Free Press: Issue 6, Edition 21

The

Free Press

First look at

Issue 6 • 15 March 2018 • Edition 21

Meet

Spring Baby Sports Grit and Photo by EMMA PRAVECEK Page by GOLDIE SCHMIEDELER

Students take 17

Minutes of Silence

Free Press Feedback Anonymous students respond to issue 5 I liked some of the pictures that were taken because they looked cool. But some of them weren’t taken at the right moment which doesn’t make them as exciting. I think next time the pictures could be more planned and the photographers could be ready to take the photo when something interesting is happening.

I liked how they made the articles relatable to anyone at school and how you can see other peoples point of views. I didn’t like how some of the pages had a block of empty space and how some of the font could be bigger to fill the space.

I like the design of the newspaper and the pages but some photos have jagged edges because of the green screen which is I did not like the sports story or the format of that page and an easy fix and the staff editorial could be improved in regards the emptiness of it. I really liked the story about colleges. The to the layout and the wording since some phrases were really art section was messy and it could have used more quotes repetitive. from the artists explaining or talking about their work. I liked the art feature and that there is a page dedicated to student I believe that issue five could have had some improvements, art, the page just felt messy and like it was done in a rush. though I’m positive the writers and editors are working very hard on it. There is some color changes I would like to be I liked the stories, they where well-written and diverse. I didn’t made though. quite like the layout of page 25 and 22. I’d like to see less cut off in the gutter.

I find it endearing that so many students get to star in the schools paper. I think a questions and answers section will I liked the front and the back of the issue. It would be better really spice up the paper! if they use the lead more wisely to attract readers and use surprising statements to make people want to know more.

Dislike: On page 25 it was hard reading the text sideways.

Likes: The design of page 16.

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Pages by GOLDIE SCHMIEDELER

Issue 6 • 15 March 2018 • Edition 21 Art

News

Parking lot news: Busted.......4-5

PALS for Paras.........................6-7

Featured Art........................14-15

Photo Youth of the Future..............24-25

Profiles

Sports

Teacher Profile....................16-17

Spring Sports Preview...........26-27

Feature True Grit............................... 8-11

Black Excellence..................18-19

Style

Style Watch..........................20-21

Editorial Deportation Information........22

This Issue...

This Issue...

Photo Editor

Designers

Entertainment Get Outside............................28-29 Wakanda Forever....................30-31 What Early 2000s Online Game are you...........................................32

Reporters

Photographers

Mackenzie Bickling................. Evan Cornell........................... Ahmed Jakmouj...................... Alexis McKown......................

Print Co-Editors in Chief Adam El-hamoudeh............... Jori Rudisell............................. Emma Pravecek......................

Maya Hodison........................

Sports Editor Greta Hayden.........................

Juna Murao............................. Will Cook................................

Design Editor

Business Editor

Goldie Schmiedeler................ Carly Oliver.............................

Copy Editor Erin Liston..............................

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Parking Lot Violations

BUSTED

Story by JORI RUDISELL

Deeper look into the parking lot system

Patrolling the parking lot, Security Guard, Chris Goulter, looks for cars to ticket. Chris is usually patrolling the parking lot for a couple hours a day but if he gives out a lot of tickets it can be more. “I think the school benefits from having an outside presence at lunch because that’s when you see the chance for accidents and fights, and hopefully having someone out there will help deter the fights and not drive quite so crazy” Goulter said.

S

tudents have experienced confusion and frustration when it comes to parking violations and as to why there are security guards who are specifically dedicated to the parking lot.

Lawrence High School and Free State differ in how they monitor their parking lots.

“We have a parking lot that is self-contained, while Lawrence High’s parking lot has gotten bigger over the years,” security guard Chris Goulter said. “I think they still have kids that park off campus. Their school is so crazy that their security guards are busy [being] focused on everything else.”

For students who are ticketed there are rumors of dire Photos by ALEXIS MCKOWN

Pages by EVAN CORNELL

consequences if fines are unpaid.

“We don’t want to withhold anyone’s diploma, but on the other hand if fines aren’t paid, they are turned over to a collection agency,” assistant principal Mike Hill said.

Hill’s duties include supervision of security staff and overseeing school facilities. He says the administration tries to be understanding when it comes to car troubles for students.

“We understand. We’re not going to ticket a kid as long as they communicate with us,” Hill said.

But there are concerns that have been voiced by students that say otherwise. Junior Amelia Peters’ car broke down and she had to borrow her parent’s car for one day which resulted

in a $20 ticket.

“They said there was nothing they could do because I couldn’t prove it was a one-day thing,” Peters said Senior Anna Bial, who leaves after fifth hour because of a reduced schedule, experienced a run in with a parking fine. She returned to school during seventh hour for a choir rehearsal and parked in the visitors’ section. After her rehearsal, she discovered a ticket on her car for a parking violation.

