Free Press: Issue 1, Edition 19

THE FREE PRESS ISSUE 1

17 September 2015

print editors in chief online editors in chief design editor photo editors

copy editors assistant copy editor multimedia editor managing editor social media editor business editor designers

Sydney Gard Trenna Soderling Maame Britwum Libby Stanford Adelaide Wendel Rose Arachtingi Christina Craig Sam Goodwin Lauren Brittain Hala Hamid Kaya Shafer Jake Clark Haley Van Vleck Elizabeth Patton Sydney Vogelsang Sydni Beeley Sophia Bone Tori Karlin Caroline Kelton Cooper Mumford Drake Riner Atticus vonHolten Lane Weis Lacey Windholz

EDITION 19

photographers

reporters

multimedia

student info clerks

Ali Dodd Morgan Edman Anna-Maya Hachmeister Kylie Hawkins Alexis Luinstra Nicola Santangelo Klaire Sarver Tierney Thompson Gabrielle Wheeler Madi Engnhel-Thomas Evan Frook Darby Gilliland Maya Hodison Mariah Houston Allie Knapp Juna Murao Reagan Sullivan Margaret Uhler Jackson Barton Aubin Murphy Samantha Spencer Paul Bittinger Nate Strathman Drew Vereen

CONTENTS 5

Not Your Mother’s Violin

Hip hop duo pushes boundaries of classical music in upcoming Lawrence show Written by Kaya Shafer

Extra Credit Policy

3

Block Grants 4

6

Editors’ Columns 8

Making Strides

Bird’s Word 9

Cross Country team boasts largest numbers in Free State’s history

Reviews 13 Brony Club 15

Written by Hala Hamid

ORIGIN STORY

10

Teachers reminisce on Free State’s beginnings Written by Sydney Gard and Elizabeth Patton

14

Myron Graber New principal opens up on history, plans for future Written by Trenna Soderling

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17 September 2015 Page by Lane Weis

News

JUST CREDIT

Reason behind new school-wide extra credit policies Written by Evan Frook

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enior Brett Carey did a double-take when he read the extra A sentiment shared by many, it seems. credit policy in the student planner. Carey is a good student “I think [the policy] might be beneficial to some students… in multiple AP classes, and he gets A’s in them. That’s not to it makes them work harder for the basic credit so they can’t just say he doesn’t work hard, and the new prohibition of extra credit slack off and do the extra credit,” junior Raiden Garcia said. caused temporary pause.

The strategy is based in Graber’s experience in academic “For me it’s Calc BC. I need all the extra points I can get in settings and influenced by personal belief. Some of this opinion that class… I think that’s where it might hurt some people,” Carey comes from the conversations he has held with business and said. community leaders regarding students’ ability or inability to The 2015-2016 school year is in many ways a rebirth for perform well in post-education environments, especially the Free State. New staff, new rooms, new floors, and new academic workforce. rules. One such tenet instituted by principal “The business community has said, ‘we need I believe your Myron Graber is the abolition of extra credit workers, we need students, we need employees who grades should reflect are able to come into our company and we don’t opportunities in any and every classroom. The what your academic policy was set in motion over the summer, and have to hold their hand,’” Graber said. knowledge is. has already been hastily revised after teachers According to teachers, the system was revised - Myron Graber after protest from departments regarding the lobbied Graber on behalf of their departments.

The policy began as a complete expulsion of added points— necessity of subject-relevant extra credit for students credit had to be out of a maximum, and no graded points could be who are on the so-called bubble—those who work hard, but are added without adding to that maximum. left just below a higher grade.

“I believe your grade should reflect what your academic “I think [the new rules] might hurt the new people who really knowledge is,” Graber said. “I don’t know if it happened here, but need the extra credit, if they’re on the A/B see-saw, and you really it happened [like]…‘If you bring 3 reams of paper, or 2 boxes of want to get that A, it can be painful to get an 89 or an 88 in the Kleenex, or you never use the restroom, I’ll add points to your class,” Carey said. grade.’ That really has nothing to do with how much you know.”

