December 2022

jingle

DECEMBER 2022

VOLUME 99 | NO. 5 Cover by Sam Brusven

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR is the season for jingle bells and winter weather–but in ‘T Missouri, you can never truly predict what the temperature will be. Thankfully, there’s an abundance of winter activities you can partake in regardless of the schizophrenic climate (p. 16).

With the Christmas season comes holiday movies and traditions.

But, what happens when Hallmark movies are exchanged for the Great American Family channel (online) and customs erased from the present (p. 22)?

While Liberty welcomes its first men’s volleyball team after adopting the Liberty Aces (p. 18), Spanish 4, Spanish 5, Heritage Speakers and EDGE students are setting their sights toward the future and their upcoming Guatemala trips in March (p. 8). The trips are through Squads Abroad and will allow students the opportunity to be immersed in a new culture while helping others.

Regarding Fine Ars happenings, Liberty’s chamber orchestra was chosen to participate in Sounds of the Season and had a performance recorded for a local news station in November (p. 10). Freshman Carmen Tang and other orchestra members express their excitement in this month’s feature.

Freshman Parker Blaine discusses how being involved in Exit 1-6 and “The Little Mermaid” helped himovercome his shyness and find a sense of belonging (p. 12). Junior Katie Wohletz is acknowledged for her accomplishments in color guard, National Honor Society and orchestra (p. 14).

Our staff is excited for The Bell to be back in print after publishing our November issue virtually. Have a wonderful Christmas, Hanukkah (or whatever it is you celebrate) and a great winter break. To quote our spirit leaders, seniors Morgan Cannon and Devin Wallace, “enjoy the ride.”

KaiyaLynch On the Cover: Up until the 1960’s large illuminated crowns sat suspended over the streets of downtown Kansas City during the holidays. Though this tradition has mostly died since 60 years ago, popular outdoor shopping mall Zona Rosa has yet to let this tradition flicker out, annually introducing a new design relating back to the styles of the historic crowns, such as imperial or Queen Anne. “I think it’s nostalgic but also a little outdated, I think they can add some newer stuff because I feel like they don’t have enough decorations a lot of the time,” said Junior and Zona Rosa frequenter Mia Linderman.

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THE BELL | DECEMBER 2022

S TA F F Editor-in-Chief, Copy & Design Editor | Kaiya Lynch Managing, A&E & Online Editor | Lucy Boyle Indepth Editor & Ads Manager| Hadley Cotton News & Sports Editor | Brodey Hutton Spotlight Editor & Photo Jay Equipment Manager | Victorya Wilkinson Opinion & Features Editor | Jenna Shores Photo Jay Managing Editor | Ethan McMenemy Photo Editor | Sam Brusven

Reporters Brodie Jobe Chloe Franklin Mary Biesemeyer Brookelyn Jadwin Bianka Mancia Castillo Connor Rizek

Photo Jay Richard Burns Lizzy Garr Madison Remley Designed by Kaiya Lynch

TABLE OF CONTENTS WHAT’S ONLINE?

JEA/NSPA NATIONALS: A LOOK AT THE ST.

LOUIS NATIONAL COVENTION THROUGH THE EYES OF THE JOURNALISM STAFF.

UNDER THE SEA: THE THEATER DEPARTMENT PUTS ON A SPECTACULAR PERFORMANCE OF “LITTLE MERMAID.”

Photo by Victorya Wilkinson

Photo by Sam Brusven

NEWS

NEWS

FEATURES

FEATURES

SPOTLIGHT

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06

08

10

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READING INTO THE LIBRARY

POWERFUL PERFORMANCES

THE ROAD TO GUATEMALA

SEASONAL SOUNDS

FRESHMAN PARKER BLAINE

THERE’S MORE IN THE LIBRARY THAN JUST BOOKS.

THE COMPETITIVE THEATER TEAM COMPETES IN HOPES OF PLACING FOR THEIR PERFORMANCE SKILLS.

STUDENTS PAVE THE PATH TO THEIR MARCH TRIPS.

BY CONNOR RIZEK

BY CHLOE FRANKLIN

BY LUCY BOYLE

@thelhsbell

CHAMBER AND SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA CHOSEN TO PERFORM ON THE LOCAL NEWS.

BY BIANKA MANCIA CASTILLO

HOW A STUDENT GREW FROM HIS INVOLVEMENT IN THEATER.

BY HADLEY COTTON

@thelhsbell

KLHS TV Designed by Kaiya Lynch LHSNEWS.NET

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPORTS

18 A NEW TEAM BEGINS

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL TEAM IS ADOPTED AFTER BEING AN INDEPENDENT TEAM.

