Free Press | Issue 3 |February 2023

Editors-In-Chief

Allison Mayhew

Natasha Torkzaban

Managing Editors

Lilly Wall

Copy Editor

Stella Mosier

Alicia Narum Design Editor

Evan White

Asst. Design Editor

Sarah Masterson

Photo Editor

Lady Ortega-Perez

Asst. Photo Editor

Mallory Thompson

Social Media Editor

Maya Lee

Asst. Social Media Editor

Dru White

Sports Editor

Grey Heiman

News Staff

Reporters

Becky Coston

Elizabeth Hare

Maura Langland

Olivia Nagel

Ember Klein

Emma Wiley

Thomas Patton

Nick Sprecker

Maria Mosconi

Conrad Hill

Evie Chancy

Emi Stone

Phoebe Morris

Arianna Waller

Photographers

Chloe Cook

Keat Hockenbury

Maddie McIntire

Ashanti Riccardo

Eleanor Roust

Mallory Thompson

Isabelle Prô

Amelia Wiles

Riley Williams

Wyatt Dodds

Taylor Stone

Olivia Hazlett

Willow Marable

Designers

Amy Bontrager

Lola Cloud

Maile Hickman

Raelynn Keefer

Viviana Riffel

Business

Jayne Landers

Drew Rosenthal

Mimi Stephanson

Free State Crossword

Across

Across

3. Took 2nd and 3rd at state

Down

Down

1. ' icon'

3. Took second and third at State

6 Another nickname for Andrew Tate

1. _____ icon

2 Firebird trio reached the 100 win club in this sport

7. Red Kingdom

6. Another nickname for Andrew Tate

10. Team STEAM does this

7. Red Kingdom

12. Chiefs won this

4. a DISASTER

2. Firbird trio reached the 100 win club in this sport

5. Not a swimmer but a...

4. A DISASTER

8. 'Are we compatible?'

10. Team STEAM does this

14. bro-love

12. Chiefs won this

14. Bro-love

9. Someone who writes books

5. Not a swimmer but a....

11 singers partake in this

8. “Are we compatible?”

13. Switching from MacBooks to

9. Someone who writes books

11. Singers partake in this

13. Swithcing from MacBooks to _____

If you need to talk about a decision made in the journalism program, start with one of the editors. These publications are a public forum and created by students for students, and they are protected by the Kansas Student Publications Act.

If you need to talk with the journalism program, please get in touch via email: fshsjournalism@usd497.org

REMEMBERING MR. LEITEL

Free State High School U.S. history teacher and coach Adam Leitel died on Feb. 3 at 41 years old from an unexpected medical emergency. He taught for 11 years at Free State and coached girls’ tennis and track and field.

The Celebration of Life for Adam will be on Monday, Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home located at 14275 Black Bob Road, Olathe, KS 66062.

Colleagues, parents, students and friends all remember Leitel as an excellent person and teacher. Here is what they had to say:

“Leitel was one of my favorite teachers. He was one of the few adults in this building who made me feel like he genuinely cared not only about my education but about me as a person. He understood. He committed so much time to teach, and it showed. Leitel’s lectures helped me fall in love with history, and I genuinely looked forward to attending his class. He made learning fun. A day didn’t go by that I didn’t laugh in his class, and even when he wasn’t my teacher anymore, he never stopped saying hi to me in the halls and asking about my life.”

- senior Emma Hefty

“Mr. Leitel was the gravitational center of the Social Studies Department. He had a special magnetism that pulled people in his direction. He was unfailing of good nature every single day and throughout each day. Among the dozens of fond memories I have, are the many times he brought actual newspaper articles to my room that he thought were interesting and that I could benefit from.”

- Government teacher Jeff Haas

“I spent a good amount of time around coach Leitel, seeing as I had him as both a coach and a teacher. One thing that will always stick with me is that no matter what you think your limits are academically or athletically, he would encourage you to strive to be even better than that. He was always someone you could come to if you had questions or needed advice, and he would genuinely help you out.”

- Karmina Douglas, class of ‘22

Free State junior varsity girls tennis coach Leitel smiles while watching the girls warm up before a match.

Free State track & field coaches, Phil Mitchell, Adam Leitel, Joanna Romito, Maresa Cuevas and Jordan Rose take a selfie while at a meet. Photos courtesy of Jordan Rose.

“I have so many positive thoughts and memories about Adam. One of the most impactful ways he has influenced my life is that he would light up whenever you’d walk into the room (or he’d walk into yours). He’d say, ‘Hey, Champ!’ and make you feel like the most important person in the world. I will miss that smile and that saying and how he made me feel. I hope to honor him and pass that message to others.”

- Chemistry teacher Jordan Rose

“I had Leitel as a coach and teacher. You could tell he cared about what students got out of his class and tried to give them a reason to care, pushing bad students to be good and good students to be great. I only ran track my senior year, but he had the same approach in both areas. He makes you believe you can do more than you have already done and then holds you to it. I will never forget how he pushed me to be better than I ever thought I could and have fun while doing it.”

- Ryan Flakus, class of ‘18

“Last track season, I was doing the last jump of my season, and I made a huge PR. He played a huge part in the skill that I have now, and when I made my PR, I remember how happy he was for me and how happy he made me feel. I could tell he was proud of me, and it was amazing to have a coach who believed in me. It was a great moment to experience, and I’m so glad I was able to enjoy it with a coach like Leitel. He always looked out for the jumpers and tried his hardest to help everyone reach our potential.”

- sophomore Sofia Bourdo

“Coach Leitel taught some of my kids in class and was a tennis coach to one. I always enjoyed catching up with him at tennis matches; he had great energy and paid great attention to the team.”

- Free State parent Laurie Pilakowski

“I remember vividly during my sophomore year track season; I had just finished running the 4x400 relay at JV League. Coach Leitel pulled me off to the side to tell me my time. It was a 53.6, and he congratulated me and asked if I wanted to run on varsity at regionals. Making varsity had been my goal the entire season, that put me on top of the world that night.”

- senior Elijah Sabatini

“Adam Leitel was a brilliant force — a man full of life and promise. We often talked about teaching practice, and I could never convince him that a block schedule was good for kids. He would smile and shake his head and say, ‘We will have to agree to disagree,’ Adam truly cared about education and the people he worked with. One of our last conversations involved my lack of Chiefs gear. Adam, wherever you are in the universe, I know that you were laughing yesterday when I bought a KC Chiefs shirt.”

- English teacher Laura Woolfolk

Design by Amy Bontrager | Illustrations by Perry Bonner

*Quotes collected by Brian Lloyd through @freestateceramics Instagram

Free State history teacher Mr. Leitel smiles for the camera when asked to be featured in the style collumn for the Free Press. Photo by Hannah Stone.

Free State assistant track and field coach Leitel interacts with a student at a track meet.

TRADING MACBOOKS FOR IPADS

A transition from MacBooks to iPads for all USD 497 high school students begins next school year

Story by Stella Mosier

For five years, USD 497 high school students have been provided with MacBooks for school; however, the school board has opted to transition to iPads next year.

The board made the decision on Jan. 23, following a difficult conversation regarding ways the school budget could be cut. They estimate saving approximately $1.3 million per year by transitioning to iPads.

According to the District TechnologyServices Department, they also considered transitioning to other devices such as Windows and Chromebooks, but found that transitioning to a different platform would have created more challenges than those posed by iPads. They based their results off of adaptability, potential cost savings, and durability.

To evaluate how iPads may potentially affect student’s abilities to learn, Vignery asked teachers to volunteer for a trial run.

“The iPad came out on top in all three areas and is the closest device to our current technology to ease transition,” David Vignery, the district technology director said at the board meeting.”

Senior Ashanti Riccardo draws on an iPad using a pen. Next year, students will be given a pen along with their iPad to allow similar functionality. Photo by Maddie McIntire

“During the week of Oct. 10, we provided each participant an iPad, keyboard, mouse and case,” Vignery said. “We encouraged them to use the iPad as much as possible with coursework and homework during the pilot program, so they could provide meaningful feedback to the district at the end of the first semester.”

Math teacher Rita Phillippi was one teacher who volunteered to pilot the experiment, and said she found somewhat varying results.

Phillippi stated she feels very optimistic about the iPads and expressed that the keyboard and pen made it easy to write notes, solve problems and upload work to google classroom.

However, McLenon also explained that the iPads may not be quite as efficient as MacBooks.

Sophomore Cooper Hefty said they feel concerned about the transition to iPads due to computer programs used in activities such as debate. Programs such as Microsoft Word are standard for debaters, and likely do not run properly on an iPad.

Hefty also voiced fear that the transition is somewhat inequitable; separating those who can afford to purchase nicer technology from those who must rely on iPads for debate.

“One of the main problems is that some of the debaters who are wealthier will be able to buy computers which can create some disparity between debaters and hurt the community,” Hefty said.

