NEWS STAFF CONTENTS
FEATURE
Pg. 6-7- Go Greek!
Pg. 16- Freshmen in the Spotlight
Pg. 17- Welcoming Whitefield
NEWS
Pg. 4- Classes Cut
Pg. 5- Sunflower Pick
Pg. 8-9- Kansan Faces Budget Cuts
Pg. 10- Kerr for Commission
OPINION
Pg. 3- Letter from the Editor
A&E
Pg. 11- Brewed Inspiration
Pg. 12 -13- Photo Gallery
Pg. 18 -19- Ads
SPORTS
Pg. 14- Spiking New Beginnings
Pg. 15- Baseball Aims for Gold
ABOUT THE COVER
Painting on her canvas, senior Ava Falleaf prepares a piece for her AP Art portfolio. Students from AP Art as well as various other art classes across the school were encouraged to submit some of their works to be displayed at local coffee shop J&S. Works from over 20 students were displayed above every table on all of the walls. Flip to page 11 to begin reading. Photo by Mallory Thompson
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
Lilly Wall
Nick Sprecker
Phoebe Morris
MANAGING EDITORS
Evie Chancy
Maria Mosconi
DESIGN EDITOR
Geneva Sabatini
ASST. DESIGN EDITOR
Willow Marable
PHOTO EDITORS
Mallory Thompson
Nathan Kramer
ASST. PHOTO EDITOR
Julia Velasco
CAPTIONS EDITOR
Elinor Russo
SPORTS EDITOR
Rakshan Ossen
COPY EDITOR
Elliot Skillman
ASST. COPY EDITORS
Lauren Jackson
Meredith Shryock
ONLINE
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
Simon Williams
Ember Klein
ONLINE
MANAGING EDITOR
Baila Love
SOCIAL MEDIA
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Katie Campbell
ASST. SOCIAL
MEDIA EDITOR
Delaney Bayliss
BUSINESS EDITOR
Piper Northrop
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Miles Beaty
Cecilia Bennett
Nathan Friedman
Kinley Gigous
Eli Roust
Addison Powers
Eden Weber
Nate Willems
REPORTERS
Penny Coleman
Griffin McDonnell
Rakshan Ossen
Meredith Shryock
DESIGNERS
Elinor Bisby
Zoë Kaul
Allison McCall
Amanda McCall
Lucas Smith
Mallory Thompson
BUSINESS TEAM
Ainsley Linhos Amanda McCall
LETTER FROM THE DESIGN EDITOR
Dear students,
This year, as the design editor for the Free Press, I’ve helped produce nine issues for our student body. Through each one, I’ve seen significant progress from each of my staff members. I have heard and seen great — and not so great — reactions from our readers but, in spite of it all, my time on staff was invaluable; I’m so grateful for the opportunity to make our publication enjoyable to flip through before class, see our photo galleries displayed on Mrs. McDonald’s and Mrs. Johnston’s walls and build the valuable experiences and friendships I have gained.
To my dear fellow designers, thank you for all of the work you’ve put into our newspaper. I am so proud of you all for how you’ve grown and what you have accomplished! Continue to create — even beyond your time on staff. Thank you for letting me be your teacher, and for teaching me.
LETTER FROM THE PHOTO EDITOR
Dear readers,
For the past two years, I’ve been the photo editor for The Free Press. I’ve taken thousands of photos at countless memorable, unique events: football games, choir performances and student protests. It has been my honor to capture the lives and memories of the students of Free State during my time on staff. I hope that when I leave, these photos stay with you forever.
To my photographers, I am so incredibly grateful for all the amazing work you have done this year — it has made my job so easy. You should all be so proud of what you have accomplished. From winning contests to having a photographer at nearly every single school event this year, our program just continues to grow and strengthen and I am so excited to see what you all continue to do.
Photo by Cecilia Bennett
Photo by Cecilia Bennett
SUNFLOWER PICK
Journalism adviser Jared Shuff earns Kansas Scholastic Press Association award
On April 3, journalism adviser Jared Shuff was celebrated by his students in the commons during ECT for winning the Sunflower Award for his performance as an adviser.
The Sunflower Award is coordinated and voted by the Kansas Scholastic Press Association and, according to its website, given to journalism advisers who have been in their position under five years and have shown dedication to their students.
