Issue 3, Edition 16

the free press

FP

issue three edition sixteen october 4, 2012

students take on teacher bias with presidental candidates page 2

the free press takes on the importance of teenage voting

page 10

a play-by-play of all the things students should know when it comes to political parties pages 6-7 photo by roberthuffstutter photo by steve snodgrass

FP from the polls to the classroom academics

october 4, 2012 page by katie guyot

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by ryan liston

>teachers balance personal biases with educational duties

Even teachers have their own opinions when it comes to politics. While many people feel that teachers should try to keep their political beliefs to themselves, others, such as liberal social studies teacher Isaac Akande, think that as a teacher they should provide accurate, uncensored information.

“If it were 1955 and we were teaching about the political issue at the time, Indian segregation, and I stood up there and was neutral about it, 50 years later it would seem ludicrous,” Akande said.

Akande’s views have changed over the years.

“I used to be conservative back in high school, and when you do research or statistics it changes your beliefs over time,” he said.

English teacher Lynne Renick does not feel that her teaching is influenced by her political stance.

“I’d rather choose my topics than choose my party,” she said. “. . . In teaching, I have to represent both [political stances] and allow my students to move both ways.”

Senior Austin Bailey admires his teacher’s ability to filter out her political views.

“Ms. Grinnell, for instance, is my government teacher, and she also teaches AP Politics,” Bailey said. “I have really been amazed at the way she manages to spend the same amount of time on both sides of an issue, which is important so that she’s not directing us which path to choose, but she’s...telling us more about both of the paths that could be chosen.”

Social studies teacher Matt Frost believes that teachers should try not to allow their politics to affect their teaching, but that political discussions play an important role in a learning environment.

by sarah lieberman

“In certain ways I don’t think it’s right to tell kids what you believe and that they should believe it too,” Frost said, “but being [conservative or liberal] is part of our makeup . . . [Students are] supposed to be learning how to deal with people with different opinions.”

Often, it’s not easy to tell a teacher’s political beliefs from the vantage point of a school desk, particularly when a teacher doesn’t lean far to the left or the right.

“I have some conservative tendencies and I [have] a lot of liberal tendencies,” social studies teacher Robert Hassig said. “What I care most about is people...”

Hassig also approves of political discussions among students during his class.

“I encourage [debates] in class because it makes people think.”

Sometimes, however, political debates can be held outside of class. “[Mr. Law and I] decided to talk after school once, and we had a discussion about politics,” Bailey said. “It was a nice argument--we didn’t yell or anything ... There’s always that line of where we’re debating politics ... we’re not actually going to make personal attacks.”

Not all political debates among students are so subdued.

“I remember in ninth grade civics with Dr. Hyler, we spent a class talking about the Bush tax cuts,” junior Brenan Conroy said. “They were up for renewal. ... I brought up a couple counter arguments ... and voices were raised, let’s say.”

Just as teachers differ in their teaching styles, not all students view classroom politics with the same eyes.

“I think it’s fine [for teachers to show their political beliefs during class] as long as they’re open to people sharing the other side,” Conroy said.

Bailey, however, feels differently about the subject.

“I think it’s important that [teachers] remain neutral,” he said. “Plus, [they] have a whole lot of influence. God knows they have a lot of influence on me. I mean, they hold that magic wand called your grades.”

a weekend in washington

The deadline to sign up for the trip is Oct. 1. Packets can be picked up from Dr. Hyler or Laura Koenig.

The group departs early Jan. 19 and returns late Jan. 21. It is a Saturday through Monday trip, but school is not held on Monday so participants will not miss class.

The Constitution states that inauguration lies on Jan. 20. Some years, that date falls on a Sunday, in which case the president can choose to proceed with the inauguration on the planned date or postpone it until Monday. This may occur if Sunday is reserved for religious obligations.

This year the inauguration falls on a Sunday, so the date of the inauguration will not be announced until a president is elected.

Dr. Hyler, one of the sponsors, has never the students will attended an inauguration. also visit the Smithsonian, “I am very excited about the trip,” Dr which is home to 137 artifacts, Hyler said. “But if I get to go I think just the idea of being including: in Washington when >Abraham Lincoln’s golden pocket the President takes watch the Oath of Office. >departure … will be exciting.” >a working automaton from 16th- date: Jan. 19 Certain century Spain >inauguration students have strong opin>coins from ancient civilizations date: Jan. 20 ions about who >Indiana Jones’ fedora >return date: they’d like to see elected, but they Jan. 21

Free State students have the opportunity to witness a historical moment by attending the inaugural trip to Washington D.C. Along with being present when Romney or Obama takes the Presidential oath, students will also be able to see a moon rock at the Museum of Air and Space, Lincoln’s top hat, the beautiful Library of Congress, the Watergate, The Smithsonian, and possibly the Holocaust Museum.

“We’ll be busy and seeing a lot,” Dr. Hyler said.

>students plan trip to see inauguration of mystery man

must sign up for the trip before they know who will be the next president.

Dr. Hyler doesn’t believe this will or should hinder students wanting to participate. “I think we honor the office of the Presidency regardless of who wins.” she said. “And, yeah, some kids may be happier than others. The thrill of being at ... a presidential inauguration should kind of trump it.”

