Free Press, Iss 10 Ed 17 by FSJournalism

staffers retire, student receives scholarship

Q&A: teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transfer to Alaska

studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; exciting summer trips

8-9

HELLO SUMMER!

may 8, 2014 volume 10. edition 17.

year in review photos

introducing the returning

ACADEMICS may 8, 2014

friendly farewell page by kristina foster

dedicated staff, student prepare for life beyond FS

by maria carrasco

Teachers

With caps lock on and size 48 font selected, facilitator Peggy Nelson types an email announcement for FYI Club. Afterward, she advises a National Honor Society (NHS) meeting and plans future volunteer work for interested students. And, while her schedule remains busy, she still squeezes in time to run her senior citizen baton-twirling club. Some teachers spend their careers merely educating students during the workday, but Nelson devotes time outside the workday to student extracurricular activities. “Peggy Nelson has inspired me to have a more positive attitude, just in general,” said senior Maddie Woodard, president of NHS and FYI Club. “She’s good at going with the flow, which has never been a strength for me.” Nelson’s dedication, combined with her experience—she’s been a teacher for 20 years, 11 at Free State—has impacted many of the students roaming the halls. “She’s gotten me more involved in extracurriculars and giving back to the school,” said junior Steven Ozaki, FYI Club member. However, all good things must come to an end, and Nelson is retiring after this year, along with gifted and special education teacher, Teena Johnson. Like Nelson, Johnson—an educator for 27 years, 17 at Free State—has influenced the futures and hearts of Free State students. “She created the gifted program at Free State, and it’s one of the strongest ones in the state,” gifted facilitator Janice Fullerton said. “She’s also been a good PR representative to promote gifted.” After retiring this year, Johnson plans to travel and be with her family. Nelson has similar plans, hoping to tour Canada’s coastline lighthouses and spend time with her grandchildren. Nelson and Johnson are credited with influencing Free State for the better, and they feel equally impacted by their colleagues and students. “Free State has made me realize how many different personalities there are,” Johnson said. “I got a better understanding of people and the different walks of life they come from.” Nelson appreciates the student body’s overall pleasant attitude. “[The students’] kindness, generosity, integrity and bottom line [their] intelligence and respectfulness has made the biggest impact on me,” Nelson

said. When reminiscing about their Free State history, both found it difﬁcult to pick speciﬁc favorite moments during their career. “My favorite thing at Free State is every year we have spirit week where they decorate the hallways,” Johnson said. “It livens the school up and brings the school together.” Nelson’s favorite Free State memory is graduation. Watching her students transition into adulthood has impacted her the most. Johnson and Nelson have dedicated their hearts to educating the minds of tomorrow, and as the teachers move on to the next stage of their lives, they leave behind something of which to be proud.

Scholarship

Hannah Moran—editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, a state championship gymnast, a state debate qualifier and a national forensics qualifier— was still shocked when she received the $20,000 Foot Locker Scholar Athlete Scholarship. Out of thousands of applicants, Moran and 19 other student athletes were chosen for the esteemed scholarship. This scholarship is dedicated to athletes who have overcome obstacles in their lives while still maintaining merit and integrity. After writing two essays and obtaining two recommendation letters by Dec. 19, 2013, Moran officially applied for the Foot Locker Scholar Athlete Scholarship. Early second semester, Moran received an email congratulating her as a semifinalist for the scholarship. Afterward, “DoSomething” intern, Cali Opperman, interviewed Moran through Skype, which Moran admits was “nerve wracking.” On April 11, Moran entered the journalism classroom for what she thought was a simple newspaper staff meeting. Upon arriving, Moran was met with not only the newspaper staff, but her parents and fifth hour Calculus BC class as well. Suddenly, Foot Locker representatives walked through the door and started giving the scholarship presentation. “I was basically just in shock,” Moran said. Moran could not be happier with her scholarship as she prepares to attend Washington University in St. Louis. “Tuition at Wash U is very steep, so I’m incredibly thankful to have received this scholarship,” Moran said. “I honestly didn’t expect to be a finalist. It was one of the best surprises of my life.”

free press staff: kyra haas- editor-in-chief maria carrasco- print managing editor darian koenig- design editor

kristina foster- assitant design editor ryan liston- online editor-in-chief catherine prestoy- online managing editor ﬁona mcallister- copy editor kenneth palmer- copy editor nick popiel- photo editor kaitlyn foster- business manager

*hannah moran- reporter *sarah lieberman- reporter *rosemary newsome- reporter *sarah whipple- designer rebecca moran- reporter *morgan noll- reporter sam goodwin- reporter hala hamid- reporter *gavin spence- reporter evan frook- reporter *cierra campbell- designer *bridget brown- photographer mary brady- photographer *jacob hood- cartoonist *conner aldridge- SIC

*staffers that are not returning or are graduating

our mission:

The Free Press is an open forum that accepts letters to the editor and guest writings. They must include the writer’s name and telephone numbers. Articles may be edited due to space limitations, libel or inappropriate content. Letters may be submitted to Room 115 or sent in care of Free Press to Free State High School, 4700 Overland Drive, Lawrence, KS, 66049. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Free Press staff, the high school administration or that of the USD 497 Board of Education.

cover by darian koenig and jacob hood

601 N. Iowa St. Lawrence, KS 785.331.4644

NEWS BRIEFS

may 8, 2014

page by kaitlyn foster and kristina foster

around the world

news briefs to keep you updated by kenneth palmer amd sarah lieberman

Jimmy Carter Releases a New Novel

>The former president and proliﬁc author of 28 novels, Jimmy Carter has turned his focus to the humanitarian injustices that are inﬂicted upon women in his novel A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence and Power. Carter uses his work with the humanitarian Carter Center and the words of many oppressed women throughout the world to chronicle how prevalent this issue truly is.

Despite Difference, Obama and Merkel Meet to Discuss Sanctions

>In the midst of the turmoil in Ukraine, the leaders of the United States and Germany met on May 2 in Washington D.C. to discuss the necessity of further economic sanctions against the Russian Federation. While concerns over US conducted international surveillance are still a cause for consternation, the leaders have agreed to collaborate to deal with this looming threat. This all comes after the goal of de-escalation—agreed upon at a conference in Geneva two weeks prior—was largely ignored by the Russian government.

