Starr and his mother split up to go down different aisles, the woman called in another employee to keep an eye on his mother while she continued to follow him. “The lady [employee] probably thought I was stealing something because I had my backpack on from school,” Starr said.
“I was frustrated, but didn’t want to say anything because my mom was there,” Starr said. “I didn’t want anything bad to go down.” I’m Not a Threat Senior Asayiel Alhajeri has faced people calling her derogatory names that don’t match up with who she really is. “I’ve been called a ‘terrorist,’ a ‘sand-monkey,’ a ‘threat to national security’ and told my mom is a ‘towel-head,’” Alhajeri said. All were said based on the color of her skin and her outward appearance. Alhajeri feels some people seem scared of her because they assume the worst when they
Continued on next page
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Students Experience Racial Profiling Continued from page 15*
look at her and her family, but she is Middle Eastern and proud of her culture and heritage. “I define racial profiling as the assumption that POC are inherently bad and people in power feel the need to follow them, interrogate them or do anything that shows they think they are some evil danger to their environment,” Alhajeri said. “But in reality, those POC are just trying to do what they want or need to do.” Along with herself, Alhajeri has witnessed her friends being treated differently. One of her black friends was forced to take her backpack off in a local Dillons, while other white students with backpacks were not bothered. “I feel disrespected, but I know I deserve better than this,” Alhajeri said. “No one wants to go to school and get harsh treatment, and no one wants to go to the store just to end up being followed. You just want to live your life the way you want to live your life.”
“Racial profiling is an assumption,” Thomas said. “I’ve seen it [racial profiling] out on the streets between people of color and police.” Self-education is a big part of avoiding putting people of color in uncomfortable situations. It is important to know not all people belonging to a race fit a narrow stereotype. “People profile others because they’re afraid of the unknown,” Thomas said. Thomas believes the media's negative and inaccurate portrayals of people of color help perpetuate stereotypes and racial profiling. “People should ask questions and try to get to know someone before assuming something about them,” Thomas said.
Afraid of the Unknown Security guard Charles Thomas has worked in law enforcement for over 20 years after serving as a military policeman.
Malachi Starr
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Key Terms microaggression
indirect and subtle discrimination against marginalized groups
white privilege
A right, advantage or immunity granted to or enjoyed by white persons beyond the common advantage of all others; an exemption in many particular cases from certain burdens or liabilities.
racist
a person who shows or feels discrimination or prejudice against people of other races, or who believes that a particular race is superior to another.persons beyond the common advantage of all others; an exemption in many particular cases from certain burdens or liabilities.
institutional racism
a pattern of social institutions — such as governmental organizations, schools, banks and courts of law — giving negative treatment to a group of people based on their race
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MEET THE FEDS
Clubs Combine, Promote Inclusion Opinion by GRACE PORTER
Starting this year, the Young
Feminist’s Club, Equity Club and Diversity Club are combining into one organization called FEDS, or Feminism, Equity, Diversity and Solidarity. I am currently a board member for FEDS. Within that role, I help plan meetings and represent the core values of the club. I chose to be a leader within the club because the school needs it and I believe in making it a better place for everyone. When I say everyone I don’t just mean the privileged. I mean everyone, including minorities like myself. Our school has failed a lot of us and I’d like to help change that. I know there is a large group of people that don’t agree, but more often than not, they are a part of the problem. FEDS exists in solidarity with one another and works toward the common goals of equity and representation for marginalized groups inside and outside of the school. There is also an LGBT component of the club. It is important that FEDS be intersectional because the types of people who need support have intersectional identities. For example, an LGBT woman of color fits into several different categories of disadvantage and has different experiences than a straight woman of color. Providing an Opportunity to be Educated Many people who believe feminism is stupid or that reverse racism is real are people who aren’t oppressed because of their sex or race. They simply just don’t get it. One focus of this club is educating. Ignorance can be fixed if students have an avenue to learn and are willing to listen. How-
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Pages By ADAM EL-HAMOUDEH Photos By PAIGE KIRKPATRICK
ever, many students aren’t willing to listen or learn. They only make life harder for marginalized communities within the school. People like this need to ask themselves “what exactly is upsetting me?” Is it FEDS members acting in solidarity to improve the lives of marginalized groups is somehow hurting them or making them “less than”? It boils down to privileged groups at Free State feel threatened. It reminds me of the saying, “When you’re accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.” Even the word “privilege” can cause controversy. The word is not meant to blame. No one is trying to attack anyone. Afterall, people
Senior Angelica Mabitazan listens to what the leaders are explaining about their section of the club. The FEDS club is a mixture of the Feminist, Equity, Diversity and Solidarity clubs. Mabitazan said she joined FEDS club “to get woke.”
