The Bell February 2020

the bell.

February 2020 Volume 96, Issue 5

Liberty High School lhsnews.net

contents.

Staff

Editor-in-Chief Sidney Lowry Mangaging Editor Zahra Khan Copy Editor & Opinion Editor Alyah Craig Copy, News & Co-Sports Editor Jennavieve Carmony Features Editor & Co-Sports Editor Emma Stauffer Indepth Editor Ashley Tindall Spotlight Editor Derek Katzer A&E Editor Regan Johnston Online Manager Liz Gammon Ads Manager Caroline Parry Reporters Ethan Atkins Sarah Blankenship Shane Bass Caty Franklin Rosie Frederick Jade Garbani

Jenna Henderson Lucas Kilgore Ari Revella Anthony Savastino Alexis Tindall

Photo Jay

Photo Jay Managing Editor Ashley Ritter Photo Editor Charlene Nguyen Online Manager Kaleigh McCarthy Camera Operator Mercedes Peck Camera Coordinator Emma McDonald Photographers Grace Bushroe Connor Callahan Alyssa Griffith Hattie Ludwig Hannah Mayfield

Pearl Pritchard Makenna Smock Kayley Twenter Kylee Williams

On the Cover

First year safety for the Cheifs, Tyrann Mathieu, waves to the crowd at the Super Bowl victory parade in Downtown Kansas City on Feb. 5. This is the first time in 10 years The Bell hasn’t featured a student on the cover because the Super Bowl win was a once in a lifetime event for students and faculty. However, the photo itself was taken by staff photojournalist, sophomore Emma McDonald.

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the bell February 2020 Contents

Contact Us

Liberty High School 200 Blue Jay Drive Liberty, Mo 64068 Editor-in-Chief Sidney Lowry slow9330@lps53.org Adviser Lori Oyler (816) 736-2827 x 2827 lori.oyler@lps53.org

Questions, Comments or Concerns?

If you have questions, comments, concerns, or a topic that you would like The Bell to cover, write a Letter to the Editor.

Your letter must be a maximum of 250 words and your topic must be appropriate for our underage audience.

Writing a Letter to the Editor does not mean that it is guaranteed to be published.

Submit your letter to: Opinion Editor Alyah Craig acra5623@lps53.org or the Editor-in-Chief Sidney Lowry slow9330@lps53.org

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Features 7

Unofficial Athletics

10

Donate Blood, Save Lives

by Caty Franklin

Photo by Pearl Pritchard

Spotlights 12

Freshman Mako Chirisa

by Shane Bass

13

Sophomore Jericho Frigon

by Jade Garbani

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Junior Elvin Binagi

by Sarah Blankenship

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Senior Saryn Powell

by Ethan Atkins

Indepth

News

by Derek Katzer & Lucas Kilgore

Photo by Hattie Ludwig

16

What’s Next?

by Emma Stauffer and Regan Johnston

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Letter from the Editor As the staff finishes every issue I realize the end of the school year is getting closer, along with the final issue for the 2019-2020 leadership team. The next issue, which we will have already started by time this issue gets released, is the last one of the year for the seniors in their current positions.

We started this issue like every other one, but it moved smoother than any issue we have had before. I’m not saying we didn’t have little bumps in the road, but it has been easier this month than other months to find plans to get over them.

The Kansas City Chiefs also have had a major victory this past month. Winning the Super Bowl was a bit bigger than some of the things we have accomplished, and everyone was excited about it. We talked to staff and students to get their predictions for the outcome of the game, and then went back to talk to them after the victory on page 28.

Next year some students are moving on to the next chapter of their lives and the indepth beginning on page 16 will inform students on options after high school.

We still have about three months left of

school, time is moving a lot faster than it seems. lllStudents occupy themselves in a wide variety of activities, including unofficial sports like the ones described on page 7. Some students also choose to spend their time in the Fine Arts Department, like the students in the winter One Act play “I Never Saw Another Butterfly” pictured on page 25.

The upcoming months are going to be filled

Photo by Kayley Twenter

with a lot of lasts for the leadership staff and LHS students, but there are so many new beginnings that are going to happen.

Newsbrief Students took the AAPPL on February 22 to prepare for the Seal of Biliteracy.

Reported by Liz Gammon

Bonjour, hola and welcome to the wide world of LHS languages. The Missouri Seal of Biliteracy is an award granted by a local district to recognize a student who has attained proficiency in English and one or more other world languages before high school graduation.

Obtaining biliteracy becomes a part of these students high school transcripts and shows achievement of biliteracy to employers, universities and the community.

The test students take to obtain the seal, the Assesment of Performance toward Profiency in Languages test, took place on Feb. 22. at LHS. Students sign up by contacting their international language teacher if they are enrolled in a language course.

“The Seal of Biliteracy can be taken on any language,” Seal of Biliteracy Coordinator and LHS Spanish teacher Astrid Ruiz said. “We would love for all students that are Heritage Speakers to reach out to us and see how we can accommodate the testing.”

The languages that the seal has been awarded in are Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Swahili and Vietnamese according to the LPS Seal of Biliteracy Program

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Coordinator Christa Peck.

Peck is hoping to add more languages to this list as student involvement increases. Over the past two years, it has grown from 21 seal recipients in 2018 to 52 recipients in 2019.

“The AAPPL test is, in my opinion, like the ACT English section,” Ruiz said. “Some students have the needed skills to pass the test, and others will need to work on getting the needed skills. The seal benefits students because their scores follow them to universities and show their level of literacy and knowledge of the language.”

Photo by Hattie Ludwig

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Coming Together for Frostbite/ Keep On Keepin’ On

Opinion

by Sidney Lowry & Zahra Khan

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Ghosts, Ghouls and Monsters/ Decisions Decisions

by Alyah Craig & Liz Gammon

A&E 26

Iced and Easy

by Jennavieve Carmony

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How ‘bout those CHIEFS

by Ashley Tindall

Photo by Pearl Pritchard

Photo by Ashley Ritter

Sports 32

Eat. Sleep. Swim. Repeat.

by Anthony Savastino

Photo by Charlene Nguyen

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The Spirit Stop Official Blue Jay Spirit Wear

Student-designed and a student-operated store.

When 1st Hour and Lunch or contact Marla Badalucco marla.badalucco@lps53.org

Twitter: @TheSpiritStop1 Facebook: Liberty Spirit Instagram: thespiritstop spiritstop.liberty.k12.mo.us

Photo by Alyssa Griffith

Find Your Way to the Football START

FINISH

features.

Unofficial

Athletics

Sophomores Amara Ansell and Isabelle Porter, among other members of West Coast Swing Dance club grab their dancing partner’s hands as they begin rehearsing a swing dance during one of their club meetings.

Photo by Pearl Pritchard

A closer look at some of the sports clubs around the school.

Reported by Derek Katzer and Lucas Kilgore Design by Emma Stauffer LHS is flourishing with clubs and activities in every corner of the school. Looking for them is key. Some of the unofficial sports around the school have been growing and have caught on with real traction among the student body. Trapshooting, west coast swing dance, spikeball and ultimate frisbee are all options that students can enjoy.

West Coast Swing Dance Club

West Coast Swing Dance

West coast swing dance club teaches new and experienced members alike.

Through work and sweat, an aspiring group of dancers practice furiously while still having fun. West Coast Swing is a dance that has evolved through the years to take on a modern twist.

“West Coast Swing is just a dance group we formed on the whim, but it seems to really taken off and for the most part it’s gotten a lot of popularity for a one on one leader and follower dance group,” junior Cameron Eldridge said.

The club caters to both beginners and experienced dancers.

“Most of the dance moves are very basic.

Sometimes, for people who have been in the club since semester one like myself and maybe four or five others, we are all considered level two’s. We learn harder dances and we do a lot

New members welcome.

When? Every Wednesday and Thursday during Liberty Hour Where? Room 203

more complicated footwork on our own. The level ones that are coming in are very talented at dancing,” Eldrige said.

The club has rich origins in other types of dances from the 1920’s and 30’s.

“It’s a derivative of lindy hop which was created during the 1920’s and 30’s,” club sponsor Brad Gallow said. “It’s the dance that you can kind of imagine being done to big band music. People are jumping around and

throwing people in the air. We don’t really do that in west coast swing, it’s evolved a lot to be mostly on the ground and done mostly to pop music. It’s still called a swing dance because there is a very clear swing action in the dancers movement.

It’s also done to a swung rhythm.”

West coast swing dance club wants to make sure everybody who wants to participate can.

“Just drop by if you have any questions,” Gallow said. “We always try to accept new people and we are going to teach from the very bottom.”

Ultimate Frisbee

As the floating frisbee sails through the air, all are watching. One student jumps into the air, arms seemingly reaching for the sky. Alas, the frisbee continues its path unscathed, towards its intended target. Will they catch it? Will they drop it?

