The
Free Press Firebirds Fumble pg. 8
Living the Classy Life pg. 6
Issue 2 December 16, 2021 Edition 25
Period Pantry pg. 10
FSJ Staff Editors in Chief
Isis Norris Maya Pavlyak
Photo & Multimedia Gracie Coleman Emma Hardesty Maya Lee Lady Ortega-Perez Isabelle Prô Caroline Börk Baya Burgess Karmina Douglas Addison Driscoll
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Reporters Jake Hedges Cici Hunter Olivia Roderick Natasha Torkzaban Copy Editors Mary Kate Shultz Nisa Khosh
Designers Lily Ye Madison Base Hannah De Guzman Business Lauren Tao Keren Pery Jack Randall
Illustrator & Cartoonist Gus Cordova
Table of Contents 4 Picture of Health 6 Living the Classy Life 8 Firebirds Fumble TABLE OF CONTENTS
10 Period Pals 12 Finding a Second Stage 16 Look Back at First Semester 18 Fall Sports Recap 20 The Free State Dispatch 22 Album Reviews 23 MK’s Book Corner 24 Opinion 26 Style Spotlight
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fall Sports pg. 18
28 Birds’ Word 30 Firebird Art
Free Press Online
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Have a story idea? Contact us by filling out the form below!
The opinions expressed in the Free Press are not necessarily those of the Free Press staff, the school administration or that of the USD 497 Board of Education.
PAGES BY DESIGNER
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Picture of Health Art teacher, students paint Heartland Community Health Center mural Story by Natasha Torkzaban
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n late August, art teacher Rachel Downs-Doubrava answered her phone, surprised with an opportunity for her students to collaborate on a mural for the new Heartland Community Health Center at 6th and Michigan. The center recently opened their new facility as a federally-funded resource for people without access to affordable healthcare. The organization aids those in need with all aspects of health, including primary care, dental and behavioral
health. Julie Branstrom, the Chief Development officer and director of the project, asked Downs-Doubrava to gather students to paint a mural for the new facility. The students were picked based on their art styles and how they would apply their skills to the mural. “This means that they have a lot of trust and confidence in the Free State artists,” Downs-Doubrava said. “They feel that much confidence in us that they want to have our mark in their building. They want it to be students and not necessarily professional artists. I think it’s really great.” The design of the mural was originally sketched by Downs-Doubrava, then edited and reimagined by senior art student Stella Grove. With the help of the other
Pointing at the mural, art teacher Rachel Downs guides students to what areas need more details.
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The final product of the work of art teacher Rachel Downs-Doubrava and students’ mural.
such as a pharmacy in the future. Heartland Health also partners with Panda Pediatrics; however, this is their first official health facility in Lawrence and it serves as the headquarters for the organization. “Heartland sees patients who are uninsured, have commercial insurance, Medicaid or Medicare,” Branstrom. “We see patients of all ages – birth through geriatrics. We use an integrated care model to address the needs of the whole person.”
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students, Grove composed a final design to be painted. The mural symbolizes the road to full body health, and aims to display a positive and inviting environment for the staff. The symbolic meaning of the mural, along with the real-world opportunity it provides the students with, has been significant for many of the artists. The mural embodies the overarching message that the organization is hoping to send: the importance of full body health. “Good health is a journey, not a destination and we must continue making healthy choices throughout our lives to achieve it,” Branstrom said. “[Our goal is] to include local art in our space and create beauty while also signifying health—physical, mental, social and spiritual.” The center plans provide more resources
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Living the Classy Life Club promotes “the finer things” Story by Cici Hunter
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lipping through books and eating cookies is the Finer Things club’s trademark, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. Interest in forming the club started when several students approached English teacher Kylee Johnston, about a focus on books, crocheting, cultural celebration and building community. The club name came from the season four episode of “The Office,” appropriately titled “Finer Things.” Since the club’s founding in 2015, attendance has nearly doubled. Members have taken on a variety of student-led
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PHOTOS BY GRACIE COLEMAN
activities, such as learning to make textiles and teaching each other origami. A normal meeting typically includes a discussion about the group’s current book or an answer to a student’s prompt. “Usually it starts with people going around introducing themselves,“ Johnston said, “then, everyone talks about what they’re reading, watching or listening to. We conclude [the meeting] talking together with a hobby talk.“ The wide variety of activities and student participation is what attracted junior Wendo Kimori to the club. ILLUSTRATIONS BY GUS CORDOVA
Club sponsor Kylee Johnston crochets with her students. The club started off with only a few students but attendance grew after the Club Fair. “I would say once we got a whole bunch of people, we have new hobbies,” sophomore Lina Matthews said. “Now we have lists of hobbies to do for the next months worth of meetings.”
