Free Press: Issue 3, Edition 20

THE FREE PRESS Issue 3 Edition 2 17 November 2016

STAFF

Issue 3 17 November 2016 Edition 21

Print Co-Editors in Chief MARIAH HOUSTON ADELAIDE WENDEL

Online Co-Editors in Chief JACKSON BARTON SAMANTHA SPENCER

Design Editor

Designers

DRAKE RINER

MACKENZIE BICKLING ELISE GARD CAITLIN MCANDREW-BECKMAN ELIZABETH MULLINS GOLDIE SCHMIEDELER JULIANA WILCHES

Copy Editors DARBY GILLILAND MAYA HODISON JUNA MURAO

Photo Editors ALI DODD GABRIELLE WHEELER

Multimedia Editor AUBIN MURPHY

Social Media Editor DARBY GILLILAND

Business Editors SPENCER BOWMAN SYDNEY VOGELSANG

Managing Editor KAYA SHAFER

Reporters JAKE CLARK ERIN LISTON RILEY PARADISE CHRIS PENDRY ROWAN PLINSKY REAGAN SULLIVAN

Photographers REBECCA CALDERON MORGAN EDMAN ANNA-MAYA HACHMEISTER EMMA JOHNSON CLAIRE PURCELL NICOLA SANTANGELO KLAIRE SARVER BRITTANY SWEARINGEN TIERNEY THOMPSON

Multimedia

fsfreepressonline.com

fsfreepress@gmail.com

FS Journalism

@fsjournalism @fsjournalism

SKYLAR WILLIAMS

Business Staff JOHN ANDERSON CARLY OLIVER

Pages by CAITLIN MCANDREW-BECKMAN Cover photo by REBECCA CALDERON

FS Journalism

The Free Press is an open forum that accepts letters to the editor and guest writings which must include the writer’s name and telephone number. Articles may be edited due to space limitations, libel or inappropriate content. Letters may be submitted to Room 201 or sent in care of Free Press to Lawrence Free State High School, 4700 Overland Drive, Lawrence KS 66049.

The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Free Press staff, the high school administration or that of the USD 497 Board of Education.

CONTENTS CHRIS PENDRY

JAKE CLARK

MARIAH HOUSTON CHRIS PENDRY

MAYA HODISON

SAMANTHA SPENCER

MARIAH HOUSTON

TAMPONS GATHERED, TABOOS SHATTERED

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GIRLS (AND BOYS) JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN

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ROOM FOR SAFETY

Club launches drive shedding light on periods

Thespian show stars three female leads with modern pop music

Establishing safe spaces around Lawrence community

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STATE TO STATE

12

A CHANCE AT CHARM

13

SEVEN THINGS I’VE LEARNED: AN EVENING WITH IRA GLASS

Volleyball team constructs a legacy to last forever

Jerusalem Cafe reminds customers of a thriving past, mundane present

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VOTE = VOICE Journalism staff stresses using political voice

Page by GOLDIE SCHMIEDELER ADDIE WENDEL

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LEFT- OUT LEADERS Facts from most forgettable presidents

MARIAH HOUSTON 20 THE COMEBACK KID Election sparks discussion on what students of different political affiliations look for in a president Interviewed by JAKE CLARK

CHRIS PENDRY

MAYA HODISON

Interviewed by JAKE CLARK Page by GOLDIE SCHMIEDELER

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4

Editor reviews Ira Glass’s Lied Center performance

STAFF EDITORIAL

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BIRD’S WORD

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YOUNG DEMOCRATS CLUB

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YOUNG REPUBLICANS CLUB

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STYLE COLUMN

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FEATURED ARTISTS

Which president has been the most influential and why?

Revived club promotes students’ political involvement

Conservative students aim to change party ’s reputation

Junior Joachim Case and sophomore Blue O’Leary

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TAMPONS GATHERED, TABOOS SHATTERED CHRIS PENDRY

NEWS

Y

oung Feminists Club is spearheading a Menstrual Products Drive to help those in need and to help normalize periods.

The Gay-Straight Alliance has also put their full support into the drive.

All products gathered through the drive, which began Nov. 7 and runs until Nov. 21, will go to the Willow Domestic Violence Shelter in Lawrence; a support organization that has partnered with Young Feminists Club in the past. The Willow provides an emergency shelter to parents and children, a crisis hotline, public workshops and much more in hopes of supporting the healing process of individuals who have experienced domestic violence or human trafficking.

Besides collaborating with Willow and collecting the products, the clubs hope to generate general discussion about menstruation.

“Often when people talk about periods or needing a tampon or pad, people get kind of uncomfortable,” said senior Meredith Shaheed,

Club launches drive shedding light on periods co-president of the Young Feminists Club. “We need to get rid of that taboo, and we need to be thinking about how this is a natural occurrence…and it’s not something to joke about.”

The discomfort and embarrassment surrounding discussions about menstruation sometimes lead young people around the world to have misconceptions about their health. In Iran, a UNICEF study shows that 48% of young girls think their menstruation is a disease.

For many who menstruate, these products are vital to their comfort and health.

“People can’t go to school without these products,” said senior Diane Camarda, co-president of the Gay-Straight Alliance. “People can’t go to work without these products, and yet, they’re not available to them at shelters when they’re in need.”

The taboo and expenses of menstrual products, as the two clubs have recognized, resulted in a lack of these products at the shelters.

“It’s very important that these products get

to the community,” Camarda said. “So that’s why [Gay-Straight Alliance is] supporting [Young Feminists Club] and collecting all feminine hygiene products.”

Both clubs hope to emphasize the importance of inclusive language used to describe menstruation and menstrual hygiene.

“We normally call it feminine hygiene products in our society,” Shaheed said. “But another focus of our drive is to move away from that.”

Shaheed explains the drive aims to be inclusive of all who menstruate, including transgender and nonbinary people.

“It’s really important to us that we open up a discussion about how [transgender and nonbinary people] menstruate too,” Shaheed said. “And how that’s okay, and not just a “female” thing or a “girl” thing anymore.”

Shaheed explains a dilemma women in domestic violence shelters face. “[Menstrual products are] actually one of the most in demand products for shelters,”

Continued from page 4 Shaheed said. “People don’t usually think to [donate them].”

Shelters lack menstrual hygiene products because of the cost as well as the taboo surrounding menstrual products according to senior Natalie Adams-Menendez, co-president of Gay Straight Alliance.

“It’s not being addressed by shelters because it’s expensive, and being able to run a shelter is expensive,” Adams-Menendez said. “It’s a topic that isn’t brought up because of the stigma, so it won’t be addressed if you can’t actually pose a question.”

Photo by KLAIRE SARVER A typically private matter, the discussion about menstrual products is being made public by the Young Feminist Club. The club decided to create the Menstrual Product Drive to raise awareness about menstruation and also provide products to those who need them. “I think it is very important for our generation to be aware of who they are and how society treats certain issues,” senior Natalie AdamsMenendez said. “It’s important to help our generation be more accepting of not only women but also ideas by providing products and helping those in need.”

Pages by ADDIE WENDEL

For a mother and two daughters without health insurance, menstrual hygiene products could not only cost them over $210, but, according to a study done by the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Health in 2015, an additional $100-$160 payment for every visit to the doctor’s office.

