May 2023

VO LU MA ME Y 99 20 Ma dis Co | NO. 23 on ve 8 Re r by ml ey

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR T wo years in newspaper has taught me working as a team is always better than doing it alone. It has taught me working hard always pays off when you’re passionate about something. I’m excited to embark on this new journey as the Editor-in-Chief of The Bell. I know our new leadership staff will be able to accomplish greatness and I can’t wait to see all we can do.

As the torch is passed, we will never forget the seniors. We thank them for their hard work and all they put into this paper. This issue of The Bell is to commemorate LHS’ 2023 graduates.

When it comes to this year’s graduates, seniors had to overcome obstacles with COVID-19 (pg.17), but it never stopped them from creating lasting memories they will remember after graduation (pg.7).

Senior Emma Wood reflected on her experience in FBLA and what got her to State (pg.11). Senior Anthony Wenson discussed his future in the Air Force playing football (pg. 13).

The legacy of seniors will never be forgotten, from the incredible athletic talents (pg.5), to the traditions created by spirit leaders (pg.9).

It is difficult to think of our staff without seniors. They will be missed immensely and we can’t wait to see what is in store for them (pg.19).I know they all have bright futures.

Farewell to the seniors who have put in hours of their life to make this paper the best it can be.

Lucy Boyle

S TA F F Editor-in-Chief | Lucy Boyle Managing, Indepth, Copy & Ads Editor | Victorya Wilkinson Online, A&E & Design Editor | Jenna Shores News & Sports Editor | Connor Rizek Spotlight Editor | Brookelyn Jadwin Opinion & Features Editor | Chloe Franklin Photo Jay Managing Editor | Madison Remley Photo Jay Equipment Manager | Lizzy Garr

Reporters Brodie Jobe Brodey Hutton Mary Biesemeyer Bianka Mancia Castillo Kaiya Lynch

Photo Jay On the Cover: As April comes to a close, so does the seniors’ last few days, as their last day is May 9 2023. The school and community would like to celebrate and acknowledge their accomplishments, not only looking back on their last four years, but also looking ahead to their future. “Take in all the moments of your senior year it truly does go by so fast,” senior Mackenzie Shinn said.

Richard Burns Ethan McMenemy Sam Brusven

Designed by Lucy Boyle 2

THE BELL | MAY 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS

A&E

FEATURE

05

07

09

UPCOMING SENIOR EVENTS

MEMORIES LAST A LIFETIME

THE ROLLERCOASTER STARTED IN KANSAS

THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO SENIORS LAST DAY.

BY JENNA SHORES, LUCY BOYLE & BRODIE JOBE

SENIOR REMINSCE ON THEIR FAVORITE MEMORIES THEY MADE THROUGHOUT THEIR TIME AT LHS.

BY CHLOE FRANKLIN

SECOND SEMESTER BRINGS ABOUT A CHANGE IN POSITIONS FOR MANY ADMINISTRATORS.

BY VICTORYA WILKINSON

SPOTLIGHT

SPOTLIGHT

SPORTS

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13

16

SENIOR EMMA WOOD

SENIOR ANTHONY WENSON

SPORTS REMINISCING

A SENIORS JOURNEY FROM FBLA TO UMKC.

WENSON’S HARD WORK THAT GOT HIM INTO THE AIRFORCE ACADEMY TO PLAY FOOTBALL.

SENIOR ATHLETES DISCUSS FAVORITE MEMORIES WITHIN THEIR SPORTS.

BY BIANKA MANCIA

BY CONNOR RIZEK

@thelhsbell

BY MARY BIESEMEYER

@thelhsbell

KLHS TV Designed by Lucy Boyle LHSNEWS.NET

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TABLE OF CONTENTS COURTESY OF SCHOAL CREEK ELEMENTARY

WHAT’S ONLINE? ELEMENTARY WALK PHOTO GALLERY: SENIORS EMBARK ON THEIR OLD SCHOOLS BEFORE THEY GRADUATE.

INDEPTH

OPINION

17

19

23

COVID AFFECTS SENIORS

SENIOR COLUMNS

SENIOR ADS

COVID HAS CHANGED SENIORS HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE, POSITIVELY AND NEGATIVELY.POS

A LAST FAREWELL FROM OUR SENIORS ON STAFF.

BY BROOKLEYN JADWIN

BY KAIYA LYNCH, ETHAN MCMENEMY & SAM BRUSVEN

lhsnews.net 4

THE BELL | MAY 2023

Designed by Lucy Boyle

NEWS

SPORTS REMINICING Senior athletes discuss favorite memories within their sport.

Designed by Connor Rizek | Reported by Mary Beismeyer | Photos by Ethan McMenemy

All the meets we had. You really get to connect with your teammates,” senior Caroline Staufeldt said.