Barack Obama meets with German Chancellor, Angela Merkel on July 24, 2008, photo by barack obama adminstration Jimmy Carter signing his book, photo by sean johnson

Miley Cyrus performing at her Bangerz tour in St. Paul, Minnesota, photo by karina3094

Miley Cyrus Tour Delayed

A US Sailor administers a small pox vaccine, photo by the Ofﬁcial U.S. Navy Page

Smallpox-Related Virus

>The men contracted an unnamed virus from dairy cattle, and while ofﬁcials are unsure about the exact identity of the virus, they do know that it is a close relative of smallpox. Smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980, so vaccination efforts have seriously decreased and closely related orthopoxviruses, the family into which the Georgian virus falls, have been able to proliferate.

Protestors urge other countries to impose sanctions on Russia over the Crimea region’s takeover. photo by blu-news.org

Ukraine and Russia

>US and European leaders see Russian President Vladimir Putin’s gathering of troops as a display of strength, and leaders from multiple countries have imposed economic sanctions to dissuade Russia from escalating the turmoil in Ukraine. Sanctions include freezing the assets of various Russian businesses and business leaders, all of which are aimed at damaging the Russian economy and forcing concessions from Putin.

the Ukrainian ﬂag, photo by vladimir yaitskiy

>On April 15, Kansas City-area Smilerz hung their heads. A severe allergic reaction to an antibiotic forced Cyrus to postpone several shows and spend a few days in a Kansas City hospital. Her European tour additionally has been affected after another ﬂare up. The North American concerts missed will be made up in August.

Supreme Court Ruling on Afﬁrmative Action

>”Here, the principle that the consideration of race in admissions is permissible when certain conditions are met is not being challenged,” associate justice Anthony Kennedy said in the majority opinion. The case is not about the merits of affirmative action, but rather affirms validity of the ballot initiative that banned using race in college admissions in the state of Michigan. The majority opinion states that the government does not have the authority to undermine the will of voters. The dissenting opinion argued that without checks, the democratic system often disregards the rights of the minority of the electorate. The Supreme Court ruling overturned a nullification by the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals of the voter-approved ban on affirmative action in the state.

HEALTH may 8, 2014

keep it organic: page by kaitlyn foster

by sarah lieberman

December 2012, Texas sophomore Emily Bauer arrived at a hospital, blind and paralyzed after a reaction to synthetic marijuana. Nine months later, Bauer is ﬁnally making process towards a certain degree of normalcy. Synthetic pot, also known as K2 and Spice, is a mechanically produced drug in which herbs or incense are sprayed with chemicals to create an elevated high. “I’ve had several experiences,” junior Greg Daniels* said. “They were pretty wild. It’s a lot crazier than regular pot.” A recent skyrocket in hospitalizations on account of synthetic pot has pushed the drug into the spotlight. In 2010, when governor Mark Parkinson signed a bill to make the sale of JWH-018 and JWH-O73 illegal, Kansas became the ﬁrst state to legally counteract synthetic marijuana. However, an attempt to ameliorate the problem left a large, dangerous one, and the halls of Free State aren’t untouched. “Synthetic pot is a problem everywhere,” school nurse Paula Hatcher said. “Marketed [illegally] as a safe alternative to pot, it’s anything but.” The currently prohibited chemicals used in the creation are the most threatening aspects.The unregulated market puts an already dangerous chemical in a murky state of understanding. “One of the guys who invented one of the compounds

rise in reported incidents indicate synthetic pot artiﬁcally advantageous

used in making K2 said that you’d have to be an idiot to take it,” Hatcher said. “ You don’t know what you’re getting or what effect it will have on you. We’re talking Darwin award winners.” Although progress has been made, recent cases have had the same long-lasting, grave implications. “At its worse, trip to Emergency Rooms have increased because of racing hearts, pounding heads, hallucinations, paranoia, anxiety and a host of other issues, depending on what’s in the package,” Hatcher said. “If it’s important to experience those sensations, fall in love.” As a fairly new substance, synthetic pot isn’t completely understood. “There’s still researching being done on it—nobody knows the harmful effects,” said Larry Lindsay, student resource ofﬁcer. “… That in it of itself is questionable whether you should be ingesting it or not …” Synthetic pot still has a draw, especially for teenagers who are trying to avoid detection. “I did it because I had to pass drug tests for awhile,” Daniels said. “That can be a factor because it doesn’t show up on drug tests. People also probably just do it to try it. It’s cheaper than regular marijuana, and when it was legal in Kansas, you could get it at gas stations, so it was easy to get.”

Because synthetic pot avoids detection on drug tests and creates a high similar to that of organic marijuana, health risks are rarely factored into the equation. “I don’t know, it was just like, ‘What the hell, might as well,’” Daniels said. The American Association of Poison Control Centers reports a decrease in calls in relation to synthetic pot from 6,968 in 2011 to 2,643 in 2013. This could be the direct result of legislation making availability scarce. “Actually, I couldn’t get it anymore,” Daniels said. “They cracked down on it hard, and so it just became really hard to get.” *This junior boy spoke to the Free Press under the condition of being anonymous. His name has been changed to protect his identity.

The newest advancement in cataract surgery is now at LMH.

>Number of Synthetic Marijuana-related calls to Poison Control Centers 2010-11

courtesy of: National Institute on Drug Abuse

Check out fsfreepressonline.com for info on

student council candidates.

Because precise vision starts with precise technology, Lawrence Memorial Hospital now offers bladeless laser cataract surgery. The FDA-approved laser procedure replaces the initial key steps of cataract surgery that were previously performed using a blade. The system’s ability to also correct astigmatism means better outcomes and may increase the likelihood of seeing well without glasses following cataract surgery. Our laser-assisted cataract surgery is another bold leap forward, bringing custom, image-guided, computer precision exclusively to the surgeons at Lawrence Eye Care Associates – and you. Ready to cure your cataracts? Choose a provider who chooses LMH, where technology matters. To schedule an appointment, call 785-841-2280.