To nominate Shuff, multiple letters of recommendation were written from his students, fellow advisers and with teachers he formerly worked with at Manhattan High School.
“I am confident that when I leave this program behind, Shuff will gracefully lead
was going to happen as he stepped out into the commons.
“I was definitely surprised. I had no idea up until literally standing there in that moment, did I know like, ‘OK, this was happening,’” Shuff said.
Only a select number of students were in on the surprise, and some students were just as surprised as Shuff. Staff member Lucas Smith said he was grateful that his adviser was receiving this recognition for his hard work.
“Shuff winning his award was fully deserved; throughout the school year he has kept us
Story by Evie Chancy
attendance. Tholen also wrote a letter of recommendation for Shuff.
“He knows the laws and the rights of his students, and he stands up for them in a way I’m just not sure I’d have the guts to do in my early 20s,” Tholen wrote in her recommendation letter. “He empowers students to make decisions and then backs them up.”
Shuff said it was validating to hear so much positive feedback and encouragement so early into his advising career, especially since he’s new to teaching and only in his second year.
“To have that recognition from people who I have had as mentors and from students that are just phenomenal, and having that trust and admiration for what I’m doing with the
Journalism adviser Jared Shuff smiles after recieving the Sunflower Award on April 3. Photo by Nathan Kramer
CLASSES CUT
Story by Maria Mosconi
New district policy has teachers teaching five classes for the 2025–2026
school year
Following Jeanice Swift’s superintendent appointment, teachers received a message from the district which said they would move from teaching six classes to five classes for the 2025–2026 school year.
Teachers will gain a second planning period; however, the second plan period is set aside as a professional plan. Math teacher Alyssa Barratt said teachers are uninformed about what a professional plan period would entail.
Still, Barratt said she anticipates this extra plan time would allow for more collaborative meetings.
“Teachers are working outside of their contract, so I can see it helping reduce that workload outside of contract hours,” Barratt
said.
“If we use it correctly, it could also be beneficial to do things that we typically can’t.”
Currently, teachers are unaware of how this change in teaching requirements will impact their contracts and salary. On April 9, teachers met to discuss contract language that will be voted on by all teachers.
“It’s something that has definitely crossed a lot of our minds as a possibility, but not one that we accept. [It’s] definitely a reality that they could present,” Barratt said.
According to an email teachers received from their respective department chairs, the school will ultimately cut around 100 class sections. Therefore, in most cases, class sizes will increase.
To combat this, counselor Marc Conover said that Principal Amy McAnarney is working with select teachers who could teach a sixth class, which they will receive compensation for.
With less available sections and classes reaching maximum enrollment more frequently, Conover said he anticipates scheduling difficulties next year.
While it may become more difficult for students to receive their preferred classes, it won’t be known until August.
“You don’t have to worry about being stuffed like sardines. There’s only so much you can do,” Conover said.
Junior Mimi Wood said she is currently in an overcrowded AP Environmental Science class where it is difficult for her teacher to gather the class’s attention. Moving into next year, Wood said she sees this remaining a problem for teachers.
Additionally, Wood said that she prefers smaller classes because they provide the opportunity for more one-on-one help from teachers and bonding with classmates.
“You are able to get to know your classmates on a much deeper level because you actually interact with them. In larger classes of 30 people or more, I could go through a whole year and not know the names of around half the class,” Wood said.
“It will be great to have more [time] to actually go into detail with other teachers that work in the same section. That should be awesome.”
“I’m wondering if my class sizes are going to be bigger, and also if they’re going to have us substitute for one of those plans.”
“It will make sizes bigger because about 100 sections had to be reorganized, so those students will have to be redistributed into other classes.”
Design by Amanda McCall
Photos by Addison Powers
Story by Lilly Wall
ABreaking down student opinions on the culture of Greek life
fter the intricate, intense process of rush week — a full face of makeup, numerous different color-coordinated outfits and daily activities — went booming across TikTok under #RushTok, millions of Americans across the country were hooked. Today, the hashtag has 1.3 million posts, ranging from choreographed dancing videos to makeup tutorials and even veteran advice on how to avoid getting dropped during rush.
