Free Press: Issue 5, Edition 21

THE

FREE PRESS Issue 5 • 8 February 2018 • Edition 21

FS Journalism asks: Questioning college, Students consider

Alternative Plans

Should Sports Count as a P.E. Credit?

Find the perfect Valentine’s Day

Date on a Budget

Photo Illustration by MACKENZIE BICKLING

Page by GOLDIE SCHMIEDELER

Free Press Feedback

Anonymous students respond to issue 4

“I just ADMIRED the cover and the design, though at times it felt a bit lazy and sloppy, ya know?”

“Why did the movie reviewer say IT was just “okay” but said the movie Wonder was good, and even four stars? Wonder is yet another mediocre garbage crapped out by the disgusting company known as Lionsgate. Also, I believe that the movie reviews need to be more in depth. I do not think four paragraphs is enough to talk about a two hour movie like IT, especially if you are saying it wasn’t as good as everyone says it is. Also, you are wrong. IT was a great movie. I have seen it four time. Fight me.”

swim team and I can confirm that literally no one cares about our team. Please stop writing about us.”

“Really good design!!”

“I didn’t like the stories that were picked for this issue. I did like the inclusion of the Let’s Talk flyer.”

“A lot of mistakes but overall a good issue” “It had topics that are important to inform people about. One of the pages was lacking of design a bit. But overall I enjoyed it”

“Why did the newspaper not talk about Net Neutrality? I feel like that is an important “I liked the cover of this issue, this was by far topic, that affects all of the students at Free one of the best covers I have ever seen.”

State, and a lot of people are still not informed “No one cares about winter sports. I am on the on the subject even now.”

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Pages by GOLDIE SCHMIEDELER

Table of Contents Issue 5 • 8 February 2018 • Edition 21 Photo

News

Stayin’ Alive.............................4-5 Edmodo? Never Heard of Her.6-7

Profiles

Bench Warmers.........................24-25

Reasons for Religion..........14-15

Sports

Trust the Process.................26-27

You Got Blocked.................... 8-9

Feature

Entertainment

Alternative Plans.................16-19

Date Night Data..................28-29

Style

Missed Connections............30-31

Art

Featured Art........................12-13

Mother-Daughter Style......20-21

Editorial Should Sports be counted as a P.E. Credit?................................22

This Issue...

Photo Editor

Designers

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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Stayin’ A live

Kansas to Require Hig ILL COOK h School S tudents

Story by W

T

he Kansas Board of Education voted early December to require high school students to participate in CardioPulmonary Resuscitation training. Kansas will be the 38th state to mandate the training for high schools.

“It is a solid idea because more people need to know about CPR,” freshman Andrew Leibold.

Some Kansas high schools already require the training.

The health curriculum at Baldwin High School mandates students to receive CPR training.

“The more people that know CPR, the better off we are,” school nurse Lisa Lubbers said.

CPR is used to aid someone who has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating. These are typically effects of a heart attack or choking.

Many students are not confident in their abilities to perform CPR. “I would give my best effort, but probably [would not be successful],” senior Charlie Hamer said.

Freshman Cecilia Paranjothi agreed she would not be able to perform CPR successfully if asked to do so.

“I think it is a good skill we should all have in case of emergency,” Paranjothi said.

The logistics of the new requirement have not yet been established so it is unknown what the effects on each

Photos and illustration by MACKENZIE BICKLING

to Receive CPR Trainin g

student’s schedule will be. The training will most likely be implemented into the health classes, as well as other classes for upperclassmen.

The training will be treated as a graduation requirement.

“I am okay with the training taking away time from class because it would be beneficial,” Leibold said.

CPR is a skill about 30 percent of the population knows how to do according to the American Heart Association.

When performed immediately, the AHA reports that CPR can double or triple the chance of survival for someone in cardiac arrest.

“If the freshmen were doing it every year, it would become something they just know,” Paranjothi said.

For seniors and adults who have not received the training, it is voluntary to seek training.

“I wish I would be here to do that,” Hamer said.

The AHA has promised $25,000 worth of CPR training equipment in schools across the state.

The Lawrence Journal World reports nearly 33,000 students will be trained to perform CPR. “This would save a lot of lives and make a safer school environment,” Leibold said.

