May 2024

THE BELL

Cover By Madison

Remley

About the Cover

Seniors have celebrated their accomplishment, including senior boxes, parking spots and a big tradition, jeans. With their last day May 7, many have already started painting them to their specific liking and making and celebrating their four years in high school. “I am currently in the process of making senior jeans. I am planning to put my college on it with the logo. I am not putting off the graduation year so that I can reuse it at my future college,” senior Taylor Graham said.

COVER BY MADISON REMLEY

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

May is here and the next year’s staff has officially taken over for the last of The Bell. I am so grateful for the chance to be the Editorin-Chief this upcoming year. I have been a part of the newspaper since my freshman year and have had the opportunity to work my way through each title and learn so much along the way.

As we wrap up this year, we are ending with our annual Senior Issue where the entire paper is dedicated to our seniors. Many seniors have accomplished great things during their four years: from committing to colleges (pg 14) to getting senate-level awards (pg 16) and even getting involved in various activities (pg 18).

Many senior events are coming up such as senior breakfast and graduation (pg 6). With this can come stress in school around activities such as prom (pg 7) and after school including finding a roommate for college (pg 8).

Graduating can bring up many emotions as this chapter comes to an end. Some students pay tribute to their senior years with items such as senior boxes and painted jeans (pg 20) and others reflect on the impact their teachers have made on them (pg 10).

I couldn’t be more proud of the hard work I have already seen from the staff I work alongside. For many of them, this is only their second time designing and their phenomenal effort can be seen. I can’t wait to watch this staff grow and accomplish new things. Cheers to the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

Editor-In-Chief | Victorya Wilkinson

Managing Editor, Ads Manager, A&E Editor, Copy Editor | Jenna Shores

Online Manager, Design Editor | Lucy Boyle

News & Opinion Editor | Addie Fung

Spotlight Editor | Kora Smith

Features Editor | Madeline Jones

Sports Editor | JaiDynn Sargent

InDepth Editor | Katie Ericksen

PhotoJ Editor-In-Chief | Madison Remley

PhotoJ Managing Editor | Brookelyn Jadwin

Reporters

Brodie Jobe

Brodey Hutton

Connor Rizek

Chloe Franklin

Avala Freire

Quinn Campbell

PhotoJays

River Cotton

Hannah Thompson

Reported by Brodey Hutton

Reported by JaiDynn Sargent

Reported by JaiDynn Sargent

TEACHERS LEAVE THEIR MARK

Reported by Addison Fung

Reported by Jenna Shores

Reported by Quin Campbell

Reported by Victorya Wilkinson

Reported by Katie Ericksen

Reported by Kora Smith

Reported by Lucy Boyle

by Madeine Jones

Reported by Brodie Jobe

Photo by Jenna Shores

Photos courtesy of Ali Neibling

Photo by Victorya Wilkinson

Wrapping Up High School

Taking a look at end-of-year senior events.

Designed by Addi Fung

Photo courtesy of teacher Ali Neibling

Graphic by Madison Remley

Reported by Brodey Hutton

For years, senior classes have held activities to celebrate finishing their final year of high school and stepping into a new chapter. This year events such as the senior breakfast, senior sunrise and the senior walk were held for the seniors to celebrate them. “Doing traditions helps to keep graduating an exciting thing. It makes people excited to end this chapter of their life and start something new,” senior Taylor Graham said.

For seniors’, the high school experience comes to a close this month on May 7, but their activities will extend to the commencement ceremony on May 12. With a graduating class of about 400 students, many will go to colleges of varying status, some will go straight into the workforce, others will join the military.

“I’m really excited for this summer and attending KU in the fall,” senior Brooks Babcock said. “I’ll still enjoy my last few days here though and try to take it all in before I leave.”

Between last day activities and commencement, seniors will have a total of eight activities from the seventh to the twelfth such as the senior assembly, senior sunset and yearbook distribution on their last day. Events on May 10 include the senior breakfast, the baccalaureate and graduation practice, with seniors concluding high school with commencement that Sunday on the twelfth.

“I’m really excited for graduation and having a

mostly free summer,” senior Griffin Tempest said. “I’m also really excited to go to college and pursue a major in Finance in the fall.”

Some students will opt to join the military after high school for several reasons, some including an alternative way to pay for college in the future, to receive technical training in many different areas and to simply because they may not want to attend college. Another college alternative that students may pursue is going straight into the workforce instead of attending college. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in October of 2023, there was a labor force participation rate of 71.7% among recent high school graduates not enrolled in college. Going straight to the workforce allows students to quickly gain experience and they do not end up spending thousands of dollars on a college education.

According to the Data Quality Campaign, “Every year, approximately 70,000 people enlist in the US armed forces, and about half are recent high school

graduates. The military has been a successful career choice for countless people. And it has offered others the skills necessary for fulfilling civilian careers as well as the funding needed to attend college.”

Seniors’ end-of-year activities will end on May 12 at 10AM with their commencement ceremony at Cable Dahmer Arena where students and their families will celebrate the graduates in attendance. Each senior will receive seven tickets to distribute to friends and family for the ceremony.

Dress or Stress

Dress Swaps is an organization providing seniors the opportunity to find affordable prom dresses.

