THE
NEWS STAFF CONTENTS
CONTENTS NEWS
Pg 05 - Frozen with Fear
Pg 15 - The Winner Takes It All Pg 16 - Life360 Security Breach
Pg 17 - Students Sue District
Pg 18-19 - Schedule Switch Up
OPINION
Pg 11 - Consumer Apocalypse
Pg 18-19 - College Application Timeline
FEATURE
Pg 02 - Puppy Pals
Pg 14 - Behind the Camera A&E
Pg 06-07 - Freshmen and Senior Traditions
Pg 12 - Photo Gallery
Pg 22-23 - Ads
SPORTS
Pg 08 - Keep Calm and Volley On Pg 09 - Meet the Coaches
ABOUT THE COVER
Walking into high school for the first time is the Class of 2029 while walking out are the graduating seniors of the Class of 2026. High school is a time of growth, memories and milestones, but perhaps nothing defines the experience more than the traditions that shape a school’s culture. From spirited events to long-standing customs, these moments connect students across generations. Flip to pages six and seven where Free State Journalism has highlighted a few of the traditions that have made their mark throughout the years. Illustration by Lucas Smith
SOCIALS MISSION STATEMENT
Curious Free State journalists will amplify voices, gather superior sources and tell pivotal stories of our community in a visually creative way in order to serve our audience and foster quality scholastic journalism in Lawrence, Kansas.
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
Maria Mosconi
Evie Chancy
MANAGING
EDITORS
Phoebe Morris
Rakshan Ossen
DESIGN
EDITOR
Lucas Smith
PHOTO EDITORS
Julia Velasco
Nathan Kramer
CAPTIONS
EDITOR
Ceci Bennett
COPY EDITORS
Meredith Shryock
Lauren Rosen
ONLINE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Baila Love
ONLINE
MANAGING EDITORS
Kinley Gigous
Odelia Colvin
SOCIAL MEDIA
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Katie Campbell
BUSINESS
EDITOR
Piper Northrop
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Anders Benson
Eden Weber
Leona Randall
Miles Beaty
Nathan Friedman
Nate Willems
Sydney Brozik
REPORTERS
Arianna Waller
Dylan Tenbrink
Eula Heriford
Griffin McDonnell
Morgan Sponholtz
Penny Coleman
DESIGNERS
Abbie Veeder
Allison McCall
Avery Smiley
Bella Lylo
Harper Finck
Jaehee Kim
Kouri Demelash
Phoebe Morris
Ariza Noscal
BUSINESS
TEAM
Annika Lintecum
Sammi Smith
PUPPY PALS
Collected by Eula Heriford
Wayne and Apollo Reunited
Wayne is a yellow labrador Apollo is a bernedoodle
Previous to receiving his therapy dog certification,
Wayne would come to school with Demetrius Kemp as a visitor.
Wayne has been working as a therapy dog for
FOUR AND A HALF YEARS,
since he was two months old.
It's easier for [students] to talk to a dog or talk to an animal instead of a person because in their minds, whatever they're dealing with, they can't talk to people about. They’re afraid that they're going to be judged or criticized or laughed at or something like that. So [Wayne] makes it easy for me,
1/4 Saint Bernard
3/4 poodle
Apollo has been working as a therapy dog for
THREE YEARS,
since he was under a year old.
They were both staring at each other, and then their tails started wagging, and they just started playing. I didn't think they were gonna graduate from their class, because all they did was play, Kemp said.
said.
Charlie Kirk killed at Utah event, school shooting in Colorado
GUN VIOLENCE ACROSS AMERICA
ACROSS ACROSSAMERICA AMERICA
Story by Morgan Sponholtz
On Wednesday, Sept. 10, at about 12:20 p.m., conservative activist and podcaster Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck while speaking at an event for students at Utah Valley University. A few hours later, President Donald Trump confirmed his death on Truth Social.
According to the BBC, the attack came just moments after Kirk fielded a question about gun violence in schools. A commenter asked Kirk to identify the number of mass shooters in the past five years, and as Kirk began his answer, a shot rang out and crowd panic set in. The graphic video was quickly shared across social media, with millions of Americans witnessing his death.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox condemned the murder as a political assassination, which occurred the same hour as a school shooting at Evergreen High School near Denver, Colo. CBS local news reported that the shooter injured two students, one being in critical condition, before shooting and killing himself. An eyewitness said the students were at lunch when he heard 15-30 gunshots. Hundreds of law enforcement officers arrived at the scene
and by the end of the night students had been reunited with their families.
Senior Rory Scarlett said she was saddened to see gun violence claim another victim, but felt that there is not enough attention on the hundreds of school shootings that have happened across the country in recent years. She said she felt that it was hypocritical to post on social media about Kirk’s death, but not the shooting at Evergreen High School.