Other Career and Technical Education [CTE] classes such as graphic design and video production use multiple computer-specific programs as well, graphic design teacher Shelby Miller said. “I am going to assume graphic design is not possible on an iPad,” Miller said. “We will have to rely on some form of computer lab or whatever they supply for the class.”

different laptops each class

Miller also said that while the transition may be financially beneficial, she wishes there was more thought put into the decision. “It’s good to save money, but I think it’s going to be hard,” Miller said. “I wish we had planned ahead for this, and not rolled out computers if we weren’t ready.”

Sophomore Addy McLenon, a student in Phillippi’s class that was piloting iPads, had the opportunity to use an iPad for the month-long trial.“My experience with the iPad was mixed,” McLenon said. “Some parts of math were much better because I could draw and use my own handwriting.”

Vignery said that computers will still be available to CTE classes, but students will only have the ability to take the computers home on a nightly basis for homework.

CTE teachers and students have expressed concerns regarding the amount of class time students may lose by spending time logging into the technology and how students will be able to save progress by logging into

Although the transition to iPads raises concerns, the technology team will assist students over the course of the transition.

The USD 497 Department of Technology is confident that the decision to transition is in the best favor of students and will greatly improve the district’s current budget crisis. Students and staff will be assisted throughout the transition process.

Design by Amy Bontrager | Photo by Maddie McIntire

“I’m a firm believer that one device doesn’t fit everybody’s needs. We just have to get creative” - Vignery in a USD 497 news release.

“It’ll just take a lot more planning and structure,” Miller said. “And, it will be hard to make sure everything doesn’t get lost if people are all sharing multiple computers and logging in and out without properly saving.”

“There were a lot of things you need to keep track of, and I realized that the battery life on the iPad is much shorter than the ones on the computer,” McLenon said.

TOP G BEHIND BARS

The misogynistic and hateful “jokes” from internet personality Andrew Tate were hiding an even darker story, proving that people need to seriously vet who they follow on social media and support online

Story by Natasha Torkzaban

Eleven days after I wrote my “Top G No More” editorial, internet personality Andrew Tate was detained in Romania for a human trafficking and rape investigation.

Tate was originally banned from Twitter for hate speech in summer of 2022. However, when Tesla CEO and business man Elon Musk bought the rights to Twitter, Tate’s account was reinstated. After resurfacing from being banned online, he stormed the internet and mocked climate activist Greta Thunberg for encouraging recycling and pollution control.

In response to a tweet Thunberg made, Tate recorded a video asking someone off-camera to hand him pizza boxes and to “make sure that these boxes are not recycled.” He then proceeds to brag about his 33 cars and significant contribution to pollution.

Soon after, Romanian authorities took Tate into custody. Many speculate that it was the logo of the domestic pizza chain Jerry’s, on the box that led authorities to his location.

According to CNN, Romania’s Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism alleged there were six victims that were “sexually exploited by the organized criminal group.” Authorities alleged that the victims were coerced into believing they were entering a marriage/cohabitation relationship, while being transported to Romania and being sexually and physically assaulted.

Tate is currently facing charges of human trafficking, rape and forming an organized crime group. He was originally supposed to be detained for 24 hours as part of the investigation, but a judge ordered an additional 30 days due to the ongoing investigation. This led Tate’s lawyer to file an futile appeal that was quickly denied.

Tate and his lawyers consider the ruling “totally unjustified” and a political issue.

“My case isn’t about the truth. This is about Politics,” Tate said in a Twitter post about the investigation.

Apart from his freedom, an estimated $3.9 million worth of assets were also seized. Tate’s legal team unsuccessfully tried to appeal that as well.

Official court dates for the investigation have yet to be revealed to the public.

People need to look closer at who they follow and support on social media and the content they consume. Words hold power and influence, and “jokes” are sometimes warnings for more sinister actions. In this case, misogynistic humor was used to mask human trafficking and rape.

IPADS: AN EQUITY ISSUE

by Allison

Although the recent decision by the USD 497 school board to switch from MacBooks to iPads is estimated to save $4 million in capital outlay funds and $600,000-$750,000 in general fund repair costs over a three-year term, the decision has raised concerns among students, staff and community members regarding equity in the classroom.

While some students can afford personal laptops to use in place of the iPads, others from low-income families will be left with a much less efficient alternative. With the school’s reliance on technology, this change is likely to create inequalities and put underprivileged students at a disadvantage.

Technology Director David Vignery said in a USD 497 school board press release that the iPads with keyboards, cases, trackpads and pens will enable similar word processing and additional functionality for high school students. Contrary to this, iPads lack the capabilities many students rely on.

MacBooks are much more effective for multitasking, with the ability to run multiple applications and programs simultaneously. Not only are iPads less effective, they are also not fully functional with programs such as Adobe programs or Microsoft Word documents.

Not having full access to these programs could hinder students’ productivity in Career Technical Education classes, including graphic design, photography and video production. Participation in school programs like journalism, debate, Firebird Design Team and others will also be restricted.

Though the district plans on providing laptops to specialized classrooms, realistically, this system will not be efficient. For teachers and students, having classroom laptops means starting and ending class with checking out laptops, signing in and returning them all within the 55-minute class period. Only having access to these MacBooks during class time prevents students from completing work outside of class.

However, the majority of high school students balance busy schedules, enrolling in seven courses, involving themselves in extracurriculars, so students will inevitably have to dedicate time outside of school hours to complete unfinished work. The transition to iPads will limit out of class efficiency, and furthermore could potentially slow down students without laptops leading them to fall behind.

This decision will sacrifice many students’ access to a versatile device that meets modern learning needs. Having a laptop is a technological advantage that will create a large division between students who can afford personal laptops and those who cannot. The lack of proper technology can limit students’ ability to participate in online learning, classroom collaboration and accessing educational resources.

To ensure that students do not face technological disadvantages due to financial difficulties, the school district must address this issue and find a solution that is more efficient than checking out laptops in class.

Illustrations by Perry Bonner | Photos by Natasha Torkzaban

The transition to iPad’s is masking a deeper issue of equity between students

Story

Mayhew

Senior Evan White edits news spread on Adobe InDesign while looking at newspaper planning website. Photo by Natasha Torkzaban.

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR BRO?

Seniors Jase Grady and Brady Kern (team Kern Performance) and juniors Roman Jasso and Braden Walton (team Roman Empire) were selected by their peers to compete in “How Well Do You Know Your Bro?”

The two teams were asked questions to test how well they know each other. One partner wrote down their answer while the other tried to guess what they wrote. If they had the same answer, the team received one point. The final score came out to 10-8, making Kern Performance the winners and the ultimate bromance.

Q:What is your favorite personality feature about your counterpart?

Walton’s Guess: Humor

Jasso’s Answer: Humor

Q: What is your favorite activity to do together?

Jasso’s Guess: Football

Walton’s answer: Football

Q: What is your counterpart’s favorite song?

Walton’s Guess: Vito/ Bad Boy by Headband Andy

Jasso’s Answer: Vito/ Bad Boy by Headband Andy

Q: What is your counterpart’s favorite place on earth?

Jasso’s Guess: Track

Walton’s Answer: Crunch

Q: What is your favorite physical feature about your counterpart?

Kern’s Guess: Hair

Grady’s Answer: Legs

Q: Who is your counterpart’s celebrity crush?

Grady’s Guess: LeBron James

Kern’s Answer: LeBron James

Q: What is the most stupid thing your counterpart did in their childhood?

Kern’s Guess: Spend $200 on Madden Mobile

Grady’s Answer: Spend $200 on Madden Mobile

Q: What is your counterpart’s favorite number?

Kern’s Guess: Seven Grady’s Answer: Seven

Collected by Elizabeth Hare

You may experience some hot-headedness as an Aries. This full moon, be careful of how your words affect others. With Chiron, the “wounded healer,” having a flowing relationship with this moon, going for peace will be easier than creating conflict.

You tend to care a lot about family and friends. This full moon is a great time to reconnect with old friends or maybe old lovers.

You may tend to have some problems with validation. These feelings may be elevated by this full moon. Libra is the sign of passion and external validation. Be careful that you aren’t relying on others to measure your self worth.

Capricorns can get a little too wrapped up in their work and school. The full moon in Leo is a perfect time for letting all of that stress melt away and spending time with friends having fun.

Tauruses tend to be homebodies. This full moon is the perfect time to get out of the house and have fun.

This full moon is in your home sign. Be careful of how quickly your emotions can change. You may have hot and cold moments with the people you love. Realize how this affects them.

Scorpios may struggle with closing themselves off from the people they love. The full moon is a perfect time to reconnect with people you may have lost or spend time with your friends to get closer with them again.

Aquarius is the opposite sign from Leo. This causes tension with your need for being social and the need to take care of yourself. Make sure to find a good balance between friends and romance and self care.