Scenes like this happen often Thursday mornings for the members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The game they enjoy: ultimate frisbee.

In ultimate frisbee, the game only requires minimum equipment, a frisbee and some players. Students throw the frisbee towards their end zone while only being able to pivot one foot when in possession of the frisbee while

Features lhsnews.net

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dropping the frisbee.

“I played ultimate frisbee on the Truman State Ultimate Frisbee team in college,” sponsor Ryan Brewer said. “Since I’m familiar with the rules and have the equipment, we started playing ultimate frisbee as the activity portion of our meeting.”

Frisbee is enjoyable for people of all skill levels, but that doesn’t stop people from showing off their athletic abilities in the sport, creating laughs and smiles along the way.

“One time my friend Grant Stubbs jumped over my friend Quinton and caught the frisbee, he does that frequently,” senior Caleb Ezzell said. “Whenever we make those really athletic plays, it’s always something to remember.”

Although the game is only played for fun, sometimes the urge to be competitive is hard to resist.

“Because I am so competitive, I can sometimes end up diving on the court to catch the frisbee,” senior Peter Mallon said. “Because of that, I now have three pairs of sweatpants that have holes in the left leg. The worst part is when you don’t end up catching the frisbee and you’re left with a hole in your pants.”

FCA hopes this easy to learn, fun activity will encourage students to join FCA. “Ultimate frisbee is our go-to game at FCA and that is partly because Mr. Brewer, our club sponsor, played ultimate frisbee in college and so he is a big proponent of the sport,” Mallon said. “Also, it’s a really easy game to understand and to play that requires hardly any equipment at all. The game has gotten so popular among the members of FCA.”

Sophomore Wentric Williams III, senior Greyden Penner, sophomore Jeremiah Cabuyaban and senior Drake Smith play the game of spikeball. “It creates a bond,” Williams said. “It works on trusting the other players and instincts. It’s building bonds with the other teammates.”

Photo by Grace Bushroe

Play Ultimate Frisbee with FCA

The club is still accepting new members.

When? Thursdays at 7:30 a.m.

Where? The Fieldhouse

Sophomore Regan Manis catches a frisbee while participating in a game of ultimate frisbee during an FCA meeting. “It’s a really easy game to understand and to play that requires hardly any equipment at all,” senior Peter Mallon said. “The game has gotten so popular among the members of FCA.” Photo by Alyssa Griffith

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the bell February 2020 Features

Spikeball

The wrestling room during Liberty Hour is full of laughter and smiles, with a hint of competitiveness, as the LHS wrestling team plays their favorite pastime, spikeball.

In spikeball, the game requires a net on the ground, a ball and four players in partners.

With only three touches, players must keep the ball in the air, hitting the net on the third touch, bouncing the ball towards their opponents.

With it’s 2v2 playstyle, spikeball helps the wrestlers develop faith in each other.

“It creates a bond,” sophomore Wentric Williams III said. “It works on trusting the other players and instincts. It’s building bonds with the other teammates.”

The wrestlers often played spikeball before practice and tournaments, so head wrestling coach Dustin Brewer agreed to sponsor the spikeball club.

“It’s a good way to spend time with a lot of my wrestlers,” Brewer said. “The game is a lot of fun and funny things always happen, such as people diving for the ball, or falling trying to score points.”

Playing spikeball has created fun memories for wrestlers. The smiles said it all as they seemingly danced around the nets, attempting to score against their opponents.

“The Liberty Wrestling team hosted a tournament for spikeball last year,” junior Daniel Beach said. “I think we had 25 teams last year with two players per team. I also played in a different tournament on the weekend down in Olathe that was really fun.

I know there are a lot of colleges that have spikeball now, so depending on where I go for college, I would like to play spikeball in college.”

features.

Spikeball Club

Students are welcome to join the club.

When? Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday during Liberty Hour Where? The Wrestling Room

Junior Logan Abbot, sophomore Carter Filger, sophomore Erik Woodyard and freshman Colton Naylor are all members of trapshooting club. The team is a combination of students from LHS and LNHS. Photo by Grace Bushroe

Trapshooting

Spikeball club sponsor Dustin Brewer tosses the ball during a game of spikeball with junior Daniel Beach and senior Jeremiah Reno.

Photo by Grace Bushroe

No matter warm or cold, the trapshooting team meets to practice every week.

As a combined team with LNHS, the club practices grow is friends, teammates and competitors.

“There are clays, they come out of the trap that randomizes where they fly. Basically your job is to break them and if you don’t break them then you don’t score,” sophomore Aiden Gansen said.

During practice, new shooters and experienced shooters alike practice to improve their scores.

“You get there, then you form your squad,” sophomore Alden Dietrich said. “Your squad is made up of five people. Then you go shoot two rounds of 25.”

“The team’s priorities, in order of importance, are safety, fun and marksmanship,” club sponsor and coach Laurel Shoger said. “The goals while shooting are, one, safe handling/ storage of each firearm; two, maintaining concentration, stance, and breath; and three, successfully hit as many clay targets as possible.”

The club grows in members each year as more students decide to try the sport of trapshooting.

“The sport of trapshooting is an equal opportunity sport, so it is for anyone interested,” Shoger said. “For example, the LPS trap teams are made up of male

l l land female LPS students from sixth to twelth grade.”

Shooters are expected to provide their own shotguns and buy their own shells.

Trapshooting Club Contact sponsor Laurel Shoger at laurel.shoger@lps53.org if interested in joining When? Sundays at 2:45 p.m Where? Kansas City Trapshooters Association 6420 NE 176th St. Smithville, MO 64089

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news.

Donate Blood,

Save Lives

Junior Caelan Bradfield-Woodheadand and senior Gabbi Watkins run the blood donation check-in booth outside of Cokely Gym. Photo by Charlene Nguyen

AP Biology Blood Drive makes a difference in our community.

Reported by Caty Franklin

Design by Jennavieve Carmony

The doors of Cokely Gym are wide open, early in the morning on Friday, February 7.

AP Biology students mill around, directing the flow of students waiting to donate. Some students wait patiently, ready to donate, but some are nervously awaiting their turn.

It functions like a well-oiled machine, and the line moves quickly from check in, to waiting inside the gym, to sitting on one of the many medical chairs lined up in the gym.

The medical staff from the Community Blood Center are efficient. Once the donors have donated blood, they move to a station laid out with cookies and orange juice, and then are directed back to class.

This act of one student donating just one pint of blood can save up to three lives. In the Liberty community, the blood drive has become a necessity for the local hospitals to get the blood donations they need, this year donating 228 units of blood, according to AP Biology teacher, Aaron Hohn, who runs the blood drive for LHS. “The Community Blood Center is at critical levels this year and they were at critically low levels last year as well,” Hohn said. “Anything we can do to help restock the blood that’s

supplying all of the Northland hospitals in the area is going to benefit our area.”

Over the past five years, the blood drive has been receiving fewer and fewer donations, but Hohn and his students hope to turn the corner this year.

“The donors will be making a life-changing difference for the people who are in need of the blood,” senior Sydney Cannon said. “It gives everyone an opportunity to play a role in helping out people in need.”

The Community Blood Center works with

Juniors Bonnie Fordyce and Lauren Taylor sport matching AP Bio Blood Drive shirts.

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Photo by Emma McDonald

the bell February 2020 News

Sophomore Erin Brage gives a thumbs up while giving blood during her first time giving blood.

Photo by Emma McDonald

Hohn to organize the drive. Most of the work at the high school, however, is performed by AP Biology students.

“In preparation for the blood drive we hung posters and flyers all around the school, and we have a website to sign up adults and people from outside the school,” junior Blake Conkling said. “We set up tables at lunch to try and get people signed up during lunch. We also designed t-shirts that all the AP Bio students will wear during the drive.”

The day of the drive, students have a bigger role, helping set up and guiding donors to and from class.

“The actual day of the drive, we have to be at school extremely early to set up, and then during the day most students will be escorting people to and from their classes to give blood and go back to class,” junior Abby Cole said.

The goal is to make the process as smooth as possible.

“Students arrive very early in the morning to unload a box truck full of all the equipment they’re going to use throughout the day, get it into the gym,” Hohn said. “Then the CBC takes over and they actually set everything up so that they can function and then at the end of day we tear it all down for them and get it back on the truck.”

This drive not only plays a big role in the community, but also at LHS. “It gives students an opportunity to see that a small gesture on their part can have a huge

news.

impact on somebody else’s life. It’s not the same thing as giving an organ, but it’s just as important as giving an organ,” Hohn said.

It gives AP Bio students the opportunity to do something meaningful.

“The blood drive is an exciting experience for AP Bio students to do something bigger than themselves and really be able to help out the community,” Conkling said. “It’s also a really exciting experience to be able to work alongside the Community Blood Center, which provides blood to over 500 people a day.”

Missed the Chance to Donate?

