Reported by JaiDynn Sargent (pg 15-17 ) On the Runway
Reported by Addi Fung (pg 19-21)
She’s the Man
Reported by Brodey Hutton pg (22-23)
MEET THE STAFF
EDITOR IN CHEIFVictorya Wilkinson
MANAGING EDITORJenna Shores
ONLINE MANAGING EDITORLucy Boyle
PHOTOJ MANAGING EDITORCeily Tiemann
SECTION EDITORS-
Kora Smith
Addison Fung
JaiDynn Sargent
Madeline Jones
Brodey Hutton
REPORTERS-
Katelyn Smith
Destinee Davis
Lennon Camara
Abbigail Mota
Camdyn Johnston
Students Are Giving Back
Reported by Madeline Jones (pg 24-25)
The Impact of the Digital Grasp
Reported by Victorya Wilkinson (pg 26)
The Admissions Nightmare
Reported by Jenna Shores (pg 27)
Getting Political
Reported by Lucy Boyle (pg 27)
PHOTOJAYS-
Ethan Chase
Madeline Phillips
Ayla Espinoza
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
all is finally here and so is our second issue. I am very excited to be back after my momentary absence and am ready to jump into this new issue with the rest of you. With November just starting, many opportunities have flourished. Cheer prepared for and ultimately became State Champions (see page 5), and many new drink places have opened or will be opening, such as Swig and Tropical Smoothie Cafe (see page 4).
There are more than just those businesses, as many students have begun exploring ways to make a name for themselves. Some have become nail techs (see page 12), while Londynn Witherspoon has started publishing her own music (see page 19).
Other students spent their time celebrating their heritages through the various celebratory months such as Native American Heritage Month, Italian Heritage Month and Hispanic Heritage Month (see page 10).
Lastly, Jenna Shores touches on student debt associated with college (see page 27), I explain how social media is becoming increasingly addictive amongst teens (see page 26) and Lucy Boyle writes her first political column (see page 26).
We can’t wait to see what the next issue will hold. See you in December.
Victorya Wilkinson
EDITORIAL POLICY
The Liberty Bell strives to provide correct and factual information in which does not misconstrue statements given by students, faculty and outside sources. If at any time while reading through our paper misinformation is found please contact our advisor jamie.munoz@lps53.org and our Editor In Chief vwil9446@lps53.org immediately so our staff can be aware of the mistake. We will take such information into account, discussing ways to properly handle it in the future, as well as provide a written apology in the next printed issue to take accountability for our actions.
The staff of the Liberty Bell would like to formally apologize as our photos in Leading the Flock on pages 6-7 of the October Issue were of leadership class instead of Blue Crew Crazies. We have been made aware the photos taken did not accurately represent the facts in the story and would like to apologize to both Blue Crew Crazies and Student Cuncil.
cheer practices every day after school
for
“I’m really excited for State. I like the way the team connects. We are all really close and we all enjoy hanging out with each other. I’m excited to be on the mat with these girls and to hit routine,” junior Viola Humphreys said.
Photos by Tyler Hollinberger
Check out photos on lhsnew.net under the photo gallery section
Varsity
at Manor Hill Elementary
their State competition on Nov. 2.
Photo by Ceily Tiemann
SMOOTHIES and Swigs
An overview of some new drink shops opening around Liberty.
The Liberty area has recently acquired a couple of new drink shops: a Tropical Smoothie Cafe which opened on Sept. 27 and a Swig set to open on Dec. 12. These new shops add on to an already large selection of drink shops, capitalizing on a popular market and expansion around town.
“I think the new drink shops are a great way to get around and try different drinks like the dirty Dr. Pepper and all of that stuff but they should all be consumed in good moderation,” freshman Wakefield Bartlow said.
Swig is primarily known for their range of Dirty Sodas, soda infused with various flavored syrups and fruit juices, while Tropical Smoothie Cafe specializes in smoothies, smoothie bowls
and other various food items.
“My favorite thing about having a Tropical Smoothie is feeling like you are somewhere tropical,” junior Skylar Poulsen said. “When you walk into Tropical Smoothie Cafe, it looks like you are at the beach or in Florida. The smoothies and all the food are so good.”
As consumption of caffeinated beverages becomes a large part of our current culture, it has come under question as to whether these drinks are fit for repeated usage over periods of time. The main benefit to the drinks is that the caffeine and other things in the drinks can help improve focus or give an extra energy boost if needed. However these benefits can be weighed
much differently when considering the cons such as increased heart rate and they can even contribute to the chance of a stroke.
“I think that drinking too many caffeinated drinks can impact a person mentally or physically,” Bartlow said. Tropical Smoothie Cafe is currently open Mon-Fri from 7am to 9pm with shortened weekend hours while Swig will be opening later this year on Dec. 12.
Over the past few months, Liberty has inroduced multiple new drink places. Overflow Coffee (left) Scooters (middle) and Tropical Smoothie Cafe (right).“Tropical smoothie cafe is great. I get free drinks for a year,” senior Cate Hamilton said. Photos by Tyler Hollinberger
BREAKING Barriers
Varsity Cheerleaders Capture First Place at Regionals with Perfection and Determination.