LMH Eye Laser Print Ad REV.indd 1

4/11/2013 4:22:28 PM

EDITORIAL may 8, 2014

unsocial butterﬂies

page by kaitlyn foster

a look at how teens react to neurological disorders

by kyra haas

A laugh that’s a little too long. A whisper that’s a little too loud. A comment that’s a little too blunt. These seemingly harmless mannerisms can lead to ostracism, especially in high school, where insecure teenagers jump at the opportunity to criticize others’ subtle deviations from the norm in an effort to artiﬁcially inﬂate their own self-esteem. A discrepancy exists between how physically disabled people are treated compared to those with neurological disabilities. When someone has Down’s Syndrome or a physical deformity, people treat him or her with the apparent disability in mind. Neurological social disorders are harder to spot in a crowd. Those with neurological social disorders are easier to disregard because they look “normal”; therefore, people assume they must be to some extent. Few people entertain the idea that the kid next to them in biology may be suffering from a neurological disorder when he or she responds to the obligatory greeting of, “Hi, how are you?” with a long oration of personal problems. As a result, those who commit uncommon social faux pas become the prime target for bullying. The National Autistic Society reports that 60 percent of children with Asperger’s syndrome have experienced bullying. In contrast, only 27.8 percent of other children have reported being bullied, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics. “Weird” kids are often victims of bullying because they aren’t protected by the neatly labeled box of “Special Edu-

cation.” With terms like “a little off” and “socially awkward” thrown around, the culture in and out of school promotes beratement of people who respond to the world differently than most of society. Because of high schoolers’ alertness to social blunders, many are doubly aware of their actions so as to not slip up and be seen as “a little off” because of the huge stigma. Unfortunately, people with neurological social disorders are often unable to distinguish between “normal” and “socially awkward” behaviors, so efforts to avoid slip ups are often in vain.

“A person with Asperger’s has as much control over [their] blunt comments as a dyslexic has over misreading a word.” A person with Asperger’s has as much control over his or her blunt comments as a dyslexic person has over misreading a word. Unfortunately, many individuals with disorders like Asperger’s go through life undiagnosed and ridiculed for their inability to respond to social situations in an acceptable way. Part of the problem is that awareness of neurological social disorders is fairly new. Not too long ago, if someone deviated from socially accepted behavior, he or she was considered eccentric or an “odd duck” whose parents must have failed to teach him or her proper etiquette. Now, even with psychology increasing its focus on neu-

rological social disorders, a deep-seated misunderstanding regarding that sphere of disability prevails. Many of the “weird” kids in high school may have a mild neurological social disorder. Criticizing an individual based on his or her awkward mannerisms or difﬁculty communicating can be likened to taunting a person in a wheelchair because he or she can’t stand. Sometimes damage from bullying never really heals. People can be psychologically disﬁgured by this kind of emotional trauma. A study by Andrea C. Samson of Stanford University found that about 45 percent of people with Asperger’s have gelotophobia, the fear of being laughed at. Because of repeated ridicule in the past, these individuals do not register their peers’ smiles or laughter as positive, but as a means to make fun. While the belief that bullying can be stopped in its entirety is idealistic and naive, students and staff can work to educate their peers about why aggressive, dismissive or exclusionary behavior toward people with disabilities is wrong.

courtesy of cafepress.com

may 8, 2014

noteworthy news: information to keep updated today

NEWS

page by cierra campbell

under construction

free state prepares for extensive renovations by catherine prestoy

Free State’s student capacity is about 1,500 students. With the decision to add the freshman class in 2011, the student population jumped from 1,044 to 1,502 students, pushing the capacity to its limit. Now, Free State accommodates about 1,558 students with the number steadily growing each year. In April 2013, a $92.5 million bond was approved for Lawrence Public Schools to “improve facilities, enhance technology and expand career and technical education.” $4.2 million of the sum has been put aside for Free State, with the ﬁrst phase of construction starting this upcoming summer and the last ending in Summer 2015. Construction has been separated into three different phases including adding a new administrative ofﬁce, adding cosmetic upgrades to the main gym, and upgrading the computer programming, journalism, photography and video departments. Then, the focus will shift to remodeling and creating new classrooms. Because of construction, classes in the building and main gym will be affected. Caution is advised to teachers and students as a result of the inconveniences. “Any time you’re adding to a building or modifying a building there could be some minor inconveniences along the way,” said Mike Hill, assistant principal in charge of construction. “[We should] be able to properly deal with [the inconveniences]. We’re just trying to make the building better.”

Phase One Time Frame: Summer 2014-Spring Break 2015 In addition to moving the administrative ofﬁce to the area adjacent to the gyms behind the Firebird statue, a security entrance will be added for entry during school hours. As soon as classes begin, anyone entering the building will have to go through the single secure entrance to ensure school safety. Parking and Grounds “Beautiﬁcation” Time Frame: Summer 2014-Summer 2015 The visitor and staff parking areas will be switched and additional staff parking spots will be added. A new drop off and pick up area will be made at the south side of the building.

Phase Two Time Frame: Winter 2014-Spring 2015 The computer programming, journalism, photography and video departments will be moved to where the administration ofﬁce is currently. Cosmetic upgrades include up-to-date technology and new furniture to accommodate the new open ﬂoor plan. Rooms 114-117 will be split into six classrooms rather than the current four to expand the number of full-time classrooms.

Phase Three: Time Frame: Summer 2015 In all, seven new classes will be added by remodeling and reconﬁguration in order to accommodate the rising number of students. The copy room will be expanded into Rooms 129 and part of 128 and will be the new location for teacher mail boxes.

phase one

phase two

Old ofﬁce space will be renovoted to classrooms for programming, journalism/ graphic design, photography and video. Room 113-117 will be remodeled into classrooms.