Gun violence is gun violence, and we continue to fuel it by not letting our government do something about it,
Scarlett said.
Scarlett and an anonymous teacher both said that they believe the incident will not lead to change but to more division in government. They point to Trump’s speech on Wednesday night when he called for an end to political violence from the left and ordered that
flags be flown at half-mast in mourning of Kirk’s death. According to ABC, Trump did not mention the shooting at Evergreen High School or the assassination of Minnesota Democratic representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, who were killed in their home on June 14.
“There are so many mass shootings that don’t get this attention … we’re sort of being desensitized to it to the point where we don’t even respond. A school shooting doesn’t even make breaking news anymore. It’s just sort of what happens in the world we live in.” the teacher said.
An anonymous student said they disagreed, saying that Kirk’s death will lead to more attention about gun violence. While he said he doesn’t believe that gun laws will become stricter, he said he hopes it will bring awareness to the issue.
“[Kirk’s] gonna be a martyr. I think people are going to realize that political violence should not be allowed,” the student said.
In 2023, the U.S. had an average of one gun death
Collected by Phoebe Morris
FROZEN WITH FEAR
FROZEN WITH FEAR
As Immigration and Customs Enforcement reports become an increasingly common occurrence, students, teachers and the district respond
On April 8, 2025, posts spread across Lawrencians’ social media pages with alerts of an encounter with Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the 23rd Street Dillion’s parking lot. This report was later proven false.
This is not a unique situation. A similar incident occurred earlier in January. The same month, Superintendent Jeanice Kerr Swift released a statement to the district faculty and families containing a statement clarifying the district’s policy regarding immigrant and refugee students.
“On this team, we will continue to work every day to ensure that all children are welcomed, embraced and valued as important members of our USD 497 learning community in each of our classrooms and schools,” the statement said.
The statement said that the district will continue to abide by federal and state laws and that before any ICE agent enters school grounds, a review must go through the Superintendent’s office. Additionally, if ICE requests any student information, the review must go through the Superintendent’s office.
The message sent to faculty concluded with resources to support educators looking to support immigrant and migrant students. As ICE rumors, threats and raids have increased throughout the country, the district has yet to make an updated statement.
A teacher, who wishes to remain anonymous, decided to take action by addressing any immigrant and migrant related concerns in class. They also provided students with red cards reading listing their rights to present to officials in case of emergency.
Since it’s hard to confirm ICE sightings, a student, who would like to remain anonymous, said they and their family are uncertain where it is safe for them and their family to be. The anonymous student said they’re afraid this will affect students in similar positions’ attendance.
It’s not really biased to want to protect students and their right to education,
the anonymous teacher said.
The anonymous teacher said that they have had personal encounters in their classroom with their students who are concerned about ICE. In past years, the anonymous teacher said they have watched students navigate immigration policies, but last year, they watched a student’s fears grow with the growing threat of ICE.
“I had a student last semester who was terrified that her dad was going to get abducted,” the anonymous teacher said. “She had very real fears because…even though he was born here and here legally, they seem to be picking up people based on the color of their skin.”
60,930 According to NBC, as of Aug. 29, migrants are currently held in ICE detention
Collected by Lauren Rosen
with criminal
“We’re not going out as much. We can’t go out for dinner, and my mom doesn’t take night hours anymore,” the anonymous student said. “My dad…he’s moving back to Lawrence to find a job here, but he’s not even going out past five o’clock.”
Sanctuary Alliance is an Immigrant Rights Organization that provides resources and financial support to the immigrant population in Lawrence; the lead organizer Mariel Ferreiro said she recommends if an individual thinks they have seen ICE agent or comes into direct contact with them to call the rapid response hotline: (785) 813-1098.
“It’s so incredibly important that everyone, not just people impacted by this, but everyone, understand that they have constitutional rights,” Ferreiro said. “The other thing is knowing what to do if you witness something. And the best thing that you can do if you see something, is to call the hotline.”
with criminal
with criminal
with criminal
by Abbie Veeder
Story by Maria Mosconi and Evie Chancy
Collected
by
Ari Waller
FRESHMEN AND
Freshmen and seniors share their thoughts on beginning of the year traditions
“ “ “ “
[The Firestarter Dance] was pretty lit and hype. It ran super well and the DJ was fire,
freshman Kale Vanpelt said.
The upperclassmen in LINK were so welcoming to the freshman. When I went to school the next day, I felt like I had already gone here before because of how welcomed they made me feel. The activities they planned for us were a lot of fun and it helped me get to know people better,
freshman Morgan McClorey said.
