October 2022

OCTOBER 2022

Cover by Ethan McMenemy

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

t’s spooky season at Liberty, which has students and faculty members alike preparing for the upcoming festivities. While some have decided to spend their time at Fun Farm (p. 5), others remain indoors–perhaps reading banned books (online)–in fear of the increased dangers Halloween brings (p. 16).

This month’s spotlights on freshman Abigail Bixler (p. 8) and junior Ian Everett (p. 10) showcase their successes: Bixler took multiple AP classes her first year while battling diabetes and Everett broke his school-wide record of 21.15 in the 50 Free with 21.12 and committing to Indiana University.

October is also LGBTQ+ history month and members of the Gay-Straight Alliance club talk about ways people can support the community during and after school hours (p. 6).

The recent riots in Iran have caused people across the world to speak out against the brutality the Iranian government has targeted toward women. The Bell joins the cause in this month’s staff opinion (p. 19).

As this month comes to a close, remember to stay safe and savor the treats in life–not tricks (p. 19).

Editor-in-Chief, Copy & Design Editor

Kaiya Lynch

Managing, A&E & Online Editor |

On the Cover: Senior Karmen Gonzales wears a traditional outfit for Día de los Muertos while attending the Trunk or Treat event at Liberty Oaks Elementary. Gonzales felt proud to celebrate her heritage. “I did the Trunk or Treat last year and it was tons of fun. I was excited NHS gave out the opportunity again. I decided on a Day of the Dead theme trunk because its shortly after Halloween, and since my family is Mexican, I felt it would be nice to pay homage,” Gonzales said.

Indepth Editor & Ads Manager|

Hadley Cotton

Lucy Boyle News & Sports Editor |

Brodey Hutton

Spotlight Editor & Photo Jay Equipment Manager | Victorya Wilkinson

Opinion & Features Editor |

Jenna Shores

Photo Jay Managing Editor |

Ethan McMenemy

Photo Editor |

Sam Brusven

Reporters

Brodie Jobe

Chloe Franklin

Mary Biesemeyer

Brookelyn Jadwin

Bianka Mancia Castillo

Connor Rizek

Photo Jay

Richard Burns

Lizzy Garr

Madison Remley

MUTED VOICES: THE BANNING AND CHALLENGING OF BOOKS FROM LIBRARIES AFFECTS CONSUMERS’ VIEW OF REALITY.

PREPARATIONS FOR A BIG CELEBRATION: THE “ONCE IN A BLUE MOON” THOUGHTS OF STUDENTS ABOUT THE UPCOMING DANCE.

BROOKELYN JADWIN

BIESEMEYER

BY BRODEY HUTTON

BY BIANKA MANCIA CASTILLO

Photo by Haley Dillard

Photo by Madison Remley

CHLOE FRANKLIN

BY KAIYA LYNCH, LUCY BOYLE, JENNA SHORES & STAFF

Photo by Ethan McMenemy

Designed by Kaiya Lynch

The Fun Farm located in Kearney Mo is the place to be for a fun day during the fall season. The Fun Farm is open on weekdays and weekends. The Fun Farm offers a petting zoo, corn pit, tractor ride and even pumpkin picking. Tickets may be purchased online or at the barn entrance. “My family goes back because everyone makes it a fun place to be. All the people who work there are very helpful, and it’s a great family environment,” sophomore Ava Shaw said.

PICK OF THE PATCH

What makes the Fun Farm so popular?

Reported by Victorya Wilkinson | Designed by Brodey Hutton | Photos by Madison Remley

Year after year, hundreds of people per day visit The Fun Farm pumpkin patch all year round. Located in Kearney, Missouri the farm holds over 300 acres-worth of different activities for each season, such as their strawberry picking, apple and peach picking, the tulip festival and right now, their fall festival.

The Fall Fest season of The Fun Farm is open until Oct. 31 for pumpkin picking, activities, food and more. The farm is open Mon. Thur. and Sun. from 9 to 7, Wed. Fri. and Sat. from 9 to 9 and are closed Tues.