Pages by EVAN CORNELL

Freshman RACHEL BONNEWEL L “I think it’s definitely a good idea. It might be a little frustrating because required classes are ‘ugh,’ but at the same time it’s definitely a good thing to learn. Who knows when you’ll need it. It’s one of the few things in required classes in school that you actually use in real life at face value.”

Sophomor JA’BRAND e DOUGLAS ION “I think it will be safer for everyone if everyone knew the basic training to save someone if need be.”

Freshman ASIA BYER “I think it will be helpful because if anything were to happen in class you could also help because you know how to help them.”

Before quizzes or tests junior Sydnie Martin goes through Quizlet to help study. Since 1:1 laptops were handed out teachers have used online resources more frequently. “I use it at least twice a week, and it really does help me on my tests,” Martin said.

Edmodo?

Never heard of her Parents question digital classroom overload

Story by JORI RUDISELL

D

igital classrooms such as Google Classroom, Edmodo and Blackboard are more popular than ever with 1:1 laptops in every student’s hands this year. However, the district has announced to teachers Blackboard won’t be available to use next school year.

With free options like Google Classroom, Blackboard is considered too expensive and not enough teachers use it. However, there are still many other platforms which teachers can use.

Parents have raised concerns students are required to learn how to navigate too many different types of digital classrooms. These parents want one set digital classroom platform for all classes so the time spent

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Pages by GRETA HAYDEN

learning delivery systems doesn’t distract from the content of courses.

Connectivity to Google Drive and simplicity are the key advantages of Google Classroom according to English teacher Shayne Henry.

“I love how easy it is to create online assignments through Drive that are then automatically saved in Google Drive,” Henry said. “[Google] Classroom is also very user-friendly, I’ve never had students who do not know how to use it because it’s so easy to use.”

Henry has used other types of digital classrooms but still stands by Google Classroom as the most accessible.

“At my previous school, I used Blackboard on nearly a daily basis,” Henry said. “Although it had more

Photos by ALEXIS MCKOWN

features than Google Classroom it wasn’t nearly as user-friendly. Plus Classroom is free.”

Edmodo is an educational website that takes the ideas of a social network and refines them and makes it appropriate for a classroom.

History teacher Jeff Haas prefers Edmodo over all other digital classroom platforms. Haas finds Edmodo to be a cleaner format that is easier to understand.

“Google Classroom has a clean appearance but I find that it is slightly busier, Edmodo’s screen provides simple categories that I can easily see and use,” Haas said.

Haas thinks it is healthy for students to be

exposed to multiple ways to operate all of the types of digital classrooms.

“I do get concerned about one corporate entity (Google) having extraordinary influence over how the public gets and uses digital information,” Haas said. “I think it is healthy to use Edmodo.”

Of those digital classrooms she has experienced, senior Izabella Fletcher likes Google Classroom for its accessibility.

“I would rather all teachers use Google Classroom,” Fletcher said. “It easier to navigate and turn in online work. It would be more convenient to turn everything into one place.”

Scrolling through her homework junior Siren Holland recaps her day. Holland uses Google Classroom. “It’s quick and easy to access when I need it,” Holland said.

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Photo illustrations by MACKENZIE BICKLING

Photo by EMMA PRAVECEK

Pages by EVAN CORNELL

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uring the fall of 2016, when the district rolled out 1:1 iPads for middle schoolers, the web filter Securly was implemented to prevent students from viewing inappropriate content. Securly can also detect cyberbullying by auditing what students post on their social media accounts.

Senior Anelise Sedlock was doing research for a paper on rape culture, but Securly blocked Sedlock because she searched the word ‘rape.’

“It was really frustrating that I couldn’t research my topic at school,” Sedlock said.

“Something that should be discussed about more was blocked.”

Controversial topics are important to a civicminded education and there would be a less of a chance for rape to occur if students are well informed according to Sedlock.

Computer programming teacher Johnny Paradise expressed his frustration with Securly’s constant interception of websites that should be accessible for students.

“I’ve had multiple sites blocked that should not have been,” Paradise said. “There is a procedure to whitelist websites; however, there’s no feedback or way to know if it was approved besides just checking.”

There are better ways to utilize the schools budget for the benefit of students according to Paradise.

“It’s a wasted expense,” Paradise said. “The money spent on it could be used for actual equipment in classrooms.”

Well aware of the complaints from teachers and students, principal Myron Graber believes Securly is necessary for students’ education.