At the Firestarter Dance, senior Annika Lintecum and junior Bea Essman dance with their friends.
Photo by Anders Benson
Handing out name tags, juniors Olivia Storey and Abby Clark work with LINK Crew at the Jump Start day for freshmen. Photo by Nathan Kramer
Leaning back, freshman Tyson Fritzel participates in limbo at the Freshman Firestarter Dance on Aug. 22.
Photo by Anders Benson
Throwing shakas, freshmen Beau Hulcher, Olivia Tiengo and Quinlynn Vail engage in the carnival games on Aug. 22.
Photo by Nathan Kramer
On the dance floor, freshman Sa’mya Ricci claps to the music at the Freshman Firestarter dance on Aug. 22. Photo by Anders Benson
SENIOR TRADITIONS
“
It’s very important to show up to these events as this is the last year all of us will be together,
senior Javi Grosko said.
“ “
My favorite senior tradition is Senior Sunrise, because it brought everyone together to start the year. It was so nice to be able to meet with my peers and share a moment before starting this last year of high school,
senior Kara Alexander said.
“
Holding up a sign, senior Lily Riehn poses for a picture at Senior Sunrise on Aug. 20. Photo by Nathan Kramer
Posing for an photo, seniors head to the Football field on Aug. 20 for Senior Sunrise.
Photo by Nathan Kramer
Cheering on the game, the student section wears neon for the football game on Sept. 5. Photo by Nathan Friedman
Posing with his backpack, senior Draven Samuel shows off his senior backpack. Photo by Sydney Brozik
Design by Allison McCall
How girls volleyball players prepared for a shocking 2025 tryout
KEEP CALM AND VOLLEY N
Story by Penny Coleman
According to Free State Girl’s Volleyball coach Jayme Savage, the 2025 girl’s volleyball tryout had one of the largest groups in the team’s history ever to tryout. With 37 freshmen, 16 sophomores, 13 juniors and seven seniors, double the people meant double the competition.
This year, some players said they felt intimidated when entering tryouts. Coming from middle school, freshman Morgan McClorey said nerves were high among girls trying out.
“I was not expecting that amount of girls. It's kind of stressful because there was a lot of competition that you had to beat to get on a team,” McClorey said. “Honestly, I think it pushed myself and other people to get better throughout the summer,” McClorey said.
Junior Mary Grace Bradford said preparation for this year’s volleyball tryout looked much different due to an increase in competition. With the drastic switch from middle to high school volleyball in terms of age difference, and an increase in participation at this year’s tryout, Bradford said she had to work harder than ever to secure a spot.
“It definitely increases your chances because the coaches get to see you more over the summer. They get to know you, and it shows how committed you are,” Bradford said.
Even before summer conditioning began, Bradford said that she said that club volleyball participation can be a crucial part to making the team, and year-long play can help a player stand out to the coaches.
“I was not expecting that amount of girls…It's kind of stressful because there was a lot of competition there that you had to beat to get on a team. But honestly, I think it pushed myself and other people to get better throughout the summer,” Bradford said.
According to the Kansas City Mag, the Midwest has been an epicenter to volleyball for decades. With some success from University of Kansas Volleyball, including being rated No. 14 by the American Volleyball Coaches Association, the Midwest is rated a top powerhouse for the sport.
It’s the Midwest honestly, that’s really known for building up talented volleyball players. So I think it has a good reputation for that nationally,
senior
Anniston Clark said.
With an increased interest in volleyball in both the class of 2029 and in the state of Kansas as a whole, athletes said securing a spot on a club team can be difficult.
“The Heart of American Volleyball Association, a regional youth volleyball organization based in KC, has over 17,000 club players and 3,000 coaches, sending players to all levels of collegiate volleyball,” Kansas City Mag journalist Reece Parker wrote.
For coaches, a great deal of decisions have to be made in terms of playing time. Not everyone can be given the same opportunities when trying out for a Kansas City club team. Clark said she feels extremely gifted to have been asked back to play her favorite sport every year, but she said that, in a way, the tryout process can be a bit sneaky.
“I’ve been very blessed to be asked back every year, so I don’t necessarily have to try out. That’s just not the same for anyone else…They’ll look at players on the previous team, then give you an offer at tryout time. That’s what I mean by sneaky,” Clark said.
Despite the competitive nature of volleyball in Kansas, Clark said she continues to come back to the sport because she has grown to enjoy the competition.
“[Volleyball] is a very long and tedious process, but it’s all worth it for sure. It’s crazy to see how far the jump of popularity volleyball has had in the last couple years,” Clark said.