BY BROOKELYN JADWIN

Photo by Santana Hiatt

SPOTLIGHT

A&E

INDEPTH

OPINION

OPINION

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16

20

22

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JUNIOR KATIE WOHLETZ

CHRISTMAS AROUND KC

WINTER WOES

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

FLYING SOLO

JUNIOR DISCUSSES CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES AND HOW THEY IMPACT HER LIFE.

STUDENTS EXPLORE ALL OF THE EVENTS GOING ON IN DOWNTOWN KC FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON.

A DEEP DIVE INTO SEASONAL DEPRESSION AND ITS EFFECTS.

MARIAH CAREY HAD THE RIGHT IDEA WHEN SHE WROTE “ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU.”

THE PROS AND CONS OF OVERNIGHT FIELD TRIPS.

BY MARY BIESEMEYER

BY JENNA SHORES

BY BRODEY HUTTON

BY KAIYA LYNCH

BY LUCY BOYLE

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THE BELL | DECEMBER 2022

Designed by Kaiya Lynch

NEWS

A student explores the VR set located in the LMC. LHS partnered with Omni life four years ago, allowing the school to have a new VR studio. “The virtual reality headset is used mostly for education, especially in the science department. It allows students to use advanced technology,” librarian Lori Riedel said.

READING INTO THE LIBRARY There’s more in the library than just books.

Reported by Connor Rizek | Designed by Brodey Hutton | Photos by Lizzy Garr he LMC offers more than books and a FLEX space. There are many tools for both students and teachers to use including: the four studios and many tools.

“In the LMC, I mainly use the printers and the glow forge, which I used to make an artifact that’s in a case for EDGE,” junior Martez Fletcher said.

Printers are what’s most used in the LMC, there are more tools in there to help people out with their specific needs or requests.

“Right now, I can’t really think of anything I would change about the library. The library is running pretty perfectly, but more importantly I think we want to know is what would students want to change, to help us with new decisions to bring in new tech or even new books, we want to know what you guys would find more useful, so I think the change would be more student input,” librarian Brooke Fuendling said.

If there is something someone needs that is not in the LMC the librarians would be happy to hear what you need, the librarians love to hear how they can better the LMC from the students and teachers. The librarians want the library

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to be a place that students and teachers can go for help with projects and any other help that the they would need. To ask them you can ask them in person, by email, or by messaging the LMC’s Instagram account @LHS_LMC360.

“We have a design studio, a virtual reality studio, an audio production studio, a collaboration studio, and the video studio that’s shared with KLHS, and they’re all interchangeable,” librarian Lori Riedel said.

The librarians recommendto use the studios for people’s needs. The studios are open for use to everyone from 7:15am to 4:00pm monday through thursday and 7:15am through 3:45pm on fridays, as long as it is kept clean.

The LMC is a place of learning and creativity for students and teachers. If someone needs help with a project, add a visit to your schedule. The library holds a class during first and second hour to help students learn how to use the equipment in the LMC.

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NEWS

Sophomore Rae Reeve (left) and senior Addie Vallier (right) practice their duo interpretation in the Thespian classroom before leaving for a tournament at Raytown High School. Vallier placed third at the UCM Mini Mule Tournament on Dec. 2 and 3. “It’s a kind of an endurance thing, both physically and mentally, but all the kids are ready to continue the rest of the season,” Speech and Debate Co-Director Mick Turpin said.

POWERFUL PERFORMANCES The Competitive Theatre team competes in hopes of placing for their performance skills.

Reported by Chloe Franklin | Designed by Brodey Hutton | Photos by Ethan McMenemy he competitive theater team had an eventful start to their season with strong performances from both varsity and novice members on Oct 7-8 at Blue Springs and Blue Springs South. During the season, the group travels to different schools in the Metro-KC area every Friday and Saturday and competes in events for a chance to place on the State level. If they place high enough, the team will move onto semi-final rounds until they eventually get their rank among the final group of qualifiers.

“I like the competition because it gives you goals to keep working, and it’s really fun to perform and watch your peer’s performance improve,” junior Bennett Chapman said.

The majority of members enjoy the environment of this group because they learn a lot of helpful skills that they will use in the future such as research, organization, and communication.

“They continue to show up every single weekend, and we go out and compete, whether it’s a group of 50 kids or a small group of 12,” Fine Arts teacher Mick Turpin said. “The quality and everything that they do is exceptional. I just think that speaks to the culture we have here on this team together.”

Turpin travels with the team each weekend month to month and enjoys building a personal

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relationship with them. He enjoys how the team connects with each other and the performances they create together. Whether they are novices or varsity members, he believes they all have done well and is excited to see what happens next for the team.

For the rest of the season, they have 13 competitions left before they have State and National Competitions April 20-22 in Springfield and June 11-16 in Phoenix, Arizona.

