October 2023

100 Years of The Bell

THE BELL

About the cover COVER BY MADISON REMLEY AND LUCY BOYLE

The Bell has hit its 100 year. Looking back, the accomplishments and achievements including regional, state and national champions. The Bell Staff has gotten information out to the student body and found important information around the community. We look back to the past of the paper and hope to evolve to the future. “I love the newspaper, because I love reading the feature articles about particular students and whats going on in our building and all the upcoming events.” teacher Mrs.Kliewer said.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR A

s we transition back into school and say goodbye to summer, we welcome the class of 2027.

This year will look a little different to previous years with the schedule, parking and new tennis courts (pg. 8). Additionally, Connect 30 has shifted to maintain productivity (pg. 13). There are new clubs brought from alum (pg. 7).

We celebrate the history of homecoming and the changes from years past (pg. 23). The annual Fall Fest in town with its own history and traditions (pg. 21).

Freshman Ava Beltran discusses her passion of tennis and the determination it takes to be in varsity (pg. 15). Junior Yuhao Xiao talks about his ACT scores and his academic journey (pg 17).

Our staff dicuss the effects homework can have on students (pg. 25) and new ways to show school spirit (pg. 26).

The staff hopes this first issue serves you well.

STAFF Editor-In-Cheif | Lucy Boyle Managing Editor, Ads Manager, InDepth Editor, Copy Editor | Victorya Wilkinson Online Manager, A&E Editor, Design Editor, Social Media Manager | Jenna Shores News & Sports Editor | Connor Rizek Spotlight Editor | Brookelyn Jadwin Opinion & Features Editor | Chloe Franklin PhotoJ Managing Editor | Madison Remley Reporters

Lucy Boyle

Brodie Jobe Brodey Hutton Addison Fung Kora Smith Avala Freire

Follow us on our social media platforms

JaiDynn Sargent Katie Ericksen Madeline Jones

@thelhsbell @thelhsbell www.lhsnews.net

Quinn Campbell PhotoJay River Cotton Hannah Thompson

TABLE OF CONTENTS 5

OCTOBER 2023

07

Crazies Leading School Spirit Reported by Avala Friere

08 09

Changing Times Reported by JaiDynn Sargent

Homerun at a New Field Reported by Quinn Campbell

11 Educational Downtime Reported by Jenna Shores

13 Insider of the Pit Reported by Katie Ericksen

15 Freshman Ava Beltran Reported by Addison Fung

WHATS ONLINE? Band Director Eddie Owen talking to Lillian Schumacher Elementary during the elementary school band tour, on Sept. 12.

17 Junior Yuhao Xiao 25 Got Spirit?

19

Reported by Chloe Franklin

Reported by Chloe Franklin

Teacher Wiley Meade

Homework or No-work?

26

Reported by Kora Smith

Reported by Victorya Wilkinson

21 Fall Fest

Reported by Madeline Jones

23 History of Homecoming Reported by Brookelyn Jadwin

LHSNEWS.NET

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NEWS

Crazies Leading School Spirt The Blue Crew Crazies are getting students to show out for LHS. Designed by Connor Rizek Photos courtesy of Ava Hood Reported by Avala Freire

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hanting of “Let’s go, Blue Jays” and cheers fill the stadium, as the new athletic driven club, Blue Crew Crazies usher the way to more school spirit. At LHS athletic events, the Blue Crew Crazies organize and lead the student cheering section to ensure the athletes feel supported.

The Crazies were formed after a traditional8, dedicated student section called the Cokely Crazies. This former LHS club was part of the Blue Jay scene for over 40 years. Athletic director and sponsor of the Crazies Jason Cahiel explained, “The Cokely Crazies used to be the envy of most of the schools in the Northland area, so we are trying to get back to that school spirit.”

The goal of this revamped club is to create more school spirit and foster a sense of community. Tricia Middleton wanted to bring unity to the students at LHS and run it through the Athletic Department. The Blue Crew Crazies’ goal is to ensure inclusivity and create a

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OCTOBER 2023

welcoming environment for all.

“We are trying to focus more on being one school, in the student section, as opposed to four grades. Our club is open to the entire school and they can come and share their ideas and

With fall sports in full swing, the Blue Jay Athletics has begun. You can always count on one section designated for school spirit. Students showing their support for their fellow Jays is something Blue Crew Crazies is hoping to change, not only helping our current athletes but also getting everyone in the school involved.

“What we hope to achieve is for everyone to feel welcome. And just create a culture of unity,” Tricia Middleton, Assistant Athletic Director said.

represent their sport”, Senior spirit leader Ava Hood said.

As they continue to develop plans for the upcoming sporting games, the “Crazies” plan on representing the school for years to come.

Seniors Ava Hood and Dawson Heide are currently planning the game day experience for Homecoming October 13th.

For more information follow the Blue Crew Crazies on Instagram, Facebook and X @ bluecrewcrazies.

Scan this QR code to visit the the Blue Crew Crazies’ instagram

NEWS

Changing Times

New additions to the school like new tennis courts. This brings the challenge of fewer parking spots, making it hard for the junior and senior class to find a spot in the mornings.