Nearly two centuries ago, pastor John Hart Hunter established the first Greek life chapter — Kappa Alpha — at Union College in New York. Since then, the culture behind the single-sex social clubs has sparked deep fascination around North America within the past 10 years.
Now, at the University of Alabama, nearly 40% of students participate in Greek life, stepping on campus and rushing the moment they get there — according to Forbes.
Senior Kelsey Johnson is attending the University of Alabama in the fall on a marine science track and said she has always known that she wanted to go to college out of state. Johnson said that she felt connected to Greek life because of her mother, who rushed at the University of Kansas during her time in college.
“Going to a school so far away where I don’t know anyone, it’s going to be one of the quickest ways to
make friends,” Johnson said.
Before pledging to a sorority or frat, students participate in a series of days consisting of recruitment activities and networking for chapters to evaluate and pick their new members that will fit well into their organization’s attributes.
At the end of the week, students receive their bid: an invitation to join a fraternity or sorority, often in a letter. At most colleges, students from both in-state and out-of-state participate in rush week during the beginning of their academic school year.
Sophomore Julietta Keathley-Helms said she is excited to rush a sorority to meet new friends and make new connections. However, she said that the rush week process can easily come off as cutthroat and that, in turn, it can make or break a student’s sorority experience.
“You’re getting cut by houses each week, so you want to impress them, and it’s hard to be yourself because you want to impress them and not get cut,” Keathley-Helms said. “If it’s your top house and you really want them, but then you think you’re gonna say something wrong, and then you do, you get cut. It’s just overall very pressuring.”
Most pledge activities take place during the beginning of their year — often resulting in hazing. Hazing is defined as the imposition of strenuous, often humiliating, tasks
as part of a program of rigorous physical training and initiation, according to Google.
For fraternities, the most common hazing tasks can include being woken in the middle of the night, public humiliation, sexual harassment or drinking games.
In the spring semester of 2023, 133 Greek life chapters across 55 U.S. colleges were shut down, suspended or punished after supposed offenses including partying, hazing, racism or sexual assault, according to Bloomberg.
Senior Adam Jakmouj said he feels that the prevailing reputation and culture of fraternities is negative and therefore has decided against rushing. Jakmouj is majoring in business management in the fall at the University of Kansas.
“I’m not totally sure why people want to join when they’re going to get hazed. It seems like a weird roundabout way of having friends and making connections with new people when you could just join a dorm and meet new people that way,” Jakmouj said.
Many colleges implement additional Greek fees that support the institution and cover the costs of chapter fees, meal plans and more. At Alabama, the average cost a first year member, who lives in a regular dorm, has to pay is $4,170.03 per semester, according to their Fraternity and Sorority Life website.
Editor’s Note: This article has been corrected since it’s original publication, where the word sorority was incorrectly used in place of fraternity on page seven.
Current University of Kansas sophomore Michael Lickert, who is majoring in exercise science, is in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He said that after pledging and joining a frat house, he has found his second home within Lawrence and created countless memories.
“There [are] countless friendships made both within the fraternity and through mutual friends of fraternity brothers and that’s something that has made my college experience pretty awesome,” Lickert said.
Lickert said he is grateful that he joined the right fraternity for him. Different chapters can obtain different requirements that can outline academic achievements, race, religion and more.
“There are some fraternities that recruit certain people based upon standards they have set … There are some that give bids to anyone with a pulse, so getting background on a fraternity through word of mouth or through friends is something that really impacted my decision on which fraternity to join,” Lickert said.
For many incoming freshmen, they note varying chapter attributes that are important to their beliefs such as a focus on academics or partying. In the future, Keathley-Helms said she is excited to find the right people and sorority for her, and said she knows she will. Keathley-Helms plans on rushing a sorority at either the University of Kansas or the University of Arkansas.
“It’s an easy opportunity to make friends and meet people, and my sister rushed, so I kind of got an inside scoop of it. I’ve been looking forward to it and am really excited to meet new people,” Keathley-Helms said.