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people tend to offer a lot of input,” Feng said. “That’s amazing because I really love hearing people talk about things they’re interested in.” The club is more than just a place where people drink tea and discuss their favorite books. It is a healthy, welcoming environment where all are able to converse about their passions. “Everyone is welcome to come,” Johnson said. “We are not snobs and we would love for you to come.”
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“I would say the club is a cool environment,” Kimori said. “There’s great people for you to meet.” Kimori joined the club only knowing a few of the people involved, but through meeting and getting to know more people, the individuals in the environment are now what she enjoys most. Co-president Erica Feng agreed with Kimori’s sentiments and would argue listening to people’s stories is her favorite part of the club. “We talk about a lot of things and I find
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Sophomore Lina Matthews demonstrates how to crochet. Matthews liked learning about different hobbies, but especially enjoyed teaching a hobby to her fellow club members. “I’ve never taught anyone to do that stuff, so it was super fun,” Matthews said.
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Football team eliminated in playoffs. Story by Cici Hunter
T Ball in hand, senior Dash Cleveland sprints down the field in the November 5 game against Washburn Rural. Cleveland earned 95 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The game ended 41:10 for the Firebirds.
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ackling a new season can be a daunting task, especially so after a winless record the previous year. This year, however, the varsity football team lost only three games out of 11. They made it to the quarter finals of the state playoffs. They were defeated by Derby High School, leaving them ranked sixth in the region. Varsity coach Kevin Stewart praised the team’s leadership after losses against Olathe North and Lawrence High School. “As a coach, I want to win every game,” Stewart said. “It bothers me that we lost to LHS and Olathe North, but [those games] didn’t diminish the rest of the season.” Feeling proud of the team’s starting
PHOTOS BY BAYA BURGESS
Seniors Dash Cleveland and Mozae Rivers-Downing embrace after their final defeat against Derby High. Rivers- Downing played defensive back while Cleveland held the running back position.
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Garcia added the team’s bonding left her excited for next season. She noted the team’s bond drove them to play better. Sophomore and defensive end for the junior varsity team Spencer Landis shared Garcia’s sentiment and thanked the upperclassmen for their hard work. “This year, we had a really great group of guys,” Landis said. “They brought us all together and turned us into a team that would last.” Looking to his next season, Stewart has high hopes. “Those players have worked hard this season as a team and I’m proud of them,” Stewart said. “I can’t wait for next year.”
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their success, the quarterback and senior Jet Dineen also spoke highly of the season. He said bonding with teammates over the summer helped lead to a successful season. “Those dudes on the field are honestly my best friends in the classroom and in school,” Dineen said. “It honestly makes us play better.” Dineen, who has played since the second grade, equated football to family, something that attracted sophomore Lawson Garcia when she became a team manager her freshman year. “I really like being a manager,” Garcia said. “I enjoy the learning experiences and the connections I get to make with the team.”
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Junior Will Young lines up before a play against Lawrence High School. Before an important game, Young focused on his goal; winning the state championship. “One of the things that gets me ready for a game is listening to music and remembering the major goal of the season,” Young said.
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Students aim to create menstruation equity Story by Olivia Roderick
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atching “Period. End of Sentence,” a documentary following women in rural India producing menstrual products, inspired freshmen Hazel Powers. She and her mother had a conversation about how the homeless population handles their periods. “It’s important to bring awareness to periods,” Powers said. “It’s a biological thing that happens to almost half the people on Earth.” Powers created Honor Moon, a period
“It’s a biological thing” freshman Hazel Powers pantry that provides pads, tampons and other menstrual products, with her friend freshmen Lily Wall. The pantry serves all in the community, regardless of gender identity or income. “Hazel and her friends decided to take it one step further and create Honor Moon,” Hazel’s mother Jenny Powers said. Honor Moon’s mission is to reduce shame and stigma around menstruation, while
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Freshman Maeve Nichols leaves a flyer and bag of period products in a small pantry downtown. To reach people not on social media, Honor Moon found alternate ways to advertise their pantry. “What we started doing is going downtown during the day and handing out little care bags, with a supplies in them with a flyer attached so they know when they can come by,” freshman Hazel Powers said.