The Community Blood Center takes donations seven days a week 7265 N Oak Trafficway, Gladstone, MO 64118 (816) 468 - 9813

Scan the QR code to sign up to donate News lhsnews.net

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spotlights.

Chirisa explains how he improves at what he does everyday.

Reported by Shane Bass Photo by Hattie Ludwig Design by Derek Katzer When freshman Mako Chirisa dove into the pool at his first meet, he felt energy that pushed him to finish the 50 free, one of his favorite events, as best he could. For him, it’s not about where he placed in the meet, but instead, it was

about the hard work and dedication it took to get there.

Chirisa is on the LHS junior varsity swim team. He participates in a variety of events.

“I mainly do 50 free, 100 free, and sometimes

Freshman

Mako Chirisa 12

the bell February 2020 Spotlight

medley relay,” Chirisa said. “I do 50 free because it tests my speed and it’s really intense and I do the medley relays because they’re a team event.”

To improve as a swimmer, Chirisa is a part of a club swim team during the off-season. He works hard every day during and after practice, which helps him become the best swimmer he can be.

“I’m seeing what I need to improve on and what things I can do to become a better swimmer,” Chirisa said. “Swim is a hard thing to do, it is very intense and takes a lot of work.

I try as hard as I can to get better at certain things when I’m not at practice.”

Chirisa’s dedication to swimming keeps him honing his skills throughout the year.

“I’m currently doing club swim because that helps me stay in shape for the next swim season,” Chirisa said.

Chirisa finds inspiration in others swimmers and is highly anticipating the upcoming Olympics because of it.

“I’ll be rooting for Caeleb Dressel,” Chirisa said. “He’s very inspirational to me because he looked up to people like Michael Phelps and was able to learn a lot from them. I feel like he’s helped me become a better swimmer.”

Chirisa’s tenacious attitude does not go unnoticed.

Freshman Sam Brusven, who has known Chirisa since seventh grade, knows all about his relentless nature.

“If he wants something he’ll go for it and make it known he wants it, like how he’s always talking about swim and how he really enjoys it,” Brusven said. “He’s really funny and he’s always there for you. He’s pretty lighthearted he knows when to mess around but if something is going on then he’ll support you.”

Chirisa doesn’t only work hard in swim, but also in AVID, a program that helps prepare students for college and develop the skills they need to be a successful student.

“There are different levels in AVID,” he said. “We work on organization, then we start looking at scholarships and getting used to high school, if you want to go to college it helps you with finding a college.”

Chirisa believes hard work is the key to getting better. AVID teacher Deanna Neldon thinks very highly of him.

“Mako is a genuine person, he is nice, caring, polite and respectful,” Neldon said. “Mako is a remarkable person and everyone should take a chance and get to know him.”

spotlights.

Sophomore

Jericho Frigon

Frigon gets through obstacles in life and on the field.

Reported by Jade Garbani

Photo by Alyssa Griffith

Life and soccer are somewhat similar. People try to reach and make goal after goal. There are obstacles but people push through and get around them. Sophomore Jericho Frigon lives that life in both ways.

“Growing up I’ve always been the smallest on my team so I’ve always had to work a little harder to catch up with the other players,” Frigon said.

Even though she was smaller, that didn’t stop her.

Frigon plays club soccer with Kansas City Athletics Elite Clubs National League outside of school and has been on the girls varsity team for two seasons now at LHS. In her first season at LHS, she reached one of her big lifelong goals. Frigon has always had her eye on going to Kansas State University and in her first season, she committed to play soccer.

“K-State has always been my dream school growing up,” Frigon said. “It was always my favorite team in any sport and my sister goes

Design by Derek Katzer

there now.”

Frigon wouldn’t be where she is now if she hadn’t been constantly working. Not many are committed to college as a sophomore.

“I think the reason why I am already committed to college as a sophomore is because of the work that I do outside of practice and school to better my game and fitness,” Frigon said.

Time is very limited for Frigon, but she still manages to help out in the world.

“I do community service mainly with the high school team,” Frigon said. “We do a lot of community service with Harvesters. I’ve also gone with my club team and we sort cans.”

Frigon focuses on wanting to give back and uses soccer to help out with that, as well as building her relationships with friends.

“My favorite thing is being able to play with my friends and challenging ourselves,” Frigon said.

Sophomore Bella Braggs enjoys having her around.

“She’s a good role model for me and she’s very good at what she does,” Braggs said. “She’s very determined. Last year we had a lot of classes together and that’s when we became close. She’s very fun and we make lots of jokes.”

Frigon is serious and focused when needed, but in Geometry class freshman year she was able to be herself and bring out her personality.

“She is one of those kids that I will always remember having in class,’’ Geometry teacher Chris Murphy said. “Even though I had her in class last year, she still walks by and says ‘hi’ to me every day. That means a lot to teachers when past students still stop by and talk to us.”

Frigon continues to strive to improve herself.

“Some of my goals are to keep pushing myself to get better and to always be the best I can be on and off of the field,” Frigon said. “My best piece of advice is put in the work and push yourself.”

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spotlights.

Language, science, and running motivate Binagi.

Reported by Sarah Blankenship

Photo by Alyssa Griffith Design by Derek Katzer

Junior

Elvin Binagi

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the bell February 2020 Spotlight

Spanish is more than just a language to junior Elvin Binagi. It’s now a major part of his life and school career.

Binagi started learning Spanish in eighth grade and his love for the language grew.

He is currently running the National Honor Society. Those four years taking Spanish have helped Binagi grow as a student.

This year he is working to earn the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy certification.

“I’ll be reviewing Spanish and using all the resources that I can. Mrs. Ruiz has been helping us by going back and reteaching our past notes,” Binagi said.

What a lot of people don’t know about Binagi is that he is fluent in Swahili, which has helped in taking Spanish because he is familiar with having to learn new languages. His parents are from a country in East Africa and that has played an important role in his life.

“Both of my parents are from Tanzania. I was born here in America. My mother came here in 2001 and my dad came here in the 90’s,” Binagi said.

Taking Spanish led to Binagi to meet his friend, junior Rebecca Davisson.

“We met in Spanish our freshman year, then we continued to have classes the rest of our high school career,” Davisson said. “He’s the definition of hard work. He’s a very diligent worker and he gets his stuff done.”

In addition to Spanish, Binagi has a passion for track and field.

He trains year round for track by running and lifting weights over the summer, along with preseason training for the high school.

“I only run the 400 meter,” Binagi said. “I enjoy running primarily because I’m bettering myself. My favorite thing to do is go and take down my time.”

Binagi’s also enjoys science which led him to choose a career path in the medical field.

“Since I was in the fourth grade I’ve always thought it would be fun to be a doctor but then as I got older, I learned more about the sciences,” Binagi said. “I really like the science department here at Liberty and how they push me. I enjoy the teachers and the material they teach, and that made me want to become a doctor.”

Science teacher Aaron Hohn is able to imagine Binagi’s future.

“Elvin has a great a tremendous drive and limitless potential,” Hohn said. “He lifts those around him and doesn’t try to steal the spotlight. He’s just as happy to see you succeed regardless of his circumstances. I can’t wait to see what this young man invests his talents and accomplishes.”

spotlights.

Senior

Saryn Powell

Powell has a passion for music as well as doodling on the side.

Reported by Ethan Atkins Photo by Pearl Pritchard

“When I started orchestra, I absolutely hated it,” senior Saryn Powell said. “The music was way too hard and I was the only freshman in my class. It really sucked.”

But now, she loves it.

In fact, today orchestra is a really important part of her life. She started playing the viola in fifth grade and now, she wants it to be part of her future.

“I’m going to teach orchestra eventually,” she said. “Right now, I’m doing an internship with NCAPS with student-teaching in eighth grade orchestra.”

Powell’s private lessons teacher is her biggest inspiration for playing viola.

“Mr. Cook is the person who made me want to go into music because he has such a different teaching style than a lot of different people,” Powell said.

Playing the viola has also allowed her to make long lasting memories.

“Playing the viola resulted in meeting new people,” she said.

One of Powell’s friends, senior Lauren Brookins, is supportive of her musical career.

“I think Saryn is incredibly musically talented, but I think what really makes her stand out is

Design by Derek Katzer

her passion for music,” Brookins said. “She genuinely loves music, and it will take her far.”

While playing the viola is Powell’s passion, she can’t do it all the time. She also enjoys doodling and drawing as an escape from school and work.

“I like to draw people, like on the corner of my papers, mostly faces,” Powell said. “I like to make them realistic, so realism is the real reason.”

One of Powell’s biggest decisions was applying and getting accepted into Northland Career for Advanced Professional Studies.

“I thought I wanted to be a doctor, and this program was a great way to experience different areas of the healthcare field and shadow different specialties. I learned first aid skills like CPR and how to insert an IV,” Powell said.