“I think that since there is so much to do, everyone ends up going there because you get your money’s worth, I also think it’s their food that gets people,” said sophomore Ava Shaw who has been attending The Fun Farm’s fall festival every year since she was six years old.

For anyone who chooses to attend there are many activities available for children and adults. The farm offers a bouncy mat, hay bail riding to a large pumpkin patch where everyone can choose

their own pumpkin, a corn maze, petting zoo and many other activities.

“From what I can tell when I’m there the most popular attraction is definitely the corn pit. It’s a great place for kids and adults to play and hang out, plus it’s a good picture taking spot for all ages,” Shaw said.

Many people continue to go to The Fun Farm continuously instead of only going once, sophomore Chloe Washington has been going for six years.

“When I’m there it makes me happy because it reminds me of my favorite show Gilmore Girls, it is very aesthetic and I love how it feels like the perfect symbol of fall,” Washington said.

The Fun Farm has more than pumpkin picking and a jump mat, they also have food and beverage options like hot apple cider, pumpkin donuts and honey sticks. All of these things allow for an environment of memory making and new experiences.

“I fully advise anyone to go to The Fun Farm. It’s a great place to be with friends, family, or even significant others. I also recommend you get the pumpkin doughnuts they have, which are amazing,” Shaw said.

Tickets for The Fun Farm can be purchased from funfarmpumpkinpatch.com. For any questions or concerns not answered on the website students can reach the farm at 816628-0028.

Wind blowing flags. People smelling sweat and desperation, all different: yet the same. Hearing cheers as hundreds of teens push their way through a crowd. This is what it’s like to fight for a cause; a cause people in the LGBTQ+ community have fought for their entire lives and many students stood up for on, Apr. 30, on the football field.

Nikki Duncan, counselor and sponsor for GSA (Gay, Straight, Alliance) club educates and welcomes those interested in celebrating gay and straight

Duncan in 2016, and meets every week during Connect 30 as a way for students to socialize and have a safe space to tell stories and get to know each other. October is LGBTQ+ history month and was initiated in Missouri by teacher Rodney Wilson at the University of Missouri in 1995.

“I think being out and being open is a bigger trend now because people don’t look down on you so much for being who you are,” Duncan said. “So, while years ago it might have felt like someone could only be themselves in a certain

group, a lot has changed. Many people don’t know GSA is a thing, and now they do, which is really fun.”

Not everyone is informed about LGBTQ+ History Month, but being respectful towards the subject is important as the month is used to celebrate the history of the LGBTQ+ community.

“People don’t always necessarily know everything, and it’s not exactly a person’s job to teach them,” Duncan said. “One thing we’re going to be doing in October is putting posters up of famous people

LGBTQ history month gives opporotunity for education on the subject, not just for those who fall under the umbrella of LGBTQ+ but people who don’t as well. “I think that it’s like everything else too where our world is changing in a good way, and becoming more inclusive and more diverse,” Duncan said.

posters up of famous people who have contributed to LGBTQ+ history. I think other ways people can support vary, like if you’re an ally and someone is saying something not very kind to the LGBTQ+ community, you’d step up and say, ‘hey that’s not okay,’’ Duncan said.

GSA club takes the time to educate and welcome members or allies of the LGBTQ+ community. They understand it’s hard to be open and honest about being a part of the community, sharing their experiences, spreading knowledge and representing themselves are all aspects they take pride in as a group.

“Everyone was very welcoming at GSA club and they were very sweet,” freshman Addison Moppin said.

Everyone’s journey to the community may be different, whether it be welcoming or judgment. Moppin joined the club to share her own personal stories, however, not everyone feels comfortable sharing their’s.

“I know being a part of the LGBTQ+ community is sometimes difficult to accept, especially in a world where sometimes people don’t listen or like you for who you are and where you need to follow certain norms throughout life (like being straight). I also know being gay is also difficult because some people won’t like or accept you,” sophmore Elliot Vogelaar said.

