Liberty Ledger - issue 3 - February 2, 2017

Liberty Ledger

Volume 4 ISSUE 3 february 2, 2017

The beginning of second semester has students feeling like Liberty is stuck in the middle.

Turn to pages 7-10 to find tips on how to unscramble the semester!

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Liberty Ledger

FEBRUARY 2, 2017

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Check out LHStoday.org for additional coverage about what’s going on at Liberty.

Liberty Ledger

Volume 4

issue 3

february 2, 2017

Liberty High School

2275 Sommers Rd. Lake St. Louis, Mo 63367 636.561.0075 www.wentzville.k12.mo.us

Serving Students,Community and Beyond

Intentions

The Liberty Ledger is a publication that releases six issues throughout the year, distributing 1,000 free copies to the student body, faculty and administration of Liberty High School as well as the surrounding Wentzville and Lake St. Louis communities.

The publication is part of the District’s curriculum and is designed to provide practical journalistic experience and for written expression on a variety of topics. The adviser and principal will review the content and may delay publication, stop publication or remove specific material from this paper.

The opinions expressed in this newspaper may not be those of Liberty, nor the Wentzville R-IV School District, faculty, staff or administration. The main editorial, when included, expresses the opinion of the Liberty editorial staff.

Reacting

Letters to the editor can be submitted in room 239, emailed or mailed to Liberty. All letters must be signed. Limit letters you wish to be published to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space requirements and libelous material at the discretion of the editors. If you have a news story idea or comment, please contact us in room 239.

Credentials

The Liberty Ledger is a member of the Sponsors of Student Publications of Greater St. Louis.

Advertising

Editors-In-Chief Olivia Holler* Chasteanne Salvosa*

Sports Editor Maddie Baker*

ONLINE EDITORS Max Fensterman* Alicia Orlando*

To further facilitate the space available for student writing, advertising will McKenzie REPORTERS Bartels, Danielle Corgan, Jessica not be offered in the Liberty Ledger.

Gibson, Sarah Martin, Maddi Pomerinke, Jenna Schwandner.

*Each editor also serves as a reporter.

Liberty Ledger Inspiring Letters

Spanish classes connect with students in the Dominican Republic

News

february 2, 2017

Alicia Orlando In early October, Mr. Hendricks’ Spanish 2 classes had the opportunity to write to a group of children who are apart of InspireDR, a boys club in the Dominican Republic. Mr. Hendricks learned about this chance from librarian Mrs. Oliva.

Students got to put their foreign language skills to the test by writing their letters in Spanish photo by A. Orlando to the child of their choice in Jacob Ardrey and Alec Talbot both were reading their pen pals InspireDR. They wrote about their lives, what they like to do, compared and contrasted themselves now to their younger selves and asked questions for their pen pals to respond to. Students were also encouraged to add photos to their letter so their pal could put a face to their name and letter and make it more personal.

Recently, the response letters from the Dominican Republic came back. The class was eager to read their letters back from their far away friends.

“For me it was great because I think for the first time my students realized that because of their spanish, they were able to really make a difference in somebody’s life,” Hendricks said. He hopes that his classes will be able to keep in contact with their pen pals throughout the year, and longer if possible.

“It make me happy to see them write to me from across the world,” Cassie Flod said. Their letters back were written in English, which the boys in the Dominican are learning how to write. The boys included pictures and responses back to questions, along with what they do in their daily lives and their favorite hobbies.

“It really warms my heart,” Abby Hurych said.

The youth center in the Dominican wants to promote healthy lifestyles and help the next generation learn practical life skills. InspireDR’s specific mission is to educate, mentor and inspire boys to develop into productive and responsible citizens.

3

Cupcake War

Students prepare cupcakes to be judged by staff Sarah Martin The hallways of Liberty were buzzing on the day of the cupcake challenge.

Students eagerly awaited showing off their cupcakes, and teachers couldn’t wait to try them.

Culinary arts students were busy on Friday, Dec. 9 decorating cupcakes for Liberty staff to judge. Students received this year’s theme “Winter Warmth” the morning of the competition. They spent 25 minutes of class time collaborating and decorating their cupcakes.

The cupcakes were baked by the students the day before the competition.

The decorating was the only preparation that took place the day of the competition.

“Hands down,the best part was getting to sneak in a tasty cupcake snacking session right before lunch,” Mr. Cole said.

Students chose their team names the day before the competition. The overall winning teams were Bill Clinton, Misfits, Dashing Dancers, Salty Santa and the Candy Canes.

“My favorite part of the cupcake wars was the competition itself and working with my team to make several really nice cupcakes that got our kitchen second place,” senior Emily Kissee said.

The cupcakes were judged mostly by appearance and how well they demonstrated the theme. Students attempted to show the theme using their resources that consisted

of marshmallows, candy canes, sprinkles, red and green food coloring and frosting.

“The best part was seeing their minds develop with their team in a short amount of time,” culinary arts teacher Ms. Pizzo said. “Without the teacher judges, I could not have done this successfully.”

The event had a great outcome, with many smiling faces.

“I thought the event was very well organized from having a host that greeted you at the door to friendly faces leading you to each of the tables,” cupcake judge Mr. Cole said. “The cupcakes were delicious and it was neat to see the creative variations each group came up with while using the same ingredients.”

photo by J. Hall Abby Visconti and Allyson Fox are ready to show off their perfectly decorated cupcakes.

Spreading the Spirit

StuCo decks the halls for the holidays Olivia Holler With the stress of finals and wrapping up a long semester, staff and students are always looking for something to lift their spirits like playing Christmas music or seeing holiday lights in classrooms.

Three years ago, Student Council started a tradition to make the month of December a little more festive and relaxed. They have decorated the hallways and classroom doors for Christmas hoping to spread holiday spirit.

“The purpose of deck the halls is to get students excited for the holiday season,” junior Bennett Outman said.

It takes them a lot of hard work and preparation to make deck the halls a success.

“We start planning about a month in advance from the date we know we want to set up,” senior Caylin Fuller said.

“We ran a little bit behind this year, but managed to make all the doors eight days before Thanksgiving break.”

This year was a challenge for the StuCo class because they had an extra hallway to decorate. Coming up with themes was tricky but also fun. The themes for the hallways were Winter Punderland, North Pole, Merry Marathon and Deck the Halls. They had to decorate 73 total doors.

“Themes are fun! We are always open to suggestion

especially this year because we had a whole new hall to decorate,” junior Addison Haynes said. “This year our new addition was ‘Winter Punderland’ which I think was a popular one. Coming up with the ideas for this one was fun. We laughed a lot in class.

The process of brainstorming can be fun for StuCo; especially when some come up with funny ideas.

“Kylie Seaton for example said we should have a rock floating around a tree for Madelyn Pettig and Nicole Knobbe paint the eighth ‘Rocking around the Christmas Tree’ and we day of Christmas, eight maids a milking. all just laughed and told her that was terrible required to get out of photo by J. Hall and she laughed. It’s fun because everyone has an opinion, there comfort zone,” Amy Paulus, Marlee Doniff, and Kenneth so some of the silent leaders show their colors. Our Fuller said.