NCAPS allowed her to make an educated decision about her future.

“Without NCAPS I probably would have had to change my major in college,” she said.

Powell really enjoys being in the program.

“I enjoy NCAPS mainly because of the people in my class, we are a tight knit group.

Class is fun every day because of my great

teacher, Mrs. Williamson, and all the fun activities we do during class,” she said.

Powell’s former Model UN and AP Psychology teacher, Jordan Moree, likes Powell’s personality and attitude.

“She seems to always brighten my day with either something funny or a sarcastic comment,” Moree said. “She is a naturally gifted student who finds time to put in the work on her studies.”

After knowing Powell for three years, he has had a lot of experiences with her. One of his favorites is the time they went to Chicago for the Model United Nations Conference.

“My favorite memory with Saryn was the time she left a meeting in Chicago to look at Crocs and get a coffee,” Moree said.

At the end of the day, Powell best enjoys playing her viola, working with music and spending time with friends.

“Saryn is a good friend because you see how she genuinely cares for the people around her,” Brookins said. “She is always willing to help someone out, or make them laugh. Since I first met her in eighth grade, we have become very close, and I’m so grateful for her friendship.”

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indepth.

What Now? Students consider their options after high school.

Reported by Regan Johnston and Emma Stauffer Design by Ashley Tindall and Alyah Craig Deciding what to do after high school is something every student must face, however difficult it can be. There are many options for students nearing graduation, such as attending a four year or two year college, going to a trade school, joining the military or entering the workforce. There are many factors that play a part in a student determining which one is best for them, and there are many resources available at LHS to aid in the decision making process.

Two and Four Year College In a poll sent out to eleventh and twelfth grade LHS students, 51% of the students responded that they were planning on attending a four year college after high school, while about 10% replied that they were planning on going to a two year college. It’s important that students find a school that’s a perfect fit for them.

Senior Audrey McBride plans on attending the University of Kansas, a four year college, to study biology and medicine.

“The pros would be that it’s definitely easier to jump into a career or get into the job market,” McBride said. “It’s definitely very expensive, especially if you are going out of state.”

For some students, a two year college is a better fit. At two year colleges, students are able to earn an associates degree, typically at a lower price than four year schools.

LHS offers the A+ program, which is very beneficial to students, and makes the option of a two year college very appealing.

Once students finish the required 50 hours of tutoring, they can use their A+ hours to pay for tuition at any Missouri 2 year college, and can earn scholarships at four year colleges.

Senior Lillian Gaither is using the A+ program to attend Maple Woods for two years, before transferring to a four year college to complete her degree.

“I want to become a veterinarian technologist first, so that’s what I have to go through Maple Woods to do, and then eventually go to Mizzou and become a veterinarian pathologist,” Gaither said. “I decided to do the A+ program because it is a way for me to get the A+ scholarships at many colleges that I was looking at.”

Career Navigator Tim Anderson offers advice on decision-making.

“When you think about college options, two year college is going to be a much smaller setting, and it’s going to be a lot less expensive,” Anderson said. “Then you get to four year colleges, and my experience has been that they are very large. If you are not very focused on what you are looking for in a four year college, it’s easy to get lost in that, and that’s just something to think about.”

All students can make an appointment with Anderson in the counseling office to discuss college choices.

“A+ is a great opportunity for students planning on attending a two year college or trade school after high school as well as for those who intend on enrolling in a 4 year university.

It is a great back up plan and I really encourage all students who are eligible to enroll to do so.”

-Counselor Trilaina McCallum

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the bell February 2020 Indepth

Photo by Pearl Pritchard

A+ Information The A+ program is a statewide program designed to give financial assistance for students who want to go to college or have a pathway to college.

To receive the A+ benefits, they must complete 50 hours of tutoring. To become a part of the A+ program, a student must fill out an application.

For more information...

indepth.

Trade and Vocational Schools

Junior Simon Gaughan is taking Advanced Woodworking and plans on going to a trade school after high school.

Photo by Charlene Nguyen

Trade and vocational schools are usually two year schools designed to teach students the necessary skills for a trade. With a degree from a trade school, a student can become an electrician, welder, computer technician, cosmetologist, construction manager and more.

Though junior Angelina Billingsley doesn’t know exactly what she is going to do, she is leaning towards trade school.

“I feel like in trade school you can get really good jobs there and it’s a lot cheaper than a four year college,” Billingsley said. “It doesn’t require a whole bunch of courses to take compared to college and it doesn’t take a whole bunch of money.”

Compared to college, which averages around $127,000 for a four year program, as stated by Student Debt Relief, trade school degrees average around $33,000. So it is a much cheaper alternative to college, without sacrificing a person’s chance at a good career.

After he graduates, junior Simon Gaughan wants to go to trade school so he can work in heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

“I just like working with my hands,” Gaughan said. “It’s something my family has done for generations. I always enjoyed it ever since I started doing it. Originally I wanted to do welding but HVAC offers more opportunities and it pays more.”

Unlike colleges, trade schools give students a more job-oriented education for a specific job, instead of making them learn a variety of subjects, making it a preferable option for students who already know what they want to do when they graduate.

For more information on trade schools, talk to Anderson in the counseling office. If a student thinks trade school is right for them, they need to be sure to do research on the school and job you want and know what to expect.

“Be prepared to do some stuff that you do not want to do,” Gaughan said. “There’s a lot of stuff with my woodworking class or my manufacturing class that I didn’t want to do but I did it anyway. Sometimes it’s tough, sometimes you hurt yourself but you have to persevere through it.”

Military Some students choose to join the military after high school. The Military has six branches, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and the new Space Force.

There are many opportunities that come with joining the military, and they differ based on each branch.

“Some of the great benefits that some people really like is the fact that we will pay for four years of college tuition, there is free healthcare, free housing, free food and a pretty good paycheck on top of that,” Army Staff Sergeant Craig Talley said.

Talley is one of several Army recruiters located in Liberty. They are responsible for talking to people close to graduation or recently graduation about the option of joining the military, and specifically the Army. They visit LHS occasionally during lunch to speak with students.

Senior Elaina Blodgett is participating in the Show Me Gold program after graduation, which will allow her to simultaneously be a student at Northwest Missouri State University while training to become a captain in the Army National Guard.

“It does help me pay for my college, so I will

get a diploma with no student debt,” Blodgett said. “I’m going to meet so many great people and I’m going to be able to help our country.”

Each branch of the military has different benefits, and is appealing to different people for various reasons.

Junior Ian Wooldridge will attend William Jewell college to study international relations and political science. Afterwards, Wooldridge is considering joining the Navy.

“We have the largest Navy in the world, and so we are literally protecting the seas not only for America’s safety but for really the world, so that would be a cool, big thing to be apart of,” Wooldridge said.

Tally agrees, and urges any student that is thinking about joining the Army to talk to a recruiter.

“A lot of people don’t realize all the benefits and all the job options that are available,” Talley said. “I think if students have any interest at all or are weighing their options for after high school, the best thing to do would be to just come and talk to us. We are here to advise and to put people on the right path and show everybody what the Army has to offer.”

Army Recruiters come during lunch to inform students on the benefits of joining the army after graduating.

Photo by Pearl Pritchard

Continued on page 18 Indepth lhsnews.net

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indepth.

Continued from page 17

Workforce

Junior Chris Ketchum plans on going straight into the workforce by working in an auto body shop after high school.

Photo by Kylee Williams

Going straight into the workforce right after high school is a good option for students who need to save money, are unsure about their career goals and are ready to start working.

“I can get some quick money, pay some bills and pay off anything my parents need to pay off,” junior Chris Ketchum said. “I have an offer to go to my friend’s dad’s body shop up in North Kansas City, so he’s going to train me and I’m going to go do that after school.”

Going to work right after high school can also give people a head start on life, given that they don’t have to spend more years in school.

This gives people like senior Daniel Fulton the opportunity to plan out what they want to do after they graduate.

“For now, I’m probably just going to keep on moving up in my current job and when I turn 21 I want to join the police academy,” Fulton said. “I’m a shift manager at Wendy’s, but then I want to be a patrol cop first and work my way up to detective.”

Joining the workforce is also a good option for those who still want to go to college or trade school but can’t do it immediatly after graduation.

“You’ll save some money at first because even

if you still wanted to go to college you could save that money from working and then go to college in the future,” Fulton said.

If students in high school are considering joining the workforce after they graduate, they should consider the different programs and resources provided to help them prepare, including NCAPS, Career Center, KC Tech Academy and internships.

“I think they are beneficial because it’s a different way to learn, it’s learning by doing not learning within a traditional classroom,” Anderson said. “I think that’s just different.

Some people really appreciate that. I know my personal experience was that I really benefited from being out and learning by doing and being hands-on. It’s nice that we are able to offer those things for that type of student who wants that opportunity.”

Going straight into the workforce takes commitment, so be prepared for that.