Other proposal to normalize periods is to include menstrual hygiene products be included in health care by the federal government and be available for purchase with food stamps.

Many people, including Adams-Menendez, believe the menstrual hygiene industry unfairly profits off of its necessity.

“The tampon and pad industry is able to raise prices because it is a necessary commodity for women and those prices keep on escalating...there’s no regulation,” Adams-Menendez said.

Without these products, some people who menstruate are forced to create their own tools. According to UNICEF’s “WASH” 2012 program, people across the globe often resort to using dirty cloths, leaves or nothing at all during menstruation periods. This lack of access to materials has proven to leave students more likely to sit in the back of class or to miss school in comparison to their cis-gender male peers.

The clubs, along with Shaheed, hope the visibility of menstrual products will help break the stigma around menstruation and those who experience it.

“We are opening up the conversation by talking about menstruation, and how it’s not a scary thing, it’s not a gross thing, it’s just a thing that happens to 50% of the population,” Shaheed said.

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NEWS

ing...there’s no regulation,” Adams-Menendez said.

Without these products, some people who menstruate are forced to create their own tools. According to UNICEF’s “WASH” 2012 program, people across the globe often resort to using dirty cloths, leaves or nothing at all during menstruation periods. This lack of access to materials has been proven to leave students more likely to sit in the back of class or to miss school in comparison to their cisgender male peers.

The clubs hope the visibility of menstrual products will help break the “We need to get rid of that taboo, stigma around and we need to be thinking about how menstruation this is a natural occurrence . . . and those who and it’s not something to joke about.” experience it.

“We are opening up the - SENIOR MEREDITH SHAHEED conversation by For a mother and two daughters without talking about menstruation, and how it’s not health insurance, menstrual hygiene products a scary thing, it’s not a gross thing, it’s just a could not only cost them over $210, but also, thing that happens to 50% of the population,” according to a study done by the John Hopkins Shaheed said.the most in demand products for Bloomberg School of Health in 2015, an addi- shelters,” Shaheed said. “People don’t usually tional $100-$160 payment for every visit to the think to [donate them].” doctor’s office.

Shelters lack menstrual hygiene prodA suggested approach to normalizing peucts because of the cost as well as the taboo riods is to include menstrual hygiene products surrounding menstrual products according to in federal health care and be available for senior Natalie Adams-Menendez, co-president purchase with food stamps. of Gay Straight Alliance.

Many people, including Adams-Menendez, “It’s not being addressed by shelters because believe the menstrual hygiene industry unfairly it’s expensive, and being able to run a shelter is profits off of its necessity. expensive,” Adams-Menendez said. “It’s a top“The tampon and pad industry is able to ic that isn’t brought up because of the stigma, raise prices because it is a necessary commodity so it won’t be addressed if you can’t actually for women and those prices keep on escalatpose a question.”

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GIRLS (AND BOYS) JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN

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NEWS

Thespian show stars three female leads with modern pop music

JAKE CLARK

T

he maroon, velvet curtains slide open to reveal a black coated stage.

Sophomore Brynn Kelly walks from the wings to center stage while music plays to introduce her.

“This is Mr. Weston, the Chemistry teacher at Highbury prep. And this is Miss Taylor, the Biology teacher,” Kelly projects.

Kelly plays the lead role in the musical, “Emma!”, written by Eric Price and adapted of the novel of the same name written by Jane Austen. It tells the story of a girl who successfully matches up two teachers in her school and then takes that momentum to attempt to match up her friends with potential life partners.

Unlike many previous musicals performed at Free State, “Emma!” is led by three young

women: Kelly, junior Coy Garrett and sophomore Eliza Haase-Divine.

“The females [get] more possibilities because with male leads you get the same guys every single time and the girls never have a chance to really show themselves. Now, you see the people who were usually in the back are now in the front,” Kelly said.

Price’s adaptation is not only a change of dialogue but also a change of tone in comparison to the novel. His musical primarily includes pop music. Garrett, who has a solo in the song “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” talks about how the music choice influences the show.

“Usually when I’m in a musical I have material to work with that is a little more serious and less pop-y, but it’s cool because I

get to work with lines that are kind of hard to deliver,” Garrett said. “The delivery is hard because the lines are so straight...but I’ve started to really love the musical and because of how pop-y it is, it’s different from anything I’ve ever done.”

Senior Denniel Correa-Olmo, one of two male leads, thoroughly enjoys participating in the musical.

“I love theatre in general, and I love spending time with all the actors and continuing to get to know all the new freshmen and still getting to know the people that I already know even more,” Correa-Olmo said.

Concerns have been raised about the use of Katy Perry’s music in the show. Perry has been accused of appropriating other cultures, for donning cornrows, dressing as a geisha

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NEWS

Above: Senior Denniel Correa-Olmo and sophomore Brynn Kelly get into character as they prepare for their roles in “Emma!” Kelly plays the lead role, and Correa-Olmo is one of two male leads.

Photo by TIERNEY THOMPSON Left: At a dress rehearsal, the cast and crew of Emma prepare for their performance. The show features songs from artists like Katy Perry, Avril Lavigne and The Supremes.

Photo by TIERNEY THOMPSON Page by MACKENZIE BICKLING

Continued from page 6 and, in her music video for “Dark Horse,” using ancient Egyptian-inspired props and costumes.

For director Nancee Beilgard, Perry’s actions should not affect those of her production.

“I don’t see how Katy Perry would affect us...she’s not in our show, she has nothing to do with our show, there’s nothing racist in our show,” Beilgard said. “Our show is a love story, and any implication that our show

has anything racist in it is ludicrous.”

“Emma!” opens at 7:30pm on Nov. 1719. Haase-Divine encourages everyone to attend the show.

“It’s a fun, hyped up musical with a lot of songs that most people will know, and there’s a lot of great choreography,” Haase-Divine said. “It, in itself, is a fun story to follow along and see how the characters go through this story and how they develop.”

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ROOM FOR SAFETY

Establishing safe spaces around Lawrence

NEWS

MARIAH HOUSTON AND CHRIS PENDRY

I

n Lawrence, safe spaces are everywhere.

People of various backgrounds can find places where they can comfortably discuss their experiences and views. “[A safe space is] a place where everyone feels welcome, and like they’re not going to be judged for who they are or what they’ve been through,” said Amelia Peters, a member of Poetry Club.

This school recognizes 47 clubs and organizations. Many pride themselves in providing acceptance.

“I feel like here . . . there are already so many safe spaces,” said senior Lanice Brown, president of Diversity Club. “We’re very ac-

cepting and open to a lot of different ideas.”

Diversity Club acts as a judgement-free zone where anyone is welcome to share their experiences, but according to Brown, it is also a club that seeks to educate.

“The more we educate people, and the more we get the word out, the more people start to see things in a different light,” Brown said. “It’s not just one race or the other race; every race has their own issues. We have to find a way to kind of balance them out and figure out which ones need to be solved now and which ones can wait.”

Along with Diversity Club, the GayStraight Alliance Club provides a place for

students to share feelings and educate one another. “[GSA] addresses a lot of issues, not only with the LGBTQ community, but sometimes they address feminist issue or race relations,” freshman member Alli Pittman said. “They help people become more educated on issues because we talk about them a lot.”

When members of minority groups look for a group within their community to discuss their experiences they find many issues discussed at safe spaces crossover with one another.