Being told that someone is different or

unusual because of who they are is not an uncommon occurrence. As well as the factor that not everyone in the community has access to good counseling, or a place to express themselves. According to the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network’s (GLSEN) national climate survey, more than 87% of LGBTQ+ students experience school bullying and harassment. GSA is trying to help with that by making students feel more welcome and allowing them to share their stories and experiences.

“I think that it’s like everything else where our world is changing in a good way, and becoming more inclusive and more diverse. I think that we have a lot to learn from each other.” Duncan said.

“Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community was disrespected for such a long time, and it really needs to be talked about more. I feel like it’s really overlooked,” Moppin said.

LGBTQ+ History Month may be disregarded by many students, but clubs like GSA focus attention on celebrating the identities many people align with, even those in your own school or community.

FRESHMAN ABIGAIL BIXLER

How a student is overcoming adversity to challenge herself in school.

Reported by Mary Biesemeyer

by Victorya

While artfully crafting notes for her AP Human Geography assignment, freshman Abigail Bixler feels the warm fur of her fluffy companion, warning her that there may be a spike in her blood sugar. Bixler decides it may be time to take a walk around her neighborhood with her friendly labrador to help combat the spike in her blood sugar.

Pulling out her AP textbook to check over her notes again, before preparing for a difficult test. Bixler takes two AP classes and uses a service dog. A fluffy friend named Flynn, who alerts her when she has high blood sugar.

Bixler was diagnosed with diabetes almost 4 years ago. Her service dog accompanies her almost everywhere. “He doesn’t come to school yet. You’ll probably see him at football games and other school events.” Bixler said, “he’s going to begin coming full-time with me and junior and senior year,” Bixler said.

One of her friends, freshman Jillian VanYperen, who Bixler has known through elementary school, has known Bixler through complications of diabetes.

“I‘ve known her since third grade,” VanYperen said. “ We were in the nurse’s office when we met and in the same fourth-grade class.”

Transitioning into high school, Bixler has never stopped challenging herself and continues to by taking AP courses as a freshman. Being a freshman can be difficult, especially with the stresses of finding her classes and keeping up with others. Bixler takes both AP Human Geography and Pre-AP English which are the only two AP Classes that freshmen have the ability to take. Next years sophmores can take other AP classes including AP World History, AP Physics, and others.

“I wanted to get them [AP classes] done sooner,” Bixler said. “I find myself getting bored in regular classes.”

Bixler and VanYperen share AP classes and both have teachers Josh Griffis for AP human geography and Maggie Brooks for pre-AP English.

| Designed

Wilkinson | Photos by Madison Remley

Freshman Abigail Bixler focuses on her AP Human Geography homework in flex as she takes on the class. After finding herself bored in many regular classes, Bixler took many recommendations from teachers about taking AP classes.”She is very studious and she is always on top of work.” Brooks said.

“She’s very studious,” Brooks said, “She’s always on top of work.”

Being on top of work is very important for any advanced student, especially when one’s a freshman. Balancing school life and social life is important for any student, and Bixler finds plenty of time for both in her schedule.

“At her most recent birthday party, we went roller skating and after we went back to her house and played with her dogs,” VanYperen said. Bixler prioritizes her social, medical and academic life while being in and out of school with having a service dog, diabetes, participating in AP classes and keeping up with friends.

Freshman Abigail Bixler shows her diabetes monitor which helps make sure her blood levels are steady throughout the day, so she can focus on school. Over the years Bixler has learned how to manage both school and her health issues. “Generally I have my dexcom that reads my blood sugar and sends it to my phone, and my insulin pump,” Bixler said.

“She loves reading, I think she’s on book seven out of the two books we were supposed to read this semester,” said Maggie Brooks.

“She loves reading, I think she’s on book seven out of the two books we were supposed to read this semester,” said Maggie Brooks.

JUNIOR IAN EVERETT

Swimmer receives a D1 scholarship.

Reported

he loud splashes of water as swimmers dive up and down for air, spritzes of water spraying any part of the poolside which isn’t already wet. They race from end to end of the pool, trying to be faster than the swimmer next to them. This is what it’s like for junior Ian Everett every day, a varsity swimmer, who has already committed to the University of Indiana for college swim.