A wide range of responses has been made whether or not it was worth it. Alyssa Pride, a freshman, said.

Students struggle with new changes around campus.

Designed by Connor Rizek Photos by Madison Remley Reported by JaiDynn Sargent

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tudents have experienced some change recently, and with the new four-minute passing periods, less parking for students and new additons for the athletic department, there has been conversation about the change that’s occurred on the LHS campus and in the classroom.

“I think that it’s difficult to make it to class on time with shorter passing periods,” Spanish II teacher Mark Garnett said.

After a recent poll concluded 56/60 students and teachers have said they struggle with the four-minute

While teachers struggle to find balance in the classroom, students attempt to find a parking spot. In the past seniors had the opportunity to use senior row parking witch was operated in the parking lot between Epic elementary and the football fields, however they recently opened up this lot to all students.

“As seniors, we deserve senior parking. it’s one thing we look forward to as seniors. Being able to decorate our parking spot,” senior Ari Noah said.

The main reason parking is limited is thenew tennis courts on the Epic side of the school. Renovation on the baseball fields also started over the summer and is expected to be finished by the end of the semester “I think it’s great, giving people a space to play their sport, but put it in the back of the school, so it’s not in the way,” freshman Alyssa Pride said.

“The field has been there for a long time and some parts of the field haven’t been touched in about 30 years, so to get new materials and a field that’s turf, is awesome for our guys,” teacher Matt Dye said.

Although recent changes have inconvenienced some, students will continue to adapt to their environment and school administration will continue to revise and plan. If you have any questions you can contact vice principal David Mcdoman at david. mcdorman@lps53.org

LHSNEWS.NET

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SPORTS

Homerun At A New Field The royals are building a new stadium, set to be done by 2028, around North KC, in advance of Designed by Connor Rizek Photos courtesy of Kansas City Star Reported by Quinn Campbell

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he Kansas City Royals have just announced plans to build a brand new stadium.

With an estimated cost of two billion dollars, and a promise of an economic boom, the stadium is speculated to be built in North Kansas City,

Where do you prefer the Stadium being built?

North Kansas City would be

I think it should be built

easier to access,” senior Cooper

in North Kansas City,”

Poitras said.

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OCTOBER 2023

hopefully being finished by opening day 2028.

“Currently it seems like the stadium is in the middle of nowhere.

The only thing around it is a couple of hotels and Arrowhead. Most people attending a baseball game just show up and go home, not doing a lot of shopping inbetween,”sophomore Alex Althoff said.

Kauffman stadium could be pulling in much more revenue if it wasn’t for its inconvenient location. The stadium is a good 10 minute drive away from most businesses. This doesn’t encourage economic growth, because most fans aren’t willing or able to leave the stadium to spend money on food, entertainment or other items.

“With the new location, I believe that more people will attend the game.

Due to its more available location, it would greatly benefit local businesses, because people are more likely to shop before or after the games,” Althoff said The speculated North Kansas City location is more centralized and populated, and if the Royals choose this location, it would be much closer to many Royals fans, while also in a location with multiple local businesses that can continue to expand.

When asked about the stadium location Althoff said, “Many people go to St. Louis from all over to attend Cardinals games, this is because the location is surrounded by relevant businesses.”

If the Royals play their cards correctly, the location will draw in fans from all over the states of Missouri and Kansas, not only with the promise of a great ball game, but plenty of shopping before and after. The more shopping fans do, the more it benefits the city’s economy.

“I think because Kauffman is 50 years old, they definitely need some improvements.

They’ve done a good job renovating the stadium through the years, but I think its time for a change,” sophomore Jackson Bennett said.

Kauffman stadium has been a home for the

senior Sloan Jurgens said.

SPORTS royals since its construction, But many agree that the franchise needs something new.

“I think its a great idea, at the same time i think people will miss Kauffman, but if they design it well and incorporate pieces of Kauffman into the new stadium, it will retain its nostalgic feel.” Bennett said.

According to an MLB news article, “The one-time construction of the project will spur at least 2,000 jobs, $1.4 billion in labor income and $2.8 billion in economic output,” This shows even the construction of the stadium will provide thousands of jobs, along with billions in positive economic revenue. Rogers says, “The organization has estimated the development would cost more than $2 billion, split between the stadium and a surrounding ballpark district” The ballpark would also bring in tons of yearly revenue, and thousands of jobs.“A new ballpark district has the potential to provide 2,200 onsite office jobs, $200 million in annual labor income from these new jobs and $500 million in annual economic output from surrounding district operations,” According to the MLB news article.

This evidence shows that the economic impact from a new royals stadium would be wildly beneficial.

Hypothetically the costs of the stadium to be paid off in only a couple years.

With this new information, and the fact that a new royals stadium is being built

During the 22-23 season there have been speculations the Royals are moving to a new stadium there. There are blueprints for the new designs, “I think more people will attend the games, due to the more available location, it would help the businesses around it, because people will likely shop before or after the game.” sophomore Alexander Althoff said.

so close to home is going to bring in fans from all over. While simultaneously providing thousands of jobs to the locals.

