Volume 93, issue 1

The Liberty High School

Bell

September 30, 2016

Volume 93, Issue 1 Visit us at lhsnews.net

Table of 05 Jabber 06 Beneath the Blue

Contents 10-11 Facing the Future

07 Sing it Loud & Proud

08 Making History Photo by Caitlyn Pearson

Photo by Jack Barreca

12-13 Behind the Scenes

Photo by Kate Marshall

02 September 30, 2016

lhsnews.net

14 Landyn Cowger 15 Kelsey Pierce 16 Dylan Moran 17 Dana Bartch 18 Mrs. McCallum 24-25 Columns 26 Staff Editorial

19 Doug Earnhart

28-29 Remake Me This 30-31 Athlete of the Month

Photo by Ashley Ritter Photo by Chrystian Noble

20-22 Holding On To Hope

34-35 Blue Machine

32-33 Serving It Up Hot

Photo by Lacy Williams

Photo by Mara Fryer

September 30, 2016

03 lhsnews.net

The Boys Varsity soccer away game against Raytown on September 19 ended with a win, 2-0 with seniors Johnny Hegger and Matt Bronakowski scoring the two goals.

The next games are‌ Friday September 30 tournament Saturday Oct 1 tournament Tuesday Oct 4 @Lee Summit North Wednesday Oct 5 vs Liberty North @home Wednesday Oct 12 vs Raytown @home Monday Oct 17 @Truman Thursday Oct 20 @Blue springs Photo by McKenna Hegger

Staff

Mission

Adviser --> Lori Oyler Editor-in-Chief --> Hannah Leonard Managing Editor --> Emily Johannes Copy/Opinion Editor --> Lacy Williams Spotlight Editor --> Katie Moon A&E Editor --> Annika Fuller News Editor --> Riley Kelley Features Editor --> Joey O’Kelly InDepth Editors --> Delaney Tarpley Paige Twenter Sports Editor --> Caleb Lautenschlager Ads Manager and Cartoonist --> Daryl Gichui Jabber Editor --> Teegan Saunders Online Manager --> Kamden Bernard Reporters --> Alex Rogers Madeline Hensley Jenna Spence Haley Stephenson Caroline Parry Daisy Smith Liz Gammon Marcus Myvett Zahra Khan

Our mission for the 2016-2017 school year is to unite a diverse group of people and ideas to compose an informative and entertaining magazine using articles, photographs, and commercial messages. As journalists in training we endeavor to give the best representation of the community of Liberty High School. The Bell student newspaper is a public forum for student expression.

Contact Liberty High School Address --> 200 Blue Jay Drive Liberty, MO 64068 Phone --> (816)-736-2827 Email --> loyler@student.lps53.org Twitter --> @TheLHSBell

The articles featured do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the entire Bell staff. Please feel free to comment, compliment or critize anything you see in this section in a Letter to the Editor at lwil1524@student.lps53.org

04

On the Cover Varsity Cheerleaders at the LHS vs LNHS football game.

September 30, 2016

Photo by Lacy Williams

lhsnews.net

Jabber

My Chem teacher put on Pandora and Hamilton came on. It’s gonna be a good day.

-@westonbrown111

Left my glasses at home, left my computer at home, it’s 9:47 AM, and my phone is at 15%... But hey, I got my coffee -@andrue_johnson

We are all part of this #BLUEMACHINE #letsgojays #BJNATION #undefeated #3-0 -@LTownSection

My alarm went off and it scared me so much I literally kicked myself in the shin ughhhh -@kkvlams

I caught a bug in Forever 21 and tried to release it back into the wild, but I forgot I was carrying some clothes and the alarms went off.

-@brenden_dawley Liberty won the Liberty Tournament beating Kickapoo 8-1!

-@LHSCoachKoch

I woke up an hour early for a field trip this morning just to find out it’s tomorrow -@TitusAdkinson

September 30, 2016

05 lhsnews.net

Beneath the Blue Swim with the fish at tomorrow night’s dance.

Story by Riley Kelley Although the student section looks like a sea of blue year round, this Homecoming season takes LHS on a journey even further into the deep blue sea. The much anticipated dance is tomorrow night at 8:00 p.m. in Cokely fieldhouse. Boasting a spirit week full of unique themed days, a new DJ and ocean themed decorations, this year’s Homecoming dance may blow students’ expectations out of the water.

The “Beneath the Blue” theme isn’t an easy one to be portrayed. StuCo had many hoops to swim through while trying to create this year’s under the sea theme.

“We are hopefully going to portray it through the aspects of underwater sea life,” sophomore Jacob Marquis said.

“Sadly we can’t really use anything from Disney because of copyright laws but we’re going to try the best we can to make it sort of magical and a really good time for everybody.”

The main event is the dance itself with somewhere between 600-800 students attending. A lot of planning goes into the week leading up to Homecoming.

Schoolwide excitement builds during the week before the dance.

“I think the thing that makes dances better every year is just the support from

the student body and all of the excitement leading up to it,” senior Kamryn Downing said. “If people are pumped about all of the different opportunities we are offering they will be more excited to go to the dance.”

New music is another component adding to the originality of this year’s dance.

“We’re getting a new DJ,” StuCo member junior Josie Wilkerson said.

“We’re getting a professional DJ and he’s bringing lights to put up.”

This year’s decorations include twinkling lights and bubbles that are intended to create a more elegant ocean setting.

“We’re going to have a lot more detailed decorations,” Wilkerson said. “I think we will hopefully make the gym feel more like home and almost smaller in a big space since it usually seems really big.”

No matter how many times you’ve been to a Homecoming dance, “Beneath the Blue” will not disappoint.

“I believe students should look forward to this being one of the best Homecomings they will have at LHS, especially if you’re a senior,” Marquis said. “For those who this is their first Homecoming, this will be one to remember.”

It wasn’t all sparkling seashells and pearls coming up with the theme itself, however. Hard work and dedication was required from all StuCo members.

“We come up with a lot of different themes and then we vote and choose one,” freshman Ana Dolsky said. “Then we have to brainstorm what we want to do and then split into committees so we can all come up with our own ideas. We came up with the parade, the color powder party and the spirit days.”

The final decision was an under the sea theme called “Beneath the Blue.”

With a fun and unique theme comes fun and unique spirit days. While spirit days can sometimes be predictable and repeated from years past, StuCo created some new ocean inspired spirit themes.

These included Beach day on Monday, Tropical Toons Tuesday, Squadruplet on Wednesday, Yacht Club on Thursday, all wrapped up with a classic Blue Out on Friday.

“We haven’t done twin day in a while and I think the ‘squadruplet’ idea is really fun,” StuCo adviser Erin Ramsey said. “I think we have some new and fresh ideas this time.”

Let’s Dance!

Where?

Cokely Fieldhouse When?

8:00-11:00 p.m.

Tickets at the door: $20 Photo by Morgan Clark

06

Above: StuCo members listen as Executive President Kamryn Downing leads a discussion about Homecoming.

News September 30, 2016

lhsnews.net

Sing it Loud and Proud Chamber Choir prepares for the Cantate Festival at UMKC. Story by Daisy Smith Music bonds people, not just by listening, but singing as well. It gets even better when musicians from different schools get to perform. The choirs get to attend the Cantate Chamber Choir festival at UMKC on October 2.