Designed by Addi Fung

Courtesy of Shae Simpson

Reported by Chloe Franklin

Seniors make their way to a cramped dress store such as Mimi’s or Tull + Dye weeks or months before prom in search of the dress of their dreams. Finally, a dress they love but the price tag reads a price beginning at around $350. Seniors are looking for the perfect dress but realizing it’s unrealistic to spend $650. Dress Swaps is an organization with changing locations every year where juniors and seniors can go to pick out a dress for free.

At Liberty High School, prom will be held at The View at Briarcliff beginning at 8:30. Dresses aren’t the only expense and after purchasing the dress, shoes, makeup, hair, and other charges which can amount up

Money spent on prom dresses in 2024

to $500 to $1,000.

“I don’t think that people should spend hundreds of dollars on a prom dress that you only wear one time, which is why dress swaps is the perfect organization to donate your dresses to,”

senior Katelyn Freeman said.

“Some of my senior friends have gone to Dress Swaps before and have been very happy with the dresses they received and said it’s a lot of fun,” junior Ellen Sheeley said.

While girls are looking for dresses, guys have a magnitude of expenses that are going into prom also including their suits or tuxedos, flowers for corsages, among other things. Guys do not yet have an option like Dress Swaps available to them, but the organization has made prom an affordable reality for girls.

Buying 1st hand vs. 2nd hand

“I’ve gone there the past two years and both times my experience has been nothing but wonderful with the volunteers being super nice,” Freeman said, “This helps make prom more affordable for people because it takes away the financial stress of having to purchase a dress because all of the dresses at prom swaps are free.”

The dresses at Dress Swaps are all free.They also take donations from anyone wanting to get rid of their old dresses.

On May 4 seniors are celebrating their final prom before graduating. With prom comes many expenses such as dresses which can range anywhere from $50-$500 or more. “Dress Swaps is a non profit organization that takes your old prom dresses as donations for people to find them for free,” senior Katelyn Freeman said.

ROOMMATE WANTED

The search for college roommates

Reported By JaiDynn Sargent

Designed By Madeline Jones

As the warm summer air breezes through her hair, she grabs a moving box from the car. Finally, when she steps into her new dorm room, the sound of her new roommate fills her ears. This is the start of senior Courtney Veilleux’s college journey at Mizzou.

As seniors get ready for life after high school, some prepare for college and finding a dormmate. Many schools have different and unique ways to match up students from instagram to tinder-like apps including Roomi and Roomster.

“Most people say that when you meet your college roommate you will either

have a great story or a great friend,” Veilleux said.

Many colleges, including Southeast Missouri State, University of Central Missouri and Mizzou, all require freshmen to live on campus but many students live in dorms their entire college career.

According to US News and World Report, “approximately 40% of college students live in on-campus housing, while the remaining 60% live off-campus in various accommodations.’’

Many colleges require first year students to live on campus to promote

Photos By River Cotton Brookleyn Jadwin and Courtesy of Zoey Roberds

adjustment to college and living a sense of belonging and ease the by themselves.

According to Bankrate, “the average dorm room costs $8,556 to $12,870 per year at 4-year institutions’ ‘. Therefore, as seniors go into college many are looking for roommates and there are many ways to find the “perfect” roommate which could make or break their freshman year. Traditionally students would sign up and receive someone random. Nowadays some colleges even have their own roommate matching system.

“When my sister lived in the dorm her freshman year she got a great story. I didn’t want the same to happen to me, and I didn’t want my freshman year of college to be miserable because I didn’t like the girl I was rooming with,” Veilleux said.

At the beginning of March, the Mizzou housing portal opens for students to specify housing and roommate preferences. In the portal, there is a questionnaire about living style. The questionnaire asks about a variety of things like cleaning habits, sleep schedules, noise tolerance, social life, and pets. After filling out the questionnaire, write a short bio, and choose if you want gender inclusive housing. The roommate selection process is relatively straightforward: the university provides an online platform for admitted students to interact and find someone

they would be happy to share a living space with.

While some people elect to find a complete stranger to room with, others choose friends they already have good relationships with.

“It is a relief to know that I will be rooming with someone that I know I get along with, and already have a personal connection too,” Veilleux said.

Some may want to forgo the apps and just room with someone they know however there are plenty of ways this can go wrong.

According to collagedata. com, “rooming with a friend from high school can isolate you at a time when it’s easiest to meet new people, whereas if you pick a roommate you don’t know, you might be introduced to new friends and activities, people from different cultures or backgrounds, and pushed out of your comfort zone”. While rooming with a stranger can push you out of your comfort zone and encourage you to try new things.

“I am very happy to be rooming with my friend. I know some people say it can break friendships when you live with someone, but I think we’ll be okay so I’m excited,” senior Jessica Lehnardt said.

College is supposed to be a time for new experiences and a time for teens to branch out and become adults. New roommates are a chance to learn about new cultures and try new things.

TEACHERS LEAVE THEIR MARK

Seniors share about the teachers they will never forget.

Reported By Addison Fung

Designed By Madeline Jones

Photo courtesy of Juila Breeden

The sound of the very first bell ringing on the very first day at Discovery Middle School in 2017. The smell of picking out new sketchers for the first day of Kindergarten in 2011. The feeling of nerves and then relief from making new friends as the school year kicks off at Shoal Creek Elementary just in time for the Fun Run event.