The success of the new approach remains to be seen, as it Many students understand the rationale behind this part of the could either strand many students just below a higher grade or new policy. inspire students to strive to do their best without motivation like “I think it was implemented because sometimes teachers extra credit. would say you get extra credit if you bring a Kleenex box, and I “I don’t know how I feel yet since we’re not too far along in can see why some people don’t see that as extra credit vs. going the semester, I think later on when I may need the extra points is the extra mile,” said Carey. “It [should] be academic extra credit, when I’ll have a stronger viewpoint on it,” Carey said. maybe only make it on tests or extra essays, but not tissue boxes.”

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17 September 2015 Page by Lane Weis

News

BLOCKED IN Written by Mariah Houston

F

New funding system presents uncertainty for Free State

irebirds flood the new, renovated hallway, clutching their new school supplies, and catching glimpses of their new principals.

The year of 2015 is one of change for the school, but many students are not aware of the changes they cannot see.

In the past, the state of Kansas used equity funding, which provides all communities with similar amounts of revenue per student and additional weighted funding based on special student and community needs. This year, the Kansas Legislature deserted the equity formula and adopted a new mechanism of funding: block grants.

The block grants provide schools with a set amount of money for the entire year, no matter the changes in enrollment or crisis that may occur. Some view block grants as cost efficient and resourceful; however, others see them as restrictive and dangerous.

Difficulties have already risen in the classrooms regarding a lack of textbooks and teachers being asked to count the numbers of copies they make.

“My teachers have been asking that we print stuff at home if possible,” Supernaw said.

School funding is a delicate subject for Kansas citizens.

“Of all the money that gets allocated for the different things

throughout the state government, education should be the top, so there is no reason why funding for education should be inadequate,” English teacher Brandon Wolak said.

Many districts, including Olathe Public Schools, have asked for emergency funding.

“I do think that eventually [the district] will have to ask for emergency funding because we’re in a stage of growth in Lawrence right now,” Wolak said. “Our freshman class this year is one of the biggest we’ve ever had, and the one coming after it is even bigger, so we’re going to need more resources.”

Although block grants have stirred up anxieties, Wolak sees one possible benefit.

“It could cause teachers to be a little bit more thoughtful about how they use resources,” Wolak said.

Wolak believes budgeting is an important skill to possess, and this new system of funding could help Free State learn this skill.

“The kind of resources we need aren’t really fancy, flashy gadgets,” Wolak said. “We can get more resourceful and figure out how we can go back to making connections with people rather than buying new stuff.”

Photo by Christina Craig

Finishing an assignment for class, senior Isabel Marshall-Kramer picks up her paper at the library’s printer. The library printer offers free printing to all students.

Conscious of funding, teachers have been asking students to print from home, if possible.

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17 September 2015 Page by Lane Weis

News

NOT YOUR MOTHER’S VIOLIN Hip-hop duo pushes boundaries of classical music in upcoming Lawrence concert Written by Kaya Shafer

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n October 1, Black Violin will be coming to the Lied ers [to play a string instrument],” Stuhlsats said.

Center of Kansas for the second time. Putting a modern Students recognized songs by the Black Eyed Peas and many twist on classical music, Kevin Slyvester (Kev Marcus) and more artists. Black Violin’s new interpretation of classical music Wilner Baptiste (Wil B) took what they learned from their elemen- seemed to target the 5th graders specifically, encouraging many to tary, middle and high school orchestras and combined it with pop join orchestra. music. After reconnecting with each other after college, the two “It just made it that much more common for people to play have now become a popular duo. pop music on the violin,” sophomore violinist Sandhya Ravikumar Usually, hip hop is not what you imagine when you think of said. “I think it’s really enjoyable to play pop music because you string instruments. However, the sophomore class of 2016 remem- know it a little bit better, it’s more familiar, and that just makes it bers many specific thoughts running through more fun to play rather than playing music from an old I think it’s a very good their heads during the performance they saw dead white guy.” experience for younger six years ago.

