Free Press | Issue 4 | Dec. 16, 2025

THE FREE PRESS Issue 4 | Dec. 16, 2025 | Edition 29

Pg. 8-9 | A Novel Nutcracker

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The Free Press

CONTENTS CONTENTS NEWS

A&E

Pg 04: A Healing Sky Pg 05: Open to Opinions Pg 08-09: A Novel Nutcracker

Pg 12-13: Photo Gallery Pg 22: Coloring Page Pg 23: Ads Pg 24: Jerds Predict Snow Days

FEATURE Pg 07: Farewell Free State Pg 17: Beat the Books Pg 21: Royale Dominator Pg 20: Java and Study

SPORTS

OPINION Pg 03: Laughing Matters Pg 14: Changed For Good Pg 15: Stranger Than Ever Pg 18-19: Hawk Highlights Pg 21: Seasonal Review

Pg 06: Sticking with Sports Pg 10-11: Spirit on Display

Embracing one another, freshman Mary Swartzlander and sophomore Genevieve Williams pose as Strawberry leads in the “Nutcracker, A Kansas Ballet” production at the Lawrence Arts Center annual holiday performance held on Dec. 12, 13 and 14. The classical ballet is focused on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s original story and set in Kansas during the Civil War. Flip to page 8-9 to read more about Free State students’ involved in the “Nutcracker’s” production. Photo

by Nathan Kramer

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Opinion

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LAUGHING MATTERS How politicians killed political satire

Opinion by Meredith Shryock

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in June because Immigration and Customs hen comedian and actor Chevy difference between humility and deflection, Chase first shouted, “Live from Enforcement found the image on his phone. and right now the latter is winning.

New York, it’s Saturday Night!”

However, on Halloween, Vance The larger issue at hand isn’t just in 1975, he didn’t just kick off a sketch posted a social media video of himself in that politicians are joking; it’s that they feel comedy show; he unleashed a new form costume, saying, “Happy Halloween, kids. no shame. When Trump frames his mugshot of political accountability. Saturday Night And remember: say thank you,” a reference outside of the Oval Office, when George Live added another watchdog to the public to his meeting with Ukrainian President W. Bush laughs about his malapropisms, square, one unbounded by the ethical and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where Vance said when Joe Biden makes quips about his age, professional guidelines that journalists are that Zelenskyy should be thanking President they’re all sending the same message that obliged to follow. Suddenly, the absurdity Donald Trump. nothing you can say about them can hurt of American politics was televised, replayed them. It’s a clever media strategy, but it’s and laughed at, not just confined to dangerous for democracy.

Instead of reflecting on why newspaper columns. If a politician fumbled Democracy relies on the idea that on a Tuesday, the country would be laughing citizens can exert pressure on the elected these images resonated

by Saturday. officials who pledged to act in their best or what is signaled about For decades, political humor interest. Without the power of effective worked because it stung a little. It didn’t his public persona, Vance mockery, the public loses one of its few change policy, but it bruised egos. It non-institutional tools to hold power neutralized the sting by reminded the powerful that the public was to account. A leader who cannot be watching, and worse: the public could tell embarrassed is a leader who cannot hijacking the joke. The they looked ridiculous. No matter how be corrected. costume allowed him to exaggerated, satire holds up a mirror, and Political satire depends on the the reflection is rarely flattering. imbalance of power: the comedian punches retell the joke so he could Commentator Will Rogers said it up, and the politician takes the hit, feels the control it. best a century ago: “Everything is changing. shame and does better. When those roles People are taking their comedians seriously erode, the mirror cracks. The public can’t and the politicians as a joke.” What he could There is, of course, a place for genuine lower its standards just because its leader not have predicted is that politicians would self-deprecation. No one wants decided they no longer have any. Politicians start writing the jokes. their leaders so fragile that they need to remember that we’re laughing at In recent years, politicians crumble at every jab, but there’s a them, not with them. have begun to use humor as a form of insulation, rather than absorbing it as criticism. Jokes that once exposed corruption are now weaponized by politicians to soften the blow before it even lands.

Most recently, Vice President JD Vance dressed up as his own viral internet meme, “Fat JD,” for Halloween. The meme features a digitally altered image depicting Vance with an enlarged red face, long curly hair and a dopey, wide-eyed facial expression. This is the same meme that got a Norwegian tourist denied entry to the United States Laughing at himself, Vice President JD Vance points at a reflection of himself in order to seem more relatable to voters.

Illustration by Kouri Demelash

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News

A HEALING SKY

Ozone layer repair marks milestone for environment

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Story by Jonah Frye

fter regulations and agreements “It is such a fine line to walk of like the Montreal Protocol, a having hope while also being very aware When good news arises, of how absolutely catastrophic inaction is.”