“With GSA there’s a whole spectrum,” freshman member Katie Diaz said. “You can

Left: Participating in a discussion amongst other members of Diversity Club, junior Nicole Ahn raises her hand to make her point within the discussion. Because this is a safe space for students to express themselves and their views, Ahn feels that students should be able to feel safe discussing their problems with each other.

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Photo by KLAIRE SARVER

Left (opposite page): Leading the discussion about what dishes to serve at the club’s Thanksgiving, senior Lanice Brown and sponsor Cris Pitman stand at the front as they take suggestions from other members of Diversity Club. Members, senior Bayan Alghafli and junior Asayiel Alhajeri, participate in the club alongside others.

Photo by KLAIRE SARVER Pages by DRAKE RINER the discussion beyond schools and into the community.

Churches can also act as a safe space for many students.

Senior Gretchen Boxberger cites the many religious youth groups she is involved in as a source of positivity and comfort.

Boxberger is a member of the Youth Front staff. Youth Front is a nondenominational Christian camp outside of Edgerton, Kansas.

“It’s really shown me more of myself because I’m able to proclaim it in different ways, especially through Youth Front,” Boxberger said. “That really taught me how to not be ashamed of who I am and what I

believe in.”

Junior Leah Wethington, who attends Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church, has similar thoughts.

“I think it’s just is a place where I can go and be myself,” Wethington said. “No one is judging and everyone loves.”

Around the world, safe spaces are a necessity to help people of all ages and backgrounds find comfort, solidarity and reach for change.

“Everywhere should be a safe space,” Wethington said. “Our whole world should be a safe space.”

NEWS

go to that club and feel safe among the whole spectrum of any social justice issue.”

Comfort is key in a safe space so that people are open to sometimes difficult discussions.

“People should be able to say what they’re going through and say what their problem is if they’re comfortable enough to talk about it,” said junior Nicole Ahn, an officer for Young Feminists Club.

Safe spaces can be found everywhere, not just at school.

The Lawrence Black Lives Matter chapter, Lawrence Queer Youth Voice and many more groups at KU and around town carry

SPORTS

STATE TO STATE Volleyball team constructs a legacy to last forever MAYA HODISON

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ith heads held high and minds at peace, the girls volleyball team stepped on the court in hopes of creating a legacy.

‘Competitive legacy’ was the motto that resounded all season long. Their main goal was to reach their full potential.

“We already knew we had potential,” O’Malley said. “Free State has always had potential, but we’ve never known how to put that potential into action.”

Going into their first game of the state tournament at the Kansas Expocentre in Topeka, they were filled with confidence. The team was playing Shawnee Mission East, who they had

beaten in the regular season.

“We thought we had it in the bag, but we didn’t,” O’Malley said. “We lost in two sets.”

After the loss, they knew they needed a comeback, quick. Despite losing their first game, the team only had to have less losses than the other teams to be able to continue to State.

“There was no room for excuses,” O’Malley said. “We had to come out and give everything we had in that game, and that’s what we did from the very beginning.”

They won their second game against Blue Valley West, an undefeated team that was number one in the nation at one point, and number five when Free State played them.

“The way we played in that game was unheard of,” O’Malley said. “Everyone wanted [to win equally] and that’s how teams win.”

Even though they knew the game against Blue Valley West was going to be tough, they went in with a winning attitude.

Below:

Blocking the ball, freshman Mya Gleason helps defend her team against Blue Valley West. She played volleyball for for five years and loves the sport, so she joined the team this year.

“I really enjoyed volleyball ...and getting to bond with all the girls [at State],” Gleason said.

Photo by TIERNEY THOMPSON

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Continued from page 10 “We lived up to our motto,” O’Malley said. “It’s crazy that this team will go down in the books because we’ve done something that hasn’t happened in a really long time.”

For senior Emma Barberena, this season was the best she had in her four years of playing varsity volleyball.

“This year everyone was more team-oriented [rather] than having a ‘we have to win every game’ mindset,” Barberena said.

Team chemistry played an important role in this season’s success.

“Everyone got along so well off the

court, which made us such a great team on the court,” Barberena said.

Senior Jenalee Dickson loved how players played for each other every game.

“We were all friends and all wanted to play not only for ourselves but for each other,” Dickson said. “We were a true team.”

Along with generating a legacy, players made long-lasting relationships that they will cherish forever.

“By the end of the season there was no doubt we had created a family,” O’Malley said. “We’re going to remember this season for the rest of our lives.”

Left:

Excited for her team, sophomore Lily Begeman congratulates her teammates on their win during their second match. Due to Begeman’s injury, she records statistics for the team this year. “I enjoyed going to State and being with my teammates,” Begeman said.

Photo by TIERNEY THOMPSON

Below:

Huddling with her teammates, junior Cameryn Thomas celebrates the point. Thomas has been playing volleyball for four years. “Going to State meant a lot,” Thomas said. “I think playing this year was different and we got there as a team and a family.”

Photo by TIERNEY THOMPSON

SPORTS

Pages by MACKENZIE BICKLING

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A CHANCE AT CHARM

Photo by TIERNEY THOMPSON

Jerusalem Cafe reminds customers of a thriving past, mundane present SAMANTHA SPENCER

REVIEWS

A

s I walked into Jerusalem Cafe on a warm Friday night at 5 p.m., the pleasant waitress told me to “sit anywhere.” For some reason, maybe by chance, or maybe by a subconscious spark of curiosity or inclination, I found myself in the best seat in the house.

Framed underneath a piece of glass on the wall of our booth was a newspaper column from July 1985 titled, “Night Beat.” The review featured a black and white photo of a middle aged reporter with round glasses who raved about the delicious delights of Jerusalem Cafe and its wonderful charm. If I hadn’t sat at this booth and seen this novelty plaque and its earnest message, I may have overlooked what Jerusalem Cafe has to offer because of what it lacks in decor and character.

Upon reading the article about the restaurant’s former Kansas City location, I was filled with visions that the reporter enthusiastically described. A time when every table and chair was filled by a chatty customer engaged in conversation and laughter, and a belly dancer performed to energetic “authentic” music on a Friday night. I imagined a hard working staff and a dedicated owner working to keep the restaurant open for over thirty years.

Unfortunately, Jerusalem Cafe at 1008 Massachusetts St. is not the restaraunt that the

1985 review raves about. Its decor drastically lacks appropriate charm, appearing more like a burger joint or a sports bar than a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. It seems almost neglected; as the one waitress on duty politely but awkwardly checked on her two tables, I could not help but notice the out-of-place pop music and noise from the kitchen created an off-putting atmosphere.

Regardless of my slight discomfort, I took a chance on the food. I splurged on a huge vegetarian appetizer plate that arrived promptly and was colorfully presented upon a clean white plate. The appetizer plate included many classic traditional Mediterranean snacks that the waitress awkwardly explained to me.

“For your information,” she said, “this side is hummus, and this side is Baba Ghanoush.”

My companion and I gobbled warm pita and falafel that was pleasantly soft and crunchy in all the right places. We were surprised by the variety of sauces and sheer amount of food in front of us. Our meals followed shortly and were slightly less impressive. I ordered the falafel dinner sandwich and my companion a dinner gyros sandwich. Both came with soup or salad.

Our salads were slightly disappointing, adorned with a tangy dressing but only one small block of feta cheese and one olive each.