“There are some people who believe that we shouldn’t filter and it should be open access, individuals should make good decisions, but we all know that some people aren’t going to make good decisions,” Graber said.

The school had devised a plan in response to the complaints. When students take their laptops home they will less entry to websites compared to when your at school. If students use their school accounts, then Securly is able to block more websites than if they were at school.

“When you take your device home [Securly] filters websites and it limits your access to websites..., but at school you get more access to different websites,” Graber said.

Senior Anelise Sedlock is not the biggest fan of Securly. When doing research for a project on rape culture, there were many unnecessarily blocked websites that hindered her research process. “It definitely made my project take longer since I had to do my research on my laptop at home,” Sedlock said.

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Lawrence, KS 66046 P.O. Box-3710

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Featured Art

Freshman CONNOR HOWELL

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Pages by ADAM EL-HAMOUDEH

Freshman ELLIE LEBAR

“These are all places I want to go to.”

- Sophomore, ALLIE MARTINEZ

“I wanted to incorporate things that are widely considered art and things that are considered art to some but not to others.”

- Freshman, ETHAN WOOD

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Reason for Religion Discussing Mormon beliefs firsthand Story by ERIN LISTON

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Photos by MACKENZIE BICKLING

Senior Jamie McCoy attends The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. It is located about five minutes from school. “You go to church on Sunday, we have activity things on Wednesday,” McCoy said. “It’s no different from any other church.”

Pages by GRETA HAYDEN

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racticing Mormonism has always come naturally to senior Jamie McCoy. Ever since she was two years old, McCoy has been actively participating in the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. McCoy offers one experience out of many who practice Mormonism.

“I’m just one person so I don’t have all the answers, but basically we are just a [different] branch of Christianity,” McCoy said.

Many people believe that Mormons have an unusual religion because of the beliefs they practice, yet some of those systems are no longer performed. “[A common misconception is] that we still practice polygamy,” McCoy said. “That’s a funny thing that people still think, but we don’t.”

Mormons are restricted to what activities they are allowed to participate in, such as hanging out with friends or going to parties, which in turn results in them getting ridiculed.

“Sometimes you do get excluded from things...but it’s no big deal,” McCoy said.

“Or people kind of just tease you, but I don’t really care about other people’s opinions about me, I kind of just do me.”

One of the many experiences that many religions participate in is going on a mission trip. Young adults in the Mormon church are encouraged to serve 18 months to two years as a missionary. Statistics released by the Mormon indicate there were 85,150 missionaries serving at the end of 2015. For McCoy, the opportunity is still up in the air.

“I was planning on going on one for females,” McCoy said.

“When you’re 19 [years old] you get to go on a mission and it’s a year and a half and you get chosen to go wherever. I’m still trying to figure out if I want to do that, but that has been

Senior Jamie McCoy is one of a number of students practicing Mormonism. McCoy is confident in herself and her religion. “I don’t really care about other people’s opinions about me,” McCoy said. “I kind of just do me.”

the plan for some time.”

Just as with other religitons Mormons have different personas.

“I’m not a hardcore Mormon,” McCoy said. “I’m more tomboyish than the other girls, so there’s not really much of a difference [between Mormons]. It’s just personality.”

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Alternative Paths

Seniors make decisions to secure their plans for next year.

Though college is a common route, many seniors have decided to take a alternative course.

Story by ERIN LISTON and MAYA HODISON

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Using his finger to point, senior Orson Becker shows where he plans to be next year. Becker believes Chicago has many opportunities for his film career. “It has a lot of improv schools which I really want to do,” Becker said.

Pages by EVAN CORNELL and GRETA HAYDEN

Photos by EMMA PRAVECEK

Sidney Patrick Senior Sidney Patrick is debating between two options for her future. She will either work full time to give herself time to consider her future or possibly go to cosmetology school.

“I made this decision because, as of right now, I don’t have the desire to stay in school for another four years,” Patrick said.

In making her decision, Patrick faced criticism, but she didn’t let it phase her because she is confident with her choice.

“I have received a lot of criticism from my fellow classmates, Patrick said.

“People ask me ‘why not just get a real degree?’”

Patrick has given herself a break

from school because she wants to have the freedom to do as she pleases.

“I’m excited to see where life takes me,” Patrick said. “I’ve gotten the advice to just live life next year.”