Designed by Addi Fung
Reported by: Destinee Davis
Reporter
The varsity cheerleaders got first place at Regionals, which was held at school on Sun. Sept. 29 in the fieldhouse. This was one of many wins. The team is eleven-time State Champion and nine-time UCA National Qualifier.
“We had a lot of practice like all over summer and we just worked hard. We got our choreography
I think in May and so we just worked to get out routine and we just practiced all that and trying to perfect everything,” junior Riley Brozenic said.
The team starts with tryouts from the beginning of April to the end of April. They have practice four days a week from 3:40 to 6 including more practice at the football games so they can perfect their routine.
“We all are really close as a team. It’s like a special connection with each person. So if I really feel like when we’re closer as a team it’s easier for us to work together,” sophomore Viola Humphreyes said.
They didn’t just do their routine at practice, on Tuesdays they did team building activities and games before and after practice. They didnt just play games they bought shoes for competition and got to bling them out with rimestones and letters.
“I think we all really wanted to win so we had that drive and determination and we put in a lot of hard work at practices,” senior Addison Asby said.
The team has practice estimated to be 9 hours a week and to be able to form a bond with your teammates is easier with more time and practice together. Some practice even outside of their cheer practice with taking a tumbling class.
I wouldn’t have wanted to do it with anyone else,” junior Addison Roseberry said
Varsity cheerleaders prepare for state on Oct.15 at Manor Hill Elementary. “It’s very nerve-wracking to be on the mat for State but very exciting to represent your team and your school and show what you’ve worked for. We’ve worked all summer for this,” Junior Kailyn Bowles said. Photos by Iyari Hyde
Designed by JaiDynn Sargent
FROM Strangers to Sisters
A KC organization plans to involve students in improving the environment.
Reported by: Kora Smith
Spotlight
Section Editor
The sound of the whistle starts the game, the smell of fresh grass on the pitch. The sight of the ball flying through the air after kickoff, achieving a try to be awarded five points. The sight of the rugby ball gliding through the uprights for a two-point conversion.
The Women’s Rugby team greatly impacts players during the fall season, creating many friendships and confidence in players.
“I’ve gotten an entirely new friend group that I probably wouldn’t have had. I feel like it’s made me a little more confident in myself and like, ‘Go and get things’ and ‘Be loud,” sophomore Allison Calder said.
Women’s Rugby coach, Tracey Davies, began coaching rugby at Park Hill High School in 1999. From there she was the head coach for Park Hill High School’s women’s rugby team until she moved to Liberty High School to create a team of her own. Davies started the boy’s program in the spring of 2009 and the girl’s program in 2011.
This year, the women’s rugby team had a total
of around 15 players. Only four have played the game before. The team placed second in the state against five different teams.
“I think the biggest thing about rugby that I love is the connections that we build, you have people from so many kinds of backgrounds, and then when you come together, you make something so beautiful. So I love all the girls. I think that’s what I love the most,” senior Alyssah Price said.
According to NBC New York News, “Games are split into two seven-minute halves so action is quick. Players can only make lateral or backward passes to progress the ball, with tackling, scrums, and kicks also involved.”
The game of rugby has a different style from other sports. It has no pads, players are required to throw the ball backward, and a tackle does not always change possession of who has the ball. With many uncommon rules, rugby can be difficult to learn.
“I love the courage our athletes show by stepping outside
mainstream sports to try something new,” Davies said.
According to USA Rugby, “Though rugby players don’t wear pads or helmets, the techniques and rules of the sport make impact much safer. Rugby players are taught to use their arms and shoulders when making contact with opponents; earning serious repercussions for any contact above the shoulders and other dangerous styles of play.”
Rugby players and coaches take precautions to make sure that injuries are very rare. They are taught how to safely tackle below the sternum, and how to safely fall after a tackle. If a player does not follow these precautions they are given a yellow card and taken out of the game for a short period of time. If the foul play continues, they are given a red card and cannot play for the rest of
Senior jada browder explains how she makes the most of her season.
I’ve gotten a whole new friend group, that I wouldnt of had. I feel like it’s made me a little more confident in myself,” sophomore Alison Calder said
the game.
“I think the underclassmen inspire me to do my best because as an upperclassman, I am a role model, so they look up to me, and I have to be able to perform at my best, and I have to be able to show them that it’s okay to make mistakes, and just all you have to do is get back in the game, clean it up and don’t stop and beat yourself up about it,” Price said.
Liberty High School has rugby both seasons of the school year,
Freshman Sarah May charges through St. Thomas Aquinas on Oct. 19. The team battled but unfortunately lost (35-7) yet still remained second in the state. “I think the better you work with your team, the better you will do in a game,” May said. Photo by Madeline Phillips
“Something we always do as a team is pray before every game, but I also try to not take advantage of any of the time,” senior Jada Browder said.
women’s 7s rugby in the fall and men’s 15s rugby in the spring. To be eligible to play in contact games during the season, students have to be in PRIVIT with a physical and be registered in USA rugby.
JAYS Wrestle For More
Lady Jays and coaches build a small team.
Designed by JaiDynn Sargent
Reported by: Kora Smith
Spotlight Section Editor
The women’s wrestling team feels relief as they pose for an end-of-season photo on Feb, 2024. They are tired and hot from the past weekend because they won their fourth overall at the State Championship. The weight of their medals around their necks are heavy, and so is the weight of knowing they will lose two valuable seniors. This season, the team will try to recruit team members after two seniors left to achieve new success. The graduated senior, Julia Breeden won third at State for the 125 weight class. Alum Jaden Breeden won fifth place in the 110 weight class last season as well.
