Free Press issue 10 2010-2011

BASEBALL PROFILE Take a look at Cody Kukuk's achievements in baseball and what he has to offer to FS

consequences and embarrassment

See the old school prom styles from our teachers and hear their

experiences

that come from it

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Free Press @fsfreepress on Twitter

4700 Overland Drive, Lawrence, Kansas, 66049

edition 14 issue 10 april 20, 2011

the

fsfreepressonline.com

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PROM THROWBACK

SEXTING The dangers of sexting and the

Will You Go To Prom With Me? by amani safadi

For many girls Prom is usually referred to as “the most important night in a girl's life,” so it definitely sets a standard on guys to ask out their dates in a spectacular way.

“It’s really fun setting up everything but it also shows our [prom dates] how much it would mean to go with us and then it also makes these girls feel more special and wanted instead of just having a date like most

people,” senior Felix Sommerville said. Sebi Schoneich and Alex Kong agreed to this statement.

Sommerville decided to conjure a plan to ask out his date, senior Kelcy Bowers, in a unique way. His idea was to do something completely out of the ordinary, and instead of just asking her he decided to fill her entire bedroom with Swedish Fish and leave a rubber duck on her bed

that questioned, “Where would I swim?” This then led Bowers into her bathroom where she found Sommerville in her bathtub with a rose in his mouth and holding a sign that said, “Now I’ve been swimming around for a while and even though sea food isn’t my style, this is one fish dish I couldn’t miss, and going to Prom with you is my one wish.”

Schoneich decided to ask his continued on pg. 6-7

2 News

April 20, 2011

News

Bird Watching Movies recommended this week

by Firebird Productions

Quick Reads:

Top 10:

Things you never want to hear your teachers talk about

In Theaters: Your Highness

“Your Highness” is the newest film fantasy-comedy

10) That their ring-tone is “Loveshack” 9) Any story already repeated more than twice 8) Who they are dating 7) How things were ‘back in their day' 6) How their last relationship ended 5) Their relatives' terminal illnesses 4) They dated an illegal immigrant

from the team that created “Pineapple Express”, only there’s a twist: no Judd Apatow this time.

The film chronicles two princes, played by James Franco and Danny McBride, as they travel across the medieval world with hopes of saving James Franco’s fiancée, (Zooey Deschanel) who is the prettiest woman alive. Along the way, there are plenty of wacky antics and also Natalie Portman.

It’s sort of like “Shrek” only a lot better and less charming. These guys really know what they are doing, and this is definitely their best movie since 2008’s career high, “Pineapple Express.” It is not a great movie for the whole family, similar to “Superbad”. But, it’s definitely entertaining for us teen kids with our dumb senses of humor. So go to the movies and see “Your Highness”. It will make you laugh.

Rental: Harry Potter The new Harry Potter movie was definitely the best of the franchise so far, beating out other

3) They have trouble conceiving children

series highs, “Chamber of Secrets” and “Half Blood Prince.” It introduces a new concept of the

2) If they are choosing to circumcise their child

franchise: Splitting the story of one book into two parts. This works wonderfully and gives the film more time to really pay attention to details of the

1) They are dating your mom

plot and stay true to the books where the previous films probably would have skipped over things.

Despite ending at about three-fourths through the action of the book, Deathly Hallows Part I does

Cover

have a climax and ending, even somewhat of a resolution. At least, enough of a resolution to tie fans over until “Deathly Hallows Part II” comes out this summer. The film features many old characters such as Dobby the house elf, and new characters, like Xenophilius Lovegood played by Rhys Ifans. We here at Firebird Productions would absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the previous films.

Classic: The Pink Panther

The 1963 movie “The Pink Panther” chronicles Inspector Jacques Clouseau as he searches for the thief of the famed Pink Panther Diamond.

Peter Seller (Clouseau) delivers one of his most subtle and funniest performances of all time.

Readers may be familiar with the newest spin off

Free State students from left is Alex Kong, Adelle Loney, Felix Sommerville, Kelsey Bowers, Annie Libeer, and Sebi Schoneich make prom poses. These boys had cute ways to ask these lucky ladies to prom. Story on pgs. 6&7. Photos by Megan Engleman.

Tell us what you think: Post comments on fsfreepressonline.com and let the Free Press know how you feel about Issue 10

of The Pink Panther starring Steve Martin. All the jokes are subtle and underplayed. One example of these jokes reoccurs throughout the movie. The inspector tells his sidekick to attack him in order to keep Clouseau sharp and on edge. These battles always end in humor lightening the mood of the movie. In all it is a classic movie that seems to have slipped under the radar of many of our generation. It is definitely a must-watch.