Orson Becker and Hunter Rae Working in the film industry has always been a dream for senior Orson Becker, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that he started to make his dreams a reality.

Becker and his good friend senior Hunter Rea have decided to move to Chicago together after they graduate from high school because of the many opportunities the city provides.

“Chicago’s always been a happening place and so I know something is going to be going on down there,” Becker said.

Deciding not to go to college was a fairly easy decision for Becker to make.

“For a while now my plan has been to get into the film industry and through many personal accounts of my family members and friends, schooling is a very bad way to get into the film industry,” Becker said. “I figured it’d be easier to avoid spending a hundred thousand dollars if I can.”

The film industry can be difficult to get a start in, but Becker has set a plan in order to make his dreams a reality.

“My plan is to obviously find a job that I can just have to make money, but then also go to improv school, and then also hopefully start performing standup comedy,” Becker said. “Hopefully I can make some grounding on that which will give me enough leeway to make a movie or do something in the entertainment business.”

Rea has similar plans to Becker.

Throughout his years of schooling, Rea has strayed farther away from the schooling system.

His plans for the rest of his life have always been the same.

“My plans after high school have always been pretty simple.

Graduate. Get an apartment. Work.

Get money. Move the hell out of Lawrence and do my thing,” Rea

said. “I am a filmmaker and I just want to do that on a ‘professional’ level in the independent industry doing what I love for the rest of my life.”

Rea debated on whether to go to film school or not, and with the help of his favorite director, he made his decision.

“I was at a fork in the road for a long time and one of my favorite directors actually commented at me on Instagram responding to a question I asked about whether or not to attend film school,” Rea said. “He responded, and I quote, ‘no film school,’ and that was the cherry on top. I’ve had a weight off my chest and a smile on my face ever since.”

Although he’s faced criticism for his decision, Rea ignores others’ opinions because he knows that his plan is right for him.

“I get the same concerned and frightened look every time I tell someone I’m not going to school,” Rea said.

“There is just a lot of stigma around the decision. Like they assume I failed, or just gave up, or my parents are disappointed, but it’s just not the place for me. People tell me what ‘they think’ I should be doing with my life. I just nod along.”

Rea is not only eager to start his future in the film industry, but to create new relationships and new memories.

“I’m looking forward to my new found freedom, my old friends and new ones and the rest of my life,” Rea said.

Senior Orson Becker holds a book entitled “The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller.” Becker currently preparing for the following year by taking a Media and Communications class at the College and Career Center. “It’s going to build up my portfolio and prepare me for film sets and what being in the actual industry feels like,” Becker said.

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Charlie Bermel Senior Charlie Bermel has enrolled in the Air Force Academy. He will report to the Academy for basic training on June 28. It lasts six weeks and filters into the start of the school year.

“I’ll be going to school [at the Academy] and also learning more about how to become an officer,” Bermel said. “I want to become an engineer and, if the opportunity comes about, a pilot.”

Being involved in the military is a dream Bermel has had for a long time.

“I’ve always wanted to serve in the military,” Bermel said. “It’s an institution that really values discipline and good character, which is something I really want to

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be a part of. [I want to] be able to serve something a little bit bigger than myself.”

Once Bermel graduates from the Academy, he will be required to serve for five years and then advance to an officer of the Air Force.

“If I enjoy it, I’ll continue it as a career,” Bermel said. “I know that a lot of people tend to stay in longer so I’m looking forward to a career in the military.”

Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the Academy is in an ideal location for Bermel.

“The Air Force base is like right on the edge of the Rocky Mountains, which is pretty sweet,” Bermel said.

“I’m originally from Colorado, so it will be fun to go back and live in the same environment.”

Even though he is not attending a standard college or university, Bermel believes his decision is right for him and that it will be beneficial in the future.

“It [Air Force Academy] is pretty much college, except it requires [military] service,” Bermel said.

His high school experience has helped shape who he is and make good decisions for his future.

“In high school, there are some people who strive to be better and strive to achieve something great in their lives, and that’s something I really want to be a part of,” Bermel said. “I found wrestling and other sports to be in that showed me that hard work is valuable.

I want to continue that after high school.”

With pride, senior Charlie Bermel wears an Air Force shirt.

Bermel plans to attend the Air Force Academy beginning in late June. “I’ll be going to school and also learning more about how to become an officer,” Bermel said.

