Flip to Page 14 to read about the unique passions, interests and talents students have in the Free State community.
Not Pictured: sophomore Lydia Hock
NEWS STAFF CONTENTS
FEATURE
Pg. 6 - Firebirds at KTF
Pg. 10 - Streaming Sporting Events
Pg. 14-15 - Breaking the Mold
Pg. 16-17 - Student Profiles
Pg. 18-19 - Student Profiles
Pg. 20-21 - Student Profiles
NEWS
Pg. 5 - Texting the Limits
Pg. 7 - Debate at State
Pg. 8-9 - LA Fires
Pg. 24-25 - From Day One
Pg. 26 - Honor Society Provides
OPINION
Pg. 3 - Letter from the Editor
Pg. 4 - Cell Phone Debate
A&E
Pg. 12-13 - Photo Gallery
Pg. 22 - Jerd Playlist
Pg. 22-23 - Grammy Results
Pg. 27 - Ads
SPORTS
Pg. 3 - Sports Crossword
Pg. 11 - Swimming to State
Pg. 12 - On Demand Makes the Leap
ABOUT THE COVER
This cover represents our package stories. Many students at Free State have hobbies that we have yet to highlight. In this collection, we feature six of those students and their talents. Flip to page 14 to begin reading. Not pictured: Lydia Hock. Photo by Nathan Kramer and Mallory Thompson.
SOCIALS MISSION STATEMENT
Curious Free State journalists will amplify voices, gather superior sources and tell pivotal stories of our community in a visually creative way in order to serve our audience and foster quality scholastic journalism in Lawrence, Kansas.
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
Lilly Wall
Nick Sprecker
Phoebe Morris
MANAGING EDITORS
Evie Chancy
Maria Mosconi
DESIGN EDITOR
Geneva Sabatini
ASST. DESIGN EDITOR
Willow Marable
PHOTO EDITORS
Mallory Thompson
Nathan Kramer
ASST. PHOTO EDITORS
Julia Velasco
CAPTIONS EDITOR
Elinor Russo
SPORTS EDITOR
Rakshan Ossen
COPY EDITOR
Elliot Skillman
ASST. COPY EDITORS
Lauren Jackson
Meredith Shryock
ONLINE
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
Simon Williams
Ember Klein
MANAGING EDITOR
Baila Love
SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Katie Campbell
ASST. SOCIAL
MEDIA EDITOR
Delaney Bayliss
BUSINESS EDITOR
Piper Northrop ONLINE
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Miles Beaty
Anders Benson
Sydney Brozik
Nathan Friedman
Eli Roust
Eden Weber
Nate Willems
REPORTERS
Delaney Bayliss
Odelia Colvin
Jonah Frye
Ebi Hegeman
Lauren Jackson
Meredith Shryock
Ari Waller
DESIGNERS
Katie Campbell
Kouri Demelash
Harper Finck
Neylana Haque
Zoe Kaul
Allison McCall
Amanda McCall
Lucas Smith
Abbie Veeder
BUSINESS TEAM
Ainsley Linhos Amanda McCall
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
By Phoebe Morris
OJunior news editor-in-chief on the importance of showcasing students
n behalf of FSJ, I would like to formally welcome everyone back with our first issue in 2025. In January, our district enjoyed multiple chilly snow days and implemented the new phone policy, and we watched our debaters win state. We also witnessed the country shift to a new leader while California went up in flames.
My fellow editors and I wanted to honor the intelligent 1,800 students within our own school walls. As someone who doesn’t live the typical “High School Musical” life, I understand how tiring it is to live what feels like an entirely different life outside of school. I understand the importance of recognizing my classmates’ achievements in their personal time. As student journalists, it is our job to bring life to the voices within our school — it is the people that make our school unique and interesting to report on.
Within this issue, our staff featured six talented individuals with creative hobbies and activities. Much like our third issue, where we spotlighted four staff members, we wanted to turn the light to student talent. As you flip through the pages, I encourage you to read through our classmates’ stories to learn about the experiences they’ve lived.
CROSSWORD
Answers on Page 26!
by
Nick Sprecker
Photo by Julia Velasco
CELL PHONE DEBATE
For the majority of teenagers, mobile phones are a vital aspect of their social and emotional lives. From waking up to check Instagram notifications to asking a friend where they’re eating lunch to setting an alarm for the following morning, phones have become rapidly intertwined into our everyday lives.