Due to the impulsivity of fire signs, make sure that you aren’t too rebellious this full moon. A little impulse is a good way to spice things up but don’t let it control you.

Pisces can be in their head often. This full moon is the perfect time to channel your emotions and imagination into something creative.

As a Gemini, you may have some unfinished projects. Full moon in Leo is a perfect time to put your energy back into those projects. Get creative and find new ways to work on projects.

Although there is a time and place for practicality, the Leo full moon is not it. Let go and have fun, you can always come back to your projects the next day.

HOROSCOPES

by Ember Klein

Along with the fiery nature of Leo’s full moon, Venus moves to the sign of Aries on Feb. 20. Venus is the planet of love and relationships. For all signs, Venus in Aries brings in new energy and feelings toward new relationships. Go after someone you are interested in. Be spontaneous and bring that fiery Aries energy into your relationship.

Design by Sarah Masterson | Photos by Amelia Wiles | Illustrations by Perry Bonner

SENIOR DIVER BREAKS RECORD

Senior Elliot Ahlvers broke the 1-meter diving school record with a score of 485.8

Story by Emma Wiley

Senior Elliot Ahlvers defeated the 1-meter diving school record with a score of 485.8 on Jan. 24. This record had been held previously since 1999. Along with being the new holder of this record, Ahlvers came in first place at the Topeka Invitational, followed by his fellow teammates Isaiah Wilkins in second with 443.95 points and Michael Leonard in third with 421.95.

Ahlvers has been on the Swim and Dive team for all four years of high school. He also previously participated in track but is unable to this year since he is recovering from a recent surgery.

Ahlvers’ favorite part of Swim and Dive is the practices and the people. He has been diving for nine years and is planning to continue diving in college. As of now, he is undecided about where he will attend to further his diving career.

Swim and Dive coach Annette McDonald is exhilarated by the new set record.

One of Ahlvers’ diving goals was to beat this record, which he accomplished. Moving forward, Ahlvers has his eyes on one more goal: to win state.

“This year, it’s my last chance to do it. That’s the next step,” Ahlvers said.

FREE STATE’S NEW DIVE RECORD

485.8 POINTS

“We have been looking at that record for four years, I was just so happy,” McDonald said. “We’re just thrilled for him.”

Senior Eliot Ahlvers prepares for his dive. Alhvers placed second at State in the 2022 season. Archived photo by Karmina Douglas

Photo by Riley Williams

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS WIN SUPERBOWL

Story by Thomas Patton, Nick Sprecker and Greyson Heiman

The Kansas City Chiefs win Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles, in an intense nail-biter

The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 Feb. 12 in Super Bowl LVII. It was a competitive game between the two teams, but in the end the Chiefs came out on top.

With an outstanding 182 yard passing performance and a 21 for 27 pass completion rate from league Most Valuable Player [MVP] and quarterback Patrick Mahomes on a high ankle sprain, and a big second half showcase from receivers Kadarius Toney and Juju Smith-Schuster, Kansas City was able to mount a comeback and achieve victory in Super Bowl LVII.

On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Nick Bolton played the game of his life with a scoop and score and nine tackles.

In what will go down as an instant classic, history was made in multiple facets. With this being the first matchup between two starting African American quarterbacks and two brothers in a Super Bowl, the game has stamped itself in the history books.

The Eagles set the tone early with a touchdown on their first drive, and went into the locker room at halftime with a ten point lead. It would be no easy comeback for Kansas City, especially with Mahomes hobbling into the locker room after reaggravating his ankle. Head coach Andy Reid regrouped his team, and Mahomes felt good enough to play to begin the second half.

Kansas City trimmed down Philadelphia’s lead in the third quarter with a touchdown, but they kicked it into high-gear in the fourth quarter. The Chiefs got to work quickly with Mahomes finding an open Toney on an out-route giving Kansas City their first lead of the game.

After forcing a Philadelphia punt, Toney made another massive play with a 65-yard punt return to bring the Chiefs within four-yards of the endzone. Mahomes was then again able to reach paydirt, finding rookie Skye Moore to give Kansas City a 35-27 lead.

The Eagles responded on their next drive with a touchdown and a two-point conversion to tie the game at 35.

Patrick Mahomes took the field once more with a chance to drive down and win the game.

However, an astounding game ended in controversy. On third and eight on the Eagles 16 yard line with 1:52 left on the game clock, Mahomes threw an incomplete pass intended for Smith-Schuster. Eagles cornerback James Bradberry was flagged for holding. As replay showed multiple angles, many disagreed with the call, citing an insufficient amount of contact to rule holding.

This penalty gave Kansas City a new set of downs, allowing them to kneel out the clock and kick the game-winning field goal.

Even though many people were upset with the call, Bradberry addressed his thoughts on the call in a press conference after the game, admitting to holding Smith-Schuster.

“It was holding,” Bradberry said. “I tugged his jersey. I was hoping they would let it slide.”

After gaining his second career super bowl, super bowl MVP and league MVP this season, Mahomes has solidified his spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As for the Chiefs, they look to continue their run of dominance and be a super bowl contender next season.

Design by Lola Cloud | Photos by Keat Hockenbury, Lady Ortega-Perez, and Maddie McIntire

Chiefs fans celebrate the final score at Johnny’s North. Photo by Maddie McIntire

FIREBIRD WRESTLING TRIO REACHES MILESTONE

Senior wrestlers Matthew Marcum, Eric Streeter and Nolan Bradley join the 100-win club during their senior seasons — joining only two previous firebirds to do so

Story by Nick Sprecker

Head coach Randy Streeter had a vision when he was hired three years ago: build a winning culture immersed in camaraderie and brotherhood. Not only has that been accomplished since his arrival, but his three senior captains have exemplified it.

Seniors Matthew Marcum, Nolan Bradley and Eric Streeter have amassed impressive accolades over their careers. These three’s friendship began in kindergarten, where they met on the mat.

Randy Streeter spoke about his program’s philosophy and how he’s fostered a competitive outlook in his wrestlers.

“It’s gonna give you a winning perspective in the classroom and a winning perspective in the community,” Randy Streeter said. “Kids are scared to come out for sports because they don’t think they’re gonna shine. They don’t think they’re going to be that guy. Well, you can be that guy. You just gotta come and put the time in.”

Upper-weight star Marcum is in the midst of a spectacular undefeated season with 36 wins, and zero losses. He is closing in on the Kansas single-season pin record, which Randy Streeter anticipates he will likely conquer by the end of the year.

For Marcum, focusing on making small individual strides helps him reach his bigger goals.

“Every single day I come into practice with the same mentality,” Marcum said. “It’s not that it’s getting easier, it’s that you keep pushing yourself forward so that the struggles get a lot easier. If you get better by 1% each day, you’re going to be really good.”

Additionally, Randy Streeter recognized the confidence and flair that Marcum carries with him every day.

Lower-weight Bradley has been a force to be reckoned with for all four of his successful years as a wrestler. Not only has he stamped his name in the 100-win club alongside his senior captains, but he is also looking to do something no wrestler has ever done at Free State.

If Bradley places at state this year, he will become the only male Firebird ever to do so four total times. Bradley says he traces the success back to the source, Randy Streeter.

“Matthew doesn’t believe that anybody can beat him at anything.

‘That’s how he wakes up. You can’t beat me at anything. Not in an argument. Not at spikeball. You can’t beat me at anything.’ It’s his confidence that has carried him.”

Senior Nolan Bradley hugs varsity boys wrestling coach, Randy Streeter, on senior night. Senior night forms an even deeper connection between a coach and his athlete. Photo by Chloe Cook

Senior Matthew Marcum, successfully pins down his opponent from Holton, winning the match on Dec. 1. Achieving the 100 Win Club was just one of Marcum’s goals coming into his senior year. “Most of my goals are pending with Regionals and State still awaiting,” Marcum said. Photos by Chloe Cook

“I’ve learned everything I know from him,” Bradley said.“He’s helped me grow a lot, from kids wrestling, through middle school, and all the way through high school. He’s prepared me as well as anyone could have.”

Being a skillful athlete can unlock many doors, but none as large as what attitude and effort can control. Randy Streeter credits Bradley’s tireless work ethic and commitment to his success.

“He’s a pretty fierce competitor, always in the mix at the top in the state,” Randy Streeter said. “His dedication—he misses nothing. He never misses. I don’t think he’s ever missed a practice.”

Middle-weight wrestler Eric Streeter, the most experienced of the three, has been nursing an injury through his senior season. Unable to compete, Eric Streeter has taken on a different leadership role, helping mentor young wrestlers and raise the standard on the mat for those around him. Randy Streeter is keen on Eric Streeter’s comeback and is encouraging him to make an impactful return.