“Working to prove you’re better than the guy next to you is a lot of fun for me,” Everett said. “There are a lot of things I’ve done to get as far as I have in swim. You have to bp; e a student of the sport and constantly seek how to become better. If you show up and do the work every day, the results will come.”

Just this year alone, Everett broke the Liberty record for the fastest 200-yard freestyle and the North Kansas City Invitational record for the 100-yard fly. Last year, Everett won State in the 100-yard freestyle and was named an AllAmerican in the 200-yard freestyle.

“Swimming to me is a lifestyle,” Everett said. “If you want to be great you have to have an obsession to pursue excellence. Swim over the years has become a part of my identity. There are a lot of things I like about swimming competitively, but if I had to choose one thing it would be the competition in general.”

Everett has been swimming competitively since he was in seventh grade, after doing two summer league seasons with the Liberty Storm Swim Team. He then started swimming for the Tsunami Swim Team, where he still trains in the offseason. Everett’s inspirations when starting out as a swimmer were Olympians Michael Phelps and Caeleb Dressel.

“There’s a lot of variety in my training,” Everett said. “I focus on everything, my philosophy in training is asking myself every set, ‘How is this going to translate into a race?’ Since I’m more of a sprinter, I often do power work and speed endurance sets. I also like to incorporate heart rate into some of the sets I do.”

Everett said he chose Indiana because of their world-class facilities and coaches to help him take his skills to a higher

by Brodey Hutton | Designed by Victorya Wilkinson | Photos courtesy of LHS Swim and Dive and Luci Diaz

Junior Ian Everett presents his silver medal after taking 2nd place in the 100m backstroke with a season-best of 51.85 seconds in the North Kansas City Invitational finals. Everett has swam competitively since middle school. “Winning State last year and going All-American are the awards I’m most proud of thus far,” Everett said.

level. Everett also hopes the competition he will face in the NCAA will help him get better.

“I know Indiana is the best fit for me and I’m glad I was able to get recruited by them. Being done with the recruitment process early on is nice because it takes off a lot of stress,” Everett said. “Having to talk to coaches all the time, planning visits, having the stress of performing in front of coaches, etc. is super stressful. Now that it is over though, I can just focus on swim.

Having such good resources and a great team to work with, it’s no doubt that if I put in the work I will become significantly better. I’m excited to get there and see how much I improve.”

Everett’s next meet will be on Nov 10 at the State Prelims. You can find the swim team’s website at https://lhsathletics. lps53.org/page/show/7235540-men-s-swim-anddive-2022- and the Indiana swim team’s website at https:// iuhoosiers.com/sports/mens-swimming-and-diving.

“Swimming at the college level is very team-based, so having a team to represent and become close with will be fun,” said Ian Everett.

Junior Ian Everett takes a stride in his front stroke, bringing waves of water with him. Everett has trained hard for his various races and continues to grow. “Working to prove you’re better than the guy next to you is a lot of fun for me.” Says Everett.

“Swimming at the college level is very team-based, so having a team to represent and become close with will be fun,” said Ian Everett.

BEATING HEARTS

Three students share their experiences and relationships with music .

Reported by Bianka Mancia | Designed by Lucy Boyle | Photos by Sam Bruvsen & Madison Remley

According to the University of 40% of high school students are involved in music. Senior Alexander Fuhrman, Junior Alex Tiefel and Freshman Tazu Sumpter are examples of the passion music holds and creates in people’s lives.

Many of these musicians find inspiration in a mentor like their parents. “My dad was a drummer and he always had a drum set in our house,” said Alexander Furhman “I would play on it ever since I was two years old.”

Furhman has been professionally involved in music for about 8 years now playing in things such as The Liberty pride and guard band.

Sumpter plays the guitar, sings, writes, and creates his own music; he posts most of his playing on his Instagram @tazoo_the_kazoo.

“About 2.5 years ago my mom gave me a guitar and I was like: ‘oh yeah sure i’ll play,” Sumpter said. “Success is definitely not something that you need to be a musician at all, it’s just being able to play and put your thoughts out there.”