“I just hope that our students can continue to prepare cases and performances that they are proud of, and represent our team and school at a high caliber, high-competitive level,” Turpin said.

Students on the team enjoy pushing themselves to do the best work they can and enjoy seeing that work pay off with their places in events.

Bennett Chapman and Elinor Dow received first place in their duo interpretation during their first tournament and second place in their second tournament, both of which were at North KC. “It’s a lot of work, but it pays off and it’s a lot of fun to perform for people,” Chapman said.

“I want to continue growing, especially with my second and third events.

For more updates on the team, including upcoming tournaments and scores, check out @MrTurpinLHS on Twitter.

A&E.

A&E

Designed by Kaiya Lynch

IS IT A SLEIGH OR A NEIGH?

I N A P O L L OF 51 STUDENTS, 48% PREFERED HOT CHOCOLATE OVER OTHER WINTER TREATS.

Students share which winter treats should ride on Santa’s sleigh or be left for the reindeer.

THOMAS PULLIAM SENIOR

IGH

“WHITE CHOCOLATE TASTES weird, but I like peppermint bark because it has other stuff in it.”

CHLOE MORGAN SENIOR

NE

SLEIGH

“GINGERBREAD MAN COOKIES because they look like little men and you get to decorate them.”

SLEIGH

“COMPARED TO EGG NOG, nothing comes close. The distinctive aroma, along with it’s thick consistency, always reminds me of Christmas.

MAXWELL PERSCHON SENIOR

SLEIG

“THOSE COOKIES FROM Aldis that have a gram cracker crust and chocolate. They’re just supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”

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MICHAELA DICKEY FRESHMAN

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FEATURES

THE ROAD TO GUATEMALA Students pave the path to their March Guatemala trips.

Reported by Lucy Boyle | Designed by Jenna Shores | Photos by Madison Remley and Courtesy of Kaiya Lynch breathtaking country with a unique

A heritage, Guatemala is a sight

to see. Spanish IV and V as well as Spanish Heritage classes and students in EDGE have the opportunity to attend Guatemala from Mar. 10-16 for EDGE and Mar. 19-25 for Spanish. They will work with Squads Abroad, to participate in service work for the community specifically with small schools.

These student will experience what it’s like to go to another country, use spanish and immerse themselves into the beautiful culture.

“I’m excited to get out of our bubble in Liberty and get to serve, and for all the students that go,” Assistant Principal Sara Wickham said. “It will be a very eyeopening and humbling experience.”

Traveling to Guatemala, students have the chance to transfer their learning on a new level. EDGE has been using UN Sustainability goals to learn through project based learning and making change in the community.

“In EDGE, we do project-based learning and this trip lets us use those

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UN Sustainable goals to help the world,” senior Santana Hiatt said.

Spanish students, will use spanish outside of the classroom. They will see this new culture and and experience the culture they’ve been learning about.

“I am excited to show them the beautiful country where I was born and raised,” Spanish teacher Astrid Ruiz said.

Guatemala is a new country where students and teacher have never been. It will be a chance to see the world through a new lens.

“We open our faucet and get clean water. In Guatemala, some people have to walk miles to get water,” Ruiz said, “I think this trip will have a very positive impact because of that.”

Both Spanish classes and EDGE currently work with Squads Abroad to plan the service part of this trip. Students will assist schools in the community with service activities like painting or repairing the building and building a new bathroom. They will also be running workshops on proper hand washing

techniques for students and teacher in the school. Spanish will be raising money to bring school supplies as well.

Squads Abroad has also helped with this planning like where they will be staying, what food they will have and how they can give students the best experience to learn and be engaged in the culture.

“We are going to make a difference and we are going to be helping not only one student but a whole school,” Ruiz said.

Advisors have worked for months, planning the logistics of this trip like how they will get there, the cost, what they will do there and more components.

They will focus on safety precautions which come with going to a new country with a big group of people.

“We are preparing students to handle a different environment they are not familiar with,” Wickham said.

EDGE has done a variety of events to raise money for Guatemala. They are working with Hyvee to give students a chance to earn money by bagging groceries. EDGE is currently in the works to have a parents night out in

FEATURES

December where parents can drop off their kids K-5 for a while to do some holiday shopping. EDGE also organized an exhibition night on November 16 where they showcased their work but also had fundraising opportunities.

They had a silent auction that students donated to and ran as well as some individual fundraising.

“I’m selling plants on exhibition night to raise money for the trip because I am paying for half of it myself,” Hiatt said.

Spanish is planning some fundraising for there students as well. They have had meetings for future fundraising but some students are doing individual fundraising as well.

“Some have already done there own

fundraising with their church and with christmas coming, they are doing lots of donations,” Ruiz said.