United Nations-backed Scientific Assessment Panel has confirmed that nearly said, “It’s like hanging 100 feet it kind of gives you hope Gleeson 99% of substances found to deplete the over a pit of spikes and all you have to do that even small things can is a pull-up, climb up on top of it, and jump ozone layer have been phased out of use, resulting in the ozone layer beginning to That’s not easy, but we can do it. The cause big changes, but it off. repair itself. consequences of not doing it are that you fall really is the butterfly effect, 100 feet onto a pile of spikes and die.”

An MIT study found that, with 95% confidence, the ozone layer is repairing For Gleeson, the burden of Del Valle said. itself, and according to the United Nations environmentalism is the knowledge that Additionally, biology teacher Environment Programme, progress in its there is always something else to solve, so repair is likely to continue as long as current Wendy Haas said that since the news about he said that hope is only beneficial when the ozone layer came out, she has loved policies remain in place. it leads to action, but when it stops you sharing it with her students, hoping it “The ozone layer is expected from pulling yourself out of danger, it can inspires them to do the hard work no one to recover to 1980 values (before the be disastrous because the future isn’t as far else wants to do. appearance of the ozone hole) by around away as we think. “[The repair] is motivating, it keeps 2066 over the Antarctic, by 2045 over “I think hope can be a privilege. me going and hopefully it keeps my students For my whole education, we’ve been talking the Arctic, and by 2040 for the rest of the going because we have issues that we need about climate change as this thing that’s in world,” read a 2023 article by the UNEP. Junior Sofia Del Valle, who hopes to solve and I think without hope, it keeps the future, and we are still talking about it to be an active conservation ecologist, said people from doing the hard work and hope like this ‘thing in the future’,” Gleeson said. keeps that work easier to do,” Haas said. that most of the time when it comes to “The idea that [climate change] is something While serious progress has been environmental news, she feels like crying far off is tough. The ozone layer is one made in repairing the ozone layer, and it can discrete thing … but the problems with and is occasionally scared she won’t see be a source of hope, some environmentalists, climate change are so broad and nuanced … middle age. However, she said that news like biology teacher Sam Gleeson, are quick and the overwhelming nature of that like the ozone layer repairing gives her hope for more positive change in the future. to warn about false hope. can be tough.”

2017

“

1971

2065

2041

According to NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio

Amount of ozone (DU) Low <

High >

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Design by Ariza Noscal

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OPEN TO OPINIONS

Lawrence School District launches artificial intelligence advisory board

responsibly, but it is a very slippery slope, and if we don’t have guardrails around it, it can fall into complete dependency,” Wilson said.

Also worried that students will rely on AI software, support technician Braxton Taylor said that he’s noticed students misusing AI. He said he thinks they would benefit from further instruction by an AI advisory board.

“

AI is just going to continue to evolve. It is very important for students to learn how to properly use it without abusing it, and fully understand how it works and what it is doing,

“

Taylor said.

Though applications are closed, the district continues to encourage students to find ways to share their voices on topics that affect them. Wilson said that the AI advisory board opens up another opportunity for students to have a say in their education.

“The education system will always need improvement, and, in the end, students are the ones that are going through the system. So I think getting opinions from students is a good idea if it’s the students who genuinely want to improve their learning experience,” Wilson said.

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ChatGPT

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mong growing concerns about students using artificial intelligence in schools, the district has created an AI advisory board, attracting more than 70 applicants by the Nov. 14 deadline.

Executive Director of Communications and current leader of the board Jake Potter said the advisory board is aimed at involving students, parents and professionals in the field of AI, with the goal of using feedback from affected parties to create further policies for AI in the district.

“Sometimes we think we know what our staff and our families want until we actually get to have those conversations.

This group is intended to be representative, see where the priorities lie and figure out guidelines that can help to serve all those different viewpoints,” Potter said.

Potter said that the district is looking to find ways to give supervised usage to students and teach them how to use AI correctly, as opposed to restricting those tools entirely.

“There’s always going to be something new,” Potter said. “So when there is something new, are there guardrails? And if we end up in a place where some subjects or teachers allow it and some don’t, at least all students know where they stand.”

Board members will attend weeknight meetings slated to begin in December 2025. Though sophomore Nina Wilson didn’t apply, she said that she agreed with the district’s goal to encourage more viewpoints and create guidelines for students to follow.

“Students who really want to learn will try and find a way to use these models

←←

Story by Kyla Meikle

According to an @fsjournalism poll on Instagram, How many students have ever used AI for schoolwork?

Out of 232 people, 65% said yes 35% said no.

How many students have ever used AI in general?

Out of 233 people, 88% said yes 12% said no.

What AI application do students use the most?

Out of 202 people, 73% use ChatGPT. Ask anything

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Sports

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STICKING WITH SPORTS

Students await their college commitments

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watching you and emailing you, but they s many students are nearing their final years of high school, student- can't say they're interested in you until your sophomore year,” Clark said. athletes have begun announcing their commitments for future collegiate Wilmes said the process of athletic careers. During their time in high committing was very time-consuming and school, student-athletes who feel prepared required him to sacrifice his time outside and willing to pursue their sport at the next of school to make it all work out. Wilmes level can begin the process of committing to said he spent much of his sophomore year a college to play their sport while attending. under a tight schedule to consider all of the Senior offensive tackle Braden opportunities laid out for him.

