THE FREE PRESS
3 | Dec. 4 2024 | Edition 28
Illustration by
Willow Marable
Pg. 12-13 | Did You Know?
Turn to page 12 to read about our spotlight package on staff members
NEWS STAFF CONTENTS
FEATURE
Pg. 10-11 - StuCo Switch-Up
Pg. 12-13 - Did You Know?
Pg. 14-15 - Spotlights
Pg. 16-17 - Spotlights
Pg. 26-27 - Round and Round
NEWS
Pg. 4 - Phone Policy Debate
Pg. 6 - Opting for Neutrality
Pg. 8 - Local Results
Pg. 9 - Trump Wins Presidential Election
THE FREE PRESS
OPINION
Pg. 7 - American Journalism Needs Opinion
A&E
Pg. 3 - Lawrence Food Crossword
Pg. 22-23 - Fall Recap Photo Gallery
SPORTS
Pg. 20 - Fall Sports Rundown
Pg. 21 - The Balancing Act
ABOUT THE COVER
This cover is meant to represent our package story. In the district, hundreds of staff members from teachers to paraeducators to administrators work daily to contribute to student success. To uplift those who aren't regularly, this collection aims to feature four personal stories and experiences of those that nurture Free State's students. Flip to page 12 to begin reading. Design by Willow Marable
SOCIALS MISSION STATEMENT
Curious Free State journalists will amplify voices, gather superior sources and tell pivotal stories of our community in a visually creative way in order to serve our audience and foster quality scholastic journalism in Lawrence, Kansas.
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
Lilly Wall
Nick Sprecker
Phoebe Morris
MANAGING EDITORS
Evie Chancy
Maria Mosconi
DESIGN EDITOR
Geneva Sabatini
PHOTO EDITOR
Mallory Thompson
CAPTIONS EDITOR
Elinor Russo
SPORTS EDITOR
Rakshan Ossen
COPY EDITOR
Elliot Skillman
ONLINE
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
Simon Williams
Ember Klein ONLINE
MANAGING EDITOR
Baila Love
SOCIAL MEDIA
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Katie Campbell
ASST. SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
Delaney Bayliss
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Miles Beaty
Ceci Bennett
Anders Benson
Liam Butler
Chloe Cook
Nathan Friedman
Kinley Gigous
Eli Roust
Julia Velasco
Amelia Wiles
Eden Weber
REPORTERS
Logan Dinges
Ebi Hegeman
Eula Heriford
Lauren Jackson
Baila Love
Olive Minor
Ava Talbott
DESIGNERS
Harper Finck
Neylana Haque
Zoë Kaul
Willow Marable
Allison McCall
Lucas Smith
Abbie Veeder
BUSINESS TEAM
Ainsley Linhos
Amanda McCall
Piper Northrop
LAWRENCE FOOD CROSSWORD
CONCLUSIONS
Plans for a district-wide phone policy continue with hopes of addressing educators’ concerns
Story by Simon Williams
CLASH
Editor’s Note: This story is developing and was last updated Nov. 17. Follow our online website for recent development.
This summer, following a teacher petition in June and updated cellphone policies in surrounding districts, the USD 497 school board decided to take a closer look at formalizing high school student handbook cellphone policies into an official school board policy.
This decision followed a mistake made, where the district’s elementary school cellphone policy was input into the high school handbook: a policy that banned cellphones entirely within school buildings.
School Board Vice President G.R. GordonRoss said that the school board saw some teachers, unaware of the mistake, came out in support of a total ban.
Science teacher David Reber, one of 80 teachers who petitioned to the school board, said he believes a bell-to-bell ban is the best and only way to address concerns with student cellphone use.
“If 25 to 30 teenagers come into this room and they all have the device with them, it’s a losing battle. There’s absolutely no way. If I tried to police the phones, I wouldn’t have time to do anything else,” Reber said.
The current cellphone policy permits phone usage before school, during passing periods, lunch and after school.
Gordon-Ross said the aim of a revised and formalized policy is to better support teachers by making the current handbook policy more explicit and add additional
framework surrounding consequences for not adhering to the policy.
“We believe that, properly managed, [phones] can be effective,” Gordon-Ross said. “We’ve just never seen it be properly managed. The response that we have is, ‘What you’re doing now doesn’t work,’ which is true because we have heard from staff that they don’t feel like they’re supported from their building leadership to do it correctly.”
On the logistical side of the policy’s development, school board member Anne Costello said the Board Policy Committee researched other cellphone policies and wrote a first draft of the new phone policy based on that research.