The lettuce itself leaned more towards the school lunch iceberg variety than assorted spinach and other leafy greens.

The sandwiches were fresh and satisfying, although they seemed to be made up of most of the same ingredients we ate in our salad and appetizer. Regardless, we ate until we were stuffed, and our waitress continued to be attentive and polite.

The only problem I encountered past the food was a blip concerning their credit card machine that made it so that I had to pay cash. It was inconvenient, but understandable, especially for a restaurant that has yet to settle in on Mass St..

As we left the restaurant, my companion remarked that Jerusalem Cafe would be a good place to go after a concert or event that left her hungry enough to chow on a huge appetizer plate with a group of friends in a casual atmosphere. After consideration, I realized my companion was absolutely right. Jerusalem Cafe has a history of decent food and service.

Maybe all it needs is a little life; some sort of homage to the charming restaurant described in an article in 1985.

Heaping portions of falafel, hummus and baba ganoush await you at Jerusalem Cafe, now just a hop and a scoot away on downtown Mass Street.

“SEVEN THINGS I’VE LEARNED: AN EVENING WITH IRA GLASS” Editor reviews Ira Glass’s “Seven Things I’ve Learned” MARIAH HOUSTON

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Photo by GABRIELLE WHEELER One: How to tell a story.

In order to tell a story, Glass discovered he needed to first listen to stories. He played sound clips of an interview from a woman whose 13-year-old daughter decided to dress as Secretary Clinton for Halloween after watching Saturday Night Live election skits.

After the 13-year-old applied her mascara, eyeliner and lipstick, her mother let slip “Wow! You look so much better!”

The rest of the interview involved the mother discussing parenting and how she feared what she thoughtlessly said would affect her daughter years later.

Glass stressed the importance of not only having a story with plot but having a story with thought. Stories should be able to be discussed thoughtfully and draw emotion out of the listeners.

Although Glass’s radio show usually involved telling stories without visuals, he let the screen show a version of the same story that incorporated animations from cartoonist Chris Ware of The New Yorker.

The animations not only showed literal portrayals of what the mother in the interview was saying, but it went on to show the unseen.

It showed the daughter dreaming of becoming president. It showed her in a pantsuit, answering questions in front of a crowd of eager politicians. It told a story.

Pages by CAITLYN MCANDREW-BECKMAN

Two: It’s normal to be bad before you’re good.

This next section of Glass’s performance involved him recalling his younger days of radio journalism. He played sound clips of some of his first stories from his show at Northwestern University and some from his first years working at NPR headquarters, including a story about an Oreo cookie factory.

Sharing with the audience an assortment of embarrassing products from the beginning of his career allowed him to make the statement that, at one point, he was bad at what he did. He was not always an esteemed journalist and celebrity, but he didn’t let that stop him.

“I was really bad for a really long time,” Glass said. “All you can do in that situation is just make stuff. Don’t give up. Invent your future.”

Although Glass’s performance involved the presentation of more lessons, these were the two that stuck with me the most. Glass is a humorous, genuine and humble man who connects with his audience. I highly recommend seeing his future performances and tuning into his radio and television series “This American Life.”

Glass takes journalism to a level that allows the listener to think, emote and come out of the story with a new perspective. Through whatever medium chosen, journalism is storytelling, and Ira Glass tells stories damn well.

REVIEWS

ournalism is an art that takes on many different forms. Journalists can be reporters, photographers, videographers, designers, commentators, investigators, broadcasters and almost any other words ending in -ers and -ors.

Ira Glass has taken his brand of journalism to the ears of America.

Glass is known for his personality on National Public Radio and is the host/producer of the television and radio show “This American Life.”

His show set the tone for others like “Serial,” “Reveal” and many other popular podcasts.

Glass shared with a packed Lied Center a condensed list of lessons he has learned over the years of his developing profession in “Seven Things I’ve Learned: An Evening with Ira Glass” on Nov. 5.

As Glass walked out onto the stage in front of his adoring fans, he proudly stated that he was “within a four mile radius of every Hillary [Clinton] supporter in the state of Kansas.”

Because the presidential election was four short days away, Glass’s sense of humor throughout the night gave everyone a little relief from the stress of the election.

A giant number seven was displayed on a screen behind him, and he assured the audience that the seven lessons he would soon present were not the only seven things he has ever learned, but simply his attempt at finding the ones worth sharing.

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Journalism staff stresses using political voice

EDITORIAL

Photo by BRITTANY SWEARINGEN

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A sign promoting voting hangs in the window of Love Garden Sounds at 822 Mass. St. Douglas County voters are encouraged to go to their local polling place and participate in local, state and national elections.

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VOTE=VOICE

Page by ADDIE WENDEL

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s members of our staff reach the age of voter eligibility, we ask ourselves a question that young people throughout the nation have been asking themselves this year: Do our votes matter?

In Lawrence, this is a more objective question than it is in other towns and states.

“Blue dot in a sea of red” is not just a figure of speech. Because of the electoral college, our abundantly left-leaning town gets left in the dust when it comes to the presidential election.

Many of us align with the Democratic party and agree that their votes do not count on the national level. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t count.

We can often feel disillusioned with the political system or feel that the decisions of people in power will not affect them. On the national level, this is sometimes the case, but local and state elections have an impact on citizens’ daily lives. We believe voting is an essential part of the political process.

Voter turnout among 18-24 year olds was at an all-time low in the 2014 midterm elections, and young people are consistently the least likely age group to vote. We believe

the low turnout could be due to lack of information about how and where to register to vote.

Polling places are generally open during common office hours when young adults are in school or working a wage job that pays by the hour, unlike salary jobs where people can afford to miss a few minutes without losing money. This skews elections in favor of the educated, elderly and wealthy.

One staff member appreciates the enfranchisement that comes from choosing who leads our country. The right to vote is a privilege women and racial minorities have worked hard to earn. When eligible voters ignore this right, they waste an opportunity that many people died for but never got to themselves benefit from.

However, a few of us believe voting on the national level, especially in states where our political views are in the minority opinion, is a waste because the vote would be swallowed up by the opposing party. Similarly, in a state where our beliefs align with the majority party, some of us would not vote because they would know that other voters would carry the vote in their favor.

In local elections, we believe our votes will make more of a difference because local and state governments control funding for education and social service policies that have the power to hurt or help our generation.

Young people do have the power to change the political landscape and affect the policies they value. Over the past two decades, the cultural landscape of the United States has transformed dramatically. Our generation grew up seeing a black president and expansions of rights for LGBT people.

We were raised on the internet and now have more access to information than any other generation before us. And yet, often we sacrifice that empowerment to the baby boomers who were born and raised during an era of segregation, a culture divided by race, gender and sexuality. Young people must vote to see the policies they value take center stage.

In the end, the consensus is voting is not something to be taken lightly. We believe staying educated and informed on our country’s issues is an important part of being a citizen and keeping our democracy strong.

MARIAH HOUSTON Co-Editor in Chief

WHAT MAKES A WINNER?

T

he problem wasn’t that America needed to be made great again. Sure, it was maybe great at one point for the white, rural and uneducated: back when blue-collar jobs flourished and racial issues could be swept under the rug, and even if it wasn’t great, their lives were still better than the minorities.

And it was great then for the rich: the men who controlled the stock market, the corporations, the political system.