Wilmes, who has committed to Clemson University to play football, said that wanting to play in college has been a long time I went to many camps to coming. To achieve this goal, Wilmes said he had to start preparing very early in high compete and prove myself school, long before graduation. in front of the coaches.

“I realized I wanted to play football in college after my freshman season. I had After proving myself and so much fun playing that year that I decided being evaluated by the to dedicate myself to becoming a better player all offseason in hopes of making coaching staff, I may or varsity as a sophomore,” Wilmes said. may not receive an offer In terms of getting recruited, the process varies by sport. Junior middle to play at their school. blocker Anniston Clark, who is committed This entire journey to play volleyball for Lipscomb University, said that for National Collegiate Athletic included meeting coaches, Association sports specifically, coaches phone calls every night can't contact you until June 15 after your sophomore year. and college visits on the “When you turn 14, you start to weekends, go to these big club tournaments called qualifiers, the coaches kind of start Wilmes said.

Signing his name, senior Braden Wilmes officially commits to playing football at Clemson University. The signing was located in the main gym on Dec. 3. Photo by Nathan Kramer

Story by Stella Dorssom

Clark said that since the process of recruiting can be a lot for one person, it's common for students to receive help from parents or high school and club coaches to email coaches and travel to schools. Clark said she couldn't have done it without the tremendous support of her parents.

“I met the coaches. I played with the girls, got a tour of campus and Nashville, and that really sold me. I went to other camps and other places too, but I really just knew that that's where I wanted to go,” Clark said.

Senior Cara Jeffries, who is committed to playing soccer at Missouri Western State as a defender, said that playing soccer in college will not always be simple, and she will have to overcome challenges such as being far from home.

However, she said playing soccer in college will help her in many ways.

“Playing in college is not easy, and it definitely teaches you resilience.

I think it'll definitely be helpful later in life,” Jeffries said. “As far as things I have learned from coaches and being able to go into college knowing people and meeting people from your sports, I think that it's very beneficial in the long run.”

Feature

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FAREWELL FREE STATE Certain juniors and seniors choose to graduate early Story by Claire Heinritz

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hile some students haven’t enjoys the idea of graduating a year early thought about what they will and is excited for the coming opportunities do after high school, entering in college, which she will have to wait one junior year and mid-senior year, a select few less year for. already have plans in place and are on track for early graduation.

Packing their schedules full of It gives you a really nice additional English classes, government classes and other course requirements, edge on application, students must still complete the same because other applicants number of credits as their peers, but a year earlier. put what they do on their To earn these credits quickly, most application for four years, students take summer classes or follow an eight-hour schedule. Junior Mira Edie, who and you're competing, is graduating early with the class of 2026, is but with three years, taking four Advanced Placement classes and two University of Kansas Blueprint classes, some might think that's which she said has taken a toll on her. like a handicap, but it “Having to cram your junior and senior year together is so, so hard,” Edie gives you a story and said. edge, When Edie was considering whether she wanted to graduate a year Adedipe said. earlier than normal, she said the decision had many pros and cons she had to evaluate, Though Adedipe is graduating like not graduating with her class and early for the quality of her applications, instead with the grade ahead. Ultimately, others had more specific motivations.

Edie said that she is happy with her decision Senior Reed Schmidt said he plans to attend to graduate early, but still feels the loss of a the Missouri Welding Institute and finish his graduation with friends. program by summertime.

“Graduating early is definitely a “I'm most excited about being two-sided coin. There are so many benefits able to see the world sooner than others can that I'm so excited for, but not getting and being able to work at the same time,” to graduate with my friends is just so Schmidt said. heartbreaking to me,” Edie said.