“Make sure that you actually work,” Fulton said. “There’s a lot of people that get a job and then leave and quit, or they’re lazy and get fired. If you want to join the workforce, make sure you are serious about it because you will eventually be fired if you’re not working.”

Advice for Entering the Workforce

Career Navigator Tim Anderson

“For students planning on entering the workforce I think there are two things students can do while still enrolled in high school.

One, create a resume and begin the job searching before you graduate. Two, take advantage of hands on experiences while in high school. A great experience for students are the Shadowing experiences, as well as our Network 53 Internship opportunities that our Career Navigator can help connect students with.”

Anderson aids students in the planning for their life after high school. He helps students with the intern program, NCAPS and the Career Center and other programs offered by the counseling office. If need help planning or have any questions contact Anderson.

- Counselor Trilaina McCallum

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the bell February 2020 Indepth

Photo by Alyssa Griffith

Schedule a meeting with Anderson in the couseling office, or email him at tim.anderson@lps53.org Photo by Charlene Nguyen

indepth.

Still Not Sure?

Options After High School There are plenty of options after high school that students have the ability to explore.

From college to the workforce, or to simply being undecided, students are definetly free to choose their path.

What are you planning to do after graduation?

From 31 junior and senior student responses

Two Year College Four Year College Trade/Vocational School Military

Number of Polled Students

It’s OK to not know exactly what you want to do after high school. 10% of students who responded to the poll question“Do you feel like you are aware of the different options that are available for after graduation?” said they were not. What is important is for students to be searching for ideas and options that interest them. LHS has numerous resources available. lllOne place to begin is the counseling office with your counselor or Anderson, who specializes in helping students explore career choices.

Junior Julia Justice has advice for students.

“I’d say if you don’t know what you’re doing you should look into jobs around you to get a start, or find a college near you then get a stable job or you could ask people around you what they did to get an idea,” Justice said. “It’s fine to be confused as long as you are passionate and happy with your decision. Don’t be afraid to take your time.”

Workforce Undecided

It’s your choice!

Trade School This option is most likely for those who want to partake in specific occupations and feel the need to hone their skills.

Workforce Students that have either had the chance to make connections within their desired work, or simply want to go straight into their occupation, would most likely choose to go into the workforce.

Undecided Confused on what to do?

Don’t fret. You don’t have to decide your future right away.

Serve for the States

Enlisting in services that fight for the United States is a good option for many because of the benefits.

College

There are a variety of two and four-year colleges that students can choose to go to for specific training in any major they choose.

Indepth lhsnews.net

19

staff ed.

Are students aware of their options after high school?

Reported by Emma Stauffer From attending college, going to a trade or vocational school, joining the military, or becoming a part of the workforce, students have many options after leaving LHS. There are many educational paths to achieve each of these, and LHS offers many resources to help students. But are students fully aware of all of these options?

Some of The Bell staff members feel that LHS puts a heavy emphasis on students attending college, when the reality is that college is not the best fit for everybody.

For some students, financial troubles, expectation of family members and other factors play a part in their decision-making process when it comes to their post high school plans.

For others, their interests and goals are more directed towards hands-on work and a trade or vocational school is more practical. Some students choose to join the military or enter the workforce after graduation.

Opportunities that the school offers such as NCAPS, Career Center, KC Tech Academy, the A+ program, internships, college fairs and careers fair are created with the intent of assisting students in their after high-school preparation and decision making.

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the bell February 2020 Opinion

Design by Alyah Craig

One staff member pointed out that many students have an abundance of work and responsibility when it comes to their classes, and are more focused on that than trying to determine their post high school plans. Many students feel pressured to take specific classes to meet course requirementsand don’t really have the opportunity to experiment and try

Staff Vote

Yes: 12 No: 7 new things. For some students, they choose not to take certain classes because they hope to achieve a certain grade.

With the pressures of applying for schools and scholarships, many students choose to prioritize getting a high GPA rather than

trying new things.

Several staff members concluded they feel like students are aware of the options after high school, but have difficulty determining which one is best for them. However, another staff member said students need to be responsible for actively seeking out opportunities.

This can be done by visiting colleges and schools, talking to the military recruiters that visit during lunch, or talking to people doing the job you are interested in. Simply making connections in the community and in businesses by calling, asking around and talking to former employees can help students interested in a specific career.

Finding a mentor in the field you want to go into can also be beneficial.

Career Navigator Tim Anderson in the counseling office can help students trying to decide their plans after high school and the best way to get there.

It’s important for a student to weigh all of their options, and really think about what’s going to be best for them and align with their goals.

For more information about different options after high school, check out this month’s indepth story.

Photo by Alyah Craig

I Don't Love You, Mama, Teenagers, Dead!, Sleep, This is How I Disappear

Score 06 r 23, 20 Octobe d e s a e l Re inutes ks, 56 m 14 trac

My Chemical Romance The Black Parade Review by Ari Revella Design by Alyah Craig My Chemical Romance is known for being one of the most theatrical and energetic poppunk bands of the 2000’s, and “The Black Parade” is their peak. This is their third and most popular studio album, following their second album, “Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge.” My Chemical Romance was arguably my first musical phase, or obsession, when I was eight. I re-found this record again on Christmas Eve of last year, I gave it a relisten, and it still holds up today.

First, and most importantly, “I Don’t Love You” still holds up to be my favorite track from this album. It’s a perfect punk slow jam with an amazing chorus and an emotional performance from MCR front man Gerard Way. With heartfelt lyrics, such as the chorus “When you go, would you even turn to say // I don’t love you like I did yesterday”, and overall it’s just a beautiful song. It fits perfectly into the story as well. I still scream the chorus in the car to this day. I have nothing bad to say about this track.

“Mama” is a very close second for my favorite song here. The expressive vocal performances, the bouncy instrumentation and production, and the dark lyrics, being really pessimistic create an almost Broadway feel. It’s catchy and it’s fun.

“Dead!” is also another highlight for me, with another sticky chorus, theatrical vocal performances and is overall an amazing tonesetter to the album alongside its sister track, “The End,” which is an amazing intro to the record. I wish “The End” was better as a stand alone song, for example making it longer and more grand rather than just an intro, but I still go back to it.

9/10 “Disenchanted” is my favorite track in the last leg of the record, with the tongue-in-cheek lyrics, like the chorus saying “This is a sad song // with nothing to say,” but contains a compelling and emotional performance from all of the members as well. And the final climax of the song is just fantastic. The closing track, “Famous Last Words,” while being far from a bad song with a fantastic chorus, is a slightly underwhelming closer. It just might be my least favorite track here.

That leaves “Welcome To The Black Parade,” My Chemical Romance’s biggest hit.

I actually love the song, but within the context of the album, it just doesn’t beat my top five favorites. Obviously the first verse is iconic, “When I was, a young boy // My father took me into the city…” along with the chorus, and the climactic ending. Regardless, this track deserves its hype. The bonus track “Blood” is the bonus track, and while it does add a bit to the story, showing how the character got to this place in his life, it doesn’t add much to the overall album experience.

Opinion lhsnews.net

21

opinion.

Coming Together for Frostbite My toes almost froze off, but go Chiefs!

I can’t lie. I am not that into football. It’s a fun thing to do with my family during the season, but if you asked me to name a Chiefs player other than Patrick Mahomes or Travis Kelce, I would honestly struggle for a second.

When Super Bowl Sunday came around, I didn’t think much of the game. I had scholarship essays to write and I was mainly interested in the commercials, which were significantly worse than any other years I remember.

After the halftime show, I was finished with my essays so I started paying attention to the game. Now, I will say again, I am not super into football, but when I was watching the game I was on the edge of my seat during the end of the third and the entire fourth quarter.

Some friends and I immediately decided that we wanted to go to the parade and started making plans. I didn’t go to the Royals World Series parade in 2015 and I felt like I missed out, so I was definitely attending this one. After talking about it for about five minutes, we all decided that freezing was going to be worth it.

On Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 5 a.m. we all woke up to get ready for the parade. Everyone put on two pairs of pants, two to three shirts, a hat,

Column by Sidney Lowry Design by Alyah Craig

Photo courtesy of Sidney Lowry

coat, multiple pairs of socks and started to warm up our hot hands. We left the hotel, so by 6 a.m. we were on our way to Union Station.

When we finally got there, we had been walking for an hour and a half total. I was the coldest I had ever been in my life and I could have sworn that my toes were goners. After I got over the fact that I was freezing, we started weaving our way through the crowd. We finally got our spot which was 50 feet from the barrier to keep people from the stage and started talking to people around us.

For the next several hours we talked with the people around us about literally anything, but mainly about how cold we were and how early we had gotten up, and threw a football from person to person with the hundreds of people around me.