Allison McCall
Photo courtesy of Alabama Alpha Phi Instagram
Photo courtesy of KU Alpha Delta Pi Instagram
Photo courtesy of KU Delta Tau Delta Instagram
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Kappa Kappa Gamma Instagram
Courtesy of Arkansas Alpha Omicron Instagram
KANSAN FACES BUDGET CUTS
University Daily Kansan loses 59% of funding given by KU Student Senate
The KU Student Senate passed a bill that cuts funding for KU’s student publication, The University Daily Kansan, to $1.50 per student tuition from $3.64 per student tuition on March 13.
The KU Student Senate is a group of elected KU enrolled students with the responsibility of allocating the money collected from student fees to different areas and organizations on campus with the interests of the study body in mind.
When the Student Senate released its first fee allocation proposal on Feb. 10, only 75 cents were allocated for the UDK; this version of the proposal was rejected by the Student Senate’s financial council at the following meeting.
Editor-in-Chief of the UDK, Courtney Lane, said she was shocked at the 59% cut since the UDK had requested to keep the rate the same as last year when they were just given a significant budget expansion the previous year.
Lane said she and the publication were upset and planned to do everything possible to get their budget back up since the money was necessary to pay 16 members of her staff.
“We are going to continue to fight for our funding, because we deserve it, and we do serve our broader KU community and the students on this campus, and we’re going to do everything in our power to keep being the voice for them,” Lane said.
Lane said she’s also worried about the timing of this reduction since she said she considers the UDK to be in a time of recuperating after a difficult few years during the pandemic.
“It’ll affect our team subsequently in the following years, because
Story by Evie Chancey
staffers that can teach the next head staffers,” Lane said. “So we’ll be right back to where we were after COVID.”
News editor Emily Harter said when the publication was able to pay some of their staff, it led to a lot of improvement for their publication’s content as a whole and for their editors personally.
“A lot of us were able to take less hours at our outside jobs, and spend more time on the newspaper,” Harter said.
Since she said she felt like the funding was such a positive change, Harter said her biggest concern will be a dip in frequency and quality of content with a switch to being dependent on volunteer work.
KANSAN
FREE PRESS
“Obviously we love our volunteers, and our volunteers work really hard, but it’s hard when people are balancing both school and the newspaper, especially on a volunteer basis. So a lot of us are able, and especially too with balancing outside jobs to pay our bills,” Harter said.
Members of the Student Senate were contacted, but no response was given.
Lane said, despite suggestions to do so, the UDK cannot lean on the journalism school for any more financial support to avoid “biting the hand that feeds you.” Similarly, KU School of Journalism lecturer Eric Thomas said publications should not have to be dependent on a higher authority.
“Editorial independence is a hallmark of American journalism, and it’s impossible to call something truly journalism if it has to answer to a higher authority,” Thomas said.
Harter said she is concerned students will feel underrepresented with UDK being unable to cover as much since it’s the only Lawrence publication to cover campus life.
“We’re the only newspaper that reports by students for students; we’re able to produce news in a way that is palpable for students,” Harter said.
Although reporters won’t be able to cover as much, business manager Gracie Wheeler said the UDK gains the money for printing from advertising, so its ability to release papers will most likely not be affected.
“This funding that we were given pays our staff, pays our website bills and our sales programs, so we’d still be able to keep advertising and making papers,” Wheeler said.
Furthermore, while the publication’s output will be reduced, UDK advisor Nick Yungman said this will not lead the UDK to dissipate like he’s heard some students are concerned about.
“If the Student Senate doesn’t fund us, the Kansan isn’t going to go bankrupt or disappear, that won’t happen. The Kansan
is an institution of KU, and it’s not going anywhere,” Yungman said. “The Kansan is just going to be a shadow of itself going forward.”
At this point, the bill moves on to Student Body President DaNae Estabine who decides if it passes and moves on to University administration, then subsequently Kansas Board of Regents to be officialized.
STUDENT VOICES MATTER
KANSAN PROTECT THE KANSAN
PROTECT THE KANSAN
FREE PRESS FREE PRESS SAVE STUDENT
Photos contributed by Val Montanez/ University Daily Kansan
Collected by Nick Sprecker
BREWED INSPIRATION
J&S Coffee displays student artwork
Junior Ryan Fowler
“ “
I really appreciate Mrs. Downs for submitting my work to the showcase, honestly I don’t know if I would’ve had the courage to.