The stadium is set to be finished in 2028, which is when the first first game will be held. It’ll be able to seat 38,000 people and stand an extra 3,500 people. Wherever the stadium is built the taxes will increase, the most likely locations are East Village in downtown Kansas City, or in North Kansas City within Clay County.

No new stadium. I don’t think it’s necessary, and if it’s built in Clay County our sales tax increases to fund it,” junior Taylor Brady said.

Scan this QR code to visit the Royals website

If plans were to go underway, I’d rather choose the North Kansas City Area,” senior Jordan Huynh said.

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FEATURES

EDUCATIONAL DOWNTIME New policies for clubs instated for Connect 30.

Designed by Chloe Franklin Photos Courtesy of Key Club Reported by Jenna Shores

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aughing heard all around the room, the shuffling of cards, crunching of snacks, music being played, screams of victory and disappointment. Feeling the sadness knowing the 30 minutes of Connect 30 club time is up.

New this year, all clubs will be required to have an educational aspect if they are to be held during school hours. Clubs like Scholar

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OCTOBER 2023

Bowl, German Club and Tutoring Club fall under this category. However, clubs like Go Fish Club and the Cards and Board Games Club may not fall under that category.

“The only change is during instructional time which is from the start of school to the end of school we have to have what’s called a curricular link,” Principal Dr. Sharp said.

“And so those are what’s considered instructional minutes and according to board policy we have to have something that relates to either our curriculum or what’s called our graduate profile.”

Starting Sept. 27 Connect 30 will begin during fifth hour and will happen every other week, alternating with JayBlock.

“It doesn’t mean that somebody couldn’t meet for instance with, I’ll use like our Dungeons and Dragons Club,” Sharp said.

“If we’ve got a group of individuals that really are passionate about that, I would love to see them meet before or after school

and continue that path.”

According to gearup. ny.gov, joining clubs and other activities helps students learn the importance of planning and prioritizing. Studies show students who participate in after-school activities have greater expectations for the future.

“This is a policy that has been in place for quite some time,” Sharp said. “It was just an opportunity to make sure everything that we were doing is correct and in line and following board policy.”

Liberty High School has over 40 clubs including academic, awareness, careers, for fun, languages, leadership service/skills, performance, sports fitness and reading and writing clubs. According to bently.edu, concentrating on schoolwork is obviously important but giving your mind a break is necessary (and beneficial).

While taking part in club activities, you’ll be able to socialize with like-minded individuals and learn as much from them as you

FEATURES

Wednesdays are the day of the week students can connect with others using their interests. Thirty minutes carved out of our schedules to allow students to participate in a club with a curricular link. This is new from last year’s policy creating a system that links the clubs to learning and graduate profiles. “All in the while still wanting to give our students opportunities to be able to connect with one another, learn, grow, and kind of create that sense of longing.” Principal Dr. Sharp said.

would your schoolwork.

LHS includes the Go Fish Club, the GFC is a club with a mission to give students a break from the stressors of their everyday lives and play a classic childhood game of Go Fish.

“It might make it harder to make the GFC happen, which is sad. It is a great space for people to be and I hope we can make it happen.” Junior Iris Vallier said.

Some of the larger clubs at LHS are Key Club, National Honors Society and Thespians. Key Club’s purpose is to serve the school, community and world, and students in Key Club need to complete 40 hours of community service.

National Honor Society’s purpose is to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to

promote leadership and to develop character in the students of secondary schools. National Honors Society is invitation only and is for juniors with a 3.75 GPA or higher and complete the application process. Thespians is a performance based club for students interested in theater, thespians exist to empower current and future members to promote and support excellence in theatre at LHS. To find out more about the requirements to be in Thespians, go to the Bluejay Theater website.

“I think the new update is slightly frustrating,” Vallier said. “Because clubs should be a time where people are able to connect and bond over shared interests and lots of people have interests outside of the school curriculum.”

For more information on clubs go to the LHS website under student life, and to create a club fill out the LHS Club Charter Form to get a club approved. To sign up for Connect 30 to participate in a club, go to Flex Time Manager and type in your desired club sponsor.

LHS Club Charter Form LHSNEWS.NET

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FEATURES

Insider of the Pit The Pit and the current process of the upcoming Musical, The Addams Family.

Designed by Chloe Franklin Photos by River Cotton Reported by Katie Ericksen

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elow the stage is where 27 student performers sit and play music for the cast and crew. The sound of instruments being played fills the auditorium, and crowds of people flood in. The excitement of the upcoming musical fills the PAC with excitement. The Pit has been practicing in the Band room after school on select dates. The Addam’s

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Family Musical rehearsals started September 11th preparing for the November opening nights. With directors, Band Director, Eddie Owen, Theatre Directors, Mick.Turpin, Katherine Gehrleiln and Danaya Roller, and student directors senior, Madigan Reynolds and sophomore, Raelin Reeve. The music itself varies in length, as they have 20 pieces of music just in Act 1 and around 40 sheets of music for the whole show.

“The pit really brings everyone together. It’s amazing to see the songs and everyone come together with the live music,” sophomore, Zoey Todd says.