“I’d say the biggest thing is just numbers, we lost two, and it’s just a matter of having
retention and then picking up new girls,” wrestling coach and math teacher Kellen Laws said.
The already small team had only seven athletes show up at the beginning of the season meeting. The coaches aim to get the number of members into the double digits before Nov 4, which will be the first day of the season. Recruitment has taken place, and coaches Kellen Laws and Allison Bailey, along with some students, have been asking if anyone is interested in joining.
“Wrestling for girls is still a little bit in its infancy stage. There’s still what we consider rookie tournaments or novice tournaments that we can send girls to, so then they’re not just getting thrown right into the fire, or the deep end,” Laws said.
This gives girls who
are interested in starting wrestling this year a warm welcome, as well as providing them with a way to ease into the season. Athletes who are new to the wrestling scene won’t have to wrestle the players with the most skills. They will work their way up to more challenging tournaments and practices.
“I’ve been shooting them some basic wrestling skill videos so that they can come into the wrestling room with some knowledge,” assistant wrestling coach Allison Bailey said. Beginning wrestling can be mentally and phyiscally challeneging. Athletes body must adjust to new positions and wrestlers must show mental toughness.
“In wrestling you are on your own on the mat, you step out on the mat by yourself, you are exposed
TRUE Traditions
The team warming up and cooling down from matches.
on the mat and all your strengths and weaknesses are shown. You have to step out on the mat and know that you can control the match,” junior Alexis Stinson said.
To date, the team has no senior women wrestlers. Because of this, there are not many training options for a small tea, and Athletes cannot
We all warm up togerther and listen to music with our boots on,” junior Lily Breeden said.
practice their correct weight classes.
“It’s impacted the team tremendously because our seniors were some of our big point hitters. So, we will have to fill that void this next year,” Bailey said.
Last year, they won every match whenever they wrestled Liberty North, but because the team couldn’t fill as many weights, North
filled just about every weight class so they ended up winning the duel when we didn’t even lose a match.
When a team lacks wrestlers, the team will have to forfeit weight classes they don’t have wrestlers.
“When we go to state, we don’t place first when we should,” Bailey said.
Coming off a great
I listen to music, and after the meet, we have a team meeting where we just talk,” junior Alexis Stinson said.
by
season, the team finished fourth overall as a team at State with 95.0 points, and junior Sandy Breeden won as the individual State Champion for the 105 weight class with a sudden victory. There were a total of four State medalists, along with being back-toback State placers.
“We’re hoping to win a State title for the
Juniors Lily and Sandy Breeden train for the upcoming wrestling season this winter. “I’m excited to get back and wrestle. Last season went so well, and I can’t wait to see what this year brings,” junior L. Breeden said.
girl’s wrestling team and at least win a couple of individuals with the girls,” Stinson said.
The team also hopes to place even higher than fourth at State and get first place at divisions. Stinson and junior Lily Breeden also hope for a redemption this year.
“This year I’m focusing on taking it one period, one match, and one tournament at a time and getting better each day mentally and physically as a wrestler,” Stinson said. On Nov 4, the lady jays will begin practicing every day after school at 3:30 pm, in the wrestling room. The season will come to an end with the State tournament in Columbia, MO at the Mizzou Arena on Feb 28 and March 1.
Find out more at:
Photo
Madeline Phillips
CULTURES Cover the World
Student celebrate National Heritage Month both at school and home.
Designed by Madeline Jones
PhotoByAylaEspinoza
Reported by: Lennon Camara Reporter
National Heritage months smell of pasta being boiled and devoured by some, others for fiestas, and others still sing and dance together. This month has brought heritage and traditions to life. Students and teachers celebrate various ethnic groups over the month of November in order to educate the community on each traditional culture.
We have a lot of Hispanics that attend LHS, and they don’t get the recognition they should, spanish teacher Jessica Day said.
Indian American Heritage Month is celebrated every November and it’s a time to celebrate traditions specific to the culture like powwow or fiestas. This year, the Department of the Interior, for Indian American Heritage Month, presented the theme of celebrating Tribe Sovereignty and Identity meaning they are ensuring any decisions regarding the Tribes, land and citizens are made with consent and participation.
“ Interior has a responsibility to ensure lands are accessible and welcoming to everyone,” U.S. Department of the Interior said.
The U.S. Department of the Interior protects and manages Native American cultural heritage; freshman Isabella Bernard celebrates Indian
American Heritage Month with her family and Tribe. Throughout the summer, her family attends powwows and since her tribe is from Oklahoma, it makes it easy for them to attend multiple powwows as they’re only 400 miles away from KC.
“A powwow is a Native American celebration of our tribe where we do dances. We cook food, and it is just a big celebration where our tribe all comes together and celebrates,” freshman Bernard said.
Freshman Frank Pisciotta celebrates his Italian Heritage but not just in October, last month during the National Holiday named Columbus Day celebrated on Oct. 14 by many U.S citizens and various hispanic countries.