All seniors will walk across the same stage on May 12, but each one of them had their own journey to get here. Students spend, on average, seven hours a day, and 170 days per year with teachers, which is when special bonds are formed.

According to the Association For Psychological Science, “To make a difference, teachers must be willing and able to create a conducive, social environment for learning and students have to be open to the experience of learning in this environment.” Several students created their favorite memories with teachers on this campus.

“The teacher who made a difference in my life was Mr. Murphy. He always tried to make class fun, and he would always play fun music. He would make sure we were engaged in the lessons and ask questions about it. He would always check in and ask how we were doing,” senior Emma Poulson said.

There are approximately 130 teachers at LHS, but 2,145 staff members, and over 100 classes available to take. Liberty public schools has over 12,000 students K-12. These teachers can make an impact, not only in school, but other areas of life as well.

“I would say coach Laws is the teacher that made a difference for me. I had him as a teacher and a wrestling coach. He would always make sure we were doing what we needed to get done in home life and school life. He taught us to always try our best, ” senior Julia Breeden said.

Coaches have the ability to build a different kind of connection with a student athlete.

An important aspect of a teacher, student, relationship is the environment a teacher has the ability to create. Another opportunity teachers have the chance to create is helping a student come out of their shell.

“I would say the teacher that made the biggest impact on me was Mr. Moree. I loved how he created an atmosphere in his room where you could be whoever you wanted. He really expressed to always be yourself, and I think that is a really good quality in a teacher,” senior Chad Nguyen said.

Nguyen explained that some of his favorite memories came from the times when Moree would joke around with the students and be able to have a laugh in a school environment. More students shared laughter in a classroom was the most significant thing to building a relationship.

“My favorite teacher was Coach Brown because we have a lot of memories.

"People overwhelmingly said that great teachers make their students feel safe and loved, believe in their students, model patience, and help their students reach their full potential."

According to edutopia

He just made the class fun for us and he is a great person to be around,” senior Malakai Bai said. Brown taught Bai to play basketball, another one of Malakai’s favorite memories.

According to Cornell University, “Your classroom environment is a blend of the social, emotional, and instructional elements of your class. Research shows that many aspects of your classroom environment can affect student motivation and that students who are more motivated, put more effort into learning activities.” Teachers will continue to make a big impact on students from all grades and ages. Our teachers command their classrooms, organize the dances, put together clubs and research the most exciting offensive plays to best build relationships. These seniors will forever be grateful for the memories made in their classrooms.

https://www.lps53.org/ our-district/staff-directory, https://lhs.lps53.org/ student-life/graduation

From the first step into the LHS building to later on in their high school experience, teachers have helped students work with the stress of classes. As seniors make their way to their final few weeks of high school, students are remembering all the teachers that have helped them along the way.

For senior Emma Poulsen, Mr. Murphy has made a mark on her high school experience. “His class was always fun and he had a good sense of humor so you could talk to him about anything and you could laugh about it,” Poulsen said.

Through The Years

Three Color guard seniors journeyed through their last five years on the team.

Designed by JaiDynn Sargent

Photos by Jenna Shores

Reported by Jenna Shores

Every nerve is increased as each group walks down the tunnel at the University of Dayton Arena on apr. 8th 2022, including the Liberty Winter Guard. Waiting anxiously to take the floor. The team had made it to the Winter Guard International World Finals where only the top 20 guards in the nation make it this far, and the 2022 season was the team’s first time going to nationals, making it through prelims, semifinals and now finals.

Seniors Katie Wohletz, Ash Songer and Kendall Cissel participated in five years and all nine seasons on Color Guard. When they made it to finals and won gold at State, they all were only sophomores. They continued on to win WGI World semi-finalists and State silver medals their junior year.

“My favorite season was winter of 2022. Our show was titled ‘Dancing After Death,’ honoring loved ones who have passed,” Wohletz said. “Making finals the first year, we attended WGI World Championships was a huge deal, since it was virtually unheard of. That season, showed us what was possible.”

Their guard journey started in eighth-grade year, when Liberty started a middle school guard program called Middle

Jays. The season started in November of 2019 and continued into competition season through January to March of 2020. The pandemic then struck and cut the season short. All three seniors continued their sport into high school through mask mandates and virtual competitions to get to their sophomore year.

“In middle school, the Winter Guard performed their season’s show at DMS one morning,” Wohletz said. “After watching, one of my best friends and I were sure we wanted to join the team once we reached high school. Fortunately, a middle school program was created our eighthgrade year, allowing us the learn the basics before competing at a higher level. It is during that season that I fell in love with guard.”

“Guard has made a huge impact on my life,” Songer said. “I’ve found a community and a family in guard and my team has helped me through thick and thin.”

There were conflicts throughout the previous seasons such as not being able to practice at LHS, not being properly recognized for achievements and having difficulty with leadership. During this last fall season, the team was informed their coach of four years would be taking her leave from the program, making the switch of coaches late in the season.

“Losing our coach was very difficult,” Songer said. “She had trained us since middle school and felt like family. This season, without her, was hard

and I don’t think we were as successful.”