providing a safe space, especially for those who menstruate but do not identify as female or don’t receive the support needed from adults in their life. Powers is currently working to officially make Honor Moon a nonprofit organization so the pantry can start receiving financial
PHOTOS BY EMMA HARDESTY
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“We’re really focusing on having it still be a thing even if we’re not here anymore, once we graduate,” Wall said. The pantry is open every third Thursday and Sunday of each month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is located at 512 East Ninth Street in Studio One. They also have a box outside of this office with supplies available at any time. Honor Moon can be contacted at honormoonlfk@gmail.com with any questions.
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contributions. The pantry has donation sites around town. Organizations such as KU sororities and the Bishop Seabury Feminist Club have held period product drives. The group is looking for any form of support: supplies or word of mouth. As for the future of Honor Moon, the founding members aim to extend their impact on the community. Distributing menstrual products and keeping the organization thriving are their main goals.
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Tying a bow, freshman Lilly Wall adds the finishing touches to a care bag of period products. For Honor Moon, being close friends made it easier for them to cooperate together as a pantry. “I’m friends with like, amazing girls,” freshman Hazel Powers said. “They really helped it get off the ground because they’ve got so many amazing ideas.”
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Freshmen Hazel Powers sorts period products into care bags. Honor Moon’s objective is to change the conversation about periods. “We’re just trying to let people know that it’s not anything to be embarrassed about or ashamed about,” Powers said.
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Reaching, junior Angel Waller performs a solo at a dance competition. Waller was passionate about her art. “I love expressing myself through movements,” Waller said. Dance is more than just the steps; the emotion behind the steps is the thing that keeps me going.”
Finding a
Lola Martin competes in a dance competition. Although she competes, Martin enjoys the noncompetitive aspect of dancing. “Sometimes in dance you get to perform and express without all of the stress of competing against others,” Martin said.
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Students participate in performing arts outside of school
xtra-curricular performing arts are a part of many students’ lives in addition to school-sponsored activities. After class is dismissed, many students often spend hours rehearsing in community-based programs. Each year, junior Julia Ruddy engages in a number of community productions. Theater and performance has been in Ruddy’s life since she was young. At Theatre Lawrence, she acts and works in sound and tech. Ruddy also takes dance and voice lessons, plays piano and guitar and participates in community theatre at the Arts Center.
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This involvement benefitted her in-school activities. “Because of my dance experience, I had the privilege of assistant choreographing ‘All Shook Up’ which gave me leadership as well as artistic experience,” Ruddy said. Another member of the theatre community, senior Olivia Evans, has performed both in and out of school for many years through the Lawrence Arts Center and Theatre Lawrence. “I absolutely love getting to perform on stage and it’s just really, really freeing,” Evans said.
PHOTOS COLLECTED BY BAYA BURGESS ILLUSTRATIONS BY GUS CORDOVA
“[performing is] just really, really freeing” - senior Olivia Evans
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Stage
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Senior Olivia Evans sings on stage during a local theatre performance.
Story by Jake Hedges
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Waller’s experienced background has led her to become an official recruit for the Louisiana State University dance team. “My dance family is so special to me and has helped me so much over the many years I have been at Dance Gallery and on the dance team at Free State.” Waller said. Despite the challenges it brings, students involved in community performance programs see many benefits. “Participating in community theatre is a huge time commitment but causes me to be more rigorous about my time management,” Ruddy said.
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While students have many opportunities to participate in community theatre, many also perform in local dance troupes. Spirit squad member sophomore Lola Martin has danced for 12 years and spends her days rehearsing outside of school. “My favorite thing about being a dancer is how I can express myself without talking and how dancing also translates to my everyday life,” Martin said. Junior Angel Waller has participated in competitive dance for 14 years. “There are so many different paths you can take in dance,” Waller says.
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A look back at
First Semester Students reflect on their experiences Story by Jake Hedges
Instagram Poll: Given the choice, would you go back to the old schedule?