Nowling painting the sixth day of Christmas, six personalities are for sure reflected in the doors!” Bennett It extends the joy geese a laying.

Outman said. not only to StuCo but From organizing, picking themes and decking the to staff and student body as well. halls, it gives people in other committees a chance to “The doors are fantastic. It makes me feel like I could give ideas as well as be creative, bringing everyone closer be in a winter wonderland all day long and makes want to together. drink hot coco,” Mrs. Braswell said.

“It definitely does bring us closer because we all have to Hopefully, the doors will bring cheer and spirit for the work together. Even those who don’t like being artistic are students as much as it did for StuCo.

4 NEWS

Liberty Ledger

FEBRUARY 2, 2017

Roll Call: Calling all Liberty Videographers

Wentzville School District hosts first film festival Danielle Corgan Do you have an interest for making videos?

Wentzville is holding their first film festival, March 30th for all grade levels. The festival allows students to display their talents in videography and compete against other Wentzville students who share the same interest.

The video submissions must fall under one of the following categories; Instructional, Informational, PSA/ Commercial, Story, Music Video, News Package, and Sports.

Submissions are due by Feb. 27, you must look up the requirements for each category and upload your video through the website, Wentzvillefilmfestival.com with an attachment of your script as well.

The award night is being held in the auditorium at Timberland High School on March 30, 2017 at 7 p.m.

Mrs. Oliva is in charge of promoting the film festival throughout Liberty and she also is going to be one of the judges in the final round.

Libertyland

“I think it will be really interesting to see what gets submitted because there are a lot of categories that students can create videos for,” Oliva said. “I’m curious to see which ones have a lot of entries and which ones have really few entries…I don’t know what to expect.”

If there are too many entries coming from Liberty, they will have a Liberty version of the film festival in which students and staff vote in order to minimize the amount of submissions and send out the best of the best to the final contest.

“I’m very excited to be able to participate in something like this before the end of high school. I hope that it turns out to be very successful with a lot of participants,” senior Jake Denunzio said.

Participants are eagerly waiting to see how the first film festival will go. As the submission due date gets closer, students will continue to work on their films and prepare for them to be the best in the district.

StuCo will be hosting the fourth annual Winter Dance

Jessica Gibson Liberty takes on Disney. For a few special hours, Liberty will be known as Libertyland, the most spirited place on earth.

You may be wondering what Libertyland actually is. Well, for a whole night, the school will be transformed into its own Disneyland. The dance is a non-formal, bubble black light dance. It will be the fourth annual winter dance and will be held on Feb. 3, right after the Red Night home Basketball Game against Holt. The game starts at 7 p.m., and the beginning of the dance depends on when the game ends.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” senior Katie Coyle, president of StuCo said, “We’re in hope of people coming with their group of friends. It’s going be a great night.”

A dance doesn’t just plan itself though.

With hard work and preparation, StuCo has put together a night that people will remember.

“StuCo will be be working it along with the help of associate StuCo,” said senior Caylin Fuller, Vice President of StuCo. Taking time to construct the perfect dance takes time. StuCo has been working long and hard for weeks to prepare for this night.

“StuCo has been working since before winter break to plan decorations that will correspond to the theme ‘Libertyland’,” Ms. Holmes said, sponsor of StuCo. The main goal of the dance is to have more students than last year attend. Although a good amount of students went last year, expanding the attendees is always a goal.

Tickets will go on sale at lunch the week of January 23rd for $5, then the week of the 30th the price will raise to $8. So get them early!

There will also be spirit week the week of the dance. Monday will be ‘Sleeping Beauty Day’ which you will be able to wear your pajamas. Tuesday will be ‘Tweedle Dee Tweedle Dum’, twin day. Wednesday is ‘Disney Games’ a color war, freshman wear green, sophomores wear blue, juniors wear red, and seniors wear white. Thursday will be ‘Monsters University’, or frat day. And Friday will be ‘Make it pink, make it blue, make it red’, and everyone will wear red in honor of the American heart association, and for the basketball game later that day.

As Walt Disney said, “Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever,” the winter dance will be a time for laughter, dancing, and making memories with your friends.

Staying Safe

Winter roads can be dangerous; stay safe with these driving tips from Brandon Klamm ALICIA ORLANDO

1. Do a pre-season check up.

2. Drive with your headlights on and be sure to keep them clean.

3. Keep your gas tank at least half full.

4. Make sure your windshield washer is full and your blades are in good condition.

5. Reduce speed and increase your following distance.

6. Make sure you have good tires with plenty of tread.

7. And ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEATBELT

Liberty Ledger

FEBRUARY 2, 2017

The Cost of Doing Business

News

5

Missouri lacks labor laws to protect high schoolers Max Fensterman Everyone who works a part-time job after school or has in the past has probably felt like they’ve had a long day. Going from school to work can feel like you never have a chance to rest or do homework. There’s no way you’re working too much, right? Maybe not.

“Missouri’s Child Labor Law applies to youth under the age of 16. Youth ages 16 to 18 are not covered by Missouri’s Child Labor Law,” Lauren Schad,the Director of Communications for the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, said.

This means that even though you are a minor from the ages of 16-17, you can work like an adult. There are no limits on what times you can and cannot work, and as per Missouri’s Labor Law that applies to both children and adults, you are not required a break or lunch of any kind.

In contrast, nine states require a paid 10-minute break per four consecutive hours worked.

Junior Tanner Bovaconti has experience with the lack of labor regulation in Missouri. He’s worked at Imo’s Pizza in Winghaven as a pizza maker since March and averages about 30 hours a week, while being a full-time high school student.

“I close just about every day that I work, which is usually a 6-7 hour shift,” Bovaconti said. “It’s not uncommon for me to get there at 4 p.m. and I don’t leave until

10:30 p.m.”

A 6.5 hour shift may seem normal for a weekend, but Bovaconti repeats this process up to three times in a school week while also working almost every Saturday and Sunday.

Despite the heavy expectations he has set for himself by balancing both school and many hours of work, he says that it has no effect on his performance in class.

Junior Amy Do shares a similar lifestyle while working at her parents’ nail salon in Weldon Spring called Pro Nail. Although she is technically not an employee, her parents compensate her for the time that she works.

“Over the summer I would sometimes work 45 hours in a week doing the kid’s and teenager’s nails at the salon,” Do said.

To do official nail work and be a real employee, Do would have to obtain certain health licenses which she is not old enough to have yet.

On top of long hours, she considers it to be a much more intense job compared to a normal high schooler’s part time job.

“You have to have good social skills and be able to interact with the customer and talk to them,” Do said.