Their positive attitudes and on-stage energy influkids who think classical “I remember recognizing some of the muenced students to get involved and stay committed to an music is boring. sic they played and thinking it was really cool,” instrument.

-sophomore Sandhya Ravikumar sophomore violinist Eileen Huang said.

“I think it’s a very good experience for younger kids The group inspired sophomore Gaven Stuhlwho think classical music is boring,” Ravikumar said. sats to play the violin.

“I love playing the violin. If [Black Violin] makes it seem a little “The way they play their music, [being] super active and [their] bit more fun to them, and it probably will, I definitely think they overall positive attitude would probably convince most fifth grad- should be able to see that.”

“

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Kev Marcus and Wil B of Black Violin pose with their instruments.

The duo is coming to the Lied Center on October 1.

Photo by www.blackviolin.net

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17 September 2015 Page by Lane Weis

Sports

MAKING STRIDES Cross Country team boasts largest numbers in Free State’s history Written by Hala Hamid

F

rom the long, sweaty runs in the hot August sun, the yearly “It’s really hard,” Hockenbury said. “It’s mentally tough and physteam campout and helping out at the state meet, senior Hayically tough … definitely not a sport for everyone.” ley Boden has had countless memorable moments during her Even with the hours spent practicing and competing, being on time on the cross country team. the team is worth it for Boden.

Boden started running casually four years ago, but soon realized “My favorite thing about running is the way I feel afterward … it she loved being on the team. gives me a break in the day from everything stressing me out,” Boden “I used to run, like freshman year, to keep me in shape for soccer, said. but now I would say it’s because I like the team and the overall enviLast year, Hockenbury used his time spent running to bond with ronment,” Boden said. his teammates as well.

Boden says that with the largest cross country team in school his“[I] definitely had a lot of good memories with last year’s senior tory, it’s more difficult for her to see all of her teammates at practice class,” he said. “I pretty much spent every day of my high school life and meets. The team totals nearly 120 people this year. with them; we did a lot of adventure runs … [and other] silly things, “With more people on the team, I don’t see everyone every day,” stupid things together.”

Boden said. “I’ll see someone at school and ask why they aren’t doing Hockenbury is hoping to build on last season by earning another cross country this year and they’ll say they are; we just haven’t seen spot at state this year. each other at all because of the number of people [at practice] every “I’m ready to compete … [and] get some more college recogniday.”

We have a lot of tion,” Hockenbury said. “I’ve been looking at colAssistant cross country coach Jordan Rose believes newcomers, so it’s a leges and they’ve been contacting me so hopefully the large team is a combination of the bigger freshman learning experience soon this winter I’ll have signed somewhere.” class and more kids who want to run to stay in shape.

Even though cross country is the largest fall for them.

“There is a large freshman class, and so not only do sport, their success at state is not guaranteed. Run-senior Tanner Hockenbury we have more kids out but we also pick up some kids who ners must work together to achieve such accomplishdecide to run with us after trying out for other sports,” Rose said. ments.

Senior Tanner Hockenbury agrees that a few changes come with “As the team has grown, athletes have learned that being part of the increased amount of runners. the team is more like a family and that they are only as successful “We have a lot of newcomers, so it’s a learning experience for individually as we are as a team,” Rose said. “Even if an individual is them,” Hockenbury said. ”There are a lot of upperclassmen teaching having a rough day at practice or at a meet, there is always someone freshmen and being role models, so that’s definitely a big change.” else to encourage and lift up.”

Braving the 103 degree weather, Hockenbury says he spends roughly 10 hours a week running.

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Photo by Christina Craig Right: Senior Chris Blevins, freshman Trey Melvin and junior Sid Lin run during an afterschool cross country practice. They are team members on the largest cross country team in school history. The number of team members has been steadily increasing for the past few years.