Freshman
Celeste Jenkins
Junior Claire Weipert
Throughout March, J&S, a local coffee shop off 6th Street, showcased student artwork. About 50 students in both AP Art and Graphic Design had their work displayed. J&S Owner Stephen Cramer said that local art on the coffee shop’s walls helps build a community and reinforce the importance of art.
“ “
It was neat to see something I worked on for hours being displayed. The art technique I used is cubism. Cubism uses multiple perspectives of a scene and emphasizes the geometric shapes found within it.
It was really cool to have my work on display for the community. I’ve never had my work up before so it was a nice welcome to the Free State art community.
Junior Robert Gomez
“ “
I love driving my car, so the first day I got my tag on [my car]… I got a speeding ticket. I feel very connected with my art piece. I’d say to be more careful next time. Having my artwork hung up is really cool and I’m extremely grateful about it.
KERR FOR COMMISSION
Story by Penny Coleman
Free State junior runs for Lawrence City Commission
Coming up on his final year in high school, junior Alex Kerr is running for a spot on the Lawrence City Commission.
Since he was a child, Kerr said he has been interested in politics and now looks forward to possibly breaking political history by being the youngest ever elected city commissioner.
If Kerr were to be elected city commissioner, he would be responsible for passing ordinances and proposals, taxation and establishing general policies about city functions.
“It would be a big win for the younger generation, and this will help the younger generation if they want to get into politics. My belief is to start here in the city of Lawrence. I want to work with our community,” Kerr said.
Former Lawrence City Commissioner Amber Sellers said she feels that elections not only have to do with age and experience but also with emotional connection and commitment to the position.
“Anything is possible when a candidate puts in the time and effort to prove to the citizens that they are committed to their work … [When I ran] I doubled down, did the work of engaging voters and connecting with business,” Seller said. “Mr. Kerr will have the ability to win if the voters believe he has the ability to do so.”
Though opinions may differ surrounding Kerr’s age and the election, Kerr said that he feels fit for the role because of his current activities and involvements.
“I serve on five nonprofit boards and I also serve on a community support waiver technical advance group for the state of Kansas, which is a pretty big deal as a 17-year-old,” Kerr said.
Kerr said that he originally got interested in politics at a young age. From ages 11 to 17, Kerr has served on many boards to gain experience in a political career that he hopes to pursue later down the road.
“I personally feel motivated because I want to work with our younger generation more…I feel sometimes our younger population isn’t as well represented in government,” Kerr said.
To effectively gain votes of citizens in the community, Kerr has put together a four part plan to be shared with voters.
The first point focuses on budget, the second on homelessness issues, the third on preserving and growing downtown Lawrence and the fourth on community engagement.
“We have some great community members that do a lot of stuff with our city, but what could we do even better?” Kerr said. “I’m running for the community … So I want to work with our community.”
For Alex Kerr and his fellow candidates running for city commission, the election will occur Nov. 4, 2025. To register, visit candidatefilling. us under Douglas County.
Junior Alex Kerr sits in the courtyard outside the school. Photo by Nate Willems
SPRING DEBUT
In the air, senior Loren Schwab competes in pole vault during Free State’s home meet on March 28.
Photo by Elinor Russo
Releasing the ball, sophomore AJ Collins throws a pitch during the softball double-header against Shawnee Mission North on April 3. Photo by Elinor Russo
On the mound, senior Blaine Larkin winds up to throw the ball during a varsity baseball game against Sioux Falls Jefferson on March 20. Photo by Nathan Friedman
Nearing the finish, sophomore Avery Fox competes in the 800m at the JV meet at LHS on April 2.
Photo by Lilly Wall
Eye on the ball, junior Jacob Wang returns the serve at tennis practice on March 10. Photo by Miles Beaty
Walking onto the field, senior Wesley Cupps does a handshake with senior Isaiah Wiedeman before a varsity baseball game against Lincoln High School on March 21. Photo by Nathan Friedman
Working together, juniors Megan Green and Crosby King scoop mulch at the Deerfield garden during the NHS fourth quarter meeting on March 30. Photo by Nathan Kramer
Arms in the air, sophomore Genevieve Stephenson acts in the Black Box Theatre Festival rehearsal on March 24.