The Pit is students filled as occasionally, a professional will be hired for roles which can’t be filled. The students are dedicated to working on

music and performing.

For pit kids the workload is heavy, but it’s all to support a cause. The process of picking a musical relies on the theater directors the students who would succeed in each role.

“They know better about the kids that are involved with them and the vocal teachers feel better about the kids who will be applied as far as what characters fit what kids, that kind of thing. Or potentially fit kids, “ says Band Director, Eddie Owen.

Last year’s show, The Little Mermaid used a different Conductor, and the majority of the pit was professional. This year, the Pit has 27 students consisting of strings, brass woodwinds and percussion.

FEATURES

Band Director Eddie Owen conducting his musicians in preparation for the new Addams Family Musical. Countless hours after school they work to play these songs without any hesitation, meeting 2-3 times a week spending their evenings getting prepared to the big night. “The pit really brings everyone together. It’s amazing to see the songs and choreo come together with the live music,” sophomore Zoe Todd said.

Many of the pit members are doing this Musical for fun, as it’s something to be involved in for the High school. The pit gives live instrumental music to the musical. Without the Pit, it would be pre-recorded music that many people would agree isn’t the same.

“Without the Pit, the cast sounds good but it’s not as good with live music. And it gives high school students a way to show how to play the music and get them to experience playing the harder music on Broadway” says senior, Meloray Linderer.

The Pit is located below the stage, and you can get a glimpse of the area just by looking down below the PAC. Music is pushed out to those who got into the pit, and they take rehearsal time to work on sections of

“The energy of the pit is super fun and everyone is excited music. Currently, the Pit is meeting after school from 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and other selective times as the show gets closer. Come see the cast, crew, and pit on 11/16, 11/17, and 11/18 at 7:00 p.m. For ticket purchases go to the Blue Jay Theater Website.

to be involved in it,” Todd said.

LHSNEWS.NET

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SPOTLIGHT

FRESHMAN AVA BELTRAN

Newcomer takes the number one spot on varisty.

Designed by Brookelyn Jadwin Photos courtesy of Ava Beltran, Photo by River Cotton Reported by Addison Fung

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he sound of cheers after a perfect return. The smell of a fresh can of balls as it is opened. The sight of a ground stroke as it hits directly inside of the service line. Brushing the sweat off of her forehead as freshman Ava Beltran takes her place at the serving line. A once in a lifetime experience.

“Every time she hits the ball, it makes a difference,” head tennis coach, Pamela Koch said.

inspiration from their siblings and Ava pursued this prompting.

There are a few differences between the different teams played on in high school.

“You’re trying to see how far you can go,” Koch said. “For the varsity, we’re really fine tuning the game, we are trying to get as many different skill sets as possible, and then learning how to strategically use them..”

She also had a few things to say about Ava’s talents as just a 14 year old.

“Ava has played tennis since a very young age, and so coming in as a freshman, her skill set is extremely high, she has participated in USTA tournaments prior to coming in that were extremely competitive, and those two things, competing, and learning all the skill sets just makes you a better player.” Koch said.

The varsity level takes a good attitude and positive sportsmanship. It takes integrity and eagerness to play.

“She has a great team attitude. She always cares about what everybody else is doing, which is really amazing.”

Koch said.

Beltran is not only a talented player, according to her teammates and coach, she is also a kindhearted and

Every time she hits the ball, it makes a difference,” head tennis coach Pamela Koch said.

Making varsity as a freshman is not a common occurrence, but this freshman showed it is possible.

Beltran was only six years old when she debuted in her tennis career. She looked up to her brother from an very early age.

“My brother started before me, and I was jealous, this is the story told by my parents,” Beltran said.

Many people can relate to getting

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OCTOBER 2023

humble person.

At her young age, Ava shows responsible and mature traits.

“Just kind of the lessons it teaches. Like being responsible for your actions, if you lose you can’t blame anybody else except for yourself.” Belran said.

Ava dominates the court in singles matches as well as doubles, but prefers to play singles.

SPOTLIGHT

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According to

zippia.com

46.2 % The varsity team has maintained their undefeated start to the season.

“It’s been really good, since we’re undefeated, so we’re sort of just trying to keep that streak going,” junior or Grace Ford said.

Ford also said that the team feels like they’re on a “high” with all of the positive energy from winning. Ava’s teammates love to work with her and appreciate her sense of humor and inclusivity.

“She is the funniest human being I’ve ever met. She’s such a great teammate, and she makes all those like us feel great about ourselves.”

Ford said.

The season isn’t over for this team yet. Districts is on the way and the girls are feeling hopeful.

“I think we’ll do really good,” Beltran said.

Ford stated that Staley is their biggest competitor but on Sept.21 they took on the win against the falcons with the match ending 6-3 (need to confirm) Ava plans to continue her tennis career after high school and into college. When I asked her about her plans after that, she didn’t think she would go professional with tennis and pursue it as a career.

“She gives 100% Every single shot.

It’s not like every other game, she is focused and determined,” Koch said.