Students question how can someone who has not purchased a parking pass or registered their vehicle be held accountable for paying fines.

“If we give a car multiple tickets and we don’t know who it belongs to, we’ll have the police run the tag and figure out who it belongs to,” Goulter said.

Parking violation fines vary by

offense, but all go into a fund called “Parking Fines.”

“We have used that fund for parking lot improvements that are not done at the district level,” Hill said. “We have also used it for grounds beautification in the past.”

Aside from observing the parking lot for reckless driving and parking violations, the security guards who monitor the lot are doing it first and foremost for students’ safety.

Without a permit, it is unknown whether the ticketed person is a student who has not purchased a pass or someone who is on the school property without having checked and parked in visitors’ parking.

“I try to keep track of everybody who is coming and going as best as possible [and] make sure they have passes,” Goulter said. “Other than that, [my job is] driving around and making sure nobody’s coming in.”

Tickets are handed out if the student is parked in the wrong grade level area or if they park incorrectly. “Personally, the only reason tickets are getting handed out from what I have recognized, are for not having a parking pass,” junior Hayley Smith said. “I think they should be handed out for how people drive in the parking lot or how they park. A lot of people will take up two spots and it sucks because our parking lot is small enough as it is.”

During the school day Chris Goulter, a school security officer who monitors the parking lot, may give out 10-20 tickets a day for various violations in the student parking lot. During the beginning of the school year, he gives out up to 50 tickets for people who didn’t have a parking pass. “I think the school benefits from having security monitor the lot,” Goulter said. “Having an outside presence is helpful when we have accidents or fights.”

PALS for Paras

During Blake Swenson’s US Government class, paraprofessional Pat Mansfield helps senior Dillion Sharma study for a few more minutes before a test. “I do enjoy being a para,” Mansfield said. “It feels really satisfying to help a student make progress in a class. I also learn something every day in my English and history classes along with the students.”

F

or the past year paras around the district have joining the Lawrence Education Association to unionize for better rights for paras working for Lawrence Pubic Schools.

First, however, Paraeducators Association of Lawrence need at least 51% of paras in the district join LEA before they can petition the school board for the right to negotiate their pay and work conditions. Complicating this effort is their salaries are too low for some paras to pay the membership fees.

The majority of paras in the district work with special education students and help students in the classroom with assignments and homework.

The paras in the group are working for equal treatment within the academic workforce. They are trying to reform in areas

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Pages by ADAM EL-HAMOUDEH

district-wide to include livable wages (many members have 2-3 jobs), an increase in training for job assignments, an increase in recruitment efforts for vacant positions, clear communication, as well as professional development and job safety.

In Kansas, the only other district that has a para union is Wichita. Gene Neely, regional field representative with the Kansas National Education Association believes the union will benefit the district by gaining more permanent paraeducators.

“We believe that we can provide options that the district could implement that would result in a significant increase in the district’s ability to recruit all the paras needed to support district students,” Neely said. “To keep them on the job rather than

Photos by ALEXIS MCKOWN

Story by JUNA MURAO

District Para- Educators unionize for better treatment

Pat Mansfield was a para at West Junior High School for five years before she came to Free State High School. “I have been a Para for about 17 years,” Mansfield said.

have a continual revolving door for paras leaving and entering the district.”

Patricia Mansfield has been a para for 17 years and has seen this revolving door first hand. The root of the problem with keeping new paras are the low wages they earn.

“People are here for awhile and then they go to something else, because primarily they can’t afford to stay here on the long term, sometimes they have three jobs,” Mansfield said.

Holding a job as a para mostly goes unnoticed in academic settings, however, Mansfield believes being a para is rewarding.

“We want it to be viewed as a real job,” Mansfield said. “We interact in so many different areas, it is important for us to be trained in those areas. We want to do a good job and be seen as doing a good job.”

The more paras who join the union, the more influence they will have as a group, explained music teacher at Broken Arrow and Woodlawn Elementary, Megan Epperson.

“The more members we can show in support of these goals, the stronger the message,” Epperson said. “We are continuing to reach out for membership and communicate with our own members about ways to volunteer, organize and strengthen our union.”

Epperson was one of six certified teachers who volunteered to help get the effort going last spring. Now teachers have stepped away and paras are at the forefront of the effort.

The group has more than half of the 220 members they need to petition the school board after less than one year organizing.

They anticipate their membership campaign continuing into next school year.

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School community comes together to support child of faculty members Story by ERIN LISTON

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Photos courtesy of the Henderson family

Pages by GRETA HAYDEN

I

n mid-December of 2017, Family and Consumer Science teacher and freshman football coach Nolan Henderson and special education teacher Laura Henderson noticed their son Grit was starting to get flu-like symptoms, and had a hard mass in his lower abdomen. After many doctors appointments, pediatricians diagnosed Grit with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer that was found in Grit’s prostate. The Hendersons were admitted to Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.