“Cantate Festival is a noncompetitive event where area chamber choirs from both Missouri and Kansas City Kansas come and sing for one another and we are judged by staff of the UMKC choral department. There are as many as four or five professionals giving us comments on our performance and then they rotate through. One of them will work on stage with the choir after they’ve performed,” choir director Rika Heruth said. “In the past, we have gotten just as much out of watching other choirs being cliniced as much as our own clinic.”

The word “cantate” is Italian for the word sing. LHS has been a part of the Cantate Festival for over 10 years. The Chamber Choir will perform in the White Recital Hall at UMKC. They also record their performance which could help them get selected to sing at regional and state conventions.

Many of the Chamber Choir members are already excited to go.

“I’ve heard all of the stories from both Dr. Heruth and Mr. Purdon and from the upper classmen who have been. They say that’s it’s just a whole lot of fun to go there, sing with UMKC, get help from conductors at UMKC and just to hang out with your friends,” sophomore Weston Brown said.

Before Chamber Choir heads off to UMKC on October 2, they prepare for the day they take the stage. They practice on Mondays from 7- 8:30 pm. They also rehearse sectionals with Dr. Heruth during Liberty Hour.

Photo by Connor Callahan

Prior to when they perform, the Chamber Choir is an audience. Once they’re in the building, the time before the

performance is a time for observation.

“Before we perform we sit and watch other choirs perform which is fun,” junior Jackson Witt said. “After, we have someone come on stage and work with us for a little bit and then we watch the rest of the choirs perform.”

The Cantate Festival is not just a time to showcase the school’s talent, it is also a time to see what other schools bring to the table and work on fixing certain elements of the songs. Not only is the festival a time to perform and watch performances, it’s also a time to make some good memories and hang out with friends. In fact, Chamber Choir has made a tradition of going to the to Cheesecake Factory to unwind after the performance, be with friends and eat cheesecake.

There are many good things that come out of this festival.

“It is great just having all of the hard work put in, nailing the performance and doing the best we could do,” senior Alex Palzkill said.

Photo by Connor Callahan

Above: Heruth leads Chamber Choir through their rehearsal for the Cantate Festival. Below: Sophomore Christian Peterson studies his music

News September 30, 2016

07

lhsnews.net

Making History

The new District Activity Center will make history by the fall of 2017.

Story by Caleb Lautenschlager

Since 1973, the Liberty football program has called William Jewell its home for Friday night games, but for the first time in over 40 years this may change for good. Niles Media and the Liberty Public School District are teaming up to build two ultimate district activity centers, one here at LHS and one at LNHS. The district activity center will not only allow for home football games to be played at LHS but will also be a place for the community and school to hold numerous other events.

Once the facility is finished it should bring not only a shift of environment to the campus but also a newfound pride in the student body and community.

“It’s going to be such a beautiful facility for students. I am so excited,” head principal April Adams said. “Obviously the complex itself, being able to house fans from both sides will be great. We also already have the beautiful turf field. It really just adds a sense of pride.”

The complex will include stands, a

concession setup, locker rooms, restrooms and a press box.

“I’m really looking forward to everything about it. I’m excited to be getting bleachers in, having seats on both the east and west side will be nice,” athletic director Jason Cahill said. “Also, the entry plaza where we can recognize everyone who has donated to this campaign and the facility will be a nice feature.”

“Obviously the complex itself, being able to house fans from both sides will be great. We also already have a beautiful turf field. It really just adds a sense of pride.”

-Principal April Adams.

The first stage of the build was new turf.

It has already been used for a variety of purposes such as freshmen football games, rugby, band practice, PE classes, soccer

games during the rain and even Pop Warner games on the weekend.

“It’s a community activity center,” Adams said. “We’ve had fundraisers out there in the past, we’ve even had Special Olympics out there too.”

Possibly one of the biggest and most exciting aspects of building the new complex is being able to house every home football game at LHS for the first time in over 40 years. Being able to hold home games on campus will make things a lot easier not only for the football team, but also the band and anyone else that may have to transfer equipment from the school to Williams Jewell.

“I think everyone’s going to like it,” sophomore Nate Gray said. “I know all the people involved in Friday nights will like it just because we won’t have to pack everything up and move it, so that will be good for us.”

Photos by Caitlyn Pearson and Jenna Axsom

08

Left: Students run laps on the track for P.E. class. Right: A view of the yard line markers on the new turf.

News September 30, 2016

lhsnews.net

Photo by Jenna Axsom

Above: Students run on the track during PE class.

Along with the advantages of not having to transfer equipment, the atmosphere inside the complex is expected to be electric.

“We’re going to bring a lot of that same tradition and the same noise but I think there’s going to be more to us just because it’s our field and our real territory,” senior Aidan Bishop said. “It’s definitely going to be the place to be on Friday nights.”

Before the complex can be built the money needed for it needs to be raised first. LPS and Niles Media are currently holding a fundraiser through May 2017.

A total of 4.9 million dollars needs to be raised. While a lot of the money will come from large corporations and businesses, there is still 2.9 million dollars that will need to be raised by the community.

“The fundraising gifts range (whether

it’s businesses or individuals) from 50 thousand dollars down to 100 dollars and below,” John Sprugel of Niles Media said.

“We also have another category if people want to donate below 100 dollars. This is an enormous undertaking but I know the entire Liberty community will respond and take pride in finishing the build of these activity complexes.”

If you’re interested in helping with the project or know someone who might want to donate money, information can be found in the complex brochures located at every school in the Liberty district. Donation information about the complex can also be found on the school district’s website.

If all goes right as far as donations and construction, the goal is to have the facility up and running by fall of 2017.

“We hope people will not wait to donate

until the end of the school year. We really want to get into it right now so we can be building throughout the year and be able to meet our goal of having these ready in the fall of 2017,” Sprugel said.

Overall, the complex is already making a lasting impact and once finished is expected to benefit the school and community in large ways through the upcoming years.

“I think this project is so huge. When we talk about Blue Jay pride and Eagle pride and legacy, this is a legacy action,” Adams said. “This is going to be serving our students through time. When we talk about impact factor, being able to have a district activities complex, that’s an impact factor for kids and that’s the most important part.”

Photo Caitlyn Pearson

Left: close up of the new paint on the turf field.

09 News September 30, 2016

lhsnews.net

Facing the Future Future Soldiers of America helps students interested in the military.

Story by Paige Twenter How do you go from a studying student to a saluting soldier? You finish up your studies and army crawl your way over to FSA. Future Soldiers of America helps guide students who are intrigued by the idea of joining the military.

“If you have any interest whatsoever in the military we have speakers come in as often as we can have them,” junior Robert Stepp said. “They’ll tell you anything about their experience. How to join, maybe what path you should take. They can guide you towards what may be better for you.”

Along with steering students towards their ideal career, FSA also helps prepare students for what to expect in the military.

“Some activities we’ve been a part of is the flag raising ceremony during Veterans Day, they were part of the flag ceremony during the Blue Jay Nation Kick-Off just this past week,” history teacher Jeffry

Wilkins said. “When they meet they typically talk about bringing in guest speakers, recruiters for example. They talk about drill and ceremony, so they practice that, how to march, stand at attention, do facing movements and things like this. It’s really a good place for those interested in the military to meet and talk.”

There are multiple benefits to joining the military to take account in, including getting a free education while also serving your country.

“I’ve always wanted to do something in the military engineering wise and I’ve always wanted to try to work hard. Maybe [the military] would help me get through schooling easier or what I want to do in the future,” sophomore CJ Coots said. “So I want to help out the Navy as well as be a Aerospace Engineer at NASA when I’m older.”