Junior Ewa Adedipe, who is also graduating with the class of 2026, said she

ior Ewa Adedipe n u J

ior Reed Schmid n e S t

or Mira Edie Juni

Photos by Sydney Brozik and Julia Velasco

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News

The Free Press

A Novel Nutcracker

Students balance Nutcracker and school work

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he Lawrence Arts Center hosted Senior Maria Mosconi, performing her its annual performance of “The 10th Nutcracker, said she returns for Nutcracker, A Kansas Ballet” this past the community dance and believes the weekend, Dec. 12-14. The cast is made up audience comes back for the energy and of children enrolled in an Arts Center dance holiday spirit. class, Lawrence Ballet Theatre — LAC’s preprofessional dance company, and adults from the community. Dancers audition in the first week of September and rehearse for You can tell everyone loves it about six weeks, with most rehearsals taking there. Whether you’re on stage place on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Many Free State High School or you’re off stage, you can tell dancers perform multiple roles, which can it just makes the holiday season present challenges with quick changes, rehearsals and learning choreography. for a lot of people, Several Free State students also work behind the scenes, with many taking on said Mosconi. technical roles in the winter play, “Silent Sky” and “The Nutcracker.” However, freshman Nichole Weis said she loves Senior Phoebe Morris, performing switching between characters, such as a her 13th Nutcracker, said performing in Party Teen and Trooper, because it allows classical ballets is crucial for dancers, her to grow as a performer. whether they want to pursue ballet or “It’s one of my favorite things that not. Morris said she goes back to “The I’ve done, because I get to experience two Nutcracker” in particular, year after year, different kinds of roles,” Weis said. “Being a because of Tchaikovsky’s music and the party teen [last year] was a lot of acting and choreography, specifically “The Waltz of the character. You interact with the audience and Flowers.” the cast, and that was really fun because I “It’s rare for me to get lost in the love acting. But then, Troopers was a lot of music and just want to listen to it, but in jumps, it was more technical and it wasn’t as flowers, the choreography fits so well that much acting. So it was really fun to try both it feels natural to just dance and enjoy the of them.” music at the same time,” Morris said.

“The Nutcracker” is performed While Morris said traditions keep worldwide and is a tradition for many her holiday spirit alive, “The Nutcracker” dancers and community members. has not featured the same roles and

Story By Morgan Sponholtz

choreography from year to year. In recent years, the Arts Center has faced many leadership changes. This included the new Interim Dance Program Director Claire Buss, who said she wants to rechoreograph a few dances and bring a new life to the production.

“With the kind of shifts that we’ve had in our leadership here, it just needs a different breath… As a production that has been running for so long, to have some shifts every year makes sense to keep it fresh and new, especially for people that have come back year after year. It’ll be fun as an audience member too,” Buss said.

Mosconi said that changing choreography might be more stressful and time-consuming, but the spirit of the performance is still there. For many Free State students, final exams run close to tech week — the days leading up to a performance where performers and technicians collaborate and run the full show. Mosconi said finding time to study for finals while attending the daily six-hour rehearsals is almost impossible, but looking back on the long days with her friends reminds her of why she does it.

“My favorite part of tech week is always the final dress when we do our bow.

Especially this year, I’ll be so sentimental looking back and seeing that these are the people who have supported me for years. It’s a beautiful thing,” Mosconi said.

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v Costumed as mechanical dolls, juniors Oren Davidson-Gnojek and Allie Gates strike a pose in front of a wintery Kansas backdrop.

Photo By Nathan Kramer

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Feature

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Laughing with friends, senior Libby Easter celebrates with friends after the winter athlete dance performance. Photo by Sydney Brozik

Swaying, senior Corinne Kingsley performs with the winter sports athletes. Photo

by Sydney Brozik

Jumping up for a dunk, senior Greysen Rawls scores a point during the State Night winter sports showcase. Photo by Sydney Brozik

Waving her poms, freshman Evelyn Stephens performs with seniors Sara Kumar and Jacie Butler. Photo by Sydney Brozik

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Design by Celeste Jenkins

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SPIRIT ON DISPLAY Story by Om Bhakta and Griffin McDonnell

State Night reprised to promote school pride

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n an effort to promote school spirit and add more events for students to look forward to, Free State has introduced new traditions, such as the Pep Walk, and has reinstated old traditions, such as State Night.

“These types of events are so important for school culture. When school culture is positive, students are more likely to come to school and be successful,” Assistant Principal Matthew Renk said One of these events, State Night, used to initiate the start of the winter sports season.

After a long absence, head basketball coach Dwayne Paul said it was important to bring it back. State Night featured an introduction of all the winter sports teams, plus a variety of student games and contests with performances by the Spirit Squad, choir and the school’s pep band.

“State Night was something Free State did for years as an introduction of winter sports to the school and the community, so with State Night not happening for the last couple of years, we thought it was important to bring it back,” Paul said.

The Pep Walk is a new event where the Spirit Squad and band perform as a send-off for Free State’s teams traveling to State. Since Oct. 31, there have been three Pep Walks for three different sports: cross country, volleyball and unified bowling. “[Pep Walks] give those students great recognition for something that they have accomplished,” senior Taylor Stucker said. “It was nice to see all your peers and Going up for the tip off, senior Ava Corbin and teacher Adam Barmann jump for the ball. Photo by Sydney Brozik

teachers there for you and to support you even if they couldn’t attend the event.”

Sophomore Moses Minor, who has been a member of the Boys Cross Country team for the last two years, said having these events informs the student body of the achievements Free State students have accomplished, which he said has been a mood booster going into high-pressure meets. .

[Pep Walks] show us who we are competing for. I know it did for us. It just helps us perform better and show us what to bring home, Minor said.

While there are already plans to have more pep walks for the beginning winter sports, Renk said that, in the future, administration is interested in showing school spirit for a variety of activities around the school, aside from just sports “Whether it’s support for football or volleyball, or the school musical, debate or band. We have so many talented students at Free State who do amazing things. We must support all of them. School spirit and school culture are a big part of that,” Renk said.

Citing the success of these events’ debut year, Athletic Director Jason Schroeder said Free State plans to continue these traditions going forward.