An ideal teammate, a respectful and honest player, a hard worker and strategic competitor, and she is only a freshman.

With Freshman Ava Beltrans new additon to the varsity team, Beltran has gotten her team to state by winning class three district eight singles championship. Beltran has been playing since she was six years old. Beltran will be attending state this season. “She is such a great teammate, and she makes all those around her feel the same about ourselves.” senior Grace Ford said.

LHSNEWS.NET

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SPOTLIGHT

JUNIOR YUHAO XIAO Junior Excels with a Remarkable 35 on ACT. Designed by Brookelyn Jadwin Photos courtesy of Yuhao Xiao Reported by Chloe Franklin

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he deafening silence fills the exam room as the apprehension of students fills the \ air. Their anxiety makes the once big fieldhouse feel small and cramped. Most students in the room worry about not knowing the answer to questions and wondering what their ACT score will look like. The only sound in the room are the pencils hitting the paper. Clammy hands put their pencils down and students prepare to wait for a few months to get their scores back.

Junior Yuhao Xiao is a junior at Liberty High School whose ACT test scores reflected his academic excellence. In just his sophomore year of high school, he scored a 35 on the test with little studying and continued to greatly improve in his AP and Honors classes this year.

“Don’t slack on the work, just do it when it gets assigned and don’t wait until the last minute because you’re going to have so much other stuff to do,’’ Xiao said.

Xiao is a self-motivated student who credits the majority of his inspiration to his older brother who also had great academic success in his time in school.

Junior Yuhao Xiao earns award for Chemathon 2022 recieving 2nd place in his individual test. The Chemathon is not the only accomplishment he has made, Xiao also scored a 35/36 on his ACT his sophomore year. Xiao has a strategy to help with his academics,“Focusing, well not really focusing, but just some classes are kind of boring.” Xiao said.

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SPOTLIGHT

According to Futurity.org, “When their older siblings do well in school, it can positively affect their own academic performance.”

He has a very supportive family who shows their support for him by not putting a tremendous amount of pressure on their children and letting them pursue what they want academically. It led to Xiao wanting to set goals for himself to show what he personally is very capable of academically.

“I think that Yuhao has helped me academically in the way that he always pushes me to study,” junior Matthew Fang said.

Xiaos relationship with his brother has also strengthened his relationship with his friends and they push each other to success. Taking more difficult classes together has helped them get even closer and help each other throughout the way Fang is one of Xiao’s closest friends and they both are very grateful for the close connection they now have built and are very appreciative for the friendship that they have along with their other friend Aidan Wang who has also gotten close in the group.

“I have a lot of great memories with him. I really enjoyed having Precalculus with him last year and we got really close during that time,” junior Aidan Wang said.

Xiao picks his classes on what he finds most interesting and connected to rather than just taking what looks good for the credits. This led him to excelling more when it is a topic he is interested in.

He is very dedicated to his studies and spends much time out of his week studying and making sure

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Average Scores in Different States

“Don’t slack on the work, just do it when it gets assigned and don’t wait until the last minute because you’re going to have so much other stuff to do,’’ Xiao said.

Virginia

Wyoming

24

19

Alabama 18 Arkansas 18 he is prepared for his classload that week.

“He is very hard-working, smart and funny,” Fang said.

According to ILSAustralia.net, “People whose brains automate processes, instead of involving areas of higher-order thinking, tend to learn faster. The findings suggest that when the brain “overthinks” a problem, it slows down the learning process”.

“To be honest, for the ACT I did two or three practice tests, and I looked over some of the content, but I didn’t do too much,” Xiao said.

With Xiao’s test scores and high GPA, he looks to apply to colleges and pick a major he feels connected to and confident in pursuing.

“Honestly, I’m not completely sure what I would like to go into yet, but I definitely want to attend college and probably something in the STEM field,” Xiao said.

Everyone who speaks to or is in a class with Xiao believes that he is an inspiration for all students here at Liberty High School and his grades and test scores reflect that. He is only halfway through his time at the school and still has a plentiful amount of time to do more and more great things and inspire everyone who comes into contact with him. In the future, Xiao plans to attend a university with plenty of majors to choose from but as of right now he is looking at something in the STEM field. Scholarships are beginning to open up this fall and winter for upcoming juniors so students interested should be on the lookout for any opportunities to apply.

Arizona 18 Missouri 20 Nebraska 19 Washington

LHSNEWS.NET

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SPOTLIGHT

Teacher Wiley Meade

A behind the scenes look at competing in a triatholon.

Designed by Brookelyn Jadwin Photos Courtesy of Wiley Meade Reported by Kora Smith

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cience instructor Wiley Meade took part in the Xterra USA Championship Triathlon in August in Avon, Colorado. Meade competed in a three-part race which consisted of a one-mile swim, followed by 16 miles of mountain biking and ending with a six-mile run. Meade is conflicted

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Teacher and coach Wiley Meade after many hours of practice and preparation, starts his triathlon. Meade has been practicing for his events for many weeks, months, even years. Running one of his triathlons in Avon, Colorado in August.

“Every race is an adventure.

