Free Press: Issue 4, Edition 24

the

Free Press

issue 4

May 24, 2021

edition 24

pages 24-25 pages 18-19

pages 14-15

pages 4-5

FSJ Staff, Designers Ella Marshall Hannah De Guzman Kaitlyn Fisher Lauren Tao

Photographers Addison Driscoll Emma Hardesty Karmina Douglas

Reporters Jenna Bellemere Nathaniel Ankenbauer Nisa Khosh

Illustrator & Cartoonist Gus Cordova

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EDITORS

https://www.fsfreepressonline.com

Baya Burgess Photo Editor Mary Kate Shultz Copy Editor Zanna Ingram Copy Editor Ben Shryock Sports Editor Renna Folsom Business/Marketing Editor

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Lawrence, KS 66049 FSJournalism@USD497.org The opinions expressed in the Free Press are not necessarily those of the Free Press staff, the school administration or that of the USD 497 Board of Education.

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pages by Emily Zeller

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 Par for the Course

6 A Step in the Right Direction 8 Fishing Club Stays Afloat 10 Worth their While page 9

14 Freedom of Speech in a Digital Age 16 Staff Editorial: Between a Block and a Hard Place 18 Next Steps

page 18 page 24

20 Graduation Plans Carry on Amidst concerns 22 Open Letter 24 Pandemic Prom 26 Bird’s Word 28 Senior Goodbyes 30 Firebird Art 32 Photo Essay

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Freshman Jack Randall drives the ball from the tee box. Being Randalls first season he has been very successful. “My biggest achievement so far would either be winning regionals,” Randall said.

Par for the Course freshman golfer impresses

I

n the most critical tournament to date of his young high school career, star freshman golfer Jack Randall claimed his first individual victory by rallying from behind late in his round.

On April 13, at Deer Creek Golf Club in Overland Park, Randall stood victorious in the first of three legs of the Sunflower League championship.

Midway through his round after nine holes, Randall had shot a score of 40 (par 36), an impressive score but still out of the lead. Heading into the latter stages of his round he picked up momentum.

“After I finished I didn’t think I won because in golf you can never guarantee anything,” Randall said.

“The nine that I shot (three under par) on was a lot of fun. It was just becoming natural as I started off with

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Looking at the ball, freshman Jack Randall plans his next move. When not on the course together, Randall and his teammates have team dinners. “They’ve brought the team closer together,” Randall said. “It’s also a really good experience.”

two pars, then I had three birdies in a row. I finished that nine with a 33 which is still my season best so far.”

The late comeback from Randall turned out to be enough as he stood at the top of the leaderboard after the conclusion of the first leg of the tournament.

Randall, who had led the team for the majority of the season, is no stranger to the game. He learned to play when he was only four years old and was exposed to golf by his parents.

With an extensive background of the game, Randall was anticipated to be a great addition to the team, but the magnitude of his impact to the team was unexpected.

“He has surprised me,” Law said. “I knew he was a talented player, but to win a Sunflower League

PROFILE pages by Hannah De Guzman story by Ben Shryock photos by Addison Driscoll Freshman golfer Jack Randall looks out into the green. For Randall, beginning high school level golf in a pandemic has not affected him poorly. “It has in a good way, it’s allowed me to get out and play more and get better,” Randall said.

Freshman Jack Randall drives the ball from the tee box. Being Randalls first season he has been very successful. “My biggest achievement so far would either be winning regionals,” Randall said.

I knew he was a talented player, but to win a Sunflower League tournament, and stare at some of the best players in the state and not blink, that has been impressive.

- coach Chuck Law

tournament, and stare at some of the best players in the state and not blink, that has been impressive.”

The team only returns one player with previous varsity experience. In response, teammates have meshed well as a group.

Junior Dawson Pfannenstiel noted that Randall’s addition has benefited everyone on the team.

Pfannenstiel also emphasized that himself and other upperclassmen still have much to offer to Randall for his improvement.

“He is very competitive,” Pfannenstiel said. “He uses his competitiveness to push others to win. But I also feel like a father figure to Jack at school and at golf.”

Unity on the team has been a catalyst for Randall’s

success so far. He finished the remaining legs of the Sunflower League tournament to finish 4th individually overall.

“The best part of this season has been the environment I am surrounded in with this team,” Randall said. “That is the main reason I have been able to perform the way I have been.”

The team looks to continue their chemistry through regionals for a potential bid at the state tournament later this spring. Regardless of the finish to their season, Randall has surely been a significant member of the team so far, and shows potential to be a historic player of the boys golf program as his career progresses.

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a

STEP

in the right

DIRECTION

S

ince spring of 2020, the world has anxiously However, the symptoms of the vaccine hit been waiting for a solution to COVID-19.

Atherton hard.

From following along with the news of the “Later that same night, I woke up with a 102 first vaccine being proposed, to watching the degree fever, chills, body ache and a really bad first test trials go underway, now that some headache,” Atherton said. “But the day after that, I are able to receive a vaccine, many people’s lives have was perfectly fine.” been changed forever.

Samuel Rabiola, who has been teaching English at For many students, the vaccine was an important Free State for 24 years, was eager for students to come step back to normalcy. back into the classroom safely.

One of those students included senior Jacob “It’s easier for me to get to know my in-person Wilkus, who was able to students individually,” Rabiola receive his vaccine earlier said. “Even those who had their than other young people cameras on every day, I just feel because of his job in the like I know those who are here I decided to get the service-industry. better than those who aren’t.”

Wilkus received his first One student who was eager vaccine because it’s safer dose of the Pfizer vaccine on to receive his vaccine was junior for me, it’s safer for my Feb. 3 and his second dose Jeremy Nuckolls. Like many family, and it’s safer for on Feb. 26. who have been vaccinated, “I hang out with friends Nuckolls has noticed the peace the community. more and find myself more of mind it brings. likely to pick up shifts,” “I have less fear and Wilkus said. “The mindset of apprehension about doing just knowing I’m vaccinated pretty much anything outside feels really nice and I’m on the my house,” Nuckolls said. home stretch now.”

He also encouraged fellow students to receive the Though fully remote, junior Makayla Atherton vaccine, citing that some people cannot be vaccinated received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on April 8, for medical reasons. with parental consent.

“If you can get vaccinated please do it, if not for “I decided to get the vaccine not only to protect your peace of mind, then for those in our community myself, but others around me,” Atherton said. “I am who have to rely entirely on herd immunity and also a service worker, so I feel that it is important for measures like social distancing for protection against me to be vaccinated.”

COVID-19,” Nuckolls said.