At first, doctors were not positive on what the mass could be. Grit’s type of cancer doesn’t usually form in young infants, so they didn’t initially say it was cancer.

“I kept holding out hope for that, and my wife may be a little bit more of a realist than me, but when somebody tells you there’s a chance there’s always a chance,” Henderson said. “I don’t know I think that’s just the coach in me. Don’t tell me I can’t win and next thing you know they told us the day after Christmas that it was cancer and it was pretty devastating.”

Saint Jude’s offers a special type of radiation called proton beam therapy which minimizes the damage from radiation.

“On a little tiny boy that’s going to be very important and next thing you know we went to talk to our doctor at Children’s Mercy about it and she had said, ‘We already opened up that discussion with Saint Jude’s for you’ so before we even brought it up and then we had been accepted,” Henderson said.

Recently, Grit’s treatment has changed to make it

Teacher Laura Henderson holds her son Grit with her daughter Ella. Grit’s situation has proven difficult for Ella, but she has stayed strong throughout the process. “She’s still happy, but ... seems a little lost. ... When we’re together we try to make the best of it and have fun,” father Nolan Henderson said.

more aggressive in order to fight the cancer.

“So now that we’re on a little bit more aggressive treatment, as long as the cancer responds, there’s a 75% chance that it will never come back,” Henderson said. “For me with all the support, you know our positive vibes people and our prayer warriors I just don’t know how we can’t win.”

There are many milestones a baby goes through in the first few months of their lives. Grit has been on schedule for all of his childhood developments so far.

“I’ve made developmental charts like I have in my human growth and development books and just check them off the list and stuff and he’s developing right along despite going through chemotherapy and the cancer,” Henderson said.

Continued On Page 10

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“He’s right at that age where he’s going to start rolling over and flipping over.”

Most parents know the struggles of having a baby, but Grit is a different story.

“He is what parents would call the perfect baby. He sleeps through the night, he doesn’t wake up,...he doesn’t cry, rarely fussy, when he is fussy you know exactly what’s wrong,...you know he’s big, he’s a big baby,” Henderson said.

Students and staff have created many platforms for people to help out. Students and the spirit team have organized fundraisers including selling t-shirts and wristbands.

“You know the hard part is being separated and when I walk into this building I feel nothing but positive energy and hope and the prayers,” Henderson said. “This place is an outlet for hope for me between the students and the staff and my friends.”

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America raised $1,300 during a coin collection to support the Henderson family.

Teachers from across the district have donated more than 175 leave days to the district Catastrophic Leave Pool in January and February when the Hendersons’ plight was announced. Out of the many teachers that gave their leave

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days math teacher Laura O’Neil and English teacher Sam Rabiola made the largest single donations.

“I thought that they needed them more than I did,” O’Neil said. “The district only pays something like $25 per day for accrued sick leave when you retire or leave the district. I would much rather help the Hendersons than get a small check when I leave the district.”

“Incredible” is how Principal Myron Graber described the support the community has given to the Hendersons.

“Unfortunately, it usually takes a crisis to bring a community together,” Graber said. “We can learn from and continue to be support and be caring in all aspects of life.”

As a football coach, Henderson has always had big dreams of becoming a head coach in the sport, but after all of the support the school has offered to his family, he doesn’t know if he could ever teach or coach anywhere else.

“You know unless something magical comes up that’s one of those once in a lifetime opportunities [I’ll take it],” Henderson said. “But you know what we have with this community and what they’ve done for us and my family and Grit and Laura and Ella that’s once in a lifetime,...I don’t think I want to move somewhere and make somebody else’s community and kids better, I want to do that here.”

Overwhelmed, teacher Nolan Henderson and his daughter, Ella Avant, stand with a check for $4,000. Henderson received the check through t-shirt sales from the spirit squad. “I’m happy to know that in times of need Lawrence is able to rally behind the people of need in their community,” Henderson said. Pictures courtesy of the Henderson family

After this first initial push, students can still help support the Henderson family, by donating at football games next year and going to different events, such as pancake feeds, to help fundraise.

“As we move forward there’s still some more benefits,” Henderson said. “As a football coach our season really picks up when summer starts and we’re going to have some events.”

When the family is together in Memphis they like to make things as normal as possible. They spend time at the Bass Pro Shop because Grit loves fish, watch movies and play games together.

“Grit’s got a fascination with fish, so we go look at the fish...you know and just try to be a little family, and watch movies, play a little Super Nintendo you know that kind of stuff so we just make it as normal as possible.” Henderson said.

In Memphis, there is a team called the Memphis

Grizzlies, and their slogan this year means something great to the Henderson family.

“Their team slogan this year is ‘Grit and Grind’ so all over the city there’s these signs that say ‘Where’s your Grit?’ so there’s that kind of mental connection for us there to really know that it’s a special place,” Henderson said.