Over the past few years FSA has thrived not only with more members but

Photo by Mercedes Peck

10

more ideas to be more involved with the school and gain attraction throughout the community. The club is currently getting ready for the ASVAB test, which helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. They are also working on getting a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.

“We haven’t had a chance to do an ROTC here in Liberty which luckily, through the FSA and how popular our club is starting to get, we’ve gained more attraction on getting an ROTC for our school,” Stepp said. “[A ROTC is] a cadet training area, it kind of teaches you to go into boot camp. It teaches you the different drills, gets you physically fit and just kind of gets you disciplined and ready for boot camp.”

FSA was founded many years ago when four LHS students had the idea and initiative to start a club focused on the military.

Photo by Jack Barreca

Left: Senior Ethan Moore, junior Robert Stepp, freshman Robert Hayden, internal security officer, Lucas Jury.

Features September 30, 2016

lhsnews.net

“I had - many years ago - four seniors come to me. One had joined the Army, one had joined the Marines, one the Air Force and one the Navy. They wanted to start a club and they just needed a room to meet in and I agreed to be their sponsor,” Wilkins said. “So they started meeting in my room years ago, they got a lot of followers, they did drill and ceremony, physical training and then they elected a leader for the following year and it’s just continued on. It’s been eight years now.”

An interest in the military can appear from anywhere and at anytime and the main purpose of FSA is to grab ahold of

that interest and help transform it to the person’s best potential.

“My dad, uncle, grandpa and my great grandpa [were all] in the military and they seemed to really like it,” Coots said. “I [think] that my interest really sparked my freshman year when all these recruiters were asking what my interests were and what I want to do in life. They gave me a list of things I could do in the Navy and it just looked really exciting.”

The overall goal of this club is to have fun while keeping a strict routine that is up to military standards. FSA meets every Tuesday during Liberty Hour in room 905

and always welcomes new members.

“Why should they join this club? Not even for the military aspects of it but more or less it helps keep you focused, disciplined and teaches you leadership skills just in case you want them,” senior Nick Estes said. “And it may not be entirely important but it also teaches you how to handle yourself in semiprofessional social situations; how to talk to people about certain things, plus just overall gets you out of your comfort zone.”

FSA Basics When?

Tuesdays during Liberty Hour Where?

Room 905 Sponsor?

Jeffry Wilkins Why? Learn about life in the military Above photo by Jack Barreca. Below photo by Mercedes Peck

Top: freshman Riley Shaw, Stepp, Hayden, Moore and freshman Carter Yate practice movements.

Bottom: Hayden, Moore and Stepp stand at attention.

11 Features September 30, 2016

lhsnews.net

Behind the Scenes The steps behind producing KLHS. Story by Katie Moon “Good afternoon Jays and happy Friday.” The daily broadcast, KLHS, is viewed across the school every day. It is a great way to get the buzz out to students on screen about school activities, but what lies behind the scenes?

“I think the best part of KLHS is the announcements because they are very useful,” freshman John Manuel said. “I enjoy the show because it lets me know what is going on in the school and outside of school. I think the show gets better each week.”

There is more behind KLHS than the anchors, weather and sports reporters.

Like network shows, KLHS has producers, technical directors and audio editors.

“The producer of the show usually counts us down to intro and outro, like the producer for a movie,” sophomore Danny Johnston said. “Technical directors are mostly in the editing bay to make sure everything is flowing nicely and audio

editors make sure that everything sounds good and that all our mics are checked. We also have people who control the cameras to make sure everything looks good and a person who controls the prompter for the anchors reading the script.”

Photo by Kate Marshall

Photo by Morgan Clark

12

“My favorite position is to be on air because I love going through the process of making the show and running through the script,” junior Hannah Sanders said.

Another behind the scenes job is the camera worker. Unlike what others might think, this job does not carry much pressure due to the easy point and shoot camera.

“The camera is pretty basic,” junior Josie Wilkerson said. “What sets ours

apart is the screen in the front of them that we use as a prompter for our anchors.

The camera worker just has to make sure that the shot is in place and that they are in focus. Also camera people have the job of letting our anchors know when they start talking when we come back from a feature. We usually just count them down from 10 seconds.”

KLHS students change jobs every two weeks. Just like all jobs, everyone has a preferred task to perform.

“My favorite position is to be on air because I love going through the process of making the show and running through the script,” junior Hannah Sanders said.

“Usually we switch out from production to stories and we actually make the stories that you see on the broadcasts. Sometimes I will be doing that and even then if both positions are taken I will be in the studio room on audio.”

Left: Sophomore Peyton Larason records the weather section. Right: juniors Josie Wilkerson and Hannah Sanders prepare for a show.

Features September 30, 2016

lhsnews.net

Photo by Morgan Clark

Sophomores Danny Johnston and Mitchell Neth work behind the scenes to improve the quality of the production.

According to teacher Amanda Derryberry, for students who want to take part in KLHS, they first have to take beginning broadcasting to learn how to use the equipment. The equipment varies from very large cameras to smaller hand-held cameras, microphones and a vMix. A vMix is the switcher.

Next they can take advanced broadcasting to put on a daily show. The daily show is made during second hour and is broadcast during fourth hour the same day.

“Daily broadcasts usually take the entire [class] hour,” senior Olivia Book said. “It depends on how many run-throughs we have to do. Normally we do one, but if some words get jumbled up then we do a couple more.”

To prepare for the show, students work on staying positive and confident.

“Personally, I like to get pumped up for the show itself when I am on air because I think peppier and lively personalities are a

lot better,” Sanders said. “It makes it seem that you are more personal to the people who are watching.”

some help with technicians through that group,” Derryberry said. “We also have input from students and we have a bunch of students who are very good at graphic design who have helped to develop the new backdrops, lower thirds and weather backgrounds, so we are very fortunate.”

Photo by Kate Marshall

Sophomore Jackson Ogden records during second hour for the fourth period broadcast

The backdrops and backgrounds are designed by both a company and the students involved.

“We are fortunate to partner with a company called Niles Media, so we get

13 Features September 30, 2016

lhsnews.net

What are your goals?

“My goal for high school is to do a lot of good work and have a lot of fun. I’m in Marching Band and I hope to be in Jazz and All-District Band. I play the baritone, I’ve been playing since sixth grade. I would love to continue it after high school. I love hanging out with people and playing video games. If anything, I would love to get into a job with computers. I would love to program or design video games.”

Do you have a best memory?

“Probably playing football with my older brother.

It was a chill day, we had gone outside and we were playing a football game. I really admire my brother.

We have our differences but at the end of the day it’s all in good fun. We have a very close relationship, but sometimes it gets kind of rowdy.”

What was your turning point?

“Going into middle school was very different, I didn’t really have a social life. Then in seventh grade I really opened myself up and because of that I started acting.

I was in the next four plays and musicals that were for our middle school. The independence you get in high school is kind of shocking.”

Cynthia Hauser’s thoughts...

“Landyn is a student who I can count on to have his homework and be ready to go with any questions. I know that he’s going to do something positive with his talents. I believe that whatever he chooses to do in life, he’s going to make a difference.”

Freshman 14

Landyn Cowger Story by Haley Stephenson

Spotlight September 30, 2016

Photo by Conner Callahan

lhsnews.net

What are you involved in?

“I’m heavily involved in the theatre department and forensics and debate. I’m in Chamber Choir, which is an extra-curricular and I’m in Concert Choir during school. I’m also in FCA and Breakfast Club. I do private vocal lessons and I do a lot of volunteer work with special needs kids. It’s something I’m really passionate about doing.”