“I do not have a set vision for what the future of State Night will look like in the future, but I’m open to its continued growth as we learn what works best for our students and community,” Schroeder said.

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A&E

gallery

Representing girls wrestling, seniors Del Earl and Mars Pierson walk out on the court at State Night on Nov. 21. Photo By Sydney Brozik

Reeling in, senior Harper York and junior Peyton Johnson pretend to fish in the Free State Live performance on Dec. 5. Photo By Cecilia Bennett

Going in for a hug, senior Li freshman Morgan McClorey ce the girls basketball game again City on Dec. 2. Photo By Miles

Dribbling the ball, senior Bennett Nagel attempts to pass the Junction City defense. Photo By Miles Beaty

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Screaming, senior Zane Shaw grapples with junior Ben Lyles in Free State’s black and green duel on Dec. 3.

Photo By Nate Willems

ibby Easter and elebrate during nst Junction Beaty

Smiling, senior Aleia Kemp reacts after being pied during the student council fundraiser on Dec. 10. The event, held in the commons, allowed seniors to pie student council representatives as a reward for donating the most food in the schoolwide donation drive. Photo By Nathan Friedman

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Performing, the Apollo choir sings at their Winter Choral Concert on Dec. 3. Photo By Kinley Gigous

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Opinion

CHANGED FOR GOOD Review of “Wicked: For Good”

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ince the first movie’s release, I have patiently waited for the Nov. 21, 2025, release of “Wicked: For Good.” With such high success from the first film, I went into the theater with high expectations and almost every one was delivered. Read carefully, as spoilers have been disclosed.

From Elphaba’s dramatic entrance on her broom to the final shot referencing the playbill cover, “Wicked: For Good” balanced its extreme emotional highs and lows; the power evident in Elphaba’s song, “No Good Deed” contrasted well with her slower romantic duet with Fiyero. While the pace seemed to drag in moments toward the beginning, by the time the wedding began, where the animals ran rampant, I was on the edge of my seat.

The makeup team was working overtime, and it was demonstrated in every scene. Despite both movies being filmed at the same time, each actor was subtly and accurately aged to match the four-year gap in the two movies’ timeline. More noticeably, the Tin-Man and the Scarecrow’s makeup was incredible; I could barely recognize either actor. Additionally, the costumes were well-crafted, and the color palettes assigned made each character immediately recognizable. My only wish would be that Glinda’s wardrobe was bigger. Glinda would never have worn a

dress for so long, no matter how beautiful, especially because all the promotions featured a gorgeous pink and green dress that was never seen and would have been a perfect replacement.

Before I even sat down in the theater, I had complete confidence in both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s abilities as actors, but there was still a surprise standout actor: Ethan Slater. During the song, “March of the Witch Hunters,” Slater, as the Tin-Man, had the perfect amount of power to evoke fear and be taken seriously in his animosity.

Contrary to Slater exceeding my high expectations, Michelle Yeoh’s performance as Madame Morrible was slightly disappointing. Yeoh spoke on not being a singer before the movie’s release, but I still didn’t know quite what to expect.

Unfortunately, Yeoh’s weakness led to her character’s vocal parts being cut down and, as a result, left some songs feeling unfinished. Portraying the film’s main antagonist, Yeoh needed to be a strong singer to mimic her character’s ability to

Opinion by Ebi Hegeman

cover up her ill intentions with persuasion.

Each scene brought forth more nods to the original “Wizard of Oz,” which made lightbulb moments like how exactly they explained the Scarecrow’s transformation or Dorothy’s arrival in Oz more satisfying for the viewer. The most obvious connection to the original “Wizard of Oz” was the new song created for the movie adaptation, “No Place Like Home,” sung by Elphaba, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Because “The Wizard of Oz” is set in Kansas, the song felt personal to its Kansan audience and left me watching more closely to catch any additional nods.

Millions view the “Wicked” franchise, and yet, the movie felt tailored to a specific Kansas audience, myself included.

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Conversely, Glinda’s new song “Girl in a Bubble” existed simply to break up the climax’s excitement and felt out of place in the soundtrack. The song begins directly after the ensemble number, “March of the Witch Hunters,” which is an angry, violent number that functions as the climax’s rising action; when it transitions into Glinda’s repetitive, dragging song, the plot immediately loses the previous energy levels. Beyond the actual performance, the writing of “Girl in a Bubble” felt personalized to Grande and not “Wicked,” so there was a harsh style contrast that made the song negatively stand out.

While I found the first movie more dynamic with the most iconic musical numbers and scenes, “Wicked: For Good” held the fitting endings for each character and tied the series all together with a sparkly pink bow. I could state the obvious and rave about each costume’s details or the clean special effects, but what made this movie its own was the completion of Elphaba and Glinda’s story. If you are a long-time fan, you might notice changes from the stage edition, but as a newer fan, I simply sat back and enjoyed it as it all unfolded.