Though it was freezing, around one million people gathered together to celebrate the Chiefs and their victory. The atmosphere was invigorating with people chanting, yelling, cheering and singing along to the songs that were being played. The visual representation of the community was clearly shown in the sea of red in Downtown KC during the parade, and though I almost froze, it was great to see everyone come together to celebrate. Go Chiefs!

Keep On, Keepin’ On

Some thing just don’t work out.

Column by Zahra Khan

The best feeling in the world is when I find something I absolutely love, especially a hobby.

The butterflies you get, the over-excitement and just pure happiness about trying something new is exhilarating. The problem is I can’t stick with it.

When I was growing up I was involved in a ton of activities like karate, soccer, tennis, art, music and so many more. My parents wanted to me try out as many new things as possible and I did. I quit half of those things soon after I started.

Karate was thrilling. I don’t know if it was all the kicking and punching or the fact that I loved wearing the outfit with the belt, but I always felt energized in class. I felt like a ninja who was ready to go into battle every Tuesday night in the studio. After each class, I would go back home and start kicking and punching the air, trying to impress my family with how fast and strong I was. I loved it, but eventually that feeling went away. I hung up my orange belt and never went back.

Then there was soccer. This was my sport, I was eight years old, I was ready to go out and play. I used to zoom down the field and I would

22

the bell February 2020 Opinion

Photo by Alyah Craig

kick the ball as hard as I could. I loved it but then one day I remember seeing that American Girl Doll movie “Makenna Shoots for the Stars”.

It’s about a gymnast and after that moment I wanted to be in the Olympics. I said ‘I want to do gymnastics now, forget soccer.’

Each activity, from tennis to art, all ended up the same. I left them in the dust. It wasn’t because I had bad experiences, it was my short attention span I have had so many phases where I told myself I’m going to stick with something and be great at it.

Despite this, I have found activities that I loved and stuck with. With karate and soccer, I didn’t have the passion for it. I never had a meaningful connection to the two activities. On the other hand newspaper I found connections and people who made me want to stay. I stuck with the orchestra because I found something I was passionate about and wanted to do well in.

Sometimes there will be things I enjoy but might end up dropping. Enjoying something isn’t the same as being passionate about something. I didn’t leave karate or soccer because I hated it, I just didn’t feel connected to it.

Ghosts, Ghouls, and Monsters, Oh My!

opinion.

The real question is: what do you believe in?

I’ve always had this interesting obsession with the things in life that no one truly knows the truth about. Bigfoot could definitely exist, shapeshifters honestly live among us and aliens could plague the universe at any given moment.

While a lot of these ideas are often turned down by skeptics, there are some that support these ideas because of their experiences.

My fascination with the supernatural began when a variety of TV shows and movies were introduced to me. “Scooby-Doo” made ghosts seem like celebrities in my 6-year-old mind.

At the ripe old age of 14, I began to meddle with the unknown. My best friend, being as crazy as I, tagged along for what seemed to be the scariest ride of our lives.

With the cool September air whirling around us, and the shadows of nearby trees casting unearthly figures onto the ground, we decided to act like any stupid teenagers in a stereotypical horror movie and play with a Oujia Board.

We began asking questions. ‘Who are you? Is there anybody there? Can you please speak to us? What happened to you?’

On the last question, a gust of wind ruffled through the leaves around us. At that point, we

Column by Alyah Craig

Photo by Jennavieve Carmony

realized how isolated we were. Trees were the only thing surrounding us, the rest of the area

was barren.

A few moments passed and voices started to whisper. Some were near and others far but all were distinct. With no other person in sight, hiding in the tree line or woods behind us, my friend and I took one glance at each other and began to hurriedly pick up some of our things, bolting down a nearby path, leaving the Ouija Board behind.

As a senior, I’m afraid to admit that I’m a bit of a scardey-cat. Not only did that experience alter the way I thought about the supernatural, but it also enticed me to seek out more of it. I gorge myself on the numerous ghostly podcasts that Spotify has to offer and look forward to the thrill in horror movies, but I still get paranoid to the point of no return.

Call me crazy, but I’m not entirely convinced that we can rule out if ghosts, or even monsters for that matter, are just figments of our imagination. Is there solid evidence that things of the sort exist? Probably not. But does there have to be? Nope, I don’t think so.

One thing’s for sure though, “Scooby-Doo” definitely deserves more credit.

Decisions, Decisions How can I be expected to choose a future when I can barely choose between a red hat or a blue one?

Column by Liz Gammon

How can I be expected to choose a future when I can barely choose between a red hat or a blue one?

Have you seen the show The Good Place? If not, let me brief you on one of the characters I associate with deeply. His name is Chidi Anagonye, and throughout his life, he has struggled to make decisions quickly.

I mirror that behavior. As a senior, I am forced to make some of the most important decisions of my life-- which college I want to attend and what I want to do with my life.

This decision isn’t a red hat or blue hat scenario that takes an hour, this choice will change the course of the career I could potentially have until retirement. Heavy stuff, I know.

A career possibility that has always stood out to me is journalism. I have wanted to be a journalist for most of my life. When I was little, I would write news stories based on old nursery rhymes. For example, I wrote a fake live update about the spoon going 90 mph on Interstate 29 with the dish as a hostage in his back seat based on Hey, Diddle Diddle. However, my early passion

Photo by Ashley Ritter

for writing has stunted my exploration in any other fields that may spark my interest.

As far as schools go I do have one decision made. I am going to start my college career at Metropolitan Community College Maple Woods due to its affordability. However, I’ve realized I may have subconsciously made this decision just to give myself more time to decide on where I want my future to go.

Much like the red hat and the blue hat, I have narrowed the four-year college I am going to transfer to down to two options, Northwest Missouri State University and the University of Missouri.

Fortunately, I don’t have to make my decision yet, and hopefully, community college will help me make a definite decision I’m happy with. I oncce wathed an episode of The Good Place and had an identity crisis as I saw Chidi take 82 minutes to choose between two hats, a white one and a brown one, just as I had. As I watched his life unfold through three seasons, I witnessed him save humanity despite his poor decision making skills. Maybe relentlessly thinking through my decisions isn’t the worst thing after all.

Opinion lhsnews.net

23

Spanish Honor Society Green House Opening

Spanish Honor Society Sponsor Astrid Ruiz, Principal April Adams and seniors Cassie Fuentes, Carmen Caudillo and Caleb Ezzel beam with pride at the opening of the Spanish Honor Sociey Green House on Jan. 29.

Photo by Alyssa Griffith

Spanish Honor Society has been trying to open the green house for six years. Last school year the big step of putting in the door was taken, and this year the final touches, like adding plants and painting the door, were done to finally be ready for the grand opening.

Photo by Mercedes Peck

Sophomore David Stark and freshman Pieper Wait sit in the greenhouse to have a calm and peaceful learning space.

Photo by Alyssa Griffith

Ruiz is emotional at the grand opening as Adams congratulates Spanish Honor Society on their work that was put in to making the green house possible.

Photo by Alyssa Griffith

Junior Gracie Thompson played one of the lead characters, Raja Englanderova.

Photo by Emma McDonald

Freshman Molly Berace, juniors Kelsey Theilen and Regan Mills, sophomores Mallory Chapman and Elizabeth Lacapta, senior Daisy Smith and freshman Sophia Ferguson perform the winter One Act Play “I Never Saw Another Butterfly� on Feb. 13-15.

Photo by Emma McDonald

Junior Regan Mills played Irena Synkova and cries to the audience during one of the scenes.

Photo by Emma McDonald

Winter One Act Play

Freshman Grace Fisher, sophomore Kennedy Naseem, junior Gracie Thompson, sophomore Will Pierce and junior Sal Bonadonna sit around a table for a scene.

Photo by Emma McDonald

A&E.

Iced and Easy The Bell reviews five local coffee shops.

Reported by Jennavieve Carmoney For many LHS students, Starbucks, Dunkin’ and Caribou are go-tos for a morning pick me up. For those looking to shop local and support small business, we have plenty of smaller coffee shops right here in Liberty. I ordered

Design by Regan Johnston

a vanilla iced coffee with half & half creamer at Hammerhand, Overflow, Huey’s on the Square, Barista de Casa and The Nest to find out which local café has the best cup of iced coffee in town.

Rating:

/5

H a m m e rh a n d

This iced coffee was the strongest out of any I tried. You don’t get a ton of vanilla flavor with this coffee, but instead you can taste the notes listed in the coffee roast. After taking a sip, you get a strong moment of bitterness that sticks to your tongue. This coffee is one that you’ll taste long after you finish drinking it. The minimalist setting of Hammerhand makes for a great place to study, meet up with friends or chat with the knowledgeable baristas behind the bar. For the coffee connoisseur in your life, this will be a favorite for sure.

Senior Abby Geier can often be found studying with friends in the comfort of Hammerhand’s walls.

“I like Hammerhand the best because it has the best atmosphere out of all of them,” Geier said. “In my opinion, it has the best coffee. They make it their own.”