At the first FEDS club meeting of the year, seniors Taylor Schoenhofer, Grace Porter, Bex Calderon and Asayiel Alhajeri talk about the club and what they will be doing this year. In past years, Schoenhofer was a part of all four clubs that now make up FEDS. "The clubs were fused together this year because feminism is intersectional and they needed diversity in all of that and we need to represent all of FEDS club within that,” Schoenhofer said.
in this club all have their own privileges. I have privilege because I’m able-bodied. It shouldn’t hurt for me to acknowledge the fact there are disabled people out there and they are less fortunate than I am in that way. I can and should use that privilege to help those people. With that said, it doesn’t mean I don’t have disadvantages or hardships in my life. It’s the same way with privilege regarding race, sex or gender. Creating a Safe Space Another focus of FEDS is creating a safe space for students and staff members who don’t always have that within the regular school day. It’s beneficial for disadvantaged students to have a place to go with people that support them and understand their struggles. It’s okay for people like me to need a space to talk and voice concerns that are not normally heard over the majority viewpoints. The presidents, sponsors and board members believe in “call out culture.” I know there are people who are offended when they are called out for things that might seem small. I’ve been told we should “focus on things that matter, like police shootings.” We definitely are focused on those things, but that doesn’t mean we choose to ignore other things. The “small” things perpetuate bigger problems. We are at a point as a nation where it’s not okay to just let things slide. We can’t possibly sit and make jokes about someone’s identity when there are people out there being incarcerated, assaulted and killed because of those identities.
The Guilty Bystanders When we stay silent we are siding with hate.Being silent makes the bystander just as bad as the bully. We need to stand up and protest all oppression, whether it’s a microaggression or a hate crime. I go to a school where people get told to go back to where they came from and where people have slurs thrown at them. A school where people are shamed for how they dress, the language they speak and for their FEDS Facts - FEDS meets Wednesdays after school very identity. A - The meetings consist of discussions, presentations school where and projects white suprema- Each weekly meeting focuses on a specific aspect of cists roam the the club in the order of : Feminism, Equity, Diversity, halls freely. and Gender/Sexuality I go to a - We’re currently accepting board applications school where - Everyone’s welcome, just make sure you’re maintaining a safe space for everyone. I’ve gotten told to kill myself Social Media: Instagram & Twitter - @freestatefeds because of my belief in equality. A school with people who want my friends who are immigrants to be deported. A school where teachers and the administration treat minorities unfairly and don’t care what we have to say. A school where tradition is more important than inclusion. I will not turn my head the other way and laugh it off. I refuse to do so and I insist that more people see a problem with these issues and decide to no longer be a bystander. That’s why I am a member of FEDS. That’s why this club was created. We’re fed up. (Pun-fully intended) You should be too.
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Ruby Morris Senior
Photo by Paige Kirkpatrick
Where do you shop?
I like to shop at consignment stores but my favorite is probably Wild Man Vintage.
What inspires what you wear?
I like to buy used clothing because you can step into something that already has a story and then you get to add on to that and with vintage clothing you get to relive a memory that once belonged to someone else.
How would you describe your style?
v
Definitely out there, I try to stick to wearing only a specific set of colours but I usually only wear three colours at a time.
How does your personality influence your style?
I like to think I’m pretty quirky and artsy so I feel definitely in my choice of jewelry that plays into it where I like to wear geometric jewelry and very long or simple jewelry which is also simplex.
What is your favorite clothing item?
At the moment it’s either my bright red knit sweater or my 1970s denim jumpsuit.
What music do you listen to? Alternative.
How is fashion important to you?
I grew up in a household that was really strict on what I could and couldn’t wear so my parents very fashionable conscious which played a lot in developing my style from a young age.
What fashion trends do you hate?
I try not to hate too much on other people’s style because i really try and emphasis other people living their lives the way they want to live.
What fashion trends do you love? I really like unisex clothing.
What’s your dream job? Marine Biologist.