“

”

6

FEATURE

Vaccines are now available for Kansans ages 16+

pages by Kaitlyn Fisher story by Nisa Khosh

Why did YOU get the vaccine?

“To keep everyone around me safe” - Senior Ruthie Mutkuku

“Wanted to be safer and be able to not wear a mask once fully vaccinated” Sophomore Olivia Romero

“To visit my familiy abroad with peace of mind” - Senior Daniela Flores Pena

“A lot of people I know are scared to get the vaccine/ unable to, so I want to keep them safe” Freshman Cici Hunter

“I’m an essential worker with asthma and I wanted to see me grandma” - Lily Pickard

“I didn’t want to get COVID” - Senior Chloe Staffre

“It’s my civic responsibility” Senior Ethan Wood

“So we can get closer to herd immunity and get back to a semi-normal life” Senior Maxine Finch

7

Fishing Club

Stays Afloat

D

ue to COVID-19, this year’s fishing club scene was not as eventful as anticipated. In years past, the club has taken trips out to various ponds and lakes to fish, learn and bond. Fortunately, two students have found a way to nurture their love for fishing despite the challenges.

In March, junior Keiron Langston and sophomore Wyatt Sutton placed 22nd out of 51 boats in a fishing tournament hosted by Kick Back Bass Club, a fishing club that hosts tournaments.

“Our first tournament together was in March of 2021 at Table Rock Lake,” Sutton said. “We pre-fished the day before the tournament and each pulled in a decent sized bass.”

Unfortunately, the weather put a damper on the tournament.

“Sitting out on the water waiting to launch while it was pouring down rain wasn’t fun, but flying across the lake at 50 miles per hour was worse,” Sutton said.

Nevertheless, the duo were satisfied with the tournament, especially when one of the primary objectives of fishing club is forging connections with other members. Langston

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and his mother paraeducator Trina Langston started the club two years ago because there were no clubs like it.

“It is just different from all the other clubs and I have made some good friendships with a couple of the people who come to the club,” Trina said.

As the sponsor, Trina oversees planning locations, approval slips, van rentals, and occasionally makes funnel cakes as snacks at fishing club meetings.

“My favorite part of the club is watching students get to know each other on outings and the excitement when they actually catch a fish or just make a friend,” Trina said. “We have a great time together and usually enjoy the excitement of the drive to the locations we will be fishing to build friendships and talk fishing.”

Although Sutton and Langston have had success at fishing tournaments, that’s not the purpose of fishing club.

“Fishing is not a competition, but an experience that students remember for years to come,” Trina said. “We have a great time when we get to go to the lakes and ponds. All students are welcome and they feel included in the outing.”

FEATURE

Members find outlet despite COVID-19

Smiling for the camera, junior Keiron Langston holds up the bass he caught in the duos tournament with sophomore Wyatt Sutton. Langston and Sutton’s catch was quite impressive, considering the ice cold wind and heavy rainfall that day made it especially difficult for the team to fish. “Fishing isn’t easy under pressure and in the rain and wind,” fishing club sponsor Trina Langston said.

pages by Lauren Tao story by Zanna Ingram photos by Emma Hardesty illustration by Gus Cordova

Sophomore Wyatt Sutton shows off his winning catch that helped him and his teammate, junior Keiron Langston, to place 22 out of 55 boats in a tournament hosted by Kick Back Bass Club. Although COVID-19 made it difficult for Free State fishing club to meet like they normally do, Sutton and his fellow club members still enjoyed participating. “Free State fishing club has presented me with some really great opportunities that I am truly thankful for,” Sutton said. “With Covid, we haven’t been able to have any events but last year we had the opportunity to go to a really cool bait and tackle shop where a fish stocking truck was at. It was really cool to talk to the guys about the most effective ways to stock fish in ponds and lakes.”

9

A

Worth Their While

normal day in Aimee Landwehr’s Advanced Placement United States History class is characterized by energetic discussion and focused practice essays. Unfortunately, this is not a normal year and there are not normal days.

“Discussion has really been chilled,” Landwehr said. “There’s been much less peer learning, learning from one another in a discussion format.”

Maintaining the typical environment of AP classes proved impossible for teachers this year in online and hybrid modes of instruction.

“There’s just not that camaraderie that students get in the classroom,” Landwehr said. “It’s really unfortunate, because I think whatever is learned in the class sticks better if it’s an enjoyable experience.”

Because of the late start of the school year, the two added days at the end of winter break and Super Flex Wednesdays, instructional time was shortened.

“We had approximately three and a half weeks worth fewer days,” Landwehr said. “This year is following the regular format and the regular exam, so it’s definitely been a challenge with the truncated year.”

AP Physics teacher and College Board Consultant Oather Strawderman brought up another complication with AP courses this year: labs.

“This year, College Board has given us the

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exemption of not having to do 25% of our class time with hands-on labs,” Strawderman said.

“We’ve been utilizing a lot of online simulations and trying our best to prepare students for experimental design questions.”

As an College Board Consultant, Strawderman explained steps College Board has taken to support students this year. “[College board] instituted AP classroom a couple years ago, which is a website with questions, practice quizzes, unit exams, and hundreds of AP Daily videos,” Strawderman explained. “AP has also been having exam review sessions every day on YouTube the past two weeks.”

Junior and AP student April Haight agreed that the accommodations College Board implemented made AP classes less stressful.

“You could back out of taking the test and they would refund you up to the actual exam,” Haight said.

From Landwehr’s perspective, her AP students are not ready for their exams in the same capacity as a normal year.

“My students’ work has primarily been digital this year and AP exams are done by hand,” Landwehr said. “Not having the opportunity to practice writing out their thoughts may have an effect when they go to take the exam.”

Haight and Strawderman, on the other hand, think AP exam performance should be around normal.

FEATURE

Navigating unusual AP classes and exams “I think that student preparedness for AP exams has a lot to do with self motivation,” Strawderman said. “Success on exams as always is affected by their own amount of time they’re going to put into it.”

“I personally do not feel prepared to take my exams, but that’s because I never feel prepared for them and because I haven’t done my personal

pages by Lauren Tao story by Mary Kate Shultz illustration by Gus Cordova

studying yet.” Haight said.

Both Strawderman and Landwehr encouraged students to persist with their AP coursework going forward.