These programs and classes give students the chance to travel to Guatemala to engage in the culture and use the language they have been practicing. This trip will help students gain new skills and while helping the community. It’s an opportunity to connect learning at school, into the real world.

For more information on this trip and the fundraising, visit EDGE instagram @lpsedge and Spanish Honor Society twitter @society_lhs. Also see the Squads Abroad website at https:// squads.org.

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FEATURES

SEASONAL SOUNDS

Chamber and Symphonic Orchestra chosen to perform on the local news Reported by Bianka Mancia | Designed by Jenna Shores | Photos by Richard Burns

he sound of opening the rosin and pressing it against one’s bow. In fifth and seventh hour, sounds emerge, students carefully placing the bow on top of the string instruments, playing smoothly and connecting as the sound plays through the atmosphere.

Symphonic and Chamber orchestra being an intensely auditioned class with around 70 students in total, but when they were chosen to perform in KSHB TV the students were filled with joy.

The Symphonic Orchestra played Feliz Navidad and a Christmas Melody filled with holiday tunes while the Chamber played The Corelli Concerto, “I was very excited to show off what I’ve learned these past years and it was a great kind of progress check for me,” Freshman Carmen Tang said.

About 130 students are currently in orchestra at LHS, each student is put into a class to fit they’re playing better, these classes being Concert, Symphonic, and Chamber. Based on individual preferences, they are able to pick which class they believe will best fit them.

The symphonic and chamber orchestra are classes which a student is able to become a member of through a rigorous audition, as around 20 students audition each year, however, very few of them are accepted.

“I joined the orchestra because of my overall love of classical music, and I just also wanted to be part of something bigger,” junior Jordan Huynh said, “I was overall pretty nervous to perform since it will be permanently on the internet for all to see,” Huynh said.

“But I’m definitely lucky that I was able to do this.”

The orchestra has many things to look forward to in these coming months like Solo and Ensemble Festival, large group state festival, and Spring Concert.

“I’m extremely proud of my students. My students are just amazing people and humans, they love to play.

I’m excited to give them the opportunity to have this experience,” said orchestra director Michelle Davis.

“I think it’s incredible anytime students get an opportunity to perform. It’s an amazing chance for them to just share their talent with our community,” Davis said.

The performance is to be aired by KSHB TV on Christmas.

They will be announcing the time later this month.

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Early in the morning of Nov. 17, members of Chamber and Symphonic Orchestra performed songs for local news station KSHB TV. Among the participants was freshman Carmen Tang, a violinist who started her musical journey in fifth grade.

“I wasn’t sure if I was good enou enough or as good as the senior upper-classmen but all i all-in-all I was proud of my perfo performance,” Tang said.

FEATURES

“Learning an

instrument takes time and effort and commitment,” freshman Carmen Tang said.

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SPOTLIGHT

FRESHMAN PARKER BLAINE How a student grew in his involvement in theater.

Reported by Hadley Cotton | Photos by Victorya Wilkinson and Lizzy Garr | Designed by Victorya

Freshman Parker Blaine sits next to sophomore Evan Marr while waiting for his next act featured by the school sponsored improv team, Exit 1-6. During Exit 1-6 each member of the group rotates through each scene all of which are improvised. Of the many activities Blaine has participated in was the musical The Little Mermaid. “The activities definitely made me feel a lot more cne ofmfortable here at LHS,” Blaine said.

he theater was booming with anticipation on Nov. 9 as the lights flickered their two-minute warning. Vocal exercises and chants rang throughout backstage. Actors, including freshman Parker Blaine, were brimming with excitement. Because it was opening night for The Little Mermaid.. The lights flickered off, cueing the orchestra. The show has finally started. Taking up his spot on the stage, Blaine was finally home.

Blaine has already found ways to be active. He’s involved in the school-sponsored improv group, Exit 1-6, choir and Liberty High School’s production of The Little Mermaid.

“Being in theater is a good way to kind of get out of your shell to be around people who are a lot like you and who are nice about it,” Blaine said. “It’s just a good experience all around. I think it’s made me a better, more social person as a result.”

Blaine’s introduction to the world of fine arts was by his friend, freshman Jordan Naseem and her older sister, high school graduate Kennedy Naseem. The Naseems’ and Blaine’s have been family friends for a majority of his childhood.This introduction inspired Blaine to pursue acting in middle school productions, even landing him the leading role in Peter Pan. “He’s gotten more comfortable being uncomfortable. The theater has really helped him be comfortable with that sense of discomfort, I think he’s having a better time. You know, just

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having a fun time being himself,” Naseem said.

Along with the Naseems’, another impactful was from alumni and brother is Blaine’s brother, Spencer Blaine. Before leaving for college, Blaine’s older brother took him to the improv group, Exit 1-6, for them to spend quality time together while watching the preformers. This early introduction of the troop and its members, along with the memories shared within the theater, caused Blaine to try out for Exit 1-6 and land him a role within the performers.