But America was never great for the oppressed: for the single parents living off of welfare checks that never came soon enough, for the unarmed black people shot in the street, for immigrants running from the war and oppression in their home nations only to be met with fear and distrust and hate here in the “land of the free.”

America has not been great for women, America has not been great for LGBT people, America has not been great for Hispanic people, America has not been great for black people, America has not been great for Native Americans (except, of course, before this continent was known as America).

I understand why people believe you: why they believe you will make their lives better. They feel cheated.

As they see it, the government gave away their benefits to people who didn’t deserve it. The poor don’t deserve welfare, at least not on their tax dollars, minorities don’t deserve to be rewarded through affirmative action programs if they’re not as qualified. Refugees don’t deserve to come into this country because of crimes individuals of their faith have committed.

People are afraid that their communities are changing and their hard-earned money is slipping away to pay for programs they and their children will never benefit from. I understand how you appeal to them. I understand that you gave them someone to blame. I understand that you made them afraid.

But now you make me afraid. I am afraid this country is headed down a path it cannot recover from.

Already extremist right-wing leaders from around the world are cheering you on in your quest to make us “great,” like Nigel Farage, Marine Le Pen and David Duke.

So, I’d like to ask, was it worth it? To empower those who didn’t feel the pain of oppression and crush those who already have it worse? Is your greatness worth our suffering? Because you certainly won’t make America great again for the people who have fought for their rights the hardest.

EDITORIAL

Editors reflect on results of presidential election

C

ongratulations, Mr. President.

Congratulations on your success, your “dub,” your triumph.

You have claimed the White House. You have claimed my mother’s tears. You have claimed the rights to my body. You have claimed the voices of minorities. You have claimed the cries of the LGBTQ+ community. You have claimed this country.

You have kicked down the presidential door, tracked mud on Barack Obama’s legacy and replaced his progressivism with presentiment.

Your people are scared. I am scared. I am scared to wake up “woman”. I am scared to wake up “Democrat.” I am scared to wake up.

You have divided this country. You have created barriers where there should be embraces. You have created walls where there should be warmth. You have created hate where there should be happiness.

You are not the person I wanted to write this column about. You are not the person for this job. This is not the country I thought it was.

America, we lied to ourselves. We have been calling ourselves “united” and “free” and “proud” and “brave.”

Unity is not deporting Muslims. Freedom is not fearing our neighbors. Pride is not grabbing women by their “pussies.” Bravery is not bigotry.

When did we last hold a mirror up to our mistakes?

Do we see the token of oppression that we have placed proudly in our Oval Office? Do we see the horror we have just imposed on our future generations?

Congratulations, America.

We may have lost this one, but fear will never win. No matter the wreckage, love will always emerge victorious, if we let it.

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ADDIE WENDEL Co-Editor in Chief

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LEFT- OUT LEADERS Facts from most forgettable presidents

Illustrations by GOLDIE SCHMIEDELER

Zachary Taylor 12th President

GRAPHICS

Party: Whig Served from March 1849-July 1850 Known as “Old Rough and Ready” for his prominent role as a general in the Mexican-American War and the War of 1812, Taylor’s major acts as president included sparking the California gold rush and mediating between abolitionists and slaveholders.

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Benjamin Harrison 23rd President Party: Republican Served from March 1889-March 1893 Harrison was the grandson of President William Henry Harrison who notably served only 32 days in office before dying of pneumonia. Benjamin Harrison was only 5’6” and was the last president to sport a full beard.

Page by ADDIE WENDEL

Gerald Ford 38th President

Ford took office after Nixon’s resignation and was the subject of two assassination attempts, both by women. Ford held his daughter’s senior prom in the White House. His birth name was Leslie Lynch King, Jr. but his stepfather changed his name in the adoption process.

GRAPHICS

Party: Republican Served from Aug. 1974-Jan. 1977

Chester A. Arthur 21st President Party: Republican Served from Sept. 1881-March 1885 Arthur was vice president and received the presidency after James Garfield died in office.

He didn’t really do much, but he hired Louis C. Tiffany (of Tiffany glass and son of jeweler Charles Louis Tiffany, who founded Tiffany & Co.) to decorate the White House and was nicknamed “Walrus” for his conspicuous facial hair.

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Warren G. Harding 29th President Party: Republican Served from March 1921-Aug. 1923 Harding acquired the presidency from Woodrow Wilson in the aftermath of World War I and attempted to use his power to return the country back to the pre-Progressive era. While in office, Harding took part in several scandals, including involvement in Teapot Dome, violating Prohibition laws by hosting private drinking parties, and fathering a love child, none of which were discovered until after his sudden heart attack in 1923.

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THE COMEBACK KID G MARIAH HOUSTON

FEATURE 19

Election sparks discussion on what students look for in a president

eorge Washington, upon exiting office a the first President of the United States of America, said in his “Farewell Address” that the creation of political parties would lead to “horrid enormities” and “frightful despotism.” Naturally, America created political parties.

Students watched the ripple of the 2016 presidential election turn into a tidal wave as the opposing major party candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, became “viewed more unfavorably than any front-runner for either party since 1984,” according to CNN reporter David Wright. Over the course of the campaign season, insults were exchanged, rumors were spread and Saturday Night Live skits generated amusement and animosity, ultimately leading to the election of the forty-fifth President: Donald Trump.

The results of the election contradicted the predictions many of the National Polling Averages, as they led the public

to believe Clinton would take the presidency.

“I’m not sure the polls actually got it wrong,” senior Paige Lawrence said. “What they did was tell people that they should be voting, so the polls were right based off of the people who were already registered and planning on voting, but then everyone who saw the polls and weren’t okay with Hillary being president mobilized. All the polls did was swing the election instead of predict the election.”

The surge in voting from Trump’s supporters surprised many Republicans nationwide.

“I think he’ll go down in history as the comeback kid,” junior Bo Miller said.

Senior Dale Miller was also shocked as Trump began to defy the polls and pull ahead of Clinton in the election.

“I didn’t know that the voter turnout was going to be as good for him,” Dale Miller said. “I feel like people were

Photo by REBECCA CALDERON Anti-Trump protesters rally downtown on Nov. 12. Many Democrats, Republicans and independents are upset over Donald Trump’s election to the presidency. “I think it signals a shift in our social and political culture that I am scared by. I’m less concerned by his policies, and I’m more concerned about who he is and what he represents,” senior Paige Lawrence said.

Page by ADDIE WENDEL

FEATURE

resilient that support Trump, and I was surprised by the numbers that he got.”

Dale Miller is optimistic about Trump’s future presidency, and he believes that American citizens will receive the less-political perspective they have been waiting for.

“The American people wanted an outsider, and that’s what they got,” Dale Miller said. “They wanted somebody different instead of somebody that was a part of the establishment. All [Hillary Clinton] has done in her adulthood has been in politics; instead, Trump has been a businessman and knows how the real world works.”

Trump is not only the oldest president-elect in United States history, but he is also the first president-elect to have never held public office. Although Dale Miller saw his fresh perspective as a benefit, senior Nick Eddis expects Trump to face challenges in his future presidency.

“It’s definitely going to be different, and it’s going to be rough

for him,” Eddis said. “With no past of holding any sort of office, he’s just going to jump in the driver’s seat and just take the obstacles as they come.”