Every race is somewhere beautiful and exotic,” Meade said.

because he feels cold in the Colorado Nottingham Lake while swimming, but then warm while running and biking as the heat continues to rise. Fatigue and strain are present, but so are serene views.

Meade emphasizes the importance of both physical and mental preparation, which started long before the actual race even began.

“I follow a professional-level training plan sent to me by my coach. I trained with Middaugh coaching, which is a training group based in Colorado,” Meade said. He trained six days a week, swims twice during the week, and bicycles or pedals three times a week. Then, he runs two to three times a week.

“What helps me is relying on my mental and physical preparation, which is weeks and months of work.”

Meade’s wife,

Ellen Meade supports her husband by training and dieting alongside him.

Both of the Meades went to Avon, Colorado for two weeks, in an effort to get used to the altitude. So it wouldn’t hit Meade hard in the middle of the competition.

“My wife and I went and camped out and actually stayed in the mountains for about two weeks. So that helped me get acclimated,” Meade said.

However, taking steps to be ready to compete goes all the way until the very start of the race. Like his warmup that starts about an hour and a half before each race, which consists of a little bit of a run.

“This helps with nerves and nervousness,” Meade said, “Then I’ll get on the bike just enough to make sure everything’s working right.” The big thing for Mead is spending a good solid 15 minutes swimming before the race, and then he rests for 10 minutes before the start.

But competing comes with its own challenges, even with experience.

“For this race, in particular, the altitude is hard to swim. Is it 7400 feet, so dealing with altitude, and

SPOTLIGHT and swimming is difficult.”

Mr. Meade said. Lack of oxygen was present due to the difficult 2000 feet of climbing during the race at elevation.

“I just have to keep going and keep drinking water and hydrating during the race. Meade said.

For many runners, support is a necessity, which is where Mrs. Meade comes into play.

“While he’s out on the race course, I sometimes talk to other supporters, listen to the announcers share stats on the racers or take in the beautiful locations where most of these races happen. I also try to watch the pros or elite racers at each race because they’re like celebrities to me,” E. Meade said.

Meade finished fifth overall in his age group of 22 people, which is an improvement from eighth last year. There were a total of 500 people who competed in this race, 300 of whom were competing in the long course, including Meade. He made it a goal of his to get in the top three. Meade’s coach said it was a solid performance.

“It’s a celebration. You’re happy to finish. But you feel like you literally ran and biked up and down a mountain,” E. Meade said.

Even though this event was filled with exhausting competitiveness, contrasting feelings can still be present after a triathlon.

“It’s just a lot of fun. It’s an adventure. Every race is somewhere beautiful and exotic and a place to go and reflect on how the day went,” W. Meade said.

Relief from a triathlon starts once the race is over and continues over the next few weeks. “I go on a nice jog with my wife after the race, this race, I was able to do a nice, easy bike ride after,” E. Meade said.

Both the Meades have a future of competing in triathlons or races alike, including the Xterra Magnolia Hill Full Distance Triathlon and Rock The Parkway HalfMarathon in Kansas City. They will both be taking part in the Branson Mountain Man Offroad triathlon in a few weeks.

Non Stop Race

Four tips that will boost your chances of sucess.

1

It’s not about ayone but you.

2

Don’t let your mind play tricks on you.

3 Nutriton/ diet before the race is key.

Every race is an adventure.

Every race is somewhere beautiful and exotic,” Meade said.

4

Make yourself a packing list and remember all your gear.

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A&E

READY FOR FUN? Fall Fest comes to Liberty Square despite weather interferences.

Designed by Jenna Shores Photos by Jenna Shores Reported by Madeline Jones

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he smell of pretzels and funnel cake fills your lungs with the perfect mix of sweetness and saltiness. The sounds of the carnival surround you; screams, laughter and shouting. The bright lights are almost too much, but all these factors somehow create perfection.

Fall Fest took place Sep 22 through Sep 24 on the Liberty Square showcasing a variety of food vendors, non-profit organizations and music features by The M80s and Jason Pritchett, yet the weather altered plans by canceling the parade.

This year was the 46th annual festival which started as an FFA (Future Farmers of America) event for local students. Over the last nine months, the president of the Liberty Chamber of Commerce and organizer of Fall Fest, Gayle Potter, along with multiple staff members have worked on preparations in order for the festival to be ready. The festival started as a small event that only had a handful of booths on the square, but then grew to where booths were located at multiple locations. After a couple years, the booths were brought back to the downtown area and tents were added to the parking lot.

“I remember how the vendors used to all fit in just the square area,” junior Delany Stokes said, “but in the past years the booths have extended really

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A&E far into the side streets. The length of the parade has also grown a ton since I was little.”

Over the last ten years, the carnival has expanded and vendors were moved onto east Kansas and Leonard streets. This year, a Cosplay contest and car show were added to the festival for the purpose of improving entertainment aspects.

“My favorite part of Fall Fest is the carnival rides and food. It is very nostalgic for me, as I have been going since I was a little girl, so I always look forward to it,” senior Paige Anderson said.