“I just want to go for the experience,” senior Elizabeth Bergee said.

Senior Patrick Liston agrees that regardless of who is elected, he looks forward to heading to D.C. “I think it would still be fun,” Liston said. “...

I’m excited because in like 20years from now you’ll be able to say you were there,” Liston said.

Editor’s Note: This story was sent into publication prior to the final decision of the inaugural trip.

social studies teachers matt frost (left) and isaac akande (right) may differ in their political beliefs, but they can collaborate to teach students like senior abby casady about the fundamentals of united states government.

on the cover

photo illustration by sarah whipple only one month remains until citizens pick their president

2012-13

free press staff sam boatright- co-editorin-chief katie guyot- co-editor-inchief hannah moran- copy editor sarah whipple- design editor kimberly messineo-sports manager logan brown- ad manager jacob hood- cartoonist maria carrasco- reporter sean chilicoat- reporter kyra haas- reporter

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

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.

october 4, 2012 page by sarah whipple

>students describe life as children of local politicians by hannah reussner

With all the attention on Mitt Romney and Barack Obama running for president in Washington D.C., we often overlook our own local political celebrities right here in Lawrence.

Much like Obama’s kids, Sasha and Malia Ann, everyone in a political family finds that being in the public spotlight can be challenging.

“Just having your dad gone for a while at work is hard,” sophomore Laura Corliss said.

Corliss is the daughter Lawrence’s city manager, David Corliss.

“When he got the job it was really cool and I was really proud of him,” Corliss said. “[His position] is something he has been working toward since he was out of college...I’m really proud of him.”

Several students have parents who are a part of Lawrence’s government. Lawrence has five city commissioners elected in a city-wide vote. Three are up for re-election every two years.

Every April, the commissioners elect one commissioner to be mayor and the other vice mayor. The three officials up for re-election in 2013 are commissioners Aron Cromwell, Mike Amyx and Hugh Carter.

Currently, the mayor is Bob Schumm and the vice mayor is Michael Dever.

Several students would choose to stay

away from politics after seeing what they see everyday.

“It doesn’t really affect my opinions, but I don’t really want to do politics,” senior Connor Chestnut said. “It’s just a lot of work and a lot of people hate you for it; not for me.”

Chestnut is the son of Rob Chestnut, who used to be a member of the Lawrence City Commission.

Children of other local political figures agree with Chestnut.

Being in the midst of everything that happens in the Lawrence community requires long hours.

“They only have meetings on Tuesday nights, so basically every Tuesday night he will be home at eleven o’clock just because the meetings last so long,” senior Kylie Dever said.

Dever is the daughter of city commissioner Mike Dever.

However, even though the politicians sometimes have late evenings as they’re stuck in meetings or decisions, family is still a priority.

“Family is a priority for him so he tries his hardest to be home by 6,” Dever said.

Political life often stretches into the home sphere as well. Some families are required to attend mixers, miss certain holidays, and even face the diversity between the family members’ beliefs.

“We didn’t get to shoot off fireworks for Fourth of July when he was on city commision because it would be hypocritical for him to be in city government and have him shoot off fireworks,” Chestnut said.

These students also have to deal with different beliefs throughout their own family.

Corliss, Chestnut, Thellman and Dever all said that sometimes they do have different thoughts on certain topics, but they just talk it out to understand each other’s views.

“The thing for my dad is that he looks at all sides of a situation and he is not going to vote one way or another just because of his political background,” Dever said.

Dever said that her dad analyzes both sides.

“But the hardest part is when your political beliefs are different from your friends’ or friends’ families,” Dever said.

Being in a family where one or both parents are in politics has its challenges, but it also has some benefits.

“Free football games and being able to know [when] stores are coming...to Lawrence,” Corliss said.

These perks are just the beginning. City commissioners and their families also get free tickets to some city events, interesting conversations and knowledge of local events.

“It’s just kind of cool to have a dad who is

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hometown politics hit the halls

well known and well liked,” Dever said.

Challenges always occur; some bigger than others. Every child of a political figure said that there is some hardship or downside to being the child of a highly influential member of the community.

“All the police officers know you and sometimes we have to attend boring mixers,” Corliss said.

Chestnut agreed. “ It’s a lot of time and a lot of work for my dad and he was pretty stressed. He likes doing it but it is a lot of big time commitment.”

Despite the ups and downs of being in a political family, Dever feels like it is just part of their life now.

“I feel like the first time around it was really cool because I could turn on the TV on Tuesday nights and be like, ‘Oh that so cool! My dad’s on TV!’” Dever said. “But now it’s been seven years since that, so it’s just part of my life... It’s more of a habit now.”

These students agree that their moms and dads work extremely hard to help push Lawrence in the right direction.

“I get excited and I respect my mom a lot, so it’s good knowing she is holding an office,” Thellman said.

global gab >current events guaranteed to impress

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California- Apple releases the iPhone 5, which features a larger screen and quicker network speed Libya- U.S. ambassador Chris Stevens is killed while working at embassy Chicago- Teacher strike leads to debate over salaries in urban public education jobs China- First aircraft carrier goes into service to help defend the country Guatemala- Thousands evacuate the country after the Fuego volcano shows signs of activity

FP hometown hub

october 4, 2012 page by john mccain

hometown hub

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showing off what Lawrence does best

by maria mckee

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bassnectar

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c est known for his electrifying performances and light shows, Bassnectar combines layers of dense melody that confine the deep, rhythmic, beat of his gushing bassline.