Pages by EVAN CORNELL and GRETA HAYDEN

Photos by EMMA PRAVECEK

Sophia Bone Some students want to broaden their horizons. Senior Sophia Bone has planned to travel to Costa Rica to attend Discipleship Training School, also known as Youth With a Mission.

“I’m doing [YWAM] because I want to have an adventure and do something fun that’s not school,” Bone said. “I’m going to be learning and traveling a lot and getting to talk about God with people.”

Bone decided this was the best decision for her because she wanted a new experience, but didn’t want to stop learning.

“I’ve been going to school for 12 years and I just think that I’ve never had life without being in school everyday,” Bone said. “I think [YWAM] is a good experience to have while I’m young and able to do that without a lot of obligations.”

88% of students plan for 88%

Along with teaching others about God, Bone will be expanding her knowledge in the Spanish language.

“I’ve been studying Spanish, so I think that it would be really cool to become fluent in Spanish, which hopefully I will,” Bone said.

Taking a break between high school and college is controversial, but for Bone, most of the reactions she gets are positive.

“Honestly most people are pretty accepting of it, but sometimes with older people when I tell them I can just see it in their faces,” Bone said.

“I think people’s perception of not going to college is that you’re never going to go, but I plan on going. I plan to just take a year off and then go to college.”

College 9%

3%

9% remain undecided 3% are not going

5% of students plan for

Trade School 78%

17% remain undecided 78% are not going

17% 5%

12% of students plan for a

Gap Year

65%

23% 12%

23% remain undecided 65% are not taking one

Senior Sophia Bone plans to spend the next year in Costa Rica doing missions trips. Bone believes this is experience will broaden her perspective of the world. “I’m excited to travel and see the world,” Bone said.

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Nandita Chawla Senior Where do you shop?

I like to shop at Aritzia, Zara and Uniqlo

What inspires what you wear?

I follow what the latest Vancouver Street trends are.

How would you describe your style?

I’m pretty street-style oriented.

How does your personality influence your style?

I stay true to who I am. I don’t change myself for anyone, so I don’t change my style either to fit into the Kansas fashion trends

What is your favorite clothing item?

My Lulu leggings.

What music do you listen to?

Everything but rock and roll and country.

How is fashion important to you?

Fashion makes the first impression. You don’t have to look your absolute best everyday but detail and care is important to me.

What fashion trends do you hate?

I don’t like Birkenstocks

What fashion trends do you love?

I love cropped culotte pants.

What’s your dream job?

A position in foreign relations.

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Mother-Daughter

Pages by ADAM EL-HAMOUDEH

Photos by ALEXIS MCKOWN

Narinder Chawla

Para Professional

Where do you shop?

Canadian designers RW&CO, Aritzia, Plum. Likes to support local shops.

What inspires what you wear?

I like to express myself through my clothes. I like to put my best foot forward because I believe first impressions really matter.

How would you describe your style?

Modern and more in line with the latest trends

How does your personality influence your style?

“I’ve always admired 1930s and 1950s styles” and more feminine styles. I think being outgoing influences much of my style.

What is your favorite clothing item?

Skirts and midi-length dresses.

What music do you listen to?

Variety, except rock and country. I also love Christmas music

How is fashion important to you?

For me, I need to feel comfortable in what I’m wearing because it sets my mood.

What fashion trends do you hate?

Open shoulder or “cold shoulder” shirts

What fashion trends do you love?

Definitely block heels and faux fur “fake fur,” especially layer looks like a summer skirt with tights and a turtleneck.

I love the off-shoulder looks

What’s your dream job?

If I could go back, I would definitely want to be a flight attendant.

Style 21*

Should Sports Count as a P.E. Credit?

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.

R

ecently the journalism staff questioned if students who participate in sports should be required to have a P.E. credit. The majority of the staff was for the idea of sports counting as a gym credit.

Staffers who agreed with the topic argued

that athletes who compete in varsity and JV sports already spend hours a day exercising. The emphasis of P.E. classes is to promote daily exercise and a healthy lifestyle, so if athletes already get daily exercise why does a gym class matter?

The other side argued that P.E. classes bring you more than just exercise. Gym classes like weights show you how to properly lift and show you correct techniques. Other classes such as lifetime sports teach you how to play sports that you may not see everyday. Another point they made was that some people that are so busy after school that they don’t have any time to exercise so their gym class is how they stay active.