What are your aspirations?

“I really want to make All-District Choir. I didn’t get the chance to audition last year, but now I do have the chance, so the day of Homecoming I will go audition.

Hopefully that works out the way that I want it to. I just really want to learn how to balance everything that’s going on right now.”

What impact can you make?

“I really want to be someone that people can always depend on because I always try to find people like that.

I try to surround myself with people that I want to be like. I want to be like that for younger kids. I want to show people that I’m someone that they can always lean on if they need to.”

Tim Baldwin’s thoughts...

“What impresses me about Kelsey is her ability to take on multiple endeavors. She’s active in theater, speech and debate and she’s an outstanding student. I think that speaks highly of her ability to manage her time.”

Sophomore

Kelsey Pierce Story by Joey O’Kelly

Spotlight September 30, 2016

Photo by Ashley Ritter

15

lhsnews.net

How are you involved in school?

“I’m currently involved in ‘Beauty and The Beast’ which is going to be a very fun show. A goal of mine for high school is to do as much as I can to get involved because you’re probably not going to get these same experiences after. I was really afraid of meeting new people. My freshman year I tried to stay close to my friends in middle school., but I started to open up more and met new people.”

What has impacted your life?

“I have a prosthetic right foot. I lost it in a lawnmower accident. My accident happened when I was two and it has impacted me a lot because if it never happened I probably wouldn’t be doing a lot of what I’m doing today. It’s never stopped me because I don’t look at it as a disability, I look at it as something that motivates me to overcome anything that’s in my path.”

How do you feel about music?

“Music has really changed my views on a lot of things. I personally think that it should be a required course because it really does open the mind. It’s physical, it’s emotional and it’s really impacted me because if music weren’t in my life, I would probably just sit at home and do nothing, especially because I really can’t play sports with my prosthetic.”

Michael Turpin’s thoughts...

“Dylan’s personality is very infectious in a good way, he’s very outgoing. He just lights up the room when he walks in or any conversation that he’s a part of. It was cool to see how he balanced Forensics with his school work.”

Junior

16

Dylan Moran Story by Haley Stephenson

Spotlight September 30, 2016

Photo by Chrystian Noble

lhsnews.net

Where have you traveled?

“When I was a freshman I went to Italy. It was so beautiful and just things you see in pictures. You never imagine going there, it was unforgettable.

It was a trip with Orchestra and we got to play in Mozart’s mother’s attic. We played in lots of cathedrals. It was really cool because they were open performances.”

Why did you join Environmental Club?

“I joined Environmental Club because I like the environment and I want to help preserve it and keep it safe. Obviously I’m a student and I don’t have very much money, so I can’t do much myself, but I can try and get some people in high school to do it.”

What makes you unique?

“Everybody thinks I’m really shy, which I am to some degree, but I’m like a little egg: you just kind of have to crack me open and then just so much comes out. I mean, I’m really weird and I spend a lot of time with my little sister because she just matches my weirdness so much and we do stupid things. There’s so much underneath the surface that people don’t see and they have to get to know me really well to see it.”

Rick Knowles’ thoughts...

“Dana has been a wonderful leader in Environmental Club. She has stepped up and organized a lot of things, and she’s going to make this club very active this year.”

Senior

Dana Bartch Story by Alex Rogers

Spotlight September 30, 2016

Photo by Caitlyn Pearson

17

lhsnews.net

Why did you move to LHS? “We decided to move here because we wanted to make sure that our children would be able to be in a good school system. [We thought] it would be ideal if I could find a job in Liberty, but when I applied to Liberty Schools, there wasn’t a counseling job. I was just always hoping that something would open up and then one day it magically did.”

What are your past jobs?

“This is my 6th year as a counselor. Before I decided to do counseling, I worked in a homeless shelter in North Carolina and with GoodWill as a job coach.

Counseling has definitely in some way, shape, form or fashion been a part of my jobs as an adult.”

What are your hobbies?

“Outside of [LHS], if I’m not taking my kids to Penguin Park, which is their favorite place to go right now, or going out to different Mexican restaurants trying to find one that we really like, then we are hanging out in the backyard, playing [and] visiting different things in Kansas City. In my free time I like to do Zumba and I am looking for an adult dance program so that I can start dancing again.”

Senior McKenna Still’s thoughts...

“Mrs. McCallum might be a new counselor, but she’s been really helpful especially for me [with] college plans and plans beyond college. I know that she is already well-liked by other current students and I’m sure future Blue Jays will feel the same.”

Counselor 18

Trilaina McCallum Story by Alex Rogers

Spotlight September 30, 2016

Photo by McKenna Hegger

lhsnews.net

Why did you get involved?

“I taught [for] 10 years at Basehor Linwood High School in Kansas where I got the chance to teach many different math classes and I thoroughly enjoyed that. When I retired, I wanted to get involved in some volunteer work. Since I already had two golden retrievers, I thought I would get involved with Pet Partners.”

Do the dogs have talents?

“The main thing that they [Tanner and Cooper] do is just give therapy to everyone. When we come to schools like LHS, the administrative assistants go nuts over the dogs. We mainly come to see Mrs. Fowler’s class on Wednesday during fourth hour, but I’ve kind of branched out and now visit Mr. Simpson’s Advisory Class on Wednesday also.”

What effect do your visits have?

“Part of the reason we go [to LHS] is because students who like dogs will get a smile on their face. If they’re having difficulty dealing with problems, then they usually become much calmer. The dogs have a calming effect on all types of students and clients that we see.”

Junior Jake Witherow’s thoughts...

“All of the thanks go to Doug for raising the dogs and deciding ‘hey I’m going to come here every Wednesday.’ I think the dogs are a great part of the school. They provide help to a lot of kids who need it.”

Support Service

Doug Earnhart Story by Joey O’Kelly

Spotlight September 30, 2016

Photo by Jack Barreca

19 lhsnews.net

Holding on to Hope

Students and staff share ways to find hope.

Story by Annika Fuller, Madeline Hensley and Caroline Parry With a new school year hope is born again. Even though a collective groan sounds across LHS because summer comes to an end, a new school year promises a clean slate. It’s a chance to start strong and achieve new and old goals.

The Webster’s dictionary of hope is as follows, ‘to want something to happen or be true and think that it could happen or be true.’ An idea of hope is not so black and white though. Everyone experiences hope differently and interrupts how it affects their life differently.

At the beginning of the school year, each advisory wrote down their hopes for the school year. This is why “hope” was the theme for the beginning of the year - the intention of spreading and growing hope at LHS. Not only did people write down their hopes for the school year, they also thought about what hope means to them and how they have seen hope in their life.

Student Hopes “[My hope is to] work really hard towards both school and sports this year,” sophomore Evan Nelson said.

There is no doubt that wishing for the future to be brighter than the present moment is what can skyrocket hope and

“I stay hopeful by knowing I have myself, my friends and knowing that the grass is always greener on the other side.”

-senior Marcella Reeder

turn one’s day around. And while some may find it hard to see a future being better than what they are going through currently, know that there are people who see students’ futures as brighter than ever.

“You have to go out of your way to look for the positive things in your life,” senior Cameron Prater said.

High school is just a drop in the bucket compared to the difference a person can make in the world. High school is the starting point and hope is the idea that fuels the desire to continue to make a difference. Hope allows people to not just want to make difference but to actually take action. “[It means] giving the utmost respect to someone, not judging them, giving them that positivity in their lives,” senior Marcella Reeder said. “Just a simple high-five, a smile that will help them out through their day, and giving them the light in their eyes.”