New ofﬁces will replace the common window which is to the right when visitors enter the building from student parking.

phase three

Copy room (130), art computer lab (107b) and room 134 will all be remodeled.

and

Q&A

may 8, 2014

page by kaitlyn foster

Alison Jech math teacher to move to alaska, teach eskimos

interviewed by maria carrasco

Q:Why are you leaving? A: I am leaving so I can go teach Native American Eskimos in Alaska. Q:Are you excited? A: I am excited. I am going to be living in rural Alaska. The only way in and out is on a single engine bush plane, and there are no roads in my village. There are only like 420 people that live there. Q: So how many years have you worked at Free State? A: One year.

Q: How many years have you been a teacher? A: This is the end of my sixth year. Q: So are you sad or happy about leaving? A: I’m sad because of all the schools I’ve ever worked at, I like Free State the best. But, I’m excited that I get to go and get to experience a different way of life. Q: Can you go into more detail about your future plans? A: Well, basically, I’m just going to be living in rural Alaska and … immersing myself in a new

culture and way of thinking. Hopefully I learn from them as much as I will teach them. Q: What will you miss most about Free State? A: All of my students that I’ve developed a bond with. Q: How has Free State impacted you? A: I like the freedom that they give their teachers here … There are some schools that like to micromanage, and this school really allows you to be who you are and doesn’t have too many restrictions.

FEATURES

may 8, 2014

page by jacob hood

operation

FEATURES

page by darian koenig

summer by gavin spence and rosemary newsome

ry a r e n i t i st p i o r r t F e t p t o a r Eu rM e h c a e t o gt accordin

>forensicators go to nationals

In the weeks leading up to the National Qualifier tournament, sophomore Linda Liu spent five to six hours a week in the debate and forensics room preparing for Senate Congressional Debate. After researching bills and competing in numerous Friday night tournaments, she saw her hard work and the hard work of others on the squad come to fruition. In addition to Liu, seniors Hannah Moran and Yang Yang Li also qualified to Nationals in the House of Representatives division of Student Congressional Debate. Junior Solomon Cottrell qualified in Foreign Extemporaneous Speaking, and sophomore Genevieve Prescher qualified in Original Oration. The National Tournament, scheduled for June 15-20, will be in Overland Park. Moran, who placed second in the House of Representatives, did not expect to hear her name echo throughout the auditorium as a National Qualifier. “It could be anybody, but when they said my name I was shocked,” Moran said. Prescher’s persuasive speech about why different opinions shouldn’t stop dialogue or interactions with others won third place in Original Oration, qualifying her to Nationals. Her reaction was less surprised than Moran’s. “I was happy, but I kind of expected it,” Prescher said. “Because I have a really awesome assistant coach [Michael Shelton] who said I’d qualify, so I believed him.” Taking second place, Cottrell qualified in Foreign Extemporaneous Speaking, an event

where the speaker must give a seven minute speech on one of three random questions about world events pulled from an envelope. Cottrell felt confident about his performance. “I was a first alternate last year, so I kind of expected it,” Cottrell said. Li, on the other hand, was pleasantly surprised about his qualification to Nationals. He put less than an hour of work into his speech for Congressional Debate. “I spoke about America, and [I] focused on patriotism and swag,” Li said. In contrast, Liu credits her dedication and hard work for her spot as a National Qualifier. At the tournament, she discussed a wide range of topics during her three minute congressional speeches. “I talked about shark hunting, … Google Fiber and lowering the voting age to 18,” Liu said. Liu placed third in Senate Congressional Debate, which barely missed the cutoff for qualification, making her an alternate. However, later, the student who won first in Senate withdrew to focus on a different event, and Liu became a Qualifier. The coaches attribute the squad’s success to its members’ talent and dedication. “From what I understand, this is the most that we’ve had qualify, and I think it has a lot to do with the level of talent we have on the squad; it’s exceptional,” said Jason Moore, head Debate and Forensics coach.

may 8, 2014

ece ht to Gre ig n r e v o ian Zeus ly p F : m 1 ly y O a f D le o to] Temp o g [ : s n arthenon the P A , : m 2 iu y d a D Sta : Olympic s n e h t A ore Day 3: M elphi r y!) Day 4: D night fer a h it w ( e ce ther plac to Floren n o e u Day 5: O ntin cona; co n A in e iv rr e, Gates c A : n e 6 r y lo a F D r of ing ided tou u G : e ther-mak c a n le e r it lo is F v : o, t Day 7 the Duom saw it las I it e is s v u , a e c is s be s. of Parad us purse hich suck w ll e s n o t io t ra ing demonst about tr y t s ju ’s it and Forum summer, , Roman m u e a s s e: Colo r ’s Basilic e m t o e R P . : t 8 S pel, Day tine Cha is S : y it C atican Day 9: V me rt for ho a p e D : 0 Day 1 your bed in e m o h You’re at Day 11: ent gic accid a r t ; ie d You Day 12:

interview with european trip-goers >interviewees: seniors Cade Wright (CW) & Amanda Schaller (AS)

What are you most excited for:

AS: For me, taking pictures of all the crazy beautiful architecture and cities and of the people. CW: I’m excited for the dinners.

Something more speciﬁc you are excited for:

CW: We are going to the catacombs. AS: The dinner extension; we’re going to do a Greek dinner, and we’re going to smash plates and it’s going to be really fun. It’s like a custom to break plates.”

Why did you decide to go?:

CW: Just for the experience, to go out of this country and experience a different country’s customs. AS: To experience something new; experience part of the world I haven’t been to yet. I’ve done EF Tours before, and I loved it. They did a really good job of not just showing the place but learning the history of where we go and learning more about the country. We get a free backpack, too, so that’s cool.

What are you most nervous about?:

AS: Making sure no one steals something from me. I have to be on alert 24/7 to make sure no one steals my wallet or my camera or my phone or my passport. We’re downtown, and my mom will steal my phone out of my pocket and say, “Look, someone just stole your phone in Italy!”

Are you excited to go with Mr. Frost?:

AS: He’s been on a lot of these trips before, so I trust that he’ll keep us safe and he’ll teach us a lot at the same time. CW: I’ll be the only guy on the trip besides Mr. Frost.

How did you prepare?

AS: I had to take an ugly passport picture, that’s it.