The KEY

April 20, 2011

3

Feature

Volunteer Opportunities Near You Walk MS - 4/30/11

Be a part of the 23rd annual Walk MS. Volunteers are needed to assist with registration, check in prizes, start and finish line festivities, work rest stops and flair!

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes - 5/6/11

Walk a mile has been held across the nation for many years, but this will be its first time being held in Lawrence! Volunteers are needed to help with set-up on the track, parking for the event, registration, morale to cheer on participants in their run or walk, and clean up the event.

to Success Seniors:

Key club gets involved in our community with hopes of making it more clean and tolerable. by chris allmon

Seniors are asked to send pictures for the Project Graduation Night slideshow. The deadline for photo submittals is April 30. Students may submit two or three individual pictures and unlimited groups photos from high school. E-mail photos to photos@projectgraduationlawrence.org or mail them on CD or DVD to Project Graduation, Post Office Box 3083, Lawrence, KS 66044.; or drop off photos at the front desk in an envelope marked "Project Graduation Photos."

731 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS • 785.843.4191 Hours: Mon.-Fri 9 am - 7 pm • Thursdays 9 am - 8:30 pm Saturdays 9 am - 6 pm • Sundays Noon - 5 pm

All Free State students, faculty & staff

photo by megan engleman

Key Club, unlike most other clubs at Free State, is an international organization devoted to helping people get involved in volunteer work and fundraisers.

The club is the high school version of an adult group called Kiwanis.

“Kiwanis is led by business leaders all across the nation. It’s basically just a group of people who focus on doing volunteer things for the community like fundraising and cleaning up neighborhoods, and Key Club is the junior version of that,” Larson said. “They even have a college version of that called Circle K, so if you’re a member of Key Club, you can keep doing it on into college and even when you’re a grown-up into Kiwanis.”

Key Club works with specific national organizations and local community groups.

The club has recently worked with Boys and Girls Club, Lawrence Interfaith Nutritional Kitchen and Chocolate and Tea at 3.

Key Club’s most recent endeavor was a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation. The fundraiser was called Pennies for Patients. Club members set up a booth in the lunch room asking students and faculty to donate to the cause.

“We’re going to be having a fundraiser for the Children's Miracle Network coming up here sometime before the end of the school year,” Larson said.

Because it is an international organization, students must pay to be an official member.

“It’s just $11 per year, and that helps keep the organization going. It’s well respected throughout the entire country and also opens up scholarship opportunities to students who have lots of volunteer hours with the club,” said Larson.

Pictures needed for Project Graduation-

• Receive 35% off all adidas footwear • Receive 40% off all adidas apparel, bags, socks and accessories.

Must present your student, faculty, or staff ID at time of purchase.

Mr. Larson, sponsor of key club, smiles for the camera

Students only have to pay to be on the charter as an official member of Key Club.

If a member doesn’t pay, he or she can’t use the club on a resume.

“You can still go to any events that Key Club does if you need volunteer hours, but you can’t say you’re a member of Key Club unless you pay,” Vice President Calvert Pfannenstiel said.

“I’ve had interviews for colleges and I always mention Key Club,” senior member Ashley Russell said. “Especially for the sophomores, I recommend taking it because I've gotten all of my volunteer hours for college in the club. It’s really helpful and it’s really fun.You meet a lot of people.”

Key Club meets once every two weeks at 3:15 on Tuesdays in the library classroom.

For extra updates and breaking news, follow us at @fsfreepress on Twitter!

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April 20, 2011

Sports

Cody Kukuk: Player Profile

Senior baseball player Cody Kukuk gets ready to pitch at a recent game. Lately college and pro scouts have shown interest in watching him play. Photo by Danielle Stringer by allison morte

Not every high school baseball team has professional scouts at its practices. But at Free State, star pitcher and outfielder Cody Kukuk draws scouts to both games and practices, even after announcing his commitment to the University of Kansas.

“I kind of got used to it over the summer, so it’s just normal now,” Kukuk said.

Kukuk has been on the varsity baseball team for four years, and he was selected the baseball Gatorade Player of the Year in 2010 for Kansas for his athletic excellence, academic achievement and exemplary character. This title is given to one athlete per sport each year every year.

According to varsity baseball coach Mike Hill, hard work and talent account for Kukuk’s immense success at baseball.