“We celebrate by having family over on Sundays throughout the year, but
it’s more important during October. I celebrate by going to my Nannie and Papa’s house and eating basta. We have all of our aunts, uncles and cousins over. There are about 14 of us,” Pisciotta said.
An old Italian section of downtown called Columbus Park also shows its festivity by painting the fire hydrants red, white and green. Not all heritages have their own month, or their own part of town, some just have time frames that line up with their cultural holidays like Hispanic culture which lines up with Mexican Independence Day.
“In our classes we explore the various Spanish speaking countries of the world and some of their independence days, remembering that they all won their independence from Spain. We start with Mexico because in Mexico they celebrate Sept. 16 as their Independence Day,” Spanish teacher Señora Day said.
Day explores with her classes the various spanish-speaking countries of the world and some of their independence days,
“I would love to see us do a Hispanic heritage or a Hispanic culture assembly where we could do some quinceanera dances and where we could show off poetry and songs,” Day said.
Day wishes the school could do more to bring awareness to this time of celebrating Spanish cultures, and all cultures in the school.
“We have a lot of Hispanics that attend Liberty High School, and I think sometimes they don’t get the recognition about their culture that they should,” Day said.
Christa Peck, the district coordinator for ELD, English Language Development, has taught in the program for 15 years. This program offers different levels of support for students needing help to learn English, the program offers aid for 11 different languages.
“Culturally diverse classrooms should incorporate a variety of photos, posters, books, music, flags, and media that showcase and tell stories of many ethnic backgrounds,” GoGuardian Said.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, between 2012 and 2022, the percentage of Hispanic students in US public education increased from 24% to 29%.
LHS administrator Caleb Champ, and counselor Brenda Wiederholt oversee the ELD program. This system helps build strong connections between students, families and the school. Building and celebrating every student is something the school excels at.
“I believe LHS is on the right track with the various cultural club opportunities. The offering of the Seal of Biliteracy, which encourages the study of language and values diversity, our graduate profile which incorporates a cultural component, the EDGE program, etcetera,” Peck said.
To learn more about celebrating ELD and celebrating diverse cultures, you can go to the official LHS website and join cultural clubs like the Spanish honors society. On the LHS website, you can also check the calendar or find Caleb Champ or Brenda Wiederholt in the office at LHS, to reach out about joining ELD or other inquiries, you can email christa.peck@lps53.org.
Students in called English Language Development which is meant to help students communicate with their teachers and peers. “We have a sheltered ELA class for newcomers. We also have a resource hour where students can get academic support, as well as work on enhancing their vocabulary, reading, and writing skills as needed,” teacher Christa Peck said. Photo by Ayla Espinoza
BLUE Jay Entreprenuers
Student-led nail businesses seek new clinetal.
Designed by Madeline Jones
Reported by: Camdyn Johnston Reporter
Arelaxed nail appointment at a fellow student’s house filled with chatter about life and school, nails pampered with designs of swirls, dots and different 3D designs. There are many student businesses and two of them include sophomores Heather Mast and Andelin Reeve with nail businesses which they run on Instagram and have appointments at their houses. During the summer they work about eight hours and five hours during the school year
“I started doing my own and then a lot of my friends started seeing that I did them, so I started doing other peoples’ nails,” Mast said. “It started as a fun thing, and it turned into a business.”
Mast is a young entrepreneur who has been doing nails for over three years. She specializes in many different designs including french tips, solid
“I really have always been an artistic person. We would always get our nails done but then it got really expensive. So we just bought a few kits and I started doing nails,” sophmore Andelin Reeve said.
colors and others. Mast also does gel and dip nail types; for a full set she charges $25. Mainly four to five appointments each week. She is also a student athlete who can have some challenges
when running a business.
“For this volleyball season, I have had no free time at all. So I have had to put my business on hold. I would say once volleyball season is over I can do it a lot more, and definitely in the summer when I have more free time it is easier to do,” Mast said.
Going to school and running a small business can come with difficulties and challenges especially with scheduling. One part, Mast said, is that it’s hard to find new clients because most of thrm are friends and other students from school.
“I try to fit in as many people as I can but obviously with school it can get hard. I’d say just trying to find a good
Photo By Ethan Chase
schedule that works for me and everyone else,” Mast said. Mast runs her business online from her instagram page where people message her for appointments. She holds appointments at her house; while she does their nails.
“I don’t like any silence, so I talk the whole entire time. That’s what I love, I just get to talk to people, it’s really fun and I enjoy it,” Mast said.
Reeve started her nail business a little over a year and a half ago; this is the story of running her business over time.
“I really have always been an artistic person. We would always get our nails done but then it got really expensive. So we just bought a few kits and I started doing nails,” Reeve said.
Reeve does anything from solid colors to french tips with swirls. Her favorite has been black french tip with gold flex.
“I found a lot of videos and everything and then just kind of taught myself,” Reeve said. Some challenges she faces are having the nails done in a timely manner.
“Trying to keep everything timely because you want the same time as if you went to a
salon,” Reeve said. “Towards the beginning, it took me a long time to do nails, but as time went on I got faster at them.”
Being a student business owner has its advantages but also disadvantages. Trying to expand the business in the future can also be something to think about.
“I’m trying to tell more people about it because right now I’m feeling like I’m seeing the same few people. If or when I have more availability, that’s when things get bigger. I might not see it going full time but I could see it as something that I do in college. If I wanted to do it just for fun then I could just take the stuff and do it out of my dorm room,” Reeve said.