HEALTHY SMOOTHIES & UNIQUE SNACKS Behind Peoples Bank Two other Lawrence Locations & Crown Center in KCMO

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17 September 2015 Page by Lane Weis

Editorial

The Final Countdown Co-editors in chief discuss senior year

T

he students of Free State are no strangers to change. This year has seen an overhaul of many standards kids were used to, like a portion of the policies, the administration, the schedule and even the entrance into the school. While many students have complained about the lack of consistency, I think a positive outlook can be spun from the mess.

Free State teaches us a variety of lessons, and adaptability is just one of those. Maybe, someday in the future, you can use your highly developed coping abilities in your professional life as you learn the ropes of a new job. Maybe the craziness of the past few years will someday come in handy in your personal life as well.

For the Class of 2016, I see a much more immediate use. Our experimental upbringing through our educational lives can prepare us as most of us continue on to some sort of post-secondary education.

Through the next year, we’ll plan an entirely new portion of our lives. We’ll apply to schools, decide which college we’ll go to, plan our funding, and then watch as minute details shift our plan into some unworkable jumble.

While it may seem daunting, I think Free State’s ever-shifting environment has prepared us well. Best of luck to you as you change your minds, plans and lives in the next eight months, seniors. To everyone else; embrace the changes life has thrown your way.

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enior year: a time to finally get premium parking, sleep late and slack off. Everyone takes easy classes and senioritis runs rampant—right? Right?!?

So far, I can’t say the stereotypes are very accurate. Sure, school hasn’t even been in session for four weeks, but I am fairly confident my senior year will not be rainbows and butterflies.

Since I am not in a zero hour class, parking is sparse by the time I arrive. I think I probably had to walk less last year to get into the building. All my yearlong electives, newspaper included, mean I will not have reduced schedule second semester. I’m taking three AP classes and five AP tests in May. My senior experience might not seem typical, but I know plenty of other people juggling sports, jobs, AP classes, clubs and more.

If you choose to take a “year off” before college or whatever you choose to do after graduation, kudos to you, but I figure I’ll just keep my streak going. I’m prepared to make the best out of my last year and take advantage of everything this school has to offer.

My fellow seniors, it may not seem like it, but graduation is just around the corner. And everyone else, no matter how many years you have left at Free State or what you choose to do with them, I hope this one is your best yet.

TRENNA SODERLING Co-Editor in Chief

SYDNEY GARD Co-Editor in Chief

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17 September 2015 Page by Adelaide Wendel

Profiles

BIRD’S WORD

Which new school change do you think will affect you the most?

“

The lunch time, because it really didn’t seem like much but when you’re actually going out to eat or getting into the line, 5 minutes is a lot.

- senior Devin Kirby

“

“

The room numbers because it feels like I’m a freshman again and it really sucks.

- junior Jakob Sexton

The longer periods on Wednesdays and Thursdays affected me because that’s a lot of brain work because we’re there for so long.

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ORIGIN STORY Teachers reminisce on Free State’s beginnings

Written by Sydney Gard and Elizabeth Patton

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hat happens when a gym teacher, a counselor and a science teacher walk into a newly built high school in West Lawrence, Kansas? They stay for the next (nearly) two decades. At least that is the story with Nancy Hopkins, Joel Frederick and David Reber, some of Free State High School’s most experienced staff members.

Established in 1997 in response to serious overcrowding at Lawrence High School, Free State was built 4.9 miles away from its new and only crosstown rival. Before any rivalry would begin, however, Free State needed to take about 2,000 students out of LHS’ crowded hallways. The city of Lawrence was tasked with creating its first ever high school boundary line on 15th Street and Bob Billings Parkway. Students south of the line would stay in red and black, and students north would become Firebirds.

Naturally, there was some opposition from the kids being plucked out of their beloved home on Louisiana Street and moving to 6th Street, so the school board attempted to compromise. Members of the graduating class of ‘98 were given the opportunity to decide whether they wanted to finish their high school education at LHS, no matter where they lived, and many did. Less than 100 people graduated from Free State that year. After that, however, the rules were set. Students were not the only ones forced to adjust.