36%
based off 211 responses
Yes
64%
No
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ith the first semester of the school year coming to a close, the new Flex Mod schedule as well as the challenges of education in the world of COVID-19 was a change in pace to all. The biggest change was the implementation of the Flex Mod schedule, a move that affected everyone in the building. “Adjusting to the schedule and just everything in general has definitely been a challenge, but I’m glad how first semester worked out,” junior Evie Stull said. After initial criticism, many students have adapted and become used to the new
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schedule. “I was very skeptical at first and honestly did not like Flex Mod at all, but now I really enjoy it and it’s super convenient,” senior Janice Werth said. With Flex Mod falling into place, a sense of routine has begun. “Things are definitely starting to feel normal again which is great after all of this time,” Werth said. Aside from changes during the school day, student athletes participated in fall sports and competed in a somewhat typical environment. “Even though fall sports got to meet and
How do you use ILT? I use it to do homework or take a well-needed break during school. @_jack.randall Working on my homework or spending time with friends. @silvicordi I literally do nothing or I walk to Starbucks or Walmart. @bredan_the_beluga_whale
It was rough at first, but, now that I’ve adapted, I like it a lot. @tatum_j11
based off 167 responses
No
It was really hard to navigate at first, but I ended up enjoying the length of classes and freedom. @emmalh0608
19% 81%
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In November, the theater department made a return with their performance of “All Shook Up.” “Finally getting to be able to somewhat normally put on a show after all of this time was so exciting,” junior Julia Ruddy said. Many students such as Ruddy have so much passion and dedication to what they do. “Performing on stage is a feeling you can’t find anywhere else, sharing art with the general public makes you feel like you’re giving something back to the world,” Ruddy said.
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compete last year, there was no sense of normalcy, so getting to finally come back -it definitely felt normal again,” senior Allison Babbit said. Several teams competed in state tournaments such as girls tennis, volleyball and girls and boys cross country. Now that school events are hosting spectators, students were able to watch a home football game for the first time in two years. “It was so fun and exciting to finally be at football [games] with all of my friends again,” senior Dayna Steadman said.
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Yes
Good. It gives me more free time and time to see friends. @alphacrab_
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Do you like the Flex Mod schedule?
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How has your first semester with Flex Mod schedule?
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Junior Claire Berquist finished the season by placing 7th at State.
Girl’s Golf “Cheering each other on at meets is always really fun. That experience of going to meets and hanging out with my teammates is always really fun.” - Audrey Hoey-Kummerow
l l a F
4th at State Gymnastics
Season Record 6-2 Foo tb
a ll
“My favorite experience this season was winning substate at home. This is the first time in FSHS history that a girl’s volleyball team has won three years in a row.” - senior, Madi Beeley
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Season Record 22-9 olleyball V
INTERVIEWS BY ALLISON MAYHEW & LADY ORTEGA-PEREZ
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“Competing for something, a common goal that’s bigger than each of us individually. It really means a lot. Especially with all the hard training we do, to be able to see that end result is really rewarding.” - Ben Shryock
Girls 6th at State Boys 4th at State
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Girl’s Tennis
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Sophomore Maya Lee and senior Dayna Steadman, doubles partners, finished the season with a 20-7 record.
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Boy’s
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Season Record 7-7-2
“I really love how wonderful it is to see the student section come alive after such a tough COVID-19 year. The energy of the stadium is unreal and I really hope that continues into basketball season.” - Angel Waller
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The Free State Dispatch A look inside students’ lives
STORY BY BROOKE BURGESS
Senior Rhea Scott sits with classmates during her ILT.
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PHOTOS BY ISABELLE PRÔ
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Some students have found comfort in spending their ILT in teachers’ classrooms as opposed to the Commons. “I usually stay in [Samantha] Ross’s room or I go home, because I don’t have classes after a lot of [my ILT],” senior Rhea Scott said. The Flex Mod schedule has significantly altered student life, according to many students, for the better. Scott appreciates that every day is different. “Last year and the year before, I didn’t realize [this] until now, but it just felt tedious,” Scott said. “I never got the option to branch out because I had the same friend group I could eat with in lunch every day.” Along with Polson, Jacobs uses her ILT to branch out and meet new people as well as spend time with friends. “Both Max and I are both really social, because we have a lot of our ILT together,” Jacobs said. ILT can serve as a mental break or as extra study time. Contrary to previous years, students now have time to do homework while at school. “It gives me extra time, which is something I didn’t have before,” Scott said. Overall, students in the Commons commented on the school’s positive nature. A large building and many students make the school overwhelming at first, but most students have adjusted. Helpful teachers and staff as well as a variety of activities have made the school a welcoming place. “I feel comfortable here,” Dittmer said.