“When I started meeting more people like the upperclassmen.

They kind of helped me come out of my shell,” Blaine said. “I’ve met a lot of people, a lot of good people who I can use as an example, and it’s just a really nice experience.”

Before the plays and performances, Blaine kept to himself. But with his lifelong friend Naseem, a friend he’s known since birth, he was able to be more at ease and explore new friendships.

“He is both a very chill person and a very fun person to be around. He will be both the damage control or the life of the party, depending on his situation,” Naseem said. “He really helps to balance out whatever he’s a part of. He does really care about his friends.”

When first meeting Blaine, English teacher Kali Kliewer was taken aback by the demanding and respectful presence he had about him. So when she heard about his involvement

He really wants to help people. He’s ev ry kind person.

freshman o J rdan Naseem said.

me,” freshman Parker Blaine said. all my friends who’ve supported for being so awesome. Thanks to “Thank you to the theater department

SPOTLIGHT

“Thank you to the theater department for being so awesome. Thanks to all my friends who’ve supported me ,” freshman Parker Blaine said. in the theater, she didn’t understand at first how a quiet kid was involved in theater. Though, throughout the year, Kliewer has seen Blaine has exhibited a different sort of behavior when compared to her first impression.

“He’s definitely become more outgoing and a little bit more comfortable in just sharing his thoughts and views about things,” Kliewer said. “Sometimes he’ll kind of say things under his breath that are funny, that he probably wouldn’t have done at the beginning of the year.”

From the Naseem’s to the upperclassman, all have played a role in shaping Blaine into the person he is today. A performer who has found his home.

Freshman Parker Blaine poses in-front of costumes used in previous productions put on by the theater department. Blaine has participated in theater since sixth grade, and was in the All district choir. “I’d say my favorite is probably the musical and those kinds of theater productions. There’s a lot of really nice people. It’s just all in all a good experience,” Blaine said.

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SPOTLIGHT

JUNIOR KATIE WOHLETZ

Junior discusses clubs and activities and how they impact her life.

Reported by Mary Biesemeyer | Photos by Madison Remley and courtesy of Katie Wohletz | Designed by Victorya Wilkinson

Junior Katie Wohletz waves her flag under the Friday night lights during the halftime performance. When Wohletz joined the Color Guard in eighth grade she gained an untouchable love for the sport. “Color Guard means the world to me, I love it. We call it the sport of the arts and I love it with my entire heart. So I always try to do my best in it to achieve new things I didn’t think were possible,” Wohletz said.

he satisfying snap of her rifle as she catches it with ease. the feeling of happiness when she helps out others through National Honors Society. A beautiful melody which emerges from her violin. Junior Katie Wohletz feels satisfied with her flag work, the melodies she plays and helping others.

Junior Chloe Cahill and Wohletz have been friends for six years. Since meeting at DMS middle school, they’ve only grown closer as friends.

“Katie is a friend you can go to with anything, no matter what, she’ll always be there to support you,” Cahill said. “She’s so kind and just this bright person in my life.”

Wohletz is involved in clubs and activities, according to Cahill, she is passionate about all of them.

“She puts her heart and soul into everything she does,” Cahill said. “She has such a big heart, and she cares so much about the people around her.”

For Wohletz, the guard is important since she started it at a younger age.

“I’ve been involved in color guard since eighth grade,” Wohletz said. “The first show I was in was called ‘Tell it to My Heart,’ it was an introductory show.”

Starting color guard so early introduced her to some great friends and a constant urge to be better.

Wohletz leads her peers as a color guard captain. This

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Katie is u j st an all around wonderful person and I really hope the best o f r her

sophomore Isabella Debrot said.

requires going through an interview process where she was asked about how the guard has changed her and how they would act in problematic situations.

“She has put so much work and effort into the team,” sophomore Isabella DeBrot, a member of the color guard said.

“She has grown in being able to help everyone that needs it.”

The 22-23 season was Wohletz’s first time being in leadership, she made a positive impact on the coaches and the people around her.

“She has positive energy every time you’re around her,” freshman and teammate Emily Rich said. “It’s just comforting when everything seems not good, Katie, just looks happy.”

Wohletz spends at least 25 hours a week, including school, doing all of her activities. For Wohletz, it’s difficult and stressful to keep up with everything, but, Wohletz still manages to keep a 4.0. Which has helped her get into National Honors Society.

According to bestcolleges.com, “The National Honor Society recognizes high schoolers who meet high academic standards” bestcolleges said. “NHS emphasizes leadership and service… today, over 1 million students participate in NHS, which has chapters worldwide.”

“NHS is about giving back to the community and being well rounded as a student and as a person.”