Good grades are not only what students hope for in the school year, they also hope for a better year and great memories.

“My hope for the school year is to have no regrets, make new memories, and just improve on what I had my freshman year,” Reeder said.

High school is an all-inclusive and diverse place in which students and staff can help others grow and grow themselves.

The thought and presence of hope helps extraordinary things happen. The goal of high school is not just to produce students who can memorize information, but to produce young people with hopes that will propel them to a bright future.

Hope is a choice High school is hard. Life is hard. There are moments when students feel the weight begin to build to where they look up and only see hardships. And then there are those times, when they pick up their heads and find the hope they needed and begin to rise.

“I stay hopeful by surrounding myself with people who make me feel happy,” sophomore Sarah Keenan said. “Also having my friends support and setting goals for myself. Completing those goals and my friends completing their goals makes me happy.”

Even when society seems to push students to hope for certain things, it’s okay to push back and discover true hopes.

“Society puts on strict rules and that you have to be a certain way,” sophomore McKenzie Greenwood said.

“It can affect you negatively if the rules are you have to be like this, you have to act like this, but having the inner hope can erase all that and help you be you.”

Although something in life may look bleak, it’s a person’s decision to hold onto hope while being held down by those challenges.

“Last year, I had one of the best school years I ever had. My hope for this year is to have a better year and try new things that I never thought about doing.”

-sophomore Sarah Keenan

20 InDepth September 30, 2016

lhsnews.net

Hopeful Administrators

“No matter how rough things

get or how dark they appear; things are going to change.

It is not easy to always keep the hope in situations that wear a person down.

Students carry a lot on their shoulders, and sometimes choose not to allow others to help. Sometimes people choose to live in destruction. However, that is what the staff at LHS is here to help with.

“Hope is important because it can drive one to pursue a new day, a new opportunity, a new life!” Administrator Melissa Allshouse said. “You have to believe and hope in what you would like to obtain in order to work toward it. It makes tomorrow very important to live.”

Hope is the catalyst for enjoying life and hope drives our dreams.”

-history teacher Jeffry Wilkins

Wilkins agrees.

A positive perspective on life is vital because it’s no ones choice but their own if the glasses they’re looking through life at are murky or clear. A pessimistic outlook

on life can be damaging on both yourself and others around you. When you’re positive, optimism spreads.

“If you got to see what I got to see and got to be with the kids I got to be with, you would never think the future is bleak,” vice principal Bridget Herrman said. “They are amazing and so energized about what is about to come.”

At times when students are feeling hopeless, it’s important to know that they can always reach out and share their problems with the LHS staff.

“Let us carry your burden, and if you let us, you’re going to feel a little freer,” Herrman said.

Are you feeling hopeless?

“Hope to me means, seeing the brighter side of situations that seem like you can’t get yourself out of.”

-Senior Danielle Koger

Here are some ways to help:

-A teacher or counselor -A trusted friend -A parent -Sprigeo -Crisis text line: text “GO” to741741 -Synergy -Call 911 -National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (24/7)

Who in your life gives you the most hope?

359 students replied.

Friends

24.8% Family

32.6%

Boyfriend/ Girlfriend

7% 16.7%

18.9%

Yourself

“[I stay hopeful by] staying positive and pushing through when it gets rough.”

-freshman Logan Reiter

Spiritual Life

21 InDepth September 30, 2016

lhsnews.net

Where have you seen hope?

“I’ve seen hope change my cousin’s life. A few years ago, my cousin got in a terrible car accident and the doctors said that she could never walk again. Now, my cousin jogs every day.”

-junior Troy Saviano

“When I was born, my parents went through the infirmary and they hoped and prayed for me, so they named me hope.”

-freshman Hope Peck

How does education play a role in hope?

“Education is so amazing because you really do get a new day. There is always that opportunity. Education is hopeful. It is essence.”

-administrator Bridget Herrman

“My hope for the future is that I want to become the best person I can be. I want to make the world a better place.”

-history teacher Ellen Meade

What is your hope for the school year?

“My hope for the school year are to get good grades and honestly just survive the school year. Junior year might be difficult.”

-junior Reagan Krueger

Why is hope so important?

“No matter how rough things get or how dark they appear; things are going to change.

You have to be hopeful for that.”

-history teacher Jeffry Wilkins

22 InDepth September 30, 2016

lhsnews.net

BENEATH THE BLUE

BLUEJAY DANCE OCTOPUS

HOMECOMING POWDERPARTY UNDERWATER

RAINBOWFISH SWIM SEAWEED

FOOTBALL PARADE WAVES

Ditch the Glitch Editorial by Editor in Chief Hannah Leonard

Hell hath no fury like the rage that boils inside of you when that little spinning rainbow pinwheel pops up on your computer and freezes your screen. It seems every day brings new advancements in technology that are supposedly going to

make our lives easier… if we can get them to work properly.

These devices have been created by the greatest minds in our generation, advancing society decades ahead of our time, but then again maybe not because by the time they actually load it will be the 22nd century. Companies are quick to sell products as “state of the art,” “limited edition” and available in a total of… wait for it… TWO colors. But in reality, people are just paying hundreds of dollars to run out of storage after downloading one of their updates to “fix” the malfunctions they failed to resolve before selling it in the first place.

I was fortunate enough to grow up before the technological takeover hit too hard. Nowadays society is dependent upon technology for everything. What is meant for convenience has become more of a nuisance in my experiences. Every

No Judgement Zone

single teacher I have had in my high school career has spent at least one class period trying to get their lesson set up and failing due to faulty technology alone. The excuse of your dog eating your homework is now that your school issued laptop had to update or wouldn’t connect to the internet... only it’s not a lie.

We have become victims to “the spinning pinwheel of death,” as I like to call it. Sure modern engineering has proven beneficial, but is it so hard for society to accept that sometimes “the old fashioned way” is the best way?

Everyone is so concerned with improving and perfecting what is already functional that these “advancements” are actually counter-productive set-backs. It is time to ditch the glitches of modern technology and stop relying on machines to run our lives for us when more often than not, they won’t run themselves.

Editoral by Managing Editor Emily Johannes

People like to judge other people. A lot.

I’ve learned people judge you for things you do and clothes you wear. It starts around second grade and doesn’t ever stop, even once you hit senior year and expect people to grow up. It’s taken me a long time to not care what people

24

think about my appearance, actions and anything else about me. Now I generally do what I want (within reason of course) and pay little attention to the negative reactions people may have.

A big part of this attitude came about when I realized it was such a waste of time to be worrying about something many wouldn’t even notice. However, this doesn’t mean I still don’t get anxious when I first put on something that I’ve never seen anyone else in Liberty wear, or have heard people call it ridiculous. I have just gotten better at tuning out those thoughts, moving on with my day and maybe Instagramming my outfit later as a way to show myself it’s no big deal.

In middle school, I would wear the same Aéropostale shirts over and over again because I was secure in the idea that they were “safe” options and wouldn’t draw attention to myself. Today, I occasionally buy clothes based on how “unsafe” they are, simply because I like the way they look.

Opinion September 30, 2016

I have found this principle can be transferred to areas besides fashion as well. My taste in music, political views and aspirations are all reflective of me doing what I want, how I want. This isn’t me saying, “Oh I’m so different from everyone in everyway!” This is me saying I decide for myself if I like something, instead of relying on other people’s opinions to form my own. My political views used to change at the drop of a hat, based on who I last talked to and same for the music I listened to, AKA, a lot of Coldplay and Owl City.