Reeve also utilizes social media for advertisement her Instagram is, @andelins_ nailspot. She moved from doing nails in her living room to doing them in her own nail room. Reeve said she wants her clients to feel comfortable talking with her in the privacy of her nail room.
When starting a business it can look different from person to person. Reeve and Mast run their businesses on social media, others run their businesses from different website platforms including Etsy, Shopify and more. Depending on the business and what is sold, a multitude of platforms can work and be beneficial for every business.
Who did your nails?
Nail enthuthiasts answer which small business owner did their nails.
By Ethan Chase
“Heather Mast did my nails. Shes really fun and makes the experience not dull or boring at all,” senior Hannah Adams said.
“Andelin Reeve did my nails,” junior Olivia Dolton said. “This was my third time going to her. She usually does my nails for homecoming and the fall musical. I would and will be returning and highly reccomend it.”
Photo
Freshman Lexi Jines gets her nails done on Oct. 4. “I would say my favorite part of a manicure process is definitely the social aspect of it. I love conversing with the nail techs,” Jines said.
Photo by Maddox Calvin.
Decorating Doors
Classes decorate the outside of their classrooms after the trunk-or-treat cancellation.
Safe Halloween is cancelled due to inclamiate weather conditions but the school is giving an alternate activity of decorating classroom doors to win the prize of $50. “Safe halloween getting cancelled was dissapointing to say the least. It’s especially dissapointing because it was supposed to be actual trunks which would have been so cute but we don’t get to participate for my senior year. The door decorating is cool but not as exciting as Safe Halloween would have been,” senior Jordan Wilt said.
Designed by Victorya Wilkinson
Photos by Iyari Hyde
LEADING a New Life
Designed by Kora Smith
An eighteen-year-old student made his move to America from across seas.
Photo by: Iyari Hyde
Reported by: Addi Fung
News & Opinion Section Editor
The unfamiliar sight of a new country to senior Javier Centeno was overwhelming and exciting. He stepped off the plane, arriving in New York at the LaGuardia airport. The smell of the Pacific ocean and fresh Peruvian fruits like chirimoya and granadilla he left behind on July 29, 2022.
Centeno came to the United States two years ago, leaving his home country of Peru for new opportunities and to join his sister in the States.
“Moving to another country can be difficult and a tough adjustment, but he is such a positive person that he is trying to see the best out of his move,”
Spanish teacher Crystal Kelly said.
Today, Peru faces threats of violent crimes and currently there is an advisory to proceed with caution. Today, when traveling there, according to Travel State Gov, “Crime, including petty theft, carjackings, muggings,
won 2-0. “In Peru, we don’t get an experience to honor our last year playing, so it made me happy to feel honored,” Centeno said. Photo by Ceily Tiemann. that,” Centeno said.
assaults, and other violent crime, is common in Peru and can occur during daylight hours despite the presence of many witnesses.”
“Peru is bad. With the safety of the country and the job scarcity and other factors like
Today, Centeno works as a kicker for the Varsity football team while also playing on varsity soccer. His favorite part about living in the US has been the school environment and making new friends.
“Although the language can be
Adobe illustration by Kora Smith
Senior Javier Centeno sprints through players on Oct. 29 against Oak Park High School. Centeno was also able to participate in senior night because of his skills in soccer. The team
Photo by Ceily Tiemann
a barrier, the fact that he plays soccer and football for the school sets him apart from others and shows that nothing is too big or too small to achieve,” Kelly said.
According to Mc Law Group, “For many migrants coming to the United States, cultural norms can be incredibly difficult to overcome, making integration into their new society difficult and lengthy.”
Centeno has made friends through playing sports and attending school. They have had the opportunity of learning about the immigrant experience through him. Our school has over 3 languages available to learn, including Spanish, Chinese, French, and German.
with his peers and share his experiences.
“It was fun and nice being able to talk to someone who knows how it is to live in another country, having to establish himself in this new environment, and seeing him come out of his shell so easily,” junior Bianka Castillo said.
Although Ceneteno said he misses many things about his home country, he has been able to remain positive throughout this journey.
He is very optimistic, nothing is too difficult to accomplish.
Spanish Teacher Crystal Kelly
said.
According to Newsdle. com, “Foreign language enrolment accounts for 20% of the school age population in the US. K-12 Spanish has over 8,000 language programs across 51 states. Over 93% of high schools with language programs offer Spanish and overall high school foreign language enrollment in the US is over 10 million.”
School has been an outlet for Centeno to connect
“Javier has always tried to keep his optimism in and out of school. He is super social even without knowing fluent English yet.” Castillo said.
Centeno is now a senior and is ex cited for his future with school and sports.
According to Usa facts, “School is the second most common reason new immigrants come to the US. In 2022, 701,945 people came to the US as students. This is comparable to 2019, when 728,739 students arrived.”
Centeno’s friends and teachers have commended him on his ability to step out of his comfort zone and uphold good spirits. While he parted with much of his family in Peru, Centeno is grateful to have reunited with some of them here.
“I have some of my cousins as well as my sister here in America,” Centeno said.