These Guard seniors have been through five years and nine different seasons being on the Color Guard, taking home many awards, and doing all by themselves to help fundraise, plan and execute every step since the Liberty Color Guard program does not have any boosters or sponsors to help them.

Wohletz plans to attend Missouri State University and audition for their world-class ensemble, The Pride of Missouri State. Wohletz also plans to try out to march with Phantom Regiment in DCI next summer. Songer plans on joining Malachi, an independent world guard in college at Colorado School of Mines.

300 hourstrainngayeargointo Colorforthe competitions.Guard

Over the past five years, three seniors have been through nine different seasons of guard and have come to their last year being a part of the team. The past winter season just ended and even though the team didn’t compete at nationals, all three seniors went to watch and commemorate their journey on guard. “Guard has made a huge impact on my life. I’ve found a community and a family in guard and my team has helped me through thick and thin,” senior Ash Songer said.

Decisions

For many athletes, playing their sport at the college level is the next step in their dream.

Designed by JaiDynn Sargent

Photos by Brookelyn Jadwin

Reported by Quinn Campbell

Seniors look around at fellow students as they step in different paths for their future. They taste the dread of having to leave childhood friends behind as they follow courses apart from each other. They smell fear in the air and take their final steps away from the childhood and friends that they know and prepare for their future.

On signing day twelve senior athletes officially made the leap to a collegiate career. While others will forgo college athletics entirely despite the work they put in during high school. This journey

looks very different across the graduating class. Some student athletes will go to Division I schools, others will compete at the Division II and III levels, some will choose to attend a community college for athletics, and many will simply choose not to play their sport in college.

“I'm really excited to play in college,” senior cross country runner Peyton Wilbanks said, “I'm committed to Kansas State for track and cross country. They have some awesome facilities and a good engineering program, so I’m definitely looking forward to it.”

Athletes at Liberty work every day for their goals, and

Senior Abigail Roepke is going on her fourth year of soccer, she’s a captain, as well as a leader on the Lady Jays team. However, she has made the decision to not continue her soccer career in college. She was moved up to varsity her sophomore year and has made an impact ever since. “I feel like I have given a positive impression on the traditions and legacy to the younger classes and formed real friendships that I will take out of high school,” Roepke said.

in cross country only 1.8 percent of runners make it to Division I schools according to the National College Scouting Association (NCSA). Willbanks is taking his running and education to the highest level at Division I.

“I still have a bunch of goals for this track season, but if you told freshman me that I would be at this level, I wouldn't have believed you,” Willbanks said.

According to a study by the University of Chicago, coaches influence 20 percent to 30 percent of whether a team wins or loses.

“The coaches have created a great program focused on developing a whole person and not just a player. I appreciate their belief in me and seeing my potential even as a sophomore,” Willbanks said.

According to NCSA, Division III athletic programs are still competitive in athletics, but differ from other divisions with their emphasis on strong academics. Hank Mast who is a Senior at Liberty committed to Hope College to play tennis. According to NCSA, only 2.2 percent of tennis players get recruited to play

Division III ball.

“I decided that I would play tennis every day and play tournaments every weekend, whether it was in or out of town. I would also make sure I was working out and conditioning properly,” Mast said.

“The recruiting process was pretty simple. The coach viewed my recruiting profile and so I reached out, visited, and then notified him when I made my decision.” Mast said.

Division III athletes have to meet the college's academic standards, for Hope, that means a GPA upwards of 3.8 and multiple AP classes.

“Hank leads the team during matches, and keeps motivation high, he continues to inspire me every day and I hope he does great in college.” Jack Lewis, a fellow teammate said. Hank is #2 on the Varsity team, and continues to lead the team through tough meets against skilled opponents.

Not all athletes want to play at the college level. Senior Abigail Roepke is a captain on the varsity soccer team and is one of the 33% of students to choose not to play

sports in college.

“I’m planning to go into Nursing at Creighton University, and I want to focus on school at a great university.” Roepke said.

Student athletes often choose to not play in college with the pressure to maintain grades and eventually graduate.

36 percent of college students quit their sport and forgo scholarships. “With succeeding in club and playing in high school while being captain my last year, my goals are met. I feel like I have given a positive impression on the traditions and legacy to the younger classes and formed real friendships that I will take out of high school,” Roepke said.

The class of 2024 has 532 seniors, with twelve total attending signing day to various schools of the NCAA, NAIA and community colleges.

Liberty High school continues to provide a foundation for students to learn, grow, and plan their academic and athletic careers ahead of them.

Winter Sports Signing

SENIOR PIPER LEE

A love for art leads to a Missouri Senate award.

Designed by Kora Smith

Photos by Victorya Wilkinson and courtesy of Piper Lee

Reported by Victorya Wilkinson

The sun catches the easels as it shines in from the corner windows of room 108. The air is filled with the aroma of fruit wax melts. The classroom is quiet, other than the sound of Flipturn, a rock band, over the speakers. This is what a typical day in Advanced Art and Design Drawing looks like for senior Piper Lee.

On Feb. 28 Lee found out she was one of 34 winners selected by the Missouri Art Education Association (MAEA) for the prestigious Missouri Senate Student Fine Art award. Her piece titled “Wonder,” will be showcased in the exhibit hall, lining the State Capitol.