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Angelica Mabitazan Senior
Where do you shop?
H & M, Fashionnova and Zara.
What inspires what you wear? Lately, I’ve been inspired by a lot of color theory like complimentary colors.
How would you describe your style? Emo kid wants to be a baddie.
How does your personality influence your style? Outgoing, confident and sporadic. I guess you can see that in my clothing style.
What is your favorite clothing item? Nice pink jacket that is like a tennis jacket I got from thrift store of current pants I'm wearing which are from the Lucky Brand. When you unzip the zipper it says “Lucky You” on it which I think is cute.
Photo by Emma Pravecek
Outfit of the Day 21*
g n i t n e Asc
To New Heights New club gives women and minorities a safe place to study science
Story by ERIN LISTON
W
omen who are interested ing,” Ravikumar said. “like helping further their future science careers in science and engineer- students fill out college applications and help other people as well. ing careers are lost at and what classes you should take in “I think it’ll help me reach out every educational achigh school to get where you want to other women and other minoricording to a study by The National to be after high school.” ties within many of the fields I hope Academies of Sciences, Engineering Since the club is new, there is to work in and help to develop a and Medicine. This is the reason some question to how successful it community in Lawrence of reachsenior Sandhya Ravikumar started will be. ing out to populations that don’t Ascent Club. According to freshman Drew speak out as much for some of the Ascent Club is focused mainly Leibold the club will be effective in issues that affect them,” Shi said. on minority and women in the allowing women and minorities to Many club members decided to STEM field and provides a safe have a place in science. join for various reasons. place to study science. Others base effectiveness off of “I decided to join it because “It was formed because there attendance and attentiveness in the it had to do with two things that I is a really big diversity deficit in the club. liked, which is supporting people sciences,” Ravikumar said. “You “I think it all depends on the who don’t get a chance in science can do it if you want to, and allowing everyone to you can do whatever you get a chance in science and want to and that’s the goal science itself,” Leibold said. of the program.” Others joined for their This club incorporates concern in the schools’ lack science into hands-on projof women in science. ects that will further the “This has always been club members knowledge an important issue for me about the STEM field. and I think this is one way “We’re going to have to address challenges and a lot of research projects, problems within our own like hands-on engineering school,” Shi said. and research projects,” Ascent Club is spreadRavikumar said. “Our ing a message about believfirst project is going to be Junior Nia Hughes and senior Carly Oliver members listen to information ing in goals and conquering designing and building them, no matter what they about the new club, which is centered toward minority women in science. a wind turbine for Free are. Hughes is excited for the opportunities offered by Ascent Club. “I think Ascent will just help me experience things for the future, so when I get there State. We are going to “[The message is] build it outside in the out- it's not so foreign to me,” Hughes said. "I think it will just help pave the road that science is really, really I'm going to take my journey on." door commons area and important to the future in power like a charging station.” people that go to the club,” senior a variety of ways,” Ravikumar said, Along with projects the club will Ting Ting Shi said, “it’s like a class, “whether that be in innovation or help and guide club members to it will be effective as long as you art or anything and there should be write applications for colleges. make it effective as long as you are a place for everyone in the sciences “We also want to have a lot willing to explore and let your curibecause everyone deserves the opof education and career counselosity guide you.” portunity to be able to change the Members of Ascent world in someway.” Club hope it will help them Photos by MADISON GOESER
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Page by ADAM EL-HAMOUDEH
WhiteProtection
Staff Editorial: Addressing Unchecked Privilege White privilege is term used to define the social privilege white people have in the United States and other western countries. The term means people of lighter skin benefit from unearned privileges and have a higher social status compared to people of color. The privilege many white people have is used as a platform on which they can assert their dominance over the marginalized citizens of our country. The privilege many white Americans have is a constant reminder to people of color. Many people with this privilege take advantage of it, and further the inequality in society. When people feel their privilege is threatened, they sometimes feel justified in acting out with hate and violence. Diminishing white privilege seems unrealistic because it is ingrained in our society. There is no point in protecting something that is so prominent in society. One of the reasons for the protests in Charlottesville was to protect “Southern heritage”, insisting that the Confederate flag is not racist, and the Civil War wasn’t about slavery. It is a white privilege to redefine the history of the Civil War to be about “states’ rights” and ignore that states left the union because their “right” to own slaves was threatened. The protesters can’t empathize with people of color, specifically black Americans who feel hurt and is reminded of the danger and oppression of the Confederate flag. Although the protest ended with violence and
trauma for minorities, under the First Amendment everyone has the right to practice their freedom of speech, even though it is hate speech. As citizen we have no right to reject anyone the right to practice their First Amendment rights, but how far can go? It is important to uphold our constitutional right to free speech. No matter how horrible someone’s opinion may seem to you, they still have the right to express it. But, when this opinion motivates someone to insue violence upon someone else, it absolutely cannot be protected by the government. When one group of citizens are allowed free speech, but another group of citizen practices the same rights, they are reprimanded and punished. White privilege is seen throughout our government on all levels and affects everyone’s everyday lives in one way or another, and it can’t be stopped, but can be acknowledged, in order to educate and empathize with those around you. We should strive to educate those who are unaware of the hatred they are imposing on large numbers of people as a result of their actions, as well as minimize the violence caused by people who claim to advocate for white supremacy.