Activities such as band, the football team, Key Club and KLHS were supposed to participate in the parade, but, unfortunately, the parade was rained out. Key Club assisted in areas of the festival, like: assisting at information booths, broadcasting and ice deliveries to vendors.

Key Club is one of the largest clubs at Liberty High School with over 100 members, and has been heavily involved with aspects of Fall Fest. Members have the opportunity to sign up for positions that the Liberty Chamber of Commerce has requested. Along with these opportunities, Key Club members were able to get involved with the “Mill Street Experiment,” being offered this year. Key Club officers also have the opportunity to walk with the Kiwanis Float, which is Key Club’s bigger organization.

Despite the limited space of the square, multiple small businesses are presented at the Fall Fest.

“My favorite part of Fall Fest is all the small business booths,” junior Hannah Adams said.

Located on the square is an art business owned by Shawn Garland.

Shawn is a Chamber of Commerce board member and sits on the Fall Festival committee. She runs the Chalk Art Contest and participates as a business vendor.

“Art is important,” Garland said, “Artists deserve to be appreciated and paid for their time and talent.

Art can be healing and anyone can benefit from creating.”

“We donate art to charitable events, and create events to support art scholarships. I serve on the City of Liberty’s tourism committee, sculpture committee, chamber of commerce board of directors, past president of the Liberty Rotary club and organize the only Art Festival in Liberty,” Garland said. “The art festival hosts over 50 artists and sponsors 6 emerging artists. We give out over $1,000 in prizes.”

The Liberty Square hosts its annual Fall Fest weekend 22-24. Many people After Sep 24, the planning for Fall in the community attended the event, appreciating the smell of their Fest 24-25 has started. Information favorite food trucks and buckling up for the amusement rides. “I have regarding participation in Fall Fest definitely seen Fall Fest evolve over the years. I see more and more booths and vendors is located on the Liberty there every year, as well as a bigger turn out from our community,” senior Chamber of Commerce website. Any Paige Anderson said. questions can be answered by Gayle Potter.

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INDEPTH

History of Homecoming The contrast of the event now compared to the past.

Designed by Victorya Wilkinson Photos courtesy of the Spectator Reported by Brookelyn Jadwin any traditions have changed, as the dance used to be more of a town event rather than only in high school. There were parades, with each class made a float and the band walked with them. As well as a big pep rally in the square to announce the top three candidates for king and queen. Students got the day, prior to off, to prepare and decorate.

“I think it’s different, since Liberty is so big and we have two high schools, you have to really limit everything that you can do. So our after school activities are not as doable.

So, we got to do a lot more activities during school instead of having to do everything after school.

It was really nice. I mean, it was almost like during homecoming you didn’t have school,” teacher and alumni Kara Geisert said.

How it Started According to Seventeen Magazine, Homecoming began at colleges as a celebration for the first football game of the season, where alumni would come back to visit

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their former campuses.

Originally, being a college event, as well as a high school event, when the numbers of students in college increased, it became too much for the colleges. So it shifted to a high school dance only.

This dance is a festivity in which the majority of the School can participate.

Consisting of a Saturday filled with getting ready, taking pictures, eating food and dancing with friends, or a date.

“Homecoming has also become a more attended dance in recent years. It is wonderful to see more of the student body attend school dances,” senior Andrew Esser said.

Why is Homecoming Important?

One purpose of the event is to give alumni the chance to reminice.

According to FGS.org, More than 375 alumni and friends returned to campus June 10-12 to celebrate Alumni Weekend. This year’s event welcomed alumni from classes ending in 0s, 1s, 2s, 5s, 6s, and 7s to celebrate milestone reunions.

Last year at the football game the night before the dance Robert Estes was inducted into the Hall of Fame which first started in 2014.

Liberty Homecoming is Welcome to All Homecoming is a dance that is inclusive to all grades, everyone is able to go. Majority of schools have a theme or a guide on what to wear to make the dance more interesting

to the students.

“The point of Homecoming was making everyone feel welcome and making everybody want to come back,” STUCO Alumni Kara Geisert said.

About Homecoming Each homecoming there is a homecoming king and queen crowned, usually selected by the student body. The dance consists of dancing, music, photo taking, dress shopping and many more interesting things to do. Prior to the dance, either a day or a few days before, is the homecoming game for the football team, a special tradition to many.

Spirit Weeks The week before is usually considered the “spirit week”, where all members of the school are encouraged to dress up and follow the themes in support of the upcoming dance.

It’s a way for students to show their school spirit and is a fun way for the school to enjoy the celebration further.

“Spirit weeks visually symbolize big activity weeks in our school year. Teachers, Administrators, and the Student body all get involved in spirit weeks because they are traditions” Esser said.

Preparation for Homecoming The planning leading up to the dance is a very crucial event, as students’ experiences

INDEPTH Looking back at our past we see the traditions of our school and how they have shaped the history of homecoming. Not only with current students but also former alumni getting to enjoy this special time of year and the festivities that come along with it such as the court, spirit week, and football games “Homecoming is so important because there is so much tradition and meaning around the events.”

Senior Andrew Esser said.

The Spectator Yearbook years 2000, 1990, 1980 and 1945 depend on how well planned the dance was.