But despite his success, Kukuk isn’t treated any differently than the other players on the team. When asked if Kukuk ever gets special treatment, Hill burst out laughing.

“Absolutely not,” Hill said. “I think you ought to ask him that question.”

Kukuk has played baseball since he was six, and his favorite part of the game is “the competition and trying to be better than the other team.”

Last year the varsity baseball team had

an impressive 19-6 record. Falling short in the semifinals at state last year helps motivate the current baseball team to have the best season possible.

“Me and him pretty much make up the pitching staff,” senior Colin Toalson said.

“We have other guys, but we pitch the majority of the time. He’s a big component on the mound, and his bat helps out, too.”

Seniors Where Have They Gone? by austin fisher

Dramatic lifestyle changes can be stressful and difficult.

Many people at this school have left or will be leaving friends, family and all the other familiarities of their stomping grounds for the boundless horizons of higher education. Here students get a glimpse at the lives of some alumni and the decisions they made to get where they are now.

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April 20, 2011

Feature

Gelareh Semandi With engineers for parents, Gelareh Semandi showed an interest in engineering at a young age. Semandi headed to KU to major in Chemical Engineering and French. She takes more class hours per day than most and misses the free time she had before college.

“In college, you rarely get a chance to get together and relax, compared to when we were in high school where the workload was much lighter,” Semandi said. image from http://www.madisonpublicschools. org/514956282736/lib/514956282736/Jayhawk.gif

Dravid Joseph An open spot at Dartmouth College landed Dravid Joseph in Hanover, NH. Joseph left Lawrence without a concrete goal in mind but is now studying Biomedical Engineering. He is currently taking Chemistry, Computer Science and Environmental Science. Joseph often spends time with friends in Boston, MA, a two and a half-hour drive from Hanover. He uses Skype to communicate with distant friends and family.

http://schools.look4.net.nz/geography/country_information/outline_maps/us image from http://www.sportslogos.net/images/ logos/2/506/full/uer2nv9y7m59z8xw9vcyhkfg5.gif

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        



Katie Smith

After a rocky transition to living in Boston, Katie Smith started studying biomedical engineering at Boston University. Even with the academics of college being difficult to get used to, Smith still gets to enjoy living on campus right next to Fenway Park. Through a first year student outreach program, she has made many new friends in Boston and often goes shopping and hiking in her free time. image from http://www.bu.edu/bostonia/archives/ graphics/2006/summer/commonwealth/rhett/01.jpg

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The Pity Prom

April 20, 2011

Feature

THROW

information and photos collected by kim carter and katherine corliss

Steve Grant Kapaun High School, 1968

Assistant Athletic Director Steve Grant is pictured with his 1968 Prom date and present wife Mary. The two went to separate gender-specific Catholic high schools in Wichita, KS. They married in 1972. Oh and, that guy in the back? Her older brother.

Meghan Hardy Independence High School (KS)

“In Independence, Prom is all about where you eat beforehand (usually out-of-town since there weren't any good restaurants when I was there) and your transportation there. That prom was the only one that all of my friends went to, which makes a big difference in the outcomes of the night. The only downside was that my date was not able to resist his signature dance move--ripping off his shirt during his show-off dance.”

Katrina Rothrock Washburn Rural High School, 1991 “For my Prom I wound up asking a guy from another high school in Topeka. We hadn't really talked much, but knew each other from various city high school events. We decided to meet at my house, go to dinner at a pizza place, then go home and change for the dance.

"Dinner was awkward. He didn't really talk. I guess that explained why we hadn't really talked much before. We changed clothes, we took pictures at my house.

We went to his house. We took pictures. Actually, his parents didn't just take pictures, they video taped us taking pictures. And videotaped us getting in the car. And driving down the street. I remember turning around and still seeing the little red light on the camera that showed it was still taping. Weird.

We went to the dance, where we, well, didn't talk. Poor guy. I don't know what I was thinking, asking someone who didn't know my friends at all.”

Amy Hill

Shawnee Mission North High School, 2001

“For Prom a group of my girlfriends who did not have dates went with my boyfriend at the time and I to Prom. We went to dinner at a restaurant and then we headed to prom. We all rode together. The Prom was held at my high school in the gym. After prom my high school held what they called ‘after prom’ at a local Bowling ally/ ice rink. It was from 12-3 am. We all attended and bowled and skated and played pool.

They had drawing for prizes. It was a fun time. After ‘after prom’, we when out to breakfast at Denny’s. All and all it was a very fun night. We danced and took lots of pictures. Almost all of my friends came to prom whether they had dates or not.”