“Simply having college level experience greatly increases students’ success at the collegiate level,” Strawderman said. “So if students don’t get a qualifying score, that doesn’t mean that their

AP Exam

% of students that passed

Calculus BC

80.8%

US History

58.8%

Biology

68.5%

English Language and Compisition

62%

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Senior Goodbye & ‘You Made it Thru a Pandemic Year!” Ads ALAYNA BAKERwatching you grow up has been one of our greatest joys! Through multiple challenges, you grasped your “Plan B” and have appreciated the ability to compete no matter the activity. You are compassionate, driven, and focused, and we couldn’t be prouder of you!

Love, Mom and Dad

www www www www BRAIDEN BANGALANI hope you know how proud I am of you! Your school achievements are awesome. But they pale in comparison to what I see in you as a good son and good friend to others. I wish you only the best as you embark on this next chapter...

Love, Mom www www www www KATE BARTLECongratulations, on your success.

Be the change you want to see in the world! Love, Mom & Dad, Violet and Grace

www www www www EMILY MARGRET BIALBalance hindsight with kindsight.

Failure done right is a learning opportunity.

Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. Cultivate grace. The world needs you.

Too, Mom

www www www www DESTINEE BRADFORDWe are all so very proud of you!

You learn from your mistakes and always hold your head up high. You don’t let the world get you down and you have learned how to spread joy and love to those around you.

You work very hard and I can’t wait to see what all you accomplish in life. I couldn’t have asked for a better Destinee!!! I love you! www www www www RYAN BROWNCongratulations, Ryan!

We’re so proud of you and we are so excited as you begin your journey at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York!

Talent coupled with passion equals success and that’s YOU! Love, Mom, Dad, Peyton, Nana and Grandpa Tim”

www www www www JACKSON CALDWELLCongratulations, on your graduation, Jackson! You have accomplished so much and we know you will accomplish even more in the future. Remember to never give up! You are amazing and we love you so much! Love, Mom, Dad and Kenny

www www www www EMILY CHESTERWe could not be more happy with the young lady we call our daughter.

We are so proud of all your accomplishments and look forward to the next chapter of your journey.

Love, Mom and Dad

www www www www

RYAN CHILD-

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Ryan, Congrats on reaching the first of what will undoubtedly be many awesome milestones in your life. We are very proud of the man you have become and are pumped to see what great things you will do in the future!

Love, Dad, Debbie, Jamison and Trevor

www www www www ALEXANDRA DECKERAlex, We are so very proud of you and all of your accomplishments!

You have grown into an incredible young woman. You brighten our days and we are blessed to have you in our lives. We love you Alexandra Clara!

Love, Mom, Dad, Bella & Gabriel

www www www www ELLA DIEDERICHDear Ella, We are so very proud of you! You have accomplished so much in the past four years.

Your hard work, perseverance, and dedication are reflected in your many achievements. We are confident that you will continue with even more successes at KU. Enjoy your graduation celebration!

Congratulations!

Love, Mom, Dad and Owen” www www www www GWEN ELODear Gwen, We are proud of for all you have accomplished and so excited to see where you go from here. From kindergarten where you proudly announced that you would be a scientist, you have amazed us and delighted us with your curiosity, logic, and humor. Love from all of us. Mom, Cooper, Yarley, Nana, Poppa,

Grammy, Ukki and all the aunts and uncles who love you so much

www www www www JENNA GASTONJenna, it has been our pleasure to watch you grow from a quiet young girl into such a caring and compassionate person that is willing to stand up for others and for what you believe in. You make us proud!

Fly bird, fly! Roll ‘chos!

Love, Mom and Dad

www www www www SENIOR THESPIANSBravo to every actor, techie, student director, playwright, crew member and performer as you take your final bow! Thank you for entertaining us with your talents these last four years. Never forget what you did for love! We’ll leave the ghostlight on for ya!

Congrats, The Gastons

www www www www KYLYN JACKSONWe are so proud of the young woman you are becoming! You have worked so hard to get this point, keep reaching for the stars!!

We can’t wait to see what you do next. Love you to the moon, Scooter! www www www www SIERRA JOHNSONCongratulations, Sierra! You are an amazing young lady and have proven that you can accomplish

anything. It’s been a wild ride but you made it. You remained focus and worked hard to achieve at high levels. Continue to stay focused, work hard, and have fun. We love you! Mom and Pops www www www www CALEB KISSINGERCongratulations, Caleb! We are so proud of you! Good luck at DigiPen! Keep following your dreams! Love, Mom, Dad & Cole www www www www PAYTON KRUGCongratulations, Payton! We are so proud of your hard work and your scholastic accomplishments during your time at FSHS. We are excited to watch you grow and flourish at UNO. Go MAVS! www www www www ANTHONY LEWIS, IICongratulations, Anthony! It’s been a wild ride but you made it.

You persevered and never gave up.

We are so proud of you and cannot wait to see all of your dreams come true. Continue to stay focused, work hard, and have fun. We love you! Dad and Momma T www www www www JANI MCALISTERJANI MC -- You got through high school DURING A PANDEMIC. That is a cause for celebration!

You are bright and worthy and SO LOVED! We can not wait to see what your future holds.

CONGRATULATIONS, on this accomplishment.

“I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.”

-Andy Bernard Love always and forever, Mom (and Meema, Brett, Nana, Layne, Carly & Zak)

www www www www ANNA MCINTIREI am so dang proud of you! You are a bright, beautiful, and inspiring young lady! Never underestimate yourself ! Find your passion and go after your dreams! Be confident! Be patient! Be persistent! You WILL persevere! Your life journey is yours and yours alone. Never stop exploring! www www www www EMMA NELSONCongratulations, Emma!! We cannot wait to see you walk across that stage! We know it certainly has not been the best high school experience this last year, but you have embraced it and made the best of it. You should be proud of all your accomplishments, you have worked hard all four years! You have become a brilliant adult and your future is bright! We love you!Dad, Mom, Violet, William and Poppy!

www www www www ETHAN ODENDear Ethan, You are our favorite grandson and great grandson. Our love for you will always be available.

We know the man you will be and already are will guide you to help

others, trust your heart and love God. Love always,

Grandma Dubois and Great Grandma Bruno

www www www www ETHAN ODENWe cannot believe the time has come for you to graduate! We are so proud of you!! This is not an ending but a welcome to new beginnings and a life of your choosing. May success and joy be your fortune.

We’re rooting for you, your biggest fans! Love Mom and Dad” www www www www AMELIA OSBORN“I’m going to miss hearing The Polar Express soundtrack year round. Love, Luca www www www www AMELIA OSBORNAmelia, Watching you navigate the past four years has been the show of a lifetime. You are so full of life & determination. It’s time for new adventures & a brand new stage.