The point I’m trying to make is that life is way easier once you stop basing your decisions completely off of other people’s opinions. When you only listen to others and not yourself, your decisions aren’t really your own and it can be difficult to know who you are as a person. Finding who you are outside of other people’s opinions and judgements can be difficult, but all it takes is a little risk.

lhsnews.net

Preparation Before the Jump Editorial by Copy/Opinion Editor Lacy Williams

You know that preparation you do in your mind before jumping into a cold pool?

You mentally prepare yourself for the ice cold water. Then, when you finally jump, you’re surprised. Now whether that be from the freezing cold water, or the fact it wasn’t as cold as you once thought;

you are surprised. I haven’t jumped into that cold water yet. I’m in the preparation stage. That is how my senior year is starting: preparation before the jump.

So as I prepare for this jump, I’ve given myself a head start on college applications. I’ve practiced for the ACT test and have reviewed old notes for my newest classes. I’ve written countless essays due to my mother’s pushiness. I’ve done more college research than some scientists in order to make my senior year go swimmingly.

This summer I realized I found the school of my dreams: St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Being the prestigious private music school it is, tuition is expensive. Fortunately, my family has done as much as they can to save for college. However, this was not at all what we were planning. I have done my fair share of helping by getting a job, getting good grades and taking

difficult classes. These little things have already given me a boost on my St. Olaf preparation. If you know me, I eat, sleep and breathe music. Therefore, this is my biggest goal going into senior year.

Sink or swim, that’s where the line is drawn for seniors. We have to apply for colleges, don’t even get me started on the hundreds of colleges I have never heard of until they came sliding into my email.

If that stress isn’t enough, we then have to apply for scholarships. How many scholarships do we need to apply for to even receive one? The struggle is real. As tedious as scholarships applications are, they are absolutely worth it. Even applying to two scholarships a day would help get the cost down. Hopefully.

I thought that jump into the cold water was for senior year. I thought that ice cold water was just the college application process. I’m about to jump into a bigger pond to figure out where my future leads.

Where’s the Motivation?

Editorial by Ads Manager Daryl Gichui

As I drive home from practice bopping my head to Shawn Mendes on the radio, I’ll vaguely try to remember some of the important things I need to do before I go to bed. Maybe I need to write some notes for my government class, finish my math homework or sign syllabuses. Although,

Opinion September 30, 2016

after a long day of assignments and lectures, I’m running on fumes once I finally plop my bag down and sit at my desk.

My motivation to start working is miniscule and I think, “why not get off on the right foot this year and get started as soon as….” Then before I know it, I’m rushing to the kitchen to see what my mom cooked for dinner that day, I’ll make and eat a sandwich, talk about the news with my dad, return to the kitchen for another sandwich, finally get back to my room, avoid my backpack like the plague and watch Netflix for a couple more hours.

I believe procrastination is easily the worst and most dangerous habit a person can have. It’s similar to a box of girl scout cookies. You start small by grabbing a cookie or two, wait a little while, grab another one and before you know it, you have a stomach ache and there’s a whole sleeve missing.

I’ll try my best to counter it by using website blocks, closing my door, putting my phone and Nintendo 3DS in another room, turning off the TV or using snacks as motivation. Despite my efforts to keep myself focused, the productivity doesn’t last long. I end up paying for my mistakes during class, as I’m rushing to finish work due for classes an hour or two later. Yet on the days I decide to start working the moment I get home, I seem to accomplish a lot more and still have time to do fun stuff, weird right?

Every year I realize I’ll always have the urge to put off work and do what I want, whether or not it’s actually important.

Senioritis isn’t just for seniors, it’s a long term habit. As long as I’m able to trudge through and actually start doing my work, I end up having time to do what I want stress free.

25

lhsnews.net

Should Couples Split the Bill at Homecoming?

Staff Editorial by Riley Kelley It’s that time of year again. The time of year where money is spent on everything from sparkly dresses to corsages to fancy dinners. Homecoming is a time of year where people have high price tags to consider, especially when attending the dance with a date. When comparing traditional values and modern society, The Bell staff raised the question, should couples split the expenses of Homecoming? Chivalry isn’t dead, but according to The Bell staff, it definitely shouldn’t be a primary focus when it comes to Homecoming.

From the time that dating became popular, it has become a social expectation that in heterosexual relationships, the guy pays for the date. The Bell staff suggests that it might not be a bad thing to challenge this social norm. One staff member suggested that in a more modern society, it is okay to move away from traditional values and share more equally

in paying for Homecoming. It was agreed that equality is necessary and splitting the bill should become more standard, but being polite and offering to pick up the bill isn’t always a bad thing either.

Money definitely doesn’t grow on trees and if anybody knows that, it’s the average high school student. Having high expectations can be a good thing, but bringing high expectations to the table during Homecoming can create an unfair situation. One teacher mentioned that the bill should be split because for Homecoming because girls tend to expect lavish nights out and these high expectations aren’t always fair for. One staff member suggested that you should always be prepared to split the bill and pay for yourself, but it’s okay to accept an offer for the other person to pay every once in awhile.

Staff members also recognized that not every couple is the same. Not every couple

is a heterosexual couple, not every couple consists of two people who go to the same school and not every couple has the same idea about who pays. Another teacher said that whoever formally asks should be the one who pays. A different view was that when a couple attends two separate schools, the person whose Homecoming is being attended should have to cover the expenses.

Homecoming is a special occasion and everyone deserves to feel special on such a big night. However, The Bell staff believes that the expenses that come with it shouldn’t be the concern of only one person. Traditional practices, when it comes to paying for dates, are outdated in a modern society. Not every couple is the same and open communication without high expectations can help paying for Homecoming go more smoothly. The Bell staff voted that couples should split the expenses of Homecoming.

Staff Vote: Yes: 19 No: 3 Illustration by Daryl Gichui

26

The articles in the Opinion section do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the entire Bell staff. Please feel free to comment, compliment or critize anything you see in this section in a Letter to the Editor at lwil1524@student.lps53.org.

Opinion September 30, 2016

lhsnews.net

Homecoming Dance What are YOU wearing?

Senior: Marcella Reeder Junior: Tre Heaton Sophomore: Aubrey Peterson Freshman: Lexi Giamalva

27 A&E September 30, 2016

lhsnews.net

Remake Me This

Student’s share their thoughts on Disney originals verses remakes.

Story by Liz Gammon “Far off places, daring swordfights, magic spells, a prince in disguise!” words of Belle’s from ‘Beauty and the Beast’ perfectly describe any Disney movie.

Walt Disney films are well known with kids and teens everywhere. Due to their popularity, many classics have been remade.

The beauty of a remake is how different it can be. Little changes in character background can sometimes completely transform the story. In many of the newer Disney remakes, the tales are told a little differently, making them sometimes more engaging than the original.

“I don’t think that they stick entirely to the original stories,” sophomore Aubrey Peterson said. “But I think they try to use the characters and make them a little more interesting and not as flat as they were in the original movies,” There are a few differences in characters from the originals to the remakes, but those miniscule differences can sometimes make a huge impact to a new developing story. Those contrasts can also change the story quite a bit. Though

there are differences, sometimes contrasts can make a story more complete and even superior.

“I think they take liberties to make it modern, especially with the technology we have,” sophomore Aubrey Peterson said.

“In ‘Sleeping Beauty,’ the true love’s kiss was obviously the prince. But, in the remake the true love was Maleficent, who took care of Sleeping Beauty when she was little. I thought that difference was really cool,” freshman Kandace Graves said.