Everyone should be required to have at least one P.E. credit. The argument of how the classes show you how to use good techniques is really important. Although people may not need it for the exercise, the little things you learn in those classes are useful to know.

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Pages by ADAM EL-HAMOUDEH

UPCOMING EVENTS FEB 16-17.... MAINSTAGE PRODUCTION FEB 17.......... SWIMMING BOYS VARSITY STATE FEB 17.......... WRESTLING VARSITY REGIONALS FEB 19......... MID-WINTER BAND CONCERT FEB 22......... PEP ASSEMBLY FEB 23......... BOWLING VARSITY REGIONALS FEB 23......... NO SCHOOL FEB 23......... WRESTLING VARSITY STATE FEB 27.......... JAVA AND JAZZ AT LHS MAR 2-3..... KU JAZZ FESTIVAL

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Bench Warmers

Documenting unconventional sports clubs

Holding the ball, senior Finn Huerter decides where to serve. Huerter has become increasingly involved over the past two years. “It’s fun and an excuse to hang out with friends,” Huerter said.

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Photos by EMMA PRAVECEK Pages by EVAN CORNELL

Attempting to get senior Margaret Uhler out, senior Cameron Hodge strikes the ball in her direction.

Hodge has been a member of Four Square Club since his freshman year and cherishes the social aspect.

“Everyone’s there for fun,” Hodge said.

Determined to keep the streak going, junior Gabriel Jepson uses his knee to kick the hacky sack. Jepson believes Hacky Sack Club has a positive atmosphere.

“Every time I go I’m always laughing at something,” Jepson said.

Looking at her feet, soph Sarah Church checks her stance before squatting. Church has never lifted before going to the Girls Weightlifting Club. “There’s a lot of room for improvement with me and I’m excited to learn more,” Church said.

Holding the hacky sack, sophomore Ella Young decides where to serve. Young has been a member since Hacky Sack Club began earlier in the school year. “It has given me a chance to make new friends and have fun in a new club,” Young said.

Looking at her form, sophomore Jayda Phillips prepares to squat. Phillips feels comfortable and confident when going to the Girls Weightlifting Club. “It’s really good judgement free thing,” Phillips said.

Trust Trust The The Process Process Free State athletes going through the recruitment process Story By AHMED JAKMOUJ and WILL DAVIS

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very year high school student-athletes are challenged Community College, Coffeyville Community College, with the task of choosing which school they want to Garden City Community College and Butler Community pursue their collegiate athletic career at.

College.

For some, the choice is relatively simple since they may Robinson promotes his skill-set on his Twitter account. have only received a few offers. For others, the choice can Twitter gives college coaches a quick and easy way to be difficult because they have received offers from many preview a player and also gives underrated players a schools. higher chance of getting noticed.

For junior Noah Butler, who recently transferred to Robinson has even had multiple coaches direct Free State from cross-town rival message him on Twitter as a way Lawrence High, the decision of showing their interest in him. making process is already “Most schools now will shoot becoming a problem. Nebraska, you a direct message on Twitter,” Creighton and Wichita State Robinson said. “Then they’ll come have all shown interest in Butler to [your high school], talk to you for basketball. With a growing and try to set up a visit,” Robinson list of schools beginning to show said. interest, Butler continues to For Robinson it is not about improve his game. going to the biggest school that “I play on the Under Armor offers him. When considering a circuit and there is a lot of good school, he thinks about multiple competition so you just gotta aspects. show out,” Butler said.

“If I build a relationship In the off season, Butler plays Nebraska, Creighton and Wichita State have with the coaches and how much in the Armature Athletic Union all shown interest in junior Noah Butler. With a scholarship money they’re giving growing list of schools beginning to show their (AAU). AAU is a program that [me] is mostly what separates helps develop athletes who have interest, Butler continues to improve his game. some schools for me,” Robinson a strong desire to compete at the said. collegiate level and beyond. During tournaments, college Although Robinson takes certain areas into scouts and coaches are in attendance. For Butler, the AAU consideration, when it comes down to the choice between is a way for him to get his name publicized. a smaller school and a big school, Robinson already knows By the time Butler is ready for his commitment, he what his choice will be. will take many aspects into consideration before giving his “I’d rather go to a big school and sacrifice some verbal commitment. Although he still has time before he playing time, and maybe get a couple years to get better,” has to give his set commitment, he continues to play hard Robinson said. to boost his recruitment.