“What it’s taught him is that ‘it is what it is’ and at any time you can get stopped by an injury,” Randy Streeter said. “He’s trying to manage it. He’s not wrestling at league because he wants to try to wrestle at regionals and state. His focus has taken a turn. He just needs to get taped up and go after it.”

Eric will return to the mat at regionals with hopes of producing a fruitful result and advancing to state alongside his teammates.

Upon arriving, Randy Streeter has flipped the wrestling narrative, skyrocketing its numbers and delivering success. He plans to build youthful talent from the ground up, but this memorable trio of senior captains set the standard, and are unrivaled in that regard.

Design by Sarah Masterson | Photos by Chloe Cook and Amelia Wiles

“We want history to repeat itself. It’s a pretty special situation, watching that growth and watching everything that we taught them when they were little come to fruition. It’s gonna be sad to see them go. They’re three of the greatest wrestlers that have ever been in this building.”

Senior Matthew Marcum quickly pins down his opponent, winning the dual on Dec. 1, 2022. Developing a love for wrestling at a young age, the sport was always a key aspect of his life. “ I wasn’t playing many sports that piqued my interest as a kid, but wrestling just really stuck with me through all the years,” Marcum said. Photos by Chloe Cook

Senior wrestler Nolan Bradley prepares to take on his opponent from Olathe East. With the upcoming State Championship, Bradley looks to defend his 6A 2022 State Title. Photos by Chloe Cook

Senior Eric Streeter hypes up his fellow senior and teammate, Matthew Marcum, before their next wrestling duel of the night against Olathe East. Throughout the demanding, competitive lives of these two wrestlers, their friendship has always remained. “I haven’t decided on where I’m going yet, but I’d love to wrestle with a couple of teammates if I do,”

Marcum said when asked about his upcoming collegiate future. Photos by Chloe Cook

STUDENT ATHLETE COMMITS

Class of ‘23 athletes taking their athletic and academic careers to the next level

Story by Elizabeth Hare

Alena VelillaBenedictine University for Softball

Senior Alena Velilla committed to Benedictine University with plans to major in architecture. Velilla is looking forward to the family-like team environment and to be in a new place.

“[Benedictine has] a really good architecture program,” Velilla said. “It’s fairly new, but they are published with other schools like University of California Los Angeles’s [UCLA’s]architecture program, and the campus is absolutely gorgeous.”

Aubrey DuncanOklahoma University for Track & Field

Senior Aubrey Duncan signed to officially be on the Oklahoma Sooners track team in December. While Duncan is somewhat new to track, she is excited for the individuality aspect and the next chapter of her life.

Natalie SchmidtbergerWilliam Jewell for Golf

Senior Natalie Schmidtberger started playing golf competitively for Free State, and found a passion for it. Shmidtberger is excited for bigger competition at the collegiate level and spending time with her team.

“I’m excited for what I don’t

“I’m excited to see where it takes me.. If football doesn’t work out, if I don’t go to the league, then I have a Harvard degree in my back pocket.”

“I thought that the coach was very nice and was going to help me the most out of everyone that I met,” Scmidtberger said. “It’s a smaller school. I liked that, it was more intimate. And it’s close to home.”

Spencer DoanHarvard University for Football

Senior Spencer Doan signed to play football at Harvard University, a prestigious ivy league school. Doan plans to major in mechanical engineering and take aerospace classes at Massachusetts Institute of Technology [MIT].

GIRLS

“[It’s taken] a lot of perseverance and discipline,” Duncan said. “I mean, it’s not easy, but it’s been fun. It’s a journey.”

know yet,” Doan said.

“I had a great experience on the bowling team because I made so many new friends and enjoyed learning a new skill with them,” junior Ava Gray said.

BOYS WRESTLING

“They’re [seniors] really an inspiration and getting me excited

for my senior year to go in with the mentality to be as good as they are,” junior Braden Byrne said.

“Honestly my favorite part of the season has been the

energy and the music and dancing after a win in the locker room,” junior Wesley Edison said.

WINTER SPORTS Highlights

“It’s been great having mainly female coaches and we look up to all

of them. Since there aren’t very many

upperclassmen we’re all kind of role models for each other,”

sophmore Hadley Lonnberg said.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

GIRLS WRESTLING

“The girls this year have set a great foundation for Free State ...I look forward to this team

growing and becoming a great wrestling program.” said girls varsity wrestling coach, David Blazevic.

“I am so proud of these guys and all they have accomplished so far this season. Everyone has been instrumental in the team’s success,” Varsity swim coach

Annette McDonald said.

BOYS

SWIM & DIVE placed fouth at the Sunflower League Championships

Design by Raelynn Keefer | Photos by Eleanor Roust

MILTON’S CAFE: A LOCAL SPOT

The support from the Lawrence community for local black-owned businesses like Milton’s Cafe allows these small buisness owners to thrive

During Black History Month, there are many ways to show your support for Lawrence’s black community, such as supporting local black-owned businesses.

One of many local black-owned businesses is Milton’s Cafe, opened by David Lewis in 1997. The location lies at 901 New Hampshire St. It is a breakfast and lunch spot that's been a Lawwwrence staple for almost 30 years.

Story by Maura Langland

While the people of Lawrence have embraced Milton’s, Lewis feels that the city isn’t as inclusive as it could be considering there aren’t many black-owned businesses in town. In addition to a lack of diversity, there is a lack of support for new business owners.

However, one aspect of the city that has never failed Lewis has been the people of Lawrence.

“From students to professors and other business owners, it's been really rewarding,” Lewis said.

“The Lawrence community is awesome,” Lewis said. “People in this town have supported my business since I've been here in 1997.”

“They need to consider the startup costs for new businesses, the permitting fees and just the obstacles that are in just the costs,” Lewis said.

Milton’s Cafe sign located at the corner of Ninth St. and New Hampshire. Photo by Geneva Sabatini.

Milton’s Cafe owner, David Lewis, smiles at the camera. Photo by Geneva Sabatini

NAACP YOUTH COUNCIL

Lawrence NAACP Youth Council makes a comeback

High school students are ready to take action for equity; therefore, after 30 years, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People [NAACP] developed a youth council branch in Lawrence again.

After realizing many activism councils were based on discussion, senior President Wendo Kimori decided she needed to take initiative.

“I wanted to start a youth council to show that there’s a place that youth could go and… act on their ideas to advance racial relations,” Kimori said.

The youth council is focused on putting ideas and plans into motion instead of talking about their aspirations.

“I'm tired of talking about how to solve this injustice; I want action,” junior Elsie Murrugarra said.

Younger generations in the community are ready to start chang-

ing society for the better, and the youth council provides the resources to help young leaders take action.

“We are the future leaders of tomorrow. So who better than us to…create the change,” Kimori said.

Anyone of race is welcome to join the youth council as long as they are passionate about making change.

“Everybody should be an ally to whoever is suffering from any form of oppression,” sophomore Kaitlynn Sedich said.

The organization fights for all types of equality and justice, whether they’re fighting for the environment, gender equality, or racial justice; they help the cause.

Recently, they’ve been feeding the unhoused population and reading to children at an elementary school. Murrugarra says,

Story by Maria Mosconi

“Our mission is to provide equity: politically and socially in all aspects of life for communities of color,” Murrugarra said.

Although the council has only returned for a short period of time, members hope it’ll promote equity and encourage leadership in the community for a long time.

“I hope that this council will instill hope in the youth in the future leaders of today,” Kimori said.

Design by Maile Hickman | Photos by Geneva Sabatini and Wendo Kimori

“We are the future leaders of tomorrow. So who better than us to start acting on these things and create like, create the change like make it we know what we know what our problems are? We know our strengths”

FSHS Senior, Wendo Kimori reads to childern. Photo submitted by Wendo Kimori

On February 7th, FSHS Senior, Wendo Kimori along with Ursla Minor, President of the Lawrence NAACP Branch accepted the Black History Month Proclamation from the Mayor of Lawrence at the City Commission Meeting. Photo by Isabelle Prô

PERFORMATIVE ACTIVISM AND ITS EFFECTS

Unity Step Team coach, district-wide Black Student Union sponsor and Lawrence High track and field head coach Audrey Trowbridge discusses her personal thoughts and experiences on performative activism during Black History Month

Collected by Simon Williams

Q: How do you see performative activism negatively affect Black History Month?

A: It is important to not only acknowledge the accomplishments and impacts of cultures during specific times of the year. I value that we set aside time to do so, but if the only time that’s happening is during a specific predetermined time of the year, that reads to me as performative.

Q: How does performative activism negatively affect Unity Step Team?