Trump’s lack of political experience is one of the many reasons Clinton supporters opposed his election.

“I’m disappointed because Hillary is such an experienced politician, and she has held so many wonderful positions in office, being a Senator and Secretary of State and First Lady,” senior Jaja Wang said.

According to Paige Lawrence, Clinton’s political experience should have aided her in becoming the next president-elect, and she believes Trump’s victory was unjust in the sense that his gender played a role in his election.

“As a woman, it did not surprise me at all because I see this all the time where a less qualified male gets the position; we’re seeing that in our economy right now,” Lawrence said. “I read these studies from Mackenzie and Co … that said if women were granted full gender equality in the economy, the world economy could gain several trillion dollars by 2020. It’s remarkable how much we could succeed if women were given an equal opportunity. Hillary had one, arguably two scandals to overcome; Trump had a list of several hundred scandals to overcome, and he overcame all of them because people just perceived him as more respectable. This is the kind of discrimination you see every single day against women where just because of our gender we’re not considered equally qualified for a position when we my actually be more qualified.”

Although Lawrence is worried about America’s future under Trump’s presidency, she is focusing on what she considers successes in the Senate and House races that were announced on Nov. 8.

“There were some major successes: there’s the first Latina in the Senate, there’s finally a black woman in the Senate again which we haven’t had since 1999. There’s an openly LGBTQ Governor who was just elected in Oregon. In the House we have a Somali-American representing, and she’s Muslim so there’s finally some Muslim representation,” Paige Lawrence said. “Women and minorities have won in the smaller races, and that still matters and we should still be celebrating that.”

While Democrats are looking for positives from the elections, Republicans are celebrating the prevention of a Clinton presidency. Dale Miller believes Clinton is a corrupt politician who did not deserve the title of President.

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Continued from page 21

FEATURE

Trump brought with him the first campaign that most high school students have followed closely in their lifetimes. From the beginning of the primary elections, students promoted their candidate of choice through T-shirts, bumper stickers and tweets. Those who were of age saved spots in line and shared their support at their local caucuses, and those who were too young to vote frustratedly waited for the results.

Although Hillary won over the nation in the Democratic primaries, candidate Bernie Sanders won over Lawrence, Kansas with 81.4 percent of the vote.

“I supported Bernie Sanders because he was very left-wing like I am,” sophomore Harper Schoenfeld said. “People say that his ideas were kind of far-fetched, but he gave very true reasons as to why he would be able to do what he said he would be able to do.

He was just very well spoken and “The American people wanted an very experienced.” outsider, and that’s what they got.

Lawrence also understood the They wanted somebody different vision of Sanders’s supporters.

“I’ve known Hillary for a instead of somebody that was while, and I’ve been a fan of hers a part of the establishment.” for a while, but I thought Bernie brought some fresh ideas; I just - SENIOR DALE MILLER didn’t think he was realistic,”

21 22 23

“I think she’s fake,” Dale Miller said. “I’ve seen videos of her just trying to appeal to a certain voting group where one day she’s in one part of the country and the next day she’s in a different part of the country that’s demographically completely different, and she just tries to appeal to those voters.”

Although many Republicans across the nation shared the same disapproval of Clinton as Dale Miller, some Republicans believe Clinton was a respectable candidate who carried many traits of admiration.

“The example that she sets is obviously bravery,” Bo Miller said. “She could have been the first woman president, and I think that is pretty big. Going against someone like Trump, who’s pretty hard headed, shows that she’s can be tough skinned.”

Lawrence said. “I thought Hillary had more experience, that she would be more successful, that Congress would be more receptive to her and so she would be able to get more done. I thought in the end, Hillary deserved to win the nomination, but I thought that Bernie was also a strong candidate.”

Clinton’s Democratic nomination was not enough to win her the campaign and allow her to fill current president Barack Obama’s shoes, partially because, many Republicans feared that a Clinton presidency would simply be ‘Another four years of Obama.’

“Hillary is really similar to Obama, in my opinion,” junior Chase Hofer said. “I think that Hillary portrays a good image for herself, and she can be a good person and is a good image for the Democrats; I just don’t think [she would have] accomplish[ed] anything.”

Similarly to Hofer, junior Jim Morton saw pros and cons to a hypothetical Clinton presidency.

“I think the way Hillary talks and presents herself in public is good, but they say actions speak louder than words, and she’s done some things that I don’t necessarily think are right,” Morton said.

While Trump represented the Republican Party, many Republicans believe he did not accurately represent their beliefs or conduct.

“I like his economy plan, I like how he likes to keep jobs here, and I like most of his policies. I just don’t necessarily like how he presents himself or the way he [represents] the country,” Morton said. “He sets an example where he thinks that everything needs to go [his] way, and I don’t think that’s a good example because if nothing goes his way [he says] it’s rigged or goes against him. I think that’s a bad way to look at things. He doesn’t set a good example on how to be respectful for young people looking up to him.”

Similarly, Wang feels Trump sheds an inaccurate and unfortunate light on the Republican Party.

“I do not think Trump sets a good example for young Republicans; I do not think Trump sets a good example for really any person in the United States,” Wang said.

“I do not think that Trump really embodies Photo by BRITTANY SWEARINGEN Political signs are prominently displayed in local neighborhoods for community members so show their support for their candidate of choice. This was a particularly devisive election with Clinton winning the popular vote but Trump winning the presidency.

“[In four years,] if Gary had won, hopefully we would be on Mars,” Wilson said.

Deciding on a candidate to support and vote for proved difficult for students 18 years and older, and a few claimed they did not believe their vote would matter in the grand scheme of the election.

However, many students chose a candidate to support wholeheartedly, and they believe voting is one of the most important civic duties.

“It’s important to vote because, as an American citizen, I think it’s not only your right but more of a responsibility to vote, and everyone should be thankful for that privilege because in other countries, not everyone has that opportunity to vote,” Wilson said.

Some students under the age of 18 feel ready to have their civic voices heard.

“I think that [my vote matters] in the sense of being part of the process of voting and being involved,” junior Sam Six said. “I don’t think Kansas will ever pick a Democrat for president, and I don’t think my vote would [have been] the one to put [Hillary] over the edge and help her win the election, but I think that being out there and casting that vote would matter.”

Photo by REBECCA CALDERON Similarly, Lawrence sees the voting process as Local Lawrencians hold signs high as they march a right and responsibility of the American citizen, down Mass. St. Citizens gathered to protest peacefully after Donald Trump was announced but she also realizes the importance of voting on a as the next president. “I’m living in denial state and local level. because that’s the healthiest thing you can do in “The federal election for president only times like these,” senior Jaja Wang said. impacts who’s in the Oval Office; that doesn’t really impact how much stuff gets done, so the congressional elections are very important for making sure stuff actually gets done and there’s not gridlock,” Lawrence said. “The local and state level is where we see impacts on a day-to-day basis, not at the federal level, and that’s why it’s important to vote in the smaller elections too.”

22 As the President of the United States, Trump has promised to improve the nation for the next 23 four years. Some people are not enthused with this situation, but others, including Dale Miller, 24 believe the country’s satisfaction with Trump will increase over time.