Go get it! I know you will make it magical. Love Forever, Mom www www www www KATE PILAKOWSKIKate, Thank you for being a bright spot in Harper and Lili’s life over the past year! You have been a constant in their lives and they will miss you tremendously. Not sure who will miss you more Harper or Lili. But you know they adore you and our family is beyond blessed to have you in our lives!! Dream big and have so much fun in college! www www www www NATE & KATE PILAKOWSKICongratulations, Nate and Kate on finishing up 13 years of education.

You’ve made a big difference in each school you went to...Scotts Hill Baptist, Ogden, Langston Hughes, Southwest and Free State. And you’ve done it together which is pretty cool. Go Big Red! www www www www NATE & KATE PILAKOWSKITo all of the kids that have spent time at my house over the past 4 years - I’ve loved having you around to bring music, laughter, and fun to our kids and our house. Even when I grumbled at your music, told you to quit screaming, and rolled my eyes because there were too many of you. Go out there and change the world! Lauri and Cleve P www www www www NATE & KATE PILAKOWSKIDouble the impact and twice the fun! Congratulations, on all you both have accomplished at Free State! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see you make your mark at UNL and beyond!Happy Graduation! Love, Aunt Kristy, Uncle Kent & Aunt Heather

www www www www ANDREW PIPERCongratulations, Andrew!! We are so proud of you! You had a crazy senior year with COVID, online school and driving 30 minutes to get to school and basketball. You took it all in stride. You finished with an

amazing basketball season, and you shined as a leader! We look forward to watching you play at Ottawa University next year! We love you!

Love, Mom, Dad, Madison and Kate www www www www COURTNEY PITTSCongratulations, Courtney! We are so excited to watch your world unfold before our eyes. These last four years have flown by, and your future is bright! www www www www COLE RORICKCongratulations, on your graduation! We are very proud of what you have accomplished and of the man that you have become. We look forward to cheering you on in the next chapter of your life. Love, Mom, Granna, Katie and Dustin

www www www www EZEKIAL SHERIDANIt’s been an honor to watch you grow into such a capable, smart, creative and kind young man. I am so proud of you, and look forward to celebrating many more successes in the future! Love, Mom www www www www KEEGAN BAILEY VANPELTSeems like a short time ago we were carrying you out of Hutchinson Hospital! We’ve been so blessed by you. You are strong, kind, loving, hard-working, faithful. Go move mountains, sweet girl! Your family will always be here for you, cheering you on every step of the way. Love you! Love, Mom, Dad, Kinley and Kale” www www www www DALLAS WOLFE-MASEMCongratulations, on your graduation Dallas!!! I am very proud of all your hard work. You impress me more and more every day. Love you! Mom www www www www MAGGIE WORLEYCongratulations, on your Graduation. I’m so very proud of you. I will forever be grateful to have been able to watch you grow up to be the amazing young woman you have become. I know you are destined for greatness. I love you” www www www www MAGGIE WORLEYWe wish you the confidence to always believe in yourself, and the opportunity to become everything you’ve ever dreamed. You will make a big difference in this world. We are so proud of you!

Congratulations, beautiful!!

Kyle, Shelly, Tanner and Kaden Walker

www www www www MAGGIE WORLEYGraduation will be just one of many proud and successful moments for you! Congrats! www www www www MAGGIE WORLEYGraduation will be the only one of the many proud and successful moments in your bright future!!

Congrats! Merle & Susie www www www www ELLIOT AHLVERSI will be so happy for you when you don’t have to sit in that chair, staring at a screen! I know we’ll have a wonderful summer to make up (?) for all of it! Eyes on the prize, Elliot, eyes on the prize... www www www www TITUS ORRIN BIRDASHAWyou always stay true to who you are: loyal, intelligent, protective, unfiltered, and that is what makes everyone who loves you, so blessed!

You are destined to create an amazing future all on your own Tater Bug! Be unstoppable. Love you around the world, always!

—Your Family

www www www www ROSEMARY BONEBRAKEYou are amazing! You have done such a great job during this difficulty. I know it wasn’t easy to learn remotely. How you were able to do so well in orchestra while never having played with the orchestra was so awesome. Thank you for your hard work in all your classes and for your great attitude. I am so excited to watch you continue to grow into an amazing adult. Go you! www www www www JAMESON CARTERJC: You Really Got Me so proud of you. Even with COVID, you Jumped right into High School, and we’re excited for you to Finish What Ya Started at FSHS! We Can’t Stop Lovin You - you’re an awesome son and brother. -M, B, R & R www www www www HANNAH DE GUZMAN“What a year it has been! Masks, social distancing, online classes, selfquarantine, and vaccines became mainstays in everyday life. Through it all, we are proud of all that you’ve accomplished, overcame, your perseverance and resilience in this

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challenging times. We cherished the time we spent with you.

We love you Hannah! God bless you in all your endeavors. Always,Dad, Mom and Matt www www www www ALEX GODINEZyou inspire us every day with your drive to achieve and to excel. You have risen above every obstacle and conquered your Freshman year.

We are so proud of you and your accomplishments in the classroom, on-stage, and on the field!

-Mom and Dad www www www www JACK KEATHLEY-HELMSyou’re a three-sport varsity athlete chasing TWO state championships, making the honor roll, working part time and being a good brother, friend, and son. If you can do all that during a pandemic, there is no limit on what you can achieve! Set your goals high! We are so proud of you! www www www www KALEIGH MERRILLyour siblings and I are very proud of you, and who you’ve become!

You’re an independent and caring young lady who has an amazing journey in front of you! I am excited to watch you travel the road of life and choose your own adventure. I love you, Dad. www www www www BONNIE MILLS, KELLIE STEBBINS, ESTHER ROMERO, ANNA KOPPES, MELISSA SMITH, MICHELLE SALMANSThank you for teaching students with so much compassion, enthusiasm and patience during the most challenging year of their lives. We are deeply grateful and appreciative for all of you. www www www www ALYSSA MOLTONwe are so proud of all the accomplishments you have already had in your life. We have enjoyed being on this journey with you. We are excited to see what your future holds at K-State. We know you will achieve great things. We love you.