Illustration by MACKENZIE BICKLING
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Ain’t No Holler Back Girl Women recount their experiences being catcalled
Karen Gipson Gipson Karen
“[I have been catcalled] a few times. [The most memorable time I was catcalled was when] I was in NYC on a college choir trip. As my friends and I were walking in Times Square, some random dudes started whistling and saying rude remarks about our bodies, like ‘nice ass’ and such. When we brushed them off, we were called terrible names. The gross thing is, prior to this experience, I had WANTED to be cat called. I thought the attention from a guy would make me feel good, like a random man thought I was beautiful.
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The second it happened I felt disgusted. It was so cringey. It wasn’t a compliment. It wasn’t flattering. It was just humiliating. Especially being called nasty names for refusing the advance. [Afterwards I felt] angry. Angry that it still happens. Angry that boys and men think they’re “just paying a compliment.” Like, no dude. You’re telling us that a woman’s worth is all in her body, and her body is here for your amusement. Gross. At best, [the men who catcalled us] were ignorant to how [catcalling] makes most women
Interviews, pages and photo illustrations by Mackenzie Bickling
feel. At worst, things could’ve gotten violent. I think that’s usually the case. I don’t personally think it should ever be thought of as “lighthearted.” [My experience] has made me aware. Aware of my words to others and the impact they might have on them. Aware of how some women must be made to feel -degraded, less than human- on a near daily basis. [Catcalling] is totally disgusting and needs to be addressed.”
Caroline Patton Patton Caroline “[I have been catcalled] at least 20 times. [The most memorable time I was catcalled was when] I was in St. Louis with my teammate and we were walking to get ice cream when this car of three guys just slowly started to drive behind us. They rolled down the windows and yelled ‘damn look at that ass, ooh she’s got some tits too, can I get you for dessert?’ And more disgusting things and then barked at us. It made me feel like an object. We were wearing Nike shorts and T shirts too, not that any outfit makes it appropriate. My teammate hadn’t had it happen to her and she was pretty distressed so we just went back to our hotel. It made me feel gross and scared and that I wanted to hide myself. It
made us so uncomfortable in our own bodies, but we were just so upset after. I’m just lucky they were in a car or I think they would have touched us. [They] definitely [had] malicious intentions. [Now] I’m less carefree when I’m out with friends. I always have my guard up, but it happens rather often. I would hate for this to happen
to a younger person. I think it could damage their self image. Talking to someone or complimenting a person causes no harm, it’s when the comments are sexual and malicious that it becomes a problem. [Cat calling] is a broad term, but from my experience people need to have more of a filter when talking to strangers.”
and I was in eighth grade. It was a truck of like four guys. They drove by quickly and it happened fast. They were definitely older than me so I was super caught of guard. I didn’t feel unsafe, I just felt
uncomfortable and self conscious. I think they were being lighthearted but I don’t think they realized how young I was. Afterwards, I just went on with my life, but I don’t really like running on busy streets now. I think we should be able to talk about cat calling and why it’s dumb. I don’t know why it’s taboo. What does it do for you? No girl has ever been catcalled and then turned around and said, ‘you know what, now that you’ve done that, I think I wanna get with you.’ It’s just stupid and makes people uncomfortable.”
Anna Anna “[I have] probably [been catcalled] 5-10 times, not really sure. [The most memorable time I was catcalled was when] I was running alone on Wakarusa. I had earbuds in but my music wasn’t super loud
**Interviews were conducted through an online survey that was tweeted out on @ FSJournalism. Respondents were allowed to remain anonymous.