“This year, my art has been more focused on unconventional things that I find beauty in,” Lee said. “The piece that I won the Senate District was for an image I saw on Pinterest, and it was the first one I felt struck by and wanted to draw because I thought the composition

was interesting and very dynamic. I got the copyrightof the photo and put my own spin on it.”

This award program was created in 2014 to reward exceptional art from Pre-K up to 12th grade. Teachers from each district can submit up to 10 pieces of work. The senator from each district chooses one piece, Senator Denny Hoskins selected Lee’s work.

“When I found out I won the MAEA award I was very surprised, but I also didn’t know the contest was as big of a deal as it was in the beginning,” Lee said.

Lee first began drawing during the height of the pandemic in April 2020. She began with self-portraits, starting with pencil and over time has

adopted new techniques such as charcoal, watercolors and pen.

“I work exclusively in realism. I like abstract art, but I can’t do it myself. My personal preference is to go based on an image and get it as close as possible. I am an observational artist,” Lee said.

Realism is a form of art where the artist attempts to create a piece capturing the detail and elements seen in a photograph or in person event. Lee’s winning piece was hand drawn with nothing but a blue pen.

“My reaction the first time I saw her work was amazement and shock. She is just so incredibly talented,” art teacher and department chair for the visual arts department,

Amanda Phipps, said. “I wasn’t expecting to see her progress. I was very impressed. I think there are people, even my age, who are practicing artists who would be impressed with themselves if they were able to do something like that.”

Lee’s close friend since seventh grade, senior Ryan Schmidt, is in the same art class as Lee and has been able to watch her process.

“My first thought when I saw Piper’s art was complete and utter shock. I didn’t expect such creativity and realism in her drawings,” Schmidt said. “Being in the same art class, when she starts a new project, I am no longer surprised at the greatness she creates.”

Lee’s dedication does not stop at her art as she works to create a positive environment in the classroom.

“She is the ideal student. She is a wonderful community member here at Liberty. She is always so friendly and welcoming to everyone and her whole class knows her and they’re all friendly with her. She is like a shining star,” Phipps said.

Senior Jessica Lehnardt has been friends with Lee since sixth grade, watching

her art grow from the first self-portrait in eighth grade to her pen drawings this year.

“To describe Piper’s art in one word I would have to say phenomenal which is not an exaggeration,” Lehnardt said.

Lee decided to keep art in her future after high school. She will be attending Kansas State University to study Medical Laboratory Sciences and is considering a minor in art.

“I don’t know what that will look like yet, but I would like to do more in an educational environment before going out on my own. There is only so much I can teach myself,” Lee said.

To view Lee’s “Wonder” piece visit the exhibit until March 2024. An image of her piece can also be viewed across from room 108.

Senior Piper Lee is creating art that is going all the way to the Senate district. She won an award for her piece aboce “Wonder.” The art ceremony happens annually. Each teacher in each district will submit up to 10 pieces to the competition throughout all of Missouri and then each senator will pick one piece. “It takes me about a month per piece because motivation comes and goes often, so I’d say about 12 to 14 hours of work,” Lee said.

SENIOR AREEB LODHI

NHS student finds a creative space within threatre.

Designed by Kora Smith

Photos by River Cotton and courtesy of Areeb Lodhi (photo by Eric Langhorst)

Reported by Katie Erikson

The stage lights on a whole new persona, an auditorium filled with new emotions and actors. This effect has influenced Senior Areeb Lodhi as he walks into the PAC doors almost every day. There’s a great community behind these doors, with no judgment of what he can do and how he can truly be himself.

Lodhi has been a part of LHS theatre, since his sixth-grade year at Liberty Middle School (LMS). For him, theatre is a huge creative freedom he wouldn’t get anywhere else.

“Threatre improves my mood because I’m doing it with the people I love, without worrying about being ‘weird’. I know that as soon as I walk into those theatre doors, no judgment of

what I do is happening and that I can truly be myself,” Lodhi said.

He was first welcomed into theatre when LMS was producing Stuart Little. His choir teacher Mr. Rassmussen had encouraged Areeb to try out.

“Acting is such a big part of my life because I can express myself and use critical thinking to understand the characters and the deeper meaning of the show,” Lodhi said.

Areeb’s favorite show was Eurydice, where he played Loud Stone as a part of the chorus. He learned a huge amount about what chorus means and got to portray a meaningful show. During COVID, Areeb had

given theatre a break until he chose to join Advanced Theatre. Where he helped out in one of the shows. A position had opened up as an assistant stage manager and from then his eyes had been opened to the possibilities of technical theatre.

Outside of theatre, Lodhi is the president of the National Honor Society (NHS). NHS was organized to create an enthusiasm for scholarship and promote leadership. Through NHS’s

promotion of leadership, it focuses on giving students a sense of community service. Lodhi can work alongside juniors and seniors within LHS to go out into their community and inflict change.

“Being NHS President makes me feel like I am truly making a difference in this world and my community. It’s important to me because everyone plays a role in this world, and in the end, we are all human,” Lodhi said.

When Lodhi isn’t focused on NHS or Threathe, he dapples in science. Lodhi has an interest in chemistry and physics. Lodhi

had been interested in space ever since he was a kid. He plans to attend Truman State University for 4-years, majoring in Astrophysics.