After reading multiple books about the term ‘Grit,’ Henderson has discovered a newfound meaning and appreciation for the term, so deciding to name his son Grit wasn’t a tough decision, with the exception of getting his wife to agree.

“So [‘ve] always liked the term ‘Grit’ you know hardworking, persevere, tough, tenacious, having the guts and the grit to accomplish something no matter how tough... and I was like you know what? Grit,” Henderson said.

“Laura and I talked about it and she said “no,” it’s too cliche, but I just started calling him Grit when she was two months pregnant, like ‘hey how’s Grit doing?’ and then it kind of stuck and that’s where it came from.”

Everytime Grit sees his father, he lights up in a way that is unexplainable.

“So the very first thing that he does when he sees me is just have this big, electric, bright smile, and he can be feeling sick or fussy; like my wife would say ‘you need to get here so he’ll smile’ and it’s like no matter how fussy he is or how sad he is I can turn that around just by looking at him and smiling, that’s such a cool thing,” Henderson said.

It is important to know is how rare Grit’s cancer is, and how he needs to have grit to fight it.

Grit is only the second 2-3 month old diagnosed with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and it is incredibly rare on the prostate.

“I want people to understand how rare embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma is, there’s less than 200 cases a year and Grit is only the second or third 2-3 month old that has been diagnosed, ever,” Henderson said. “But you know I guess he’s got the name Grit for a reason, I was hoping that it was for something different, but he’s gotta have it now he has no choice and we all have to have the ability to grit and grind it out and we are going to win this thing. I can promise you that.”

Attending a doctor’s appointment, teacher Nolan Henderson holds his son Grit. Despite the difficult circumstances, Henderson has always believed that his son will power through the cancer. “My faith is strong, my belief in humanity is strong ... I just think our chances of winning are right around 100%,” Henderson said.

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Junior JORDAN NATIONS February:

“Whenever I make art, it’s a way to get out everything I am thinking about. I like to focus on soft things, like flowers and fruits. Then in my personal journals, [I portray] deeper stuff.”

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Pages by GRETA HAYDEN

Artist

of the Month

Gabriella Gorman, junior

Senior EMILY LOW March:

“I enjoy making art because it’s a way to express myself, but also something that I have a lot of fun doing. It takes my mind off of the craziness of the world around me.”

Jeseung Lee, senior

Grant Holmes, junior

Featuredart

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Teacher Profile New Social Studies Teacher Makes Impression Story by WILL COOK

Pointing at the board, teacher Blake Swenson begins class with his daily bellwork question. Swenson is focusing on creating the base content for all his classes while creating strong relationships with the students. “The most effective teachers are those that have the inherent trust and respect of their students,” Swenson said.

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or first year social studies teacher Blake Swenson, politics has been in his life since he was a young child.

“My family has been involved with the Kansas Democratic Party since my great grandfather was treasurer of the party back in the 1930s-1940s,” Swenson said.

Even into his later years of education, Swenson continued

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Photos by EMMA PRAVECEK

to become more interested in politics. He decided in high school that he would study political science in college.

Upon entering the University of Kansas in 2000, Swenson swiftly became involved in many political organizations.

He participated in Student Senate, Delta Force, the University Daily Kansan and the Black Student Union. Swenson eventually ran for the office of Student-Body President in

Pages by EVAN CORNELL

At the beginning of class, teacher Blake Swenson scrolls on his computer. Swenson has had a great experience at Free State so far. “I love the students, my colleagues and the environment that the administration has helped create,” Swenson said.

2004. He was also named the Black Student Union Leader of the Year in 2005.

After graduating, Swenson entered the food business, another interest he had always maintained. He worked at various restaurants in Lawrence as well as the Kansas City area. Swenson was also hired to provide private catering for events, including his own wedding.

After working in the food business for ten years, Swenson began to pursue his teaching license at Emporia State University. Following the completion of his course at Emporia State, Swenson began teaching at Crest High School in Colony, Kansas.

“It was an intense job [at Crest] because I had as many preps as the students had classes in addition to my two and half hour commute everyday,” Swenson said.

For Swenson, it seemed only logical that he taught social studies classes as a teacher.

“I had spent most of my time in kitchens teaching coworkers about American History and American Government,” Swenson said. “It felt like a natural transition to begin teaching the nation’s youth.”

Swenson was then hired to teach at Free State. Similar to his time in college, Swenson has quickly become involved in the educational community of Lawrence.

“I am currently the Building Representative for the Lawrence Education Association and am on a district committee that oversees the evaluation process of teachers,” Swenson said.

In the classroom, Swenson teaches government classes for seniors and U.S. history classes for juniors.

“Going into this year, I wasn’t really expecting very much

because [Swenson] is a first year teacher and I thought he would probably need this year to warm up,” senior Thomas White said.