“Committee members then asked the Directors of Elementary and Secondary Education to gather feedback on the draft from high school communities, including administrators, and to work with them to develop the policy guidance,” Costello said.
Gordon-Ross said that based on his knowledge as a member of board leadership, the Policy Committee has no intent to implement a bell-to-bell ban, citing that the school board wants teachers to have the ability to control cellphone use as they see fit in their classrooms.
Gordon-Ross added that should the new phone policy prove inadequate, the school board would be open to revisiting the issue of a total ban.
“There
is no intent to remove phones from the building or to completely put a 100% ban on phones,” Gordon-Ross said.
However, Costello said that the phone policy would include a bell-to-bell ban.
“The current draft of the policy includes a bell-to-bell phone away,” Costello said. Costello added that the board reviews policies regularly.
In response to the potential new policy, English department co-chair and teacher Kylee Johnston said she believes that even with increased support for teachers to implement individualized cell phone policies, it would fall short of addressing her worry that a high percentage of high schoolers still struggle to manage their cellphone use.
“We are at a point where we know that cellphones are a hindrance to many students’ academic and mental well being, so we just need to be responsible,” Johnston said. “If it’s just individualized teachers trying to enforce, that makes it quite difficult. We need to have a unified policy that admin enforces for us teachers.”
Per Gordon-Ross, the first read of the policy is scheduled to reach the school board on Nov. 25, and will be put up for school board vote in December.
WHAT DO STUDENTS UTILIZE THEIR PHONES FOR?
“My iPad is dead a majorit y of the time. The majorit y of my assignments are done on my phone. For that to b e restricted would b e really inconvenient.”
“I need to b e in ver y active communication with who I may b e driving to and from places and when things are happ ening, such as b eing on the video pro duction team and having to work with the team on whatever project.”
“I mostly just use my phone for listening to music, honestly. And that’s a big p art of scho ol for me. It really helps me fo cus and it helps me a lot throughout the day.”
“I like having my phone on me in case of emergencies b ecause I live a while away.”
Collected By Ember Klein
Junior Fiorella Leistner
Senior Tobi Allen
Sophomore Kami Chartrand
Junior Hank Dunhan
OPTING FOR NEUTRALITY
Story by Maria Mosconi
Adding to the historic makeup of the 2024 election, the Washington Post announced just 11 days before Election Day that the paper would not endorse either candidate for the first time in 36 years.
A few days earlier, the Los Angeles Times also broke tradition, choosing not to publicly support either candidate. Both papers’ owners, Jeff Bezos and Patrick Soon-Shiong respectively, denied the editorial decision to endorse democratic candidate Kamala Harris, according to CNN and CBS news.
The Washington Post originally endorsed Jimmy Carter in 1976 following Richard Nixon’s Watergate scandal. Endorsements are written by the editorial staff whose jobs are to report their opinions while news staff report unbiased facts regarding the election.
The papers defended the choice as Bezos said in a note from the owner that it would increase credibility for The Washington Post by not showing support for either side.
News outlets made the late and historic decision to not endorse a presidential candidate
Moreover, Washington Post publisher Will Lewis said it aligns with the paper’s morals as they believe its readers have the ability to choose for themselves.
However, this decision has led a quarter of a million readers to cancel their Washington Post subscription as of Oct. 30.
The announcement came within two weeks of an election where the results have been talked about as the most consequential in
recent history, angering many of the paper’s current and former staff.
Regarding the Los Angeles Times, three editorial board members resigned because of the paper’s silence, whereas one-third of the Posts’ editorial board has stepped down.
Despite backlash, The Washington Post said it does not plan to back either candidate in future elections.
Illustration by Kouri Demelash
AMERICAN JOURNALISM NEEDS OPINION
In wake of Washington Post controversy, opinionated journalism becomes more important than ever
What would the media look like without opinion?
That question remains in our minds after knowing that three of The Washington Post editorial board members recently stepped down in light of recent controversy regarding the refusal to endorse a presidential candidate as an editorial board.
After Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos squashed the publishing of The Washington Post editorial board, three writers stepped down from their positions.
The Post was stripped of their editorial voice. In the midst of an undeniably altering election, the dangers that former president Donald Trump poses to our country’s democracy is irremediable.
For the Post, this endorsement was their chance to speak on a perilous corner America is turning into.
Bezos called ending endorsements “principled,” per CBS News, to ensure neutrality and avoid bias. However, the timing of the election makes it less about ethics and instead about managing perceptions to keep business booming by ensuring Donald Trump continues his tax assist policy for the ultra wealthy.