Will You Go To Prom With Me (Continued From Page 1)

?

by emma machell

“Back in the day....” is almost never a phrase you want to hear from a teacher. That is, unless it means seeing their old school prom dresses and hearing their oh-so-interesting stories.

Senior Prom is a big deal, there is no denying it. Few juniors are lucky enough to be invited, so they have to come up with their own ways to have their own Prom-like experience. Some decide to stay at home but others rise up to the meet challenge.

Junior Jenny Stern decided she was not going to let the night of Prom go to waste.

“I’m going to have a Pity Prom at my house,” Stern said. “It is going to be all junior girls who wanted to go to Prom but could not .”

The guest list is not limited to just a handful of people. It does not matter what clique those invited belong to, this night is for juniors. The only condition is that everyone wears a dress. Even the boys have to wear one if they want to join in on the fun. Though Pity Prom is all about juniors wanting a prom experience without the hassle of finding a senior date, Pity Prom is different than the real thing.

“It is just going to be a bunch of friends hanging out,” Stern said. “At a real Prom there is dancing. Whenever there is a bunch of people there that you don’t know very well, the energy is just different.”

Despite being passionate about her Pity Prom plans, Stern is not giving up hope on senior Prom.

“Yes [I would rather go to Prom], but I would still have Pity Prom. I would have it on the Friday before as a ‘Pre-Pity Prom’ and then attend the real Prom.” Stern said.

Some of Stern’s guests share her sentiments.

“I don’t know [if I want to go to senior Prom],” sophomore Connor Chestnut said. “It depends if I fell madly in love with some strapping young lad who sweeps me off my feet like Cinderella.”

But some of her guests are looking forward to this more than Senior Prom.

“I would much rather hang out with my friends [at Pity Prom],” junior Leslie Cunningham said.

However different Pity Prom is from Senior Prom, there are still some things in common. Dressing up is still an important factor and the classic Prom pictures every teenager loves to dread is an important part of the night. But one difference between them is that there is no pressure to have a date. The night is entirely devoted to hanging out with friends and making lasting memories that even the best Prom night could not tarnish.

Alice Karakas Lyndon High School, 1998 “I went to three Proms (1997-1999). I was asked by a junior friend as a sophomore. As juniors the next year, we were in charge of Prom, so I remember us getting into trouble for playing "foul" music in the gym while we decorated for our theme: ‘A Night in Wonderland.’ Both junior and senior years I attended with my high school boyfriend. I went to such a small school that my senior year the school called my parents when I didn't show up for after-Prom. I went to a 2A, so everyone kept track of everyone.”

Laurie Folsom Ottawa High School 1991 For years I had a crush on a cute Mormon boy which was hopeless because his family didn’t approve of dating. Our junior year at Ottawa High School we were told by our history teacher we were advanced enough we could spend our class alone in the library studying at our own pace. Thanks, Mr. Clark! When Spring Break rolled around we each tried to call and invite the other to Prom at the exact same time and got a busy signal. After a couple of calls we finally worked out our double date with his sister and best friend. That night I found out my date liked to drive fast when he made a 30 minute drive to the Holidome in Lawrence in 18.

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Feature

See what students who aren't invited to the prom will be up to on the big night

BACK

PROM

April 20, 2011

prom date, senior Annie Libeer, in a one-of-a-kind way. While Libeer was out of town, he decided to spell the word “Prom” in Christmas lights on her front lawn. While waiting for her to come back from out of town Schoneich found out that Libeer would be returning later than expected so he left his helmet in front of the message and went home. Then, when Libeer got back from her trip she saw the question and decided to rearrange the lights to spell “Yes” and took a picture of it, then sent it to Schoneich.

Kong decided to ask out his date, junior Adelle Loney, in an out of the ordinary way. Kong decided to ask Adelle by sending her on a scavenger hunt. With the help of senior Elise Loney, Kong made sure that Loney would be out of her house for a couple of hours so that he could set up his big surprise.

Kong wrote a big note on her driveway that said, “What are you doing for prom?” Then at the very bottom it said, “Look for the big blue egg.” When Loney found the egg she opened it and it said, “Will you go to the prom with me?

-Alex.” It also said “If you are still interested go inside.” Loney then went to her front door where it said, “Go to your dining room table,” and there was a big dog bone on it that said, “Throw me a bone I’m trying hard here.”