According to nhs.us, “Per national guidelines, at a minimum,

sophomore Isabella Debrot. you’re around her. It’s comforting,” that positive energy every time “She’s just Katie, you know? She has

SPOTLIGHT

“She’s just, Katie you know? She has that positive energy every time you’re around her. It’s comforting,” sophomore Isabella Debrot said. students must have a cumulative GPA of 85, B, 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent standard of excellence.”

Wohletz has good academic and citizenship standing and has taken leadership positions in all of the activities she’s involved in. Over weekends, Wohletz spends a minimum of four hours volunteering.

Outside of National Honors Society and Guard, Wohletz is also involved in Chamber Orchestra playing the violin.

The orchestra program is split into three, with the chamber orchestra being the most advanced. With competitions, harder pieces, and requirements to audition for higher orchestras, such as All District and All State.

“It’s more engaging because everyone there is doing their best,” Wohletz said. “It is the best orchestra class in the school, it’s really cool to play with people on this high level.”

Wohletz plans on continuing her color guard and orchestral career in college, as well as studying to be a meteorologist.

“She’s talked about wanting to coach guard before,” Junior Katie Wohletz readies her rifle for takeoff. As Wohletz has become more involved Cahill said. in Guard, she has also stepped up as a leader. With Nationals approaching, she is leading Find the color guard on Instagram @lhsbluejayguard and her peers in a positive way. “She has put so much work and effort into the team. She has on Twitter @LHSGuards. Find National Honors Society on grown in being able to help everyone who needs it and being able to relax her anxiety so Instagram @lhshonorsociety and on their website, https:// she can help others,” sophomore Isabella Debrot said. www.nhs.us/. Find the LHS orchestras on Instagram @ lhsorchestras and on Twitter @LHSOrchesras.

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Reported by Jenna Shores and Lucy Boyle | Designed by Lucy Boyle

Explore all of the events going on in downtown KC for the holiday season.

CHRISTMAS AROUND KC A&E

THE BELL | DECEMBER 2022

A&E

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SPORTS

APPROACHING SUCCESS Men’s volleyball team is adopted after being an independent team.

Reported by Brookelyn Jadwin | Designed by Brodey Hutton | Photos Courtesy of Sanatana Hiatt

Senior Shane Hill analyzes the opposing side as he prepares to serve. Hill has played volleyball since he joined the Liberty Aces Men’s Team last year as a middle blocker.

“Intramurals has definitely helped me touch up on skills I’ve lost over break and allowed me to meet some new players. The intramurals also boosted my confidence in playing, driving me to want to play next season even more so,” Hill said.

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SPORTS ounder and captain, Sam Brusven leads the charge to make themens’ volleyball team more known and recognized, as the team is officially in the process of getting adopted by Liberty High School.

“Just getting to know the guys was great, there wasn’t one moment throughout the entire season last year where I felt like I was really under pressure. It was relaxed and all the guys were just trying to have some fun,” Junior Emerson Tervort said.

Previously the team held practices at Davies Volleyball Complex and hired their own coaches. As well as designing their uniforms, they lacked the schools funding the past years, making the recent adoption of the school a big deal to many.

“We will have to do some rebuilding, but I think a lot more people will start doing men’s volleyball because we’re getting adopted by MSHA,” Tervort said, “We’re going to officially be a school sport, we’ll be sponsored by the school, and that’ll really get the team out there.”

Brusven started the club when he was just a sophomore, acting as the founder, captain, uniform designer, as well as practice and game scheduler. He also takes up the job as a women’s volleyball team manager, taking pictures, streaming games, making hype videos and tagging along during practices and games.

“I’m helping Sam with leading the team because I’m taking over the team once he graduates this year,” Tervort said.

Tervort was also a team manager for the Girls Volleyball c-team, allowing him to get more touches on the ball and gain experience of helping out with a team similar to his own.

“I’m just trying to motivate the guys to get better and try to lift everyone up.” Tervort said.

Many of t1he team will be leaving since they’re seniors.

However the co-captain Tervort will be taking over and hopes people will discover the team and take a chance on it. Many have claimed to have gained great things from the team as well as experiences.

“It’s made me a better person in the way of meeting people.

I was a bit shy but was able to come out of my shell more. I’ve gotten more organized through the team, keeping things in check, making sure people make practice times.” Senior Bryce Halter said.

They’re also in need of a team manager, someone to jump in during practices as well as organize some things for the team.

As they schedule and plan their very own games, look at what themes or special events they have planned for each game.

Check out their instagram page or website to learn more about the team and game times.

“I wanted to join since I had free time, and I wanted to get out of the house, it’s really busy and I wanted something to do.”

Halter said.

The team will be looking for new players next year as well as this year. The environment is judgemental free and welcoming to any student that is willing to try it out.