A: We have been active since 2017 and we are one of the groups that doesn’t have a ‘season.’ We are active and available to participate in school and community events year round, but I notice my email only buzzes during January and February, or at Juneteenth celebrations, when people want to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month. When we try to perform at other events throughout the year, we are often told no or we are not considered. The times when we are considered, it feels like it is for the purpose of diversifying a program, and we are often given specific parameters for what we can do that diminish what it is we do. We have been given time limits, told we can’t dance, asked to volunteer to help but then not allowed to perform, asked to table at an event but told we couldn’t participate, asked to perform and not been compensated for it as other groups/ performers have been, asked to perform and then not provided accommodations for. It has felt often times that we are used as the token for things, but we are not supported or allowed to exhibit the fullness of what we do when we are asked. Very seen and not heard type of thing, which feels performative, or like a diversity box being checked.

Q:In a previous interview, reporter Lilly Wall said you discussed wanting to find opportunities for U-Step to perform in february, but avoid only performing/being asked to perform in this month, has this turned out to be an issue? If so, how was it addressed?

A:I explain to people asking why we are saying no, and offer to perform another time. Some times we hear back, a lot of times we don’t.

Members of the Unity Step Team perform at the 2021 Firefest hosted by Student Council.

Photo archived from Addison Driscoll.

“Sometimes we [as a community] risk having a fake sense of progress when we only look at efforts to increase the visibility of inclusion.”

Q: How/in what ways do you see performative activism affect the Free State and Lawrence community at large?

A: Sometimes we [as a community] risk having a fake sense of progress when we only look at efforts to increase the visibility of inclusion. It’s important to ask those who are being included if they feel like it’s inclusive, or if they have been asked to change or police themselves in order to be included. If you have to modify who you are or what you do to some mainstream idea of acceptable to be included, then it seems to me to be more performative than actual activism.

Q: How does Unity Step Team respond to requests to perform more in February?

A: In the beginning there was definitely more acceptance on our part of these performances because it was the time people were open to allowing us to perform. In a lot of ways it was the door we had to walk through in order for other opportunities to become available. The team is really good and I think at first, step was something new that people didn’t quite understand, so now that they have some exposure to it, we come to mind during times set aside to celebrate people of color. But we would love to perform all the time, and wonder why we are not being asked any other time of year when we are available all year long. This year I declined some opportunities because every request was based off of BHM, during the school day and I didn’t want to take kids out of school that often. I have a plan in the future to offer a ‘tour day,’ where we go to multiple schools in one day so that our kids can represent themselves during this time of year, but don’t have to miss school to do it. Saying yes to a bunch of different requests in February during the school day means they risk getting behind in school, and cost doesn’t outweigh the reward anymore now that we have established the group as a talent worthy of watching.

BOOK REVIEW

Reviw by Allison Mayhew

Jacqueline Woodson’s “Red at the Bone”

“Red at the Bone” by Jacqueline Woodson is a thought-provoking novel that explores family dynamics and identity. The story follows the contrasting lives of two teen parents, Aubrey and Iris, who are affected by class differences and social standards.

Throughout the novel, the two parents differ over conflicting values, as Iris evades her duties as a mother. The narrative is told from multiple perspectives and jumps back and forth in time, up until their daughter, Melody’s, 16th birthday. Woodson’s writing captures human emotions and experiences strongly, creating very multidimensional characters. Additionally, she explores the complexities of race, class and identity, and shows how the characters are shaped by these factors. Overall, Woodson is an exceptional author whose writing explores important themes, making this book a mustread for everyone.

Design by Sarah Masterson | Photos by Oliva Hazlett

The 2021 Step Team puts on a united, confident show at the annual FS Firefest hosted by Student Council. Photo archived from Addison Driscoll.

ROSS GAY SPEAKS AT KU

Author Ross Gay gave a Kenneth A. Spencer lecture at Liberty Hall on Feb.16, where his books were sold by the Raven Book Store, a locally owned bookstore.

Born in 1974 in Youngstown, Ohio, Gay is a nationally renowned and critically acclaimed author and poet. With an extensive educational background, including a Doctorate of Philsophy in English from Temple University, he has written four books of poetry and won several awards for his works, in which he explores joy in its many forms.

His album, “Dilate Your Heart” allows anyone to listen to and enjoy several of Gay’s poems.

In an interview with Alex Chambers in October, Gay expressed how he views the concept of joy.

Story by Becky Coston

Poet and artist Grabrielle Civil recites part of her book at her performance on Feb. 13.

“Joy [is] the light that emanates from us when we help each other carry each other’s sorrows,” Gay said.

POET GABRIELLE CIVIL COMES TO KU

Gabrielle Civil Performs “The Déjà Vu” at the University of Kansas for Black History Month on Feb. 13

Story by Conrad Hill

Black feminist writer, performer, teacher and activist Gabrielle Civil came to University of Kansas [KU] on Feb 13. to perform a new piece titled “The Déjà Vu”. The piece is specifically an autobiography, performance art collection about topics including body positivity, self acceptance and black feminist perspectives.

sioning the past and seeing ourselves anew,” event organizer Megan Kaaminski said.

At the end of her performance Civil asked the audience members to participate in dancing with her in the aisles, saying her dream is for everyone to put aside differences and dance.

author and reviewer Alexis De Veaux said in a review of the book. “Civil has crafted a pedagogical model for writing performance art.”

Civil has performed over 40 times, is currently teaching at the California Institute of Arts and has released six books. “The aim of my work is to open up space,” Civil said on her website.

“I find or create environments, enter them, and make things happen-with objects, language, often other people and always, always my body.”

During her performance at KU, she projected images as she read, passed around a candle across the audience, played audio recordings and danced while it played. Additionally, she interacted with audience members physically and verbally.

“Civil’s poetry, performance and scholarship open up space for dreaming liberatory futures, re-envi-

Design by Raelynn Keefer | Photos by Geneva Sabatini

“‘The Déjà Vu' describes her defying all at once the limitations opposed by more conventional approaches to genre,”

“I have a dream, my dream is for everyone, everyone of difference, everyone of similarities, to dance,” Civil said.

Black Dreams & Black Time by Gabrielle Civil | $17 on Amazon

ALL CITY CHOIR CONCERT

The combined honor choirs from Lawrence Public Schools high school and middle schools perform in the annual All City Choir event Story by

Evie Chancy

After hours of rehearsals, the combined choirs from Lawrence Public high schools and middle schools took the stage in the annual All City Choir event at the Lied Center on Feb. 7.

The show consisted of the high school honors choirs performing “Alleluia”, “Hands are Knockin”, “There is No Rose” and “Lamentations of Jeremiah”, with conductors Dwayne Dunn, Olivia Henning, Joshua East and Angela Loganbill.

The event was successful for the singers, as the benefits of hard work and collaboration were reflected in the students’ performances.

“It was probably the best that we’ve done some of the songs and it was for a much larger audience than we usually perform,” Landholm said.

Free State choir director East said the event served as a great opportunity for students. The students got the chance to work with the directors from other schools. According to East, students have prepared for the show by diligently practicing in class.

“We put in a lot of work preparing these pieces so we’re properly prepared for it,” junior choir member Becca Craft said.

Additionally, the Free State Choir was able to support the

other choirs. According to Craft, the Free State choir has attended all the performances of their fellow choirs as well as holding workdays between schools in order to prepare each other.

“Working with Lawrence High School there’s a lot of really talented people,” Landholm said. “Working with them was a really positive experience for both schools.”

Not only was this a beneficial experience for choir members, the show gave audience members a chance to experience the talent of the choirs. A majority of the seats in the hall were filled. Many guests participated in the sea shanties sung by the middle school choir. Attendee Ebi Hegeman described the performance as captivating.

“The performance was beautiful,” Hegeman said. “I loved hearing the pieces put on by developing passionate voices.”

The All City Choir show brought community members together to celebrate the talent of local youth. People from across Lawrence came to watch the students sing. Landholm said it gave their family a choir performance to look forward to.

“It shows unity in our district and also showcases the talents of all the students that we have in our district,” East said.

Singing at the All City Choir concet on Feb. 7, Ava George (LHS), junior Annika Maximov (LHS), senior Gemma Waldron and senior Anna Kober, perform solos. Photos by Eleanor Roust

Performing jointly, both Lawrence Free State and Lawrence High School Choirs came together to sing on February 7th. The All City Choir concert brought a large audience of support from both high schools. Students enjoyed performing with their peers and making connections between both schools and programs. Photos by Eleanor Roust

TICKETMASTER? MORE LIKE TICKET DISASTER.

Ticketmaster faces lawsuits after crashing the day Taylor Swift tickets went on sale, and other controversies with jacked up prices and bad customer service

Story by Emi Stone

On Nov. 15, tickets for Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” went on sale on the website “Ticketmaster” which allows users to purchase tickets for concerts. Fans who bought tickets noticed that the process was harder than it usually is, and that the fees were high.

Ticketmaster blamed automated programmed robots that engage in social media apps to prevent people from getting tickets and create high fees on ticket prices.