VOLLEYBALL
MEET THE
Introducing the 2025 season's soccer coaching staff
COACH JOSELYN HALLIER
The newest coach on staff is coach Joselyn Hallier, who is replacing the newly promoted Heck as C-Team head coach. Hallier recently graduated from Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kan., where she played soccer at the collegiate level. By coaching C-Team, she is beginning her coaching journey.
This season is freshman Asher Heiman’s first year on the soccer team, and said he’s had a great experience so far with Hallier.
“She is funny, caring, supportive and compassionate. Even if she hasn’t coached as long as some of the others, she seems to have a good amount of experience,” Heiman said.
COACH SIMON SKINNER
Entering his fourth year with the team, assistant varsity coach Simon Skinner will enter this season with a new head coach by his side.
Skinner said his biggest strength in coaching is his ability to make his players well-equipped decision makers rather than being dependent on a coach.
“I believe it’s my job as a coach to help equip my team and players to function on the pitch at the highest level of independence possible. I make it my goal to help my players become constant, well-equipped problem solvers rather than being dependent on someone barking orders at them,” Skinner said. “I want them to have countless opportunities for decision-making in training, along with all the failures and successes that go along with those opportunities, so that they can thrive within the inevitable chaos of a soccer game.”
Coverage by Griffin McDonnell
COACH DANIEL SCHOETTMER
Junior varsity coach Daniel Schoettmer has been with the team for seven seasons, making him the longest tenured coach that is currently on the Free State staff. Schoettmer said based on the work put in this summer, all three teams are well-positioned for success.
Having coached for seven years, Schoettmer said the thing that keeps him going is his love for soccer and being able to see his players grow as people and players.
“I love soccer, but I’m really in it for the relationships. I love the mentorship that’s built into coaching, and it’s a highlight of my life to watch the guys develop as players and as people,” Schoettmer said.
COACH TYSON HECK
Newly appointed varsity head coach Tyson Heck will enter his third year coaching the boys’soccer team.After the resignation of former head coach Joseph Waldron, Tyson Heck was promoted after being the C-Team coach for two seasons.
Heck said he wants to create a team with a tight bond that will be competitive every game.
“I want to develop a program that is proud to be Free State soccer. Teams that quite literally bond so deep they look like a family in the halls and in our community.” Heck said, “It’s long overdue for the soccer program at Free State to be one that is recognized as one of the teams you only want to play because you know you will have the best competitive game of the season.”
On the sidelines, coach Daniel Schoettmer discusses strategy with freshman Hoyt Jeter during the JV game against Shawnee Heights. Photo by Leona Randall
SWIPE, SPEND, REPEAT
Consumer culture gets out of hand
As you walk through any high school hallway, you’ll see the same brands stamped across shoes, hoodies, clothes and water bottles. Scroll through social media and you’ll find essential “must haves” trending daily on your For You Page, promising happiness and satisfaction if only you click “Buy.”
This is the reality of consumer culture: a cycle that convinces us that who we are is defined by what we own. The problem is this isn’t just targeting the American Generation Z population. Consumerism has become a global phenomenon that reaches far beyond the younger generation.
Recent internet trends, such as the obsession with owning Pop Mart’s Labubu figures, which range in price from $46 to $299 and are now completely sold out, are clear evidence of how consumer culture has gotten out of hand. People wait in long lines or pay double the resale prices just to say they own the latest collectible, only for the hype to die down a few weeks later.
According to Associate Professor Chip Colwell at the University of Colorado Denver, a range of factors help explain why people accumulate so much stuff. These include disposable income, the internalization of an ideology of abundance, the physical limits of home space, religious values and personal aesthetic preferences. However, the rate at which consumer products are taking over the internet and shelves at stores is beyond imaginable.
A recent study conducted by McKinsey & Company, published on Aug. 29, found that consumer habits shift with the seasons and vary across age demographics throughout the year. This proves that the market knows how to adjust its tactics to keep buyers engaged year round. The market will always find a way to grab your attention and, in many ways, it
already has a grip on the world.
Another way one might view this issue is through the lens of status signaling. In a study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, the concept of the “Status Signaling Paradox” was defined as a modern social phenomenon where individuals attempt to display wealth or social standing through the things they own.
The paradox lies in the idea that the more people try to stand out through status symbols, the more they end up blending in. In the age of social media, where image is everything, the pressure to keep up with visible markers of success has only intensified.
. I’ve felt this myself first hand. The momentary excitement of getting something new, only to realize it didn’t change much. What lasts longer is the pressure to keep up, the fear of missing out and the emptiness when the next trend arrives and you feel the need to spend again.
Beyond just controlling the market, consumerism also has a major environmental cost. Fast fashion alone contributes to tons of textile waste and pollution every year. Many of the products we buy are made cheaply, only to be replaced within months. This constant demand fuels unsustainable manufacturing.