Swenson, along with a few other social studies classes, have instituted discussions over current world and political events. The discussions are made up of subjects that interest the students most.

“Everyone, no matter how well you know government or what your grade is in the class, is able to contribute to these discussions which makes people develop an interest in government,” White said.

The discussions can get heated as the sub-topics discussed are brought up by students; however, Swenson believes conversations with less restrictions leads to more educational and engaging dialogue.

“He finds a way to create a classroom environment where kids with polar opposite political ideologies respect each other, listen to each other, and where no one is right or wrong except when it comes to facts,” White said.

Swenson was also involved in organizing the teenage governor candidate forum that took place in early September.

Likewise, Swenson believed the event should be student-run to create a more engaging conversation for the students.

“It’s a fun environment to learn and he brings a lot of fun stories,” junior Anna Welton said.

Swenson intends to stay at Free State to continue teaching social studies courses.

“My experience at Free State has been great,” Swenson said. “I love the students, my colleagues and the environment that the administration has helped create.”

Sitting at his desk, teacher Blake Swenson checks his laptop. Swenson’s first year at free state has been enjoyable. “I look forward to coming to work everyday,” Swenson said.

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Black

Students reflect on the importance of Black History Month

Story by MAYA HODISON

P

laying sports, going to school and voting seem so simple, but these rights and countless others have never been easily accessible for African-Americans.

Courageous and powerful black leaders have fought, and many have given their lives, for freedom and opportunities.

In 1926, the Study of African-American Life and History created a national Negro History Week on the second week of February to coincide with Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’ birthdays.

Negro History Week eventually developed into Black History Month. Since 1976, every year the month of February has been designated as Black History Month.

Students take this as a time to truly reflect on how they came to be where they are today.

people and grow as a community. I feel like you don’t always think about it.”

Despite all the negativity African-Americans face, Windibiziri believes they come together more as a community instead of acting hostile.

“We work to make it better for us and make other people see all the great things we can do and that we are doing,” Windibiziri said. “I think we’re pretty badass.”

Michael Mills Junior Michael Mills’ African-American role model hits close to home.

“My role model would be my sister because she is always being herself,” Mills said.

“She’s not trying to be Photo by EMMA SUMMERTON the same Senior Saraya Windibiziri’s black role model is Zendaya. Windibiziri is proud to be black and believes it gives her an robot in opportunity to educate people. “Despite skin color, we are just as capable as someone who’s white and that shouldn’t Saraya discount us in any way,” Windibiziri said. society.”

Windibiziri MonumenSenior Saraya Windibiziri’s black role model in history is tal events in history defined black movements and helped the Rosa Parks because of her refusal to give up her seat in the country slowly evolve for the better. front of the bus she was riding.

“We do have rights. We’re human beings. It’s really Not only does Windibiziri have great respect for important that all people in the U.S. come together and give monumental leaders like Rosa Parks, but she also looks up to their opinions and perspectives on things,” Mills said. “Black modern black actors, like Zendaya, Viola Davis and Sterling history month is a time where we can all come together and K. Brown. differences and also our similarities and just appreciate us as Black history month is an important time to reflect on her a community.” own culture.

“It really makes me think about where I come from Lionell Brown and being proud of my culture,” Windibiziri said. “Then, Sophomore Lionell Brown’s role model is a well-known recognizing other people that are also similar to me in that human rights activist who preached self-determination and self-confidence. He is credited as one of the most influential way and taking an opportunity to learn more about other

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Pages by ADAM EL-HAMOUDEH

Photos by EMMA PRAVECEK

Excellence Junior Teaunna Perry believes racism is still an issue. “It still happens a lot and some of it goes unknown because it becomes a normality of people’s lives,” Perry said.

black people in the Civil Rights movement by encouraging AfricanAmericans to fight back.

“My role model would probably be Malcolm X,” Brown said.

“I know he’s a lot of people’s role model, but I just really like how he was like ‘we’ve seen this too long [and] it’s time to take action.’ I think he was right. It’s the main way we’re getting stuff done today.”

When Brown came to Free State, he found his place in Diversity Club because throughout elementary and middle school, there wasn’t really much diversity that he was exposed to. In curriculum, he does not see much diversity either.

“From textbooks, I really just learn about the fact that we were seen as an inferior race and we weren’t treated well,” Brown said.

“We do learn who were the main activists and how it all changed, but

Photo curtesty of Duke University Posing as his black role model, Malcolm X, sophomore Lionell Brown shows expresses his black pride. “We can overcome a lot of things,” Brown said.

I don’t think we learn much about what we did to contribute.”

Brown understands the importance of black history month and truly how meaningful it is to the people who actually lived through it.