“People “I don’t think Kansas will ever pick a are going to be Democrat for president, and I don’t think surprised,” Dale Miller said. “I my vote would [have been] the one to put feel like they’re [Hillary] over the edge and help her win going to like him better than the election, but I think that being out there they might think and casting that vote would matter.” right now. He’s going to try to - JUNIOR SAM SIX get everybody together which is surprising . . . and things are going to get better.”

FEATURE

the principle[s] of Republicans. Republicans are much more moderate. They’re very presidential.

They have their views, and I understand them and respect their views. I just think that Trump is just out of that realm. He isn’t a good Republican candidate.”

Hofer disapproves of Hillary’s ‘scandals’ involving deleted emails, but he also did not endorse Trump’s campaign, nor did he believe Trump was cut out for the presidency.

“I side with the Republican Party because I have more conservative takes on most views, but just because I’m a Republican doesn’t mean I support[ed] Trump. I [was] not with Trump at all,” Hofer said. “It’s not just the policies; I want a good person to be the president of the United States.”

Hofer and Morton both expressed dissatisfaction with the choice between Trump and Clinton, but they did find candidates they supported in the primary elections.

“I really liked Ben Carson, and last year the short-lived Paul Ryan run, who I still want to jump in,” Hofer said. “I’m a huge Paul Ryan guy.

I really think he could be one of the best presidents since Reagan. I’m kind of in love with him.

My number three was probably Jeb [Bush].”

Morton had similar interests in candidates.

“My number one was probably Jeb, and I liked Ben Carson and Rubio pretty well,” Morton said. “Basically, they had more and better experience. They had a plan -- Trump hasn’t really presented a foreign policy plan. They acted presidential, and they represented America in a good way. If any of them would have won the Republican nomination, they would have won the presidency.”

Along with Hofer and Morton, senior Bennet Wilson supported multiple of the Republican candidates in the primary election before switching his support to third-party candidate Gary Johnson.

“Early on, I liked Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush because I thought they were more informed than Trump and a little more moderate as well,” Wilson said.

Supporting a third-party candidate, at times, seemed hopeless to Wilson, considering Johnson only had a small percentage of the National Polling Average compared to Clinton and Trump.

“It’s a two-party system, so it makes it pretty hard for any third-party candidate to get out there,” Wilson said. “It’s a shame that he doesn’t have the funding to spread his name, and it’s a also a shame that he’s not allowed to debate with the two major parties.”

Despite the discouraging realities, Wilson stood bravely behind his candidate of choice.

Pages by ADDIE WENDEL

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST PARTICIPANTS Chantel Guzman 2nd Place Advanced Open Category

Rylee Roberts Contestant

Chas Sedlock 2nd Place Advanced Architecture/City Scape

Elliot Smith Honorable Mention

Brenna Brown Contestant

Sophomore

MORGAN DUNN

“Donald Trump: after [recent scandalous leaks] came out it’s influenced a lot of people to change their choices and go towards Hillary and rethink their vote for Donald, especially with the debates, people say that Donald Trump is ignoring a bunch of questions.”

“If I had to pick one of them, I’d say Trump. He seems to make more sense to me than Hillary sometimes, and I just think he would be a better president.”

JACK JUNGE

“Donald Trump: more people think of him when talking about politics or the election, he is the center of attention...his views reach more people.”

Freshman

PROFILES

Senior

Freshman AURYN RUSSELL

MICHAEL KAHUNGURA

“Hillary Clinton: because I disagree with what Donald Trump says about deporting all people that aren’t from here that aren’t citizens. “

24 Senior

25

JAMISON WHEAT

“I hate to say it, but Trump is more influential, but not in a good way.

He’s setting a precedent to do whatever and treat the election like it’s c*!#.”

Sophomore BRITTANY HOFFMAN

26

“Donald Trump negatively influences people because a lot of the stuff he has to say doesn’t make any sense.”

BIRD’S WORD

Which presidential candidate is the most influential?

Interviewed by JAKE CLARK Photos by TIERNEY THOMPSON and CLAIRE PURCELL Page by DRAKE RINER

YOUNG DEMOCRATS

Revived club promotes students’ political involvement CHRIS PENDRY

PROFILES

I

25 26 27

n 1828, the Democratic Party was founded, laying the groundwork for a political party that is known today for its strides toward ending inequality, representing the working class, and gaining justice for all Americans, of any race, sexuality or gender.

Although the Young Democrats Club (YDC) was disbanded years ago, it was revived at the beginning of the school year and has set out to carry on the democratic ideas of today.

The club’s president, sophomore Ambrosia Naramore-Winfrey, has now successfully reinstated the club.

At a typical meeting, members discuss recent political headlines, debate topics, plan their next volunteering opportunity or listen to candidates speak. Initially, a main focus for the club was preparing for a debate with the Young Republicans Club, which took place on Nov. 3.

Junior Ting-Ting Shi and senior Ian Pultz-Earle, the club’s vice president, were the representatives for the YDC at the debate. There was no clear winner, just simply two clubs that were able to share their viewpoints.

“I would say everyone won,” Shi said. “The fact that we were able to have an open discussion about politics between opposing clubs was awesome.”

Naramore-Winfrey agrees that political discourse should occur more often.

“I want to see more political involvement and discussion at the school,” Naramore-Winfrey said. “I think Free State Young Democrats can do that for the students.”

In a variety of settings, particularly in school, political discussions are often rejected or limited,

especially in such a hostile election year.

With only 40-60% of the country voting in elections, YDC hopes to help students get to the polls.

“It’s important to make people feel like their vote matters,” Pultz-Earle said. “Kansas, on a national level, is a very important state, but there are [also] a lot of important local elections that affect us and our schools.”

Debates, scandals and controversy have plagued every moment of this year’s presidential election. The YDC has opened up a space for discussion on these topics and others, including local elections.

“We’ve worked on some canvassing events with local candidates, getting people involved in the local election process and working on getting high school students out to vote,” Pultz-Earle said. “We helped with the voter registration.”

Treasurer for the YDC, sophomore Addie Unekis, hopes to make the club a place for Democrats to safely discuss politics.

“It’s important to discuss these issues that everyone faces,” Unekis said. “Especially if you’re a Democrat and you don’t know anyone in your family who is Democratic.”

Unekis and Pultz-Earle both cite their parents as the sources for their political affiliation, but both educated themselves on world issues and found that they genuinely agree with the Democratic Party.

“I was unaffiliated for a while,” Unekis said.

“But then I started doing some research and looking into issues that mattered to me, and I figured out that I am a Democrat.”

A majority of members of the YDC are

Democrats due to their agreeance with the party on a variety of issues within our nation’s borders and overseas.

“I see inequality in the world,” Unekis said. “There are ways to fix it and ways to help it and [I believe] that is best in a Democratic environment.”

The debate between YDC and YRC on Nov. 3 brought an audience that stuffed the Black Box Theatre. Democrats, Republicans, students from LHS, and people of various backgrounds filed in for a civil debate centered on policy, with debate teacher Jason Moore acting as moderator.

Above: Touching on some major ideas surrounding our world today, senior Meredith Shaheed writes down some points of their debate with members of Young Republicans Club. This is Shaheed’s first year in Young Democrats Club.

Photo by GABRIELLE WHEELER Right: Meeting in Ms. Elliott’s room, members on Young Republicans Club discuss their ideals.

The Young Republicans debated against the Young Democrats in the Black Box Theatre on November 3rd.