>bollywood bound Sophomore Carolyn Weiler is counting down the days until June 23. Forty-six days until she flies halfway around the world. Weiler was one of 65 high school students accepted for the U.S. Department of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad (YES Abroad) program and will be studying in Delhi, India for the 20142015 school year. “It [YES Abroad] sends kids from America to 13 different countries that are primarily Muslim in population,” Weiler said. “It was set up after 9/11 to kind of bridge the gap of understanding culturally between us and a bunch of different countries.” Of course, the immense opportunity was preceded by a lengthy application process that started in August. Weiler submitted the multi-essay application in early January, and she received a semi-finalist notification in March. She then flew to Washington D.C. to be interviewed during spring break. Once Weiler expressed interest in traveling abroad, gifted teacher Teena Johnson informed Weiler about this unique opportunity. “I really just presented her with the information, and she ran with it,” Johnson said. “... She organized it into these little dividers, and we went through to see the deadlines and what she needed to get finished.” In India, Weiler will live with a host family while she attends school, and immerse herself in Indian culture through native activities and historical site visits. She will also undertake a few community service projects in her neighborhood. Even though Weiler will attend an English school, she will face a language barrier. “An English school isn’t all English, but some classes are taught in English, which will be helpful,” Weiler said. “... Hopefully someone in my host family speaks English, but that’s not really a requirement, so I’m definitely going to

get to learn Hindi while I’m there.” Weiler will also have to overcome limited communication and technological access. “It’s also really hard to send things to India,” Weiler said. “International shipping is really tricky, and communication is a lot different when you can’t write letters or send packages.” Weiler’s lack of a cell phone and other obstructions to her U.S. contact will augment her inevitable homesickness as well. “I’m sure when I get there I’ll have that sink of homesickness and then get really excited,” Weiler said. “And there’s no way for me to come back at any time so holidays will be spent there.” Despite the educational impediments of her year abroad, Weiler intends to graduate high school a semester early. She already has excess credits that would have allowed her to graduate at the end of her junior year if she didn’t go to India. She will transfer any credits from India and enroll in a virtual school for courses such as U.S. History and American Literature that aren’t offered in India. The combination of these challenges, though, is precisely part of what excites Weiler about her year abroad. “I love experiencing new cultures and things that make me uncomfortable, which is kind of a strange thing to like,” Weiler said. “But I’m deﬁnitely a person who likes to be out of their comfort zone, and so, to me, it’s really important to get to know things you’re not familiar with.”

FEATURES

may 8, 2014

page by jacob hood

operation

FEATURES

page by darian koenig

summer by gavin spence and rosemary newsome

ry a r e n i t i st p i o r r t F e t p t o a r Eu rM e h c a e t o gt accordin

>forensicators go to nationals

may 8, 2014

interview with european trip-goers >interviewees: seniors Cade Wright (CW) & Amanda Schaller (AS)

What are you most excited for:

AS: For me, taking pictures of all the crazy beautiful architecture and cities and of the people. CW: I’m excited for the dinners.

Something more speciﬁc you are excited for:

Why did you decide to go?:

What are you most nervous about?:

Are you excited to go with Mr. Frost?:

AS: He’s been on a lot of these trips before, so I trust that he’ll keep us safe and he’ll teach us a lot at the same time. CW: I’ll be the only guy on the trip besides Mr. Frost.

How did you prepare?

AS: I had to take an ugly passport picture, that’s it.

10 music: Foster the People, “Supermodel” may 8, 2014

REVIEWS

page by kaitlyn foster

by maria carrasco

On New Year’s, when Foster the People announced the March release date for their new album, I was ecstatic. I wanted to wait until the official release, but when I heard about a stream on iTunes, I had no choice but to listen. I was 100 percent satisfied with my decision to do so. Foster the People’s Supermodel is as amazing as I anticipated. When I first heard “Pumped Up Kicks” on my local radio station, it sparked my interest in Foster the People. It was a new type of indie music—more electric and upbeat than a run-of-the-mill indie pop band. After buying Torches, my love only grew. “Pumped Up Kicks,” “Helena Beat,” “Houdini,” “Waste,” “Call it What You Want,” “Love” and “I Would Do Anything For You” are all in my iPod’s top 100 most played songs. Supermodel is the typical Foster the People sound, but infused with more electrified vocals and stronger guitar riffs.

My favorite tracks are “Ask Yourself,” “Are You What You Want to Be?,” “Coming of Age,” “Best Friend” and “Nevermind.” Foster the People demonstrates its versatility in “Ask Yourself,” which starts as a slow ballad and quickly evolves into the ultimate hand-clapping dance song. This single isn’t as fast as “Are You What You Want to Be?,” but is quite possibly the catchiest song on the album. “Nevermind” shows a softer, more personal side of Foster the People. The lyrics are deep and meaningful, describing someone’s love and passion for another who

doesn’t know he exists. Again, Foster the People has outdone itself. Supermodel is a continuation of their pure talent and is sure to gain them a greater following. I give Supermodel a 9/10.

top 5 hits

1. “Pumped Up Kicks,” single 2010 2. “Coming of Age,” Supermodel 2014 3. “Don’t Stop (Color on the Walls)” Torches 2012 4. “Helena Beat,” Torches 2011 5. “Best Friend,” Supermodel 2014

http://commons.wikimedia.org/

movie: Divergent by ﬁona mcallister

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop 1115 Mass St. 785.841.8226 www.fuzzystacoshop.com www.EatMeKU.digbro.com