As Bassnectar shakes the ground in Burcham Park on October 5th, he will put on a show that will provide all goers with just the fun they came in search of. Lorin Ashton, a.k.a. Bassnectar, was greatly influenced by metal and rock bands, such as Metallica and Nirvana. Such bands have helped him form his progressive style of drum and bass. When listening to Bassnectar you will become so absorbed into the booming rhythm and bumping bassline, that you will find yourself jumping to the beat. Bassnectar will not only put on a show, but more an experience. Bassnectar circulates the vibing energy from himself to the crowd and back to himself, leaving the fans wanting more as they cannot quit moving.

f kr yo

“hubsessions” flaunting the hall’s latest fads

>what musicians are you currently obsessing over?

>rachel downs, teacher

T

he spry, party-ready, indierock duo from Brooklyn are sure to turn up the volume as we head into colder weather.

Known for being very freespirited and loose, Matt & Kim are very interactive with the crowd, changing the vibe of the place to make it more personal and positive. The two have created a kind of indie-rock wanna go? style that combines alternaliberty hall tive rock with a little bit of november 3rd electronica and even a little pop that gets fans in a danc$20 ing mood. Despite how busy you will be dancing, you will find yourself wanting to run up and give Kim Schifino a hug as she shoots a smile at her fans getting them even more pumped up.

wanna go? burcham park october 5th $25

“St. Vincent, The Gaslight Anthem, Tegan and Sara, Cat Power, and The Black Keys’ newest album, El Camino”

matt & kim

“Marina and the Diamonds; she’s really pretty”

>mary gregory, 10

“Dubstep and hardcore metal” >hope o’conner, 9

wild west film fesitval

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n eight-year Lawrence tradition, The Wild West Film Festival is a two-day intense, short horror-film competition. Filmmakers will have a chance to challenge themselves in a fun, exhausting, but fulfilling way. Not only do you get the chance to support local artists, but proceeds will go to support charities. Teams can sign up online for $25 at http://www.hollywoodhawks. com/wildwestfilmfest/.

wanna go? liberty hall october 28th

other upcoming dates:

first aid kit: the granada, october 29, $12

regina spektor: music hall kansas city, november 7, $45

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“Tallest Man on Earth, Starf*cker and Hoodie Allen” >luke peirce, 12

“I’m always listening to The Doors and Depeche Mode” >jamie wilson, 11

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“Politics swing,” Laurie McLane Higginson said. Higginson is the Curator of Education at the Lawrence Art Center. “I’ve lived long enough to see that there are some who are really strong art supporters, and there are some who are less strong art supporters. It swings back and forth through the years. You just have to find a way to tolerate and find a way to get through it.”

At the end of June 2012, many Kansas artists found that they had a tougher problem than finding the perfect color or subject for their next masterpiece.

They were faced with the new, difficult question of how they were going to be funded.

The Kansas Arts Commission (KAC), whose main purpose was to provide funding for art-related programs and businesses across

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ite

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liv e Kansas, was dissolved. Governor Sam Brownback cut the funding and reallocated the commission’s duties to the Department of Commerce.

This halted all the funds that the KAC had previously distributed.

“I would say the true out-ofpocket loss was about $400,000,” former Kansas Arts Commissioner Chris Burger said.

Brownback’s decision to cut funding received national attention, very little of which was positive.

“All I can figure is there must be so much more power in politics than we know, because people sure do act against the public interest for short-term gain,” Burger said.

Larger institutes that received funding from the KAC, such as the Lawrence Art Center, have been able to fill funding gaps by looking to more private sources. Smaller agencies were the most affected.

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>kansas artists deal with government cuts

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penciling in the arts by kyra haas

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page by sarah whipple

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“What it did was knock the feet out from underneath much, much smaller institutes,” Higginson said. “It really collapsed some arts agencies.”

Kansas artist Lisa Grossman had a web page on the KAC’s website and says she was one of the last people to receive the Mid Career Fellowship Award from the commission. Since the commission was dissolved, “No one has that opportunity anymore,” she said.

When Brownback dissolved the KAC, many artists felt that he was sending a strong message about how he viewed their profession.

“I think it just gives the impression that the arts aren’t important,” Grossman said. “But we know better.

The arts are a huge part of the economy even in Kansas.”

However, the decrease in fund-

producers and directors 7% writers 9% architects 10%

photographers 7%

designers 39%

a way, but [the budget cut] just makes it harder,” artists (fine arts aspiring freshand cartoon) man artist Lydia 10% Palmer said. performing arts The Lawrence 17% Art Center’s private ing funding sources combined has with efforts from their developnot stopped mental director have ensured that the artists of Kansas. Professional scholarship funding is fully endowed and student artists continue to creso that anyone who wishes to take a ate and inspire, despite state actions. class is not turned away because of Organizations such as the Kansas the cost.

Citizens for the Arts and the Arts “What I’ve noticed since Foundation have raised money and [Brownback] did this is an absolute stepped in to fill the gap in funds resurgence or phoenix rising of the left in the wake of the KAC’s disarts,” Higginson said. “We just said, solvement.