“To the older generations, I would think it means a lot more to them because they’re the ones who went through it,” Brown said. “It’s pretty important to me because you don’t really see us getting credited for a lot of things. Especially these days because racism isn’t dying down, but it’s more hidden now. It’s not so much in your face.”

He and and his family celebrate black history month every day of February by getting together and reminiscing about the struggles and the good times they had experienced.

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Style Watch sophomore HANK HURST Where do you shop?

I shop on eBay and at Zara.

What inspires what you wear?

I’m inspired a lot by what I see on Instagram.

How would you describe your style?

Definitely not subtle.

How does your personality influence your style?

If you know me, I’m a pretty loud person and I think my style kind of mimics that.

What is your favorite clothing item?

My Balenciaga shoes What music do you listen to?

Electronic music and rap but recently I’ve been listening to the Twin Peaks soundtrack a lot

How is fashion important to you?

Fashion is just a way to express myself but I also like the attention it brings me.

What fashion trends do you hate?

I don’t like Yeezys and I’m not the biggest fan of Off-White.

What fashion trends do you love?

Wide cut pants and bulky shoes What’s your dream job?

Artist

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Photos by MACKENZIE BICKLING and NICK BURKET

junior JORDAN HAUBER Where do you shop?

I like shopping at places like Ross or thrift stores

What inspires what you wear?

Finnegan Huerter and Seth Williams inspire all of what I wear.

How would you describe your style?

My style could be described as “pretentious teen artist.”

How does your personality influence your style?

My personality is really relaxed, just like the clothes I wear.

What is your favorite clothing item?

My favorite clothing item would be my Snakes can’t climb stairs shirt.

What music do you listen to?

I listen to a lot of rap and jazz, but I like classic rock too.

How is fashion important to you?

Fashion is just my way of trying to get others to see me the way I see myself.

What fashion trends do you hate?

I hate hats because my head is too big for them.

What fashion trends do you love?

I love durags and wish the school would let me wear them.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job would probably be film making.

Pages by EVAN CORNELL

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Deportation Information STAFF EDITORIAL: A staff editorial reflects the general opinion of the journalism staff. The Free Press has every staff member write a short opinion paragraph on the prompt given. A reporter then writes the editorial representing the opinions of majority of the staff.

W

ithin the past year, there has been a lot of focus on deportation laws in the United States.

Under Obama’s presidency, illegal immigrants were only deported if they had a criminal offense.

Trump’s interpretation of deportation is to deport illegal immigrants no matter if they have a criminal offense or not.

Many journalism staff members believe that Trump’s deportation laws are unfair, because many of those immigrants are working steady jobs and providing for their families. Others agree with his deportation laws because legal immigrants have to go through many hoops to be able to live in the U.S. and illegal immigrants don’t have to fill out legal documents.

When Trump deports an illegal immigrant with no criminal record, he is breaking apart families, taking them away from their homes and making it almost impossible for them to see each other again.

Deportation costs the government money, money that could be used for better things and not to deport an innocent member of society.

Many illegal immigrants escaped their home country because it wasn’t a safe place for them to work and live, and sending them back to it could harm them in a

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Pages by ADAM El-HAMOUDEH

way that they do not deserve.

Most people support the idea that if an illegal immigrant is participating in illegal activities in the U.S. they should be deported because they are not benefitting society. Yet, if an illegal immigrant is benefitting society, there should be a path to help them become a citizen.

Becoming a citizen is a very hard and tedious task, and some believe that it could use reform to make it easier for people who actually want to work and live in the U.S. and make the society better.

Comparing a harmless illegal immigrant to one who is commiting crimes is not fair for Trump to do, and most believe that this action is highly racist.

Feb 15th 4-8pm

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For current news visit fsfreepressonline.

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YOUTH OF THE FUTURE

Students rally for gun control reform in light of the Parkland shooting

(above) Finishing up her sign, sophomore Morgan Beer prepares for the walkout before school in the Library with her friends. Beer’s sign reads, “stop shooting, start living #savekidsnotguns.” “The walkout was important to me because it made me feel like we as a school were a part of something bigger than ourselves,” Beer said. Photo

by MACKENZIE BICKLING

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(right) While holding a sign, Senior Jessica Merritt and junior Luke Jacobs stand in silence in memoriam of those who were killed in the Parkland shooting. Both Jacobs and Merrit participated in the walkout on the 21st.