A strenuous work environment coupled with long hours has cultivated some strong feelings of workers’ rights for her. She supports an increase in the minimum wage and a requirement of hourly pay, and most importantly, that school should come first.

Photo by M. Fensterman Junior Amy Do works at her parents’ nail salon. Her parents compensate for the time that she works.

Senior Cameron Tabers works at Papa Murphy’s on Lake St. Louis. Like most employees of national chain restaurants, he is offered a break when he works, but it is unpaid so most employees choose not to take it.

“The longest shift I ever had to work was a double, it was about 11 or 12 hours.

I got to take two breaks that day and they were both like 30 minutes each,” Tabers said.

He is also a member of the varsity soccer team here at Liberty, and during the

Photo by M. Fensterman Junior Tanner Bovaconti works at Imo’s and works about 30 hours a week.

season he ran into troubles balancing his soccer schedule and work schedule.

“I used to get scheduled four days a week during the soccer season, and it was a pain to trade all of the shifts or do whatever to make it all fit,” said Tabers.

Now that soccer season is over, he still tries to concentrate on school during the weekdays and work a lot on the weekends.

Even though it hurts, it’s the cost of doing business. Take your break and enjoy your time, a job shouldn’t be something you hate.

Ignite!ing a New Kind of Education Wentzville School District adds a new program to their curriculum Alicia Orlando Starting from scratch, the Wentzville School District is starting a new program next year called ‘Ignite!’. Ignite! is a new way of hands-on learning outside of the traditional classroom setting.

WSD is beginning two strands in this program next year, business solutions and health care academy.

“It’s students taking their ideas for business related product or service and matching them with someone that has expertise in the private sector,” Mr. Jarrett said.

In this program, students will be able to further their education in a field they are passionate about by solving real-life issues and be paired with mentors in the field they’re working in. Ignite! will mimic a real-world career, and help

develop actual professional skills needed in the future.

“Ignite! would be beneficial for us because instead of sitting in class learning about how to do things, we have the opportunity to go out and do them,” Kaitlyn Theriot said, a student who is looking into the program. “It would give us hands on experience and teach us responsibility and how to communicate with each other.”

Ignite! will not only give them hands on experience, but teach them soft skills, such as communication skills, adaptability, problem solving and conflict resolution, that are incredibly important in most jobs.

“This will give them (students) the opportunity to earn

experience in the field and give meaning to what they are learning about,” science teacher Mr. Sacre said. “Not only that, but students will learn about professionalism, communication, and collaboration, all things that may not be taught in standard high school class. An added benefit is this program will also set these students apart from others, especially those trying to get into competitive programs and scholarships.”

This program can take up to 3 hours out of your schedule, and the placement of where the program will take place is to be determined. Currently there are only 15 students from the Wentzville School District who are able to be a part of the inaugural year of Ignite!.

photo by Buscape’

Junior Jaylen Sims talks to the ParkwaySpark! program director, Xanthe Meyer, about the future program, Ignite!

6 NEWS

february 2, 2017

And the Winner is...

Liberty Ledger

Ms. Pizzo is announced teacher of the year during education week McKenzie Bartels Cate Elam knows Ms. Pizzo is one of those teachers who will go above and beyond. She inspires Cate and pushes her to her full potential.

“I know I can always go to Ms. Pizzo for anything. She’s so funny and so sweet,” Elam said. “She’s always telling me how I can go to her for job recommendations which is really helpful.”

During American Education week, Liberty’s teacher of the year award was announced on Nov. 14.

Ms. Pizzo is a FACS teacher, the sponsor of FCCLA and has been teaching for 12 years.

The announcement was made by Ms. Reininger in front of the Liberty teaching staff.

“I was so shocked and I didn’t believe that I deserved it,” she said.

It took a lot of commitment to get where Ms. Pizzo is today.

She didn’t go to college wanting to be a teacher. Thanks to her roommates, she was able to find the love and passion for teaching.

Her roommates wanted to be elementary school teachers, but Ms. Pizzo

photo by E. Hankins The teacher of the year has been announced, and it’s Ms. Pizzo, FACS teacher and sponsor of FCCLA. Students and teachers believe that the reward was well deserved.

didn’t feel that elementary school would be challenging enough for her.

“I thought that high school would be much more challenging to teach than

elementary kids, and I didn’t want to take something on that was easy,” Pizzo said.

Pizzo loves being able to give information to people and then sit back and

watch them use it. She wants to be able to see what students are able to do with the information she gives them.

Many of Pizzo’s students believe that she was well deserving of the teacher of the year award.

“I definitely think that she deserves teacher of the year because she’s just cares for everyone. She’s always there for you no matter what,” junior Ben Leach said.

Along with teaching every day, Ms. Pizzo is also the sponsor of FCCLA. She is constantly teaching and inspiring kids.

Candidates for teacher of the year are judged on the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues. Selection is also based on their ability to inspire and educate students of all backgrounds and abilities.

On Dec. 15th, the district teacher of the year will be announced at the board of education meeting. This is a lot harder to get because teachers will be judged from all over the district, including elementary and middle school teachers.

Ms. Pizzo is an inspiration to people for many reasons, and there’s no question as to why she is the teacher of the year.

Liberty Drama at its Finest

Mrs. Willis is named new theater director just in time for the next play: “You Can’t Beat the House” SARAH MARTIN Winter break is over and the show must go on. Mrs. Willis has been named Liberty’s theater director and is currently preparing students for the next play.

The next chapter of theater arts at Liberty has inspired many drama students.

“Mrs. Willis is a very determined teacher, she has goals set for the future of the LHS thespians and I can’t wait to see where she takes us,” sophomore Zoe Killingsworth said.

With second semester here, students have began to work on the next play.

Liberty’s play for second semester is a comedy called “You Can’t Beat the House”, written by Pat Cook. The play is scheduled to be performed the week after spring break. The 10 roles consist of six woman and four men.

“This whole show is this comedy about these burglars, and nothing is going right for them,” said Mrs. Willis. “The two main characters actually remind me of the burglars from Home Alone.”

Liberty’s previous plays have been held in the cafeteria.

Meanwhile, construction of Liberty’s

new auditorium has been in action and will be finished around the month of April.

Students will not be able to use the theater this year, but will be able to use it the first day back after summer break.

“I’m so excited for it to open at the end of April and I wish we had it now. I’m excited to have a brand new theater that no one’s ever been in before,” said Mrs. Willis.

The auditorium will be a great addition to Liberty. Our theater program will benefit from the auditorium immensely.

“With the auditorium being built, I’m ecstatic for the upcoming shows of my junior and senior year,” Killingsworth said.

Before taking over the theater department, Mrs. Willis was the administrative assistant to the director of technology, so she is familiar with Liberty and some of the students.

“Mrs. Willis is a very nice and sweet teacher with a lot of passion behind the lessons she teaches,” senior Dakota Barnett said.