“I was disappointed in Ticketmaster and Taylor Swift,” freshman Taryn Jones said. “A lot of bots got tickets, and a lot of real Swifties didn’t get tickets. I feel bad for them.”

The fans were put into the queue for tickets at 10 a.m. on a Tuesday morning, which was also during school and prevented some students from being able to focus on their school work. Although tickets were sold, fans said it was glitchy, many bots were already ahead of them and many weren’t able to actually get to the loading screen until about 6:00 p.m.

Additionally, Ticketmaster claimed a number of bots were buying the tickets and reselling them for a higher amount than originally priced, preventing many actual fans from being able to get them. As well as that, Ticketmaster had high fees consisting of $80 for things such as the venue, the artist and increasing production costs.

“We paid $120, but with fees, it’s like $200,” English teacher Sophia Coen said. “It’s disappointing that the fees are that much for really bad seats.”

Online many fans said that they were outraged, and threatened to sue. Many fans felt additional disappointment regarding the fact that Ticketmaster could have fixed this issue.

Overall, the situation was stressful and frustrating to fans in terms of a significant amount of tickets not going to fans, and high fees.

“Buying tickets with your friends to go to a fun event should not cause stress, and it should not cost $1,500 to get your tickets to Taylor Swift,” senior fan Lillian Beightel said. “[Buying tickets] is a really vulnerable thing and it ruins a lot of people’s experience.

SABRINA CARPENTER

APRIL 26TH

Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland

LUKE COMBS

JUNE 10TH

GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

LOUIS TOMLINSON

JUNE 10TH

Starlight Theatre

Design by Vivi Riffel | Photos by Taylor Stone and Eleanor Roust

MEET THESE STYLE ICONS

Senior Felix Janzen-Chappell and English teacher Sophia Coen discuss self-expression,passions and interests surrounding fashion

Story by Becky Coston

Q: What most heavily influenced your style?

: The music I listen to: alternative, indie, grunge, a lot of the older stuff.

: What are some of your go-to stores?

: Definitely Wild Man Vintage, anytime I go there I always find at least one thing I want to buy. ATC is always good. Downtownthey have some great thrift stores - and I sometimes look on Depop for online thrift stuff.

: How do you choose an outfit every day?

: I think about a color scheme or different clothes that I haven’t worn in a while and just see what goes together.

Q: What is the most surprising thing in your closet?

A: I have a dress made completely out of tinsel by someone who recently just made a costume for Harry Styles.

Q: How did your style start to evolve into what it is now?

A: I went from wear ing uniforms at private school to going to public school in mid dle school, I wanted to dress like everyone else so I would fit in. I re alized I didn’t like how everyone else dressed in high school and started thrifting and buying vintage clothes.

Q: How does your style express who you are?

A: I’m a very chaotic and haphazard per son, so most of the time, what I’m wear ing doesn’t match and that’s how I feel inside.

Senior Felix Janzen-Chappell English teacher Sophia Coen

4/5

Review by Olivia Nagel

"Writers and Lovers" is the fifth novel by American author Lily King that follows the patchy life of an aspiring young writer, Casey Peabody. Casey Peabody is a lost writer in the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts, who tries to navigate the different phases of her life against joy, grief, betrayal, and artistic gratification. There is nothing too exotic or special about the book, but it is compelling in every way possible. King shows us the deepest lows and the highest highs of a 25-yearold woman who is just trying to navigate life, making the story so real and raw. Casey’s story captures how hard it can be to attain self-love or believe in yourself amidst others’ success while it feels like you have none. Writers & Lovers is a book about finding one’s way through passion, desire, grief, and determination. It is also about a strong desire for love, family, and success and about learning to stop worrying so much about how men “perceive you” at the expense of how you feel about them.

NEW COFFEE SHOP: GROUNDED COFFEE

New coffee shop, Grounded Coffee, made its debut in late November. The cafe is located at 11 E. Eighth Street, replacing former business, Henry’s Coffee Shop.

The ambiance was cozy, with cute lighting and lots of natural light. It was a calm atmosphere to get coffee with a friend or do homework. The shop was lined with colorful lamps around the perimeter of the wooden seating.

With the large amount of local coffee shops already in Lawrence, Grounded did not stand out in terms of their coffee and food. Some of their items included scones, cookies and traditional kinds of coffee.

The prices were a bit on the higher side. Overall, it was a decent enough place to grab a coffee, but nothing that would make us rush back. If you are looking for a more notable coffee shop experience, there may be better local options.

Review by Allison Mayhew and Lilly Wall

COFFEE RATING: 3/5

COOKIE RATING: 4/5

PROGRAMMING SUCCESS

As the season begins, the robotics team swings into high gear to prepare for regionals starting in March. The team has been successful in previous years, however this year they’re coming back stronger than ever with senior Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mei Gordon-Washington leading the team after being elected last April.

“Aside from leadership skills, I’ve really enjoyed the community that I found in the robotics team,” Gordon-Washington said. “I’ve had the opportunity to really grow into project management, communication, and conflict resolution skills. It’s been really beneficial to me.”

The team is participating in the FIRST robotics competition. In FIRST, the team is given a game in the beginning of January, and has six to seven weeks to build a robot to be able to play.

Within the robotics team, they are split up into five groups: marketing, creative, mechanical, design and software and they are assigned roles within their groups.

Senior creative leader Emma Liu is working on the engineering side, along with the crafty and artsy side of robotics.

Story by Arianna Waller

District-wide Robotics team prepares for the FIRST Robotics Competition in March

Liu is also working to prepare members for not only their assigned tasks, but other challenges that are thrown at them.

“Since I became the creative director, I’ve been really trying to get members to be cross trained so that [they] not only can do creative, graphic design things, but also know how to code the robot or work with marketing and presentations to sponsors,“ Liu said.

Another creative design member, senior Abby Coons has said that the robotics team has opened her up to a more creative and unique way of thinking.

“It’s made me a much more confident person,” Coons said. “I learned how to talk to people at a lot of the competitions last year, and I learned a lot about public speaking and relaying information.”

Coons, Gordon-Washington, and Liu encourage others to will consider joining Robotics.

“There are opportunities for communication, business, art and you don’t have to be a whiz at coding or know how to build a robot when you walk onto the team,” You’ll find what you enjoy, and I hope people give it a chance.”

“I work a lot with the graphic design portions, and it really taught me where art and [Science Technology Engineering and Math] can intersect,” Liu said. “I never thought they could really go together, and the robotics team showed me how they can complement each other.”

Members of the Robotics Team come together from Free State and Lawrence High to collaborate at the College and Career Center on how they can improve their coding skills.

Photo by Ashanti Riccardo

Free State Junior Peter Burdick and Lawrence High Sophomore Sean Dixon, members of the technical team on Team STEAM 5119, test their robot to see if it can pick up a traffic cone. Photo by Ashanti Riccardo

Story by Phoebe Morris

Debaters come home taking second and third place at the State tournament

DEBATE PLACES AT STATE

On Jan. 13 and 14, varsity debate students ended the season placing at state. The four-speaker team placed second with debaters senior Aaron Persinger, senior Emma Hefty, senior Emma Stammeyer and junior Sophie Racy. The two-speaker team took third place with junior Connor Brown and senior Cici Hunter.

At state, winners competed against multiple teams, whereas the opponents that lost the most rounds ended their season. The seniors who competed had no way of predicting when their last round of a tournament would be.

“The stress of [senior] students going into every round on a Saturday afternoon, knowing it could be their last one creates an emotional roller coaster that is difficult to navigate,” head coach Kelly Thompson said.

Although winter break interrupts the preparation time the team has together, the intense workload left most debaters who planned to compete at state dedicating around five hours outside of school per week towards debate work.

Debaters Racy and Brown agreed that support from coach Thompson carried them to state.

In conclusion, this debate season ends with an emotionally rewarding tournament. With the help from their coaches, students brought home another win.

While at state, the wide variety of judging pools added to the stressful atmosphere. The 4-speaker team was challenged by adjusting their strategy within a bigger group.

Throughout rounds, students’ goals were to switch their argumentative approach based on who was judging them.

“There was a lot more pressure because the way that me and my partner performed would heavily affect the way our other partners did,” Racy said.

Brown only competed in one previous tournament with his partner at state. It was challenging for him to alter his strategy for a new partner. As they figured how to work together, they continued to prepare over winter break.

“The motivation that we received from our coaches pushes us to not only just be at tournaments, but to commit more time outside of school to practice debate,” Racy said.

On December 17, 2022, Free State’s 4-Speaker state debate team won second place, winning 12 out of 16 ballots, losing only to the reigning champions, Washburn Rural. The team consisted of junior Sophie Racy, seniors AJ Persinger, Emma Stanmeyer, Emma Hefty and freshman alternates Breahna Randall and Lena Hasiuk. Racy, who’s been on the debate team since freshman year, is especially grateful for the relationships she’s made while a part of the team. “I really enjoyed getting to spend a lot of time with my teammates,” Racy said. “It felt like a great bonding experience that I don’t always get with my team.” Photo collected by Ashanti Riccardo.