In a Dystopian Chicago, “Divergent” follows Beatrice Prior (Shailene Woodley) as she picks one of the nation’s ﬁve factions, each with its own core value. Abnegation is selﬂess; Dauntless is brave; Erudite is intelligent; Candor is honest; Amity is kind. Beatrice, otherwise known as Tris, is raised in Abnegation. When she is 16, Tris takes an aptitude test to determine in which faction she belongs. Her test results are inconclusive, categorizing her in more than one faction. She learns that this means she is “divergent”—a dangerous distinction in the stringently structured society. On Choosing Day, the day all 16 year olds pick their future faction,Tris decides to

leave Abnegation for Dauntless because she believes she lacks the selflessness required in her birth faction. Upon joining Dauntless, Tris confronts her greatest fears—while falling for her mentor, the mysterious Four (Theo James). All hell breaks loose when Erudite brainwashes Dauntless to destroy Abnegation. Tris, with Four’s help, must make tough decisions to save the people she loves and stop Erudite from taking complete control over the city. Set in a similar dystopian futuristic world, “Divergent” is the hot new Hunger Games. With Theo James as Four, this is the perfect flick for girls craving some eye candy (but back off Theo, ‘cause he’s mine). Filled with faction-packed scenes, the film also appeals to thrill-seeking moviegoers. However, for diehard “Divergent” fans like myself, the movie was a bit of a disappointment. Major plot components were left out, including many lustful scenes between Tris and Four. The director also took the liberty of

making the ending different from the book, a huge mistake. Also, Jeanine (Kate Winslet), leader of Erudite, is played off as less dangerous than she actually is, leaving me questioning how ﬁlmmakers plan to maintain momentum in their sequel with the altered plotline. While “Divergent” is a typical, predictable movie with high school drama, I’m not saying I didn’t love it—but it’s true. Tris wants boy; boy wants Tris. They get together. Friend gets jealous of Tris’ abilities. They make up. The plot just lacks the energy needed to create a big screen presence. Even though I am a dedicated “Divergent” fan, I understand how viewers who don’t know the story could be disengaged. That being said, I must admit that I very much enjoyed Shailene Woodley’s interpretation of Tris brought to the big screen.

1 2 o by phot

otos

s_Ph

AMK

HOMETOWN HUB may 8, 2014 page by darian koenig

summer playlist

eekly us w o by an phot rniem by ve o t o ph

ersse on P

y Jas

ob phot

hometown hub by evan frook

Buzz Under the Stars 2 Night 2

OneRepublic

Cheapest ticket: $25 ALL AGES Friday, Aug. 1 Starlight Theatre 4600 Starlight Road Kansas City, Mo. 64132

MÖTLEY CRÜE

Justin Timberlake

cheapest ticket: $49 ALL AGES Wednesday and Thursday, July 30-31 Sprint Center 407 Grand Boulevard Kansas City, Mo. 64106 The energetic J.T., along with opener DJ Free Style, will grace the Sprint Center’s stage in Kansas City this summer. With his charismatic stage presence and his infectious pop songs, Justin Timberlake has established himself as one of the 21st century’s music moguls with hits like “Take Back the Night” and “Suit & Tie.” His concerts are consistently riveting, and any fan of Timberlake shouldn’t miss this event.

Cheapest ticket: $21.89 ALL AGES Sunday, Aug. 3 Sprint Center 407 Grand Boulevard Kansas City, Mo. 64106 The legendary band MÖTLEY CRÜE is playing their last tour, Rock the Line. They will visit Kansas City on Aug. 3, and their contribution to hard rock as a genre is not something to be disregarded. With songs like “Shout at the Devil” and “Looks That Kill,” they combine hard rock and heavy metal in a unique way that has helped launch both genres into the mainstream. Seeing this group at least once is well worth it, and this may be the last opportunity to do so. If witnessing the ﬁnal notes of a legendary group isn’t enough, opening for them is another rock legend, Alice Cooper.

OneRepublic offers a very distinct experience with their mellow, intimate sound. With support from another feelgood jam band, The Fray, OneRepublic will provide an friendly experience that connects fans to the band in a way that loud, animated artists like Justin Timberlake don’t. With songs like “Secrets” and “Apologize,” OneRepublic attracts a vast and diverse following for their “genreless” music. Metalheads and jazz junkies alike can enjoy their performances.

Cheapest ticket: $35 ALL AGES Saturday, May 17 KC Power and Light District 60 E 13th St. Kansas City, Mo. 64106 Buzz Under the Stars—featuring Twenty One Pilots of “Ode to Sleep” fame, St. Lucia of “Elevate,” NONONO of “Pumpin Blood” and headliner Foster the People, famous for the smash hit, “Pumped Up Kicks, ”—is one of the biggest events of the summer. All the groups perform with an electric charisma that invigorates crowds, even in an outdoor venue like the Power and Light District. Twenty One Pilots’ stimulating mix of hip-hop, rap and synthesized sound can get a crowd on its feet in a moment. Foster the People creates an atmosphere of total enthrallment with their intricate, thought-inspiring lyrics, and this collection of great music comes at only $35, one of the summer’s best concert prices.

PROFILE

may 8, 2014

page by cierra campbell

kicking across the world senior chris allen england-bound

Senior Chris Allen runs down ﬁeld with the ball. Allen will be attending the Richmond International Academic and Soccer Institute in Leeds, England this fall. photo by sam oliver

by ryan liston

In December 2013, senior Chris Allen and his father scrolled through a website listing of soccer camps for international academies and clicked on a link that sparked Allen’s interest in studying abroad. Allen recently committed to play soccer at the Richmond International Academic and Soccer Institute (RIASA) in Leeds, England. The academy provides North American soccer players an opportunity to grow as athletes while experiencing England’s rich soccer culture and receiving a quality education. Because Allen was unable to attend RIASA’s December soccer camp in San Antonio, he contacted the team’s coaches and expressed his interest. “... We gave them a call and said, ‘Hey, we’d love to come to one of these camps, but we just can’t make this one,’ so they said, ‘Okay, we’ll send a scout out to watch one of your games,’” Allen said. Scout John Roeslein invited Allen to attend RIASA’s soccer camp in Orlando, Fla. in March, where Allen was asked to join the team. “... I was stoked; I was ecstatic, and I said, ‘Yeah,’ right away,” Allen said. “All I had to go do was just go talk to my parents, and they were real supportive and on board immediately.” Allen feels he will ﬁt in better with the English style of soccer than with the American style. “The American style is very direct especially in the college ranks,” Allen said. “... They look for a lot of players who are ﬁnished products already ... I need a little more time to be able to grow and develop, so this is the best opportunity that I can see.” Allen hopes that playing at RIASA will help him achieve his dream of becoming a professional soccer player.