For education, Mrs. Willis attended the University of Missouri-Columbia and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in

provided by Hoener Associates Inc. Liberty’s new auditorium will be finished around April and will be ready for students to use next school year. photo by S. Martin On her second week as theater director, Mrs. Willis helps student Zoe Killingsworth with her work.

theater arts performance.

While she was interested in theater, Mrs. Willis first studied music education.

“I quickly changed direction when I found out that I had to know how to play piano, I’m a singer,” Mrs. Willis said. “So I ended up changing to theater performance because I was also an actor and I found my way back into education.”

Liberty’s theater program will continue to grow from Mrs. Willis’ guidance and a brand new theater. The next play has the resources to be the best at Liberty so far.

You Can’t Beat the House written by Pat Cook

“This whole show is this comedy about these burglars, and nothing is going right for them,” said Mrs. Willis. “The two main characters actually remind me of the burglars from Home Alone.”

Liberty Ledger

february 2, 2017

This semester has Liberty feeling stuck in the middle.

We’re halfway through the year, we’ve been forced to look forward to next year, and spring break isn’t for another six weeks. But we still face the everyday student struggle of managing our time, getting our eight hours in, and making our report cards look pretty.

But inside, you’ll find the tips and tricks needed to survive the student struggle.

In-depth

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in-depth

LiBerty Ledger May 18, 2015

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in-depth

LiBerty Ledger Sleep...Zzzz

FEBRUARY 2, 2017

Patterns at Liberty Fighting Sleep Distractions Sleep Students were surveyed on how many of hours Students share what distracts them from sleep

Jenna Schwandner

sleep they get each night Mckenzie Bartels

This graphic shows when Liberty teens go to bed and wake up on a school night.

There were approximately 50 students surveyed.

% 10%

1%

5%

44

%

“I usually only get 6-7 hours of sleep every night due to my phone and homework” -Brandon Jones (10)

40

“I get 6-7 hours of sleep because I’m usually watching T.V.” -Annette Oliphant (9)

10%

% 60 30% Bedtime “I move around a lot and the feeling of being too still is really uncomfortable and keeps me from falling asleep. I get 7-8 hours of sleep.”

-Andrea Detterman (11)

“I get probably 5-6 hours of sleep because I’m on my phone or laptop.”

-James Dotson (12)

Why don’t we all start at the same time?

Jenna SCHWANDNER

“The Liberty start time is different than the other (Wentzville School District) high schools because of transportation considerations. It actually started out the same as the other high schools when the school opened but the buses were having difficulty getting to their subsequent routes at the other schools. It was an administrative decision to change the start time shortly after the school opened in 2013. The administration sets start times based on transportation needs and school activities and we are pleased that is a local decision as those needs vary by school district.”

- Mary LaPak, Director of Wentzville School District Community Relations

Wakeup time

Liberty sleep stats by the numbers 84 percent of students go to bed in between 10 and 11 p.m.

10 percent of students go to bed as early as 9 p.m. No one surveyed went to bed earlier.

6 percent of students went to bed between midnight and 1 a.m.

90 percent of students get up between 5 and 6 a.m.

Teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep every night according to sleepfoundation.org According to the sleepfoundation.org, only 15% of teens are actually getting the recommended amount of sleep.

At Liberty, out of the 50 people surveyed only 8 people are getting the recommended amount of sleep.

Have you ever wondered what time other schools start and end in the area?

Fort Zumwalt North 7:20-2:25 Fort Zumwalt East 7:25-2:25 Fort Zumwalt South 7:25-2:25 Fort Zumwalt West 7:25-2:25 Francis Howell HS 7:20-2:20 Francis Howell Central 7:20-2:20 Francis Howell North 7:20-2:20 Liberty 7:15-2:15 Timberland 7:20-2:20 Holt 7:20-2:20 Wright City 7:17-2:28 Warrenton 7:45-2:41

LiBerty Ledger

in-depth

FEBRUARY 2, 2017

Time Management

9

Managing Your Nights Student Study Skills Time management is key when it comes to reducing anxiety

Tips students need to survive high school

Max Fensterman Depending on what kind of a student you are, a night of homework might be a challenge, or a walk in the park. Senior Muhammad Alasgarli seems to have come as close as possible to being an expert time manager.

Managing your time outside of school is arguably more important than the time you spend inside of school doing work. School is as much about managing your priorities as it is completing them in a timely manner, and for this reason students often find themselves struggling to actually get their own affairs in order.

“Leading educational spokespersons have celebrated homework as essential to raise educational standards, foster high academic achievement, upgrade the quality of the labor force, and link family and school in a common teaching mission,” according to the Center for Public Education.

Even though Muhammad is enrolled in six AP classes and one weighted class, he still maintains a 4.469 GPA and No. 1 ranking in the senior class. Both of these have helped him earn a 34 on the ACT. He was able to manage his time well enough to fit a four year course load into three years, allowing him to be able to skip the 11th grade and graduate a year early with Liberty’s inaugural class.

Still, he manages to get all of his homework finished on schedule in order to have free time for sports and activities.

“For many high schoolers, time management is a major issue, and it’s easy

Chasteanne Salvosa

to lose focus of the task at hand when there are many ambient distractions present,” Alasgarli said.

When studying or completing homework, he recommends that you turn off your phone and put it in a drawer or somewhere out of reach so you can utilize a quiet environment with little distractions. In addition, he believes it is useful to complete homework as soon as you get home and get it out of the way, so it is easier to gauge the amount of free time you have.

Looking to the future, he has considered how his good study habits might benefit him when it comes to his high school graduation, which he is on track to complete at the end of this academic year.

“To be on track for, and prepare to achieve my three year graduation, I have had to use time management aggressively to reach the necessary objectives of a four year graduate, only in 365 days less,” Alasgarli said.

He hopes to become a successful lawyer after attending law school at an Ivy League university.

So, the next time that you’re struggling to stay focused and manage your time well, keep in mind that a great part of being a successful student is developing these good habits.

“My biggest goal in life to have a well set career and have people who love and support me. I set these goals by working hard in everything I do whether I’m dancing, singing, or even doing homework I try my hardest. I also have goals for having people who love and support me by being cautious with who I chose to be very close with. I try to be kind to everyone but not very close with everyone. It protects my feelings yet still build time worthy relationships.”

- Eradyn Bailey (10)

Taking Notes

Planning Ahead

Taking notes should be simple, quick and concise. Coming prepared with a either a pen and paper or a charged Chromebook is a given, but by knowing what to write and knowing note abbreviations can speed up the note taking process.

Note Abbreviations

Keep track of what is due and when it is due is a smart skill for now as well as the future. The method of planners is completely up to the person.

There are several effective methods of planners including bullet journals and store bought planners. Finding what amount of structure and discipline is entirely up to the student themselves.

Study Space and Snacking Study spaces should be kept cleared off except for study materials and perhaps a drink, but not a snack because snacks can cause breaks between the process of eating and studying. This calls for multitasking and absorbing all the information being studied can be much more difficult as one alternates from food to French.