Something people might be wondering is why Disney decided to remake those classics.

“I think Disney decided to remake some of the movies because the hype of it all kind of died down,” Graves said. “They wanted to do something that made it more popular so more people would want to look forward to the remake.”

“I like the new ones better just because it has a lot more special effects,” freshman Paige Hammond said.

28

Photo by McKenna Hegger

Some of the remakes may not have been popular based on the new story line, but on the effects and visual aspect that live action gave the movies.

“I feel like they remade the original movies to renew the graphic quality of it and renew the story to make it more interesting,” Peterson said.

Most people seem to like remakes better because they tell a unique story with the guidelines of the classics. Some movies appear to get renewed almost entirely.

Do you like the remake or original of Alice in Wonderland better?

58.8% Original

41.2% Remake Photo by Isabella Siefkas

A&E September 30, 2016

lhsnews.net

“With movies like ‘Alice in Wonderland’, the original was extremely confusing and the remake, to me, I like a lot better because it was easier to understand,” Peterson said.

The newer movies are seemingly more interesting, detailed and obviously more centered around today’s demographic.

However, the older movies have their own style and are clearly known as the classics.

The remakes are noticeably captivating, but altogether, which one is better? The classic or the remake?

“I like the new one’s better just because it has a lot more special effects and overall just looks a lot better,” Hammond said.

Though the remakes might be made to be better than the original, they’re still some old- timers out there that just love the classics.

“I am a sucker for the original movies because there’s that nostalgia to it,” Peterson said.

These Disney movies aren’t just made for children. The remakes are also there to show the people that grew up with the classics, a different spin on an original story.

“I thought the Cinderella remake was really cute. I saw the new ‘Cinderella’ in theaters with my twins,” business teacher Adrienne Fowler said. “And Cinderella was the first movie that wasn’t animated that they went to see and they were captivated the whole time.”

Disney has always made classic movies that almost everyone has seen. So which one is truly better, the remake or the classic? In the end, the decision is really up to viewers.

Do you like the original or the remake of Cinderella better?

Do you like the remake of Maleficent or the original Sleeping Beauty better?

Photo by McKenna Hegger

“I think because the hype of it all kind of died down and they wanted to do something that made it more popular so more people would want to look forward to the remake,” freshman Kandace Graves said.

88.2% Original

11.8% Remake

52.9% Original

47.1% Remake

“I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing: that it all started with a mouse,” Walt Disney.

29 A&E September 30,2016

lhsnews.net

Athletes of Max Martin Interview by Delaney Tarpley

Photo by McKenna Hegger

Grade: Senior Height: 5’10’’ Best 5k Time: 16:49 Favorite Food: Pizza

“The main reason I like cross country is because of the people I run it with.

Running with all of the guys on the team is awesome. I also enjoy working hard. I’m a really goal driven person, so running is a really good sport where you can set those goals for yourself. Cross country takes up a lot of time, but it has helped me develop a great work ethic and make friends.”

-Senior Max Martin “Max is a great teammate as well as a great leader. He’s always pushing us beyond what we think we can do. I believe I’m a better athlete because of him and everyone on our team benefits from him being there to push us. Not only that, but he also really cares about us. He always wants to know how we’re doing and how we’re feeling, which is something everyone appreciates.”

-Sophomore Riley Brookins “Max is a great leader. He’s like having a second coach on the field. Max’s teammates speak highly of him and his positive attitude is contagious with the rest of the team. He is determined and has an absolute sense of mission. He has a great work ethic that will make him successful in whatever he pursues.”

-Coach Robert Marquardt

Jordan Johnson Interview by Zahra Khan

“My favorite thing about volleyball is being on a team and being a family with a bunch of girls who all share a common love for a sport. I’m looking forward to winning conference, we have a really good shot. Individually I want to overcome beating down on myself because I know my team depends on me, so I want to work on being better mentally. The best part is that we are a family, we all get along, we can joke over anything and fight over the little things but that’s what a family does.”

- Jordan Johnson “My favorite thing about Jordan is her humorous attitude on and off the court.

During practice it’s never too serious because Jordan’s always right at it with a joke.

Jordan has a great attitude and she always brings a lot of effort to practice everyday.

She is always there to encourage people and she gets along with everyone on the team from freshmen to seniors.”

- Senior Emma Cohalla “Jordan moved to Liberty from Ohio last year. We are so thankful that she came to us so we would get to know this super awesome young lady. She provides us with a big block and a great slide which is hard for the other team to defend. Also Jordan’s ball control continues to get better and better. My favorite thing about her is her fun-loving personality and how she is always improving.”

-Coach April Fleming .

30 Sports September 30, 2016

Photo by Morgan Clark

Grade: Junior Height: 6’2’’ Position: Mid Hitter Favorite Food: Gummy Bears lhsnews.net

the Month

Cameron Murphy Interview by Delaney Tarpley

“I really like the team. I have a lot of friends who have been swimming with me for almost 10 years. It’s fun to swim with them and it’s also fun to do well and go to state. State was probably the best weekend of my life. It’s a great time. My dad is a swim coach and I played a lot of other sports growing up, but then I tried swim and I’ve just stuck with it because I’m good at it and really enjoy it.”

- Cameron Murphy “I’ve swam with Cameron for a long time. He’s a good guy to swim with and we’re both the only distance swimmers, so we train together. He’s a great leader who helps to push us all to be the best we can be and is great at pumping up the team before a meet. Even though my actual brother’s off at college, Cameron is someone I can look up to as a brother.”

- Sophomore Sam Coday “Cameron is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever had. He’s swam year-round competitively since he was probably eleven. So he’s developed a strong work ethic, which he brings to the team everyday. Often times he’s leading the team, even though he’s only a sophomore.”

-Coach Chris Murphy

Photo by Grace Buehler

Grade: Sophomore Height: 5’10’’ Best 500m Freestyle Time: 4:42.53 Favorite Food: Pasta

Raeli Howerton Interview by Zahra Khan

“My favorite thing about softball is getting to work as a team because you get to contribute individually but you are playing for your teammates. I do it for my team. I want to overcome errors and eliminate them this season so I can be the best I can be for my team. My teammates always support and cheer each other on, they always pick me up when I’m down. One thing I’m proud of is that I have hit five home runs and made some plays on defense this season so far.”

- Raeli Howerton .

Photo by Ashley Ritter

Grade: Freshman Height: 5’7’’ Position: Short Stop Favorite Food: Chocolate Sports September 30, 2016

“Raeli brings energy to the team and comes in clutch with good hits and plays. She also does well under pressure and comes through for the team. Raeli’s a great teammate because it doesn’t matter how I’ve been doing in a game or if I made an error, she is always there to pick me up and comes through for our teammates as well.”

- Sophomore Kaylee Parker “My favorite thing about Raeli is just her work ethic, she’s 100% business. She also has a high level of play and aggressiveness. She is very serious on the field and is really aggressive running bases and at the plate. She has hit five home runs already this season. To be a freshman and being on varsity and getting five home runs is memorable. She is a hard worker and has fun out on the field but also is serious when it is time to play. Just her ability to step right in and play has surprised me.”

-Coach Scott Howard

31

lhsnews.net

Serving It Up Hot

The Lady Jays tennis team aims for one of their best seasons in history.

Story by Jenna Spence

The Varsity Girls Tennis team is undeniably having one of the best seasons in LHS history. The Lady Jays are 13-1 on the season, conference champions and well on their way to being district champions.