To combat cell phone distractions, the school district implemented a “bell-to-bell no cell” phone policy this semester.
Whether detaching from a phone feels stressful or not, the policy is inevitably a good thing.
Cutting off communication for a seven-hour period can be scary — and very stressful. While it may be difficult, the forced detachment can help foster healthier habits, encouraging students to engage more in classroom conversations.
Utilizing a phone at the rate many high school students do is unhealthy and must be monitored.
As we enter the workforce, it will be important to recognize the appropriate times to use your phone — and when to put it away.
Focusing on classwork and lectures throughout class rather than your phone can
eliminate distraction and enhance academic performance. Per Study.com, 68% of educators in schools with strict mobile bans report improved classroom management.
Moreover, I believe the phone policy will overall improve student safety throughout the day.
Editorial by Lilly Wall
The cell phone policy is, in the end, a good thing — even if it causes initial struggle 70%
Many fights and physical altercations begin between students online — on social media or through texts — during or in between class.
With that being said, it seems the phone policy is being enforced harder on underclassmen courses.
Freshman Cooper Salmans said that out of all seven of his classes, the phone policy is enforced in six of them. For senior Josie Morris, she said only one teacher enforces the phone policy out of her five classes.
However, at times, it is important to be able to access phones in case of an emergency. For kids who need to contact their parents, track their blood sugars or monitor their health, it is important that accommodations are not only made, but recognized at the district level.
For underclassmen that still have more years to grow, the phone policy is a great way to eliminate lost learning time and improve attention span.
Even when it becomes difficult, stressful or irritating, gaining years in a controlled phone environment will best prepare students for their next stages of academia and life.
of U.S. students polled believe that the benefits of smartphones outweigh the harms
(According to the Pew Research Center)
(According to the Pew Research Center) 72%
72% of U.S. high school teachers say cellphone distraction is a major problem in the classroom
“Peer interaction is an important piece of school. It’s nice to see students talking to each other instead of staring at a phone.”
Ayden Poracsky(10)
“It’s unfair to not be able to use my phone when I have all my work done because if I’m doing what I’m supposed to do, why can’t I also do what I want to?”
Rory Scarlett(11)
“I take more advanced placement classes, and the phone expectations were already implemented. However, with my less rigorous courses, it can become a challenge to stay off my phone.”
“I have already noticed students who were distracted by their phones last semester being more focused without their phone.”
TEXTING THE LIMITS
Collected by Ebi Hegeman
Feedback on new phone policy
states have recommended policies
OF 23 FREE STATE TEACHERS POLLED...
of teachers have noticed students struggling to stay off phones
After completing an application process that required an essay and an audition, senior Kiefer Bullock was awarded one of three Kansas Thespian scholarships.
“Getting this scholarship was honestly a surprise. I forgot I had applied for it until they announced it at the award ceremony at the end of the weekend. The scholarship is for Kansas seniors who intend to enroll in dramabased programs at an accredited university,” Bullock said.
Junior Morgan Sponholtz was reelected as a State Thespian Officer. Sponholtz is one of six State Thespian Officers responsible for planning logistics behind KTF and organizing fundraisers for the event.
“KTF fills your heart, because you get to see everybody succeed, and you get to see the smiles and the joy on their faces. Seeing other people interested in the same thing as you is super special.” Sponholtz said.
Theatre takes a trip to the annual Kansas Thespian Festival
FIREBIRDS AT KTF
Story by Jonah Frye
From Jan. 9-11, the Free State Theater department took a trip to Wichita for the annual Kansas Thespian Festival. The festival is designed for any registered school in Kansas and plays host to many competitions, workshops, scholarships and theater events.
For the past two years, the Free State Improv team has brought back the state title in the annual competitive improv competition. Given the past success, some team members were particularly disappointed when the improv event was canceled this year because of inclement weather.
Freshman Elizabeth Davis said the canceled competition meant missing what she was most excited about in the festival. On the other hand, for some seniors, it was their last opportunity to showcase their skills at a state competition level. Senior Kiefer Bullock said he noted the significance of this final opportunity at KTF being canceled.
“Improv has been such a formative part of my time at Free State and not getting the final hurrah as a senior is bothersome,” Bullock said. “However, I have faith that next year Free State will show up and show what we’re made of again.”