Action for Making Goals

Quick steps to making successful goals olivia Holler

Make a plan Decide

Think of something you want to do or work toward that you are interested in.

Think about how you will achieve this goal the most successfully and write it down.

Get to work

Reach it

Celebrate when you reach your goal!

Put your plan into action.

Quick Tips • Make a commitment to the goal • Keep track of your progress • Have a family member or friend help you keep motivated throughout your set goal • Be consistent

10 IN-DEPTH

FEBRUARY 2, 2017

Liberty Ledger

Academic Pressure

Breaking the Habit Goodbye winter blues, hello new study routines

Olivia Holler Usually around this time we get more stressed out at school than usual. It’s the holiday season, finals, tests and not to mention it’s cold and nobody has the motivation to do anything. This can lead to procrastination and slacking.

For me this time of year, I feel like I work harder than ever to get my grades up and study more. It does give me a lot of anxiety doing all of this.

Many students can identify with two types of anxiety. One is because of procrastination and two because you’re overworking yourself. It all depends on how you decide to use your time and what works better for you.

However, distractions get the best of us, whether you have a phone by you or listening to music. I think we have trouble knowing when to stop to get things done. I am just as guilty for this. It’s helpful when my phone is turned off so I am fully focused on what I’m doing.

Pushing off projects and assignments can lead to some stressful nights trying to get everything done.

Working on them little by little will save you those long nights scrabbling and rushing to get it done. There’s no reason to be staying up till dawn to do your work. Just do it!

I feel like this is the time to really push yourself to get what you need to get done because in the fall and spring there is a lot to do. In the winter there is time to

The Guide to Choosing Classes

get in check.

To be successful this time of year, I manage my time Tips for optimizing next year’s schedule wisely. I try to get as much finished as possible in class so I’m not cramming in homework Maddie Baker and studying for finals. Then I take Tips from the time at home to focus on studying Mackenzi Sifuentes for test or finals. That way I’m not so “It is important to look at overwhelmed. credits that colleges require you Most of the time I feel like students to have in order to attend that don’t do what they’re asked and then college. If that’s a college that you really want to go to, then have so much to do later that night. It’s you need to make sure you have time to focus and get on the right track. all the credits they require.”

I feel like there is a mindset in high school where Tips from Mrs. if you don’t try it’s cool but if you try it’s abnormal. I completely disagree. I think in high school the only way Wootten • Do your research. to get through it is to strive and then you’ll succeed.

• Consider post It’s OK to actually do your homework or try on test or high school plans; finals. read the course Teens tend to freak out and get major anxiety description. when they don’t know something but never seem to ask • Pay attention to the prerequisites. anyone for help or think it through. You can problem • Talk to teachers, solve. Many teens simply want the answer now. Maybe parents, it’s because of our society and how fast the information siblings or get has become. Sometimes the answer may not come information from quickly and you have to put in some time to think and students who have taken the read to solve the problem. class before.

This is the perfect time to focus and get motivated to strive in school. Start the new year right and get rid of those bad habits.

Crossing off the College Checklist

Students overlook general education requirements when registering for classes

Chasteanne Salvosa Where do you want to go? Six simple words strewn together that create such a stressful sentence.

From the second students begin their high school careers, these six words pester them. While some students have it all figured out by the end of their freshman year, some students struggle to start college hunting in their junior year. But no matter where a student goes, there’s one thing that always manages to trip students up.

Requirements.

Requirements are something that is overlooked sometimes due to the fact that students are usually told that colleges look for three things: ACT scores, GPA and extracurricular activities.

Within a general set of rules for requirements, the rules also changes from college to college. So while one school may require three years of math, another school may require four. The number one solution to students’ confusion is learning as much about each school on their prospective application list as possible. When looking at prospective schools’ requirements, having a transcript on hand to see if the credits earned match the credits needed.

Generally, colleges ask for four years of math and English, while science and social studies differs. Many colleges also ask for two years of the same foreign language.

So while this may seem like a lot of old information,

fortunately, students have met many of these requirements already as they are a part of the graduation requirements.

But yet students are still unaware of one more requirement; ACT scores.

Once again, the requirements for automatic admission differ from school to school, but the average ACT score (from Lindenwood, Mizzou, and St. Charles County Community College) lies around 20-24 for students.

So while this may all be overwhelming, students need not stress.

According to Mizzou admissions representative, Macenzie Schoenfelt, there is a hierarchy of things looked at when a student applies.

“These are the requirements for automatic admission, but we do look at each student individually and take all things into account when evaluating a student’s application,” Schoenfelt said. “Also, if a student’s score on their ACT is lower than a 24, we will look at their class rank or core GPA. If they have a 21 on their ACT they need to be in the top 38 percent of their graduating class.

If their high school does not rank, we will look at the core GPA.” Aside from core GPA, often colleges will look at things that students participate in and out of school.

“I always recommend that students also submit a high

school resume listing any community service, clubs and organizations they have been involved, awards or honors they have received, athletics and any performance groups they have been involved with. This allows for us to review more than a GPA and test score,” director of day admissions at Lindenwood, Kristen Revis, said.

The hierarchy of needs is placed there for those who do not meet the automatic admissions requirements. But a helpful factor in avoiding a whole new set of requirements is to fulfill a school’s general education requirements in the first place.

So while general education requirements are a thing that can often be easily forgotten, they are also not the only thing considered when applying to a school as the hierarchy of needs in the world of application can save many.

Liberty Ledger

People

february 2, 2017

Sea Lions & Scholarships Two seniors receive unique scholarship opportunities Maddi Pomerinke While the end of senior year rounds the corner (and has already happened for some), many students receive their acceptance letters to the colleges of their dreams. Many deadlines follow the end of the year, especially the ones students seem to care about the most - scholarships.

Usually to obtain a scholarship, students fill out a form, take a test, or write an essay and hope for the best.

Awards can be anywhere from $1,000 photo by M. Pomerinke to $10,000 and can help students Mackenzie Murphy (front) Isabel Storey (Bsck) are close friends tremendously. with bright futures ahead of them.

Along with scholarship money, students have the ability to participate in many new experiences, such as internships and competitions.

Senior Mackenzie Murphy was selected by the school board to represent the Wentzville School District in the John T. Belcher Scholarship.

“Whenever I got the preliminary application I was excited. Then whenever I was chosen - I wasn’t expecting it because we have a lot of really good kids in the Wentzville School District,” Murphy said.

The district recommends certain students that they believe have fulfilled certain requirements, who then fill out a preliminary application. The school board then decides from those applications who moves on to the regional round, where the winner of regionals will move to the state round.

“I’m really excited for this opportunity,” Murphy said.

Another senior, Isabel Storey who was awarded numerous scholarships for grades, ACT and the A Plus program, has also won an externship with the St. Louis Zoo. “It is a little nerve wracking, just because you’re leaving what you’ve known for four years to go do something else that you’ve never done before, but it’s mainly exciting,” Storey said.