The Lawrence High School staff had to be split as well.

“I worked at Lawrence High for five years,” Frederick said.

“Then, when the new building opened, they kind of split us in two and I got shipped over here. I’m glad I ended up over here, but I didn’t think I wanted to open a new building.”

Hopkins and Reber were sent to Free State along with Frederick.

Hopkins, who had been teaching at West Middle School since 1973, was already well established in Lawrence when she made the move to Free State.

“I taught at West for 25 years and moved over here to be the volleyball coach,” Hopkins said.

Hopkins’ fondest memory of the first year of Free State was the volleyball season. The gym was only half finished and none of the senior volleyball players had decided to switch schools.

“Our motto that year was, ‘No bleachers, no seniors, no worries,’” Hopkins said.

18 years later, Free State is thriving, with a graduating class that has tripled since 1997. As the students have changed, so has the staff.

Joe Snyder, Free State’s first of three principals, worked as a math administrator in the district before becoming a principal at

Turner High School in Kansas City, KS. Then, he applied to Free State.

Snyder remembers the first year the school was open.

“It was a challenge, but it was exciting, and kind of an exhilarating experience,” he said. “I still remember walking down the street for the first homecoming parade.”

He also recalls the effects of the small senior class of 1998.

“Having a very small senior class is not exactly like the high school that most people would’ve thought of, but it went fine,” Snyder said. “We didn’t have any major difficulties, and we worked our way through it. I think the next year we were running like any school was supposed to run.”

Though Free State started to move smoothly shortly after it opened, its creation was challenged by many Lawrencians. LHS had a history the town was proud of. Citizens feared splitting the students in two would ruin the school’s success.

“At LHS, you had students there and their parents had gone there and their grandparents had gone there and there was this whole line of ties to that school all over town, and [Free State] was totally blank and nothing like that,” Reber said.

Reber, who had worked at LHS for one year before being selected to move to Free State, also said those outside the building did not realize how overpopulated the building had become.

“At that time, before Free State opened, Lawrence High was a crowded mess,” Reber said. “We needed a second high school like ten years before we had one.”

Frederick, who initially had been one of many opposed to the new building, now feels the change was necessary.

“There was a big group of people [in the community] who did not want a second school,” he said. “They did not want to break the tradition of Lawrence High and all the sports and the music and all that. But I think people started to realize that it was going to provide more opportunities and that there were just so many people in that building. We needed to split.”

Snyder adds that opinions began to change after the school was completed.

“Once the school opened and the community saw how much it added to the high school education, they were pretty pleased,” he said.

Community members were not the only ones pleased with Free State.

“I just really think this is a great school,” Hopkins said. “I think the teachers genuinely care about the kids, and that’s always been the case from day one.”

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17 September 2015 Page by Adelaide Wendel

Feature

DATES TO REMEMBER

Continued from page 11 Though thousands of students and staff have passed through the doors of Free State since the first day of school in 1997, 16 staff members have stayed.

“It’s been great to be here since the beginning,” Reber said.

As the school continues to grow and change, create new traditions and uphold the old, and excel in everything from athletics to academics, those original 16 continue to work to make it a better place.

“It just continues to be a really, really good school,” Frederick said. “I love the students here. And the faculty is really good too. It’s funny to think back that I didn’t want to come here or open a new building… I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else now.”