The bone then led her downstairs where she found a box of nerds and balloons surrounding the room. A note beside it told her to go into her bedroom where Kong made a pre-Prom survey that had goofy questions on it which told her to return back upstairs to the kitchen where Kong had baked her a cake that said “Prom” on it.

Loney then found a CD next to the cake that was labeled “Adelle, will you go to the prom with me, say ‘yes’ or this will be my soundtrack.” There were songs on it such as “One,” and “All by Myself,” and the computer she put the disk into said, “Go to your deck.” When Loney went back to the deck she saw a pinata that she had to whack so that she could get the next message. The message then said, “Go under your deck,” where Kong was waiting with a rose.

Whether it’s asking your Prom date in an extravagant way or just plain asking, being asked is a gift, and for many seniors this will be the last time they get the chance to spend time with their fellow classmates.

Laura Rightmeier Shawnee Mission North 1993 “I went to my senior Prom with my sophomore boyfriend, Dan. We ate at Gojo's in Westport, KS, went to Prom and then drove to Lawrence to see a concert.

I sewed my own dress and he left a hand-print on my knee that wouldn't come out because the sweat on his palm crushed the blue velvet. Be careful where you put your hands on Prom night, gentlemen; you may leave evidence.”

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April 20, 2011

Feature

Mad Skillz School offers classes focused on specific job opportunities

by katie guyot

Between graphing logarithms, flipping through flashcards, and wondering what on earth a gerund could be, students have the opportunity to put their imaginations rather than their memories to the test.

Here are just a few of the classes that spice up Free State’s course description book.

Industrial Design

Buzzing saws and fluttering blueprints abound in the secluded branch of the school where Industrial Design is held. Projects in this course vary from year to year, but the current class has built furniture, trebuchets (catapults), scooters and more.

“We have to decide what materials we’re going to use and if those materials are even available,” Clancy said.

As he spoke, a student rolled by on a wooden “sidewalk scooter.” To save money, the class crafted the wheels from scratch, exemplifying one way in which students have been able to find creative solutions to financial obstacles.

Some of the furniture the class created was sold to fund Free State’s sect of SkillsUSA, a nationwide organization for America’s future workforce. As for the trebuchets, Clancy divided the class into two competing teams--one group each of sophomores and seniors (no juniors are in the class)--to see who could build the better machine.

“I regret to tell you that the sophomores won overwhelmingly,” Clancy chuckled. “They really put their nose to the grindstone.”

The sophomores’ trebuchet sent a golf ball reeling over 300 feet while the seniors’ only managed to reach 66.

Next year, Clancy hopes to build a hovercraft.

Textiles and Fashion Music Theory/Jazz Improvisation

Sophomore Luke Peirce estimates that Music Theory/Jazz Improvisation is “75 percent creativity.” No, that’s not a proven fact--but this is music, not AP Statistics.

Music Theory/Jazz Improvisation, unlike the usual Band and Orchestra, allows students to get their hands dirty with musical composition.

“This is a really good [course] for students who want to go into jazz, especially if they’re thinking about trying out for jazz band in college or in high school,” teacher Meghan Hardy said. “It’s also for students who have bands that allow them to do solos.”

Peirce hopes to some day major in music composition, but the class is not only for aspiring Mozarts. Even Rebecca Black wouldn’t be turned away.

“We have students who have done AP Music Theory, students who can’t read music, and everything in between,” Hardy said.

Class assignments usually involve studying and analyzing pieces that are performed “in the real world,” as Hardy put it.

“We learn scales, we learn the process some soloists go through to learn a solo, and then we’ve been working on creating bass lines when there’s no music provided,” she said. She added, however, that the class has squeezed “some pretty good jam sessions” into all of that hard work.

Artistic minds take to the runway in Textiles and Fashion, in which students learn to thrive in the glamorous world that lives between the pages of glossy magazines.

“I have quite a few students who are seriously thinking about going on to fashion school,” teacher Linda Graverholt said. The course is by no means restricted to future designers, however; students simply hoping to add some paparazzi-worthy pizazz to their closets are welcome, too.

“I didn’t really like it for the first while because we were learning facts about fashion and fashion history, which kind of bored me to tears,” junior Candice Meiners admitted. “But then when we started getting to the practical stuff, like actually cutting stuff up, I enjoyed it.

I like sewing and making things. I’m a makingthings type of person.”

“Right now [students] are either doing a portfolio project or their own sewing project,” Graverholt said. She has received a wide range of finished works in the past, be they dresses, handbags, or other garments.