The decision was extremely disappointing, especially considering the timing came 11 days before Election Day.
As student journalists, our job is to report on the biases within our student body. In every issue, we publish opinions and editorials with the goal to amplify different perspectives.
There is nothing more democratic than civic discussion and engagement — especially through a news outlet, where America protects freedom of press. So, Jeff Bezos’ decision to block the publishing demonstrates a true abandonment of a newspaper’s fundamental right to exercise its constitutional rights.
Endorsing a political candidate is absolutely appropriate in the form of editorial writing. If the government were to challenge the responsibility of our school publication to express diverse voices, including our own, it would undermine the very purpose of a scholastic publication.
It is disheartening that certain members of a nation founded on the principles
Opinion by Phoebe Morris, Nick Sprecker and Lilly Wall
of freedom and open expression are embracing authoritarian ideals that threaten a foundational constitutional right; as journalists, it is excruciatingly alarming.
Editorial journalism is the lifeblood of American democracy. It gives us a voice. It reminds the people that our voices matter. It’s more than just words on a page; it’s a call to action — a plea to justice.
When things boil down, opinionated writing is not only the core of journalism, but it embodies a deeply cherished virtuous right: the preservation of diversity and selfexpression.
ed • i • to • ri • al / ' edə ' tôrēəl/ noun a newspaper or magazine article that gives the holistic opinion of the editors or publishers.
L CAL ELECTION RESULTS
US HOUSE REPS.
District 1:
Tracey Mann (R): 68.9%
Paul Buskirt (D): 31.1%
District 2:
Derek Schmidt (R): 57.1%
Nancy Boyda (D): 38.2
John Hauer (I): 4.6%
District 3:
Sharice Davids (D): 53.3%
Prasanth Reddy (R): 42.7%
Steve Roberts (I): 4.0%
District 4:
Ron Estes (R): 65.2%
Esau Freeman (D): 34.8%
Take a look at local election results in the area
LEGISLATURE
Kansas Senate District No. 2
Marci Francisco (D): 22,244 votes 77.88%
David Miller (R): 6,256 votes 21.90% Collected by Ember Klein
Kansas Senate District No. 3
Rick Kloos (R): 4,356 votes 40.73%
Dena Sattler (D): 6,330 votes 59.19%
Kansas Senate District No. 19
Patrick Schmidt (D): 4,313 67.06%
Tyler Wible (R): 2,110 votes 32.80%
Dakota Loomis (D): 33,997 votes 64.12%
Mike Warner (R): 18,960 votes 35.76%
District 2
Shannon Reid (D): 4,899 votes 68.57%
Brad Chun (I): 2,228 votes 31.18%
District 3 Karen Willey (D):
TRUMP WINS
Students reflect on Trump and Vance’s presidential election win
After months of campaigning, former president Donald Trump will be the 47th president of the United States.
Trump served in office from 2017 to 2021 and, at 78 years old, will be the oldest ever president in office.
Out of the seven swing states — Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — all states turned red in the electoral college, clutching Trump crucial numbers in the race to 270.
Trump and VP pick J.D. Vance’s win was declared by the Associated Press at 5:34 a.m. CST on Wednesday morning.
Knowing the results, senior Landon Gillman said he is very pleased with the election. Gillman’s biggest policy of Trump’s that stood out was the economy and how he dealt with it in his first term.
“Most students want to own a house someday and under a president who has already been in office and dealt with the
Story by Lilly Wall
ELECTION
current issues, including our horrible prices on everyday items, cars and houses, [that can be accomplished],” Gillman said.
However, freshman Penny Coleman said she supported of many of Dem. Nominee Kamala Harris’s plans, including her beliefs on abortion and economy. She said the election result was heartbreaking and criticized Trump’s character.
“I hope that Trump gets impeached and put in jail for the 30-plus crimes that he has committed,” Coleman said. “If this does not happen, I hope that the Supreme Court will let abortion remain legal in the U.S., as women should have the right to their own bodies … This election was a terrible day for our country.”
According to the Associated Press, 1.6% of popular votes as of Nov. 10 were put toward third party candidates. Junior JT Reese voted for Ind. Robert F. Kennedy because of the candidate’s views on abortion, immigration and economic policies.
“I’m hoping Trump
can
be less
strict on abortion laws, regulate the economy and slow down illegal immigrant flow,” Reese said.