“I’d have to say I’m proud that I have been able to put my real feelings in my music,” says Sumpter.

Most of these Musicians plan to continue with Music as a fun hobby, but do not plan to leave their experiences in playing nor joy behind.

“

If I can hit big that would be really cool,” Senior Alex Fuhrman said.

“Being a musician is listening to all kinds of music, someone who just listens to one kind of music is not or should not be considered a musician,” said Furhman. Horn, Trumpet, mellophone, and choir since 6th grade. He is in the Liberty High School marching band and plays during the football games.

“Learning how to play an instrument is very difficult and becoming proficient is even more,” said Tiefel.

“What does it mean to be a musician, i’d say the ability to express yourself or express music in a way that you want to,” Said Tiefel.

Senior Alex Fuhrman (bottom left), Senior Alex Tiefel (top right) and Freshman Tazu Sumpter (bottom right) with their instruments of choice. There are opportunities available for students to let their artistic creativity flow, such as the availability of instruments which many students are using to practice with and make music.”

CHEERING FOR STATE

How the cheer squad is preparing to take home another State title.

Rizek |

Cheerleaders prepare for state at Cape Girardeau on Dec 10 and 11. The team are eleven-time State Champions and nine-time UCA National Qualifier.

“Performing for State means getting to show off all my work and knowing that because of my work and the team’s work, we get to do cool things like go to State, and to feel accomplished if we win,” senior Emma Clark said.

“It’s really fun, it’s a good way to meet new people, and it’s a good environment,” freshman flier Addison Roseberry said.

The cheer team starts with tryouts in the second week of April and begins at the beginning of May. They practice six days a week from 3:30 to 6. The team does this to find out who is perfect for what position, and to help the team get better for all of their performances.

“Before a competition, we all just talk as a team about our goals and put in our best effort,” freshman flier Laira Braden said. Before each performance, they prepare both mentally and

The Varsity team stands before the student section, rallying them together in support of the football team during the homecoming game on October 30th. The team has been taking every opportunity they can to prepare themselves for state in December. For a competition, we take what we learned from practice and put our best effort into it and put it on the mat, “ Freshman Laira Braden said.

physically. They do this by talking to each other or taking time by, going through the performance in their heads, practicing, and asking questions to their coaches.

“I just try to distract myself before we have to perform and just prepare myself mentally,” Roseberry said.

They perform at all the home varsity football games, all the home varsity basketball games and other competitions like State, nationals, and qualifiers. They all have to prepare. Some distract themselves, others think through the routine to prepare themselves. It’s nerve-racking knowing that a bunch of people are watching you at a football game, or worry-inducing knowing that you could mess up at any moment.

“An example of cooperation is when all of us work together to perform a stunt, ” senior side base Emma Clark said.

The cooperation between the team mates is very important. The team cooperates to perform stunts to show off in front of the student section and all the fans of the Blue Jays or for judges at competitions. The members of the team that are injured or can’t perform for other reasons support the performances from the sideline, or stands.

“It’s nerve racking knowing the State is nearby. Especially because, it’s a chance to show off the work you’ve done and maybe get a prize for it, but with all the friendships I’ve made from cheer it is easier than what it would be if I didn’t have these people” Clark said.

With being working together an estimated 15 hours per week together it’s hard not becoming close with your teams which really helps their preparation or cooperation. Especially since the sport is physically and mentally demanding, having team mates there for you is important to help you and your team to do better. Working 15 hours a week to accomplish something is pretty hard on someone if you don’t do well on it.

“When I came back from practice I felt like I really got worse because of the injury and if it didn’t happen I felt like I could be a better cheerleader.” Braden said.

A perfect example of team mates being there for you is when Braden broke her wrists. She broke her wrists doing a cheer stunt. During practice she would watch the team and support them with their stunts. When she finally came back after 4 months, and eased her way back into practice.