Opinion by Rakshan Ossen
In chasing the next trend, we’re not just hurting our wallets, we are also harming our planet.
By July 24 this year, we had already spent and depleted nature’s entire budget of ecological resources for the year. There is no doubt that consumer culture has played a huge role in this.
We have to start asking ourselves: Are we buying what we love or just buying into the illusion of belonging?
But here’s the truth: no purchase can buy belonging. The latest sneakers, tech gadgets or beauty products might deliver a quick rush, however, they barely offer lasting fulfillment. Instead they urge us to chase the next trend, piling up debt and measuring our worth against material things.
CONSUMER APOCALYPSE
Students share opinion on consumer culture
Collected by Rakshan Ossen and Lauren Rosen
“ “ “ “
It affects people’s social status and opinions of themselves because of the comparison and wide spread consumption of microtrends,
senior Ellie Beightel said
The global consumption rate surpasses the planet’s regenerative capacity by 1.7 times. according to Fordham University Research
Consumer trends are very cool. I personally do [not] participate in stuff like Labubus or Stanleys, but I genuinely think it’s fun. It sets us with a unique generational culture, and finds ways to bring us all together,
senior Pryce Brinkerhoff said
92 million tons of textile waste is produced each year according to Earth.org
PHOTO GALLERY
Waving to the crowd, junior Aiyanna Moss cheers during the Football Jamboree.
Photo by Leona Randall
At the start of their second flag football match, senior Addie Fulscher runs to escape oncoming Lawrence High School defense. Photo by Anders Benson
Keeping the time, senior Anders Benson conducts the marching band on Sept. 5. Photo by Miles Beaty
Signing the book, junior Allison McCall becomes an official member of Free State’s chapter of the National Honor Society.
Photo by Nathan Friedman
Wayne, Free State’s therapy dog, watches the crowd of freshmen participate in a series of silent activities on their first day of high school. Photo by Nathan Kramer
Scan here to view our online Photo Galleries!
Colliding, sophomore Joshua Eason tries to block the other player. Photo by Leona Randall
Reaching the finish line, sophomores Erika Rivera and Maria Fuentes race in the meet at Emporia on Sept. 13. Photo by Cecilia Bennett
Sitting and waiting, senior Sorcha Keating is about to give blood at the annual blood drive. Photo by Eden Weber
After winning two games, the girls flag football team sings the Alma Mater in front of the stands. Photo by Anders Benson
Looking up, senior Cami Lee serves the ball at a varsity meet on Sept. 9.
Photo by Charlie Last
BEHIND THE
Story by Dylan Tenbrink
CAMERA
The Video Team’s busy week
preceding Homecoming
With only days between receiving the list of candidates, writing the script and filming, creating the annual homecoming video is a serious undertaking for the Video Team.
Creating the videos that introduce the candidates for homecoming, winter formal and prom are the Video Team’s main projects. This year, the Video Team consists of 15 people split up into three teams. Senior Kouri Demelash leads the writing team, senior Ryan Toomay leads the filming team and senior Ethan Wallingford leads the editing team.
Since the Video Team is larger than it has been in past years, Demelash — the head director of the homecoming video — said they’ve had to make many adjustments this year, but there is also a greater likelihood this year will run smoother than previous years.
“I really liked last year’s homecoming video, because I feel like that’s the first
time it wasn’t just like lip syncing videos. We actually had a plot, and it made it more fun to make,” Demelash said. “This year we’re hoping to make something just as engaging.”
Toomay, who has been on the team for three years now, said they feel the school is not fully aware of the work that goes into what they are producing since the time between receiving the candidate list and when the video is expected is so short.
“It’s been a little hard, considering the school is not always the most cooperative, considering it takes longer than they think to make a video,” Toomay said. “Every single year the editors who have been working with us have pulled at least one all-nighter to finish the film.”
To make this process less stressful, Wallingford said the entire team, even those who aren’t writers, meets to brainstorm ideas so parts of the script can be started preemptively.
He got everyone together, the whole 15 people in a circle, and we just spit-fired ideas. It was a super cool way to bring together a bunch of minds, especially since some of us aren’t writers,
Wallingford is the head of editing on the team. He leads his own small editing team to make sure all the video edits are done correctly and on time.
“It’s a huge project, so after we get all the videos, I’m going to give sections of the video to each of my peeps,” Wallingford said.
Brainstorming with the class, senior Kouri Demelash leads a discussion about the next project for Video Production III.