Democrat nominee Kamala Harris pledged to a peaceful transfer of power at a speech on Wednesday, Nov. 8. Trump has been already fast at work announcing his cabinet members, including Susie Wiles as White House Chief of Staff and Matt Gaetz as U.S. Attorney General.
Trump will be sworn in at the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025.
Hoco Parade
Free State’s annual homecoming parade was held on Sept. 27. Clubs and athletic teams created elaborate floats and tossed candy to community members along the parade route.
Powder Puff
On Sept. 25, StuCo invited each grade level to compete in a flag football tournament. Participating students were separated by grade level and given a t-shirt that matched their grade’s respective color. This year, the junior class won and was congratulated with cookies.
STUCO EVENTS
STUCO EVENTS
Story by Kinsey Lake
Hoco Dance
Rodeo-co was held on Sept. 28 in both of the gyms. There were carnival games, cake walks, tattoo stations, music and several other activities run by StuCo members.
Voll-He-Ball
StuCo invited teams of six to eight students to dress up and play in a Voll-He-Ball tournament on Sept. 23. Two teams left with a complimentary Eileen’s cookie cake — one went to the winner of the tournament and the other to the team chosen as best dressed.
A recap of this year’s events hosted by Student Council
Junior Javi Grosko prepares to serve the ball during the annual Vol-He-Ball tournament held on Sept. 23. Photo by Eli Roust
Freshman Joshua Eason tosses out candy during the Homecoming parade held on Sept. 26. Photo by Miles Beaty
Freshman Joshua Eason and senior Daijah Preston demonstrate one of the games offered during the homecoming dance themed “Rodeo Night.” Photo by Kinley Gigous
Before the annual powderpuff game, the seniors run through their team sign on Sept. 25. Photo by Anders Benson
Candy Grams
members made
distributed them to all staff members during
Trivia Night
On Oct. 28, teams of three to six students competed in the annual Trivia Night in the black box while also dressing to impress. Team “No Monkey Business” won first place and team “Clue” won best dressed.
STUCO SWITCH UP
Mr. Heffernan takes on Student Council sponsor
Story by Lauren Jackson
Following the recent opening for Student Council sponsor, science teacher and cross country coach Steve Heffernan took on the position. Heffernan said his goals going into the new position are centered around creating a school connection.
“One of the goals we had was to help kids who don’t connect with Free State as well,” Heffernan said. “I challenge them to do that through activities and things during the school day so more people feel like they’re part of the school.”
In his first year, Heffernan has emphasized developing a strong sense of leadership, which he said he wants to continue to promote as the sponsor.
During trivia night, freshmen Xayver Watkins, Aimee Ray and Leighton Scott discuss their team answer. Photo by Chloe Cook
Junior Julia Velasco writes Halloween cards to be handed out with candy to teachers on Nov. 1. Photo by Chloe Cook
Photo by Ameila Wiles
StuCo
“boo bags” holding candy with handwritten Halloween notes attached to them and
the day.
Senior Elle Cormaney decorates a Halloween card to hand out with candy to teachers on Nov. 1. Photo by Chloe Cook
DID
KNOW?
YOU KNOW?
From teachers to paraeducators to administrators, staff members behind the scenes of Free State High School work to contribute to student success during various hours of the day. To uplift those who aren’t regularly, this collection aims to feature four personal stories and experiences of those that take care of Free State. Flip the page to begin reading.
LORI QUEEN
Administrative assistant describes daily work
Lori Queen is an administrative assistant who has been working in the USD 497 school district for 23 years, and at Free State for five years. Her main responsibilities include attending meetings, assisting the assistant principal and checking for any truancy paperwork. However, she said that her primary goal
You want them to be happy and healthy, and I want that for every student here.”
After working as a paraeducator at Sunflower Elementary for 18 years, Queen moved to Free State. While working with a new age group, she said she has noticed particular issues concerning teenagers with
Story by Eula Heriford
and have self worth, confidence and good self-esteem,” Queen said.
Queen said the enjoyment of her work and beliefs on the value of education are the main motivators for working in education. However, she said that her favorite part of the job is the environment she works in.
“ I’m so appreciative of the entire office staff. Working in a school comes with crazy and unexpected challenges and the office staff is always quick to respond.
“Everybody I work with is awesome. We have a great team in here, and we talk and we laugh. This is my work family,” Queen said. “I look forward to coming in every day.”
Junior Anton Funke
Librarian Marisa Hegeman “ “ The office staff at Free State has been incredibly helpful and efficient, always assisting me with whatever I need and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
“
Working at her computer, administrative assistant Lori Queen offers help to students in the front office.