“[RIASA is] prepping you more for just life in general, their sole purpose isn’t to produce professional players,” Allen said. “But they have had a few kids come through there and go off to a professional team, so that’s good to hear as well.” Because of his experience playing soccer at Free State and on club team, Sporting Kaw Valley, Allen believes he is prepared to take the next step in pursuing his lofty goal. “Coach [Kelly] Barah has been huge in my development as a soccer player and a person,” Allen said. “I can’t imagine where I’d be now without people like him and my club coach Oumar Seck in my life. They taught me a lot of discipline [and] responsibility, and really instilled the desire and the drive to be the best I can be on and off the field.” Barah appreciates the hard work Allen displayed throughout his time at Free State. He believes that Allen’s dedication to improvement has helped him reach his current skill level. “To see a young man not have it all and work towards trying to achieve—not knowing what achievement looked like—has just been brilliant,” Barah said. “He truly captures the emotions of the song ‘Started From the Bottom and Now We’re Here.’” At RIASA, Allen expects his teammates to challenge him and plans to benefit from the tough competition. “I think it’ll be great, very rigorous and extremely competitive,” Allen said. “… There’s just no way that you can’t get better in an environment like that.” Although Allen will miss his family and friends, he has been confident about his decision from the start. “That’s been the best click of the mouse I’ve made in a long time,” Allen said.

0 12 15 15 1 evening the score(boards) may

girls v swim 9:00 am @ SF League

funding equity explained

by kenneth palmer

A picture of the softball and baseball scoreboards side by side, one dilapidated and one brand new, respectively, appears on sophomore Elizabeth Patton’s Twitter feed. Moments later, controversy and accusations ensue. “I tweeted it because I thought it was funny because [the scoreboards] are so different,” Patton said. Despite Patton’s intentions, questions of funding equity for gender-speciﬁc, publicly-funded activities—legally mandated by Title IX—arose quickly. Members of the baseball team assumed the defensive. “The baseball players got really upset by it and [began] this huge Twitter [response],” Patton said. “[They were] saying the softball players were complaining.” Junior Joel Spain, varsity baseball player, watched tensions mount on social media. “Some people made some wild accusations, and other people got defensive, [but] everyone ended with a better understanding of what’s happening,” Spain said. Junior Adam Strathman, junior varsity baseball player, does not approve of the animosity expressed online, but he does not think that the issue is particularly serious, especially when it does not compromise the team’s ability to play. “I think everyone has the right equipment for the sport that they are playing, and I do not think that teams are being completely shorted,” Strathman said. As more softball players spoke about their understanding of the situation, they made it clear that they were unsure of all of the details but simultaneously reluctant to overstep their bounds by seeking answers. “It’s not my place to be going out and telling them what to do,” Patton said. “I have no interest in making people upset.” While Patton and her teammates wished to avoid unnecessary trouble, they may have easily found answers if they had asked a few questions. Athletic

boys v golf 3:00 pm @ Leavenworth

girls v soccer 6:30 pm @ FSHS

Director and Head Baseball Coach Mike Hill explained the situation clearly. “Both programs are getting a new scoreboard by the upcoming year,” Hill said. Some wonder whether the apparent disparity between the advanced baseball scoreboard and basic softball scoreboard will continue to be a problem. “Softball will be given an equal amount of money and the option to expand their scoreboard as well,” Hill said. Hill explained that the district will give both teams the same funds. If a team wants a more advanced piece of equipment, it can supplement the initial amount with fundraising dollars. Yet Spain believes that some think Hill prefers one team over another. “A lot of people think baseball gets more because Mr. Hill is the [athletic director] and the baseball coach,” Spain said. Questions about Hill treating a speciﬁc team differently can be answered by one aspect of the funding system. “[Coaches] work in conjunction with the bookkeeping department before they make purchases,” Hill said. These kind of checks are in place to prevent any kind of foul play, and Hill added that there will be a scrutinizing search in the near future of the district’s funds that will check any violations of funding equality laws. “One of the things that the district as a whole is doing is to look at the booster clubs and address what issues may be there,” Hill said. The controversy raises relevant questions about the funding system and its ability to maintain equal funding, yet the Athletic Director remains adamant in his belief that the school is effective in its maintenance. “I am not aware of any [inequities] at the current time,” Hill said.

The softball scoreboard is set to be updated and installed in the upcoming year. photos by: mary brady

SPORTS

may 8, 2014 page by kristina foster

boys v baseball 7:00 pm @LHS

YOUR HOME TEAM StephensRE.com

Now Hiring… Lifeguards Water Safety Instructors Must be at least 16 years of age All positions will be open until filled. Not trained? No problem! Certification courses offered For more details or to apply, go to www.lawrenceks.org/jobs

4706 Overland Drive 785.832.SWIM www.lprd.org

The baseball scoreboard was replaced at the beginning of the 2014 baseball season.

OPINION

what do you think of junior-senior prom?

may 8, 2014

page by kristina foster

staying in the black

2015 prom to admit juniors, offset cost

by morgan noll

After three years of scrolling through others’ Facebook photos for a second-hand prom experience, the long wait pays off when seniors get prom to themselves. Next school year, however, the wait for juniors may be cut short with a combined junior and senior prom. Members of Student Council have been abuzz about the potential of having a junior-senior prom next year. At this time it’s just a rumor according to assistant StuCo sponsor Lisa Boyd. StuCo sponsor Jane Rock said if Free State switches it will be what many schools already consider the norm. In the end the decision will be made next year by the district according to Rock. Many seniors only go to the activities before and after prom, so the actual event has been underfunded. This past academic year, StuCo lost money on the event. The year before that, they barely broke even according to senior student body president Bailey Watson. Prom is one of the school year’s biggest events, and a net cost of zero or less doesn’t quite cut it for the time and money spent. The district will debate if the solution is including the junior class. Although the change would be financially beneficial, some aren’t seeing the glass as half full if it means more bodies on the dance floor. “I was kind of upset when I heard about it because our class has never

really gotten anything as their own,” junior Jody Willmott said. Some juniors haven’t quite let go of the grudge from missing out on a ninth grade formal. “It seems to me that ... all the traditions that we have in Lawrence at the high schools and junior highs always get broken with our grade,” junior Sydney Moreano said. Although Moreano is far from enthused about the idea of juniors going to HER prom, she is going as a junior this year with a group of her senior friends. Moreano is more concerned with the sentimentality of senior prom and the idea of having it as her class’s own, than she is with all juniors attending. Junior Daniel Clarke is also going this year with plans of attending as a senior as well, but is more optimistic about the potential changes. “[Adding juniors] could mean that more people would want to come ... like they go junior year and they want to come back; whereas, if they are a senior and they don’t go, then they don’t get a chance,” Clarke said. Lawrence has consistently been one of the last schools to transition. “If this wasn’t happening the year I would be a senior, [it] would be different,” Willmott said, “especially if I hadn’t moved up and been the ﬁrst freshman class and not gotten those things as a ninth grader at the middle school.”