“I’ve had one person do draperies to hang up in their bedroom,” she said. “I really like to see what they do with the parameters of the assignment.”

Below, seniors from an Industrial Design class demonstrate how to use a trebuchet (catapult) that they built. Photo by Megan Engleman.

Below, students in Textiles and Fashion work on their portfolios for the class. Photo by Megan Engleman.

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© 2011 The College Board

Mean Green Volunteer Machine Great Green Help, sponsored by the Environmental Club, occurs on April 22, Earth Day. Participating juniors will take a field trip and be assigned to certain tasks at an organization, school, or park. Math Teacher Katrina Rothrock sponsors this field trip.

On the field trip, students will pick up litter, clean, prepare spring beds for planting, remove leaves and do tasks in the gardens. These tasks will be completed at various locations including Lawrence Art Center, Douglas County Child Development Association, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Lawrence Humane Society and Raintree Montessori School. The students involved will be randomly assigned to one of these locations.

Junior Noah Benham is attending the Great Green Help field trip.

“I like volunteering and helping out in the community, and I am eager to see how community building activities can change people’s attitudes for the better,” Benham said.

“I am ready and excited for the field trip because

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April 20, 2011

9

Sports

This year's juniors will get a taste of what the seniors missed out on

it means supporting the community and making small changes that impact the whole world,” Benham said.

Great Green Help was a Free State tradition for all juniors up until last year when Student Council decided to no longer sponsor the event. Seniors Haley Francis and Kelcy Bowers attempted to bring back Great Green Help but had difficulty finding a sponsor and were unsuccessful. Therefore, no students currently at Free State have participated in Great Green Help first hand.

Rothrock, sponsor of the Environmental Club, volunteered to organize the Great Green Help this past fall.

Want more Free Press?

“I was asked four years ago to be the sponsor of the newly-formed Environmental Club by some students interested in creating the club,” Rothrock said.

The club’s highest priority when it first got started was to begin a more consistent recycling program and get a Deffenbaugh recycling Rolloff Container on site so that more items could be recycled.

Whether it is helping a neighborhood pick up trash or helping an entire community fix its overall appearance either way a good deed is being done in participating in Great Green Help.

Do it right from your computer! Check out fsfreepressonline. com for additional content, and interact through comments and polls. Or, follow us on twitter at @fsfreepress.

10

April 20, 2011

Opinion

Welcome to the New Free Press

T'Ryan: This issue, Ryan tries to be an editor

.... Well, kind of anyway by miranda davis

In case you haven’t noticed, the Free Press has a new look. The front page is has a story on it , and there are new faces listed as editors and a slightly different overall feel to the paper. Why, you ask? This issue is a trial issue for the future newspaper staff. These are some of the changes our readership will be seeing next year. While we will be making plenty of other alterations during our trip to camp this summer, this is a glimpse into next year’s paper.

I am very proud to be a part of the current staff and look forward to further changes in the coming year.

The newspaper’s incredible seniors have truly made Room115 a great place to be and we have become a family (not the cute, picturesque “Leave it to Beaver” family; more like a really dysfunctional family.)

Ryan and I already knew some of the alterations we were going to make for the paper. I looked at other papers from around Kansas and from past issues of the Free Press for ideas and inspiration. That’s where the story on the front cover came from, and the quick reads (page two, in case you didn’t notice).

For our 11th and final issue, the paper will return to this year’s format and the seniors will produce a final paper to leave their mark at Free

State. Like years past, each senior will have the opportunity to create a column to give their final goodbyes to Free State.

I hope you take a look at this issue and like the changes we’ve made so far. This column and Ryan’s (my coeditor in chief) column will take the place of Bailey’s Backyard Barbecue

by Bailey Schaumburg and 1 in 1,000

by Katherine Corliss.

My dream for next year is to produce an absolutely perfect paper that every single person in the entire school cannot wait to read. While I realize this probably won’t happen, we can always strive to create the best paper within our means.

This is the first time I have ever written a column, so, as they say, here goes nothing. While Ryan’s column will be about his new experiences every issue (as a lunch lady, a stairwell kid, etc.), my column will be my perspective, or slice of life, on different happenings at and around Free State.

I hope this column serves a purpose for the student body by providing an interesting perspective of what is going on inside and outside the walls of our high school. The entire purpose of this paper is to get information out to the student and staff population.

Next year I can hope and trust that we will succeed at our job.

by ryan loecker

Although I am very excited to hold one half of next year’s editor-in-chief position, I am equally saddened to see this year’s seniors leave. They have put up with my strange and awkward behavior for two years now, and I will miss them dearly.