Storey plans on going to college to become a marine biologist, and had to apply for the externship as well as submit a resume, list references, and participate in a phone interview.

Storey starts the externship in January, and will start by helping clean the cages and care for the sea lions, which could possibly progress into becoming the announcer and helping out at shows.

By earning scholarships and externships, seniors are allowed to gain extra help, experience and opportunities that sometimes very rarely present themselves. Without scholarships, some students wouldn’t be able to go to certain schools, and externships give students the extra up when applying for certain jobs, scholarships or to colleges.

11

Fresh. Hot. Delicious.

Jessica Gibson

Don’t let this cold weather get you down. Get yourself a hot chocolate or coffee every Tuesday during lunch.

Liberty band will be running the new stand called the Eagles Nest Coffee located in the cafeteria. You can purchase freshly made hot chocolate for $2.00 and or coffee for $3.00.

TED

AN HELP W

To the side of the cart is an area where you can add different flavored creamers and whipped cream to make your drink just right for you. The profit goes to Liberty’s band and will help them raise money for different things.

The stand will be open all of winter, and possibly into the spring depending on how much feedback they get from it.

The Concession Stand Needs You!

Who? Liberty High’s Booster Club is looking for anyone interested in helping out! There are no certain requirements! Just sign up and show up!

What? When volunteering, you’d help run the concession stand, make sales, and help with the food.

When and Where? Liberty’s home basketball games at the concession stand. Show up about 10 minutes early!

Why? Not only will working the concession stand help improve your skills with money and people, but can also be put on college and job applications for volunteering/service hours.

To sign up and help go to http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4bada62ba1fe3-2016

Coffee

Gum

Cheez-Its

Trendy Food and Drinks at Liberty

Gatorade Pop-Tarts

Popcorn

Doritos Smoothie King

12 Entertainment

FEB. 2, 2017

Say Yes to the Dress

Liberty Ledger

Four girls from Liberty get the opportunity to model for Boulevard Bride Jessica Gibson With prom just around the corner, everyone is looking for the perfect dress. There are so many places with so many options. It’s hard to find the dress that’s made for you.

Boulevard Bride, a bridal shop on Lake Saint Louis Boulevard, sells a wide variety of dresses for different events. They also sell and rent tuxes.

Boulevard Bride had the idea of having a number of girls from different schools model the dress that fit them perfectly. From Liberty, they have selected Taylor Stewart, Emma Rudolph, Addison Haynes and Danielle Meyers to model their new line of prom dresses.

But it wasn’t just some easy show up and get the job. Boulevard Bride sent out a post saying they were selecting a certain amount of girls to represent and show off their gorgeous new dresses.

They received more than 200 responses.

“My phone just kept going off. My notifications were blowing up,” Jennifer Glosemeyer said, manager of Boulevard Bride in Lake St. Louis. “We weren’t expecting that many respondents.”

There are 15 different schools involved with this once in a lifetime experience. The requirements help eliminate and choose the final girls of each school. To be selected as a representative, each girl must be active on social media, have a clean background, and the proper behavior online and to others. They were not judged by the size or looks.

After going through all the responses, they choose a number of the girls to come in and have

a personal interview. From there, they were asked multiple questions about themselves to find out more about them. It narrowed down to 32 girls total.

Depending on the character of the girl, they helped pick out multiple dresses that matched personality of each individual, and from there the girls got to pick out which one they love the most.

“This is my last prom and I really love dressing up,” senior Taylor Stewart said. “I get to try on a bunch of dresses and I’m super excited.”

Their first photo shoot was Sunday, Dec. 11 at Boulevard Bride.

“I always see these people on Twitter wearing dresses for different places. Being able to do it has kind of always been a dream of mine,” junior Emma Rudolph said.

The photos taken will be advertised all over social media, mostly on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook on the Boulevard Bride account. Also, sometimes the brand of the dress will also use the photos as their advertisements.

You could see your fellow classmates on the websites of Stella York, Moonlight, Enchanting, Val Stefani and more.

“We want everyone feeling comfortable coming in here,” Glosemeyer said.

Prom, homecoming, or even your wedding are the events that only happen once, and what happens those nights stick with you forever. Do what you can to make those days memorable because these lucky girls will never forget their 2017 prom.

Skating into Winter

Don’t know what to do during the winter months?

Here are some ideas Maddie Baker

Photo by J. Gibson (from left to right) Danielle Meyers, Emma Rudolph, Taylor Stewart and Addison Haynes all model dresses at Boulevard Bride.

For A Good Cause

Doing the smallest things can make a huge difference.

Girls from Liberty have donated their hair to those who don’t have hair.

Jessica Gibson

Cassie Flod (10) “I donated my hair to Wigs for Kids.

I just wanted a change.”

Emma Rudolph(11) “I want to give back and wanted a change. I have been wanting to cut my hair for a while now.”

Before...

Go Bowling at Brunswick Go to an Escape Room in St. Charles or St. Louis Bake Cookies with friends Go to the movies at Wherenburg Theaters Go on a Horse-Drawn Carraige in Main Street St. Charles

“One day I was like ‘I want to donate my hair!’

Last time I cut my hair short was third grade.”

Ice Skating at the Meadows Go to a St. Louis Blues Hockey Game Go to a Liberty Basketball Game Throw a Super Bowl Party Drink Hot Cocoa by the fire with family and friends

Breonna Gillam(9)

...After

Before...

...After

Liberty Ledger

FEBRUARY 2, 2017

Liberty students or Disney Characters?

interactive

13

Scavenger Hunt Questions 1. What was Sarah Staats’ swim time?

A.

Daniel Hempen

Mr. Incredible

Mr. Wheeler

Bob Duncan

2. What’s the new program that was added to the Wentzville School District?

A. 3. What college did Stone Krogman sign to?

A. 4. When will students be able to use the theater?

A.

Merida

Megan Chambers Name:________________________________

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Valentine’s Day Word List: STRESS COLD

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HOMEWORK FEELINGS

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If you complete the activities on this page and bring to room 239, you have a chance to win a QT gift card!

14 OPINION Watch

Liberty Ledger

february 2, 2017

Mouth

The use of vulgar language causes curse words to lose shock value

Chasteanne Salvosa Language, please. Those two words are often uttered by a teacher telling a student to refrain from the vulgar language they are using, but since when did vulgar language become so common amongst young people?

With a pop culture that uses curse words as slang, whether it be in songs or television shows or even books, the high usage of vulgar language today causes the loss of curse words’ shock value.

The first people who are often blamed for teaching profanity are the parents, seeing as children look up to their parents and they will mimic their parents, so therefore in this way, children are a reflection of their parent’s behavior.

While some parents will make sure no children are around when they curse, other parents will simply tell their children not to repeat what they say.

“My parents did a very thorough job in guarding me from profanity, it wasn’t until I got to middle school and even high school, that I started hearing it,” senior Alex Ovares said.