ADS

Mom and Dad

www www www www ELLIOTT PERRY-GIBSONYou have done so well as you navigated a new school, toggled inperson mask days with long, blackscreened online days, and tried to connect to teachers and friends. I am so proud of you, Elliott. Way to handle 2020-2021. Love, Mom www www www www ELIZA SHORTERwe are so proud of you for all of your hard work this year. Yes, you struggled in distant learning, but you put in so much effort into your comeback. You are a brilliant, beautiful, kind and determined young lady. We love you for all that you are, Mom and Dad. www www www www

TIGER SIEVERSI know with all the scientific knowledge you possess, you will soon invent a memory altering/ erasing contraption that will enable all of us to forget this year. You powered through like a champ, and what I don’t want you to forget are all the things you were able to accomplish under hellish circumstances. Take that with you and be proud! xo Ma-ee www www www www LAUREN SINCLAIRYay! No more 6 a.m. alarms! It’s been so much fun watching you grow these past four years! Not in height of course but in everything else! We are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished. Take a deep breath and soak it all in! We love you, Nurnen Rose! Mom & Dad www www www www SYLVIA WAECHTERyou made it through worst year in 100 years! We are so proud of what you were able to accomplish under the circumstances. So excited for you to have a senior year full of normal fun with your pals. Love you! Mom & Dad www www www www JACOB WILKUSWe are super proud of you and your ability to make the best of a situation that you had no control over! Your senior year was not what you thought it would be, but we think you had an amazing year!

We are proud of all that you have accomplished and can’t wait to see what your future holds! Love~ Mom & Dad

www www www www MAGGIE WORLEYCongratulations - you have made all of us so proud here in FLA. Excited for you and know that you will succeed in your next journey.

We love you! www www www www MAGGIE WORLEYWe are so proud of all you have accomplished!! Amazing grades, admission to law school as a senior in high school, your many accomplishments in showing horses, NHS!! Your work ethic will take you far!! We love you! Mom and Dad www www www www MAGGIE WORLEYWe are so proud of you and all you accomplished during a very trying year. We look forward to the things you’ll do as you move forward and know you’ll make a difference in the world in the years to come.

Stay strong, work hard, and most importantly, have fun!!! www www www www ALICE ZHENGYou’ll always remember this day and so will all of us who were here cheering you on. Congratulations, on your graduation and best wishes for your next adventure at UTD!

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freedom inof speech a

A

digital age StuCo raises ire after blocking students

s her friends began finding out they were blocked from the @free_state_stuco Instagram account, senior Amelia Lang realized she was also banned from the account. Lang was “frustrated” because she had never interacted with the account.

“I didn’t really see what I’ve done to deserve such a thing,” Lang said.

Months before this discovery, Lang and at least one other student expressed their disappointment online after Student Council posted a picture of several members violating social distancing guidelines in the school building on Nov. 17. As a result, StuCo sponsor Katy Hayden asked Lang and another student to meet with her.

“So, she was just pretty dismissive of our concerns,” Lang said. “And then, eventually, she kind of just ended the conversation by telling us that we have, like, killed StuCo’s joy for this thing that they were doing.”

Others were also blocked for critiquing the organization.

In a video produced for the delayed Homecoming assembly, Hayden was shown pushing students away with meter sticks in a skit imagining what a socially-distanced school dance would look like. It also imagined choir as a cult-like organization, with members standing in a circle and chanting “down with LHS” at a rehearsal.

One student, who asked to remain anonymous out of fear of harassment, said watching the skit as a choir member was “heartbreaking.” She sent an email to Principal Myron Graber, assistant principal and activities director Matt Renk and Hayden explaining her grievances. Weeks later, she realized she was also blocked from the account.

“Either my private email to Ms. Hayden was shared and then one of the students blocked me, or Ms. Hayden blocked me herself after I sent this email,” the student said. “I had not posted or liked anything relating to StuCo’s poor decision making on my Instagram.”

Senior Lindsey Hefty also sent an email with

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her concerns over the video as a choir member. After finding out she was blocked from the account, Hefty reasoned it must have been because of the email.

“At least, that’s what [my friends and I] thought initially,” Hefty said. “We were like ‘okay so, like, we’ve called out StuCo for doing things before, that must be why we were blocked on Instagram.’”

However, after talking with StuCo publications officer Ruthie Mutuku, Hefty found out she was blocked after liking a post that said ”#AbolishStuCo.” In April, Prom court candidates were announced through a post on StuCo’s Instagram account. Senior Drew Raney and a recent alumnus both commented, “Okay, but how many of these people are blocked?” on the post. Both comments were then taken down and the post was removed and reuploaded with commenting disabled.

The next day, Hayden emailed Raney, Hefty, Lang and three others saying she “couldn’t discuss all of the specifics of blocking users,” but “using profanity, sending hate messages and liking or associating yourself with any of these messages” is a violation of the student handbook.

Raney replied asking for examples of what comments Hayden deemed hateful. She responded with “No. Sent from my iPhone.”

“My jaw hit the floor,” Raney said.

“I think some students thought, ‘Oh, it’s our right to be on your Instagram,’” Hayden said. “It’s not. It’s not a right. It’s a privilege.”

However, Mike Hiestand, senior legal counsel of the Student Press Law Center, said this situation might have been a violation of the First Amendment. “[If the district is] giving public money to the student government and they are the body charged with distributing that money, yeah, that’s kind of what courts have looked at at the college level to say that ‘yes,’ college student governments can be considered public officials,” Hiestand said.

While he had never heard of this happening on a high school level, Heistand cited a 2017 court case that decided social media accounts of public officials

FEATURE

pages by Emily Zeller story by Isis Norris

are “public forums” funded by taxpayersand therefore, cannot be restricted from the public. Essentially, StuCo may not have the right to block people for criticizing them on social media without exposing the district to legal liabilities.

According to Julie Boyle, the executive director of communications, the district currently has no policy regulating how school organizations moderate their social media accounts. However, she says the school board’s policy committee has been researching social media policies and may bring one to the board for approval in the future.

However, Hayden does not believe that a policy is necessary.

“Do you have to write every rule down?” Hayden asked. “It becomes ridiculous.”

At the time of publication, administration has not responded to a request for comment. There are

discrepancies in the timeline given by various members of StuCo as to if or when administration approved the blocking and what triggered the decision to do so.

“I feel the real loss is the loss of respect I have for many of my classmates now,” the anonymous student said. “There are so many people I used to respect so heavily within StoCo, but seeing their reactions and participation in the belittling of their peers has made me reevaluate my thoughts regarding those students and the StuCo program as a whole.”

Regardless of a policy, building trust among their student body may be one of the biggest hurdles StuCo will have to face.

“This is censorship, I mean, when you’re blocking students for speaking out, certainly as a student government that just felt lousy, whether it’s illegal or not,” Hiestand said.

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OPINION pages by emily zeller

A

staff editorial:

between a

B L O C K& a

hard place

s an organization that represents students, Free State Journalism calls on all student and school organizations to be transparent with their social media policies, especially related to how accounts deal with comments and blocking followers.