Photo by Liam Butler.
DALE COWHART
Night custodian details his position
Dale Cowhart, head night custodian, has worked at the school for 13 years. According to Cowhart, he started as an entry level custodian before his promotion but always favored night shifts.
Cowhart said he found his footing in Navy Intelligence out of high school, which taught him specialized skills, including Russian. From there, he bounced around in law enforcement and product advertising before accepting the role as a custodian at Free State.
When he joined the crew, Cowhart said he quickly realized his favorite part of the position: fostering connections between his staff and students.
“I've always liked the crew to take care of the folks here like they would take care of their own families,” Cowhart said.
With long night hours, Cowhart said he hopes that students recognize the hours his workers put in daily. From cleaning up
after games to setting up events like the ACT, the nighttime custodial staff works behind the scenes till 11:30 p.m. every week.
In dealing with the variety of unexpected messes high schoolers make in a day, Cowhart said he finds it necessary to stay organized with routine and a quick schedule.
“Someone's going to throw up, someone's going to vandalize something and those are things that you need to take care of
immediately,” Cowhart said.
Despite last minute problems popping up, Cowhart said he still finds joy in routine interactions
with students and faculty, as well as the crew he leads.
The night staff employs six custodians, allowing them to form personal relationships.
“I recognize [the crew's] humanity, their desire to be professional, desire to get the job done and let them know just how much we really appreciate that,” Cowhart said.
Story by Ebi Hegeman
“ It’s super beneficial to have janitors because they help with trying to keep things clean while having a sometimes difficult student body that doesn’t always respect them.
Junior Sorcha Keating
“ Custodians are a vital part of school because they create a clean environment that’s more enjoyable to learn in.
Senior Selma Burton “
“
Custodian Dale Cowhart wheels trash cans through the hallway.
Photo by Ceci Bennett
HEATHER HILT
Paraeducator works to uplift students through job
Heather Hilt has worked in the USD 497 school district for 20 years. She started as a library assistant at Broken Arrow before accepting a paraeducator role at Billy Mills Middle School, where she worked with medically fragile kids for six years.
throughout the day helping students in different classes. However, she said that splitting her time can become rapidly stressful, feeling like her attention is divided among the students.
“It’s a lot more stressful,
Story by Mallory Thompson
Hilt’s main responsibilities as a para include helping students during ECT, attending classes with them and taking notes for them. She said that the one-onone time she spends with students allows her to create a bond. Once she knows the student, she said it is easier for her to teach them the content.
“I’ll take the instruction, but then I will change it so it’s easier to understand, so I might [phrase it into] something that they’re interested in,” Hilt said.
Hilt said she feels like these bonds go beyond the classroom and make all aspects of her students’ lives easier. She said she hopes to bring joy to her students and often celebrates their birthdays.
“I have gotten close to some of my students, and I hope that they’re doing really well now that they’ve moved on, but you just don’t know where they’re at in ture,” Hilt said. “I’ve just worked so closely with some of them that it’s hard to see them go.”
Working through a math problem, paraeducator Heather Hilt aids a student through their homework. Teachers like Hilt help students when they are having a difficult time in classes.
Junior Kara Alexander
“ Paras are important in schools because they provide essential support to teachers and students, helping to create a supportive learning environment. Senior Addyson Crum “ “ Paras are essential because they allow many students that need a little extra help to learn and grow to their fullest potentials.
“
Photo by Eden Weber
ERIN CAMPBELL
Story by Phoebe Morris
As the founder and current Head of the Autism Program, Erin Campbell has been a Firebird since the school’s opening. She transferred over along with 110 other senior students as the first graduating class in 1998. Even at a young age, Campbell said she knew her passion was to help students in the special educational program.
“I’ve
always been drawn to kiddos who needed more support. Even when I was a student, I chose the kid who needed more help to be in my group for group projects or in PE class. It’s always been a passion,” Campbell said.
Campbell came back as a paraeducator in 1999, and she started the Autism Program
Free State alumni takes on head of Autism Program
in 2009. Even with challenges along the way, Campbell said she enjoys watching her students grow and develop their skills as the year progresses.
“It’s gone up and down. I’ve had as many as two kids. Now we’re up to seven, which flows like a roller coaster depending on the needs of the kids,” Campbell said. “It just makes me so happy to see them. Sometimes we take the little things for granted, and to see our kids be so successful with other people warms my heart.”