Photos by Isabel Prô, Chloe Cook, Lady Ortega-Perez, Elinor Russo, Mallory Thompson, & Eleanor Roust

You may think there’s nothing more responsible than a weekend spent programming the security system of your home. But you may have missed the most important step to keeping your family with a roof over their head: Life insurance.

Design by Raelynn Keefer

Last time chiefs won the Super Bowl i didn’t have warm chiefs gear so he lent me one of his beanies to wear for the day. - Senior, Olivia Romero | I was on the girls tennis team for 4 years. And every year coach leitel would try to convince me to go out for track. He would say “Avery you are an amazing runner. Just try track out and see if you like it!” I never did try out for track but him saying that always made me smile. He was such an amazing person that could lift someone up when they were feeling down. One of the most kind and caring person I know <3 - 2022 Graduate, Avery Stejskal | Mr. Leitel never failed to say hi to me in the hallways as I walked by his classroom. He was always such a light in my day, and had such a positive attitude towards everyone around him. I am so grateful to have known such a good man. - Senior, Marina Kimzey | I never really cared for history and taking his class and being around his amazing personality, his kindness, and his love for what he does really made me enjoy going to his class each day. He also would always say hi to me everytime I walked by him in the hallways which on bad days really made it better. - Senior, Clara Beyer | I always knew him as someone who was so passionate about life! Whether that’s his career, coaching, friends, or relationship with students. I always aspired to be as positive as he was and really saw him as a role model. - Junior, Emily Barkley | Coach Leitel was just the nicest and most supportive Coach I could ask for. He was always really kind and pushed my doubles partner Lily and I to do our best, and I’ll never forget his smile after we played a great point. He made me feel better even when I played my worst matches, and he always made a win feel like the best moment of our lives. - Sophomore, Sacia Edie | Adam I appreciate all of our talks especially the sports ones! we spent a lot of time breaking stuff down you were a true sports guy! - Teacher & Coach, Jamar Reese | Earlier this year, I sort of bombed a physics test and I was crying in APUSH (my class right after physics) and Mr. Leitel was so incredibly kind about it. He tried not to single me out too much, so instead he just said really kind and encouraging things to the entire class throughout the whole period. He would say things like, “remember, guys, we can’t always succeed in everything we do, and that’s perfectly okay. Everything is going to be just fine” and then he gave me the biggest smile as I left class that day. I felt a million times better and he honestly made me believe in myself again. He worked so hard to help everyone believe in themselves, and I really think they everyone who knew him is better for it.- Junior, Taylor Sharp | He always showed up with a smile on his face; you could tell he loved teaching and being around us. He truly cared about his students and was always talking to one. - Junior, Bailey Smith | ”Lots of memories about Mr. Leitel. Knowing that I was a child of the ‘60’s, Adam had lots questions about whether the 1960’s were comparable to the unrest we have today. He was very curious about that, and I loved talking with him about Abbie Hoffman, Jane Fonda, Tom Hayden, the Berrigan brothers. When he found out that my dad was a WWII vet, Adam started quizzing me about the forties and fifties. We had great conversations. I subbed for him a lot and loved filling in for him. His kids were well behaved, respectful, studious, and I could tell that they thought a lot of him. Of course his favorite topic to discuss, was anything having to do with Chiefs football. I loved those conversations. Adam will be missed. Kids liked him. Staff liked him. He was a big, big part of the culture of FSHS. We lost a good one. - Former Athletic Director, Steve Grant | Seeing him outside his classroom and every time I passed his room he would ask how I was doing and give me a high five. I looked forward to seeing him and him putting a big smile on my face.- Junior, Lia Wilson | Mr. Leitel said hi to me every morning it always made me feel a little better about my day. - Junior, Hannah Hayes | As a new librarian/staff member, Adam was one of the first people to invite me into his classroom to co-teach. He was so welcoming and kind. It made a huge impact on my beginning at free state.- Librarian, Marisa Hegeman | Mr. Leitel was the gravitational center of the Social Studies Department. He had a special magnetism that pulled people in his direction. He was unfailingly of good nature every single day and throughout each day. Among the dozens of fond memories I have are the many times he brought actual newspaper articles to my room that he thought were interesting and that I could benefit from. Adam was a kind spirit and his absence is a chasm for us all. - Teacher, Jeff Haas | Last track season I was doing my last jump of my season and I made a huge pr, he played a huge part in the skill that I have now and when I made my pr I remember how happy he was for me and how happy he made me feel. I could tell he was proud of me and it was amazing to have a coach who believed in me. It was a great moment to experience and i’m so glad I was able to enjoy it with a coach like leitel. He always looked out for the jumpers and tried his hardest to help every one of us reach our potential. - Sophomore, Sofia Bourdo | I played tennis all 4 years of high school, and so did my sister. We both had the privilege of working with Mr. Lietel, and he really positively shaped both of our high school experiences. My sophomore year, during JV Sunflower League, he took our lunch orders for the day. I told him the type of sandwich I wanted, and I asked for Harvest Cheddar Sun Chips. He came back with my sandwich and chips and told me that they didn’t have them at the sandwich shop but he found a store in the area and got them for me. That meant so much to me, and still does to this day. The fact that he went out of his way to get me something as (seemingly trivial) as the flavor of chips that I wanted made me feel so seen and appreciated as a player, and as a person. That instance also speaks volumes to who he was as a person. Very selfless and kind-hearted. I’m glad I remember him in such a way. - Senior, Wendo Kimori | When I was struggling in his APUSH class and he could tell he would he would leave notes on my test or send me a email saying that he saw how hard I was working and he was proud about the effort I was putting into his class. - Junior, Katherine Halsted | I remember vividly during my sophomore year of track, I was had just finished running the 4x400 relay at JV League and Coach Leitel pulled me off to the side to tell me what my time was. It was a 53.6 and he congratulated me and asked me if I wanted to run on varsity at regionals. Making varsity had been my goal the entire season and him telling me that put me on top of the world that night.Senior, Elijah Sabatini | When I had our first meeting in the social studies department I would see Adam joking around and he made a good first impression by reaching out and telling me that if I needed anything please ask. - Teacher, Kenneth St.Pierre | Anytime I wouldn’t have a good match he would always be there to tell me good job and lift me up and get me ready for the next one. He never didn’t have a smile on his face.- Senior, Evy Falin | My favorite part about going into his class was walking in and hearing sports radio and seeing his smile listening to it - Senior, Laura Kinsch | Coach Leitel taught some of my kids in class and was a tennis coach to one. I always enjoyed catching up with him at tennis matches, he had a great energy and paid such great attention to the team. - Parent, Lauri Pilakowski | The fall my mom passed away, i was going through a really rough time and I was late to school (sometimes 5 minutes or more!) every single day without fail. I had Mr. Leitel’s class 1st hour- he could’ve said something or made me feel bad about it but he never did. Such a simple kindness, but it meant so much to me at the time (still does) that I could go to his class and just enjoy it without feeling guilty for being tardy. An amazing teacher that I will never forget.- 2019 Graduate, Brenna Brown | Leitel was my long jump coach last spring, and he was always the most kind and supportive coach anyone could have. He never seemed disappointed when you messed up, he would always have a smile giving constructive feedback. He would always say hello in the halls, and goodbye when I saw him during conditioning after school. He always carried a smile and amazing energy. He was the best coach I could ever ask for. - Sophomore, Geneva Sabatini | “He witnessed me tear my meniscus, his reaction was “ooooh, maybe she’ll get up? Oop nooo I don’t think so, well she’s rolling over, uhhh nope she’s crying, oh she’s done shesssss done” which if you knew him was such a him response. My family never ever came to any track meet so he went with me to the med tent and I felt like his one goal was to make me feel better and he kept joking around and saying stuff like “cmon kid get up you still have two jumps left” or “you’ll do anything not to run the 4x4” which made me laugh in a moment of pain. Then when I was waiting on my ride to the hospital he told me everything would work out and that the universe always has a plan. He was genuinely a good person, coach, teacher. And my story might not seem sentimental but it was too me. He was a really light hearted person and never ever got to mad when I snuck into his sixth hour successfully or when I called him Adam that one time (was more then once). I’ll forever miss his sarcasm at practice, hearing him say “we’re in good shape” and saying hi to him five times a day in the halls. I truly believe he cared about ever single one of his athletes, students, etc. in a special unique way. Rest easy - Junior, Harper Merrill | He was real easy to talk to. The first time we really had a conversation (instead of waving, smiling, or saying ‘hi’), it’s like I’d already known him for years. Any time we were in the 300-hall staff lounge, usually during plan, we would always chat about something -- usually just for a minute or two, but sometimes they were longer conversations. For instance, we both taught for years in the south Kansas City area -- different schools -- and it was fun to share