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“Don’t limit yourself to one thing,” Dittmer said. Like many students, sophomore Tehya Jacobs’s favorite part of the school is sporting events. Football games are where she feels the most connected to the school. “I like the energy most of the time because it’s really uplifting, and I can be as loud as I want,” Jacobs said. However, the size of the school can be extreme for some. Although Polson describes himself as a social person, being around so many students all the time is exhausting. “It’s pretty draining to be in that type of environment sometimes,” Polson said.
Sophomore Tehya Jacobs talks with senior Noah Dittmer in the Commons.
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“Don’t limit yourself to one thing”
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nspired by “The French Dispatch,” Wes Anderson’s most recent movie, FS Journalism set out to introduce readers to the lives of students. Like the Cycling Reporter’s journey around Ennui, France, journalists uncovered students’ day-to-day routines, academic lives, social lives and opinions after venturing out into the Commons. Students had much to say on the topics of extracurriculars, classes and the new Flex Mod schedule. Students’ positive experiences include the many activities they participate in, from school sports to elective classes. Sophomore Max Polson is a swimmer for the swim and dive team. “When I’m swimming, my mind is clear, and I’m not really thinking about anything,” Polson said. “It’s just very relaxing to me.” The sport provides opportunity to build friendships and a place to have fun, similar to Noah Dittmer’s experience in concert choir. “...we just sing and it’s just a good time,” Dittmer said. In addition to choir, Dittmer is a part of many extracurriculars. To him, the school’s welcoming nature has encouraged him to participate in many activities.
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Album Reviews
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“Valentine” Snail Mail
“An Evening With Silk Sonic” Silk Sonic
by Isis Norris
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by Karmina Douglas
Valentine,” indie rocker Snail Mail’s sophomore album, tells the story of an all-consuming relationship: from an obsessive flame to a desperate attempt at rebuilding yourself. After her breakout 2018 album “Lush,” lead singer Lindsey Jordan discovered the dark side of fame at a young age. She discusses the effects of both of these experiences throughout the album, singing in “Forever (Sailing),” “Doesn’t obsession just become me?” While individually, almost every song is a great example of Jordan’s unique voice and intricate guitar leads, the album becomes repetitive. The subject matter rarely deviates from her recent heartbreak. However, “Valentine” is a promising venture in Jordan’s young career.
aking the world by storm, the duo known as Silk Sonic -- composed of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak -released their debut album, “An Evening With Silk Sonic,” on Nov. 12. The nine-track album has R&B, soul, funk and pop themes and sprouted three singles: “Leave The Door Open,” “Skate,” and “Smoking Out The Window,” as well as the “Silk Sonic Intro.” With four of nine songs being pre-released, there was little room left to wonder what else to expect from the album. Each song connected perfectly with the last, it felt like listening to music and a story all in one. Each song grabs your attention in various ways, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
PHOTO BY ISABELLE PRÔ
“Red (Taylor’s Version)” Taylor Swift
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by Nisa Khosh
aylor Swift’s “Red (Taylor’s Version)” tells the story of a breakup and its aftermath. The original version of “Red” was released in 2012. Swift has been re-recording her previous albums to own the rights to the masters. Nine of the 30 songs on the album had never been released. As I was listening to the album, I could tell that there were notable differences. For example, in 22 she makes it more of a country song. Don’t get me wrong, I love her country music but I don’t want to hear it in “Red (Taylor’s Version).” However, I absolutely love the new version of “The Lucky One.” In my opinion, “Red (Taylor’s Version)” has more emotion in her voice and I can truly feel the heartbreak that she’s going through. Originally, “Red” has never been in my top five albums. However, “Red (Taylor’s Version)” has certainly changed my mind about the album. Until Swift releases her next album rerecording, “Red (Taylor’s Version)” will be the only album I listen to.