Campbell said she feels she connects with each of her students on a deeper level to create a positive and encouraging environment for them. With the help of the IPS program, she watches her students, whom she said she adores greatly, feel included within a supportive community of peers.
“IPS gives [students] a place where the adults are not their support. They have friends who are their support,” Campbell said. “If you were to walk in IPS right now, you’d see mostly adults are back here in the back. It just allows them to be themselves, and that’s how you are with your friends.”
Junior Evie Landis
“ Erin is an essential part of IPS, always ready to help others with whatever they need or even just put a smile on their face, her presence is deeply valued here and we all appreciate her so much.
“ She’s influential in the sense of doing better and being the best you can be for others, and your community as well. Senior Liv Brown “
“
Cutting out a piece of paper, Erin Campbell helps a student with an assignment. Campbell helps students understand their assignments so they are more successful in the classroom.
Photo by Julia Velasco
Design by Amanda McCall
FALL SPORTS RUNDOWN
“The Cross Country team has built such an inviting culture and incredible atmosphere. The team feels like a family.”
“The past four years of playing soccer for Free State have been the best moments of my life. It’s impacted me by teaching me that not everything is about winning, but it’s about the relationships you make with people.”
senior James Spear
Collected by Logan Dinges
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
The boys cross country team had mixed results in its six regular season meets. The team placed in the top three at many of its meets but struggled at others, suffering from injuries and occasional rough races. At the league meet, the boys finished ninth out of 14 teams, losing a tiebreaker to Lawrence High School. The team lost the chance to run at state by one place, winning fourth at the
“No matter the score or the outcome of the season, I wouldn’t wanna do it with any other team.”
senior Yusef Iskandrani
“The season had a lot of ups and downs, but in the end we are all proud of our accomplishments, especially qualifying for state as a team.”
senior Merrit Hale
BOYS SOCCER
The boys soccer team started out strong with a couple of good wins. However, injuries started building up in the middle of the season, leading to a low point in their season — the big loss to Shawnee Mission East. Although it took time, the team was able to build back up, taking a 2-0 win against Derby in the first round of the playoffs before losing to Washburn Rural in the second round.
FOOTBALL
With an 8-3 record going into playoffs, the team achieved some strong wins and upsets such as beating the favored Lawrence High School. The team had a strong win over Olathe West, beating them 4926. The next week of the playoffs brought disappointment to the team, losing to Blue Valley Northwest 14-49.
GIRLS GOLF
The varsity girls golf team was made up of seven members. Free State got 3rd with a 418 team score (+134) at the regional competition at Cypress Ridge Golf Course, allowing Hale and the rest of the team to qualify to state. There, the top Free State golfer placed 43.
Examining the fall sports seasons
“Overall I am very proud of how our girls did this season and I’m happy I was able to be a part of the team.”
senior Anne Cross
“The girls cross country season across varsity, JV and C-Team showed true toughness and improvement. We all made the team a priority and having that bond while participating in the sport made the season so much fun and rewarding. This season made us all love the sport of running a little more.”
senior Elle Cormaney
“The tennis season was one of my favorite seasons so far! My favorite parts of the tennis season were the varsity practices, because I loved everyone on the varsity team and enjoyed being able to play with people who liked tennis as much as I do.”
junior Cami Lee
“We have had a lot of success and an awesome team that works very well together. We swept LHS and are ready to compete in substate.”
sophomore Daisy Devlin
Photo collected from Austin Drewry
senior Austin Drewry
Photo by Mallory Thompson
Photo by Mallory Thompson
Photo by Chloe Cook
Photo by Nathan Friedman
Photo by Amelia Wiles
Photo by Lady Ortega-Perez
Photo collected from Sydney Brozik
GYMNASTICS
Despite the smaller size, the girls gymnastics season brought great success. The bond that came from a smaller team brought the girls closer together, creating a fun and encouraging environment. Throughout their meets, the girls continually placed in the top ten, landing an eighth, sixth and fourth
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
The girls cross country team has been especially successful this season, placing in the top three in most of their meets. With a second-place finish at regionals, the girls team qualified for state and finished in eighth place.
GIRLS TENNIS
Girls tennis had success this season, with its two top singles players maintaining strong winning records of 27-9 for Cami Lee and 24-8 for Annie Pilakowski. The team secured the ranking of twelfth best team in Kansas. Further, the team qualified two players to the state tournament, where they had strong showings and put a player in the top ten at the tournament.