On Aug. 16 2020, the @freestatefootball Instagram account posted a team photo in which none of the players were wearing masks. When students called out the team on social media for not following guidelines, students were blocked from the account or restricted from commenting.

Shortly after, @freestatefootball moved to a private account, effectively allowing access to content to only approved members.

On Nov. 17 2020, the @free_state_stuco Instagram account posted a photo of a room of student council members. As of that date, we were in the first hybrid model. It was a Tuesday, meaning only students with the last names L-R were to attend in-person. Four students in the photo were not scheduled to be in-person school on Tuesday Nov. 17. While it is possible administration allowed these students to come in, the students were not socially distanced within the classroom.

The large number of people in the photo got the attention of other students. Senior Amelia Lang responded to the post on her Instagram story, saying, “I didn’t know today’s hybrid was A-Z!” and “It’s super disappointing to see our student leaders ignoring social distancing guidelines… repeatedly.”

Others emailed assistant principal and activities director Matt Renk, Principal Myron Graber and StuCo sponsor Katy Hayden with concerns about the lack of following guidelines.

Shortly after, Lang and others involved were blocked by the StuCo Instagram.

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On Feb. 24 2021, a virtual assembly video for the delayed homecoming week was posted on Ryland Cummings’s YouTube channel. In the video, StuCo members performed skits that mocked Encore, an annual choir event, and social distancing guidelines.

Students found this insulting to the choir department, and more widely, ironic because homecoming was delayed due to a COVID-19 exposure. Students reached out to administration with concerns about this and were later blocked.

On April 13 2021, StuCo posted the list of prom court candidates on Instagram, two of whom were involved with these previous interactions and had been blocked. Within minutes, senior Drew Raney commented “Okay but how many of these people are blocked? Alum Joe Zollner commented using the same phrase moments later. Some prom court members liked these comments and a comment that read “#abolishstuco”.

Both comments were deleted, commenting was disabled on all posts and anyone who had interacted with the comments was blocked by the StuCo account. Shortly after, Raney and some members of the prom court received an email from Hayden, which said in part “...using profanity, sending hate messages, and liking or associating yourself with any of these messages is a violation of instagram and a violation of the FS student handbook.”

There is not one succinct definition of hate speech, but most boil it down to abuse or threats based in hate of a certain identity or marginalized group. Is Student Council an identity? A marginalized group? By deeming the comments and posts criticizing their organization hate speech, StuCo trivializes and minimizes actual descrimination that people of color, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities and other groups face.

Our staff editorial reflects the general opinion of the Free State Journalism staff

Student organizations are unjustly restricting criticism and public input None of the comments or posts mentioned contained curse words, slurs, personal insults or insults based on identity. No content violated Instagram’s rules and there are no rules outlined in the student handbook or in district policy for how student organizations handle comments or “likes” deemed inappropriate.

Raney requested examples of the specific comments that violated guidelines or were deemed hate speech. Hayden’s only reply read, “No. Sent from my iPhone.”

The football team publicly shares information on their website. On the other hand, Instagram is the main way StuCo communicates information. As of May 18, 2021, the StuCo page on the school’s website has no information other than “Follow Us on Instagram” and a link to their account.

Student organizations must consider the implications of putting all of their information on a conditional platform. Should “official” social media accounts for groups be limited to only followers who fully agree with those in it? For example, senior Lindsey Hefty said after she was blocked, she had to log in from another Instagram account to view essential information about school events.

Most students were eventually unblocked by StuCo, but that does not negate the points we have expressed. This situation alludes to a larger, nationwide discourse about how social media accounts of representatives should be managed.

A 2019 case against President Donald Trump ruled government officials could not block people or remove tweets without violating the first amendment. The ruling explained blocking people from an official social media account violates their rights to participate in a “designated public forum.”

At a high school level this may seem trivial, but this case makes a relevant point. It is unconstitutional to stifle the opinions of those you represent. It is harmful to create an environment where that is allowed or worse, normalized. Beyond high school, college student senate races are important, oftentimes setting or giving input in where and how student fees are spent as well as giving input and consent to policies affecting students. It is not good practice for high school student councils to train students that they shouldn’t share their concerns with elected representatives because there could be negative repercussions.

Free State Journalism has outlined our social media policies, which readers can view on the opposite page. We, as an organization that represents students and the school community, will only block those who make repeated threats or use actual hate speech against marginalized groups.

If an account is going to block people for criticizing their organization, it should, at the very least, be made clear to their followers that criticism of the group could lead to losing access to their platform. This way, followers can know which student groups truly allow an open forum, accept constructive criticism and represent the student body.

FSJ updated social media policy

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teachers say goodbye

Scott Oden

“I will never forget the wonderful relationships I have been fortunate to create with my students and colleagues”

McKenna Wright “Thank you for sharing your lives with me - it has been my honor to work and laugh with you. Don’t be a stranger!”

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Kristi Bubna

“One thing I’ve admired about Free State is the opportunity and space students are given to be themselves”

FEATURE

Nextsteps

pages by Angel Singhal story by Alexandria Brown photos by Karmina Douglas

S

ome things are never permanent such as hobbies and jobs, sometimes the urge to try something different arises or unforeseen circumstances can cause us to make a change. This is the case for teachers Kristi Bubna, McKenna Wright and Scott Oden (formerly Ireland) who are leaving alongside the senior class of 2021.

Oden’s partner accepted a new position in Washington, D.C. during the pandemic, and he is moving to be with his new family. Oden has been the director of choral activities for two years. Next year, he is teaching elementary music in the Prince William County school district.

Looking towards the move, he anticipates missing the annual Encore performance.

“You can feel the students’ excitement in the air and it was always incredible watching the students enjoy themselves on stage,” Oden said.

Bubna is also leaving to be closer to loved ones in Seattle. She has been a gifted education teacher in recent years. “[My partner] lives in Berkeley, so we are both relocating to Seattle as our “midway”

meet up location,” Bubna said. “It’s a spot that is new for both of us, but where we also have some established friends and community, and job opps.”

Bubna is teaching middle and high school English at the Washington Preparatory School next year, a return to her former position in language arts “So I’m looking forward to getting back into content teaching -- I love talking literature every day!” Bubna said.

Unlike her peers, English teacher McKenna Wright is leaving to try something new.

What’s next is currently unknown, but she leaves with a piece of advice to her successor.

“The most important collaboration happens in the classroom, and together you can make lessons meaningful and relevant,” Wright said.

Wright is looking forward to the chance to see the world, meet new people and running into past students and co-workers as she goes about her day.