‘Well, we don’t have that; we’ll find “If you love making art you find another way.’”

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THE

BYISSUES

october 4, 2012

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>information taken from the official party platforms

by ciara sayler and katie guyot

THE

social issues

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fiscal policy

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• • •

education agenda

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• • • • •

foreign policy and defense

• • •

• •

DEMOCRATS

Want to repeal DOMA and replace it with the Respect for Marriage Act, which would legally recognize same-sex marriage Recognize the importance of developing “constitutionally sound, evidence-based partnerships with faith-based and other non-profit organizations” in dealing with issues like poverty, climate change and human trafficking.

Support Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court case that ruled that women have the right to choose to abort their pregnancies, and believe the government should leave this decision to women and their families, doctors and religious institutions

THE •

•

• •

Want to extend middle class tax cuts to 98 percent of families with incomes less than $250,000 per year Support allowing tax cuts for wealthy earners enacted under the Bush administration to expire and closing closing loopholes and deductions for large corporations and wealthy taxpayers Support relief for the long-term unemployed Fighting to ban hiring discrimination against the unemployed Want to provide the unemployed with reformed and expanded training programs and job search assistance

•

Prioritize closing the “achievement gap” and addressing the high dropout rate Will expand public education opportunities for low-income students, such as magnet schools, charter schools, teacher-led schools and career academies Want to evaluate teachers in a way that gives “struggling teachers” opportunities to improve Working to allow students to manage their federal student loans so that they pay only 10 percent of their monthly income Support continuation of federal scholarships Will reduce federal aid to schools that do not keep their costs down Want to double investments in science and hope to prepare at least 100,000 math and science teachers in the next 10 years

•

Are making cuts to defense spending Promote increased communication between the United States and the rest of the Americas to combat drug and human trafficking Will work to prevent the further spread of nuclear weapons and aspire to someday rid them altogether from the world, keeping only enough to protect U.S. national security Plan to end the war in Afghanistan by 2014 and then continue counterterrorism and training assistance “[M]aintain an unshakable commitment to Israel’s security” and will continue to provide the country with financial and diplomatic assistance while seeking peace between Israel and Pakistan

• • • •

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REPUBLICANS Will enforce the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which requires the federal government to recognize marriage as the legal union of one man and one woman, and will push for a Constitutional amendment strengthening DOMA Contend that America must end the “war on religion” by giving faith-based institutions sovereignty in their spheres of health services, marriage and abortion Will push to allow prayer in public schools Want to propose a human life amendment to the Constitution to make abortion unconstitutional and to give Fourteenth Amendment rights to unborn children

Strongly oppose President Obama’s proposed

•

Propose to unite with allies to fight the wars on drugs, terror and human trafficking Will react strongly to threats to America and serve justice through “surveillance, enhanced special operations capabilities, and unmanned aerial systems [drones]” Prioritize the defeat of Al Quaeda but oppose

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THE

POLLS 50 %

Mitt Romney’s plan for the economy [is that] we need to solve our country’s economy right now. For social issues he is against abortion, which I agree with.

ashlyn evans, 12, republican

44 %

Romney

Source: Gallup Poll

Balancing the budget and fiscal issues are more important than any other social issues.

Social issues just need to take the backseat.

I identify myself as a libertarian because I have really socially liberal views, but when it comes to fiscal issues, I am pretty conservative.

tate bremenkamp, 12, republican

loans

•

•

vote] can complain but then they don’t vote,” senior Addie Hart said.

Hart will be voting for the first time this November.

For 18-year-olds who will be lining up at the polls next month and for younger students who want to keep up with the pundits, the Free Press has sketched out each party’s platform in the chart to the left, focusing on the issues that are most relevant to high school students. After reading the list, go to fsfreepressonline.com to vote for your candidate.

In November, we’ll see who would win the election if Free State chose the nation’s president.

Obama

Support “periodic rigorous assessments” on core subjects Want families to have alternative education options, including single-sex classes, full-day school hours, year-round schools, charter schools and open enrollment requests Will give administrators, teachers and parents more independence in governing their schools Are wary about government-provided student loans and believe the government should be an “insurance guarantor” for privately funded student

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•

I

n a time of political stiffness, comedians such as Jimmy Kimmel still manage to find humor in the 2012 election season.

“Mitt Romney believes that marriage should be between one man and one woman. Which is better than his grandfather, who believed that it should be between one man and five women,” Kimmel joked.

Although it’s easy to poke fun at political candidates, there are important issues that Americans need to know about in order to make informed decisions at the polls.

“I don’t think it’s fair if people [who are old enough to

Want to extend Bush tax cuts until the tax code can be reformed by reducing tax rates by 20 percent “across-the-board” Hope to eliminate taxes on interest, dividends, and capital gains for the lower and middle classes.