VOLLEYBALL
The girls volleyball team had a few losses, but overall secured an 8-5 record in the Sunflower League. Bouncing back from the lows, the team persevered through challenges and prepared themselves for important aspects of their season, like beating LHS and going into the playoffs strong.
THE BALANCING ACT
Story by Rakshan Ossen
For multi-sport high school athletes, transitioning between two seasons can be demanding; however, some athletes decide to take up the challenge.
Junior Ava Corbin, a volleyball, wrestling and track athlete, said that shifting from one sport to another is psychologically and physically demanding. Although, knowing that she is not alone in this journey, Corbin said she stays mentally upbeat.
“It can be very draining, but the people that you do it with will help you,” Corbin
said. “Going
through those seasons with other people and having other people experience the same thing, it’s a really great experience.”
As the physical demands vary from each sport she plays, Corbin said she always keeps in mind her health and acknowledges her body’s limits.
“You should keep in mind your goals … , and take into account that what you’re doing to your body now is affecting how you will perform in the future,” Corbin said. “[Make] sure you’re taking into consideration your health first before pushing yourself too hard or doing things that your body isn’t trained to do.”
An inside look at the season transition of multi-sport
athletes
For Corbin and other multi-sport athletes, having to balance between school and sports can be challenging. Having an outlet to express her concerns is one way she said she deals with the intensity of sports.
“I talk to my parents, and see what their opinions are on if I should slow down or take more recovery time, because there are times when I’ll be doing too much,” Corbin said.
For multi-sport athlete sophomore Anderson Bateman, using KSHSAA’s buffer week between sport seasons helps him get ready before competing again. Bateman said that focusing on rest and recovery during the twoweek break is essential before diving back into practice.
“It’s kind of a hard transition from getting used to what you’ve been doing … but it’s a fun transition,” Bateman said.
Junior football and basketball player Braden Wilmes said that he draws inspiration from his fortune as an athlete and person.
“The biggest thing that I’ve learned is that you need to balance your time,” Wilmes said. “Whether it is weightlifting, conditioning, practice or film, I plan my time wisely and get done what I need to get done. It gets overwhelming mentally at times, but I just think about all of the people who wish to be in my situation and try to enjoy every bit of the adversity that I can.”
FALL
At the regional cross country meet at Rim Rock Farm, sophomore Emery Frye runs along the course, securing her spot as a 6A State qualifier. Photo by Amelia Wiles
On stage, junior Owen Gerrish and sophomore Emmett Henry perform in Improv on Oct. 29. Photo by Evie Chancy
Writing down the answer, the team “Milli Vanilli” competes in the annual StuCo Trivia Night on Oct. 28. Photo by Julia Velasco
Before the City Showdown football game on Oct. 25, Brittany Cummings and other USD 497 staff are recognized for their impact on senior football players. Photo by Anders Benson
Junior Annika Lintecum, prepares to serve the ball during a varsity volleyball game against Mill Valley on Oct. 10. Photo by Miles Beaty
Poms in the air, senior Peighton Stewart performs with the dance team during halftime of the senior night football game on Oct. 18. Photo by Mallory Thompson
Eyes on the ball, senior Yusef Iskandrani chases down the field during the boys soccer senior night on Oct. 17. Photo by Mallory Thompson
Celebrating after a tackle, senior Parker Moore heads toward the Free State sideline as the clock runs out.
Photo by Nathan Friedman
Under the lights, junior Owen Börk preaches to his congregation during a dress rehearsal of Footloose on Oct. 29. Photo by Eli Roust
HOLIDAY
Christmas celebration should begin on Nov. 1
As we put away our Halloween costumes, there’s a hint of melancholy in the air. Some turn to the next holiday to feel that sense of warmth during the darkest and coldest months of the year.
For those who celebrate, Christmas is one of the most important holidays of the year — a time to celebrate family and friends and reflect on the past year.
When should celebration begin? I believe Christmas celebrations should start on Nov. 1.
The best part about Christmas is the build up to it and the traditions that take place before Dec. 25. Activities pile up, and an adequate amount of time is necessary to fulfill the multitude of different Christmas traditions, so therefore some start celebrations earlier than others.
Christmas, for me, brings a different kind of joy. There’s just something about that feeling when the lights and decorations start popping up everywhere. It could be that hint of magic in the air. Maybe it’s all of the festive music and movies popping up
TIPS FOR FINALS STRESS
TIPS FOR FINALS STRESS
By Nick Sprecker
As the end of the semester nears and workloads increase, burnout, stress and anxiety commonly rise in students. Below are a few small tips for handling and combating any stressors you may encounter as your winter ensues.
again, or perhaps even just spending extra time with family and friends.