Photo by NICK BURKET

Students stand in solidarity while holding signs. Over 500 students were in the GroupMe for the walkout that occurred on Feb 21 according to one of the main organizers, junior Jori Rudisell. “There we a lot of people in the GroupMe but honestly I only expected 40 people to actually go through with it but when I saw whole classes with their teachers out there, it was really moving and such a powerful time to be a Firebird,” Rudisell said. Photo by NICK BURKETT

Standing with her peers, senior Emma Stramberg holds a sign expressing her concern about school shootings. Stramberg feels not enough action has been taken by our government to reform gun control laws. “I can only hope that because people are speaking up, and telling their stories after two weeks that it will make an impact and really move along the effort to help stop school shootings and enforce stronger gun control laws,” Stramberg said. Photo by EMMA PRAVECEK

Pages by GRETA HAYDEN

With her arm around a friend, junior Desirae Edmonds stands with her peers during the walkout on February 21. Edmonds believes school shootings are an issue when it comes to the safety of students. “I don’t think our school is doing enough to protect our students,” Edmonds said. Photo by EMMA PRAVECEK

Photos by EMMA PRAVECEK, NICK BURKET, AND MACKENZIE BICKLING

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During the warm up, juniors Landon Sloan and Joesph Schmidtberger, run a lap of the track. Sloan has been doing track since he was a freshman and so far, has lettered twice. “My favorite event are the mile runs, even though I know a lot of people don’t like them” Landon said.

Posing in the baseball field dugout Kyle Abrahamson, has played for Free state high school all four years. He has lettered with varsity three times this year being his last year. “I plan on playing baseball during college at College of the Ozarks” Abrahamson said.

Spring Sportspreview

Story by AHMED JAKMOUJ

A

s winter comes to a conclusion,spring is right around the corner, a new season for various sports games is ahead.Free State track and field, girls swim and dive, baseball, softball, boys golf, boys tennis and girls soccer teams all are preparing to take on a new season.

For the girls soccer team, coming off a season that was plagued with injuries, they’re looking to make a push in the playoffs.

“As a team goal, we’d like to win regionals and we have a good chance with the way the league is set up this year,” senior Sydni Beeley said.

This year’s team is looking to build upon a strong defensive presence and using their experience on the pitch to have the edge against their opponents.

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Junior Julia Larkin played varsity soccer last year but decided to switch to track this season. The changed was fueled by wanting to run track in college. This season Larkin is looking to improve her times on the mile and two mile race. For a sport that has a high participation, Larkin hopes to have a large number of athletes running at the state tournament.

After 16 seniors graduated from last year’s baseball team, the 2018 Firebirds are looking to return to the regional championship and make a further push. With few seniors, the program looks to utilize underclassmen to their advantage.

“The underclassmen are going to play a huge role. We only have a few returning players from last season so we need some younger guys to step up and

Pages by GRETA HAYDEN Photos by ALEXIS MCKOWN AND PAIGE KIRKPATRICK

help us,” senior Kyle Abrahamson said.

Abrahamson looks to nobody but himself to step up and be a key leader to a team that has little experience.

After finishing with just under an even record, this year’s softball team is preparing to build on what they achieved a year ago. In the weeks leading up to the new season, the program had opportunities for their players to prepare their bodies for the upcoming season.

“The softball team has conditioning three days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. On Wednesdays we do yoga so that’s fun.

Then on Sunday nights we have this thing called open gym where we just go and hit and throw” senior Grace Patchen said.

After struggling with pitching in

As a drill, Sophomores Liliana KingWilson and Megan Gannaway, step other the hurdles. Liliana competes in pole vault, high jump and runs the 300 meter hurdles and the 100 meter hurdles. “I practice everyday and want to run track when I go to college”KingWilson said.

Practicing for the start of the season, freshmen Gage Callaghan and Matthew Gabriel, put on their gear. Both have been playing baseball since kindergarten.

“I try and focus on what I’m doing so at practice I focus on baseball and then I go home and do whatever I need to do

Athletic teams prepare for the season and beyond previous years, that’s set up to change with new incoming freshman, Tatum Clopton, who’s committed to play at Oklahoma State.

Clopton can hopefully help push the Firebirds into the playoffs and make the team a contender to win the State Championship.

This season, the Free State tennis program is beginning the journey to the State tournament where senior Eric Czapinski and junior Sawyer Nickel took fifth place a year ago. Throughout a long offseason, various players continue to improve by taking private lessons through programs such as Jayhawk

Tennis. Throughout the season, players will compete in singles and duos for a chance to compete for a State title.

Coming off a record breaking season, senior Claire Campbell and the rest of the girls swim and dive team prepare to improve on what they accomplished last year. After numerous top five finishes for the program, the team looks to take the next step and to win more tournaments.

With the new season beginning, Free State athletes are preparing to overcome all of the challenges their respective sport comes with.

“I’m really excited because we have a lot of key players that we didn’t have last year.

I think it’s going to be really fun.”

Sam Powell, senior

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Lawrence’s best spring time activities

GET OUTSIDE w 6th St

Clinton State Park 1.

Cllinton Lake

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4.