“This is the first year where we have beaten all of the private schools on our schedule,” head varsity coach Pam Koch said. “Those schools included Pembroke Hill High School, Notre Dame de Sion High School and St. Teresa’s Academy.”

It was also the first time the Lady Jays have beaten Notre Dame de Sion in the past seven years.

The Sion tennis team has made state appearances every year for the past several years, so to be able to beat such a successful team made the Lady Jays excited for the rest of the season.

“We didn’t realize how good we were or the potential that we have until we beat Sion,” senior Alex Rogers said. “That has really given us a little bit more of a drive.”

The Lady Jays reported that they played all of their toughest competition in the beginning of their schedule. Teams in the Lady Jays’ Conference are almost always toward the end of their regular season schedule.

“I think because we have beaten the hard teams in the beginning of our schedule, it has helped us continue to win our matches against the rest of the teams that we are playing,” sophomore Anna Persell said.

“Private school teams usually have a lot stronger teams so it was a really big deal to beat all of them.”

The Lady Jays have played great tennis in conference as well. They are 4-0 in conference and became champions on September 8 after beating St. Joe Central 9-0.

32

Photo by Mara Fryer

The Lady Jays point their success to many things, but the main one is that they have a very deep roster.

“Players one through six on varsity are really strong,” junior Megan Dolsky said.

“Last year we only had a really strong top

three and the bottom of the ladder wasn’t as strong.”

The ladder is a term used in tennis for the top six varsity players. The higher on the ladder a player is (which would be first), the higher ranked they are. The six varsity players consist of senior Alex Rogers, juniors Riley Kelley and Megan Dolsky, sophomore Anna Persell and freshmen Colby Kelley and Samantha Seggerman.

The Lady Jays only lost three seniors last year, and were replaced this year by two freshmen.

“We’re still good despite the talent that we have lost, unlike other schools who have lost a lot of talent and were unable to replace it,” Rogers said. “That isn’t a problem for us.”

Freshmen Kelley and Seggerman are the number one doubles team on varsity and are undefeated on the season.

“Being a freshman on varsity was pretty weird at first because everyone already knew each other,” Seggerman said. “The team is really open and really nice. I have made a lot of new friends and bonded well with the team.”

Photo by Mara Fryer

Top: Senior Grace Williams prepares to hit an over-head volley. Bottom: Senior Kaylea Carmichael hits a forehand while warming up.

Sports September 30, 2016

lhsnews.net

Photos by Mara Fryer

Top left: Sophomore Corrine Katzer hits a backhand. Top right: Junior Ava Whitebird serves the ball in a match against LN. Bottom left: Sophomore Hannah Rohm Bottom right: Senior Grace Williams hits a volley at the net in a doubles match with partner, senior Kaylea Carmicael.

The Lady Jays have very high expectations for the postseason. There is one thing on the team’s mind this season and that is advancing to state.

In Tennis, you can advance to state in three ways. Singles, where it is a one on one match, doubles, which is two on two, or a team can advance to state as a whole.

“The senior and juniors were on the team when we had a really good group a couple of years ago,” Koch said. “They understand that you can be really good and still not make it to state as a team but you

Sports September 30, 2016

can as an individual.”

Individually advancing to state is looking very attainable for a lot of the girls, so they are mainly focusing on finding a way to get to state as a team.

“A goal for myself is to go back to state with my doubles partner,” Rogers said.

“Because of how well we’re doing in regular season, we have more of a hunger for postseason now.”

Other girls have yet to go to state, but are very determined to make this their year.

“I want to personally make it out of

districts for singles,” Dolsky said. “I got third last year and only the first and second place winners advance. I think that I have a good chance this year.”

It can really only get better from here for the Lady Jays. If they continue the season playing the best tennis that they can, the season should be smooth sailing.

“I expect the team to continue playing hard and being competitive,” Koch said. “If they play their best, it’s all that they could do.”

33

lhsnews.net

Blue Machine

Liberty football continues one of the best season starts ever.

Story by Marcus Myvett

For those who have yet to join the student section at a football game to support the boys in blue, now’s the time to join!

There have been some really exciting things happening for the Blue Jays this football season with the Inaugural Dueling Talons game and the Military game. The excitement will continue with the Homecoming game against Platte County tonight.

Liberty vs Liberty North In the first quarter, LHS’ Robert Rawie ran 14 yards for a touchdown, and the point after kick by LHS’ Drew Mackie was good, tying it all up at 7-7 with eight minutes left in the first quarter.

With 45 seconds left in the second quarter, LNHS’ Jon Redmond ran for -5 yards, getting LHS a safety, taking down LNHS’ lead 14-9.

Early in the third quarter, LHS’ Kaiden Hulett returned the kickoff for an 85 yard touchdown, putting the Blue Jays in the ead with the Eagles trailing 16-14.

Near the start of the fourth quarter, Rawie ran for two yards, getting another touchdown for LHS, and Mackie’s kick was good, giving the Blue Jays a huge lead 3014. Later in the fourth quarter, Bayton, for LNHS, ran for a three yard touch down, but Bayton’s two point conversion failed, leaving the score at 30-20, getting a Blue Jay win, expanding LHS’ winning streak 3-0.

In a survey out of 414 responses, 77.3% said that they went to the LHS vs LNHS game, 73.2% said, “it was lit.”

The student section during the LHS vs LNHS game was packed. The football players enjoyed having so many fans and classmates cheering them on against their rivals.

34 Sports September 30, 2016

Photo by Lacy Williams

Top left: The student section cheers on the Jays against Liberty North. Bottom right: sophomore Drew Mackie blocks a Liberty North player.

Photo by Chrystian Noble

“The student section was amazing,” junior Robert Rawie said. “It was so hyped and everyone was cheering and there were so many fans, it was just crazy.

They are always showing support to all sports and they are always cheering us on, which pumps us up.”

LNHS and LHS have never played each other because until this year, they have not been in the same conference. LHS and LNHS might play each other again in the playoffs.

Rawie felt very strong about representing LHS during the game.

“It’s always a good feeling to represent them, but against Liberty North it was a good way to represent Liberty,” Rawie said Though the Blue Jays are off to a good start for the season, the team is still working hard to say on track.

“We’re undefeated, but we gotta take it one week at a time,” said senior Brandon Streich said.

lhsnews.net

Military Appreciation Game Sophomores at LHS were wearing red, white and blue jerseys a few weeks ago, and people might have been wondering what they were for. The jerseys were for the Military Appreciation game played on September 9. The Jays won against

Raytown, 40-36, expanding their winning streak to 4-0.

“Raytown High school was hosting Military Appreciation night to recognize and honor the Military and to raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project, and the National Guard also attended the game,” Varsity Football Coach Frigon said.

Homecoming Information

Opponent: Park Hill South.

When? Tonight at 7 p.m.

Where? The new turf field.

Tickets: $3

In a survey of 414 responses, 77.3% said they went to the LHS vs LNHS game.

73.2% said, “It was lit!”

Photos by Chrystian Noble and Lacy Williams

Top left: Senior Kaiden Huelet makes a tackle against Liberty North. Top right: Senior Colin Karr, sophmores Evan Streich and Joe Charay watch the game from the sideline. Below: Junior Caden Bayle runs in a crucial touchdown.

Sports September 30, 2016

35

lhsnews.net

$12 HAIRCUTS EVERY TUESDAY

YOU BELONG AT PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY 200+ ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

IN-STATE TUITION

#BeAGorilla

NOW

7:45am

OPEN! 10:35am