R at i n g : Photo by Connor Callahan

O v erf l o w

This drink was super mild, and almost a little watered down. The vanilla flavor was tame, but pleasant. Once I added half & half, though, it lost almost all of the coffee flavor.

It was really easy to drink, it just didn’t really have a coffee taste to it. Overflow is known for their coffee and crepes, and this is definitely the mild coffee drink that would pair well with one of their sweeter crepe options. Between the seating, charitable donation bookshelf and friendly staff, Overflow felt welcoming.

Sophomore Gabriel Baldaia attends the

church which owns the café, and knows many people that work at Overflow.

“I don’t typically go to coffee shops, but I do find myself going to Overflow more often,” Baldaia said. “Journey Church owns Overflow, they have a lot of different things there. I really like the atmosphere. I know the people that work there, and they’re kind to everybody.

I also have a lot of friends who enjoy going there. Not just for me and the people at my church, but I think it’s a really nice place for people to go to.”

R at i n g : 26

the bell February 2020 A&E

Photo by Connor Callahan

A&E.

Huey’s

This was my favorite cup of coffee overall. It was everything I wanted out of a cup of iced coffee. I could taste the vanilla syrup, which was really nice and flavorful. The coffee taste was mild but you could still tell it was there, and it was all really nicely mellowed out by the creamer. Huey’s has a classic American diner vibe with made-to-order coffee options. The staff is friendly and fun no matter when you visit. Not only that, but it was significantly cheaper than all of the other professional cafés I went to.

Sophomore Olivia Centa knows the family that owns Huey’s, so she enjoys getting coffee from there.

“I have a preference to them, because they’re personal like that. It’s a very friendly, open place. It’s very welcoming and warm. It’s everything that you want a coffee shop to be.

If you want to go there with friends, it’s on the down-low. They also have really good food.”

R at i n g :

Barista de Casa On the other side of the 1-52 bridge, located inside Woodneath library, is Barista de Casa. This was a handcrafted cup of coffee.

The coffee leads with a bitter first note, but it gets better the more you drink it. The vanilla syrup used in the coffee was strong and sweet, exactly as I’d hoped. With the owner, Brandon, behind the counter, you’ll get a nice conversation out of your visit, too.

For a pleasant experience and a peaceful environment topped off with a strong cup of

R at i n g :

Photo by Connor Callahan

coffee, Barista de Casa is the place to go.

Freshman Lily Gott’s dad owns Barista de Casa, and she’s learned a lot about coffee from him.

“My dad started off roasting coffee in our garage and selling that, and making it for our friends and family,” Gott said. “I’ve seen our family struggle in the process of getting the business up and running, but it has taught me a lot about running a business, and how to build from nothing.”

Photo by Mercedes Peck

Th e N e s t

Students may not realize how many options for drinks The Nest has to offer, but their coffee was a standout for sure. The coffee, the flavoring, and the creamer melded together for an excellent iced coffee drink. Between the warm, low-lighting, the eclectic wall of coffee mugs and a table made for many, The Nest is a great way to start your school day. Not only are the drinks outstanding and the décor inviting, but the staff excels as well. This coffee shop is

R at i n g :

Seniors Zach Hargiss, Anthony Geier, and Tyler Robinson are all employees for The Nest.

Photo by Kaleigh McCarthy

run by LHS Special Education students who excel in customer service and making a great cup of coffee.

Junior Ian Wooldridge makes time before school to visit The Nest.

“I love The Nest’s atmosphere,” Wooldridge said. “It’s not a traditional coffee shop, so it’s cool how it’s open a little bit before school and throughout the first couple hours of the school day. The prices are amazing, but the hospitality and the service is wonderful.”

A&E lhsnews.net

27

C H I E F S

How ‘bout those

A&E.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes rallies his fans at the Chiefs parade on Wenesday, Feb. 5. Bottom left: When the Chiefs came to LHS last year, they gifted the school a helmet which is now kept in a trophy case in the cafeteria. Bottom right: Chiefs cheerleaders Caroline and Olivia spread their cheer at the parade.

Photo by Emma McDonald

LHS shares expectations and reactions to Super Bowl LIV. Reported by Ashley Tindall

In 1970 the Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl IV and, since then, it has been an uphill battle for the Chiefs. Seasons went by without them even making it into the playoffs. Last year, they made their way to the American Football Conference Championship where they played against the New England Patriots but lost 3731. This year, the Chiefs had a chance at taking the Lombardi trophy home after 50 years and with a fourth quarter comeback, they did.

Photo by Kylee Williams

28

the bell February 2020 A&E

Design by Regan Johnston

Photo by Emma McDonald

A&E. “It is going to be a hard game,” she said.

“The 49ers have a really good defense, but the big strength of the Chiefs is when Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce work together.”

Wilhelm agreed, expressing that while he believed in his team, they had to fight for the title of champions.

“The biggest challenge is definitely having to deal with the 49ers defense,” he said. “They are the best defense in the league. The best defense in the league is going up against the best offense in the league, it’s going to be a great game.”

Math teacher Matt Kiser remained strong in his belief that he would be able to see the Chiefs win the Super Bowl for the first time in his life.

“I believe the Chiefs will win because we are the best team in the NFL and we have the best quarterback in the league,” Kiser said. “I expect them to win 33-27. The biggest weakness to overcome will be the running game of the 49ers. Mahomes will lead us to the first Super Bowl in my lifetime. Nobody is talking about Butler. He could be the wildcard in this game as he is one of the premier kickers.”

Expectations Kansas City, Missouri is notorious for its fan-filled stadium, Arrowhead. This year the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Tennessee Titans, 35-24, meaning they earned a one-way ticket to Miami, Florida where they faced the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV. Chiefs fans at LHS all had a hope that the team could finally win the Super Bowl.

Students voiced their predictions for the big game.

“In the last two games the first quarter hasn’t been our strong suit, but I hope the climate of Miami will have them coming out strong in a nice, warm environment,” senior Chase Wilhelm said. “I hope we come out strong and hit them right in the beginning.”

Freshman Jenny Campbell has the same hopes for the Chiefs but thought they just needed a strong second half.

“I think in the first half we’ll drag a little bit, but once it gets to the second half we’ll have a comeback,” Campbell said.

Sophomore Naysha Blackwell thinks the game will be a tough one but the Chiefs had the chance to get a win.

Photo courtesy of Alyssa Griffith

Photo by Pearl Pritchard

Photo by Alyssa Griffith

Top: Seniors Alyssa Griffith and Lauryn Hillman rock their Chiefs gear at the Chiefs parade. Bottom left: In order to have great team spirit, everyone needs to get involved.

Freshmen Mackenzie Shenn, Kennedy Dresslaer, Paige Robinson, Mikah Hall and Hayden Bracken join sophomores Ava Mallams and Alysa Pendergraft get together to show their support. Bottom right: Sophomores Grayce Kilkenny, Macey Broyles and Jamie Phelan strike a pose in their best Chiefs outfits.

Continued on page 30 A&E

lhsnews.net

29

A&E.

Reality The Chiefs won Super Bowl LIV with a score of 31-20. After ending the first half tied 10-10, the 49ers took the lead in the third quarter, leaving the Chiefs fan biting their nails in anticipation. In the fourth quarter, with seven minutes on the clock, the Chiefs scored a touchdown and got the field goal. Chiefs player, Damien Williams, scored the winning touchdown leaving the Chiefs in the lead and leaving them to run the down clock.

“It would have been even better if we had gotten that touchdown with Watkins at the end,” Wilhelmm said. “That hail mary with five seconds left on the clock, fourth and 26. That would have been the best way to end, but when Williams broke free and ran that 20 yards for that touchdown that is when we knew that game was done.”

Throughout the game there were memorable plays that stuck with fans. One was Patrick Mahomes’ 44 yard pass to Tyreek Hill with over six minutes left in the fourth quarter.

Another was the play that left the 49ers circling after the Chiefs did a 360 spin and scooted down the field.

“I think one of the most memorable was when Patrick Mahomes juked on them,” Endaya said. “That was really exciting. When we got a touchdown and it was under review, they called it as a touchdown and left the call on the field alone. That was so exciting and people were crazy when that happened.”

Though the game ended well, many fans were struck with anxiety during the third quarter.

“I was on the edge of my seat, but I trusted the team,” Campbell said. “I didn’t give up on them, I thought we’d have a comeback and we did.”

Endaya agreed.

“I was down but I think it was the environment, everyone was feeling down,” she said. “But I still kept my faith in the team.”

With 57 seconds left on the clock, the Chiefs knew they had won the Super Bowl. They dunked Head Coach Andy Reid in orange gatorade and started cheering. Once the game ended, the team, coaches, and the owners of the Chiefs, the Hunt family took to a stage where they were given the Lombardi trophy and where Patrick Mahomes was announced as MVP. Wilhelm thinks he deserved the title.