“It’s pretty fun, and it’s an opportunity for me to be around a great group of people. The friendship and the bonds we make

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are great. The environment is positive and always fun. We enjoy each other’s company.” Halter said.

According to FieldLevel there are currently only 23 men’s high school volleyball teams in Missouri, out of 961 schools.

LHS deciding to adopt a team will add to this list and give more recognition to the sport.

“It’s very fun and lighthearted, we do work hard a lot of the time, but we’re having fun like the entire time. That’s why I like volleyball so much, because it’s competitive but also a lot of fun.” Tervort said.

Striving to make a positive environment is something the men’s volleyball team strives to do and takes pride.

“Well I’ve been playing for a year and I’ve been playing as a right side, I’m hopefully planning on playing that again this year. I usually come to everything and am fairly consistent.”

Halter said.

There’s many different positions to try out for on the team, so there’s more than likely one that fits your specialties. Any students that’s interested should check out the men’s volleyball team website to get involved in the program.

Junior Emerson Tervort sets senior captain Sam Brusven amidst the casual match between the two teams. Brusven offered Tervort, who began playing last year, the opportunity to take charge of the team in the 2024 season. “I will be honest, I feel uncertain about what the team is going to look like next year, as a lot of our veteran players are leaving and I’ve never had to lead a team full of guys learning to play volleyball. However, I’m very excited to jump on this opportunity to grow this team,” Tervort said.

LHSNEWS.NET

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INDEPTH As students enter the last weeks of the first semester, the bright palette of fall fades away in place of the gloomier tones of winter. With this change comes Seasonal Affective Disorder, defined as “a subtype of depression or bipolar disorder that occurs and ends around the same time every year,” according to Mental Health America. “Each year, more than one million children and adolescents experience season depression,” said social worker Kris Boyle.

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THE BELL | DECEMBER 2022

INDEPTH

Winter Woes

A Deep Dive into Seasonal Depression and its Effects.

Reported by Brodey Hutton | Photos by Ethan Burnham | Desiged by Hadley Cotton onstant exhaustion,never having enough energy to get out of bed in the morning and not wanting to do activities or hobbies which payoff with happiness. Feeling hopeless, like there’s no escape from this vicious cycle of negative emotions and emptiness.

This is what it feels like to have seasonal depression.

Four to six percent of the U.S. population deals with seasonal affective disorder, more commonly known as seasonal depression, while 10 to 20 percent experience a milder form of SAD according to the Cleveland Clinic. For perspective, 20 percent of the U.S. population is over 66 million people, which is almost as many people as the populations of California and Texas combined.

“As winter rolls around, I’ve noticed that I become more lethargic and less willing to do the things I used to love,” senior Gabriel Edwards said. “I make excuses on why I can’t or don’t want to go out, I eat the bare minimum to survive and resort back into other unhealthy habits. During the winter, I often feel as if I’m not even in control of myself anymore.”

Common symptoms of seasonal depression include: sadness and anxiety, extreme fatigue and trouble concentrating, sleeping problems, a loss of interest in regular activities or hobbies and even thoughts of suicide, similar symptoms found in those with normal depression. While SAD is most commonly connected with the winter and fall seasons, it is not uncommon to experience it in the summer as well. Oftentimes with SAD, these symptoms start to disappear during the spring, clearing up before or during summer.

“I don’t think there is enough awareness on it,” senior Chloe Morgan said. “A lot of people don’t understand it, so they think it’s either nothing, or they think it’s something that can just go away. I stay very active in the summer and being cooped up indoors more can definitely hurt my mental health. It makes me really tired and can make it hard to focus.”

While no definitive cause has been found for SAD, theories suggest it could be due to a biological clock change which changes one’s internal clock which regulating mood, sleep and hormones, or a boost in melatonin due to lack of sunlight, or even a vitamin D deficiency, leading to lower lower serotonin levels and changing mood. However, many people with SAD suffer from pre-existing stress and SAD most commonly appears first in young adults at the age of 18. These coinciding factors, along with the stress of college applications for many seniors, can lead to mentally challenging winters.

“Every thought of college causes me so much stress, from applying to just thinking about what I’m going to do if I get there,” Edwards said “The pressure of going to college that has been put on the backs of so many people, either by their parents or by others that they look up, is tremendous and can lead to people pushing too far and

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accidentally hurting themselves. Sometimes, people will put in all the effort that they can, but it won’t be enough.”

Treatments for SAD range from light therapy, exposure to bright lights which change brain chemicals linked to mood, cognitive behavioral therapy, which aids in fixing some of the symptoms of SAD, such as stress management, reducing avoidance behaviors and improving sleep patterns, all the way to simple antidepressants.