For this issue, next year’s editors (Miranda and I) were the people in charge.

Hopefully this provides a taste of what readers can expect from the paper next year. While Miranda and I have already made changes to the appearance of the paper, I also hope to incorporate other forms of media into the Free Press. Along with “Birdwatching” I plan on combining efforts with Firebird Productions to produce videos that will accompany stories from each issue.

The biggest change that will take place from this year to next is the number of issues released. Miranda and I will each be in charge of our own team, allowing the paper to come out more frequently.

For every issue of the paper that I am

Check out fsfreepressonline.com for extra content, and tell us what you think about Issue 9 Yes, we are now on Twitter! Follow us at @fsfreepress for news updates

Reminder:

The year is coming to a close, so make sure to pay all fees and turn in books!

in charge of, I will partake in a different adventure and provide coverage (tweets, video, etc.) along the way. I will immerse myself in a Free State activity, or spend some time walking in someone else’s shoes. Similar to the reality television show 30 Days, these adventures won’t necessarily be the most fun, but hopefully they will be fun to read about. My column (aka “Ryan Tries” or hopefully “tRyan”) will replace Katherine’s 1 in 1,000 article, but it will have a similar purpose. I hope to highlight aspects of the school that don’t normally get attention, or have a bad reputation.

My plans for content next year include working in the school cafeteria, becoming a stairwell kid and going a week without a car. I am willing to write about anything, so suggestions for my column are greatly encouraged. They can be sent to me via twitter (@rynlckr) or e-mail (ryloecker@ gmail.com).

"

I will immerse myself in a Free State activity, or spend some time walking in someone else’s shoes.

"

;)

Sexting

April 20, 2011

Staff Editorial

Teens who have sent or posted nude or semi-nude photos or videos:

Be careful when you click send by bailey schaumburg

In case you haven’t seen the ‘That ‘70s Show’ episode when Donna takes nude pictures to send to Eric, here’s a recap: Kitty finds the pictures in an envelope, Red finds them in a drawer, Hyde finds them in a newspaper and shows them to all of his friends, and so on.

Keep in mind: these were Polaroids.

If Donna’s Polaroids were passed around so quickly, imagine how fast pictures go viral in the technology age. According to pcsndreams.com, an internet predator protection site, twenty percent of teenagers have sent or posted nude or semi-nude photos or videos, and thirtynine percent of all teenagers send or post sexually suggesting

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messages. ‘Sexting’ is becoming a phenomenon and, in many instances, the consequences are severe.

Whether they are emotional or legal, there are always consequences in sexting cases that go public. As with any controversy, there are often questions that arise: Is this a crime? Who is really at fault here?

The simple fact of the matter is, if you send or post sexual messages you are putting yourself at risk of embarrassment, emotional strain and legal consequences. When it really comes down to it, the sender of the messages is at fault.

Unfortunately, when it comes to sending and receiving crude

messages and photos, the line is extremely blurred about who 20% of teenagers overall should get in trouble and what 18% of teen boys the consequences should be. The 22% of teen girls embarrassing aftermath of sexting situations causes all parties involved 11% of teen girls ages 13-16 to point fingers and make excuses in order to escape blame.

Even if you truly believe that your messages will be safe and part of your private The percent of teenagers sending relationship, the sad truth is that they probably won’t be. or posting sexually suggestive The only way to avoid both messages: private and public punishment is to avoid sending the pictures 39% of all teenagers or messages in the first place, and 37% of teen girls remember: you’re not a prude if you don’t want to send pictures in 40% of teen boys the nude.

Question:

What do you think the punishment should be if someone "sexted"?

Evan Byers sophomore

Brie Mingus junior

"Well, I think it definitely depends on the situation. I mean if you are married or if it is your girlfriend/ boyfriend then it is up to them, but if you're under age and it's ... not wanted then I think the punishment should be probation for six months to a year and in extreme cases maybe jail time."

Aly Frydman senior "I am not sure that there should be legal punishment, but I think it is really gross and people should not do that."

"I think it should be up to their parents how they want to go about handling the situation."

Steadman Rogers French teacher "Punishment should result if the text was originally obtained without consent.

Concerning schools, yes, if the act of spreading the text violates a school's already established guidelines regarding technology use within the school."

kim carter

chris allmon

social media editor

The Free Press is an open forum that encourages letters to the editor and guest writings.

emma machell

They must include the writer's name and telephone numbers.