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Season Start Up O story by Will Davis
On the first day Class 6A volleyball teams was allowed to compete by regulation, the Free State volleyball team faced off against Blue Valley West in a rematch of last year’s state tournament match. Competing in the season in the opening of the Volleyball Slam, the Firebirds wasere amazed at how much the match resembled last year’s state victory. “It was kind of like a mirror image from last year’s state. It was just as fun and felt a lot like a state championship game,” senior Cameryn Thomas said. This time around the second ranked Jaguars was able to beat the Firebirds, who were ranked fifth, 25-16, 20-25, 31-29. The Firebirds, who had a rough start in the first set,
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was able to settle in and play thanks to some wise words from first year Head Coach, Keely Hammontree. “We lost that first set pretty significantly, and I think most of that was attributed to, one, being on TV. Two, having a big crowd, and then three, it being the first game, .” Hammontree said. “Between the first set and the second set I looked at them and I said the worst is over. We lost the first set. It doesn’t really get worse than losing that first set. I think if we just come out and play relaxed, we will, and they sure enough did,” Thomas, who was one of the Firebirds’ best players during the match with eight kills, seven digs, five aces, and two blocks, felt the Firebirds were able to get back in the match because of the large section of
Free State students cheering them on. “It was pretty awesome. Having all the students in the student section really helped out alot. It gave us encouragement and hyped us up pretty well,” said Thomas. Senior, Nathan Spain, Co-President of Hype Club, helped rally the team by rattling off push ups after every Firebird score. The push ups helped Free State win the second set, which included a 10-2 run. “A lot of people showed up,” said Spain. “If we could do that for all the games, for basketball, volleyball, football, no matter what sport it would be great,” The rally carried through the third set, giving the Firebirds four separate chances to win, but ultimately it was
During a time out the varsity team huddles to discuss the game. This years team has seven returning varsity players.”I look forward to trying to get back to the state tournament with my team this season,” senior Cameryn Thomas said. Photo by Nicola Santangelo Pages by Greta Hayden
Attacking the ball, sophomore Haley Hippie spikes it over the net. She is one of the middles on the team. "This season I am excited to play with an amazing group of girls,” Hippie said. Photo by Nicola Santangelo
their serving that allowed the Jaguars to stay in the game and win. Even with the loss Hammontree was glad they got to face such good competition early in the season. “I think the only way a team can get better is playing the best people,” Hammontree said. “It us showed what we need to work on if we want to get to the final four state this year.”
Tossing the ball, senior Murphy O’Malley prepares to serve it over the net. This is O’Malley’s second year on varsity. “It’s so much fun playing with your friends, we all truly care about each other,” O’Malley said Photo by Nicola Santangelo
Overpopulation In Free State? Story by EMMA HARRIS
Question 1: Is the population increase in FS noticeable? Question 2: How does this increase of students affect you in your daliy life?
“I have noticed that there are a lot of people” “Sometimes I am late to class because I can’t always find my way to my classes and the amount of people in the hallway and the slow walkers only make it more difficult.”
Kate Bartle, Freshman
“Yes, especially with the biggest freshman class coming in that has added at least 1,000 more students” “The increase has affected my life at school especially in my Spanish class, there aren’t a lot of seats left, and because it’s not just a sophomore class there are a lot of people in the class”
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Photos by Emma Harris Pages by Adam El-Hamoudeh
Shaza Al Kassim, Sophomore
“Yes, I have” “At lunch, there aren’t a whole lot of places to sit because most of the tables have been taken by the time I get there” Torey Love, Junior
“Yes” “The traffic in the middle staircase is horrendous to walk through” Ethan Perrins, Senior
“I have” “At school getting to classes, from hallway to hallway is taking a lot more time. I noticed last year it only took me 2-3 minutes but now it takes me almost the whole passing period to get to my next class” Khrista Bell, Senior
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What is One of Your Embarrassing Moments? The time that I brought a “weapon” through airline security. It was a self defense metal keychain that I forgot I had with my keys. So, I go through the metal detector and it goes nuts. My dad, who’s a pilot, looks at me with something like a confused annoyance (can’t blame him). I had no idea what I would have had that would set it off, so I was obviously extremely confused. For 20 minutes I have to be pulled to the side and pat down. They finally decide to look through my purse, and there it is. My metal death weapon. I never got it back, but at least they didn’t put me on a watch list :)
Last year, I was volunteering at the Humane Society, and I was playing with the cats. So I took a cat that I thought was nice into the play room thing and then it started cornering me and hissing at me so I started crying and someone had to come in and take it out. It was SO embarrassing
I was pestering a boy about his girlfriend trying to make conversation and figure out who she was and he was ignoring me. Once I got his attention he told me he didn’t have a girlfriend so I bothered him more until he handed me his phone and showed me the break up text she had sent him while I was bothering him with questions about her. Lmao I hate my life. That was 2 days ago.