Even with the improv competition being canceled, Free State still brought back many awards. Most notably, junior Owen Börk won Outstanding Supporting Actor for his role as Rev. Shaw Moore in the school’s “Footloose” production. Additionally, in Thespies, which are competitions that focus on individual skills in theater production, juniors Piper Northrop and Anders Benson earned superior ratings, which is the highest award designated.
Smiling, juniors Landy Koester, Piper Northrop, Megan Green and Ebi Hegeman pose for a selfie. Photo by Nathan Friedman
Photos by Nathan Friedman
DEBATE AT STATE
Varsity debate brings home the state championship
After competing at Garden City on Jan. 17 and 18, the varsity debate team returned home with a 4-Speaker state championship, successfully ending their 2024-2025 season by bringing down Washburn Rural, the previous reigning champions.
The 4-Speaker team consisted of seniors Cooper Hefty, Gilly Falin, Nathan Peltier, Cooper Elo, Anwen Williams and junior Breahna Randall.
Additionally, junior Lena Haisuk and sophomore Carter Fite left their stamp on the state debate scene in the 2-Speaker category by making it to the octo-finals.
The 4-Speaker team’s preparation began months in advance, and Hefty said that the road to state required months of preparation and long hours of practicing.
“If I wasn’t doing homework or sleeping, I was probably prepping for state,” Hefty said.
They said that this hard work paid off, as Free State finished first overall and also took 27 of the 36 ballots from KSHSAA state judges.
Even more importantly for the 4-Speaker team, the Firebirds defeated their rivals from Washburn
Rural High School, snapping an eight-year championship streak. The Junior Blues finished second overall.
Because Washburn Rural’s team consisted of all seniors, Free State’s 4-Speaker team had faced them a handful of times. Hefty said this history motivated the Firebirds.
“There’s been a small competitive rivalry between WaRu and Free State in debate for the past few years, and beating their eight-year streak for state was really important for us.”
Williams said that Washburn Rural’s winning streak, while intimidating, ultimately pushed her team to take home this year’s win.
“I feel like [Washburn Rural’s winning streak] is more of an incentive for us, and more scary for them, because they’re defending something and everyone else is going for it,” Williams said.
Both Hefty and Williams said that the team’s win validated their hard work over the past four years. Hefty said that this state tournament felt different than the previous ones.
Story by Delaney Bayliss
“Winning first always just feels different,” Hefty said. “We played ‘We Are the Champions’ on the van ride home from the tournament, and I’ve honestly never been prouder of myself, the team, and the coaching staff.”
As their season concludes, they will now prepare for the upcoming forensics season hoping for a sixth consecutive championship.
4 Spe aker team Record: 10-2 2 Spe aker team Record: 4-2
FROM DAY ONE
Outlining Donald J. Trump’s executive orders
WStory by Lilly Wall
hen President Donald J. Trump entered office on Jan. 20, he installed numerous executive orders within the first few days in presidency. Take a look at each one, what they imply and a breakdown of what the orders will look like in real-time.
Declaring a National Energy Emergency:
On the day Trump entered office, he declared a national energy emergency. The executive order directs agencies to seek authorities that can produce energy projects such as building pipelines or finding land for oil and gas production.
Moreover, he pointed at the inflation crisis being
Restoring the Death Penalty:
On Jan. 20, the Trump Administration commanded the attorney general to resume the death penalty, effective immediately. Federal prosecution and death sentences will go out for capital crimes committed by anyone without legal status.
The White House released a statement, describing that “Capital punishment is an essential tool for deterring and punishing those who would commit the most heinous crimes and acts of lethal violence against American
caused by massive overspending and escalating energy prices.
“We will drill, baby, drill,” Trump said during his inauguration speech. “We will be a rich nation again and it is the liquid gold under our feet that will help us do it.”
citizens.” The administration also encouraged state prosecutors to follow the order similarly, although they are not required.
Trump said that through this executive order, he will “protect Americans” from “violent rapists, murderers and monsters.”
Declassifying JFK, MLK and RFK’s assassination files:
On Jan. 23, Trump shared his intent to release all records related to the assassinations of President John. F Kennedy, Senator Robert. F Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The administration called for a plan within 15 days for the release of JFK’s records and 45 days for the release of RFK and MLK’s records.
In a statement released by The White House, they said the release of these records are long overdue.
“Their families and the American people deserve transparency and truth. It is in the national interest to finally release all records related to these assassinations without delay,” the statement said.