“Since it revolves around stress and the overwhelming feeling of stress, I think it is safe to say that school can be a really big factor,” senior Hannah Egbert said. “I mainly see it for myself when I get multiple assignments in one day with no time to complete them. which happens quite often. One thing people can do is just be there for someone who is going through this and someone struggling with it, I suggest looking up coping techniques and finding someone you trust that you can vent to.”

Seasonal depression is a serious mental issue and should be taken seriously. If a concerned friend/family member notices possible signs of SAD, talk to a professional. Finding symptoms and combating them early can help with overall treatment as most people who seek and receive treatment get better two weeks after starting according to John Hopkins Medicine.

“Some people are able to hide it well, but others are unable to keep the curtain closed with slipping grades and hollow eyes,” Edwards said. “Just being mindful that others could be struggling so much more than they were before and letting people know that they can reach out and expect REAL help is so much more helpful than putting up a poster saying something about calling a number.”

To get help or be diagnosed, reach out to a local doctor to get a diagnosis. Other resources include the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline which can be reached at 988 via text or call and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline which can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK also via text or call.

LHSNEWS.NET

21

OPINION

Home For the Holidays Mariah Carey had the right idea when she wrote “All I Want For Christmas is You.” Reported by Kaiya Lynch | Designed by Jenna Shores | Photo by Victorya Wilkinson

o quote the queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey, “I don’t care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree.” I do, however, care about the traditions which connect me to both the present and past. Socialist Jean Jaures once said tradition means keeping the flame alive instead of looking after the ash. This is a phrase people choose to ignore, and it’s taking a toll on seniors.

In my family, we usually create one new Christmas ornament per person. As we set our tree up and unwrap the ornaments from past generations, we reminisce and share the stories associated with each one.

Customs are important to me, which is why, on the afternoon of Nov. 20, when my parents approached me with the logic of our annual tree trimming, story-telling, all-day-after-Thanksgiving event pared down to a smaller, only pull out a few boxes of ornaments and spend an hour of family time decorating a smaller tree, I adamantly protested. I understood their logic: my dad would only be in town for a few days and time was short. In my mind, however, this made it more important. This is my last year in this home, as a teenager, and it’s important to slow down a bit and reflect, rather than just let everything rush by.

Some of my friends do it differently, starting their celebration even before Thanksgiving, senior Emma Murphy’s family definitely has the right idea.

“My traditions usually involve getting Christmas trees at a reindeer Christmas tree farm, going on hay rides with my family and drinking hot cocoa,” Murphy said.

However, other seniors shared similar stories to mine: parents hacking away at holiday traditions in the name of simplicity. Collectively, we rely on reruns of Santa Paws and Tim Allen to get us through the holiday and remind us of our childhood.

I feel we need a hard reset. Christmas is a season of reconnecting and memory making. It’s the last time (we seniors) will be at home. We need to reconnect with our traditions to recover the spark that is joy: in the season, in each other and in Christmas. In doing so, we may find those seconds lost are not as important in the scheme of those gained in our times of togetherness.

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THE BELL | DECEMBER 2022

OPINION

Flying Solo The pros and cons of overnight field trips.

Reported by Lucy Boyle | Designed by Jenna Shores | Photo by Madison Remley ield trips give, students the opportunity to be immersed in new learning and real-world experiences. This takes learning to a new level, where now students are connecting what they learn in with the experiences outside of school and gain new skills.

Recently, I attended the NSPA Journalism Convention in St. Louis. We got to talk to mentors from different companies and schools that taught us ways to connect educational sessions we were in and apply those in the classroom and helped us develop to leadership, design and editing skills. Schools need to implement this into more classes, field trips will be a beneficial way for students to learn in a new way.

“We learned so many tips and tricks in St. Louis that will prepare me for college and are useful for my other classes as well,” junior KLHS member Candance Brier said.

This trip was my first school trip, which was a new experience I had not done before. There was much planning that went into this like how to pay for it, how this would work into my schedule and also just my overall safety.

Overnight field trips are a different way of learning valuable lessons which are more interactive than sitting in a classroom. They are a useful tool to encourage students to learn and get them engaged in a topic they could later find more interest in.

According to Research.com, “A student survey showed that 53.78% of students strongly agree that field trips have helped to increase their knowledge base.”

Field trips do have challenges with a students safety, the financial aspects and the availability. Overnight field trips especially, are not plausible for some students given their financial situations. Going on an overnight trip is also scary for students and their parents and their is many opportunities to be put in danger.

According to Seattle Times, “School districts have made a number of changes to their field-trip policies to try to ensure student safety while also offering the educational benefits of those trips.”

By Making field trips more accessible to everyone will give students the opportunity to engage in their learning and gain real world experience.

Inventing more effort from school districts, teachers, student and parents, students will majorly benefit from these trips.

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