LIBNI YANEZ - MEXICO
FRESHMAN
JHOSMAN
MONCAYO
-VENEZUELA
FRESHMAN
ERICK COLON
-PEURTO RICO
JUNIOR
QORIANKA HYDE
-PERU
Photos by Iyari Hyde, Ethan Chase and Maddox Calvin
Students from spanish-speaking counrites.
Designed by Victorya Wilkinson
ON The Runway
Designed by Kora Smith
Fashionable sophomore struts the runway at KC Fashion Week.
The smell of hairspray as she gets ready for the show, the rush of adrenaline walking down the runway, as she strikes her pose she takes in her surroundings, the bright lights and sound of music surround her as she walks. When she returns, she feels the event’s emotions: joy, pride, and the desire to do it all over again.
Sophomore Londynn Witherspoon recently participated in Kansas City Fashion Week from Sept 21-28 held at Unison Station.
Kansas City Fashion Week is one of the most sought-after regional fashion weeks. The event aims to bring the Midwest to a new
Londynn is full of confidence, always super prepared, and walks in ready to go every time. Choir teacher Danaya Roller said
standard of fashion.
Witherspoon started her modeling career at Critique Fashion Week, where she fell in love with the art of fashion.
“I fell in love with modeling and fashion from there,” Witherspoon said.
Kansas City Fashion Week is one of the most sought-after regional fashion weeks. Models and designers from all over the Midwest and beyond aspire to participate.
“My favorite part of [KC Fashion Week] is walking down the runway. The adrenaline that you get walking to and from, but I also enjoy getting ready, where I just sit in the chair and get my makeup done,” Witherspoon said.
Although KCFW isn’t the first big show Witherspoon has been selected for, at the age of 13, she was selected to dance in Nike’s Swoosh High, back-toschool commercial. However, being chosen for a part in the commercial wasn’t a clear process.
“I got more no’s than yeses. And so when I finally got my first job, which was a JCPenney commercial, I booked, we flew out to LA and that ended up getting canceled while we were there,” Witherspoon said.
Nine days after coming back to Kansas City, she got a call from her talent agency asking if she was available for a Nike commercial. While she didn’t audition for the opportunity, her previous experience in dance was a major contributing factor when she was accepted on set.
Since middle school, Witherspoon has participated in multiple school plays and musicals as well as managing her professional career, including this year’s musical Anything Goes, which includes lots of tap dancing.
“Londynn has a natural kind of style in any role that she tries
Photos courtesy of: Londynn Witherspoon.
to portray, and it just seems real. Every character I’ve ever seen her take on has a unique flair that makes it interesting and engaging for audience members to watch,” theater teacher Mick Turpin said.
Witherspoon has released multiple song covers on Spotify and YouTube including songs like “This Christmas” and “Pure Imagination.” She is also in the school’s acapella choir JayBlues.
“Londynn is an awesome
kid because not only does she lead with quiet confidence, but she also is always willing to help others around her. So no matter what capacity she’s put into, whether she is dancing, whether she’s singing, whether she’s acting, she’s very aware of the other students around her and always putting her best foot forward to make sure she is bringing her best,” choir teacher Danaya Roller said. To find out more visit her on all socials @londynnmarie, on Spotify at Londynn Marie.
Londynn’s Youtube Channel:
Sophomore Londynn Witherspoon rehearses for the upcoming musical production Anything Goes, this Nov. 14 through 16. “I feel like the challenge is my favorite part about acting,” Witherspoon said. Photo by Madeline Phillips
SHE’S
the Man
Women’s Empowerment Club uplifts members of the community.
Designed by Brodey Hutton
Reported by: Madeline Jones
Features Section Editor
Students within the Women’s Empowerment Club build a strong community by engaging with local businesses and promoting togetherness.
“At our core, we are an empowerment club built to uplift others and that doesn’t start at school. It starts far beyond that,” senior President Kaylen King said. “We’ve created this mutually beneficial relationship where we get to give our members opportunities to network and set them up for success, all while contributing back to our communities.”
Women’s Empowerment Club
The members of Women’s Empowerment Club aim to empower every individual within their club; they achieve this by hosting holiday parties and movie nights where the members are able to come together and celebrate each other.
“The reason Women’s Empowerment Club is important for Liberty High School specifically is because despite the name Women’s Empowerment Club it’s meant
Important Women In History:
to be an uplifting experience for anyone that has the joy of interacting with us,” King said. “We aim to have safe and educational spaces for the people in our club.”
Every month, the club showcases females who are accomplished within the community. In the past they’ve showcased women, such as Chimamanda Adichie, novelist and activist, along with the entire homecoming court where the club showcased the female candidates by talking about their experiences at LHS.
“I really love the community we have. I love having a group of people who are all together and share the same ideas and want to make the world a more positive place,” senior Co-Chair Iris Vallier said.
Women in Politics
According to the Center for American Women and Politics, in 1866 Elizabeth Cady Staton was the first woman to run for the United States House of Representatives even though she wasn’t allowed to vote. Instances similar to this one
Women’s Empowerment Club meets once a month. During Oct. they made boo baskets to give to students. “This year, we are partnering with Union State Bank, and they’re doing some sponsorships for us,” senior Kaylen King said. “In return we’re going to go help them run their trunk or treat.” Photo by Ayla Espinoza
Elizabeth Cady Staton: First woman to run for the U.S. House of Representatives.