Believe the nation’s free-enterprise must be restored, partly by getting rid of “excessive” taxation and regulation Emphasize individual responsibility in working, saving and investing Will consolidate the current 47 federal training programs for the unemployed (which cost $18 billion annually) into block grants, putting more responsibility in local governments and less in the federal government

Will “reevaluate” any future decisions that further increase tuition Believe colleges across the nation have become “zones of intellectual intolerance favoring the Left” and wants state schools to eradicate bias

•

october 4, 2012

page by john mccain

feature

feature

page by john mccain

I don’t agree with Mitt Romney’s social issues, the way he deals with China and his plan for the economy. He always flip flops.

cuts to the military budget

addie hart, 12, libertarian

attempts to withdraw from Afghanistan on a strict timetable

Affirm unequivocal support of Israel and will ensure that Israel possesses a “qualitative edge” in weaponry

grace phillips, 12, democrat

April 14-September 26

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FP graphics

october 4, 2012 page by kristina foster

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a sally streets comic

under the ho hood d by jacob hood

Michelle LaVaughn (Robinson) Obama born: January 17, 1964; Capricorn age: 48 dating: Began dating Barack when while they were working at a law firm in Chicago (1989) high school: Whitney Young High School (graduated 1981) college: B.A. in Sociology from Princeton University, 1985 & J.D. (Juris Doctor-professional law degree) from Harvard Law School in 1988 issues: importance of education and volunteer work and nutrition children: 2 girls fashion: dress she wore to convention was between $350 and $600 (Tracy Reese) speech: written at a 12th grade level guilty pleasure: french fries favorite TV show: “Modern Family”

Ann Lois (Davies) Romney born: April 16, 1949; Aries age: 63 dating: began dating Mitt while she was in high school (March 1965) high school: Kingswood School (graduated 1967) college: Bachelor of Arts degree in French from Brigham Young University. issues: MS and breast cancer awareness and teenagepregnancy prevention children: 5 boys and 18 grandchildren fashion: dress she wore to convention was between $1990 and $2490 (Oscar de la Renta) speech: written at a 5th grade level guilty pleasure: donuts favorite TV show: “Modern Family” weird fact: Ann dated another man in college while Mitt was away in France

getting graphic battle roygals by kimberly messineo

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october 4, 2012 page by riley buller

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>german exchange students and their hosts share their houses and their culture by grace oliver

Although Lawrence has hosted many German students through the high school exchange program, this year’s students have an advantage over their predecessors: they met their hosts several months ago, when the Free State students came to Germany.

“I was really excited because I had already lived with [Luise Janusch] when I went to Germany, so I was really excited to see her again,” senior Emily Vanschmus said.

However, being a host can have its downsides. Senior Lexi Adams confesses that being a host can be a little overwhelming on top of Marching Band, Chamber Singers and college applications.

“It’s really difficult,” Adams said. “I wish I had more time to take [Lara Krummel] around places in Lawrence or hang out. I feel lucky to be a part of this, but I can’t give up commitments I’ve already taken. So, it’s difficult. I sleep less than I already do, but it’s worth it.”

Even with their busy schedules, the hosts have been able to show the German exchange students great places around Lawrence.

“We’ve been downtown, we’ve been out to eat, and I took [Janusch] to the state fair, where everything is fried and nobody has teeth,” Vanschmus said.

Luckily, poor dental hygiene among some Kansans has not seemed to taint their first impressions of the region.

“There are a lot of different people here who can wear what they want and act how they like and be proud of who they are,” Janusch said.

However, the American spirit is not unfamiliar to the students.

“Everything was like I expected,” Eva Jones

said, “just because Germans know a lot The students have also noticed that classes schule) at fifth grade. In America, Spanish about Americans, like the stereois the only language that can be at Free State have a largely relaxed atmotypes. I think they’re mainly taken first, in eighth grade. sphere. true.”

“The classes are smaller,” Jones said, “but “At some point you start “I think the “I think the biggest I don’t know if it’s just here in the school. to think [in] English, but biggest surprise surprise when we came They’re not as disciplined.” you always have to conto America was that all centrate all the time,” Adams noticed the opposite in Germany. when we came to the expectations that Krummel said.

“I never saw a kid even dare to text in America was that all the I had were true,” Lara class,” she said. “They seemed surprised that I “It’s hard, but Krummel agreed. “ I always brought my camera with me.” expectations that I had were okay because we hadn’t expected that Although they may seem a world apart, learn [English] in true. I hadn’t expected that school,” Eichblatt said. the American it would really be the and German students have found way we expected like common interests and are making friends for “I’ve been studyit would really be the way in the movies. People life. ing English for over we expected like in the dress, well--some While staying with their hosts, the exfive years and started people dress like they French in sixth grade, so change students are practically members of movies.” do in the movies. They act the family. that’s two languages for >lara krummel the same. It’s really cool. In a “Having Lara around has brought the famover four years. [In America] good way.” ily together,” Adams said, “and I hope it stays you start languages in eighth Germany’s school system is strucgrade, and that’s really late.” that way after she leaves, too.” tured unlike those of the United States and the United Kingdom.

“School is really different because our high school is from fifth to twelfth grade, so we don’t have a junior high,” sophomore Florian Eichblatt said. “We have three types of high schools: Gymnasium for the really good students, Realschule for the average students, and Hauptschule for the students with bad marks.” pizza All four of Free State’s German exchange Share a friends Visit a museum students go to Gymnasium. your h it mily to w “There aren’t extracurricular activities after your fa win e g n e ll nd Cha school [in Germany] because you join groups Volunteer in Call a friend game a a board with the town or the city,” Eichblatt said, “so the community the school spirit is one of the main reasons I came to America for one year. I really feel it here.”