Robinson has until February 7, the National Signing When the Firebird football season concluded, three Day for athletes, to make his final decision on where he star offensive tackle Jalan Robinson remained offer-less. will attend. Robinson plans to continue promoting himself However, after a few weeks, the offers began rolling in. via Twitter and keep working on his game to land more Robinson currently holds football offers from offers. the University of Kansas, Missouri State, Fort Scott Senior Claire Campbell committed to the University of

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Photos by EMMA PRAVECEK

Pages by ADAM EL-HAMOUDEH

“I’d rather go to a big school and sacrifice some playing time, and maybe get a couple years to get better,” senior Jalan Robinson said.

“When I was at KU, I felt at home with the team and I felt the most comfortable,”senior Claire Campbell said.

Kansas to continue swimming. Although she made the choice early during her senior year, the process was still challenging for the two-time First Team All-State swimmer.

Campbell was left with a tough decision to make after receiving offers from KU, the University of Houston and Boise State University.

When she wasn’t being recruited by Division I schools, she used some unique methods to get attention from college recruiters by contacting coaches directly

and expressing her interest in swimming for them.

“I made an account on College Swimming and filled in all of my times and ACT score my junior year, so that helped to get my name out,” Campbell said.

“In general I just emailed all the coaches that I had interest in swimming for. I found their emails through the university websites and just emailed them and gave them information about myself.”

When it was time for Campbell to make her final decision, KU had what other schools did not. .

“When I was at KU I felt at home with the team and I felt the most comfortable,” Campbell said. “KU also had the most opportunities for me to grow as an athlete and as a person. To me, getting a degree from KU would mean more than a degree from the other schools that recruited me.”

Campbell will continue to compete for the Firebirds this season and will continue to progress until she joins the Kansas swim and dive program.

Senior basketball standout Garrett Luinstra began receiving attention from schools during his junior season where he averaged just under 20 points per game. The Second Team All-State guard continues to put up impressive numbers, including a 36 point outing against Liberty High School in the season opener.

His high scoring average has even caught the eye of the University of Kansas Head Coach, Bill Self.

Luinstra has rejected many offers from Division II schools because he wants to play at the highest level.

Luinstra has been talking to Coach Self and intends to play for him.

“I’ve turned down all Division II offers, and I’ve basically told coach Self that I’m walking on at KU next year,” Luinstra said.

Before Luinstra was recruited by the Kansas basketball program, he knew ways that he could get his name more well-known.

“I think just playing really well is one thing to do and then also emailing the coaches if you really want to go to a certain place,” Luinstra said. “If you get to the state tournament that’s where coaches notice you.”

Although Luinstra has verbally said he’s playing at KU next season, it is unofficial until he signs his national letter of intent.

No matter which sport, the recruitment process is different. The process is long and difficult, but athletes around the nation endure the process to be able to continue playing at the next level.

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Date Night Data Plan Valentine’s Day on your budget Photos by MACKENZIE BICKLING

Budget:

Pages by GOLDIE SCHMIEDELER

Cheap

Free Wells Overlook N 1402 Rd, Open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

$.75-$5 Muncher’s Bakery

Drive to Wells Overlook Park and climb the observation tower to get a scenic view of Lawrence. This is the perfect spot to stargaze with that special someone.

925 Iowa St, Open 24 hours

Grab a sweet treat for yourself or share one with your boo. Muncher’s serves doughnuts, cookies, cakes, pies and other pastries.

Budget: $10-$35 715

715 Massachusetts St, Open 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

28*

Dine under mood lighting this Valentine’s Day. Located on Massachusetts street, 715 is the place to find gourmet TuscanAmerican food.

Expensive

Budget:

Moderate

$8 Showing of The Princess Bride 644 Massachusetts St February 14 at 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Head to Liberty Hall this Valentine’s Day to view the classic romance film The Princess Bride. This fairy tale has everything; romance, humor and sword fighting.

$50 Valentine’s Dinner

4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO February 16 2018 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Enjoy a romantic meal at the Rozzelle Court Restaurant in the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. For $50, you get your choice of four dinner courses from a special Valentine’s Day menu.

29*

Missed Connections students reveal their secrets about love and relationships