Photo by Liam Butler
Painting a giant Freddy cutout, senior Kianna Ayala prepares props for the Homecoming video. Photo by Evie Chancy
Filming the opening scene, senior Ryan Toomay films journalism teacher Jared Shuff at a scheduled time that worked for the actors. Photo by Evie Chancy
Wallingford said.
THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL
During a staff meeting on Aug. 13, the Kansas State High School Activities Association Executive Director Bill Faflick and Assistant Executive Director Megan Hagaman joined administration for a surprise award presentation. They bestowed the KSHSAA Performing Arts School of Excellence award to Free State for the 2025-26 school year.
This award recognizes and celebrates the top, all-around performing arts school in Kansas. This year marks the first time in the award’s seven-year history that it has been given to the same school twice. Choir Director Joshua East said that the award is well deserved and representative of the work students and teachers across the department put in each and every day.
“I haven't worked somewhere before where every single group within the performing arts is at such a high level, it's pretty rare of a thing to happen,” East said.
Communication Association, Kansas Thespians and KSHSAA staff. The group collaborates to discuss schools who scored exceptionally well in choir, theatre, band, orchestra and Speech and Debate during the previous school year (2024-25). When presenting the award, Faflick emphasized that picking Free State was a unanimous decision.
KSHSAA Performing Arts School of Excellence Award two years in a row
Story by Morgan Sponholtz
Band director Eric Bradshaw said he feels hopeful that this award will encourage USD 497 to continue its support of performing arts education and extracurriculars.
“[The award] shows that what we're doing is being recognized, that we're teaching at a high level and that we have amazing students. So hopefully [the district] would keep supporting that,” Bradshaw said.
It's no accident that we excel and it's the hard work that everyone puts into it every day … it feels nice to be part of a team that works hard and is so dedicated,
While the award was presented to staff first, Henning, East and Bradshaw agree that the award is a recognition of the work students do in and outside of the classroom. Since the last award in the 2019-20 school year, the entire performing arts staff has changed. Henning said the students' continued excellence is what contributed most to this award.
Teachers and students involved in performing arts were recognized at the first home football game on Sept. 5. KSHSAA executives in attendance presented the award
Singing “I’m Free,” senior Colby Stutler dances with fellow seniors and Free State alumni Vivi Riffel and Liv Brown during the “Footloose” performance. Photo by Baila Love
LIFE360 SECURITY BREACH
Recent data breach affecting over 440,000 users raises questions about digital security
Life360, a family location tracking app with 80 million users, announced multiple security breaches to over 440,000 users. Employees said they announced that the incident occurred due to a systematic flaw in the Application Programming Interface, a software designed to confirm correct login credentials.
According to Onerep, the first security breach dates back to March of 2024, but Life360 did not notify the 442,519 affected users until June of 2024. The breach released confidential information such as full names, phone numbers and email addresses.
Senior Felix McGowan said that Life360 feels like a violation of his privacy and independence even though his mother relies on it to know his location. While McGowan said he isn’t thrilled about the breaches, he does not feel concerned enough to talk with his mother about deleting the app.
“I don’t think it’s worth starting the argument over. Ultimately, what are the hackers gonna do with that information? I’m just some guy in Lawrence, Kan., so I think I’ll be okay,” McGowan said.
On the other hand, senior Jozzie Zablow-Maloney said that Life360 helped locate her father when he was detained for two hours by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. Her mother rushed to the scene when she noticed he was four minutes away from their home.
If he was farther away, and my mom wasn’t able to know where he was, a lot more would have happened. We’re really grateful that we knew where he was,
Zablow - Maloney said.
Additionally, senior Addyson Tenbrink said she enjoys having Life360 to view her parents’ location but is concerned about the app after learning of the breaches.
“I use it to know where my parents are too,” Tenbrink said. “I don’t think my parents will care that much, honestly. They’ll probably be like, ‘Well, I’d rather know where you guys are.’”
According to a survey from Life360, 94% of Generation Z users benefit from location sharing apps. As younger generations continue to embrace new technology, librarian Marissa Hegeman said she hopes her children are learning how to protect themselves.
“It feels like a hopeless situation. As fast as technology is advancing, in theory, it should be protecting us,” Hegeman said. “There are people who are figuring out work arounds to do that. And in this day and age, maybe a lot of people don’t get educated about how to keep themselves safe.”
Hegeman said she believes that relying on apps to monitor her children’s whereabouts may undermine trust. She said she prefers to invest in honest communication and relationship building with her children.