“After taking some classes and putting a word to my love for it, I knew that I wanted to be an astrophysicist. It puts everything I love into one thing and I couldn’t ask for anything better,” Lodhi said.

As the 2023-2024 closes, Areeb would like to thank his parents, who always saw the potential that he had, and always pushed him to do his best. He’d like to thank all his teachers, especially Mr.Fairchild, Mr.Jorgensen, and Mr.McDonald. They all saw potential in Areeb and helped improve his abilities to elevate his knowledge.

Mrs. Gehrlein and Mr. Turpin inspired

him to be creative, be unique. They’ve encouraged him to think outside the box, and it helped him express himself in new ways. When walking across the stage inches closer, Lodhi is looking forward to walking with senior, Sophia Sola. Their friendship has been ongoing since they both started theatre. Lodhi will continue to carry memories he forged with his friends. As he makes his way out of high school and turns this next page, he will take the sense of community and friendliness to forge friendships in college and find that place where he can be himself without a care in the world.

Acting improves my mood because I am doing it with the people that I love, without the worry of being ‘weird’.

Senior Areeb Lodhi participates in many activites from clubs to theatre and more. Lodhi is the president of the National Honors Society and has been a part of many theatre shows since starting in middle school. “As I make my way out of high school and turn this next page, I will take that sense of community and friendliness to forge friendships in college and find that place where I can be myself without a care in the world.” Lodhi said.

A YEAR TO REMEMBER

The class of 2024 commemorates their last year with many traditions.

Designed by Jenna Shores

Photos courtesy of Abigail Roepke and Taylor Graham

Reported by Kora Smith

Seniors strive to make their last year one to remember by participating in senior gatherings and traditions. Seniors feel overwhelmed with bittersweet emotions and anticipation when they are nearing the end of high school. However, they are easing these feelings by participating in many traditions and class events to commemorate their final year.

sports and clubs their in, making it personal to them. This makes the box itself something memorable to look back on.

“In my box, I have football tickets, notes I have gotten from student teaching and more,” Graham said.

“Senior year doesn’t come around every year. It’s a big moment to remember, so honoring that is important,” senior Cadence Brier said. The traditions seniors have already participated in include: senior boxes, car decorating, senior Sunday posts and senior sunrise.

A current tradition is the senior Sunday posts done by clubs, parents and students. Seniors will often get dressed, go to a picturesque location and hire a professional photographer to take senior photos sometime before their senior year. Parks, fountains, and museums are popular locations when it comes to senior photos.

“Traditions help keep graduating an exciting thing. It makes people excited to end this chapter of their life and start something new,” senior Taylor Graham said.

“Senior Sunday posts are to celebrate getting to the last year of high school and being able to also have photos to have on graduation party cards etc,” senior Abigail Roepke said.

The boxes were made to store items collected throughout the last year of high school. Dance tickets, photos, medals and certificates awarded in the year are items that seniors are included in these boxes. These boxes are also decorated to reflect who they are, so seniors include their names or

Roepke decided to wear a dress, 5 formal tops paired with white jeans. She also made sure to get photos in her Liberty soccer uniform, as she is on the school team.

“Wear things that are nicer outfits, something to commemorate your time at LHS, and an outfit of where you are headed,” Roepke said. These photos were posted by the seniors to Instagram throughout the

year, but only on Sunday. Senior posts are another great way to celebrate your senior year all year long.

“Family and friends enjoy seeing them and seeing all of us grown up in our last year,” Roepke said.

Another tradition for the graduating class is Senior Sunrise and Sunset. This event was started to fully commemorate the opening and closing of the loop of senior year. Senior Sunrise takes place on the first day of school, when seniors watch the sunrise outside with their friends, and again, on the senior’s last day which is May 7. Seniors will gather to watch the sunset on the football field. The sun is set to go down at 8:17 pm that day, so seniors will gather from 8-9 pm. Some students will bring blankets to sit on while watching the sunset. Friends will also take photos together at this event, so a camera or phone is essential.

“Seniors have a full circle moment remembering their time at Liberty High School,” Brier said.

Every year seniors decorate and wear Senior Jeans on their last day of school, and this year is no different. Students plan to put their future college logo, graduating year and other

designs on these jeans. Seniors also put sports, clubs, and fine arts that they are involved in on the jeans. You will see seniors sporting these decorated pants at Liberty High School on May 7th, making their very last day a fun and memorable experience.

“I am currently in the process of making senior jeans, I plan to put my college on it with the logo,” Graham said.

On Fri May 10, the class will have their annual senior breakfast. This gathering will take place before 8:00 am before the school day starts, at LHS. Senior superlatives will also be announced at senior breakfast, which many seniors are excited about.

“Us seniors get together to celebrate finishing the school year,” Graham said.

Overall, the class of 2024 has put their hard work into these traditions to make this year one to remember.

“The seniors this year have just gone out of their way to color and decorate jeans, our cars, and just getting involved in the school,” Graham said.

These traditions will continue for years to come, so every class will have an important commemoration of their last year.

Seniors celebrate their final year through traditions which have been ongoing for many years. Events such as senior sunrise, senior breakfast, boxes, jeans and senior sunset are some of the ways students have been able to commemorate this year. “Doing traditions helps keep graduating an exciting thing. It makes people excited to end this chapter of their life and start something new,” senior Taylor Graham said.