Restoring Merit to Government Service:
According to InclusionHub, DEI is an organizational framework which seeks to promote the fair treatment and full participation of all people, particularly groups who have historically been underrepresented or subject to discrimination.
On Jan. 20, Trump reformed the federal hiring process, restoring merit-based hiring to government employees.
All federal agencies will eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs and branches. In addition, the Trump Administration put all federal DEI staff on immediate paid leave on Jan. 22, with plans to permanently let them go.
“This is a big deal. Our country is going to be based on merit again,” Trump said while signing the order.
Law Enforcement at the Southern Border and Mass Deportation:
On Jan. 20, Trump signed an executive order proposing an effort to prevent immigration at the southern border. He ordered agencies to finish the border wall while deploying U.S. troops to pursue prosecutions for those who attempt entering or violate the law while in the United States.
“This invasion has caused widespread chaos and suffering in our country over the last four years. It has led to the horrific and inexcusable murders of many innocent American citizens, including women
and children, at the hands of illegal aliens,” The White House said in a statement.
Furthermore, Trump has cracked down on immigration heavily since his time in office.
On Jan. 29, he signed an order instructing the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security to begin building a facility with a capacity of 30,000 deported migrants at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. The Washington Post reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials are directed to arrest 1,200 to 1,500 migrants a day.
Withdrawing from the World Health Organization:
This is the second time that Trump has attempted to withdraw from the World Health Organization — once at the end of his first term, and now again on Jan. 20. Trump pointed at his belief of mishandling numerous health crises, including COVID-19.
The executive order calls for an immediate halt on all remaining payments to the organization. However, in the WHO’s original agreement in 1948 with the
U.S., the U.S. is required to give one year’s notice of withdrawal from the organization.
They would also be required to pay any remaining balance to the organization to leave. However, because that agreement was made through a joint act of Congress, it’s not clear whether Congress would have to act to implement the withdrawal.
SWIMMING TO STATE
What’s next for the boys swim and dive team?
Story by Nick Sprecker
The boys Swim and Dive team, in its second year under swim head coach Janna Skinner and first year under dive coach Elliot Ahlvers, are making headway as the season has gone on. A handful of individual swimmers qualified for state alongside multiple medley events the team will compete in on Feb. 20.
Senior Sina Khosh, who qualified for state in the 100-meter backstroke, said he is excited for what the season has in store for the team, and that they’re taking some big steps in the right direction.
“This is the fastest our team has been in a while,” Khosh said. “We have a lot of really good swimmers this year getting more qualified times and consideration times for state.”
Khosh has swam under two head coaches in his time at Free State. He said that the transition has been both a benefit and an
adjustment, but that he’s growing more than ever under Skinner.
“I benefit a lot from coach Skinner’s workouts because they’re personalized for each swimmer,” Khosh said. “Coach Skinner’s workouts are a lot more effective for most people on the team in a high school setting.”
Sophomore Anderson Bateman, who qualified for state in the 100-meter freestyle, said he has spent much of his life swimming; however, in high school, he has experienced an emphasized team atmosphere in comparison to club swim.
“I’ve taken that it is more of a team sport than club,” Bateman said.
“When you’re in club, you swim for yourself, and that’s pretty much it. When you swim for Free State, you compete as a team.”
Freshman Gavin McIntosh, who is fairly new to diving, said he has already made waves with a state qualification. Similarly to Bateman, McIntosh has already picked up on the togetherness of the program.
“I’ve gotten to know a lot more people, and I’ve gotten to improve a lot by getting closer to the coaches,” McIntosh said. “Getting to know everybody has been really fun.”
With multiple state qualifications and high set goals by swimmers and divers, Khosh said he recognizes the results as a testament to their hard work.
“Our program has come a long way, with how much our students have improved. It’s not like our team was the fastest ever at the start of the season,” Khosh said. “Coach Skinner really helped a lot of swimmers, so as long as she continues to write these workouts, we’ll continue to see good swimmers come out of the program.”
Coming up for air, sophomore Sebastian Iversen swims the freestyle at the Senior Night meet on Jan. 16.
Photo by Nathan Friedman
Story by Rakshan Ossen
N DEMAND MAKES THE LEAP
Streaming services make bids to broadcast events of major sporting organizations
Televised streaming of sports has been a pivotal part for fans around the country. Recently, sporting organizations have moved from traditional services like NBC, CBS, ESPN and Fox to offer streaming services to broadcast sporting events.
Like many avid sports fans in 2025, senior Isaiah Wiedeman said he watches sports using streaming services like Hulu Live TV and Prime.
“It’s making it more accessible because we’re moving more toward technology all over the world,” Wiedeman said. “As we
develop streaming,
it’s taking over cable so it’s making it more accessible to people.”
With more engagement with these streaming services from the sports community, companies like Netflix have taken a
step further by signing multi-stream contract deals with sports organizations such as the NFL, FIFA and WWE for exclusive broadcasting rights.
Viewership for these streams has also increased. According to Netflix, the exhibition fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul was the most streamed sporting event in history — accumulating 108 million viewers for the event.
“We have a lot of options, and with as many platforms that are bidding, there’s a lot of money to be made for this sports world,” Wiedeman said. “More people are starting to watch because of it.”
Senior Sina Khosh, a college sports and NFL fan, said there is a growing competition between traditional television broadcasts and streaming services to find their way to American homes. Despite being mainstream nowadays, streaming services have aspects that viewers might view as flaws, such as high pricing.
“It could definitely affect lower income households…,” Khosh said. “For most people, it would be more convenient to watch on the streaming platforms, but for low income families, it might be hard for them to pay those bonus fees.”
What initially started as streaming companies beginning to expand their accessibility for fans is now becoming the new norm for the future of televised sports.
Junior sports follower Jerry Xu said he appreciates this new and improving culture.
“I definitely prefer streaming platforms instead of traditional TV because it breeds better quality content,” Xu said.
“Streaming services are a positive because now everyone can search their devices [for] access [to more] games.”
Illustration by Kouri Demelash
WINTER RECAP
Linking arms, the basketball team and the student section sing the alma mater after winning 43-39 against Gardener Edgerton on Jan. 10. Photo by Nathan Kramer
Smiling, senior Wesley Cupps waits for his turn to bowl during the boys varsity bowling meet at Royal Crest Lanes on Jan. 9. Photo by Nathan Kramer
Rolling pasta, Chef Gordy from 1900 Barker preps pasta sheets to make ravioli. Photo by Nate Willems
Flowers in hand, senior Daijah Preston smiles with her family during the girls wrestling Senior Night ceremony. Photo by Sydney Brozik
Throwing his opponent, senior Tosh Hernandez wrestles towards a win at the Senior Night meet on Jan. 22. Photo by Nathan Friedman
In position, senior Sina Khosh prepares to swim the 100 yard backstroke at the Senior Night swim meet on Jan. 16.
Photo by Nathan Friedman
Holding hands, the Youth of the Year nominees wait for the winner to be announced during the Youth of the Year ceremony on Jan. 30. Photo by Nate Willems
At the free throw line, junior Addie Fulscher shoots for the hoop during a varsity girls basketball game against Gardner Edgerton on Jan. 10. Photo by Miles Beaty
On stage, junior Felix McGowan and sophomore Abel Hegeman perform in a dress rehearsal of the winter play “You Can’t Take It With You” on Feb. 3. Photo by Eli Roust
Standing at the podium, senior Anwen Williams gives a speech at the Martin Luther King Jr. One Dream celebration on Jan. 23.
Photo by Nate Willems
Leaping in the air, West Middle School sixth grader Sarah Song performs at the district talent show, Ovation!, on Feb. 2.
Photo by Anders Benson
At Free State, dozens of clubs, organizations and activities go on throughout the year to support social and academic engagement. However, hundreds of students participate in non-school affiliated hobbies and activities to fill their time. To highlight those who work hard in their craft and to tell unheard stories, The Free Press picked six students who regularly engage in an after school commitment. Flip to begin reading about their stories.
The Free Press Design by Abbie Veeder
Photo Illustration by Mallory Thompson and Nathan Kramer
MATTHEW LIU
Senior Matthew Liu’s journey to becoming a professional pianist Story by
Ari Waller
Senior Matthew Liu began playing piano at age five and said he was inspired by his sister, a Free State alumni. Liu said that being a pianist has provided emotional expression and a healthy coping mechanism for him.
“It's been an extremely large portion of my life, as I've spent many hours practicing. Piano, at times, can definitely help deal with certain things,” Liu said. “But overall, more of the impactfulness is from taking so much time out of my life.”
During the 2020 pandemic, Liu’s usual summer competitions and activities were disrupted Despite these challeng he said that he overcame these barriers by reaching for his aspirations and finding reward in the improvement of his skills.
“During the summer, I do a lot of competitions traveling around the U.S., but during the pandemic, everything was
basically canceled,” Liu said. “During that time, there was not really a goal or a purpose in mind, so that was a struggle of just trying to have a goal, or do something basically other than just sit there and practice.”
Liu also said that he is considering pursuing a professional career as a pianist after high school. His future as a potential professional pianist is unknown, but Liu said that it will not be a simple journey.
“There's no hard path or something that's definitely going to happen. Once you get to a collegiate level, there are many competitions, and then you can somewhat start a performing career. But sometimes, that's not always successful,” Liu said. “So you might start teaching, whether it's in a private studio or at a university. So there's a lot of paths that can stem from going professional. It's a matter of [seeing] what happens."
Concentrating on the notes, senior Matthew Liu performs a piece during the Ovation! talent show on Feb. 2. Photo by Anders Benson
Story by Meredith Shryock
HOPE WELLINGHOFF
Junior Hope Wellinghoff details her experience with aerial arts
Aerial arts, the act of performing acrobatic routines in the air on various apparatuses, has been an integral part of junior Hope Wellinghoff’s life for the past two and a half years. Wellinghoff said her interest began in childhood while attending the annual Lawrence Busker Fest.
Having danced for 10 years, Wellinghoff said she was drawn to the similarities between the two and saw aerial arts as a natural extension of dance.
“I always wanted to do aerial arts because it's like dancing but in the air, and I always thought that was the coolest thing ever,” Wellinghoff said. “You can do drops and do the splits and bend your back in ways that you can't necessarily do on the ground as much.”
Wellinghoff said she wishes aerial arts received more attention because of the athleticism required in terms of strength, flexibility and endurance. She noted the challenges of preparing for both group and solo pieces as well as mastering every type of apparatus, including silks, hammock, Lyra and flying pole.
“[For group pieces], it's about figuring out what people are doing in the air while also complementing what people are doing on the ground, and for solos you have to keep everyone's attention, but you're only one person,” Wellinghoff said.
Despite these challenges, Wellinghoff said there is a unique exhilaration aerial performances give her. She said that while
LYDIA HOCK
Sophomore Lydia Hock saddles up
Story by Maria Mosconi
experienced than me [and] who are less experienced than me,” Hock said.
In addition to her bond with other riders, Hock said she works to build a connection with each horse during rides and care. According to Hock, each horse has a different personality that is essential to understand when developing a connection; her favorite is named Willie.
“You’ve got to get used to their personality,” Hock said. “What gets them to understand you and what you want the best.”
Although riding horses is therapeutic to Hock, she said she finds waking up at 4 a.m. for competitions stressful. However, whenever she starts to feel nervous, Hock said she is reassured by her instructor’s advice: focus on giving it her all, not the ribbons.
“The main goal is to have fun and do your best, and whatever happens, happens,” Hock said.
Trotting, sophomore Lydia Hock practices her horseback riding in uniform. Photo collected from Lydia Hock
LEVI LICHAUER
Senior Levi Lichauer shares experience playing lacrosse at Mill Valley Story
by Lauren Jackson
Recently in his lacrosse career, senior Levi Lichauer said he struggled to find a high school lacrosse team, as Free State does not offer the sport. Fortunately, Lichauer said he is able to play with the Mill Valley lacrosse team.
While Lichauer said he feels lacrosse is growing steadily in the Kansas City area, there have not been enough participants to fill a club team in Lawrence. Consequently, Lichauer’s team is not based in Lawrence — it is part of the Lacrosse Association of Kansas City.
“My freshman year, there was a Lawrence team, and it folded early on into the season,” Lichauer said. “So then we merged with the Mill Valley club team. Everyone was very welcoming, and I enjoyed it when I first played.”
While Lichauer said he finds the drive to Mill Valley to be a downside of playing with the team, he feels that the benefits outweigh the drive.
Along with making friends he wouldn’t have made otherwise, Lichauer said he feels it is worth it as
he has played for a total of seven years.
“[The drive] is an hour total,” Lichauer said.
“It’s not fun, but I show up, and I enjoy it there.”
Lichauer said that his dedication has been the main driving factor in his experience.
Additionally, he advises others who can’t play their sport in their city to not give up on their passion.
“It’s dedication and showing up every day,” Lichauer said. “If it’s what you love, it’s worth it.”
Running down the field, senior Levi Lichauer plays midfield in a Mill Valley Jaguars Lacrosse game.
Photo collected from Levi Lichauer
ISABELLA HULING
Origami inspires freshman to start business
Huling said she knew she always wanted to run and manage some sort of business, and that now she has the opportunity to do so through her craft.
“I’ve always really enjoyed crafting, art and making stuff so I was like, ‘Why don’t I do that?’ and then I just kind of went with it, and it snowballed, and now I’m here,” Huling said.
Huling mainly specializes in creating and selling various different kinds of flowers with paper and ribbon.
With each full bouquet she crafts, it takes upwards of 10 hours. Huling said that while the work is tedious, she always finds the final result worth ultimately satisfying.
“The product after everything is all done and the struggle is over, it’s so cute and so worth it,” Huling said.
After setting up the shop as well as entering the Student Council sponsored art show, Huling said she’s excited about the attention her work is receiving.
“That was my first art show since I was maybe eight,” Huling said. “Putting my work out there and then seeing the positive feedback with it was great.”
Making a crease, freshman Isabella Huling creates origami flowers for her Etsy shop.
Photo by Nathan Kramer and Mallory Thompson
JUNE MCKEEL
Junior June McKeel explores her creativity
Story by Ember Klein
Since Christmas of her sophomore year, junior June McKeel has spent her weekends sketching, structuring and painting her own artificial nails. McKeel said she became interested in doing nails as a way to save money and express her creativity McKeel said that learning to do her nails was difficult, but her background in art made it easier.
“When I started, my nails kept falling off because I didn’t know how to actually put them on and the steps to do it,” McKeel said. “I started off with hot pink duck nails [with] like a single charm in the middle, which was not the cutest, but … I’ve been doing art my whole life, so I was thinking about it in a different way. Instead of, ‘Oh, you’re doing nails,’ it’s ‘You’re doing art, just on a smaller canvas.’”
Instead of finding inspiration from social media, McKeel said she draws inspiration for her nails from things she is interested in week by week, like music. For her inspired nails, she drew out what she was imagining by incorporating sheet music into her design.
Despite her hostess job putting restrictions on length and 3D designs, McKeel said she finds the freedom of being able to express her style is her favorite part of the process.
“If I were to go to a nail salon, they would be like, ‘Let’s upcharge for that,’ or, ‘We can’t do that,’” McKeel said. “Being able to put it in my own hands and have my vision come to life is really nice.”
Showing off her work, junior June McKeel displays her custom nails. Photo by Nathan Kramer and Mallory Thompson
Journalism staff’s songs on repeat
JERD PLAYLIST GRAMMY
Collected by Baila Love
Killing Me Softly With His Song
Fugees, Ms. Lauryn Hill
Circles
Mac Miller
House Of Rising Sun
The Animals
Pushing It Down And Praying
Lizzy McAlpine
West Coast
Lana Del Rey
Headlock
Imogen Heap
Everybody Wants To Rule The World
Tears For Fears
Vienna
Billy Joel
Califórnica
La Gusana Ciega
Ski What It Be
WINNERS
SONG OF THE YEAR
“Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar ALBUM OF THE YEAR
“Cowboy Carter” by Beyoncé
BEST NEW ARTIST
Chappell Roan
METAL PERFORMANCE
“Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)” by Gojira, Marina Viotti & Victor Le Masne
ROCK ALBUM
“Hackney Diamonds” by The Rolling Stones ALTERNATIVE ALBUM
“All Born Screaming” by St. Vincent ROCK
POP
POP DUO PERFORMANCE
“Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars
RAP PERFORMANCE
“Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar RNB + RAP
“It Takes A Woman” by Chris Stapleton COUNTRY
SOLO COUNTRY PERFORMANCE
BEST LATIN POP ALBUM
“Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” by Shakira
RESULTS
Collected by Baila Love, Mallory Thompson, Lilly Wall and Nathan Kramer
We asked students their Grammy’s predicitions and who they hope to win
WHO DO YOU WANT TO WIN ALBUM OF THE YEAR?
“New Blue Sun” - André 3000 [10]
“Cowboy Carter” - Beyoncé [5]
“Short n’ Sweet” - Sabrina Carpenter [12]
“BRAT” - Charli XCX [7]
“Djesse Vol. 4” - Jacob Collier [3]
“HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” - Billie Eilish [23]
“The Rise and Fall of A Midwest Princess”Chappell Roan [12]
“The Tortured Poets Department” - Taylor Swift [12]
WHO DO YOU WANT TO WIN SONG OF THE YEAR?
“Texas Hold ‘Em” - Beyoncé [1]
“Please Please Please”Sabrina Carpenter [16]
“Not Like Us” - Kendrick Lamar [21]
“Good Luck Babe”Chappell Roan [11]
“Fortnight” - Taylor Swift [5]
“Die With A Smile” - Bruno
Mars ft. Lady Gaga [19]
“Birds of A Feather” - Billie Eillish [16]
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)”Shaboozey [4]
WHO DO YOU WANT TO WIN BEST NEW ARTIST?
Teddy Swims [5]
Shaboozey [10]
Chappell Roan [19]
Raye [1]
Khruangbin [1]
Doechii [9]
Sabrina Carpenter [30]
Benson Boone [7]
From a survey of 84 students
Of an Instagram poll of 93 responses
Of an Instagram poll of 82 responses
The Palisades fires burned more than 23,400 acres
ABOUT THE PALISADES FIRES
Story by Lilly Wall
Quick facts and FAQS about the Palisades and surrounding fires
The Palisades fire is now 100 percent contained Donate to Wildfire Relief:
Scan the QR code to find information on how to support those impacted by the Californian disaster.
On Tuesday, Jan. 7, a series of wildfires broke out across Los Angeles, California. The biggest of the seven, the Palisades Fire, began burning in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles County.
Since the breakout, at least 12 people have died from the Palisades, destroying thousands of homes across LA. During the worst of the fires, 180,000 people across all seven wildfires were under evacuation orders.
To tend to the emergency, crews from California, nine other states and Mexico have been fighting the flames with 1,400 fire engines and 84 aircrafts.
For perspective on the damage that the wildfires caused in California, Free State Journalism designed a map with the acreage of damage spread by the Palisades Fire.
Then, we drew what the size of the Palisades would look like if they happened right here in Lawrence. The orange outlines the perimeter of the wildfire that would burn.
Not only did the catastrophe destroy homes, it also burned down businesses, shops and public places. AccuWeather estimated that the total damage plus broader economic losses would add up to somewhere between $250 billion and $275 billion from all six of the fires.
If the Palisades were to hit Lawrence, hundreds of businesses would be gone — with memories, infrastructure and community loss. All information according to World Vision and Malibucity.org
The acreage of the Palisades fire in comparison to the size of Lawrence
As of January 22, 2025
Design by Neylana Haque
HONOR SOCIETY PROVIDES
Story by Odelia Colvin
With over 200 participants, the National Honor Society teacher supply drive gave school supplies to over 80 teachers. The event occurred on Jan. 21, and was the first ever NHS school supply drive.
NHS President senior Lois Xie said the drive aimed to help teachers prepare for the second semester when they are usually running low on school supplies.
“Lots of teachers are asking for supplies over winter break and it’s always kind of a hard time,” Xie said. “For example, they’re running out of Expo markers, they’re running out of ink, and so on.”
NHS members purchased donation items and gathered them in the small gym. From
National Honor Society Organizes Teacher School Supplies Drive
there, they organized the items into bags and delivered them to the teachers. Overall, Xie said recipients appreciated the drive.
“I heard great things from the teachers,” senior Director of Communications Greta Barnett said. “It has been good to be able to see staff members use the items they asked for during class and give back to them after all the hard work they put into student education.”
Senior Kathryn Hale, who delivered a package with supplies to band director Eric Bradshaw, said it felt good to give back to teachers and the school.
“I had Mr. Bradshaw…and he’s helped me a lot, just in the fine arts department, so it was really nice to talk to him and help him out with his second semester,” Hale said.
Along with the school supplies, one of the most popular donations from participants in the drive was candy and snacks for teachers to share with students.
“I’ve had a couple kids I’ve shared [the candy] with. I’m like, ‘You need a piece of candy?’” Bradshaw said.
However, the drive was not only successful at putting more candy into circulation, but making a long-lasting impact on the community.
“I would definitely want to continue this, because it feels like the community as a whole, at Free State, really appreciated it, especially the teachers,” Xie said.
At the NHS third quarter meeting on Jan. 15, seniors Marlena Zuo, Julie Kong and Kaitlynn Sedich and junior Lena Hasiuk show off the teacher supply bundle they put together. Photo by Nathan Kramer