“I would not put my trust in a company like that. Maybe focus on building relationships and communicating with your children,” Hegeman said.
of voters use Life360 62% from an @fsjournalism poll of 199 voters
440k according to Onerep
users info was breached to hackers
Story by Phoebe Morris
STUDENTS SUE DISTRICT
Student journalists and artists file lawsuit claiming USD 497 usage of online monitoring software is unconstitutional
Story by Odelia Colvin
Afederal lawsuit, filed Aug. 1, alleges that USD 497’s usage of Gaggle, an online monitoring software, subjected “all students to round the clock digital surveillance” and “suspicionless searches and seizures of student expression on a scale and scope that no court has ever upheld.”
The complaint was filed by seven former and two current students. It alleges that the district’s usage of Gaggle is in violation of the First, Fourth and 14th Amendments.
The plaintiffs are seeking financial compensation in an amount that is to be determined at trial. They are also seeking punitive damages, to “punish” the district for “reckless and callous” behavior and to “deter similar violations in the future.” In addition, the plaintiffs seek attorney’s fees to cover the costs of their lawyers and other legal related expenses.
Furthermore, the plaintiffs seek declaratory judgment, or a determination of whether this was a constitutional violation, as well as injunctive relief, which would force the district to stop using Gaggle. Only two plaintiffs, referred to by initials P.M. and A.T., are seeking injunctive relief, as they are the only two current students at the district.
The district first implemented Gaggle in November 2023 with a contract set to end in July 2026. The program cost them a total of $162,285.75.
Gaggle works by searching through USD 497’s district-owned Google accounts for an indefinite list of key words. When a key word is detected, the file is sent to a Gaggle contractor to review. If deemed a reasonable concern, the file is then sent to administration to review and determine the response.
According to the complaint, Gaggle has impeded the reporting of student reporters for Lawrence High School’s
newsmagazine, The Budget. Allegedly, student journalists were “unable to publish at least four editions of The Budget due to Gaggle’s interference.”
Leading up to the filing of the lawsuit, former LHS journalism adviser Barbara Tholen reached out to LHS administrators on behalf of her students to attempt to get Gaggle policies lessened. District representatives agreed to remove Gaggle from student journalists’ school computers; however, this measure was allegedly never followed through.
Plaintiff and former Editor-inChief of The Budget Zana Kennedy said that she first had trouble with Gaggle after filing a request for the records of items Gaggle flagged and the reason for their flagging. The emails from USD 497 Executive Director of Communications, Julie Boyle, containing the records were intercepted by Gaggle because they contained the trigger words.
That shouldn’t really be happening. It’s your digital property. It’s your digital production, whatever essays you’re writing or content you’re producing,
Kennedy said.
The complaint also alleged that photos had been deleted from two plaintiffs — Opal Morris and Henry Farthing’s — Google Drives. Allegedly, LHS Assistant Principal Greg Farley then accused them of “possessing child pornography,” and they were forced to describe the photos to Farley who could not see them because they had
been deleted by Gaggle after being flagged. Plaintiff P.M., the only student at Free State involved in the Gaggle lawsuit, said that it was important to understand that Gaggle was not only impacting or scanning LHS students.
“It’s not just based at LHS,” PM said. “I’m a Free State representative and … I think everybody should care. This is about freedom of speech. This is about the freedom of individuals.”
P.M. said that although Gaggle hadn’t caused deletions of her work to the scale of the other plaintiffs, she is still listed on the lawsuit due to the constant digital monitoring she is undergoing.
“Nothing directly has happened with me and Gaggle,” PM said. “I’m sure I’ve been flagged for stories, but I have yet to be pulled aside by somebody saying, ‘What is this that you’re writing,’ or ‘What is this that’s on your computer.’”
According to the School Board Meeting Report published on Aug. 28, 2023, after the purchase of Gaggle, monitoring students’ mental health and safety is important to give parents and staff peace of mind.
Principal Amy McAnarney, Superintendent Jeanice Swift and School Board President Ronald Gordon-Ross declined to comment on the issue. However, in a statement from former superintendent Anthony Lewis, the district emphasized their intent to address the concerns about Gaggle.
“It is essential that I emphasize that our utmost priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of all our scholars,” Lewis said. “Any solution reached through this collaborative process must not compromise student safety. The information we have gleaned through the use of Gaggle has helped our staff intervene and save lives.”
17 Design by Katie Campbell
Additional plan periods cause concern over size and flexibility in class registration
Starting in 2025-2026, the school district made the decision to cut down almost every teachers’ classes from six to five in order to give each of them an additional plan period called professional plan.
Last spring, Superinten-
SCHEDULE SWITCH-UP College Application Timeline
the schools edit their schedules to make room for every teacher to have another plan period.
dent Jeanice Kerr Swift began collecting feedback from teachers about things they’re unhappy with. Principal Amy McAnarney said Swift realized teachers wanted more time during their school day to work, so she came to the district’s high schools to request
“[Swift] did a lot of talking with teachers and administrators and community members, and that was one thing that came out of that: they felt like teachers needed more time to plan,” McAnarney said.