“Thank you for sharing your lives with me - it has been my honor to work and laugh with you,” Wright said.

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Graduation Plans carry on

Amidst Concerns

Organizers accomodate social-distancing and mask requiremnets

M

aking plans for an occasion as big as a 6A high school graduation can prove challenging during a pandemic with ever-changing social distancing and mask-wearing protocols.

Project Graduation hosts its annual party for Lawrence students the evening after graduation to encourage safe celebrations.

However, with many students and their families not fully vaccinated, organizers have had to get creative to continue to uphold their promise of a safe environment.

This year, Project Graduation will be hosted at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

Erin Bird, this year’s organizer, explained after it became clear the event couldn’t happen at Abe and Jake’s Landing, as it did in past years, organizers had to ask for help from the city. “[Project Graduation] was truly a collaboration this year between the City of Lawrence, Douglas County and the Lawrence Public Schools,” Bird said.

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Other students have had to change their personal graduation party plans as well.

“I plan on hosting a graduation party outside,” senior Yoav Gillath said, “so as to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19.”

Senior Bryn Perrins resorted to more drastic measures to adapt to COVID-19.

“Because it was unclear what the year would be like, I decided in August that I would graduate a semester early,” Perrins said. “I am very excited to see all my classmates that I missed this year [at graduation].”

Project Graduation has taken extra measures to protect students according to Bird. Attendees will wear masks and there is a “grab and go” food option.

“As you can imagine, an event like this takes lots of planning,” Bird said. We have had so many wonderful parents step up to volunteer their time.”

Project Graduation will last from 9 p.m. until midnight on Wednesday, May 26. Bird said students should bring a mask and ID.

FEATURE pages by Lauren Tao story by Jenna Bellemere

not-for-profit organization

safe party for all graduating seniors

date: Wednesday, May 26th from 9:00 pm - Midnight

donate & volunteer location: Douglas County Fairgrounds Open Pavillion

cost: FREE

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open

I

Letter

am sitting in a ZOOM meeting with This year, the Commons would be empty. other newly elected Thespian club Taking matters into my own hands, I decided officers and our school’s new theater to pitch the idea of a “Virtual Club Fair” to director. He asks us questions about my principal, Mr. Graber. My idea was to our involvement in theater, information contact club presidents and club sponsors, about ourselves, and what three goals we have set a date, receive ZOOM meeting links, get regarding Thespian club for the upcoming the information on a document, and make it school year. I had pre-written my three goals happen! out on a sticky note, because although I am a A couple weeks after pitching my idea, I performer, I still get nervous when it comes to set up a meeting to clarify a few things with speaking in front of a group of people. As each the activities director, just to make sure we officer spoke, it became clear to all that we had were on the same page. At this point, we had a common goal: inclusion. Although a great set up a date for two weeks ahead and I had group, our department had faced the drama only mentioned the plan I had created to (pardon the pun) of cliques over the years, a group of students that lead clubs at Free and now we were going to change that. With State. During the meeting, he suggested that incoming freshmen soon to arrive, we needed we reschedule it for the day of to develop a newer and stronger organization. freshmen orientation, which The new school year was fast approaching was only five days away! At and it became very clear that our plan to reinvent ourselves was going to wither on the vine The new school year if we didn’t do something. The Free State High School Club was fast approaching Fair -- the biggest event for and it became very clear school clubs-- was cancelled due that our plan to reinvent to COVID-19. The Club Fair was always a highlight of backourselves was going to to-school with clubs setting up wither on the vine if we booths, meeting new students, didn’t do something. and recruiting returning students.

“

”

22

OPEN LETTER

Senior reflects on overcoming challenges this point, I immediately sent out emails to all the club representatives I had previously contacted to obtain a link to their meeting “booth.” I set up a spreadsheet with all the meeting links, and documented all the links I had received. I also sent emails to every freshman and created an Instagram story flyer because at this point, I was on my own to market it to the best of my abilities.

On the day of the event, I used myself as a help desk. I went between two computers, one with my meeting room open, and one to respond to any emails I received as quickly as possible. As soon as the Virtual Club Fair started, I got about 4 emails, saying that the club representatives could not start a meeting

on the program we were using. I immediately panicked. What if nobody’s links worked and the entire event was a bust? This was the first time any of us had worked with Cisco WebEx, and many were unsure of how to use it. Luckily, most of the other club meetings worked, and those who did not had someone else that could host. Only one club representative did not have a working link, and at that point I let them use my meeting room.

At one point during the event, I was able to look at the spreadsheet where I had put all of the links, and there were more than eighty students on the document. I also gathered over thirty organizations from my high school to be represented. I am extremely proud that I was able to use my newfound leadership skills to create something that was helpful for many people, and I hope to continue developing these skills for more projects in the future. story by

Jenna Gaston pages by name

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FEATURE pages by Angel Singhal story by Zanna Ingra photos by Baya Burgess

Pandemic

Prom

Seniors Kylynn Jackson and Lexi Williams embrace in a hug when first arriving to prom. Williams enjoyed being able to create memories with her friends. “I enjoyed getting all pretty with my friends and dancing with them,” Williams said.

Seniors Miah Cheatham and Victoria Flores dance the Cha Cha Slide. Cheatham and Flores thought prom was an amazing and memorable night. “I loved seeing so many people genuinely happy and having fun together,” Flores said.

Dancing the night away, senior Madeline Stockdall dances with her friends at their assigned table before hitting the dance floor. Stockdall was very grateful to be able to have a prom.

“My favorite thing [about prom] was the chance to do something fun with my friends again before we all separate for college,” Stockdall said.

Senior and prom royalty Olivia Toves snaps a photo of her classmates.

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Celebration adapts to COVID-19

M

embers of the student council worked hard to find a way to make prom special for seniors after a tough year. This included devising a system where students would be placed in “pods” around the commons as a way to keep prom as safe and socially distanced as possible.

The verdict? It worked pretty well.

“All things considered, I think prom went really well,” senior Addeline Garcia said. “It was probably the most normal school event we’ve had all year.”

After multiple tries to find a way to make prom happen, the idea for the pod system came from a StuCo senior’s mother. After it was approved, members of StuCo were able to start planning.

“We really wanted to do something special for the class of 2021 and after a lot of our ideas being shut down, when prom got approved it was the best feeling,” StuCo senior Ruthie Mutuku said.

The seniors on StuCo were the brains behind the whole operation; StuCo adviser Katy Hayden only stepped in to help during

the actual event so that the seniors could enjoy themselves.