stories about our time out there. That is something I’ll always appreciate. - Teacher, Adam Smith | Throughout the last 3 years playing tennis I’ve dealt with various injuries that have interfered with my playing ability at some point. I did my best to communicate that with my coaches but naturally, i am stubborn and would often play through the pain of an injury. Leitel could see straight through it, considering he had coached various athletes over the years. He would then approach me with his typical cheerful attitude, but then sternly look at me and ask if I was doing everything in my power to take care of myself. I would often lie and say that I was, but we both knew I wasn’t being honest. He would then give me a long lecture encouraging me to heal myself properly and put all of my effort into caring for my well-being. Every time I get overwhelmed, or injured, or I take on too much, I am reminded of what Leitel said. Nothing is more important than taking care of yourself. You can’t achieve your goals if you don’t start by nurturing the thing that will get you to them. I am forever grateful for his wisdom, and so honoured to have had the privilege of knowing such a genuine soul. - Junior, Ava Gray | Whenever my class would try to convince mr leitel to have a relax day rather than taking notes, he would jokingly say “you paid for this class, so I wouldn’t want to waste your money!” | I have so many positive thoughts and memories about Adam. One of the most impactful ways he has influenced my life is the way that he would light up whenever you’d walk into the room (or he’d walk into yours). He’d say “Hey, Champ!” and make you feel like the most important person in the world. I will miss that smile and that saying, and how he made me feel. I hope that I can honor him and pass that message to others. - Teacher, Jordan Rose | Most of you know that I don’t spend a lot of time talking to a lot of adult people in the building. I’m pretty purposely insulated. But Leitel was one of the few adults that I talked to every single day - we both share a common love for the Chiefs, and they were always at the forefront of our conversations. I’ll miss that connection quite a bit - it was really positive in my day-to-day life. - Teacher, KT | Coach Leitel and Romito are the core reasons why my love for track became what it is today. It wasn’t just the sport itself that I fell in love with, it was the people that made me so passionate. Coach Leitel was someone who didn’t allow you to quit. He never let me take the easy way out. He knew how capable each of us were and how to help us reach our goals, not just in track. Without them two, I don’t know who I’d be today. - 2021 Graduate, Austin Burke | Leitel was one of my favorite teachers. He was one of the few adults in this building who made me feel like he genuinely cared not only about my education, but about me as a person. He understood. He committed so much time to teaching and it showed. Leitel’s lectures helped me fall in love with history, and I genuinely looked forward to going to his class. He made learning fun. A day didn’t go by that I didn’t laugh in his class. And even when he wasn’t my teacher anymore, he never stopped saying hi to me in the halls and asking about my life.- Senior, Emma Hefty | One of my most fond memories of Coach Leitel is when I was first learning to play tennis I somehow managed to hit every ball he threw me over the fence into the soccer parking lot. He would always laugh and tell me that he couldn’t wait to watch me play in the MLB in a few years.- Senior, Cam Vaughn | After our blueprint class, my friend Emma and I went up to Leitel after a lecture over Teddy Roosevelt. Like the outstanding teacher Leitel was, he did his best to answer the question: “Did Teddy Roosevelt’s role in Night at the Museum boost his approval ratings?” He had no idea we were pulling his leg and tried to give a genuine response. This event seemed so small a year ago but today I am looking back and it proves that he was determined to answer any question and wanted the best for each of his students education. Adam Leitel made U.S. history interesting and he was truly a light at Free State. I Will never forget the influence he had on my junior year. - Senior, Theo McKay | “The track is melty” if you know, you know - 2022 Graduate, Jerred Willits | Always had a great way to connect history with things people enjoyed like sports, music, etc. he always gave me a reason to go to school he will be missed - 2019 Graduate, Will Stegall | Leitel’s corner room off the center stairs was one of the most popular location’s for teachers to meetup and talk during passing period. This was possible because Leitel always welcomed everyone with a warm smile or one of his quick humorous observations. I always looked forward to sharing some sports, politics, or more recently, gambling stories with Adam and knew he would have some commentary or his own stories to share after every weekend. One could always count on catching up on the latest sports news just outside of Leitel’s room. Just today I sorely missed not getting to hear his take on the latest Kyrie news. Leitel your joyful spirit is our great loss to our school’s hallways and for all of your colleagues and students. We love you! - Teacher, Blake Swenson | Not a huge thing, but it meant a lot to me: Coach Leitel would see me and some of my teammates running in cross country practice, and he always encouraged us. It still gives me a smile every time I think about it.- Junior, Brandon Sikes | I remember when I was a junior and it was my first big track meet. I was a thrower and not many people would come to watch throws since it was so far from the track, but Leitel came right before I was about to throw and he stayed to cheer me on. He was always there to wish me luck before meets and gave me words of encouragement when I needed them most. He was an amazing coach, teacher, and person. He’ll be greatly missed. - 2022 Graduate, Maddie Base | I loved being able to help Coach Leitel with Sprint timing while I was our all last track season. I would also help him take measurements for long jump at meets. He was always such a supportive guy and I always enjoyed talking to him and helping him out - Junior, Alannah Lohfeld | Mr. Leitel would always greet me with a smile, take time to tell me good morning, and ask how I was doing. It’s very possible he was never aware, but these small acts of kindness done in passing were what got me through one of the toughest school years I’ve experienced. - Senior, Zoe Rose | Leitel never failed to make sure i was okay last semester. I had hit my absolute lowest point in my life and he made sure i was okay every single day. He was the only teacher that noticed i wasn’t okay and he did everything in his power to make sure I was going to be okay. He always reminded me to take it day by day and if things get hard to keep pushing, even when it doesn’t feel like you can anymore. - Junior, Dillen Florence | Two memories come to mind... 1. For the last few years (until Tuesday deliveries were stopped), Adam would dutifully bring me his copy of the Science Times that was included in his New York Times daily paper. He even saved them for me all through the summer. I would say, “”Adam. Why do you want to give up the best part of the paper?”” He would get that trademark smirk and twinkle in his eye and say, “”Science? Blech. Who needs it””? 2. Adam was a connoisseur of apple varieties. He loved a fancy apple. I think of him every time I decide which variety to buy each week. I will always be grateful for his friendship and thankful for the camaraderie and support he gave to Jeff. - Teacher, Wendy Haas | I always enjoyed seeing Coach Leitel in the hallway and joking around with him. He was always an amazing track coach and I will miss seeing him walking around with a clipboard while chewing gum at the beginning of practices. Condolences to his family. - Senior, Ashanti Riccardo | I only knew Adam through brief hallway encounters and as my daughter’s social studies teacher. He was one of her favorite teachers. Students enjoyed his energy, sense of humor, and “vibe” in the classroom. Adam was a friend to all. I will miss his hallway “Hello” and smile. May his family find comfort in beautiful memories and knowing that he was cherished by our Free State Firebird Family. - Teacher, Melissa Smith | when everyone would watch him walk into first hour five minutes late because he was socializing with the history department about sports and such. he would say “let’s learn something today” or “who’s ready to learn - Senior, Amy Bontrager | Not too long ago, I was doing a walkthrough in Mr. Leitel’s room. The room is pretty crowded, so I was leaning up against the wall right by the door. At a critical point in his lesson, I must have leaned too hard against the light switch because all of the lights went dim. Of course, I was very embarrassed for disrupting his class, but Mr. Leitel thought it was great because he said he had never figured out how to dim them to that level. He wanted to know how I did it. Obviously, I had no clue! He laughed at the whole situation and was not bothered at all by my blunder! - Principal, Amy McAnarney | Leitel teaching me how to play tennis as an exchange student. I didn’t play tennis before and Leitel made it to an awesome memory! - 2022 Exchange Student, Franzi Seipe | Last year I did track and Mr. Leitel was one of my coaches and this year I did tennis with him. He was a super kind and supportive teacher and coach. One of my funny memories with Leitel was he told me during tennis “Lola why don’t you do running? You would be good at it.” Like I said Leitel was a super supportive person and a great coach. - Sophomore, Lola McCollum | Mr. Leitel was one of my earliest inspirations to becoming a teacher. I can’t tell you one single instructional strategy that he used. I don’t remember a single lesson or activity. The relationship I was able to build with him during the time I was his student showed me that teaching goes so much deeper than writing notes on a board, grading tests, or building a lesson plan. Being able to relate on a personal level, bonding over common interests, and sharing a laugh with a student is paramount to success in this profession. Whenever I feel I am struggling to do those things, I always think back to my time in APUSH during the 2016-2017 school year for inspiration. I was lucky to call him a teacher and luckier to call him a coworker.Teacher, Matt Hill | Adam Leitel’s memory and spirit will forever be remembered at Free State. | All responses were collected from Mr. Lloyd.