Sandra Day O’Connor: First woman to be appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
have occurred over the length of the United States’ history. For example, Hattie Caraway was the first woman to be elected into the Senate in 1932. She broke multiple gender barriers and was reelected in 1938. She became the first woman to preside officially over the Senate in 1943.
“A woman running for president in 2024 is an incredibly positive development,” Clay County Commissioner Jon Carpenter said. “It shows we’re moving closer to true equality and women are being recognized for the leadership and vision they bring to our nation.”
Local Engagement
Women’s Empowerment Club participates in a variety of community engagement activities, such as hosting a school supply drive for Manor Hill Elementary School and maintaining Martha Lafite’s nature trails.
“We like to say we’re a ‘jack of all trades’ to help uplift everyone in our community and our high school,” King said.
They also partnered with Union State Bank of Shoal Creek and helped them run their Trunk or Treat in return for receiving scholarships. During the winter months, they will host a blanket-making event where all the members are able to come together to make blankets, which are donated to the domestic abuse survivors in KC.
“I think we do good work in
Hattie Caraway: First woman elected to the U.S Senate.
the community and we have a community within our own club,” Vallier said.
Empowering the Community
According to the American Psychologists Association, when women feel empowered to lead, they increase productivity, improve fairness and promote collaborative approaches to issues within the workplace.
“With our club and so many like-minded people, there’s still a drive and motivation to continuously push the rhetoric that women are powerful in power because empowered women empower women,” King said.
Showcasing Women
According to Oxford HR, empowering a community of women can cause a ripple effect on future generations. When young girls are able to see empowered women as role models, the likelihood they will reach their full potential will increase.
“That’s the whole point of creating a community of girls and a community of people that will ultimately uplift each other,” King said. “Women in power have so far to go, but that does not discount any of the vast advancements we’ve made, especially in a male dominated society.”
During their monthly meetings, the club will continue to highlight strong women within the school and community. The officers of Women’s Empowerment Club send out a google form to all
the members in order to get suggestions of who to have for their Women of the Month.
“We aim to have safe and educational spaces for the people in our club,” King said.
At the end of each semester, Women’s Empowerment Club plans to bring in a panel of women throughout the community to speak to the club and offer any advice. They feature powerful women in order to inform their members on how females have shown strength throughout history.
The club will have a meeting every month in the EDGE space. They will have their next meeting on Nov. 29 at 7:40am in The View.
Women’s Empowerment Club Instagram: @lhs_wec
We like to say we’re a ‘jack of all trades’ to help uplift everyone in our community and our high school,” senior Kaylen King said.
Rosa Parks: Influential civil rights activist known for the Montgomery bus boycott.
STUDENTS Are Giving Back
Clubs taking on the month of giving spread kindness.
Designed by Jenna Shores
Reported by: Abbi Mota Reporter
The leaves are changing, the weather is getting colder and theirs a countdown until that one Thanksgiving feast. But not everyone can eat a Thanksgiving dinner. There are still people who need extra help to get up on their feet.
STUCO, NHS, Key Club, and Blue Crew Crazies who are all partnering with the Liberty Education Foundation. A nonprofit organization made in Liberty, dedicating every Tuesday in November to give back to those in need.
“My group raised money to put together stockings for individuals who maybe can’t afford one and every year for Christmas,” Senior class president Caroline Shemwell said. “We fill them with essentials like toiletries, bath products, and some fun toys, and we handed them to the councilors to give to students who needed them. I know other students did other things, we
had a canned food drive, collected pennies, candy grams, things like that to help raise money for those who maybe didn’t have as much during the holidays.”
Our school has been doing the month of giving for the past 3 years now and each leadership class gets assigned a week or activity to set up and execute. They do it in groups and spread it out throughout the whole month. They’re responsible for planning for this entire month whether it’s helping all day with the blood drive, or reaching out with Key Club and NHS community service to see if they’re willing to donate items or help in any way possible for volunteer hours. Making sure the work gets done.
These drives will be run by Leadership and STUCO, and school donations that were earned through any food drive or charity STUCO decides to do, like selling donuts, and anything made, the administration gets a 30% cut back to now give back to school. Last year this was
given back to the counseling department for seniors on signing days.
The combined Leadership and STUCO group has taken the lead already to help get more involvement in school events. They spread the word with graphics and announcements, making sure our school knows that anyone can participate and everyone can donate. It really is a school effort to get everyone together to help.
“It’s to teach students the importance of giving out of your heart, and it doesn’t have to always be about competition,” Leadership teacher Kara
Every year in November Liberty North and Liberty hold The Month of Giving where they compete to see which school raises more donations. “Some pros were that it was a great opportunity for people to work together as a community, and we raised a lot of money for people who needed it, and we also beat Liberty North, so that's always good,” senior Caroline Shemwell said. Photos by Ethan Chase. Illistrations by Jenna Shores.
The Month of Giving Key Club
Geisert said.
The reason that competition is brought into this is because it’s against Liberty North. It’s always on the last week of giving and everyone at school is supposed to bring in change and see which school can donate the most money at the end of the week. A challenge to see who the most giving is, and most importantly, the most compassionate.
“The school that is able to earn the most money gets a trophy, which is actually around the corner of my room. We won last year,” Geisert said.