MK’S BOOK CORNER The Midnight Lie By Marie Rutkoski CW: violence, abuse, emotional manipulation, sexual harrassment/assault, homophobia, drug usage
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was determined to switch up the genre for my second book review. But, over the last two months, stressed out by the musical and college applications, I have been unable to deny my heart of what it wants: another fantasy novel. And, once started, “The Midnight Lie” is hard to put down. “The Midnight Lie” follows a girl named Nirrim, who lives in the lowest-class part of Ethin, a city divided in caste-like levels. She doesn’t question why she must eat bland food and wear drab clothing while the upper class attend parties Gatsby would envy. But when a traveler visits, Nirrim’s fate, and Ethin’s, is greatly changed. All of the characters in “Midnight Lie” are tangibly human. Nirrim is endearing and relatable, if a bit naive. She makes real, consequential mistakes, but you root for her anyway. Even the “bad” characters have realistic motives—reinforcing how desperate of measures these impoverished people have to resort to. The writing of “Midnight Lie” drew me in from the start. Nirrim’s narration is crisp, descriptions of setting are poetic, yet approachable. There’s a perfect amount of specifics and snapshots of daily life in Ethin that it feels real. I wanted to know the stories behind every detail and every side character. On the surface, “The Midnight Lie” is about a magical bird and a slow burn romance and potions. But, if you open up to this story, you’ll see it’s more than that. It’s about systemized oppression and corruption caused by wealth and power. It’s about a teenage girl finding the courage to challenge her beliefs and fix the injustices surrounding her. “The Midnight Lie” is simultaneously the YA fantasy romance we all secretly love and a complex commentary on morality, equality and power. Two for the price of one is a deal you shouldn’t refuse.
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Banned Ideas
Goddard school board restricts access to controversial books
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story by Isis Norris
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hink back to your favorite bedtime story. The first one that totally drew you in, enveloped you, and created a brand new world around you. That book opened your horizons and showed you a way of life different from your own. Maybe it taught you there are other people just like you, that your differences should be celebrated and explored. In Goddard, Kan., the school district responded to a parent’s concerns about “The Hate U Give,” a novel about the aftermath of a police officer shooting an unarmed Black teenager, by taking it and 28 other books out of the library’s circulation. “It was just brought to our attention that that list of books may have content that’s unsuitable for children,” Julie Cannizzo, assistant superintendent for academic affairs, said. Other books on the list include “The Handmaid’s Tale,” a dystopian novel that examines gender, power and religion; “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” a coming-of-age story that deals with sexuality, drugs and abuse; and “They Called Themselves the K.K.K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group,” a non-fiction book documenting the founding and rise of the Ku Klux
Klan. While the Goddard school district has dropped their investigation into these books, this kind of reactionary censorship is incredibly dangerous. The freedom to learn is a cornerstone of democracy. By banning books, information is deemed harmful. The American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights states, “Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.” A famous saying among librarians is that a truly great library contains something in it to offend everyone. Libraries provide a space for intellectual growth. Without judgement, they aim to contribute information to every member of the community. To some, that is a frightening idea. In this day and age, reading can be an act of resistance. Visit the school library, find something that introduces you to a new perspective and challenge your beliefs. The Free State school library has nine of the 29 books Goddard proposed to ban available for check-out according to the library data base.
“Anger is a Gift” by Mark Oshiro “Black Girl Unlimited” by Echo Brown “Blended” by Sharon M. Draper “Crank” by Ellen Hopkins “Fences” by August Wilson “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic” by Alison Bechdel “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe “Heavy” by Kiese Laymon “Lawn Boy” by Jonathan Evison “Lily and Dunkin” by Donna Gephart “Living Dead Girl” by Elizabeth Scott “Monday’s Not Coming” by Tiffany D. Jackson “Out of Darkness” by Ashley Hope Perez
OPINION
in the Goddard school district
“All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson
OPINION
“Satanism” by Tamara L. Roleff “The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime that Changed Their Lives” by Dashka Slater “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by
OPINION
Sherman Alexie “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison “The Girl Who Fell From the Sky” by Heidi W. Durrow “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
OPINION
29 banned books
“#MurderTrending” by Gretchen McNeil
“The Handmaid’s Tale: The Graphic Novel” adapted by
“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky
OPINION
Renee Nault
“The Testaments” by Margaret Atwood “They Called Themselves the K.K.K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group” by Susan Campbell Bertoletti “This Book is Gay” by James Dawson “This One Summer” (graphic novel) by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki “Trans Mission: My Quest to a Beard” by Alex Bertie Books Available in the Free State Library
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best of
STYLE SPOTLIGHT What would you like to see more in fashion?