Submissions may be edited due to space limitations, libel or inappropriate content.

Submissions may be turned to Room 115, sent in care of Free Press to Free State High School, 4700 Overland Drive, Lawrence, KS, 66049 or submitted online at fsfreepressonline.com.

reporter

copy editor

copy editor

trevor bird

megan engleman

reporter

zach hill

allison harwood katie guyot

reporter

allison morte

reporter

austin fisher

managing editor

amani safadi

designer

bailey schaumburg

managing editor

co-editor in chief

jacob caldwell

ryan loecker

reporter

webmaster

miranda davis

reporter

co-editor in chief

2010-2011 Free Press Staff

photo&design editor

Share your opinion.Vote on the Bird's Word at fsfreepressonoline.com.

katherine corliss

The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Free Press staff, the high school administration, nor that of the USD 497 Board of Education.

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April 20, 2011

Talib Kweli 4/20

Entertainment

by zach hill

When I first heard about The King’s Speech, I was pretty uninterested. The plot line involves the King by allison harwood of England learning not to stammer.

So what? However, after watching the Academy Awards, my interest was piqued. When a movie comes away with Best Original Screenplay, Directing, Best Actor in a Leading Role and Best Picture, it has to be good.

The story conveys a simple message: believe in yourself. Prince Albert, who later becomes King George VI, is suddenly crowned king when his brother David abdicates. Albert has been overshadowed by David his entire life and is in turn shy and has a violent stutter. After various treatments by numerous doctors, Albert’s wife Elizabeth goes to Dr. Lionel Logue, an Australian who is not a real doctor, and asks for help for her husband. Dr. Logue’s methods are unique; he asks for complete equality with the soon-to-be-King and delves into His Majesty’s personal life. Their sessions begin with a rough start; the Prince does not appreciate how Dr. Logue calls him ‘Bertie’ and that he insists the Prince calls him Lionel. However, over time the Prince’s speeches become more confident and Lionel and Bertie become strong friends.

The best thing about this story is it is closely based off the real story of King George VI. The current Queen, Elizabeth II, who is the daughter of King George VI, reportedly found the movie “moving” and appreciated Firth’s portrayal of her father.

This movie has an inspiring plot and an awesome cast. Audiences will recognize Colin Firth from What a Girl Wants and Pride and Prejudice, Geoffrey Rush from Pirates of the Carribean and Helena Bonham Carter, Derek Jacobi and Timothy Spall from Harry Potter, just to name a few.

Review The King's Speech

Talib Kweli is a solo artist whose mainstream beats get a room bumpin'.

Once a member of Black Star, a hip-hop group featuring Talib and Mos Def, he has more recently been collaborating with other big names since he went solo with his album, "Quality", in 2002. Kweli has rubbed elbows with artists such as Kanye West, DJ Quik, Jorge Ben, Dead Prez, and Bilal.

Talib Kweli heads to L-Town on April 20, same day Arcade Fire appears in Kansas City. It is an all-ages show at The Granada presented by Wagtail Productions. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 if bought in advance and will cost more at the door. The show promises to be an awesome beat fest sure to get anyone feeling funky and onto the dance floor.

Arcade Fire 4/20 by zach hill

QUICKLY BECOMING FIREBIRD FANS’ FAVORITE PLACE FOR BURGERS.

Go Firebirds!

LAWRENCE: 4801 Bauer Farm Drive (6th & Wakarusa) Open 10am - 10pm Daily

Firebird Special - $7 1/3 lb Classic smashburger with smashfries and a drink.

Just show your Free State I.D. to receive this special offer. Available to students, faculty and staff.

Valid only at Lawrence location. Original offer must be surrendered at time of purchase. May not be combined with any other offer. Taxes not included. No cash value unless prohibited by law, then cash value is $.005. No substitutions. Void if copied or transferred and where prohibited. Limited Time Offer.

SB_FreeStateAd_0810

smashburger is perfect for eating in or having a better burger to go, a quick workday lunch, the weekend burger and shake, date night, a family dinner, or with the team after the game. smashburger has something great for everyone.

Arcade Fire has been on the music scene since the early 2000s.

This sevenperson band delivers an indie sound that rings in the listeners ear with creative lyrics suggestive of an alternate reality. With the release of their new album, "The Suburbs", Arcade Fire has been more accepted in the mainstream music world, actually winning Best Album of the Year for 2010. On April 20, this band will be coming to the the Starlight Theatre in Kansas City. The Wednesday night show begins at 7 p.m. and ticket prices are $37.50.