Photo by Eden Weber
Fighting for the ball, junior Riley Prier fights for the ball against a Shawnee Heights opponent on March 27. The Firebirds won 3-2.
Photo by Eli Roust
SPIKING NEW BEGINNINGS
Story by Rakshan Ossen
After playing club volleyball for three years, senior Connor MacFarland decided that it was time for the school to establish a men’s team for the sport. Amid his final semester of high school, he founded Free State’s very own boys indoor club volleyball team.
The inaugural team consists of a group of eight athletes, many of whom have previously played volleyball casually. In addition to these players, the team is coached by Daniel Schoettmer and is managed by foreign exchange student Marvin Boeger, and sophomore girls volleyball tandem Anniston Clark and Tessa Nover-Estes.
As they head into the season, team member Eli Stone said the focus is to gain organized game experience for competition against schools with more established volleyball programs in the Heart of America Volleyball League.
“We want to compete with schools that have had the experience and to feel that environment,” Stone said. “Because most of us haven’t played organized volleyball before, and it would help us yield growth for the team.”
While assembling players for the team was straightforward, making the program official was a challenge. MacFarland had to go through a series of administrative obstacles to get the idea approved. Even after approval, using school facilities for games and practices have been denied by school officials.
“I think one of the challenges is our facilities. … Due to inclement weather at any time, we may have to move spring sports that are KSHSAA approved into those gyms. If you were to schedule a [volleyball] game at home and it’s raining out, you’re now sending all of those people home,” Assistant Principal Matt Renk said.
Despite following KSHSAA rules, the team has been misclassified as a for-profit organization, and will see an upward expenditure of $1,600 in court rentals plus player insurance costs. MacFarland said that with regards to other districts in the state, who have their rental fees waived, their circumstance is unfair.
Senior Connor MacFarland establishes inaugural boys’ volleyball team amid administrative obstacles
“It’s been arguably the most challenging task I’ve done as a student at Free State,” MacFarland said. “We don’t have an environment that promotes inclusivity, and we don’t promote students to try new things and innovate, and that’s been a problem.”
Worried about the future, MacFarland said he is adamant to keep this program alive within the school building. He said he is trying to get the administration and district’s favor to support the team to be able to play games in home court.
Despite the obstacles ahead for the team, MacFarland said he aims to push himself and hopes his efforts will help make the program permanent. He envisions a team that can serve as an avenue for others to discover a love for volleyball.
“I’d love to create a team that encourages boys to play volleyball regardless of whatever the stereotypes are in Kansas,” MacFarland said.
Huddling up, senior Connor MacFarland and the rest of the boys indoor club volleyball team prepare for practice on March 25. Photo by Nathan Friedman
BASEBALL AIMS FOR GOLD
Varsity baseball sparks optimism as they head into the 2025 season Story by
Throughout program history, the varsity baseball team triumphed to two state titles during the 2006 and 2015 seasons. Since then, the Firebirds have gotten close to their past success, but have fallen short.
The program remains a powerhouse in the state, winning three regional championships in a row. The Firebirds are ranked sixth in class 6A per Kansas Sports Central, seeding behind Mill Valley. Assistant coach Matt Hill said that this year, players and coaches alike are poised to make a strong push with their eyes firmly set on the state championship.
“[Last year] was a good year finishing third,” Hill said. “It’s nothing to be upset about, but after two years, we want to move past that third place and hopefully win a championship.”
Reflecting on how the season unfolded last year, junior RHP Ben Graves said
that there was some frustration in the dugout after consecutive third place state finishes; however, he said the team is remaining focused on their long-term goals, using the past seasons’ results as motivation.
“The last two years we have come up just short and are using that to push us harder this year. We have the talent, we have the motive and we all are bought in. Everybody on this team believes that this is our year,” Graves said.
Returning production from last year, the team is equipped with a set of experienced hitters and pitchers. The squad features eleven seniors, four juniors and three sophomores.
Hill said that the roster’s experience comes from a group of dedicated players who have played the sport during the summer and fall. Many of them play club baseball in the off-season, which Hill said puts the team on a competitive edge.
record as of April 15 3RD
ranked team in Kansas based off Prep Baseball Report as of April 15
Senior catcher Andrew Zimmerschied also said the senior leadership will help instill the team’s culture in younger players. Zimmerschied and Hill said that fostering a strong sense of work ethic will be key to the team’s success.