“The seniors did it all, I only supported them,” Hayden said. “I helped find chaperones, explained the check in process to them and just walked around checking on things and taking care of things that came up.”

For many seniors, the idea of “pod prom” seemed like beating a dead horse; a last-ditch attempt at creating a sense of normalcy. Senior Olivia Toevs, who was later crowned prom royalty, wasn’t even planning to attend. “[It was] way better than I could’ve imagined, I originally wasn’t going to go but I bought my tickets last minute on a whim,” Toevs said. “I thought it was so sweet and nostalgic to only have Free State seniors there. StuCo did a phenomenal job making the whole thing special and atmospheric.”

Toevs didn’t expect to be nominated for prom court, and certainly did not plan on being crowned later in the evening.

“In all honesty I didn’t expect it to be me, I was surrounded by my friends and just happy to be there,” Toevs said. “I think I was nervous the split second before they announced it but genuinely I would’ve been just as happy if it was anyone. We had such a fantastic and diverse group of people on the court this year, so I wasn’t very nervous, just excited.”

Hands in the air, seniors dance in the commons during prom. This year prom saw several changes including a rotation of tables to be on and off the dance floor. “[The seniors in student council] fought so hard for this event to be approved by every possible board,” junior StuCo member Sophie Johnston said. “Every senior deserved a chance to dress up and celebrate the last four years.”

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Amy Mai

“Getting involved as much as possible has taught me the most.

I was involved in many many different clubs and organizations and I was able to meet most of my friends that I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”

bird’s Alice Zheng “It doesn’t matter what people think about you, just keep moving forward on your own terms and no one else’s.”

Vivian Mechem

“Being a part of orchestra has taught me how to be involved in a community.”

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BIRD’S WORD pages by Hannah De Guzman collected by Isis Norris

Yoav Gillath “Being in a global pandemic has taught me to make the best of every single day. You can’t take anything for granted, not even the most basic everyday things.”

word

seniors answer: what experiences have taught you the most in the past four years?

Ethan Sharp “The experience that taught me the most would be cross country, since it taught me how to work crazy hard towards a single goal.

I learned how to pick myself back up and try again after a hard failure.”

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K

n Fish y l t ai

E

ly Zelle i m

er

Being on journalism staff has allowed me to make friends and connections. I have learned so much about our world and what role journalism plays in it. I’m so thankful for all the staffers, editors and Ms. Folsom.

r

Some of my favorite high school memories are from being on the journalism staff, I’ll miss everyone next year!

While on staff, I have enjoyed forming connections with people I wouldn’t have otherwise met. I have loved the overall experience of improving my design skills and learning many other skills. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help create The Free Press this year.

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dra De n xa

r

Ale

E

n

I loved my time on staff, not only because it taught me so many things, but because I got to meet and work alongside the best people and capture the student body and community of Free State in a different way. There are definitely so many events and things that I never would’ve gone to or tried had it not been for my time on staff, and it wouldn’t be an understatement to say that it showed me how to see things through a different lens.

m

ma Nelso

e ck

na Ho a l E

I have only been a part of the Journalism staff for a semester, but everyone has treated me as if I’ve been here a while. At first, I was having trouble learning all of these new techniques and InDesign online, but I got a lot of help and learned so much!

STAFF NOTES

A

J en

s

I really enjoyed being on staff, because I got to interact with all different types of people from throughout the school and write about interesting topics.

ey Rock n a

er

I really enjoyed being a part of such an amazing and hardworking staff and getting so many opportunities to learn and grow while refining skills that I didn’t know I would use in basically every part of my life.

B ell e m a n

e er

al

n

ingh S e g

My favorite part about journalism has been making friends with people who I normally wouldn’t get the chance to talk to if we weren’t on staff together.

De l

My favorite thing about being on staff was the supportive environment the other staff members created and the trips that resulted in a lot of bonding time!

Re

My favorite thing about being on staff was going to Chicago and Washington D.C, not only did we go learn more about journalism, but we got to go sightseeing, too.

a Ingra n n

m

Br o w x e n Al

m

a Folso n n

Za

pages by Hannah De Guzman

I really enjoyed talking to people at my school that I would have never talked to and watching the yearbooks, newspapers and online publications develop over time.

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firebird Cole Huang “This piece was a study in isometric design, the space theme was for a space themed Halloween show at the Cider Gallery”

Maya Sabatini “This tutu was designed for the role of the fairy godmother in Prokofiev’s Cinderella; it is inspired by the passage of time and the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements.”

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art

ART pages by Hannah De Guzman art collected by Zanna Ingram

senior showcase

Hannah Riling

“This is a collage I made for studio photography from art and fashion magazines along with watercolor paper.”

The doctors in the lab have been working on the second stage of Cryonics. The scientists of the world know how to freeze dead people but the challenge is to defrost them alive. As a lab tech, I participate in the minor procedures. I go to work, do some labs, run some blood, nothing revolutionary. When I accepted the job at the black site lab, I expected to be doing something amazing. I am a middle aged man with no one in his life, who wants more than anything to be a part of something important, to be remembered. I decided that today was the day that I would give my two weeks notice so that I could move on to something I actually wanted to do with my life. I walk into the building and head

Haleigh Dahl

straight to my bosses office. She looks tired as hell. The bags under her eyes aged her ten years. I slowly walk towards her and, like I had practiced in the mirror, give her my letter of resignation.

“I appreciate all the time that I have worked here but I think it’s time for something new.” I say as she takes the letter and opens it.

She reads the letter quickly then puts it down on her desk.

“I agree,” She says. “But before you go, I have a proposition.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“We need a live body for the experiment, and I think it might have to be you.”

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On the first day of “senior prank” week seniors parked their cars all over the student lot, including on curbs, grass and blocking off other classmates’ vehicles.

Science teacher Julie Schwarting takes her environmental science class outside to view the prairie burn. Science teacher Kelly Barah also joined the class to film footage of the burning. “This is the best burn we’ve had since we began the project in 2013,” Schwarting said.

photo

essay

Arm pulled behing him, senior Tyler Vigna lunges as he throws a pitch.

page by Emily Zeller

Balloons are released to honor security guard and Can We Talk sponsor Charles Thomas. Dee Kemp became the new head sponsor of Can We Talk after being influenced by Thomas. “We shared a passion for making things better for our students of color,” Kemp said.

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Moving the ball, junior Willoughby Lam goes through an opponent. The soccer team had to deal with last minute coaching changes and even a full quarantine during their season. “Our seniors really helped make this year feel like there wasn’t a pandemic holding us back,” Lam said. “It helped us all grow closer.”