The first movie, “Wicked,” may have the overall better soundtrack, but “Wicked: For Good” showcases my favorite song in the entire franchise: “For Good.”

The song encapsulated Elphaba and Glinda’s journey and eventual parting throughout Oz in the most perfect, tear-jerking way.

Without the song, the movie would have never felt complete or brought forth the bittersweet ending the audience deserved.

Because of that, I recommend you see “Wicked: For Good” with the person who has changed you for good.

Design by Ava Talbott

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STRANGER THAN EVER Thoughts on first volume of “Stranger Things” season five

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fter nearly a decade of production for the five total seasons, the first of three volumes of the final season of “Stranger Things” was released on Nov. 26. Considering the three and a half year wait, a majority of the episodes did not meet my expectations.

Throughout the first three episodes, the poor writing had nearly caused me to write the entire season off as a letdown. Multiple major plot points contradict minor details from previous seasons. Even overlooking the nitpicky writing errors, the season seemed to rely on the buildup of the rest of the show for fans to have an emotional connection with the characters instead of building new, interesting character depth. The only compelling aspect of the characters is that the writers are now willing to kill many of them off.

However, what brought the first volume together was Episode

Opinion by Baila Love

Four, which is easily the best episode in the entire series.

By using the setup for the climax of the episode, the writers successfully repaired the emotional connection that was lost earlier in the season. Though Robin’s monologue was intended to help Will with his queer identity, it easily connected with audience members who relate to Will’s identity struggles, no matter who they are. Then, how they used the monologue to fuel the big twist at the end was the exact combination of emotional connection and science fiction that I was looking for in the previous episodes.

Although the setup of the first three episodes was hard to follow, the ending of the first volume was inevitably satisfying. I’m excited to see how the writers wrap up all of the plot lines they’ve introduced through Volume Two and the finale.

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Feature

Search Senior Kianna Ayala and a student of Haas’s AP Government class said she not only enjoys watching his easy to understand videos, but also enjoys that he is from Lawrence and sometimes has references to her hometown.

Listening, Matt Beat discusses his YouTube channel and how he started creating content.

Photo by Carter Braden

It’s cool knowing he’s from the area because it makes his examples feel more relatable. When he references Kansas or Lawrence, it’s easier for me to pay attention more because it feels personal and connected to where I live,

15:06 / 32:07

Ayala said.

BEAT THE BOOKS Local YouTube history teacher Matt Beat engages students nationally and internationally Story by Phoebe Morris

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ormer government teacher and local Lawrencian Matt Beat, also known as “Mr. Beat,” online, creates educational videos about history for his audience of 1.3 million subscribers on YouTube.

Beat started as an eighth-grade history teacher, but said when he realized that he would have to jump on tables or play guitar just to get his students’ attention on the material, creating videos became his strategy to entertain his students.

When his channel started to gain views, Beat said that he realized he made more money off of YouTube videos than his teaching job while also reaching wider audiences of people looking to learn, which is what made him switch to working full-time on producing, filming and editing videos.

“I’d have students in class who were bored out of their minds. At the end of the day, only so many people seek [history] out for fun, whereas online, they find you,” Beat said. “That’s really what it’s all about.

It’s nice to have people that have the same passion as I do.”

Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics teacher Jeff Haas, who said he also finds himself struggling to engage his students, shows many of Beat’s videos in classes to help entertain students.

“He has his quirky kind of delivery and all that. But to me, if I were a student, I would want to see those videos, because of the way he takes complex, dense things, and makes it more accessible, kind of amusing,” Haas said.

When creating his videos, Beat said he has many things to consider to educate his audiences. One point he said he incorporates is political bias, because he feels it helps teach and engage subscribers when they have a standpoint to develop their own beliefs from.

“The most important thing is that, as I teach it, people understand my bias. That’s why I’m up front with where I stand,” Beat said. “But at the same time, you want to give a well-rounded picture of things.”

Overall, Beat said it’s important to find a way to make your passion sustain you financially, just as he did with teaching and engaging audiences through history videos.

“If it all goes away, and I don’t make any money from videos anymore, I’ll probably still make videos honestly, because I just love it. If you’re willing to do something without getting paid for it, then you need to find a way to get paid for it,” Beat said.

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ROYALE DOMINATOR

Senior ranks among the world’s top Clash Royale players Story by Lauren Jackson

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n recent months, the Supercell game Clash Royale has become popular among students. According to a poll from @fsjournalism Instagram, 45% of 212 students play Clash Royale. One of these is senior Silas Frost, who is a globally ranked Clash Royale player.

Through playing matches against other players, users can earn or lose trophies and climb to different arenas.

While spending less than an hour a day on the game, Frost has accumulated upwards of 15,000 trophies and has made his way to the global leaderboard.

I enjoy the game because of this chess-like strategy and the diversity of different decks a player is able to use.

Another great aspect is the speed and consistency of the games because they are always between 3-5 minutes,

“I’ll switch it up depending on what cards are good in the season, because they nerf and buff cards,” Frost said. “But I’ll usually stick with the same [deck].”