I loved when we beat Independence to go to State, and it was such a great team to do it with,” senior Connor Finn said.

Branching out and creating new friendships with amazing people,” senior Alaina Floresch said.

What are seniors’ favorite memories in their sport?

Any performance, winnings and team

Carpooling together because it really made us all close.

bonding will always be so memorable to me.

senior Paige Thomas said.

senior Alana Bryson said.

LHSNEWS.NET

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NEWS

SENIOR NOSTOLGIC SENIOR WALK BREAKFAST SKIP DAY One day break marks the count down StuCo gets ready for senior breakfast.

Seniors’ walk through their old schools before they graduate.

Reported by Lucy Boyle | Photos by Ethan McMenemy Reported by Jenna Shores | Designed by Connor Rizek A s the end of the year approaches, StuCo

has planned a variety of activities to celebrate seniors last moments of high school.

Senior breakfast is a breakfast Stuco has put on for many years now. It is held Friday, May 12 from 6:30 to 8 am in the fieldhouse. Following the breakfast, seniors will practice graduation walks.

Since this event is for seniors, underclassmen StuCo members are planning this event to make this excited and a surprise for seniors. This planning consisted of setting up fieldhouse, organizing and scheduling the event and ordering food based on the students that bought tickets.

“We wanted it to be a fun suprise for all seniors, even in StuCo, so we decided to have underclassman plan senior breakfast,” Sophomore StuCo member Jamie Johnson.

The Senior Breakfast has been done every year in hopes that it creates memories for the seniors as they leave. This event is supposed to be a recognition for all the hard work they have done throughout their four years in high school.

At the beginning of the year, seniors paid $20 to participate in Senior Breakfast, which gets them a T-shirt and breakfast. Seniors still wanting to participate can check their emails for more information.

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toward graduation.

Reported by Brodie Jobe S

O n Apr. fourth the senior class of 2023

traveled to their old elementary and middle schools to relive and revisit the memories from their youth before they graduate and move on from Liberty Public Schools.

Each senior that traveled on that day filled out a Google form asking what schools they went to; then later got an email specifying what bus they would take to those schools. On the morning of the event, all the seniors went to a senior meeting with Dr. Adams where they went over senior breakfast and graduation rehearsal, and got their cap and gown.

“It was very nostalgic to go back through the past,” senior Tanner Hudnall said.

All seniors spent 10-15 minutes at each school; all walking through the halls and some even taking photos with their old teachers.

“I loved getting the opportunity to visit teachers who helped me become the person I am today,” senior Lily Williams said. “Being able to look back at all of our old memories together as a group was so emotional, it’s crazy to think that we all have been going to school together for this long and I’m so happy we get the chance to celebrate with each other before graduating.”

At the beginning of the year, seniors paid $20 to participate in Senior Breakfast, which gets them a T-shirt and breakfast. Seniors still wanting to participate may check their emails for more information. Also, check the Liberty StuCo social media for updates.

enior skip day has been a tradition annually for as long as anyone can remember.

Liberty High School’s senior skip day occurs on opening day of the Kansas City Royals. This year it was held on Thurs, Mar. 30. The attendance office estimated that about 65% of seniors skipped that day and partook in the event.

“I believe senior skip day is a wonderful tradition,” counseling assistant Jessie Allison said. “It is great for the comradery and team building outside of school.”

According to Quora, “There is no generally agreed-upon beginning to the tradition, but there are records of skip days as far back as the 1930s.”

“I am very grateful for the tradition of senior skip day that has been passed on throughout the years,” senior Jaden Farrimond said. “The day lets all of us seniors participate in whatever we would like from going out to the Royals game, staying home or hanging out with friends. I am glad my senior class can continue the tradition too.

The day itself was spent in many different ways.

Students went on college visits, visited their first Royals game of the 2023 season, participated in outdoor activities, as well as hung out with their fellow classmates.

“I spent my free day at home enjoying the company of friends,” Farrimond said.

“I spent my day at home playing video games with my friends,” senior Dane Moberly said.

This annual tradition will be on Royals opening day as well for the class of 2024, it will be between late Mar. and early Apr.

SENIOR SUPERLATIVES

Desig

ned b y Lucy

Boyle

A&E

WHICH SENIOR ON STAFF IS MOST LIKELY TO...

MOST LIKELY TO...

BE THE CEO OF A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR COMPANY. KAIYA LYNCH MOST LIKELY TO...