You can watch the team perform at all the home varsity basketball

Reported by Connor

Designed by Brodey Hutton | Photos Courtesy of Eric Langhorst

The varsity team has attended multiple games throughout the year in hopes of improving their skillset for upcoming competitions. Though the team had attended the game to support the football team, they have a vast array of their own accomplishments: 11-time State champions. “It’s more fun to perform at football games because you get many attempts, also you get to show off in front of your whole school, which is full of your friends,” senior Emma Clark said.

games. You can watch them perform at State on Dec 10 and 11 at SEMO university. Even if they don’t win they still can win awards like sportsmanship awards, all state performances and win scholarships.

“Performing for State means, getting to show off all my work and knowing that because of my work and the team’s work we get to do cool things like go to State,” senior Emma Clark said.

HALLOWEEN HORRORS

SPOOKY SEASON BRINGS ABOUT MORE TRICKS THAN TREATS.

Reported

Chloe

ith Halloween around the corner, dangers occur more frequently and need to be watched, especially by younger kids and parents. Many children are targeted for issues like drug lacing and violent crimes. Many need to be on the watch for any suspicious behavior and candy that looks suspicious. Not only are younger children unsafe on Halloween, but teenagers are also at the risk of being involved in motor vehicle incidents. Whether it’s trick-or-treating with friends, going to a party or even staying at home watching a movie, there are important safety concerns everyone needs to look out for on this night.

Drug Laced Candy

This year, more than ever, drug-laced candy which can be called rainbow fentanyl are fentanyl pills which can look like candies such as Sweet Tarts or Skittles and have been detected in the northland, so drug traffickers can start addiction in both kids and adults. The United States Drug

Enforcement Administration states that not only can it start addiction, but can also become fatal with as little as a 2 mg dose.

“Make sure you go through all the candy. Make sure all the packages are tightly sealed, it's a brand you recognize and the wrapper looks like it always looks. Make sure you have buddies with you, if you are going trick or treating, go as a team,” Nurse Becky Kovak said.

The candies most susceptible to being drugged are Sweet Tart Fentanyl pills, THC-infused Nerd Rope candies and THC-infused Sour Patch candies.

According to The United States Drug Enforcement Administration, if you encounter fentanyl in any form do not handle it and call 911 immediately.

Motor Vehicle Incidents

This year, laced candy isn’t the only major danger on Halloween night. According to the Washington Post, children ages 0 through 17 are

three times more likely to be fatally harmed by an automobile than a typical day where the number is 16. An analysis by the Washington Post found 54 child pedestrians were killed by a motor vehicle from 2004-2018 on Halloween night.

“Pay attention to what's going on around you. There's a lot of cars and people out there” Kovak said.

According to Caring For Kids, the best ways to stay safe are by always traveling in groups, using the sidewalk, adding reflective tape to the costume or trick-or-treat bag, and letting somebody know where you’re going beforehand. Not only is there a danger of pedestrians getting hit by a motor vehicle, but according to AutoInsurance.org, there are 22% more fatal crashes. The United States Department of Transportation states that all drivers need to be aware of trick-or-treaters in the road on Halloween and need to slow down and scan the roads carefully. They state that slower speeds save lives.

“Having parents walk with them, having

By

Franklin | Designed by Hadley Cotton | Photos by Ethan McMenemy

As the holiday approaches, it’s important to consider the dangers of Halloween. According to Travelers Insurance, there are 17% more crime-related claims than usual. In addition to that, the rate of violent crimes increases by 50% on Halloween according to a Northwestern University professor. “There's a lot of dangers and small minute things that can happen that can cause life-altering effects,” said freshman Zachary Hicks.

reflective tape on clothing, having masks that don’t block your face,” Kovak said.

Pedestrians need to walk on the sidewalks, cross the street at corners and put their phone down when walking. A study from Stony Brook University showed that people who were on their cellphones when walking were 61% more likely to veer off course.

Dangerous Crime Spikes

Travelers Insurance found that on Halloween there are 17% more crime-related claims than

there are any other day of the year. It is also proven that violent crimes can increase as much as 50%. This is two times more than the daily average. This happens mainly because there is more alcohol and drug use and people are away from their homes for longer periods of time.

“You should carry self defense items like pepper spray, have a vague knowledge of how to defend yourself and supervision,” freshman Natalie Goodwin said.