Wr Learning English is mandatory in Germany, ite a othing n t a starting right after primary school (Grundh g pla u a L

You dont have to drink to have fun.

Dance

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Take a walk den t a gar

Jo ur na l yo ur tho ug hts

Play with your dog

Watc ha m ovie D ress up

PlanWatch it grow

Dress down

y

tball

Play baske

Be yourself

In Kansas, 7 out of 10 teens don’t drink.

FP opinion

october 4, 2012

caring for the country

page by riley buller

10

>citizenship starts long before students hit age 18

by catherine prestoy

I don’t pay attention to politics. I haven’t followed the election. I didn’t even know who Mitt Romney was until late in the summer.

However, I truly wish I would pay attention to politics.

We as a staff absolutely believe that teenagers should pay attention to politics. However, some of us believe certain grade levels have more of a responsibility in political participation.

Freshmen and sophomores don’t have to immerse themselves in politics, but they should at least take the time to be informed. It seems reasonable that juniors and seniors should keep a closer eye on the nation since they’ll be voting sooner.

Forming an opinion is key. Listening to both sides of an argument will help people develop their own opinions, allowing them to make the most informed decisions when voting.

In a Free Press staff survey, the majority of us stated that we do pay attention to politics-although, not as much as we’d like to.

However, we unanimously agreed that high school students should have an enhanced understanding of political happenings.

Political decisions affect how we are educated, how we are provided with healthcare,

how our country is protected and how much of our (and our parents’) paychecks go to the government to pay taxes.

Healthcare issues might not seem so important to us today, but when we have to pay for our own cavities to be filled or for our own visits to the doctor’s office, we will care. We might as well start paying attention now.

One vote can swing an election or set into motion necessary political reform.

One vote can determine our nation’s future.

Political participation is one of the greatest factors in making the United States a democraticallyrooted nation. Our ancestors risked their lives so we could vote and have an active voice in the government.

The opportunities allowing us to be politically involved separates the United States from

many nations around the world. We as Americans often take for granted the power that we have in shaping our government through political participation.

If we use our votes, we in turn can elect officials who can more accurately represent what we want and need as citizens. Imagine how efficient our government could be if we all participated.

Democracy works best when every person is doing his or her job.

Instead of viewing government as something in which citizens have no place, we should view it as a collaboration in which our voice is just as important, and even more important, than the government’s. As a generation of people is starting to vote, it is our job to decrease voter apathy and participate in elections on every level.

who would win the election if free state students were responsible for electing the president? visit fsfreepressonline.com to vote for your candidate of choice. the free press will release the results in november, just before the real election.

letter to the editor

>the free press is an open forum that accepts letters to the editor and guest writing, which must include the writer’s name. these articles may be edited due to space limitations, libel, or inappropriate content. please send your letters to fsfreepress@gmail.com.

Without political participation, our government would not reflect our values or be, as Abraham Lincoln said, “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

If we will eventually be running the nation, we might as well listen to NPR or watch the news once in awhile.

Lastly, students should form their own opinions instead of simply regurgitating their parents’ beliefs. Everybody has different beliefs, values and morals, so forming an opinion tailored to one’s ideals is not a difficult task.

Students should begin to think for themselves, because the future will soon be theirs.

We understand how difficult, frustrating and even boring it can be to follow politics.

However, almost every highly regarded news organization has smartphone apps that will provide alerts on any and all political news.

Romney and Obama actually have apps that present their views and provide up-to-date information on their campaigns. The same technologies that inundate us with political bias are now creating space for the clear, understandable facts that help us mold opinions.

I told you at the beginning of this article that I didn’t pay attention to politics, but I’ve convinced myself I should.

We are the Free Press staff and we approve this message.

Editor, In the Sept. 13 issue, proponents of Intelligent Design and the Kansas School Board both incorrectly use the term “Theory of Evolution” in an attempt to discredit it. Not acknowledging evolution is like not acknowledging gravity. Gravity is a fact: things fall. How gravity works is a theory. Evolution is a fact: things change. How evolution works is a theory.

Accepting the fact of evolution has nothing to do with belief or disbelief in God. Any reasonably omnipotent God could create evolution.

David Ludwick Free State staff

write your life. in six words.

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

she always says “life is good.”

Romney’s promises; like Kim’s wedding vows. >ciara sayler, 11

never accept failure; always chase success.” >riley buller, 12

cold weather is the worst thing.

puppy love. kitten love. our love.

becoming a cat lady at 17.

>lynne renick, teacher

>sam boatright, 12

>dante colombo, 12

>katie guyot, 12

october 4, 2012

dear free state

FP columns

page by darian koenig

11

from: katie guyot re: new drivers Dear Newbies Behind the Wheel, Whatever your parents say about your driving, rest assured: when I was learning the difference between the turn signal and the windshield wipers, mine said worse.

I can’t say the jabs, the jokes and the panicked passenger-seat gibberish weren’t well deserved. My parents could have won Medals of Honor just for remaining in their seats as I sputtered down Wakarusa in my mom’s minivan, weaving back and forth across the yellow line like an infant playing Mario Kart.