Nerfing and buffing refer to the game developers either making a card’s ability weaker by nerfing or stronger by buffing. Although Frost only plays around an hour a day, he said he has been an avid player for around five years. Because he has this experience, Frost said he beats his friends in almost every match.

“I don’t win every time,” Frost said. “If I play against my friends, I win about 95% [of the time.]”

Additionally, Frost said while he previously felt the game was not widely known, he feels that the sheer number of players has grown.

“I feel like the game’s growth really falls on the company that owns the game,” Frost said. “If they continue to implement good updates and new content, such as new cards and game modes I think that the game will continue to grow.”

Frost said.

Frost said overall, his strategy and deck have remained consistent throughout his time playing the game — he uses Sparky, Tornado and Giant as his main three cards, with Sparky being his favorite card of all time. However, Frost said he occasionally switches up his cards depending on the season.

Posing as Wizard from Clash Royale, senior Silas Frost smiles. Photo by Baila Love and Illustration by Ava Talbott

Top Global Ranking :

93rd

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Sports

The Free Press

HAWK HIGHLIGHTS

University of Kansas fall sports review and winter sports prospects

Women’s Basketball

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tarting the season with six straight wins, the Jayhawks currently sit with an 8-2 record as of Dec. 8. They won the border showdown against Mizzou, the first time since the teams played each other in 2023.

At the core of KU’s team is junior S’mya Nichols, averaging 19.1 points per game. Being a threeyear starter for the Jayhawks, head coach Brandon Schneider has leaned on her for their offense. Recently, Nicholes was at a career high, scoring 40 points during their game against the Georgia Bulldogs.

In addition to Nicholes, some of the other leading faces from the Jayhawks are senior Elle Evans, sophomore Regan Williams and the five-star freshmen recruit from the Class of 2025, Jaliya Davis. They have set the tone with their scoring, combining for over half of the team’s points this season. With strong contributions across the roster, Kansas looks poised to make a deep run into the Big 12 tournament when conference play begins.

Opinion by Rakshan Ossen and Lucas Sherwood

Dribbling the ball, University of Kansas midfielder Emily Tobin looks for a pass during a women’s soccer match against the University of Colorado Boulder on Oct. 30. The Jayhawks lost 2-1 in regulation. Photo by Nathan Friedman

Men’s Basketball

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eading into the 2025 season, the University of Kansas Men’s Basketball team was ranked No. 19 by ESPN. Their rank was boosted by the arrival of the No. 2-ranked recruit of the Class of 2025, Darryn Peterson. Peterson made an immediate splash on the court, scoring 21 points in his debut and 22 in his second game.

Unfortunately, this level of play by Peterson was put on hold by a hamstring injury after KU’s first loss of the season against the University of North Carolina. However, the Jayhawks were able to rebound after this loss, as they went on to defeat Princeton thanks to sophomore forward Flory Bidunga. The Jayhawks then battled it out with Duke, but due to foul trouble, the Blue Devils went on a run and won the game. The Jayhawks now sit at 6-3.

Regardless of what happens later this season, the team has a stacked recruiting class for ‘26, currently ranked No. 1 in the country ahead of the 2013 Kansas recruiting class that included NBA stars: Joel Embiid and Andrew Wiggins. The class is headlined by five-star point guard Taylen Kinney as well as three other four-star recruits.

Scoring a touchdown, University of Kansas tight end Boden Groen catches a pass during a football game against Iowa State on Nov. 22. The Jayhawks lost 38-14. Photo by Nathan Friedman

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Design by Evie Chancy

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Football

H During a women’s soccer match against the University of Colorado Boulder, University of Kansas mascot Big Jay interacts with spectators on Oct. 30. Photo by Nathan Friedman

After a hand-off, University of Kansas running back Daniel Hishaw Jr. runs down the field during the football game against Iowa State on Nov. 22. Photo by Nathan Friedman

ead coach Lance Leipold and his Jayhawk football team set the tone high during their season opener versus Fresno State University at the partially renovated David Booth Memorial Stadium. After the first two games, Leipold’s team endured its first loss of the season in Columbia during the border showdown after losing a 21-7 lead against the Mizzou Tigers.

Ever since then, the Jayhawks’ season unfolded similarly to last year, where they failed to convert possessions to score and have lost games in the fourth quarter by a one-score deficit. After their loss during Senior Day to the University of Utah, the Jayhawks are officially not bowl-eligible. KU ends the season with a familiar 5-7 record.

Only a select few from this year’s roster ended up in the all-BIG 12 team. A few notable selections were Emanuel Henderson, who was selected as the first team’s returner and the third team’s wide receiver, and redshirt senior from Australia, Finn Lappin, who was named punter for the third team KU’s recruiting efforts will continue to shape its upcoming seasons. Leipold and his staff have received commitments from two four-star prospects in the 2026 class: quarterback David McComb of Oklahoma and wide receiver Jaden Nickens of California.