1. Clinton Trails Hike or bike near the water

2. Kansas River 2.

Kans

Kayak, canoe or paddle down the river

as R

iver

Massachusetts St

3. Prarie Park Nature Center 3.

Explore wetlands, woodlands and prairie habitats

4. Washington Creek Lavender Handpick fresh lavender

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Wakanda A

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Pages by ADAM ELHAMOUDEH

s soon as the trailer for the Marvel film Black Panther aired, there was talk on social media about dressing in traditional African garb, all black clothing, or formal attire to the theater in honor of the revolutionary screening. I had never seen so much excitement leading up to a movie, and it was largely from the black community. This created all of the hype, and when the film was finally released, it did not disappoint.

Black Panther was released on Thursday, February 15. According to Vanity Fair, within its four-day opening weekend, the movie made about $242 million domestically and $427 million, which are record-breaking box office records. Its three-day gross of $201.8 million was the fifth-highest of all-time and also set the record for biggest debut by an African American director.

Chadwick Boseman plays T’Challa, who is Black Panther. He already has three other distinguished black roles in movies under his belt: Jackie Robinson in 42, James Brown in Get On Up, Thurgood Marshall in Marshall, and now Black Panther.

The rest of the cast includes other

Forever

Black Panther Movie Review Story by MAYA HODISON

iconic actors, like Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Forest Whitaker, Daniel Kaluuya and Angela Bassett.

Black Panther is the first marvel film featuring a black superhero as the lead and a predominantly black cast.

Seeing a cast full of beautiful black people was uplifting.

Many kids look up to superheroes because they save people and they’re strong. It is important for black children to see superheroes who look like them in such a major film.

The film begins by setting the scene of how the Black Panther came to be. Centuries ago, five African tribes went to war over a meteorite containing vibranium. One warrior ingests a “heart-shaped herb” from the metal and gains superhuman abilities, becoming the first “Black Panther”, the king and protector of the now united nation of Wakanda.

When T’Chaka, the current Black Panther and T’Challa’s father, dies, T’Challa returns home to Wakanda to serve as their new leader. His main opposer throughout the movie and the one he fights at the end is Erik Killmonger, played by Michael B. Jordan.

Black Panther has a suit that helps him, but he still has powers beyond the suit. He possesses super strength, catlike qualities, superhuman senses, speed, agility, stamina, durability, healing and quick reflexes.

The design and costumes are outstanding. The detail and elaborate patterns and colors were visually pleasing, and the clothing encompassed African culture.

The movie made me see the African culture that I have never personally felt, but that I know is a part of me. Since Wakanda was not colonized, it felt pure. Though it is a made-up African country, I wanted to go there. I wanted to

be a part of the rich culture and proud people.

The Wakandans use the vibranium to develop advanced technology and isolate themselves from the world by posing as a Third World country because they don’t want the rest of the world to know about their powers.

Some are hesitant about helping other countries in need because they were concerned that if they let outsiders in, they would bring all of their problems with them, which reminds me of Trump’s rhetoric on foreign affairs and immigration. At the end of the movie, they decide that if they have the ability and resources to help the world, so they set up outreach programs.

Not only does the film highlight black power, but it also stresses the importance of women leadership. Wakanda has an all-female tribe of bodyguards to protect the nation from danger. During the final battle scene, Okoye, the leader of the bodyguards who is played by Danai Gurira, commands everyone to stop fighting. They cease, drop their weapons and kneel. This shows how much power women have.

To top off everything off, one of my favorite artists, Kendrick Lamar, produced and recorded the film’s soundtrack entitled “Black Panther: The Album”. It gives people a creative, musical perspective of the meaning of the film, and it’s also just great music.

Black Panther is an incredible movie, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I would recommend every person go and experience the film of the year. I loved it because it wasn’t only a superhero movie with action and excitement. It made me feel all types of emotion and pride.

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Which early 2000s online game are you?

When you were aQuiz kidbyyou…

JUNA MURAO a) Were kind of a brat b) Loved adventures c) Talked a lot

What did you want to be when you were little? a) Interior Designer b) Detective c) Journalist

What was your favorite TV Network? a) PBS kids b) Nickelodeon c) Disney

When you goto the movie theater, what do you watch? a) The new animated movie b) Action movie c) Story involving some conspiracy

For your birthday you…

a) Went on shopping sprees b) Went to an amusement park c) Celebrated with friends

What kind of student were you?

The main reason you played computer games was for… a) Creating themed rooms b) New experiences c) Chatrooms

a) Always raising your hand b) Class clown c) Always has your headphones in

Where do you want to live? a) Los Angeles b) New york c) London

Mostly As-

Mostly Bs-

Mostly Cs-

Even though you had to buy the code with the stuffed animals it was worth it to be able to design your pets homes and spin the wheel of wow every day.

Different islands have different adventures that you have to clear, with 58 islands it can last a while.

Create your penguin, joining chat rooms and connecting with different penguins is an exciting way to spend your time on the internet.

Webkinz

Page by GOLDIE SCHMIEDELER

Poptropica

Club Penguin