For those of you who haven’t yet had the opportunity to give your parents naturally gray highlights, there is no familial fright quite like the ceremonious passing of the car keys.

If your see the whites of your father’s eyes glistening when you enthrone yourself in the driver’s seat, know that those aren’t tears of pride collecting around his pupils--they’re the tears of a man who foresees a phone call with his insurance company in his near future.

In hopes of saving your moms and pops from premature heart attacks, I’d like to share with you the driving guidelines the DMV forgot to put on your test.

Katie’s Unofficial Supplement* to the Kansas Driving Handbook: Firebird Edition *Based entirely on firsthand experience.

1. Don’t forget to open the garage door before you back out.

And a subrule: always look behind you before you use that thing that is not called the prindle (but which I call the prindle anyway) to put the car in reverse.

Garage doors are stubborn. They know when there’s a dent the size of the Dead Sea in their metal walls, and they won’t budge until you get an expert out to hammer them back into place, maybe not even until you add in a new coat of paint as an extra apology.

Or, like me, you can dodge the issue by keeping your car on the street, where car washes are free whenever Kansas isn’t experiencing a drought.

size-six font, it could even say, “Go!” Red plus octagon equals stop.

But apparently, this universal rule doesn’t apply to some Free State drivers. Just a few weeks ago, I was rolling down Overland from Wakarusa and had to swerve onto the sidewalk when a driver coming from the roundabout mistook “STOP” for “SPEED UP.” I nearly took out the poor, neglected stop sign in the process--not that it would have been any less helpful on my front bumper than it was in the ground.

When you get out on the road on your own, remember that stop signs are not magical. To be safe, drive as if every other person behind the wheel has a woman in labor in the back seat and is trying valiantly to get her to the hospital in time for the birth.

That’s why they’re speeding.

Have some sympathy as you veer off the road to save your fragile life.

GO

2. Be wary of stop signs.

For you, me and the infinite majority of drivers in the world, a gleaming red octagon on the side of the road triggers an automatic reflex in the right foot that brings the vehicle to a perfect halt.

It doesn’t matter what the sign says: it could be in Spanish, it could be printed in

3. Turn down the radio when you’re trying to cut across 6th Street.

Racing through four lanes of 45-milean-hour traffic requires patience, precision and more than a pinch of luck. That boost of confidence you get from Florence + the Machine will do you no favors between Dillons and Orange Leaf.

4. Always keep a roll of paper towels within reach of the driver’s seat.

You don’t think the Kansas heat has the power to melt your steering wheel into a gooey tar pit until your hands get stuck at ten and two.

5. Move Heaven and Earth to avoid hitting a teacher.

I’ve had a few close calls while exiting the parking lot via the north entrance. Sometimes teachers act like deer in headlights. You would, too, if you saw a teenager on telephone books speeding toward you at thrice the recommended speed limit.

If, as you exit the parking lot, you happen to catch one of your esteemed professors packing their books and bags into the trunk of a car, don’t panic. They will see the fear in your eyes.

Instead, slow to a snail’s pace and cautiously lower the righthand visor so as to block their view of your face. You never know when an impromptu driving test could show up on your report card.

haunted entertainment It all started as parties for Steve Hoffine. “[Me, my brother and my friend] always had big [Halloween] parties with family and friends...and [the parties] just got bigger. A few years ago we had a 600 person party.”

And that’s when things sparked.

After attending a haunted house convention in St. Louis, Hoffine, his brother and his friend created The 3rd Street Asylum, an eerie, spectacular spookcenter in historic Bonner

Springs, fitted with clowns, spirits, demons and other fear-inducing attractions.

But Hoffine’s haunted house is not just your average, creepy, often laughable haunted house. Hoffine has the development of the 3rd Street Asylum down to a science.

“The whole theme of the Asylum is based on primal, instinctive fears,” Hoffine said. “The rooms inside the Asylum deal with all the senses you have. In the Spider Room...fishing line that you can’t see in the dark rubs against your face...

You think something’s crawling on you.”

By tapping into such common and basic fears through the senses, the Asylum caters to everybody, from the most seasoned haunted house

photo courtesy of tasitch

enthusiast to casual fright seekers and haunted house goers.

The use of sensory involvement in the haunted house allows for a well-rounded spooky experience. In the Asylum’s Clown Room, nauseous cotton candy odors invade one’s nostrils; however, the smell in other rooms may not be so pleasant.

Visitors do not just have to deal with monsters and ghosts; some of the most intense frights visitors face are internally generated.

“Rooms get smaller and you get in very tight spaces,” Hoffine said.

“Some of the tricks are to make you uncomfortable.”

This uncomfortableness enhances the haunted house experience, aiding in the overall eeriness of the house by drawing on fears that are seemingly hardwired into us; claustrophobia, the dark, etc.

Hoffine’s haunted house is so scary, that even some of the actors working in the old building are too afraid to venture it alone. Some actors even report seeing spirits walking around the 1918 building, the historic location in which the 3rd Street Asylum inhabits.

“A psychic came out and did a reading on the ghosts that live in the haunted house,” Hoffine said. “She... talked to us about the ghosts that lived in the school. Some are friendly and there is a teacher (ghost) that watches over us apparently. [She said there is] a [ghost] that lives in the basement, who supposedly killed the woman living upstairs. He’s very angry and not very happy with us.”