Photo by TIERNEY THOMPSON

YOUNG REPUBLICANS

Conservative students aim to change party ’s reputation MAYA HODISON

F

Pages by DRAKE RINER

you.”

Junior Zai Erb is a member of YRC, but he identifies as independent, rather than Republican, with some conservative views.

“I’m pretty conservative on economy and limited government,” Erb said. “The government’s main job is to protect us and it’s not their responsibility to do all these superfluous tasks.”

According to Erb, the YRC agrees with the Republican Party’s ideals, but some of their beliefs do not align with the overall beliefs of the party.

“Most of the Republicans that represent us in the media are older, so some issues are more age based,” Erb said. “For an example they would be more against LGBTQ+ issues, while we are more liberal towards that because of our generation.”

Politics have a way of bringing out hostility, but the YRC wants to be able to converse in a productive way.

“People feel like you need to be belligerent to be a Republican, which is not the case,” Flynn said. “We can talk about [politics] in a civil manner.”

When the YRC was first created, its members consisted only of junior and senior boys.

This was quickly remedied, though, when word spread and more underclassmen began to show interest.

“I think it was because the three that started the club, Jackson Flynn, Wyatt Stevens and I, are upperclassmen,” Hicks said. “It was more of spreading the word, and it tended to mainly go out to our friends first.”

A few girls have joined as well, broadening the club’s demographics. Senior Averie Beaty has been able to attend the end of meetings.

“The first meeting, when I came in at the end, they were talking about the debate they had against the Young Democrats Club,” Beaty said. “It was really cool to see them getting started right off the bat. It shows that they are really serious about this and they are committed.”

The debate between the YDC and YRC on Nov. 3 brought an audience that packed the Black Box Theatre. Democrats, Republicans, students from LHS and many people of various backgrounds filed in for a civil debate centered on policy. With debate teacher Jason Moore acting as moderator, the event was underway.

Erb and Flynn represented the YRC. Topics discussed included family leave, childcare, education and climate change. There was not enough time to get through all of the scheduled topics, but YRC members thought the debate was peaceful and unhostile.

“The goal [of the debate] was to be informational rather than confrontational,” Erb said.

The debate helped to spark conversations between Democrats, Republicans and unaffiliated students and helped them understand the views of those on the opposite side of the spectrum.

“Some people came up to me and said they had never heard the conservative viewpoints on stuff so it was good for people to just be informed.” Erb said.

PROFILES

ounded in 1854, the Republican Party encompasses traditional values. Its support of free market capitalism, robust business and socially-conservative policies makes it the party it is today.

The newly-founded Young Republican Club (YRC) met for the first time in October. The group serves as a political outlet for conservative students to express their beliefs.

“I wanted a place to talk about politics with people that share the same ideals as me,” Flynn said.

The club’s members felt it was important to announce they do not endorse Trump. Though many Republicans believe Donald Trump was the best choice for president, having a Republican club that does not endorse him could be considered uncommon.

“Our endorsement doesn’t really even matter, but we thought it was important to vote on it anyway,” senior Jackson Flynn said. “I wouldn’t say that [the majority of the members of YRC] are fans of him because he is not a great person.”

Junior Jared Hicks, the club’s treasurer, recognizes the students here are predominantly liberal. He believes the existence of a conservative club is important so students can gather with others who have similar political viewpoints.

“It’s no secret that the school is overwhelming Democrat, so [with this club] we have an outlet to voice our political opinions with people that share the same basic principles as we do,” Hicks said. “It’s a good way to converse and relate to people that share common views with

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sophomore BLUE O’LEARY Where do you shop?

I shop mostly at thrift stores like the Social Service League or Salvation Army.

What inspires what you wear?

People that I think are cool or just colors that I like.

Right now I’m feeling fall colors like earth tones and stuff.

How would you describe your style?

My mom once said that I looked like her grandma (circa 1987) so I think maybe my great grandma in 1987.

STYLE

How do you think your personality influences your style?

When I’m feeling tired, I’ll dress not as nice, but when I’m feeling upbeat I’ll just like go for it, I’ll just wear whatever I’m feeling.

What is your favorite clothing item?

My corduroy pants or my black turtleneck.

What is your favorite color?

A dark green, like a forest green.

What is your favorite animal?

A bat.

What music do you listen to?

I listen to pretty much everything except for pop country.

What fashion trends do you love?

I love when people wear glitter on their face.

What fashion trends do you hate?

Boat shoes, like sliders and Sperry’s.

What is your dream job?

An illustrator.

If you had a million dollars, what would be the first thing you bought?

A new computer.

27

Tell us something about yourself.

28

I really like wool socks because they’re really comfy and they keep you warm.

29 Interviewed by JAKE CLARK Photos by GABI WHEELER Page by MACKENZIE BICKLING

junior JOACHIM CASE Where do you shop?

H&M, Gap, ATC

What inspires what you wear?

I really enjoy the old school, upper middle class kind of thing going down, like 90’s clothes.

It’s very urban but at the same time slightly hipster.

How would you describe your style?

Low-key hipster.

How do you think your personality influences your style?

Simple.

What is your favorite clothing item?

Pants. Anything with a dark color.

What is your favorite color?

Probably white.

What is your favorite animal?

Panther.

What fashion trends do you love?

STYLE

What music do you listen to?

Hip hop and funk.

I really like what they’re doing with pants honestly, like a little slimmer on the cuff and a little bit baggier.

What fashion trends do you hate?

Torn-up clothing, looking like it’s been used for hundreds of years.

What is your dream job?

Architectural engineer.

If you had a million dollars, what would be the first thing you bought?

Stocks.

Tell us something about yourself.

I like pants.

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ARTISTS

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

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sophomore QUINCY GROVE “I take a lot of inspiration from my dreams. I do like to have a connection with my dreams and my subconscious thoughts”

ARTISTS

junior DORIAN VANCE

freshman ASHLYN MERRILL

senior CHRIS LANDERS

FEATURED ARTISTS

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CLUB ACTIVITIES Art Club

Cupcake Club

Can We Talk

Next meeting Wednesday Nov. 30, 6-8 p.m. in Room 205

Next meeting Wednesday Nov. 30, after school in Room 210

Next meeting Wednesday Nov. 30, 8-9 a.m. in the Black Box

Environmental Club

Finer Things Club

Foursquare Club

Next meeting Thursday Nov. 17, after school in Room 412

Next meeting Friday Nov. 18, after school in Room 313

Next meeting Tuesday Nov. 22, 7 p.m. at the Firebird statue

Reading On Beauty by Zadie Smith

Gay-Straight Alliance

Graphic Design Club

Lawrence Free Poetry Club

Next meeting Wednesday Dec. 7, after school in Room 515

Next meeting Thursday Dec. 1, after school in Room 200

Next meeting Monday Nov. 21, after school in Room 320

Math Cult

Sight Singing Club

Ultimate Frisbee Club

Next meeting Wednesday Nov. 30, 8-9 a.m. in Room 405

Next meeting Wednesday Dec. 7, after school in Room 602

Next meeting Monday Nov. 21, after school in Room 403

Young Democrats Club

Young Feminists Club

Young Republicans Club

Next meeting Thursday Nov. 17, after school in Room 319

Next meeting Wednesday Nov. 30, after school in Room 602

Next meeting Wednesday Nov. 30, after school in Room 321

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