bird’s word

What are your thoughts about junior-senior prom? It seems to me that ... all the traditions that we have in Lawrence at the high schools and junior highs always get broken with our grade.

- junior Sydney Moreano

I think it’d be ﬁne, like I don’t think anyone would be mad about it. I think it … could make the seniors unhappy, but I think the juniors would be happy.

I think that it’s cool to have something to look forward to your senior year, especially since most people—pretty much everyone—will get a chance to have it.

- senior Maddie Woodard

I love that idea. I think it’s a good idea ... because I wanna go to prom.

- sophomore Haley Boden

- junior Daniel Clarke

let us know what you think about juniors joining the seniors at prom next year. tweet us @fsfreepress

Text your lunch order to (785)393-6225. One texter wins a free lunch everyday!

a year in review: 2013-2014 top moments no ve mb er

photo by bret watson

>Junior Sophie Westbrook scores a perfect on the PSAT >Peasant shirts create an uproar >After disappointment at the Sunﬂower League, the gymnastics team wins State

photo by jody willmott

>Renaissance Committee purchases ﬂoral couches >Students get CNA certiﬁed >Winter Formal at Abe and Jake’s

photo by caitlin dodd

photo by jody willmott

oto

nic

iel

to be r

st gu

> Josecito serenades students through the Paraguayan exchange >3 snow days in a row, plus a “Cold Day” > Flappy Bird and 2048 decrease student’s ability to participate in class

mb er

photo by jody willmott

jan ua ry

>Girls cross country team tries to shock the competition at State by breaking out all black uniforms >3 Gatorade players of the year > Marching band breaks out sunglasses for their “Cars” themed show

>3 people turn down homecoming nominations >11 National Merit Scholars >Student Council donates most supplies for Humane Society in school history

sep tem

to by an d

rew

av ez

be r

page by sarah whipple

ph o

>Debate squad goes through two coaches >Biology department gets a tarantula >Art Club takes over the chalkboard

GRAPHICS may 8, 2014

rch

>Freshman Audra Nepstad shaves her head to support Madison Bruhns > Robotics Club shocks pros as a ﬁrst year team competing > Sam Dowell uses his “body drumming” talent in Encore

photo by taylor larue

assassins game funniest moments

ever, each “assassin” is also someone’s target. The prize: hundreds of dollars in cash. The only rules: “no killing” on school grounds. Here a few of the more clever stories from the chase.

hunter robinson on katie norris

“I realized I needed to ﬁnd a way to get into her house cuz I knew where she lived. I just realized I probably shouldn’t just knock on the door because I don’t know her parents, and I didn’t know if they’d let me in … so I ﬁgured ‘Oh, if I make a sign that says, ‘PROM?’ then her mom would be like, ‘Oh, he actually has a reason to be here.” Once I got over there, her mom opened the door, and she said, ‘Katie, come up here,’ and she

[her mom] comes back a minute later and was like, ‘You’re the assassin, aren’t you.’ I was like, ‘Uhhh.’ I was also kinda happy because if it did work, I would feel really bad. And, as I was driving there, I thought maybe like, ‘I should stop and bring donuts or something.’ I’m kinda glad it didn’t work. But you know, you gotta be creative to win this game.”

feb

At 5:30 p.m. on Friday, April 15, the senior class was primed to kill. Each senior who’d paid their $5 dues was assigned a “target” whom they were supposed to “kill” by spraying him or her with a water gun. How-

>Scholars Bowl places fourth at State >Schlagle exchange > Science Olympiad places at Regionals for the ﬁrst time in its history >Kelly Barah gets a Twitter

r ua ry

ssin

ril

assa

>Most DI-bound athletes in school history > Track athletes compete at new Rock Chalk Park for KU Relays >Seniors paranoia rises exponentially during Assassins game

photo by caitlin dodd

meagan ziegler on pj budenbender “I knew he drove past my neighborhood to go to school … Monday morning I got up early, and I stopped on the side of the road … I waved him down, and I asked, ‘Do you have any jumper cables?,” and he was like, ‘No, I’m sorry. They’re at home,’ and I was like, ‘Well, can you please look

at my car? Something is wrong. I really need help …’ So, he pulls around, and he makes the mistake of parking behind me … He gets out of the car and closes the door and starts walking closer, and so I’m just waiting for him to get close. I open my car, and I have my water gun right there. I pulled it out, and

I just shoot him … Then he was like, ‘Are you serious? You really didn’t need any help? I thought you were in trouble.’ My mom told me to get a cookie from Eileen’s to give as a peace offering, but then my dad was like, ‘No it’s just the game! She’s just playing the game.’”

PHOTOS may 8, 2014

photo by bridget brown

photo by kristina foster

er mb ve no

sep tem

be r

rdi ila by ab by

au gu st

page by kristina foster and sarah whipple

photo by jody willmott

a year in review: 2013-2014

oto ph

photo by nick popiel

photo by sam oliver

photo by nick popiel

b to

photo by andrew chavez

photo by kristina foster

photo by jody willmott

oto ph by

ar y

photo by lily allen

feb

bra

photo by nick popiel

april

photo by kristina foster

march

photo by nick popiel

oto

kri

sti

fos

ter

photo by kristina foster

photo by mary brady