When given the option, English teacher Brittany Brintnall said the extra plan period has opened up time for completing more grading or class preparation she previously would have had to do at home.
“I’m really enjoying the change. Just an extra plan period is making it a lot easier to get grading done at school versus at home with my toddler, which makes life way, way easier,” Brintnall said.
However, this change to schedules isn’t only affecting teachers; sophomore Laurel Stancil said she and her friends realized it was much more difficult
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July 1, 2025
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FAFSA opens Aug. 1, 2025
Nov. 1-15, (generally)2025
Early Action/ Early Decision
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compared to previous years to create their schedules because of a lack of class availability.
When I heard about the plan periods, I thought it sounded like a good idea. I didn’t realize at the time that it was going to make my classes so much more filled and harder to get into,
Brintnall said.
Despite receiving largely positive feedback from teachers, McAnarney said it was difficult to create schedules for over 100 teachers that balanced keeping certain classes available and giving each teacher two plan periods.
number of students in this class, a lot larger, which can be hard
Jan. 1-15, •(generally)2025
For some students who got into those high demand classes, like junior Mallary Hice, the classrooms becoming crowded was very noticeable. Hice said the more full her classes are, the more her teacher’s attention seems divided.
“In my [math] class, we are basically at full capacity. There’s almost no empty seats in that class whatsoever. It’s a lot fuller of a class. You get less time to actually interact with your teacher, because they have so many more students they have to get to,” Hice said.
Being the only 21st Century Literature teacher, Brintnall said it has been an adjustment to have such populated classes, but she also said she thinks both students and teachers will adjust to the change.
“[Teachers] would have been spread out over six hours, instead of just five, so that makes class periods, the larger student because our classrooms are only so big. They only hold so many kids,” McAnarney said.
“It can be challenging being in a big class, just in terms of being able to get to know your teacher and getting to know your peers,” Brintnall said. “I hope that we can find some kind of common ground for students.”
June 30, 2026 • Federal FAFSA deadline *differs depending on state and school
FILL IN THE BLANK
When _________ woke up on the first day of Spirit Week, it was a ______ fall day and they felt very ______. Once they got dressed for ______ Day, they got in their _______ to drive to the most ______ school in the world: Free State! They met with their friends, _________ and _________, at the Bird Bistro to get the new _______ slushie before going to _____ class. After school, they headed to the homecoming football game against our rivals, the _____ _______. During half time, the __________ team performed before _________ and _________ were crowned Homecoming royalty! As soon as half time ended, the Firebirds __________ down the field while the crowd chanted ______. The final score was ____ to ______, Free State wins!!! number person adj emotion theme vehicle adj person person flavor noun city plural
Illustrations by Ariza Noscal
SUMMER ISSUE RECAP
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: News Editors-in-Chief
Welcome back Firebirds!
We hope you had an amazing summer! At FSJ, we spent part of our summer working to create a paper to kick off the new year. After releasing 12 issues in one year with our amazing staff, we wanted all of our fellow students to see that the 2025-2026 school year would be even better than the last for FSJournalism.
However, after issues regarding the switch back to MacBooks, we had to make the tough decision to not print the 2025 Summer Issue.
So, we decided to switch from print to web. Now compiled on this webpage, you can see our montage of summer. With content ranging from movie reviews to the reduction of the summer lunch program, our staff worked to capture snapshots of the past three months.
As we move into the school year, we hope to be a paper for student voices and to encapsulate the 2025-2026 school year. So, although this is just the start, we are ready to overcome any obstacles to ensure the Free Press is a reflection of the current student body and the school’s best news outlet.
Please enjoy clicking through these stories!
Photo by Miles Beaty
TOPICS
INDUSTRY OPERATIONS & INFRASTRUCTURE
Recording, Touring, Copyright, Publishing, Merchandising, Subscriptions, Budgets, & more!
ARTISTIC & CREATIVE ENDEAVORS
All genres from classical to punk rock to hip-hop
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Personal assessment/skills inventory, Business planning
NOW OFFERING: BA IN MUSIC PRODUCTION & TECHNOLOGY
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Diverse range of commercial genres: from singer/songwriter to video game production
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Culminates in a comprehensive portfolio: including original songs, business plans, mixes, and collaborations
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BISTRO IS BACK AND BETTER
THAN EVER
Reviews on some of this year’s Bird Bistro menu items
JALEPEÑO CHEDDAR
Go try out our favorite items! They’re available at second chance breakfast and lunch every day.
Photos by Kinley Gigous
Review by Baila Love and Lauren Rosen
Design by Evie Chancy