One month out of the 12 simply isn’t enough time to fully immerse in the Christmas spirit. that at the very least — Christmas should be celebrated alongside Thanksgiving so the joy of the holiday can last throughout both November and December.
GET A FULL NIGHT’S REST:
Lack of sleep can cut learning ability up to 40%, per The National Institute of Health. Memories and things you learn won’t be retained as well with insufficient sleep, so be sure to get 8-10 hours each night.
Opinion by Ava Talbott
Illustration by Kouri Demelash
DEBATE
Opinion by Baila Love
Christmas celebration should begin after Thanksgiving
hristmas has been around for hundreds of years and has evolved within different countries and cultures, so it’s hard to define exactly when the holiday season starts. However, I think we need to start at what Christmas really is. For me, Christmas is winter; Christmas is studying at a coffee shop before winter break and staying inside with my family during big snow storms.
o me, this holiday is synonymous with December. Christmas should start Dec. 1 as that’s when there is the most festive energy.
December is really when Christmas is in full swing, but the moment Halloween ends, companies start pushing out Christmas themed advertisements and products.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s incredibly important to live in the moment, and the 30-50° weather of November does not capture the Christmas “moment.”
Starting the festivities early degrades the celebratory spirit, since you’re beginning it so early, tiring it by the time Christmas actually comes around. So, in reality, there is no real essence of the holiday to be celebrated in the early days of November.
Though Christmas has the power to bring joy to people worldwide, that power is limited to just December. There is no reason to celebrate Christmas early when it doesn’t feel like Christmas at all.
DON’T PROCRASTINATE:
To avoid feeling overwhelmed before finals, break projects and study tasks into smaller, manageable to-do items. Managing your tasks this way will help you stay more organized and more prepared for finals.
GET SOME EXERCISE:
Exercise is a natural form of antidepressant; it releases endorphins that help promote a positive mood and release stress. Pick your favorite form of exercise — bonus points if it is outdoors!
ROUND AND ROUND
Bus drivers and the rides they give are an essential part of many students’ day
Story by Evie Chancy
Without the bus drivers diligently picking up and dropping off students, many of the 1,600 registered bus riders in the district would not have a stable ride to and from school.
Because of the unique nature of driving a school bus, filled with as much as 70 kids as well as being longer and wider than any other car, bus drivers like Bill Pewell have to go through specialized training and tests to get their bus license. Pewell said the most difficult part of driving a bus he had to learn was keeping his focus on the road and contents of the bus.
“Us professional drivers are on the lookout for other vehicles, pets, animals, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, anything,” Pewell said. “We have to watch everything that’s going on inside the bus and outside the bus.”
Photo by Baila Love
USD 497 Director of Technology David Vignery oversees the bus drivers across the schools, and said the importance of bus drivers safety wise and socially cannot be overstated.
“School bus drivers might be the first ‘Hello’ and the first smile that a student receives each school day. They also might be the only individual that asks the student about their day after school,” Vignery said. “School bus drivers are instructors, mentors, friends, a listening ear, another set of watchful eyes and adults who truly care about helping kids.”
Despite how rowdy the buses can get, Pewell says he doesn’t hold it past the students as he feels it’s not malicious and students are receptive when he tells them to quiet down.
“They get excited with things going during the day at school. They climb on the bus excited about it wanting to share with their friends, and sometimes things get a little out of control and you just have to remind them of that,” Pewell said. “Protecting the kids is the same as protecting your own kids, and you have to watch out for them.”
For many like bus driver Susie Zhunt, the unique conditions and hours of the job is what drew them into the position. The majority of their job taking place during the early morning and mid afternoon allows them free time to do as they please.
“It’s very convenient for me. The time is very flexible. I have so much time in the afternoon; it’s why I became a bus driver,” Zhunt said.
Chancy
Over the years or months of driving students twice a day, bus driver Gabe Ridley said he has built a relationship and rapport with some students.
“The connections I make with the kids are always awesome. There’s been a few routes I’ve done that the kids I drive will sometimes see me out shopping, and they always come up and say hi, and it’s always sweet to see,” Ridley said.
Bus driver of over six years Dave Nichols said he’s most grateful that the job gives him freedom and the opportunity to help out kids in the community, and he feels like the students appreciate him for that.
“They appreciate just getting to school safely and being treated nicely,” Nichols said. “They have an appreciation for the help they’re getting; the services we provide and get some here, and get them here safe.”