Women’s Soccer

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Walking with her parents, University of Kansas midfielder Mackenzie Hammontree receives Senior Night recognition before a women’s soccer match against the University of Colorado Boulder on Oct. 30. Photo by Nathan Friedman

oming off a successful year in 2024 that ended in a Big 12 title, the women’s soccer team kept the momentum rolling into the 2025 season, ending with a regular-season record of 14-5-3. Similar to last year, the Jayhawks reached the Big 12 final; however, they fell to BYU 0-1.

Unlike last year when they lost to Saint Louis University in the first round, the team defeated California Baptist in the first round of the NCAA tournament by a score of 3-1. Sadly, the Jayhawks fell to Duke University in the Sweet Sixteen.

On a more positive note, KU’s leading goalscorer, senior Lexi Watts, was named second-team All-Midwest and first team Big 12, capping off a tremendous career with the Jayhawks. Watts ended the season with an outstanding 11 goals.

Although Watts is graduating, many of the team’s top goal scorers are returning for the 2026 season and will carry the past two years’ momentum with them.

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The Free Press

Feature

AVA

TUDY

J&S Coffee is a meeting stop for a variety of students and community members Story by Evie Chancy

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ocated just across 6th Street from Free State High School, J&S Coffee has seen local students and community members stop by not only for their daily caffeine fix, but also to spend time and socialize.

In 2003, J&S Coffee was opened by Joe and Sarah Farthing, but in 2017, it was purchased by its current owner, Steven Cramer, who regulars often recognize because he said he likes to spend time in the cafe talking with customers.

“When I first took over here, we had nobody coming in the afternoon.

The shop was open till eight o’clock at night, and really, after one o’clock, hardly anybody ever came in,” Cramer said. “In the last eight years, we’ve more than tripled what the sales were, but more importantly, we have a very

vibrant afternoon shift as well that we started J&S Coffee is the chosen location working on immediately, and a good portion for several different social groups that meet of that is Free State High School students.” regularly, many of which, Cramer said, are Because the shop has a large range of between Free State students. Whether it is seating that customers are allowed to use for for studying, meetings, book clubs or just as long as they like, senior Mars Pierson said people talking, Cramer said it’s important they choose J&S Coffee as their regular study that customers feel taken care of. spot because it has a cozier vibe compared to “We love having the high school other options in West Lawrence. students there. I’ve gotten to know quite a few of them quite well,” Cramer said. “I’ve had several high school students come back and visit afterwards, some of whom have been out of school for four or five years, and they still come back here when they come They really care about the into town to just say hello.” people who come in, and it’s According to J&S Coffee’s website, their coffee beans are roasted invery obvious that they like to house four to five days a week to provide know the names of people as fresh coffee as possible. Barista and Free State alum Mallory Qualseth said she thinks their jobs, which is really consistent quality in J&S Coffee’s beverages important, is what has a lot of people coming back and becoming regulars.

Pierson said.

“I have a lot of pride in the quality of our drinks and, like our chai, our teas, in our matcha and obviously our coffee,” Qualseth said. “Everything is just very carefully curated and it’s also a huge menu.”

While preparing drinks and maintaining the cafe are her main focuses during a shift, Qualseth said there is also an emphasis to be friendly with customers so that the environment is welcoming. Because of this, during her three years working at

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J&S Coffee, Qualseth said she has even gained several of her own regulars.

“I love it when people ask me to make a drink for them, like just to pick something out, and I’ll maybe even ask them a couple questions about their preferences, and then when I give them the drink, and they love it, and they’ll order it every time they come in from then on,” Qualseth said. “That’s literally my favorite thing in the entire world.”

Cramer said J&S Coffee doesn’t advertise, but instead relies on the charity that their business does; he said J&S Coffee gives around 100 donations a year in the form of providing coffee at a variety of different community events.

Our advertisement is always in the form of donations to some charity or cause or whatever else. For the most part, new people find us because their friends told them to come by, Cramer said.

Cramer said that his goal for J&S coffee has been not just to run a coffee shop, but also a community space. Because of this, Cramer said he likes to call J&S Coffee “Lawrence’s West Side Oasis.”

“All the places people used to go and have contact with people are becoming automated, and they’re taking care of themselves,” Cramer said. “Here you get to mingle with people, and people are here to make it special, not an automated service where you push a button, grab your coffee and go without ever saying hi to somebody. You’re actually talking to real people.”

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Review of J&S Coffee’s current seasonal drinks Opinion by Evie Chancy and Bella Lylo

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JERDS PREDICT SNOW DAYS Journalism staff predicts the first official snow day of this school year Collected by Michael Harding

Happy

New Year

Senior Morgan Sponholtz

Sophomore Sydney Tieman

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Senior Nathan Friedman

Sophomore Nate Willems

Sophomore Stella Dorssom

Junior Ariza Noscal

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Junior Addison Powers

Junior Abbie Veeder

Sophomore Penny Coleman

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Sophomore Grace Mosconi

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Merry

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Christmas Design by Elizabeth Puah