What/who inspires your style? Definitely Lady Gaga, her approach to fashion as an art form instead of functionality, which isn’t practical at all, but it’s still inspiring. It’s cool.
I want to see more quality over quantity, less fast fashion and less logos. Logos aren’t really needed.
What's your go-to clothing store?
Is there a fashion trend you think is overrated?
I like ATC (Arizona Trading Company). Also ,Goodwill, Salvation Army.
Flip flops are overrated. I feel like there's always a sandal trend.
Jude Seibel Junior
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PHOTOS BY BAYA BURGESS
STYLE STYLE
Chloe Mure-Limburg Who/What is your inspiration? A lot of models and Instagram influencers and also Tik Tok.
STYLE STYLE
How would you describe your style? I try to wear some clothes I like, but usually in school I just wear something that's comfortable and chill.
STYLE
Sophomore
Where do you shop most?
What do you hope to try more of?
I try to go thrifting to be sustainable, but I do a lot of online shopping and Urban Outfitters or UNIF and then Why Not Us.
I want to get more statement pieces and skirts.
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M
o
Barratt . s
n Vaeon Airforces, even though I’m wearing them right now...
Junior Some of the phrases.
Math Teacher
Collin s e s
Mil
Like all of those middle school phrases like “sheesh” or “bussin’” that are used to describe other words will be embarrassing or cringy.
Cut out shirts,
even though I’m wearing one right now...
Senior
28
Birds’ Word What is one trend that is going to be cringy in the future?
G
e
e Mon g s a
dances.
BIRDS’WORD
right now get most of their humor from it and they will realize in the future it’s not really funny or original.
Freshman
BIRDS’WORD
on
Tik Tok, ...people
Max Pols
BIRDS’WORD BIRDS’WORD
Probably just the TikTok
BIRDS’WORD
Collected by Natasha Torkzaban
Sophomore
PAGES BY LILY YE
29
i b r d e r i F Ar t Avery Stejskal Senior
This was one of my first attempts at throwing on the wheel. I was pretty proud of myself. When it came time to fire, our whole class went outside to fire our pieces. Once it was fired, one of my classmates took it out of the flame and set it on a brick. I decided to have horse hair on my piece. Since it was hot, the horse hair melted on the cup.
30
COLLECTED BY GRACIE COLEMAN
Karlie Aldrich Sophomore
ART
The project is supposed to express some sort of emotion we were feeling and what color we associate them with, so I choose purple for the anxiety I was feeling lately. Everything was very overwhelming for a couple of weeks and it seemed like I just couldn’t catch a break from all the drama, so I was stressed more then usual and I just put my emotions into the art.
ART
PAGES BY MADDIE BASE
ART
My favorite part in creating this picture is the shallow depth of field! Getting the focus of the camera to focus on the flowers and bringing down the exposure maybe even added a little contrast to it.
ART
Freshman
ART
Alejandro Sanchez
31
Photo Finish
A. Senior Gabby Carttar performs on stage in the November production of “All Shook Up.” Carttar played Sylvia, a character who owns a popular diner.
B. Senior Audrey Hoey-Kummerow cheers for her teammates. HoeyKummerow strives to be positive even when she faces obstacles during her own performances. “I do my best to uplift my teammates and keep our spirits up but it can be challenging after a rough routine,” Hoey-Kummerow said. Photo by Baya Burgess C. Dressed in a shark costume, junior Cason Cregg plays his trumpet during the band’s halftime show. Photo by Addie Driscoll
A
C
B
D D. Performing his first song of the night, senior Jayden Morris sits in front of the crowd at Coffee House Jamz. Morris plays piano and guitar. “I really enjoy practicing music and people usually like when I play for them, so I try to take the opportunities that I can.” E. Raising his arms in victory, senior Patryk Hupert celebrates after winning a soda in a ring toss game at IPS’s Trunk or Treat. This was Hupert’s first time at E the IPS Trunk or Treat event. “The best part of Trunk or Treat was seeing all the cool stations with the different clubs and getting to see kids’ faces light up when they got candy,” Hupert said.