DORM ROOM NEED TO KNOW

Incoming college freshmen start to shop dorm essentials.

Designed by Jenna Shores

Photos by Jenna shores and Hannah Thompson

Reported by Lucy Boyle

The big day has finally arrived. The crowded halls fill with college freshman anticipating the first look into their new home for the next school year. Keys are passed out, name tags are distributed and one by one students open the door to an empty dorm room.

Most colleges require Freshmen to live on campus, and throughout their time at the school, they can from there move out on their own. This choice is in part meant to translation freshman into the school and create a friendly environment.

“Dorm rooms are equipped with features students need to succeed,

and community amenities are tailored to students including quiet study rooms and fast Internet speeds.” According to Complementary Management, Senior Sadie Christensen is attending BYU-Provo for the Fall semester of 2024. She has decided to live off campus her Freshman year.

“With my apartment I have my own room, and I have heard that is very important to get some alone time in college, so I am very glad I get my own room,” Christensen said.

With the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, there are multiple platforms online to look for inspiration when decorating your dorm room. Instagram, TikTok, Youtube and Pinterest are all apps students tend to look on when finding inspiration for their dorm rooms.

“I’ve looked at Pinterest and Instagram a lot for inspiration just because I feel like they have really good tips,” Senior Lauren Pancic said.

A lot of of youtubers who are moving into college post videos of the whole college move in process. These videos show everything from shopping hauls to move in days.

According to Social Shepard, “Around 24%

Seniors are approaching everything they need for college and with that comes dorm accessories. There are many places to look for dorm must haves such as Pinterest, Instagram and Amazon. “We have an Amazon shopping list going that we’re sending friends and family from my grad party,” senior Peyton Hodges said.

of YouTube users were between 16-24 years old.”

Picking roomates has changed a lot within the past years. There are multiple apps like Roomie and Zeemee which students can find the best fitting roommate.

“We (roomate) met through social media. We kind of are on the same page with things like rooming and decorating so thats super helpful,” senior Paiton Hodges said.

Since a dorm is a completely new space, there is a long list of items to buy in preparation for going to college.

According to NBC, “This year, the National Retail Federation (NRF)’s annual back-to-school spending survey found that college students and their families expect to spend an average of $1,367 per household.”

Some of the most popular stores to shop for dorms include Target, Amazon, Homegoods and multiple others. Many students opt towards online shopping when shopping for dorm items because of its efficiency. Some people even make shopping lists which they share with their roomates.

“We have an Amazon shopping list going that we’re sending friends and family from my grad party,”

Hodges said. The list of dorm essentials are endless but some of the most important categories to consider are bedding, storage, bath and decorations. Some dorm rooms are smaller than other and some rooms are shared with multiple other people so its important to maximize the space your given. “I want my room to have

a lot of cute decorations, but also stay simple and clean. I do not want it to look too crowded or like it has a lot going on,” Christensen said. Move in day differs on school but some Missouri schools dates can be found in the sidebar to the right. Other information on move in and dorms can be found on the colleges website.

August 14 & 15

"An airfryer," senior Sam Crouch said.

"A microwave," senior Andrew Hauerland said.

August 14-16

August 11

August 22

August 11

Bye Bye Baby

Moving on causes intense emotions for seniors.

Designed & Illustrations by Katie Ericksen

Reported by Madeline Jones

As their final year of high school ends, seniors feel a wide range of emotions, such as fear, relief and excitement, due to unpredictable changes and the uncertainty of being on their own.

According to Yale News, “Many of the negative feelings may be interrelated, with tiredness, for example, contributing to boredom or stress. Boredom is in many ways similar to being tired, she said. It’s a feeling of being drained, low-energy. Physical states, such as being tired, can be at times misattributed as emotional states, such as boredom.”

Why Seniors are Scared

According to Villanova University, “Feeling emotionally sensitive or vulnerable, confused, sad, moody or unmotivated can be related to the anticipation of a major life change. Often, just realizing that one is in a transition period and that it is a naturally stressful time can help put things in perspective.”

Graduating high school is a significant event in a person’s life because

it marks the end of an era. The overwhelming circumstances can cause a large amount of anxiety.

According to The Lionheart Foundation, “Graduating means saying goodbye to your senior year which means stepping into the unknown, and this can be daunting.

have made a group chat with our other roommates that are in the apartment too, in an attempt to get to know them all better,”

“Excited, but bittersweet. I’m realizing I’m closing a huge chapter of my life I’ll never get to do again, but I’m also happy about all the memories I’ve made along the way.”

You may be worried about what the future holds and feel uncertain or carry self doubt about your next steps.”

Getting Ready for the Move

Students will move, either to a new city or a new University, and connect with a roommate and organize a plan to get furniture from their current home to a new home or dorm; this can cause unneeded stress on the young adult.

“I actually have almost everything that I need all in a bucket in my basement. I’m rooming with my friend who lives in Olathe, and we

senior Chloe Stimpson said.

According to Pew Research Center, seniors are the largest population to work during high school at 87%, many of them plan to work during the summer leading into college or the workforce in order to save as much money as they can.