While many people don’t believe in carrying self defense, Fazer Defense recommends having at least one if venturing out at night. A Birdie is an alarm which can be put on a keychain, that

when the button is pushed emits a loud noise to get someone’s attention.

“Just be smart, don't take anything from somebody suspicious,“ freshman Zachary Hicks said. “Maybe if you're known in a neighborhood, try to stay inside your own neighborhood because you're less likely to be tampered with.”

Having fun on Halloween isn’t possible if it isn’t safe. Taking steps to insure safety before going out is the most important thing kids and

"There are a lot of dangers and in a minute , things can happen that can cause life-changing effects," freshman Zachary Hicks said.

Can We BeReal?

When authenticity is exchanged for presentation in the name of being real.

n 2020, BeReal was launched–but, it wasn’t until 2022 the photo-sharing app started trending with downloads growing 315% this year alone. According to The Wrap, BeReal’s initial “goal [was] that people would use it the way social media apps were originally intended: to connect with friends and family without worrying about followers, likes and filters.” Then why are more and more people starting to “BeFake” on the app?

Despite the reasoning that BeReal offers a judgement-free environment, I–like many of my peers–have started to feel pressured to download the app and stage photos to make my life appear more interesting. Fans hoping to accomplish this very goal on Oct. 8 held out their phones in the front row of Alec Benjamin’s Uncommentary Tour, begging for the singer to take their BeReals to impress followers.

Daily, I witness students around school creating photo opportunities to showcase their desired personas. This trend is reminiscent of the VSCO girls which overtook social media in 2019. Phrases like “save the turtles” and “sksksk” have been exchanged for the various RealMojis the app offers. If students feel they need to do something just for a desired reaction, the initial action loses its meaning. We’re becoming like Barbie dolls, used only to live out our fantasies–real or fake.

The biggest argument for BeReal I’ve seen is it allows friends to find funny and candid photos of each other. If this is the case, couldn’t this happen on Instagram–or even Twitter? The photos aren’t candid if people have time to plan them. Contrary to the developers’ belief the two-minute time limit would promote authenticity, LX News claims people have discovered they can “swipe out of the app [which] restarts the timer so you can retake your photos. It also allows users to post their photos late, although the app will display how late they were taken.”

At the end of the day, we’re all just trying to find bits of joy to fill our internal gaps, and if using social media helps you accomplish this, then so be it. Personally, I don’t want to BeReal–I want to be authentic. So, I will continue to resist downloading the app.

Out of Time

Teens’ excessive workload continues to cause unnecessary mental health problems.

We need to stop overworking teens. Students are put under too much pressure and this declines mental health. Due to the rise of overworking teens, this can lead to extreme stress. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 25% of all U.S. high school students are part of the workforce. With students working anywhere from 2-20 hours a week, on top of school, they aren’t given enough time to do they enjoy and rest.

It’s not fair for teens to come to school from eight in the morning to 2 or 3 pm and go straight to work which can be anywhere from 10-20 hours a week. It’s draining to go from one activity to the other with no time for yourself. According to National Consumers League, “Despite the considerable evidence working over the 20 hour limit leads to slipping grades, increased dropout rates and other behavioral problems.”

Why should we make it a standard for students to have a job, participate in sports and clubs as well as homework and assignments associated with school. With all these tasks to check of the to do list, teens are having to stay up late to finish finish homework when they get home from work and school. According to Insider, “Students with a part time job often end up working school nights and can work as late as 10 pm.” With this, teens tend to get less sleep, which in itself creates many problems.

In spite of the many disadvantages of a teen job, they can allow for unique opportunities and experiences. Having a job helps people grasp responsibility and work ethic. Jobs also can help create many useful skills and independence through money and savings. According to the National Library of Medicine, “Youth themselves think that employment helps them to develop a wide range of beneficial attributes, such as the capacity to take responsibility, develop time-management skills, overcome shyness with adults, and handle money.”

A students success or achievement is not defined by how many hours they work. Teenagers shouldn’t have their expectations raised so much that they are impossible for them to meet. With working a part time job and being a student, teens overwork which degrades there mental health and well being.