LEF helps us donate and run
any drive we have, giving us anything we need so we can collaborate on things like a canned food drive on Nov. 5 and a clothing drive on Nov. 12. So it’s very beneficial that there is an organization willing to help and gather a whole community for this. A lot of students are involved in making this work, and without everyone’s help, it would be much harder to win against North which is why it’s so important to donate and help in any way possible.
“I’m looking forward to doing it again, we have a lot of great people in this class this year and I can’t wait to see what happens,” Shemwell said.
End of Nov. into Dec. Key Club is doing adopt a family. Find more at lhskeyclub. my.canva.site
Late Nov. early Dec. NHS is doing a caned food drive, more details to come.
STUCO
Coin competition with LIberty North. More details to come.
THE Impact of the Digital Grasp
Teens face the dangers of addiction through digital platforms.
Designed by Addi Fung
Reported by: Victorya Wilkinsion
Editor-In-Chief
Social media is becoming increasingly addictive for developing teenagers. According to Statista, the minutes spent on these platforms has increased from 90 minutes to 151 minutes daily since 2012. With access at their fingertips, social media has become a large part of teens’ everyday lives and it is doing more harm than good.
Junior Adalyn Timm spends roughly four hours daily on social media, with her most used app being TikTok. Timm expressed she personally finds social media to be addicting.
“I lose track of time when using TikTok, sometimes it gives me less time to do schoolwork or I forget about it altogether but I can’t stay off of it,” Timm said.
The main cause for this addiction is the neurotransmitter Dopamine, released by the brain’s reward system.
An article published by Stanford Medicine said this “feel-good” hormone can be secreted from something as simple as a new pair of jeans and as complex as heroin.
According to their interview with psychiatrist Anna Lembke, “Social connection has become druggified by socialmedia apps, making us vulnerable to compulsive overconsumption.”
These apps are intentionally aimed at the adolescent population hooking them with what
is commonly referred to as FOMO, or the fear of missing out, if they aren’t seeing what’s viral each day.
“It gives a skewed view of what life is. Teens compare themselves to what they see on social media and it affects how they see themselves because they think they are not adequate, which is not true. Social media is not an accurate reflection of the real world,” Library Media Specialist Lori Riedel said. Some believe these hours spend online makes teens unsocial, but for some it has the exact opposite affect.
According to The Baker Center, “Safe, online relationships
and interactions with diverse peers can provide opportunities for learning and self-expression, which has been found to have positive impacts on selfreported well-being.”
Though these platforms provide some teens with positive opportunities; they are simply not enough to outweigh the bad. If teens consider putting a screen limit on these apps or even taking certain days a week to detox, they’re likely to not suffer the possible effects long exposure can have on them such as declined mental health and low motivation.
Photo by Ceily Tiemann
THE Admissions Nightmare
Designed by Addi Fung
Reported by: Jenna Shores Managing Editor
The average cost to go out of state for college is $58,000 a year compared to instate tuition being $27,100 according to nces.ed.gov. I think there are a lot of different factors in deciding where to go to college, like the cost and classes, but the main ones shouldn’t be whether it is a popular or a party school, like many of my peers around me are basing their decision off of.
Growing up, I had a tough
relationship with money. I was taught having debt was one of the worst things I can do to myself and my future, so the thought of just going to a school because it has more people and has better parties is not a good reason in my eyes.
“I would prefer to go to a smaller school, but my main decision will be based on whether or not they have the classes or the major I want,” senior Chloe Johnson said.
When deciding where to go to college, doing research and making sure all options are considered is what everyone should be doing instead of choosing a popular school.
According to mwcc.edu, tuition rates at community colleges are considerably lower. Specifically, the average tuition for instate students at two-year colleges and community colleges is $3,862 per year. In comparison, the annual tuition for in-state students at public fouryear universities amounts to $9,377. By choosing to attend community college for the initial years of higher education, students have the potential to save thousands in tuition fees.
Trade schools also are a good option for students to specialize their education in a certain career including, travel agent, home inspector, web developer, solar panel installer and physical therapy aide, etc.
Four year universities arent a bad option, they can help many students get into the careers they need so they can make a living, but with the overwhelming trend of going away for college just for the paries and popularity, its best to weigh out all of your options before racking up a lot of debt.
GETTING Political
A lack of youth voting registration causes low political efficacy.
Anyone who has been in a government class likely knows the phrase political efficacy. This means the extent a citizen believes their vote matters.
Within the recent midterm election of 2022, youth voter turnout has gone from 28% in 2013 to 23% in 2022.
In Missouri, youth have the chance to register to vote as early as 17 and a half. Although this resource is accessible both online and in person, youth are not voting due to a lack of faith in the system.
According to our new survey with Ipsos of more than 8,000 Americans, people “between 18 and 34 are less likely to have faith in our political system.”
Civil discourse club has taken initiative to engage students to participate in nonpartisan activism.
“We started this club because we saw a lack of awareness towards political action. We hope that we can encourage students to register and get involved in our community politics,” junior Jill Vanequeran said.
With the last day to vote for this year’s election being Nov 5th, eighteen year olds who aren’t registered will have the chance to vote local election. Dates and deadlines for these can be found at https://www. sos.mo.gov/elections/calendar. Follow Jabber Jays on instagram @LHSJabberJays.