• September 23

Student ID photo retakes

First Senior Ad deadline

Yearbook increases by $5

Sr formal yearbook photos

• September 25 • October 1

• October 22

Staff: Then and Now 16 FREE STATE STAFF MEMBERS REMAIN SINCE BUILDING’S OPENING

First row: Becky Browning, Mike Hill, Theresa Martin, Sam Rabiola; Second Row: Bryan Duncan, Nancy Hopkins, Annette McDonald, David Reber; Third Row: Joel Frederick, Connie Kesinger, Pam Pine, Oather Strawderman; Fourth Row: Paula Hatcher, Bob Lisher, Marsha Poholsky, Stu Strecker

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17 September 2015 Page by Adelaide Wendel

Reviews

THIS PIE’S NO LIE

Editor visits Ladybird Diner after recent reopening

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s I walked up to 721 Massachusetts St. on a Sunday afternoon, I groaned a little bit. Not because I wasn’t excited about the food; I felt the opposite. However, college students and families were rushing to the door, and I knew I would have to fight for a spot in line. However, the wait for a table passed quickly as I watched happy children (and kids-at-heart) play with bubbles and chalk on the storefront.

Finally, my name was called and I headed inside to be greeted by mood lighting and the sound of the Bee Gees blasting through the speakers. The general vibe of the diner was local and friendly, and I became somewhat nostalgic for an era I’ve never lived through.

As I sat there, my eyes scanned over the quotes and decor on the walls until my waiter sidled up in his frilly pink apron — a staple for all wait staff, including males.

I perused over the unique menu, and eventually settled on the Sweet Potato Hash (roasted sweet potatoes, spiced chickpeas, kale, sesame yoghurt, green harissa, and sunny egg), a dish I couldn’t refuse because of its friendly reference to me as its “vegetarian friend!” But I didn’t stop there. A slice of Blueberry Basil Pie was added to my ticket, suggested to me by my friendly waiter.

The food I got was a twist on the traditional breakfast food you’d expect. Although I was initially surprised, I appreciated the exciting

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2016

Photo by Margaret Uhler Lavender, chamomile, honey and lemon create the popular “Garden Party” doughnut, sold at Ladybird Diner in Downtown Lawrence. A new kitchen was made downstairs, where the staff creates different flavored doughnuts to be put out each day.

blend of flavors and would definitely recommend this meal to those bored with normal pancakes and potatoes. As for the pie — well, who doesn’t love pie? The lemon crumbles topping, along with the fresh blueberries and hint of basil, made for a tasty end to a meal.

Rating:

Written by Trenna Soderling

NEW YEAR, NEW OFFICE Reporter reviews recent office construction

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ver the past year, the Lawrence school district renovated Free State’s office to a more modern design. The additional classrooms were built in response to the growing number of students in the building.

In the first few days of school, I was overloaded with textbooks and supplies for my new classes, and I needed somewhere to store them. Unfortunately, I had forgotten my locker combination. After a futile attempt to stash my belongings, I decided to go and ask the office.

I had to wander around the commons area to find the office. It was in a weird spot, and it seemed far away from the hustle and bustle of the school life normally found in this area. I finally

Written by Juna Murao found the entrance by following a random person who seemed to know where she was going. When I opened the door that leads to the secretary and the guidance office, I was met with a room that seemed too small.

After snooping around more, I found the counselor lounge area. I walked up to student services and, with a regretful tone, asked the attendant for my locker combination. Eventually, I did get my locker open. Overall, I feel the new office seems to be isolated from the school and it was confusing to locate. However, I do feel that it looks a lot better than the old office. It’s a lot more modern and contemporary with the glass windows and the aspect of the building.

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17 September 2015 Page by Adelaide Wendel

Profiles

Photo by Sam Goodwin

MYRON GRABER NEW PRINCIPAL OPENS UP ON HISTORY, PLANS FOR FUTURE Written by Trenna Soderling

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ome principals might welcome students back to school with a stuffy speech or a boring PowerPoint. This year, new principal Myron Graber began the school year by showing the freshmen his best self(ie). “[Graber is] professional, personable and just a really nice, great guy,” administrative assistant Connie Kesinger said.

Although Free State will be the sixth school Graber has been the principal of, his original career was teaching.

When the death of the principal at Fairfield High School in 1986 left the position open, Graber was asked to fill in. Since then, he has been working in administration in schools across Kansas and Missouri.

The new leader is excited to be part of community of Lawrence as well as the traditions at Free State, citing the academic, arts, music and athletic programs as part of the distinction.