Reported by Kaiya Lynch | Photo by Goldie Rich | Designed by Jenna Shores

Reported by Lucy Boyle | Photo by Lizzy Garr

Heard but Not Seeen

ppreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary,” Irish author Margaret Cousins said. Winning State or Nationals, and everything in between, can be a huge accomplishment to a high school student. Spending countless hours practicing and competing, only to come back to school and feeling as if no one cares, is disappointing. This is exactly what many students here feel every day.

According to nassp.org, “Motivation and success are what drive individuals in any profession. In the school setting, it is critically important that we celebrate and recognize the outstanding things that students accomplish, both inside and outside of the building.”

According to aaastateofplay.com the top five most popular sports in high school are football, track and field, basketball, baseball and soccer. With nearly 1,000 students out for Fall sports this year, this is what is primarily shown in the school’s media, spirit weeks and assemblies. This is understandable, but what about the other clubs, sports and activities who also compete? What about our 67 clubs, seven other fall sports and countless fine art opportunities? We, as students, need to do a better job of celebrating these students too.

For instance, when Liberty Robotics got second in their Iowa Regional last year, which is the best the team has ever placed in 20 years, they never received congratulations from many students because they didn’t know. They weren’t talked about in the classrooms and I didn’t write about them in the school paper. No one even knew they went on to their second Regional competition, and I am sorry for it.

When the Varsity Winter Guard traveled to Dayton, Ohio to compete at WGI (Winter Guard International) and become National finalists--placing 14 out of 97 teams – much of the same. No high fives in the hallways and a small story done on KLHS later. I didn’t get them into The Bell.

A similar school, Blue Springs South, got their color guard a police escort back to school after they became National finalists. Schools all over the Metro do a better job of celebrating all of their students, so I know we can too.

There are so many unrecognized groups, clubs and students who work endless hours to compete on a local, Regional or National level. As an editor of The Bell Newspaper, I know I will personally strive to do a better job at recognizing students for all of their achievements. I hope the rest of the school will follow me in these many celebrations.

#WomenLifeFreedom

On Sept. 16, it was revealed that 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died while in police custody under questionable circumstances. Three days prior, Amini was arrested by the morality police, due to indecent exposure of hair, to which she responded by allowing more to show. Her suspicious death caught the attention of thousands, causing people to protest the severity of the country’s legal code. Chants of “death to the dictator,” and “our disgrace is our incompetent leader,” can be heard across the country.

“Iran’s protests may well be the first time in history that women have been both the spark and engine for an attempted counter-revolution,” The New Yorker said.

Women around the world have been suppressed by their country’s government agencies for hundreds of years. While protesting for their rights, thousands of protesters have been murdered or arrested by the morality police.

Forcing people to wear hijabs through excessive and deadly force is inhuman and should be prohibited. The hijab is a head covering worn by women for religious and/or political reasons. Iran’s law dictates women must wear a hijab and loose, modest clothing while in public. According to The New York Times, for years, many have spoken out about how mandatory hijabs are an example of the Islamic Republic’s power. Allowing people to express themselves without fear should be the norm across the world, not hurting those that have different practices or beliefs.

In solidarity for those suffering, videos have spread across the internet depicting young girls and women with their backs to the camera, removing their hijabs and pointing their middle fingers at the country’s leaders. Additionally, women across the world have been seen on the internet chopping off their hair to show support for the women in Iran. Millions of women have suffered oppression and abuse due to government or cultural demands. After Amini’s and countless others’ questionable deaths and arrests, such as Nika Shakarami, while in police or government custody, the women in Iran had enough.

“With every bullet fired and every arrest, the regime is shooting itself in the leg. The Iranian government wants to kill the messengers in order to conceal the truth—but for the Iranian people, the truth is crystal clear,” Times said.

The Bell

Reported by Jenna Shores | Photo by Victorya Wilkinson

After the death of Mahsa Amini, women in Iran are fighting for their rights.

In the eyes of our students, only certain activities get attention.

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