“I am planning on working as much as I can to save up for when I move out there. I will also be hanging out with my roommate a whole lot because why not,” Stimpson said.

How To Manage The Transition

According to The National Library of Medicine, “Results showed that 21% of firstsemester college students reported symptoms of separation anxiety. In addition, separation

depression and panic attacks.

According to the Heart Matters Magazine, some ways to cope with a major life change are learning to accept what has happened, pace yourself and have a strategy for dealing with stress.

Despite the upcoming challenges seniors will soon face, the feeling of accomplishment often outways the unpredictable changes and uncertainty.

75% of Seniors say that they feel Anxious, Stressed or Worried According to a poll from The Bell.

According to bestcolleges about 50% of people who completed high school or earned a GED certificate immediately enrolled in college.

According to USNews, University of Missouri has a total undergraduate enrollment of 23,752 (fall 2022). 25% of the students live in college-owned, -operated or -affiliated housing.

Unknown Road Ahead

Encountering the struggle of life after graduation.

Designed by Addi Fung

Photo by Hannah Thompson

Reported by Brodie Jobe

Graduating high school means stepping into a brand new chapter of life. My next chapter is steering into the direction of attending Maple Woods Community College, and I am encountering mixed feelings about it.

College is something that once felt so distant. I look back on peers and family sharing with me, “That is so far away, you have so much time to think about that decision.” But I am nearing the end of my high school career and wonder, “Did I give myself enough time to think about it all?”

Students around the country feel that high school has played a part in unprepared decisions post-graduation.

According to Gitnux, “Approximately 60% of high school students feel unprepared for life after high school. The top three reasons are lack of effective life skills education, inadequate career guidance, and limited exposure to realworld experiences.”

One thing for certain is individuals get hooked on the idea of going to a big four-year university because it is, “What everyone else is doing.”

According to the Education Data Initiative, “Among new high school graduates, 13.9 million or 74.9% of all college students attend 4-year institutions.”

I originally planned on going to a big college. This was always the plan. I did not know where, but I wanted to have the full college experience at a Division I school. The socialness and student life always excited me.

According to the College Board, “Larger four-year colleges offer a greater variety of majors and scholarships. Large-sized classes, which means they won’t fill up as fast. Multiple housing options. Nationally recognized sports programs too.

I do not feel like I am being left in the dust, rather I have not found a passion I planned on pursuing. The great choice about life after high school is: it is up to you. We are all in our own driver’s seat on this new path, but we do not have to know where we are going yet.

If a student does not have a full grasp on what they want to study or pursue, community college is the best solution to get the basic classes out of the way and hone in on what interests you. Possibilities for our road into adulthood are unlimited. I plan on collecting my Associates Degree, then later on attending a four-year university which best fits the degree I choose.

Congratulations Carter! We are so proud of you and all of your amazing accomplishments! Take pride in how far you've come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don't forget to enjoy the journey. Love, Mom and Dad

Martez A. Fletcher Carter Towns

Congratulations on your Graduation and Acomplshments. So proud of you. You're destined for Greatness!

Kendal Smith

You are Absolutely Amazing in every way! Keep it up, Kendal! We couldn’t be more proud. Love Mom & Dad, Kora, Layton & Toby

Anna Pace

Anna Marie, Your hard work and dedication has set you up for success and we can't wait to see you embark on your next chapter! Chase your goals baby girl you have what it takes, go be great!! We love you - Mom, Dad, John Anthony and Nicholas

Work hard and dream big! Enjoy life, you only get one shot at it! -Mom

Avery Hastings

Avery- We are so proud of you and cannot wait to see where your journey takes you.

Love-Mom, Dad, and Bryce

Megan Boteler

Congratulations, Megan! We are so proud of you! We cannot wait to see your next act! Love, Mom, Dad, & Molly :-)

Julia & Jaden Breeden Andrew Hauerland

We wish you the best of luck on your next chapter in life! Congratulation! We love you Mom, Dad, Sandy & Lilly

We are beyond proud of you! Your family loves you to the moon and back! RCJH

Ben, Congratulations on your graduation! We are so excited to watch all of your dreams come true. M-I-Z! Love, Mom, Dad & Bubble

Madison Barnes

We love you and are so proud of you! Congratulations to you! Love, Mom & Dad.

Madigan Reynolds Ben Wolfley Dominic Achille

Congratulations Dominic! Through your determination and hard work, you’ve set yourself up for wonderful experiences in the future! Enjoy your next adventure at MIZZOU.

Ryan Katzer

Mia Brunk

Mia- you have overcome many obstacles during the last four years. We are proud of your work ethic, your passion, your ability to help and serve others and your amazing academic work! Matt, Jennifer, Anne & Emily.

We love you and wish you the best as you transition to a new phase in life at Kansas State. You are so talented and will do awesome!

Brodie Jobe

Addyson Titus

Addyson Claire, All the hard work and your determination is paying off. You’ve always been strong and we are so proud of where you’re going. Reach for the stars. Soak up all the time with your friends and enjoy this next chapter of Life.

Congratulations Mom and Dad, and all of your siblings.

Brodie, We are so proud of the young man you have become and will continue to stand by you wherever your journey takes you. Congratulations! Love, Dad, Mom, Ava and Colton

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