“I think he deserved it from an overall standpoint,” he said. “I don’t disagree with him getting MVP, he did a great job there at the end. He’s a good kid and he’s done really well for the Chiefs.”

Jill Endaya Chemistry teacher Jill Endaya has been on the Chiefs’ drumline for nine years. She auditioned during her freshman year at the University of Missouri-Kansas City because the school didn’t have a marching band and has stuck with it all this time.

“I absolutely love it,” Endaya said. “I forget how cool of an opportunity it is until I’m standing on the 50-yard line at Arrowhead. It makes me really grateful.”

She was at the playoff games at Arrowhead and basked in the joy from the team and the fans..

“The best part of being on is performing during halftime,” Endaya said. “But there are way too many good memories to count, all of the playoff games have been really fun. The crowd is wild.”

When the Chiefs made it to the Super Bowl they took some of the drumline, but not all.

“I was seriously one person away from getting to go to the Super Bowl,” Endaya said. “They only took five members and since I play snare like some of the other members, they decided to go with a bass drummer and cymbal player instead. Oh well, next time.”

Photo by Grace Bushroe

Chiefs wide recievers Demarcus Robinson and Tyreek Hill march in the parade and take a moment to enjoy the cheerful atmosphere.

Photo by Emma McDonald

30

the bell February 2020 A&E

C H I E F S 2 50

Years since last Superbowl win

31 to 20

A&E.

Total Superbowl Wins

Win Against

49ers

LHS Staff shows their football spirit before the game on Sunday, Feb. 2 by making an arrowhead shape.

Photo by Rebecca Cahill

A&E

lhsnews.net

31

sports.

Eat. Sleep.

Swim. Repeat.

Junior Ellie Hartwig does the butterfly stroke while swimming during practice. The Lady Jays swim and dive team has had a sucessful season so far and is currently preparing for state.

Photo by Ashley Ritter

This is one of the best years yet for the Lady Jays swim and dive team.

Reported by Anthony Savastino Design by Emma Stauffer

Swimmers leap off the block, divers dive into the pool, everyone’s eyes are on the chance to win. Every swimmer in the meet knows they can’t win the entire meet individually, they are going to need their teammates alongside them.

The Lady Jays swim and dive team recognizes just how much they need their teammates to win and are fighting for their best season yet.

“Last year we had a team that bonded better than any team we’ve ever had and most of those girls are back,” head coach Chris Murphy said. “They have helped the team this year, not only by being fast, but also getting along well and doing what needs to be done for the team to be successful.”

Swim meets are a series of 12 events that all add up to a team’s final score.

“There are eight individual events, three relays and then there is a diving event which counts as one of the 12 events,” sophomore Sydney Usher said. “The events start with the 200 medley relay and ends with the 400 free relay. The eight individual events are in between those along with the 200 free relay.”

Every sports team is going to run into problems during the season, but the good teams always find a way to turn their

32

the bell February 2020 Sports

Senior Christina Rangel glides through the water as she does a kick set while warming up at practice.

Photo by Charlene Nguyen

problems into positives.

“Sometimes when you have a big group of girls who are all really good it’s hard to be competitive and push each other in the right way,” sophomore Sidney Morris said. “I think sometimes people are competitive in the wrong ways. I think you have to build each other up to swim fast and I think sometimes we have problems with that. Sometimes we are each other’s competition rather than other teams, but we’re a lot better with handling that now that we’re later in the season.”

One aspect of the team that helps them compete at a high level is they have known each other for quite a while.

“A lot of us come from the same club team, so we already are really close,” Morris said.

“We are all really close friends so we’re really good at pushing each other. We hang out all of the time, even over the summer during the off-season.”

Liberty North is a competitive team that has created challenges for the Lady Jays in the past.

“We’re one of the top teams in the city, but also one of the best teams in the city is Liberty North,” Murphy said. “They have tended to just beat us by a little bit in every single meet this year except for the last one, where we beat

Freshman Anna Thorton of The Lady Jay’s swim and dive team takes a dive into the pool during their daily practices.

them in an invite. It was good for the girls to see that they can beat Liberty North. It’s a unique situation where we have a team like Liberty North who is just as good and as fast as us in the same town.”

In swim and dive, athletes know if they are going to State as soon as they make a qualifying time. The Lady Jays are continually trying to get ready for state and to improve their performance.

“For State, we try to eat healthy and drink a lot of water,” senior Christina Rangel said.

“We also just workout and try to get ready. We spend a lot of time together and we just try to have fun while practicing. We’re always trying to push each other and be competitive.”

The preparation and work leads up to February 21-23 where swimmers and divers compete for a state title in St. Peters, Missouri.

“You have to work hard all year long and then hit what we call taper just right at the end of the year when we rest so that at the end of the year the best times are coming are on that single day of prelims at state and then try to come back for state even faster,” Murphy said.

“That’s probably the biggest stress you have, you work all year long and then it comes down to that one day.”

sports.

School Records Broken this Season at Conference 200 IM and 100 fly Ellie Hartwig

200 medley relay

Ellie Hartwig, Henley Schmalz-Turner, Kate Towns and Sydney Usher

200 free relay

Madi Carmichael, Kate Minette, Kate Towns and Christina Rangel

400 free relay

Madi Carmichael, Ellie Hartwig Kate Minette and Christina Rangel

Photo by Charlene Nguyen

Ellie Hartwig

“I’m proud of getting a State cut in all eight events offered through high school swim. My dedication to the sport helps me excel because it teaches me about commitment and responsibility.

I broke a conference record one of my old teammates set, the 100 fly record with a time of 56.51 seconds and the 200 individual medley record with a 2:08.98.

I think that the rest of this season is going to be phenomenal as long as we keep working together.”

Junior Ellie Hartwig Reported by Rosie Frederick

Coach Chris Murphy

“She has a chance to be our first State champion at Liberty High School in a long time. That is my ultimate goal for her. She works incredibly hard to be the best she can be, so being a State champion is definitely a possibility. I knew she would break both of those records. It was a matter of when, not if. The fun part will be watching how much she can eventually lower those records. I know she will leave those records with times that will be very hard to beat in the future. I also believe there will be other records she gets before she graduates.”

Teammate senior Kate Towns “Ellie is always super motivating and is always in a good mood. She pushes everyone to be the best that they can and she is an important girl on this team. This season I hope she wins an individual event at State because she deserves it more than anyone. She works so hard, she is ranked first right now and I know she can do it. She is super kind to everyone and pushes everyone to be their best. There is nobody like her on the team.”

Photo by Emma McDonald

Sports lhsnews.net

33

You’re Invited to

The Writing Studio We’ll help you with any type or stage of writing.

-Research papers -Job applications -Scholarship essays -Brainstorming to final revisions -Any subject area

Where?

600s Flex Space Conference Room

Timing?

Allow time to meet your writing goals before your due date.

You may need more than one writing conference time.

How will we help you?

An English teacher and/or strong student writer will collaborate 1-on-1 or in small groups

Who can use it?

All students All levels

When?

Hours 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 and Liberty Hour

What to bring?

-Pass from your teacher -Assignment and rubric -What you’ve written (paper or computer) -A willingness to improve

History Teacher

Ellen Meade Interviews by Rosie Frederick

last but not least.

Photo by Kaleigh McCarthy

Design by Derek Katzer

Freshman Landon Carrillo

“Mrs. Meade’s teaching is different from everyone else because she has a way of interacting with people, it puts everyone in a good mood. Especially with all the stories she’s told. It’s kind of cool because every story she tells she links back to the topic we’re talking about for the class unit.”

Freshman Jana DeVaul

“Mrs. Meade uses different levels of learning to help us understand the material. She also gives us many different projects and activities to go deeper into what the topic is about. One day she made a Great Depression simulation in class and the whole class had to try to survive.

Everyone seemed to enjoy it.”

Freshman Annamarie Milano

“She finds a way to relate things in our lives to what we are learning in class. She makes jokes and always has a way to keep the attention of her students. She just makes the learning interesting so we retain it better. She has helped me with deciding classes for next year and has given me some insight on certain courses and jobs she thinks I would be interested in.”

Freshman Kyrstin Sims

“I feel Mrs. Meade makes learning different from other teachers because she gets in the mind of a teen and thinks what would help them understand better, and really explains each topic, and makes sure every student understands. She is one of my favorite teachers because she has such a kind heart and an amazing personality. I would love to have her again. She makes learning so fun and makes it so much easier.”

Freshman Abby Steelman

“Mrs. Meade is an amazing teacher. Her way of teaching gets us ready for our future in high school along with our future after we graduate.

Although we may not like the way she has us take notes sometimes, we know she wants us to be able to succeed later. Her personality is so contagious and she always has so much energy.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen her in a bad mood.”

last but not least lhsnews.net

35

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