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, The 3rd Street Asylum is guaranteed to entertain, and/or scare the socks off of your feet. It also offers

a unique, more affordable, thrilling Halloween experience than Kansas City’s haunted houses--the Asylum costs $18 before coupons, while Kansas City’s most popular haunts cost $64. The 3rd Street Asylum is open every Friday and Saturday from 7 pm to midnight from Oct. 5 to Oct. 27, as well as on Halloween and Nov. 2.

If you’re too old to trick-or-treat-although I contest that as long as you dress up, you should get candy-or if you’re looking to do something adventurous and affordable, muster up the guts to visit The 3rd Street Asylum in Bonner Springs, Kansas.

Bring friends, parents, or even a date--maybe they will reach for your hand in the scariest of rooms in (cue creepy organ music) The 3rd Street Asylum.

uncovering sam boatright

FP

october 4, 2012

sports

page by darian koenig

the pep and the poms

>cheer and pom squad unite in spirit to pump up the crowd by rosemary newsome

Pom squad members huddle in preparation for the start of the game. Pom squad dances at halftime, as well as pumps up the crowd alongside the cheerleaders.

Cheerleaders motivate the crowd, waving their flashy pom-poms and directing chants.

We’ve all seen the signs around the school informing the student body of upcoming rivalry football games, watched the halftime shows full of flips, and joined in on the chants that seemingly start out of nowhere. This cultivation of school spirit emanates from the pom-poms of the cheerleaders and the jazz shoes of the pom dancers- two different groups of people that combine to form Free State’s spirit squad.

Paige Hofer, head coach of the spirit squad, explains that while pom strictly dances, cheer involves stunts and tumbling.

“Cheerleaders do more cheers with motion and jumps, like tumbling, gymnastics, and stunts, whereas pom, even though they do chants at the game, do more dances,” Hofer said.

Senior cheerleader Emma Perry agrees that the teams practice physically different motions, but also have slightly variant responsibilities for trying to increase school spirit. The cheerleaders typically launch the chants at games.

“We usually start everything . . . We take control and try and get people involved more,” Perry said.

Senior pom dancer Erica Langwell explains that the pom team is responsible for the entertaining halftime shows at sporting events.

“They [cheerleaders] don’t perform

at halftime--we do,” Langwell said.

However, both squads are the elves behind the making of the patriotic posters plastered throughout the school.

Although they are defined differently, the pom and cheer squads are often mistakenly grouped together because they share the duty of promoting spirit at the game.

For practical reasons their uniforms are also distinctly different. The pom squad wears stretchy black pants that are more weather appropriate at chilly night games and certainly provide more coverage and flexibility for their high kicks. The cheerleaders sport a more stereotypical uniform of flippy skirts and a patriotic LFS on their tops.

Despite lacking warmth, Langwell is jealous of her fellow spirit squad’s outfits. “I like the cheer uniforms, I think they’re cuter than the pom uniforms so I wish we had those,” she said.

Both sports have a chance to show off their talent at places besides games, called festivals.

Similar to a competition, festivals can be either cheer, pom or dual based, and participants compete for team and individual ribbons. “ They do perform and get . . . performance ribbons and performance trophies. You’re trying to get the highest level of trophy or highest level of ribbon you can get. Instead of beating another team you get a higher ribbon,” Hofer said.

Athletes from both squads have shared a passion for their sport since they were young.

“I’ve been doing it since I was little and it’s always just been something I’ve enjoyed,” Perry said. “It’s

dance

cheer at games make posters

tumbling skirts

pants freshman Ireland Ziegler s

10/12 10/9 upcomvarsity 10/13 games 10/5 FS vs.varsity FS vs. Wyandotte multiple 10/11 varsity varsity HOMECOMING FS vs. Shawnee East 7 p.m. @ home

opp. (meet) 5 pm @ St. Teresa’s Tri.

FS vs. LHS 7 p.m. @ LHS

7 p.m. @ home

FS vs. multiple opp. (meet) 9 a.m. @ Rim Rock

10/15 varsity FS vs. Mill Valley 6:30 p.m. @ home

start chants senior Emma Perry

breaking it downf down

halftime show

something to get me involved in at the school since I don’t really do other sports.”

Langwell also began dancing at a young age and plans to continue dancing beyond high school. “I want to dance in college but I haven’t decided where yet,” she said.

One might think the squads are full of drama and bitter feelings toward each team, but Langwell disproves any of the rumors.

“We get along. We don’t really see them [cheerleaders] that much because we practice at different times. But we all respect each other,” Langwell said.

Perry agrees that besides the occasional argument over who gets to stand in front of the student section, the squads get along and are all friends.

Hofer equally enjoys coaching both squads, making no preference toward one based on their talent or sport’s responsibilities. “I really enjoy all squads. Of course the dynamics are always different on different squads but they are all full of really good [people].”

cheer

pom squad sophomore Haley Johnson leads a group of aspiring cheerleaders at a Free State cheerleading clinic.

Cheerleaders and pom squad conduct the crowd in the Free State alma mater after a football game.

sports t cker