“You’ve always looked up to those seniors to guide you … being able to help those younger guys know what they’re doing is going to be irreplaceable this year in our success,” Zimmerschied said.
With the firm goal and competitive morale cultivated with this team during the preseason, they are set to play a series of 25 games in the Sunflower League and a few out-of-state schools namely from Oklahoma and South Dakota over the course of a lengthy season.
“Our program is built on good morals and a winning foundation,” Zimmerschied said. “ Our coaches know how to get the job done.”
On the mound, senior Cayman Cook pitches during a varsity baseball game against Sioux Falls Lincoln on March 21. Photo by Nathan Friedman
Rakshan Ossen
Story by Morgan Sponholtz
FRESHMEN IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Majority freshman cast in “The Tempest”
As the theatre season neared its end, freshmen made waves in Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.”
Of the 19 actors cast, 12 are freshmen. The story follows Prospero — freshman Tison Johnson — in his quest for revenge against his brother.
Johnson said he was interested in the play because his uncle had done it in college, but he was nervous to audition because he is dyslexic.
“My uncle did ‘The Tempest’ his freshman year of college, and I wanted to see if I could do a Shakespearean play, even though I’m dyslexic,” Johnson said. “I got the same role my uncle played, so it feels like I’m following in his footsteps, which is all I wanted.”
“The Tempest” is the only non-studentdirected performance in the Black Box each year. While the small space can be an adjustment for some, director Byrce Jones said it allows different actors to shine and the set to expand past the stage.
“Things can be subtly done. That lends itself to students with different acting strengths … It’s more intimate. And hopefully also somewhat immersive,” Jones said.
The interactive experience doesn’t stop with the set, actors brush shoulders and feet with the audience as they move around the space. Junior Kouri Demelash said he enjoys Black
Box productions more because he gets to do more audience interaction.
“It’s been easier than an on-stage production, because in the Black Box you can utilize the space and have the audience get into it too,” Demelash said.
Jones said he is excited for the longevity of the program because of the increase in freshman involvement. Adding they have taken ownership of the production, despite being new to the program.
“One of the many things that makes theater awesome is it’s project based, and there’s a deadline,” Jones said “… so you have to be responsible and lead by example to create an environment where we can tell a story.”
Jones also said to expect Shakespeare productions every other year. He said he believes that in educational theatre, it
is necessary to expose students to classical and modern theatre.
“The goal is to get people engaged, interested and involved,” Jones said.
15 OF 19 cast members are underclassmen
5 rehearsals a week from 3:30 TO 5:30
WELCOMING WHITEFIELD
Story by Griffin McDonnell
As she embarks on her first year as a teacher, math instructor Bailey Whitefield said her main goal is to create lasting relationships with all of her students. Whitefield said she has always wanted to be a teacher and is excited for her first opportunity to do so.
She said being a new teacher means she is learning on the fly while constantly trying new lessons and methods to help her students get the most out of what she’s teaching.
“My students are learning new things every day. I’m learning new things too,” Whitefield said. “I’m learning how to better communicate to [students], how to manage classroom behaviors, how to set expectations and clearly communicate with those as well as learning how to best structure lessons.”
After getting her teaching degree in Oklahoma, Whitefield decided to move with her family to Lawrence.
When looking at schools around the area, she said all signs pointed toward Free State High School.
“I felt like Free State was the place for me. Based on my interview with the administrators and other teachers in this department, I felt so much support like, ‘Hey, we’re going to be here. We’re going to work through this with you. You might have tough days, but we’re going to get through it, and the good days are going to outweigh your bad,’” Whitefield said.
Math teacher Bailey Whitefield joins Free State for her first year of teaching
Whitefield said she is intrigued to watch how teaching evolves in the coming years. She said she is making sure that she can best prepare her students for life after high school by keeping up with what’s constantly changing.
“I don’t know what high school is going to look like after [students] graduate,” Whitefield said. “So it’s always intriguing to think about what it’s going to look like in a few years, and how can I best prepare [students] for what it’s going to look like in a few years.”
Pointing at the screen, teacher
Bailey Whitefield guides her geometry class through a math problem. Photo by Eden Weber
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