But with pop culture becoming more accessible to children and young teens through music and video streaming platforms like Spotify and Netflix, it has become

easier for young people to be exposed to swearing.

While radio stations will have censored versions of popular songs, music streaming platforms will often have a clean and explicit version of the song, leaving it up to the person listening to choose between the two. And without parent’s constant supervision, kids and teens are able to usually choose to listen to whichever version they’d like.

The majority of students are slowly exposed to profanity in middle school and many students choose whether to adopt it or not during that time. Some students find the use of such words unnecessary and other students who may have used them tentatively at first, being very careful to watch their words around parents and teachers.

But as time went on, the usage of vulgar language increases and the caution in using them decreases.

But why swear in the first place? Students’ need to swear is, like all people, rooted in the brain. It is rooted in a specific part of the brain called the amygdala, which processes panic attacks and aggressive feelings.

According to Michelle Drews from the Harvard Science Review, “In particular, amygdala (a part of the brain that processes emotions) activity is correlated negative emotional associations….therefore, it makes sense that the

Digital

Students are in charge of their education

Sarah martin Cell phones are a major component of many teenagers’ lives. With apps ranging from Facebook to Candy Crush, teens always have a way to occupy themselves. Students have chromebooks that provide them with multiple game and movie sites. But are these forms of technology keeping them from being able to learn in school?

The school environment is full of distractions and the cell phone and chromebook are prime elements. It’s our responsibility as students to limit how distracted we allow ourselves to get before it becomes an issue.

I believe that cell phones are a useful tool to use in the classroom. Cell phones can provide students with calculators and several research tools. Even music can be useful for certain students. I personally do my best work while listening to music, I find it very difficult to concentrate without it.

My teachers are very lenient by letting

us keep our phones on our desks, listen to music and even respond to texts. However, they expect the technology to be put away when they begin to teach.

Allowing students to use their cell phones requires trusting them to be responsible with them. While giving freedom is important, too much freedom can become an issue for some.

A teacher’s job at school is solely to teach their students. I witness teachers constantly reminding students to put away their phones, chromebooks, etc. but rarely take them away. In certain situations, teachers seem to become students’ babysitters by constantly telling them to stop playing on their cell phones and chromebooks.

I find these reminders an immense distraction to me, and they become quite annoying. At the end of the day, if the teacher has done their job, it’s up to the student to decide what happens to their grade.

Teachers obviously want all of their students to succeed, but the constant reminders and scolding is unfair to those of us who are invested and want to learn.

Students need to learn now that distractions will have consequences. They will not always have someone there to remind them to focus. We need to learn how to have freedom while avoiding distractions.

No

amygdala would be activated in association with unpleasant words like swear words.”

And since teenagers are known for being the moodiest species on the planet, it is to no surprise that the use of vulgar language rises during high school. So with the constant use of these curse words, they lose their shock value, leaving them to be normalized and rooted as vocabulary in students’ brains. But no matter how students’ picked up their use of profanity, we will all have to watch our words as our mouths become looser as swearing becomes more normalized.

, No

A boyfriend is a problem I don’t want to have Danielle Corgan There is more to life than just finding a significant other. Many obsess over the fact that they are “alone” and have “no one”, but why is it such a big deal?

Many relationships cause unnecessary drama that is too much to handle at a young age. The human brain isn’t fully developed until at least age 25, according to researchers at the Rochester (N.Y.) Medical Center. “In teens’ brains, the connections between the emotional part of the brain and the decision-making center are still developing. That’s why when teens are under overwhelming emotional input, they can’t explain later what they were thinking. They weren’t thinking as much as they were feeling.”

High school is the turning point of your life. It’s when you officially start figuring out who you are and trying to figure someone else out at the same time can be overwhelming.

When I speak of unnecessary drama, I’m talking about the pointless fights young relationships get into, simply because they weren’t thinking as much as they were feeling causing them to lash out at without thought.

I know that everyone and every couple is different. Not everyone may have the same morals in life, but I made it a goal of mine to not date all of high school in order to work on my goals, figure out

who I am and become the best version of myself before I try and learn someone else’s personality.

Don’t get me wrong. I have nothing against those in high

school relationships, I actually come from a family full of high school sweetheats–my parent have been dating since they were 15. These are just my personal opinions that affect me and my choices. I am not stating that all teen relationships cause unnecessary drama, but it is something I often see around the school and social media.

I believe that relationships can be a lesson and help teach who you want to be.

I know I said I am taking time to figure myself out, but sometimes it takes being in the wrong relationship to realize who you don’t want to be or the right relationship to bring out the best version of yourself.

sports Liberty Ledger february 2, 2017 Taking Their Talent Elsewhere...

15

Krogman signs at Quincy to play baseball

Stockton signs at Westminster to play softball

maddie baker Stone Krogman has always been a hard working individual and has always excelled at sports.

Krogman has signed to play at the Division II school, Quincy University. He plays outfield and pitcher and is excited for the upcoming season at Quincy, located in Illinois near the Iowa border.

“I’m excited to experience college life and see how different high school baseball is from college baseball,” Krogman said.

Krogman plans on keeping the same positions at Quincy University as he does at Liberty. “I knew he was going to be able to play college baseball,” Coach Jolliff said. “It

maddie Baker Signing to play a sport at the next level can make going the college experience even more exciting.

Senior Amber Stockton has signed to play softball for Westminster College, a Division III school in Fulton.

“I’m excited but scared because I don’t like being in new places alone. But I’m excited to also be on my own and meet new

“I’m excited to experience college life and see how different high school baseball is from college baseball.”

- Stone Krogman

was just a matter of which school would best fit him and it just turned out to be Quincy University.”

Krogman has always been athletic all throughout his school career.

“He lifted a lot of weights which put a lot of muscle on him,” Jolliff said. “He has outstanding ability to play and has always had an amazing work ethic.” Krogman had a batting average of .372 last season and led the team in runs.

photo by M. Baker

Quincy Uninversity has just signed senior Stone Krogman to play baseball. During his last season at Liberty he led the team in runs and had a batting average of .372.

More Than the Stats

Boys basketball team takes off with 13-6 record Danielle Corgan Finally, Liberty is playing the roles of a regular high school. Having upperclassmen is causing student mature and this is especially true on the court.

There has been a change in the varsity boys basketball team leading to several victories, not necessarily strategical, or about gameplan, but their attitudes and the support from their fans.

“I just think that we have some seniors now that are really buying in and they’re playing with a sense of urgency and I think some of the younger guys are picking up on that,” coach Sodemann said. “Our leadership has been better and we had some guys that really committed this summer to get better and set a good example for our younger guys.”

The players themselves see a change and are happier about the new way things are rolling this season; especially since they are receiving more support from the stands.

“I think there is a totally different vibe at practice and with students we have people showing up to our home game and even our away games for the first time,” Brian Jones said.