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Pages by Brooks Hartsock
Submitted anonymously
This past summer when I was in Europe with the school I ordered a seafood meal in Spain and I thought that the meat I was eating was chicken even though it was squishy and had no bones in it like everyone else’s but it was squid and everyone made fun of me and it was really embarrassing. There you have it.
Once in advisory class, we had a substitute and the question of the morning was “Where would you visit if you could visit any place in the world?” And when it came to my turn I said I would visit Paris, London. Paris. London. I literally said that Paris was in London and I will never forgive myself. If I was a villain in a movie, I would go around punishing people who weren’t educated on Geography, and that advisory class would be my villain origin story.
There was a sub in my math class and she seemed familiar but I didn’t know who it was and she was the sub for the next few days and on the second day after class my mom texted me and said “hey our neighbor is the substitute teacher in your last class and she just told me you left your lunch bag in your class” so I guess my neighbor is my sub and I didn’t know it.
Half way through your history presentation you lose your train of thought and forget everything. a. Laugh and pretend it’s part of the speech quickly fill in and make things up. No one knows hows it is suppose to go in the first place. b. Take a second to regain your thoughts and continue. c. Stammer and start to panic, saying “I’m sorry this is so bad.” and quickly leave the classroom. You trip and fall on your face in the middle of the hallway. a. You just laugh it off, thinking it would make a great story for your friends later. b. You get up and brush yourself off. c. You cover your face and run to the next class, hoping no one saw you. Your white shirt had a stain on it. a. Ignore it, no one cares anyways. b. Cover it with a jacket you borrowed from a friend. c. Try frantically to try to wash it off in the bathroom. You have a huge zit on your face and it’s picture day. a.This is high school everyone has zits. b. Put some concealer on that bad boy. c. Stay home. You forgot to put on deodorant this morning. a. It’s fine no one can smell your pits. b.Use your emergency deodorant in your locker. c. Do not lift your arms
If you answered...
You try to dye your hair blonde, but it turned pink. a. You enjoy your hair and show it off to your friends. b. You shampoo it a million times. c.You try to hide your face and hair with a hat. You call your teacher "mom." a. You play along with your mistake, making more mom jokes to her. b. You realize the mistake and move on, saying nothing. c. You apologize at least 10 times.
Do you Embarrass Easily?
You get home from school and notice that there has been a piece of broccoli stuck in your teeth since lunch. a. You don’t worry about it because you’re home now. b. You think about everyone you spoke to that day and worry about it all evening c. You frantically text your friends and apologize for the incident.
Take the quiz to find out Quiz by JUNA MURAO Pages by GOLDIE SCHMIEDELER
Your phone autocorrects “but” to “butt” when you’re sending a message to your crush. a. You wait for them to respond then send laughing emojis b. You send a corrected message, using the correct “but.” c. You send 3 texts in all caps, with “OMG OOPS,”“I DIDN’T MEAN TO SAY THAT”
Mostly As
Mostly Bs
Mostly Cs
You are fearless! You aren’t afraid to look silly and own up to your embarrassing moments.
You can take a hit but you will try to You can not handle your embarrassment well. When you hide your embarressment at make a mistake you want to go home any cost. and pretend like it never happened.
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sophomore Jesse Oxley
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photo by Sarah Podrasky
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Seniors Anna-Maya Hachmiester and Anina Supernaw
Freshman Violet Amouak and Scout Branden photo by Sarah Podrasky
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Page by GOLDIE SCHMIEDELER
Sophomore Beatrice VonHolten
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Photo by Sarah Podrasky
The next total solar eclipse passing through North America will be on
August 12, 2045 Passing through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida