Issue 2, Edition 16

the free press

FP issue two edition sixteen september 13, 2012

students with jobs weigh the beneďŹ ts of time and money

page 5

reporters face off on abortion rights

page 10

diverse religions coexist within the walls of free state

pages 6-7

FP academics

september 13, 2012 page by kristina foster

2

biology bisected

>kansas still at quandary over theories of evolution, intelligent design

by catherine prestoy

Another debate on evolution versus creationism might be sparked by Kansas Board of Education member Ken Willard, a Hutchinson Republican, who told the Topeka Capital Journal he is troubled by the first draft of proposed science standards. >creationism vs. evolution The question to be debated again is whether creationism, based in Christianity, should be taught as scientific theory.

If the Board reverts back to past standards, some science teachers struggle with the idea that one religion’s creation story should be presented as a theory and the only substitute theory for all students.

“If you’re going to teach creationism, you have to spend a lot of time teaching all the other religions as well because creationism is just one explanation in a religious sense,” Schwarting said. “It would be unfair to just teach creationism without teaching religions from other countries as well.”

During past debates it was pointed out the Constitution includes a principle of the separation of church and state.

The First Amendment provides that “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...”

Supporters of evolution argue this separation should mean a goverment organization, like a school or state board of education,

should not adopt one religion’s creation story over another’s.

Creationism is the religious belief that God created Earth and life upon it. Its supporters turn to the biblical story of Adam and Eve as the true story of the creation of man. Creationism has changed over the years from creationism to intelligent design.

Some people mistake intelligent design and creationism as the same. However, there is a difference. Intelligent design states the Earth and universe were created by an intelligent force, such as God. Evolution, on the other hand, is the scientific theory of how Earth was formed and developed over billions of years. The basis of the theory of evolution is the fossil record.

However, many argue that teachers are being told to substitute a religious story as scientific theory when creationism is brought into the equation. >past standards in the spotlight The Board has had five sets of science standards since 1999. The Board’s past debates have brought national and international notarity to the state.

In 2005, the Board approved the teaching of intelligent design in public schools. The Board declared that evolution was to be taught as a theory, not fact, and intelligent design must be presented as a substituted theory.

In 2007, the 2005 standards to teach both evolution and creationism were abolished.

Now, the Board is considering a review of both theories again.

For one student the debate just isn’t important.

“I just thought, okay, that’s interesting, but it wasn’t anything controversial for me,” senior Emily Reno said. >current practice Currently, public school teachers are told to present evolution as a theory; it’s something for their students to listen to and absorb, instead of fully accept as scientific fact.

“Right now [the Board] give[s] us some standards that we use when we’re planning our lessons and it includes a unit on evolution,” biology teacher Julie Schwarting said. “So, we do teach it individually but we also teach it throughout the year through all of the topics we cover.” >is there an end to the debate?

Some aren’t surprised that this issue has been debated over and over again in the past decade.

“Religion still remains a very important part of people’s lives,” Modern World History teacher Laura Koenig said.

“I don’t think [the debate] is ever going to go away. Depending on what you’re looking at and the evidence, I think it can be used to support religion, and I think it can be used not to support religion. It just depends on how you interpret and reason it in your own mind.”

2012-13

free press staff sam boatright- editor-in-chief katie guyot- editor-in-chief hannah moran- copy editor sarah whipple- design editor kimberly messineosports manager jacob hood- cartoonist maria carrasco- reporter sean chilicoat- reporter cheyenne culley- reporter kyra haas- reporter sarah lieberman- reporter

ryan liston- reporter rosemary newsome- reporter grace oliver- reporter catherine prestoy- reporter hannah reussner- reporter ciara sayler- reporter logan brown- designer kristina foster- designer darian koenig- designer john mccain- designer maria mckee- designer riley buller- photographer

our mission The Free Press is an open forum that accepts letters to the editor and guest writings. They must include the writer’s name and telephone numbers. Articles may be edited due to space limitations, libel or inappropriate content. Letters may be submitted to Room 115 or sent in care of Free Press to Free State High School, 4700 Overland Drive, Lawrence, KS, 66049.

The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Free Press staff, the high school administration, nor that of the USD 497 Board of Education.

september 13, 2012 page by sarah whipple

>students have constitutional choice to recite pledge of allegiance

by kyra haas

Liberty Memorial High School opened its doors in 1923 in remembrance of those who had attended school in Lawrence and lost their lives in World War I. Eighty-nine years later, the auditorium still has those Lawrencians’ names engraved in the wall above the stage, and their pictures can still be found framed in the front hallway.

This year, Liberty Memorial Central Middle School has a new principal, Jeff Harkin. In a building leadership team meeting, Harkin and his staff decided to to have the school recite the Pledge of Allegiance after morning announcements on Mondays and Thursdays.

Nearly every person who has gone to school in Kansas has been asked to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance at some point during their education. Kansas Statute

Annotated 72-5308 states that the Pledge of Allegiance “shall be recited daily in public schools.” However, public school students are not required to say the pledge because of the Supreme Court case West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette in 1943.

“It’s a student’s right,” Harkin said. “They don’t have to participate, but at the same time, just like anything at school, you can’t disrupt. I told staff no onen is made to do this, no one is made to stand up.”

When the Pledge was first published in “The Youth Companion” magazine in 1892, the intent was to create something patriotic for schoolchildren to say on the upcoming 400th anniversary of Columbus finding America. After the anniversary, the Pledge stuck. Congress voted it the official Pledge of Allegiance in 1942.

“I feel like it’s good to have some kind of national pledge,” sophomore Solomon Cottrell said. “I feel like it should be said on certain occasions, but I don’t feel like anyone should forced to say it.”

Even though Free State doesn’t say the Pledge of Allegiance before class, Principal Ed West believes that students show their patriotism in other ways.

“Much like the Pledge of Allegiance is part of the normal elementary school day, the Star Spangled Banner is a part of the high school experience through school athletic events,” West said. “I would make a comparison between the two activities in regards to their place and purpose in the public school setting.”

In addition to singing the National Anthem at athletic events, West stated that students could also show their patriotism by joining a

FP news

patriotism still at odds over pledge

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club aimed at community service or political affiliations or by volunteering.

Liberty Memorial Central has recited the Pledge of Allegiance in the past. Jamaica Billings, who attended Liberty Memorial Central (formally Central Junior High) from 1990-1993, said she remembers saying it every morning before class.

In more recent years, this tradition has gone by the wayside. Sophomore Samantha Grinage, who also attended Central, said no one ever said the Pledge.

Harkin’s plans to revive the Pledge are similar to West’s ideas about the Star Spangled Banner and volunteering.

“I think it’s very appropriate that we do it,” Harkin said. “It’s making sure that we are aware of the great country we’re in. I think it speaks to good citizenship.”

history lesson of the day: Pledge of Allegiance 1892: Christian Socialist Francis Bellamy writes the Pledge: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and (to*) the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

1954: Religious groups pressure Congress to amend the Pledge: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

1942: Congress makes the Pledge of Allegiance the official Pledge of the United States.

1924: The American Legion and the Daughters of the American Revolution convince the National Flag Conference to amend the Pledge: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

*Information from Dr. John W. Baer’s The Pledge of Allegiance: A Short History; The American Legion.

1943: The Supreme Court rules that schools cannot force children to recite the Pledge.

global gab >current events guaranteed to impress

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London - Paralympic gold in swimming goes to blinded navy officer Kansas - Rep. Kevin Yoder rebuked for skinny dipping in Sea of Galilee China - Wife of Communist Party leader convicted of murder Gulf Coast - Hurricane Isaac wreaks havoc 7 years after Katrina, leaving 8 dead

4920 Legends Dr. Lawrence

www.educate.com www.educate.com

Afghanistan - August sees hike in Afghan insider attacks against NATO allies

FP hometown hub

september 13, 2012 page by maria mckee

hometown hub

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showing off what Lawrence does best

by kyra haas

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Au Marché

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djacent to the British novelty store Brits, it seems natural that Au Marché would be anything but American. Although locally owned and operated, Au Marché (translated “at the market”) in French, stocks European items that many in cult picks: Lawrence have never heard >Dr. Oetker Dark Chocolate of. While shopping on the Truffle Mousse Supréme 900 block of Mass Street, you >Princessa Chocolate Wafer Bars can pop into Au Marché, pick >Nusco Chocolate Spread up a random package labeled (the Dutch version of Nutella) in an unknown language, checkout and enjoy an European/ Lawrence cultural blend of something you would have otherwise had to go across the pond to taste.

“

>what are you currently obsessing over?

>micaela foster, 10

“I’ve been obsessing over meteorology”

“Homework”

>abby schletzbaun, 12

“Twitter”

>abby ilardi, 10

>samantha farb, 9

“My Little Ponies”

>brandon hale, 11

A

n aroma of fresh-baked pizza goodness wafts up the steps and onto Mass Street, spilling out of the mouth of the smiling sun painted on the door.

Rudy’s Pizzeria is not just your average pizza parlor. Their pizza is freakishly huge and comes by the slice. Because best combination: Rudy’s has over 40 toppings >cheese on to choose from, you can make your pizza as unique wheat with as you feel that day: anything pecans from bacon to fresh spinach.

They offer a gluten-free crust option and a stress free environment.

You can relax or study next to the indoor fish pond while eating your little slice of heaven.

hubsessions” flaunting the hall’s latest fads

“Doctor Who”

Rudy’s Pizzeria

“The show Big Brother” >trisha gomel, 11

Red Dog’s Dog Days

F

or the past 28 years, the Lawrence community has benefited from a free, year-round workout opportunity.

Don “Red Dog” Gardner and countless volunteers have made Red Dog’s Dog Days a Lawrence tradition.

Anyone can join in, and it’s a great way to get in shape without feeling judged. During the fall on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 a.m. and p.m. on the field next to Robinson Gymnasium, people of all shapes, sizes and ages come to do some exercises and a 1-3 mile run. Saturdays mornings are slightly different.

If getting People meet at 7:30 am in the in shape wasn’t a big parking lot on the NE corner enough motivator, of 9th and Vermont to go for go enough times a slightly longer run and enjoy and you get a fruit afterward. You can move free t-shirt trophy at your own pace, do as much or little as you want.

job listings

g s ’ t le

balancing act

>students manage school and work by logan brown

For many teenagers girls, shopping is a fun way to pass the time. But for Free State junior Taylor Ardong it became more than a pastime.

“I used to shop all the time,” Ardong said. “My mom came to me and told me I have a problem. We went to a therapist.

She made me track my shopping in a book. I had to record when and how often I shopped and what I bought.”

Like many teenagers in need of money, Ardong got a job. She now works 12-16 hours a week at the Eldridge restaurants, Ten and the Jayhawker.

Teresa McGuire, the Vice President/Branch Manager of Capital City Bank, believes that it is important for teenagers to have a job. “The only real way to learn about the value of money and money management is to get a job,” McGuire said.

McGuire often sees students and adults who don’t understand how the banking system works.

“I see people all the time get their first debit or credit card and overdraw their account,” McGuire said.

One out of every three high school seniors has a credit card,

according to a study conducted

by Personal Financial Literacy.

“They think that as long as the card is accepted at a business, then they have money. Having a job not only gives students spending money but gets them used to the

“Having a job not only gives students spending money, but gets them used to the responsibility.” >teresa mcguire, vice president of capital city bank

responsibility.”

Those who are looking for jobs can check the bulletin board by the central stairwell for current openings.

In order to manage their finances wisely, McGuire suggests that students open up both a checking and a savings account. She also suggests that students create a daily, weekly and monthly budget in order to keep their finances in line.

FP money

r f t e

l a ug

september 13, 2012

page by john mccain

Not only does Ardong face the difficult task of managing her money, she also has to manage her time. She attends Free State full time, works over ten hours a week, and takes ballet classes.

Free State junior Anne Kisner shares her busy schedule. Kisner works long hours at Lawrence Country Club and Amyx Barber hop in addition to managing two sports teams and playing golf.

Both Ardong and Kisner suggest being upfront with employers about their busy schedules. Being organized and sticking to a schedule is the most important aspect of managing it all, according to Kisner.

Kisner also carries her homework with her in case she finds a free moment.

“I often have time to do my homework at basketball and football practice,” she said.

Whether students work only periodically or have a stable job, they need to recognize the importance of their money.

“Money is serious,” McGuire said. “It is serious to manage your money as a high school student because of credit. It will affect everything else you do in life. It will affect where you go to college, what kind of car you drive and how you are able to spend.”

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KU Food Service

Numerous part time food service openings.

Apply online at www.union.ku.edu/hr

Lawrence Journal-World

Newspaper delivery route driver, email Anna Hayes at ahayes@ljworld.com, mention your name and phone number

The Shawnee Dispatch

Delivery driver, call Perry Lockwood at 785-832-7249

6th Street Hy-Vee

Part time cake decorator, contact Teena Bush at 785-832-9449 or at 1379hrmgr@hy-vee.com

top six ways to manage your time effectively

1. Make a daily “to-do” list your planner so you can write everything 2. Use down

3. Be realistic about what you can accomplish

4. Prioritize tasks. Do the most important ones when you are alert

5.

Be upfront with your schedule. Let coaches, employers and teachers know what is going on

6. Take advantage of “open time” windows

interview ready checklist Dress for success Try for one step higher than the manager’s regular attire. And don’t be the person who wears a suit to McDonalds.

Know what you are applying for This seems obvious, but some names can be tricky. (bag boy/ girl = courtesy clerk)

Prepare answers for common interview questions Such as “How would you describe yourself?” or “What would you bring to (insert business name here)?”

Bring references Not your parents. Or your dog.

Come up with some type of job experience This can be volunteer work, a summer job, babysitting, or anything of the sort. Just make sure whoever you were working for still remembers you (or wants to).

Know what you are getting into Having a job is good, and worth it for many, but make sure you have time for things like sleep. And breathing.

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september 13, 2012

september 13, 2012

feature

feature

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“Your beliefs help you form your morals as an individual. Regardless of whether you’re religious or not, you should believe in something.” >devany west, 11 Agnostic/non-religious

>restrictions in worship

Depending on the religion, some families may have strict rules for their children.

Ghafli has been wearing a hijab, a head covering, since she was nine years old. Many Muslim women believe that Allah requires them to cover their heads.

“When we’re in our house we don’t have to wear it,” Ghafli said. “Un-

“I was born and raised that way. That’s what my parents taught.” >jacob holiday, 10 Jewish

A forehead decoration dot worn by South Asian cultures that retains energy, maintains concentration and wards off bad demons. It’s also seen as the third eye

An image that depicts Jesus on the cross, therefore showing his sacrifice. Many Christians believe this revived mankind

“It’s the environment that I grew up in. It’s given me the chance to explore opportunities like Young Life.” >berit conway, 10 Catholic

>accepting diversity

When people aren’t familiar with other religions, they can often create their own stereotypes.

“People will ask me funny questions,” Hansen said. “It’s because they don’t understand our religion.”

Hansen gets asked a few questions that are repeated a lot.

“I get asked, ‘Aren’t you guys not allowed to drive?’ And, ‘Do all Mormons have to play the piano?’” Hansen couldn’t help but smile at the misconceptions. “Almost all the kids in my Church play the piano, so some people think it’s part of the religion.”

Hansen is not the only one who sometimes feels misunderstood for her religion.

Rivers said he is targeted a lot for being a Christian, inside and outside the church. Many people accuse him for doing something wrong.

He said members from his own religion will often criticize him for how he preaches, and outsiders criticize him for his beliefs.

“Belief is the criticism,” he said, speaking for his religion.

Other people, though, don’t feel criticized, one being atheist sophomore Ian Pepin.

“I feel like every other student,” Pepin said, adding that his friends accept him for his beliefs. “It’s one thing I like about Free State. No one bothers me about my religion.”

“Christianity is important to me because God is more trustworthy than any person I’ve met. He has changed my life (always for the better) and He is loving enough to heal me when I’m at my worst.” >megan robinson, 11 Christian

“Beliefs are important to me because you have to have at least some ounce of faith to give you hope in [the] life that you try and live for yourself.” >jason springer, teacher “[My beliefs] mold who I am as a person and my actions reflect off of them.” >christian eisenhauer, 12 Christian Methodist

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A palm shaped amulet used to decorate jewelry and wall hangings that is said to protect against the evil eye

A seven branched lamp Moses used that symbolizes universal enlightenment. The branches represent human knowledge. It also represents the creation in seven days

yin-yang

For students who want to surround themselves with other believers and talk about their faith journey, there are many organizations formed for this purpose. For instance, Free State has a club called Christians on a Revolutionary Edge, or CORE. Jenny Gottstein, one of five leaders of CORE, states their mission: “[CORE] is a group for Christian fellowship, where new friendships can be made and relationships can be built between others and God.” CORE Club is a group of Christian students from different backgrounds, denominations and ages who come together to learn more about their God and his works.

“CORE is such a blessing to me,” Gottstein said. “Going through a week of school, stress sets in, and it’s great to know that Thursday night I will go to CORE and be reminded that God is in control and He will guide me through times of trouble and times of joy.”

She says it’s been the greatest thing about her high school career.

“God has blessed Free State with CORE and, God willing, He will keep it strong for the many years to come!”

But while Free State’s Christian organizations, such as CORE and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, may serve the spiritual needs of those from majority religions, the school’s lesser known religions often seek kinship and faith elsewhere.

Junior Quinlan Carttar spends many of her Sundays meditating at a Buddhist temple on New York Street.

“Some people don’t get it,” Carttar said. “My parents aren’t Buddhist, and it’s not exactly common. Kids our age don’t always make such grandiose life decisions on their own, like deciding to independently follow a religion. That’s part of what Buddhism is about for me: independence and freedom.”

Buddhism is centered around the concept of dharma, the teachings of the Buddha--or, as Carttar explains, “the way things are, like basic reality that doesn’t change day to day.”

Buddhism changes my life every day,” Carttar said. “It’s not exactly a religion, the way I practice it. It’s more of a lifestyle, and a state of mind.”

“My teaching philosophy comes from my faith.

God does not give up on anyone and sees what is possible in us. I strive to do the same every day with every student. Each of them is a gift!” >carol spring, teacher Christian

less there are men there who are not family.”

Ghafli must wear the hijab whenever she goes out in public. Once she is married, her husband will be one of the few who can see her without the hijab.

Even though the different religions aren’t the same, some of them have similar ways to demonstrate faith. While Muslims have a hijab to wear to respect their religion and people around them, many Mormons have similar ways to show respect through dress and behavior.

“I am not allowed to wear revealing clothing, date until I’m 16, drink caffeinated drinks,” Hansen said. “We also don’t swear, and I can’t hang out on Sundays.”

Hansen said a lot of her friends will hang out then [Sundays].

Although she sometimes feels left out of her friends’ activities, she has accepted this rule for 15 years and understands the meaning.

Rivers and his family have their own set of rules for their kids.

“It’s responsibility specific,” Rivers said. “As they grow up, rules will change and, depending on the responsibility showed, they [the rules] will increase or decrease.”

Sacred Heart

The sole deity, God. This term is used mainly by Muslims and Arab Christians

bindi

important words for a worldly outlook

Allah

ecumenical glossary

Some students go to church every Sunday, some go to Confession (acknowledgment of sin) when they see fit, some say their prayers each night. It all depends on the religion.

“In a typical week, I attend an early morning seminary every school day,” Hansen said.

Her family goes to church every Sunday together. Every Wednesday, they bake cookies, play games and make cards for people who are sick.

Hansen said going to youth group and other activities with the same group of kids makes it so they can uplift and support each other.

“We get to hang out with kids with the same beliefs,” she said.

Other religions, such as Islam, will fast as part of their practices.

“The sun rises, we stop eating,” sophomore Gufran Al Ghafli said.

“And when the sun goes down, that’s when we eat.”

Muslims fast for several different reasons. It is one of the disciplines their God, Allah, asks them to do. It is also used to practice a long-standing tradition and to maintain piety.

Along with fasting, Muslims also pray five times a day to Allah. They pray evenly throughout the day so that they are constantly reminded of their God and his guidance.

“We have to wash our face, hands and legs before we pray,” Ghafli said.

Prayer is an important aspect of many religions.

First Christian Church pastor David Rivers said, “We pray as a family wherever we go.” Rivers said some of the places his family will pray are on car rides and at dinner tables.

He wants to give his children a solid moral foundation by teaching them Christian values that are important to him and his wife. According to Rivers, these values help them to understand “what you believe and why we are what we are.”

>youth taking charge

by kimberly messineo and hannah reussner

menorah

“M

y religion is why I am who I am,” sophomore Anna Hansen said. “It gives me guidelines on how to live my life.”

Hansen practices Mormonism, a religion that believes the Godhead is three separate beings--Father, Son and Holy Ghost--and that God is their savior. Their founder, Joseph Smith, is said to have discovered the golden plates that, translated, became the Book of Mormon.

Each student has their own beliefs, whether they worship a god, multiple gods, or none at all. Some may show their faith in different ways, but no matter what, their beliefs help to steer them down the road of life.

>practices and rituals

“I’ve grown up in that environment so it’s a lifestyle. When you grow up in that environment it becomes important to you.” >andrew markley, 9 Christian

courtesy of +joanna

>why are your beliefs important to you?

hamsa

“They relate to morals and shape me who I am. I am who I am because I’m Catholic.” >courtney caldwell, 10 Catholic

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“I don’t really have any beliefs and it’s never been important in my life. I have never felt close to anything so I stick to my own thoughts.” >ian pepin, 10 Atheist

crucifix

“Kids our age don’t always make such grandiose life decisions on their own, like deciding to independently follow a religion.

That’s part of what Buddhism is about for me, independence and freedom.” >quinlan carttar, 11 Buddhist

“[I]t’s something you can stand up for and other people agree with me.” >trent reinardy, 10 Christian Methodist

FP

page by kristina foster and sarah whipple

page by kristina foster and sarah whipple

A devotion of Jesus’ heart that shows his love for humanity. It is usually picturized as a flaming heart with light coming from it and thorns

Shadow and light; shows how opposites are still connected with each other and do not oppose the other force

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september 13, 2012

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a sally streets comic

graphics

page by john mccain and sarah whipple

under the hood by jacob hood

unification church (moonies)

church of the flying spaghetti monster

Jesus visited Moon when he was a teenager, and told him that his death was premature. Jesus was supposed to marry and have children, and now it is up to Moon to carry out Jesus’s unfinished mission. Marriages are arranged by the church and the betrothed’s parents. Before their wedding, couples are encouraged to participate in various workshops on Unification Marriage. Perhaps the most prominent rule of unification marriage is no sex (or dating) before marriage.

In 2005, the Kansas State Board of Education voted to teach the theory of “Intelligent Design” as well as the theory of evolution in all Kansas public schools. Shortly after, a man named Bobby Henderson composed a letter to the Board, demanding that if intelligent design was taught in schools, so should his religion: Church the Flying Spaghetti Monster. It was originally a satire, but they claim to be a complete legitimate religion.

Mass Weddings! In February of 2010,

Moon blessed 7,000 couples in Seoul, South Korea. Most couples hadn’t met before getting married at Moon’s ceremony. Moon’s first blessing occurred in South Korea in 1961, with a modest 33 couples. His beliefs soon went international, accumulating 500 members in the United States by 1971. 11 years later, Moon married 2,075 couples at Madison square garden.

wicca church

In the early 1900s, historian Margaret Murphy published a book detailing Witch Trials of the Great European Witch Hunt. She concluded that those convicted of witchcraft were actually members of a “witch-cult.”

Shortly after Murphy’s book was published, groups began to carry out the tradition of the “witch-cult” which is commonly known today as “Wicca.”

An excerpt from the official website of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster-Q: How do Pastafarians believe our world was created?

A: We believe the Flying Spaghetti Monster created the world much as it exists today...Every time a researcher carries out an experiment that appears to confirm one of these “scientific theories” supporting an old earth and evolution we can be sure

that the FSM is there, modifying the data with his Noodly Appendage.

We don’t know why He does this but we believe He does, that is our Faith. (excerpt from http://www.venganza.org/about/)

write your life. in six words.

A common Wiccan practice is magic.

To worship their Gods, a magic circle is created, and then spells (with the purpose of healing or restoring health, for example) are cast. In the practice of Wicca, many tools aid with calling the spirits, such as a sword called athame or a wand. These tools symbolize elements in nature, and each has a specific purpose for creating change in the physical world.

getting graphic religious rarities

>submit your six-word stories and your name to Room 115, fsfreepress@gmail.com, @fsfreepress on Twitter, or to a Free Press staff member

>john mccain, 12 >sarah whipple, 11

>rosemary newsome, 11 >hannah reussner, 10

>steven thawnghmung, 12

page by logan brown

>junction city native trail spears makes a run on his free state senior year by maria carrasco

Senior Trail Spears lives and breathes running. His eyes light up as he describes how it feels to run.

“I love to run, running is kind of my life,” Spears said.

His passion for running started in eighth grade. “I did football in seventh grade and it sucked, so I decided I could either sit the bench or I could run,” Spears said.

Trail quickly begun to prefer cross country meets to football games.

“During a race I feel scared, slightly intimidated, but I also feel confident,” Spears said. “You’re scared because you don’t know what anyone is going to do but you also have the confidence

in yourself because you know that you worked so hard for this.”

Running runs in the family.

His mom was also a big runner, still holding a track record at her high school.

“My mom was a stud,” Spears said.

Spears has been running for five years and has won many medals and titles.

But what he considers real achievements are his running times.

“A medal is a medal, all it really does is sit there and collect dust, but it’s the time that is my goal. When you beat your personal record that is amazing.”

Spears prefers team victories to personal ones.

FP profile

following his trail

september 13, 2012

“But then what’s even more powerful is to see not only me succeed but my entire team as well.”

He considers his team a family, a pack.

“When you run with someone you get to see who they are, how hard they work, how hard they push themselves, and it’s awesome to see them all working hard and forming a goal.”

Trail is passionate about many different parts of running, but what he loves the most is integrating running into every aspect of his life.

“You can use what you learn [while] running for life...That’s my favorite part, to not only see growth as a runner, but personal growth in each individual.”

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FP

september 13, 2012

opinion

page by darian koenig

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choosing sides on choice

>for one, life trumps choice, while for the other, choice trumps life

there is no choice by ciara saylor

I’m not religious. I don’t go to church, I don’t put my last five dollars in the collection plate on Sundays, nor do I have a Bible sitting on my nightstand. I do, however, hold a strong stance against abortion.

Since the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court case in 1973, abortion has been legal in all 50 states.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), abortion is defined as “an intervention performed by a licensed clinician (e.g., a physician, nurse-midwife, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant) that is intended to terminate an ongoing pregnancy.”

In my eyes, however, I see abortion as a lazy way out and a sugar coated way to define murder.

As many of us have seen on the news or on social media sites, people go to prison for murder. Abortion is the same exact thing, yet the “murderer” is free to live her life and pay no legal repercussions for it.

According to the CDC, an estimated 1.3 million abortions are performed every year.

If 1.3 million women each year want to terminate their pregnancy, it seems to me as

by ryan liston

if contraceptives such as birth control and condoms are nearly non-existent.

Among the thousands of women who get abortions every year, 52 percent are young and gullible women under the age of 25, according to the Guttmacher Institute, an international institute concerning the advancement of sexual and reproductive health and rights.

If a female feels she is old enough to have sexual intercourse without protection, she is capable of carrying the child a full nine months. Abortion is purely the lazy way out.

Not only does abortion terminate a child, it also is very expensive.

“[An] ed t a m i t s e n o i l l i m 3 .

1 e r a s n o aborti er y v e d e perform ” year.

The gove shou rnment cont ld not ha rol o ve v er wh wom at a an do her b es with ody.”

I am a guy who believes people should be given choices. I believe that, when posed with a difficult situation, people should have the right to make their own decision. I believe in the right to privacy. I am pro-choice.

In 1973, the Supreme Court decided in the case of Roe v.

Wade that “this right of privacy . . . is broad enough to encompass a woman’s decision whether or not to terminate her pregnancy.”

This verdict spurred on the debate that continues today on abortion, birth control and reproductive rights.

The main problem I have about abortion becoming illegal is that it would take away a woman’s right to choose. If you are pro-choice, some people look at you like you want to kill babies. But that isn’t it--those of us who are pro-choice want women to make educated choices regarding birth control, pregnancy and childbirth.

In the United States alone, an abortion can run a woman anywhere from $250 to $700, whereas a sexually active person can pick up

In a perfect world, there would be no need for abortions. Sex education would be incorporated into all schools’ curriculums and contraceptive options would be cheap and more easily accessible. But this isn’t some utopian society where everything goes according to plan. Women have unplanned pregnancies, get sexually assaulted and don’t always have access to birth control.

Sex education is important in schools because it gives students information about the consequences of their actions. Without education, teenagers and young adults could be ig-

a condom at their local health department for free.

Women who get abortions are basically paying to murder their child, when the victim didn’t even ask to be here in the first place.

As reported by the Guttmacher Institute, one percent of all abortions are due to rape or incest and six percent are due to potential health problems. In the same study, a whopping 93 percent of all abortions happen due to social reasons, such as interference with school or not wanting to be a single parent.

When a female is pregnant, she has three options: abortion, adoption, or raising the child.

Likewise, if a woman is unable to or does not want to take on the responsibility of a child, adoption is always a second option.

With all of the so called “truths” pro-choice advocates show, many people like myself are horrified that a person would think terminating a child is morally acceptable.

As a female, I know the different types of struggles the female population faces on a day to day basis; however, that does not assuage my feelings toward ending a life.

the choice is hers

norant to the necessary information such as what causes pregnancy, how effective are the methods to avoiding pregnancy, and how to tell if they or their partner is pregnant.

People who are anti-abortion are also often opposed to birth control and sex education, leaving abstinence as the only way to avoid pregnancy. However, with no education, a young girl may not know what constitutes sexual activity. A girl can become pregnant from the time of her first period, and her actions may result in pregnancy.

Women choose to get abortions for a variety of reasons.

Some women want an abortion because they are not ready and able to care for a child. Some may not have the means to provide for themselves. If forced to keep an unplanned pregnancy, these women may have trouble finishing their education and getting a job.

Others seek abortion because they were raped or sexually molested. Children born into an abusive situation may suffer abuse themselves.

In some cases, a woman’s health is at risk and she could die from the pregnancy. Some anti-abortion supporters feel even then an abortion should not be allowed.

According to the National Abortion and

Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL), prior to Roe v. Wade, 1.2 million pregnant women resorted to illegal, and sometimes fatal, abortion methods. It is estimated that more than 5,000 women a year died from complications of illegal abortions, often performed by untrained providers. Outlawing abortion would cause women to go back to using these dangerous methods to terminate their pregnancies.

The government should not have control over what a woman does with her body. Abortion should be a social issue discussed among families and those who will be affected by it based on their values and beliefs. The woman should also receive the guidance of a trained healthcare professional.

The pro-life versus pro-choice debate will surely continue to be a hot topic for the upcoming presidential elections. However, I don’t see this issue being resolved for years to come, and even then there will still be supporters on both sides of the fence.

Being pro-choice means you believe that people should have the right to choose what option they choose, be it abortion, adoption, or raising the child.

People should always have the right to make their own decisions without being dictated by the government.

september 13, 2012 page by riley buller

columns

from: katie guyot re: locker neighbors Dear lower locker buddy, Let me begin by apologizing once again for knocking you in the head with my locker door during the first week of school. I’m sure I made quite the first impression. I just hope I didn’t literally make an impression in your skull.

It was a clumsy mistake-you’ll find that I make a lot of those. In fact, I’ll go ahead and apologize in advance for any future head-hitting that takes place while our lockers are stacked on top of each other.

I promise, it’s not because I’m biased against freshmen.

The girl who passed that floorlevel locker on to you is a year older than I am, and I managed to bump into, trip over or otherwise irritate her between third and fourth hour every day for two years. Once, I even dropped a binder on her head.

(Courtney, if you’re out there: I am so, so sorry about that. I’m still not sure how it slipped out of my hands. My math notes must have been

F

coexisting with P11 locker neighbors

dear free state

>confessions from the editors

denser than I suspected.)

I don’t think I ever formally introduced myself to Courtney.

I heard her name through eavesdropped conversations during locker pit stops, and unless she eavesdropped on me, too, she probably knew me only as the klutzy kid for whom “don’t operate heavy machinery” should have meant “don’t wear a backpack.” I think I rammed into her with that a few times, too.

That’s not to say we didn’t talk. In fact, we set a daily conversational routine from day one: I would say, “Sorry,” to which she would reply, “It’s okay.” We got along quite well that way.

I wonder, sometimes, if other locker neighbors have more detailed discussions about their lives and souls, like college roommates, or if instead we all live in a feudalistic society in which the top lockers house the lords and the bottom lockers belong to the serfs. After all, lower locker owners can

always be found bowing at the feet of those above them.

This social hierarchy is determined not by athletic prowess or GPA, but by a simple trick of the alphabet. We all have a 50-50 chance of landing in the upper crust in the Free State hallways. I was lucky. You, lower locker buddy, were not.

I apologize for that, too-for the game of chance that put you at rock (or locker) bottom, for the fact that you’re stuck in that bottom row for four years, and, most of all, for addressing you only as “lower locker buddy” because I don’t know your real name.

I hope you’re reading this, lower locker buddy. Otherwise, you’re going to be incredibly confused when I next see you, since I will be asking you your name and initiating a handshake.

I promise not to bonk you over the head this time.

Thanks for reading, Free State.

Katie

“Jealousy sets in every time my twin brother Thomas and I are at our lockers at the same time. You see, he has a top locker, merely on the chance that his first name is one letter in the alphabet after mine. I am always

crouching on the floor, trying to avoid being hit in the head by other

locker neighbors.”

>sam boatright

“Hayley Morris, I am so deeply sorry. My locker was especially full that day, and the uncomfortable squatting was exacerbated by my tight jeans. It was a combination of unpleas-

ant pants and a fear of a textbook avalanche that

drove me to shut my locker with great force. Unfortunately, I

underestimated the power of The Binders, whose loom-

ing size and weight caused my locker door to rebound. It swung open to crash violently into Hayley’s skull. Usually we share our complaints, but today, I apologize for dumping all the bottom locker misery on you.”

>hannah moran

“Once, the girl with the locker below mine accidentally shut one

of my backpack straps into her locker. I tried dashing in the

other direction with the backpack on my shoulders, but the only result was a rubber band ef-

fect and a bad case of whiplash. My final

solution was to whip a pair of scissors out of my pencil bag and saw

off the strap at the midpoint. I’ve always

wondered how Courtney reacted when she found that frayed half-strap coiled amongst her binders the next morning.”

>katie guyot

the sounds of autumn It’s amazing how much we, as students, cling onto the fanciful idea of an endless summer at the end of May. However, by the time school begrudgingly rolls around in mid-August, we long for sleepytime teas, sweater weather and leaves that show off their carotene pigments.

(I hope you are impressed, Mr. Heffernan).

To me, autumn is synonymous with visits to the pumpkin patch, carpets of orange leaves, everyone’s favorite spooky holiday and, of course, bands like Belle and Sebastian and Yo La Tengo.

Now, you don’t have to know those bands to understand the relationship I associate between them and this beautiful season. Part of what makes certain music so poignant are the places, people and things associated with it.

As abundant are the genres of music are the variables which affect these music coefficients. That’s the great thing about music association: our perception of a song is not solely influenced by its sonic footprint, but the imagery connected to it and the ability of memories to mold that song as well. These images may be subconsciously created, triggering our brain to remember a location where we first heard a song or a warm color that makes us want to curl up in a blanket with tea.

This is why all albums have a cover; this connection. Try to think of your favorite album without associating it to the album cover. Does that image express the feel of the album?

Instantaneously, when I think about “summer” music, The Drums pop into my mind; as well as their jean shorts and their “beachy” sound, but

most of all, their sun-yellow band name type splayed across their album cover. Consequently, this image will forever be paired with the band’s skeletal-structured (will finish part tomorrow) Sounds summon colors, colors conjure emotions, emotions uncover places and people. All songs have a feel. And that articulated feel can cerebrally fall in love with an image, a location, a memory, you name it.

Music is magical because it has the overarching ability to combine all parts of one’s life.

One album that immediately stands out for me as an “autumn album” is Belle and Sebastian’s “Dear Catastrophe Waitress,” a starry-eyed collection of piercing yet airy and light-hearted cafe music. None of that description shouts September through November, but to me, it

retains that certain autumn feel. The season strengthens the listenability and the meaning of the song, while the song illuminates seasonal synonyms as well.

Why does it remind me of autumn? Well, I’m not quite sure, but when I thought of writing an article about autumn, this Scottish band immediately popped into my head. Maybe it’s the warm fuzzy feeling I get when listening to their music that reminds me of sweaters.

Maybe its their sepiatone album covers, matted with warm colors like the falling leaves. Whatever it is, the fact that music can create such a song presence in other fields of communication, connectivity and our life is something to be amazed and impressed by.

When nostalgia settles in, when favorite seasons commence, when

late night drives take place, a song is connected to that thing, that memory, that moment. And that’s what I love about music. Unlike any other art form, it allows for the marriage of sound, intellectuality and emotion.

Because of this, music will always remain the most powerful form of art that exists, enhancing ways of life and connecting the dots to each aspect of our life. And in doing so, music becomes more universal, a language with no barriers, globally spoken and celebrated.

Replace the lemonade with apple cider. Switch on those overvalued car stereos and take a drive; play your favorite album and listen with your friends. Who knows, you may just be creating some everlasting memories.

uncovering sam boatright

FP

september 13, 2012

sports

page by riley buller

faith in numbers

Sophomores Aletha Loeb and Paige Soukup collaborate at the first meeting of fellowship of christian athletes.

>after-school club highlights religion in athletics

by sarah lieberman and hannah moran

Junior Jena Giele looks forward to Thursday afternoons.

Every Thursday at 2:15, members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes congregate in room 225 to pray, discuss and ask questions about Christianity. Despite its name, one doesn’t need to be Christian or an athlete to attend.

“FCA is a good opportunity for kids who are Christian or are curious about becoming a Christian, or just have questions about faith,” Giele said. “It’s a good environment to talk about God and not feel like you’re being judged.”

This club provides a forum for students to openly talk about their faiths outside of the school day.

“Religion isn’t something you can openly express at school,” senior Logan Hassig said. “But my beliefs are a big part of my life and I like that I can express those beliefs within a school environment, and among my peers.”

“I have so much fun [at FCA] because everyone is pretty much like family and we can talk about anything with each other,” sophomore Savannah Reeb said.

FCA was founded in 1954 with the mission “[t]o present to athletes and coaches and all Football players race each other around the track as they condition, sprinting in preparation for football season.

whom they influence the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church.”

David Lawrence and Mary Jo Swann are the main sponsors.

FCA is a national organization, so all chapters use the same name.

“It started as Fellowship of Christian ‘Athletes,’ but people come even if they don’t play sports,” Giele said.

“We do want people who have never been to church before and we want people who want to get to know Jesus and learn about God,” Reeb said.

At the beginning of the year, FCA typically draws around 50 students from all grade levels.

Giele joined FCA last December, when the Free State chapter began.

Senior Logan Hassig played a crucial role in founding the FCA chapter at Free State.

“I was at the gym and I saw David Lawrence there, and my mom knew David through college or something,” Hassig said. “He mentioned something about starting FCA at Free State and I said I’d be interested in helping.”

The first FCA kickoff was last year, right after winter break.

“I joined the club at Free State last year around Christmas,” Giele said.

“That was when I was really getting into becoming a Christian. It was the perfect opportunity to step in so I could learn and meet more Christians.”

Each grade has a group of leaders, and each group of leaders takes

turns running the entire meeting.

“We play an icebreaker and then we have a lesson planned or we watch a video. We also usually read from the Bible and have discussions.”

Giele is one of many junior student leaders.

In addition to planning meetings, she makes an effort to spread the word about FCA. “I get people pumped about meetings,” Giele said.

FCA is a religiously affiliated club, but so far, they’ve received no significant backlash.

“We’ve only had it for half of a year but we’ve never experienced that (backlash) yet,” Giele said. “I’m sure people do think stuff, but they’ve never talked to us about it.”

FCA also obeys the separation of church and state.

“We’re just a club,” Giele said. “We don’t want to make people Christian or push the ‘You have to believe in God.’” “We aren’t trying to stand up and preach,” Hassig said. “I think that people believe a lot of what we do [is to] push and convert people, but that’s the last

thing we’re trying to do.”

Giele encourages any and all to attend an FCA meeting.

“Even if you’re not Christian or an athlete, come!” Giele said.

“It’s encouraging to see people who are or aren’t Christian coming and being interested in what we have to present,” Hassig said.

Junior Alexis Czapinski reaches to backhand a short serve that skimmed the net.

Sophomore Carrie Howland hits a pose during her floor routine at the Shawnee Mission East Quad. Free State placed first.

Senior Josh Hess sprints to break his personal record on the soccer field.

Sophomore Jody Willmott focuses mid-serve to complete her serve at the start of tennis season.

upcoming games

9/15

varsity FS vs. Olathe South 8 a.m. @ home varsity FS vs. Olathe South 7 p.m. @home

9/14

9/17

varsity vs. Shawnee Mission east 5 p.m. @home

9/27

9/21

varsity FS vs. Olathe North 7 p.m. @ home

varsity vs. Shawnee Mission varsity vs. Olathe north Northwest 7 p.m. @ 5 p.m. @ away away

9/24

sports t cker