Although Liberty lost their first game of the season against arch-rival Timberland 6152, the team continued to look forward.

“We can’t just focus on one team for so

photo by E. Mason Senior Jaylen Sims has been a key contributor to the boys basketball team this year. He is the team’s second leading scorer at 12.3 points per game and hit a game-winning shot against Fort Zumwalt South on Dec. 13.

long so we need to move on to the next team and prepare for them,” Alex Hines said.

Attitude is key, believing is the first step in every accomplishment. Following the loss to Timberland, the boys went on a six-game winning steak.

Junior Jaylen Sims hit a three pointer shot at the buzzer to defeat Fort Zumwalt South 57-55 on Dec. 13. The team had a 13-6 record with a perfect 5-0 record in conference play as of Jan. 27.

“I think we all realize we might have something and are all working hard to achieve our team goal, which is winning a district championship,” Jones said.

Junior Kaleb Overall leads the team in scoring averaging 16.7 points per game.

photo by C. Salvosa Senior Amber Stockton has been signed to play softball at Westminster College. She plays as the varsity catcher for Liberty’s team.

people,” Stockton said.

Stockton is the varsity catcher for Liberty and plans to continue her career as a catcher at Westminster as well.

College can be more demanding than high school with its sports and classes that can be scheduled at the same time.

“I think it’s going to be stressful at first because the classes and timing is going to be different,” Stockton said. “But I think I’ll be fine once I get into a routine.”

Stockton has been playing softball since she was little and always has been a big part of her life. She didn’t want to drop the sport that helps her get through her good and bad days.

Her parents were always there supporting her through all of her softball years. They are excited to see what Westminster has in store for the upcoming season that Stockton will be apart of.

“I was proud she got accepted. I knew she would play in college,” Stockton’s mom, Dian Stockton said. “I’m always excited to see her play.”

Just Sarah and the Pool

Staats qualifies for swimming state championship

provided by Steve Staats One of Liberty’s talented swimmers, senior Sarah Statts has been working hard to be the swimmer that she is today. She qualified for the Missouri State swimming championships in the 200 IM in 2 minutes and 17 seconds.

Mckenzie Bartels For Sarah Staats, swimming is normal for her. It’s where she’s relaxed and comfortable. It’s where she’s in her element.

Senior Sarah Staats qualified for Missouri State swimming championship in the 200 IM in 2 minutes and 17 seconds.

Sarah’s first trip to state will take place at the St. Peters Rec Plex on Friday, Feb. 17th and Saturday, Feb. 18th.

Swimming is not an easy sport and it’s definitely very demanding. It requires a lot of dedication and hard work.

Staats has worked extremely hard over the past years to become the incredible swimmer she is today.

When she was a freshman, she swam for Timberland High School and for the

past three years she has been swimming for Liberty’s swim team.

Staats practices up to two hours every day and lifts weights before school. Sarah not only practices during swim season, but she conditions during her off season too.

“Swimming is definitely challenging, especially not being able to breathe,” Staats said.

Staats has a lot of support from her family and friends and this helps her to do well as a swimmer. They push her to be a better athlete.

“I’m so proud of her. She has worked so hard for where she is,” said sophomore and teammate Zoe Killingsworth.

Staats’ swim coach, Mrs. Webb, is very proud of her and all the hard work she has put into getting to where she is today.

“Sarah is a very well-rounded athlete,” Webb said, “She is very mindful to make healthy eating choices. Sarah is also very mentally tough and knows what it takes to race. She always puts forth her best effort.”

Coach Webb believes that Staats has the ability to make the top 16 at this competition.

Sarah doesn’t think she will continue swimming after high school, but she says that swimming has impacted her life in a positive way and has made her a much better athlete.

16 SPORTS

FEBRUARY 2, 2017

Liberty Ledger

Aiming High

Lady Eagles make history by winning the program’s first tournament title Maddie Baker It was a tied game. It was down to the last few seconds of the game and the Lady Eagles had been back-and-forth with Trinity High School at the Winter Classic Tournament at Liberty.

“The whole game was back-and-forth. Trinity had the lead and then we would take the lead,” said coach Walterbach, “It was a really close game all throughout.”

One of the most intense games of the season had a dramatic conclusion when senior Avery Ingle dribbled to the corner of the court and banked in a short shot making the score 43-42.

Ingle later stole the ball from Trinity and held the

ball for the last 30 seconds as the Lady Eagles won the tournament championship.

“I felt amazing when I got the steal at the end,” Ingle said, “Knowing that I helped the team succeed made me really happy.”

Winning the tournament was very exciting for the girls basketball team, from being down at the beginning of the games, to then coming back and fighting for what they wanted the most. The Lady Eagles beat Kennedy High School, Rosati-Kain High School and Trinity High School in the tournament.

As of Jan. 27, they have a 8-10 record and have shown a lot of improvement from last year.

photo provided by Coach Walterbach Lady Eagles show off their first place plaque from the Winter Classic Tournament.

photos by E. Mason The Lady Eagles record is 7-8 and they have five home games left on the season.

Sports Update

Winter sports start the season off stronger than ever Maddie Baker

Boys Basketball Record:

13-6

Team Achievements: Conference record is 5-0. Kaleb Overall (11) has scored 318 points and leads in assists. Jaylen Sims (11) has scored 238 points and Hayden Henningsen (12) leads the team with 34 3-pointers.

photo by E. Mason Kaleb Overall (11) fights for the point against Holt.

“Winning the tournament was crazy,” junior Emily Giljum said. “I was so excited and the whole team was jumping up and down.”

Since this was Liberty’s first time holding a basketball tournament, the feelings were very ecstatic.

“It was definitely the best experience of this year so far,” senior Savannah Kruse said. “It was good to host our first tournament and to win it. It was a good feeling.”

The Winter Classic that the girls basketball team held was Dec. 27-29 and the schools that were a part of the tournament were Kennedy, Rosati and Trinity.

Girls Swim and Dive Record: 7-3 Team Achievements: Finished 11th out of a field of 22 teams at the Cape Girardeau City of Roses Invitational. At the meet in Cape Girardeau, Marjori Russo (10) finished 3rd in the 50 freestyle and 9th in the 100 freestyle. Sarah Staats (12) finished 9th in the 100 fly and 12th in the 200. In the 200 medley relay [Sarah Staats (12), Bennett Outman (11), Hallie Anderson( (09) and Marjori Russo (10)] finished 13th. photo by L. Stumpf Maggie Merz (9) dives into competition against Fort Zumwalt North.

Wrestling

Individual Achievements:

Cameron Steinhoff (11) placed second at Brookfield, along with Jacob Simpson (11) and Hunter Chaney (11). “We’re hoping to put as many guys through to state as possible and just keep building our team,” said junior Hunter Chaney. “We haven’t won a tournament yet, but we have fought hard with the other teams.”

photo by E. Mason Austin Mussmann (11) pins down his opponent for a chance for the win.