Careful consideration and much collaboration is involved in organizing the dance. Themes, spirit weeks, attire, etc. are many things that go into it.

“A lot of preparation goes into the homecoming week/dance. The majority of the planning is done by the senior class board while taking into account suggestions from other Student Council members. Everything that is promoted to the student body must go through

the proper channels of approval in the district.

Preparation for the homecoming dance has been deliberately thought through to take into account the large majority of the student body that has historically shown up to the homecoming dance,” Esser said.

Liberty High School Traditions Today The traditions currently going on in our school include; Flick on the Field, Spirit weeks and the Homecoming football game.

“Homecoming events are influenced by decisions made by the governing body Student Council. As

Senior Class President a lot of decisions have to be made to ensure that Homecoming is made safe and fun for everyone,” Esser said.

These traditions are mostly the same, the only thing being different is Flick on the Field. Football games and Spirit weeks have remained consistent throughout the years.

Follow Along To keep up with current themes, as well as any new information follow Student Council on Instagram, Twitter and Tiktok. STUCOl is working hard on bringing back memorable homecoming traditions, so stay up to date on current events.

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OPINION

GOT SPIRIT? Steering away from traditional forms of school spirt and into inclusivity.

Designed by Chloe Franklin Photo by Victorya Wilkinson Reported by Lucy Boyle

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ver the past few years, I have seen a decline in school spirit. Less students attending and participating in assemblies and less students getting involved in clubs. We only seem to look at sports as examples of school spirit, but theres are so many other parts of the school that are being overlooked.

There are plenty of clubs, classes and extracurriculars within the school that are not being appreciated in the ways that sports are. The school has spirit weeks, assemblies and state send offs for sports but theres a lack of school spirit with events like the musical and robotics club.

Due to this, theres is an overall lack of school spirit throughout the whole school. A reason being how quarantine resulted in less participation after coming back to school post COVID-19.

According to The Aragon Outlook, “Spirit events create a feeling of connection, a feeling of unity and a feeling of belonging… but with the transition from online to in-person school, students have had trouble figuring out how to get involved with school traditions.”

It’s crucial to have support for all parts of the school and not just sports.

Let’s appreciate all accomplishment and put the same effort we put into a pep rally for a football game we put into a spirit week for the play or a state sendoff to speech and debate.

“We need to show support to all groups of students instead making them feel unwelcome,” junior Charlotte Timba said.

Rather than focusing on the traditional forms of school spirit, we should work on supporting all types of extracurriculars. This way, all students will feel represented and feel more connected to the school as a whole.

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OPINION

HOMEWORK OR NO WORK? Having work after school is detrimental to students mental health.

Designed by Chloe Franklin Photo by Hannah Thompson Reported by Victorya Wilkinson

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eachers should not give homework for students to complete outside of school as it continues to negatively affect their well being. I am not ashamed to admit, I have sat at my dining room table for hours doing homework feeling so overwhelmed I started to cry. I am not ashamed because I know I am not the only one.

Students spend exactly seven hours and five minutes in school every day, five times a week. That accumulates to 35 hours and 25 minutes per week. Let”s say students get home at 3:30pm and go to bed at 9:30pm.

They now have six hours between getting out of school and when they go to sleep. This is a best case scenario because there is no configuration for after school activities or a job. If students pour all of their time into school and have no life outside of it, there is no time to support their mental health.

According to Stanford Medicine, students who spend hours on homework experience more stress academically and a lack of balance in life.

“Homework makes me anxious and stresses me out, not to mention, it can become difficult if I have questions and the teacher doesn’t respond to an email,” junior Aisha Diallo said.

To counter, it is difficult to get work finished and turned in when teachers don’t respond to emails requesting help but it can be stated homework can be beneficial in scenarios such as assisting with time management.

According to Nord Anglia Education, “Homework acts as a bridge and can help teachers and parents learn more about how students like to learn, providing a deeper understanding of how to approach their learning and development.”

Instead of giving homework to students to complete on their own time, it would be beneficial to all partie’s if there was a set time in class to finish those practice assignments with this, students have time to focus on their well being.

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GAMES

October CROSSWORD

Across 4. the sports team referenced on page 9 6. the name of this publication

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OCTOBER 2023

Down 1. the race referenced on page 19 2. the number of years the bell has run 3. the instrument featured on page 13

GAMES

October SUDOKU

Answer Key can be found on lhsnews.net

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100 words for 100 years

AP Addi Avala Brodey Brodie Brookelyn Chloe Connor Hannah JaiDynn Jenna KLHS Katie Kora Lucy Madeline Madison Munoz PAC Quinn River Victorya a and e ads advanced anniversary assembly award bell black-box blue canvas celebration clubs college column competition connect thirty counselors courses courtwarming dance deadline decorations design edge edit editor ehallpass english feature fieldhouse flex football freshman games gym hallway high history homecoming homework honors hundredth Indepth issue jays journalism juniors leaders liberty library math musical nationals news newspaper one online opinion pages parking party photography play prom quiz school section seniors sports test science sophomores spirit week spotlight state teachers yearbook