“There’s excellence across the board, and I look forward to being a part of that,” Graber said.

While there is still some uncertainty about how the school will operate, Kesinger is confident that Free State is in good hands.

“There’s a lot of communication going on, and that’s key,” Kesinger said.

One of the new principal’s missions is to continue to prepare Free State students for life after high school by looking at ways to improve the school and all its elements.

“We need to continue looking at ways to get better,” Graber said.

“Sometimes when people are pretty good at something they sit back and rest on their laurels, and the rest of the world passes them by and all of the sudden they’re nowhere. The enemy of great is good.”

Although some rules have been altered regarding policies such as extra credit and the dress code, the new principal feels there is not a lot Free State needs to address at this point in time.

“I think some people maybe had the wrong idea, that I came in here to change things,” Graber said. “I just think we need to continue to focus on preparing you, as students, to be successful.”

Quick Facts: Q: Which 3 words describe you best?

A: Caring, a learner, dependable.

Q: What’s one thing you’d like people to know about you?

A: I’m not mean. I’ve heard that. I’m really not.

Q: Favorite color?

A: Should I say green? It’s green, definitely…with a little red mixed in.

Q: Favorite restaurant?

A: I can eat about anything. How about the Cheesecake Factory?

Q: Favorite music?

A: I’m an oldies kinda guy. Anything by Chicago or Earth, Wind & Fire.

Above: New Principal Myron Graber takes a selfie with students during freshman orientation. “I love this school, it is a very unique environment, I really enjoy being here.” Graber said.

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17 September 2015 Page by Adelaide Wendel

Profiles

Photo by Anna-Maya Hachmeister

BRONY CLUB CLUB BRINGS MAGIC OF FRIENDSHIP TO FREE STATE Written by Madi Engnehl-Thomas

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few years ago, senior Noah Christilles had no idea how to spend his summer. Then, he remembered he was told of a show called My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic while attending Southwest Middle School the previous year. His free hours led him to see what it was about. From that point on, Christilles was hooked.

Two years later, while talking with his friends, founder and current president of Brony Club Christilles heard there was a teacher with a possible interest in sponsoring any students who wished to be a part of the club.

“We asked around…and eventually found out it was Mr. Puckett,” Christilles said.

Christilles and his friends contacted Latin teacherZach Puckett, confirmed he was interested and began setting up the club.

“I’m surprised they knew [I was a Brony] but I was kind of happy,” Puckett said.

According to the members, Brony Club is much more than watching My Little Pony. Members of the club wish to spread what they call the “magic of friendship” by completing community service and fundraising.

Although the club has faced accusations concerning their interests, Brony Club members insist that the group is purely for viewing the show and generating positive change.

“We don’t discuss anything weird,” Puckett said. “It’s just guys liking cartoon shows like lots of people like cartoon shows.”

As of now, the club has had few meetings, but many more are to come.

Moving forward, the club has plans to go see the upcoming movie My Little Pony: Equestria Girls—Friendship Games. Additionally, they are hoping to attend the Midwest Brony Fest in Kansas City towards the end of the year.

With their plans for fundraising, charity work and watching cartoons, members of Brony Club are looking forward to a fun-filled year.

During meetings, members of the club enjoy watching episodes of the show, listening to music and just relaxing. They also discuss what other fans of the club have done recently.

“It’s a good sense of community, it’s fun, and a way to not have to worry about stuff,” Christilles said.

Quick Facts: Brony Club meets on Wednesdays at 2:45 p.m.

Founded in 2013 The female version of a “Brony” is a “Pegasister”

Above: Senior Noah Christilles and sophomore Treven Hall share stories from a Brony Convention in Kansas City that took place over the summer while at the first official Brony Club meeting of the year.

Summer Snapshots Students share summer memories through Instagram

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3400 W 6th St | 785.749.2224 1300 W 23rd St | 800.897.6991 2221 W 31st St | TruityCU.org Some restrictions apply.