HAVE HIS OWN REALITY TV SHOW. ETHAN MCMENEMEY

MOST LIKELY TO.... BE THE BEST DRESSED. SAM BRUSVEN LHSNEWS.NET

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A&E

Photo Courtesy of Rachel Homoly

Photo Courtesy of Justin Clay

MEMORIES LAST A LIFETIME Seniors reminisce on their favorite memories they made Reported by Chloe Franklin | Designed by Jenna Shores

class of 2023, were once T he freshmen who could feel their

heartbeat in their throat on their first day of high school. They stared at the big doors which led into the school as they wondered what the next four years would hold. They took a deep breath and put one foot in front of the other as they prepared to enter the next chapter of their life at high school.

Flashforward to the same group of seniors looking forward to their life moving forward after graduating. Seniors reflect on how much they have changed and grown during their time at the school.

“It’s kind of bittersweet, there is a lot I will miss, but I’m excited to move onto a new chapter of my life,” senior Broderick Beebe said.

Beebe has enjoyed meeting new

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THE BELL | MAY 2023

people in all of his classes and making some of the best memories in his AP Chemistry class. He enjoys the fact that he had a small class and Mr. Jorgenson did an amazing job of keeping students interested in the content.

“It’s a small class and so we all know each other well, we joke around quite a bit, and we learn a lot. I’ve always been interested in Chemistry, and Mr. Jorgensen really does a good job getting us very interested in it,” Beebe said.

Seniors coming into high school four years ago were anxious and apprehensive of what the new chapter in their life would hold for them. Now some feel a sense of sorrow in having to leave behind the connections they made while not knowing whether they will hear from the people who made such a tremendous impact in their life again.

“I am excited to leave high school and go to college, but it is also kind of bittersweet at the same time because time went by really fast,” senior Mackenzie Shinn said.

Shinn found more joy and a sense of community in the sports she was involved with during her four years.

“My favorite memory in high school has been all the Friday night football games and track meets I participated in,” Shinn said.

To numerous students, sports provided an outlet and purpose during their senior year, and are sorrowful to leave their teammates behind in the next chapter of their lives.

“Sports med trainer was my favorite class because we learned all about different bones in your body and how to keep your body from getting injured if you’re an athlete,” Shinn said.

A&E

Photo Courtesy of Mackenzie Shinn

n

Shin ackenzie rtesy of M u o C to o Ph

LHS provided classes and opportunities for everyone to find an interest. Whether students were interested in sports, instruments, singing, woodworking, art or computer work, they were able to find a sense of belonging and meaning during their teenage years.

“I had fun being in those classes.

They never seemed to bore me or made me want to go home early,” senior Laci Jones said.

Seniors took numerous different paths after graduation whether it be college, a trade school, a gap year, or choosing to not attend college after high school.

“I am ready to move onto college life and what that holds for me,” senior Justin Clay said.

The one lesson every senior can agree on is to enjoy the moments that they have had and the people that have changed their lives for the better. They will never forget the memories this school has provided them and appreciate all the lessons that they will take with them to the next chapter of their lives.

CALENDAR May 6- Prom at 8 pm - The View at Briarcliff May 9 - Seniors’ Last Day (3:15 dismissal) May 12- Mandatory Senior Meeting/Senior Breakfast May 12 - Baccalaureate at 7 pm - Pleasant Valley Baptist Church May 14- Commencement at 2:30 - Cable Dahmer Arena

LHSNEWS.NET

9

FEATURES

THE ROLLERCOASTER STARTED IN KANSAS The history of a crowd-favorite tradition is spoken for the first time.

Reported by Victorya Wilkinson | Designed by Chloe Franklin | Photos Courtesy of Tim Fritson & Sam Brusven “R

OLLERCOASTER, ROLLERCOASTER, ROLLERCOASTER, ROLLERCOASTER, ROLLERCOASTER,” words repeated over and over in the student section during football games, basketball games and more.

The chant is a tradition dating back over 10 years. The Rollercoaster is a student section custom but many students don’t know its origin.

The first time the chant was ever introduced was in 2011 by a student named Braden Brown. Brown spent his first two years of high school in Derby, Kansas where he first learned of the Rollercoaster. After

transferring, he decided he would quietly introduce the concept to the student section during halftime of a basketball playoff game at UCM’s basketball arena.

“I wanted to bring the Rollercoaster to LHS because of the fun and excitement it would bring to the crowd leading into the second half. I always knew how much fun we had at Derby doing it, so I knew people would like it,” Brown said. “Crowd participation is huge in basketball. We wanted to bring energy and be loud to get everyone excited for the second half. I think some students enjoyed the Rollercoaster more than the games themselves at times.”

At the time, they did not have spirit leaders, as the first spirit leader wasn’t until 2013 when Turner Staton was able to get the entire crowd to follow in the chant, popularizing it.

In the beginning, it was the front-row seniors who lead the chants and cheers.

“My favorite part of being in the student section was the friendships, the excitement, the passion for cheering on your fellow classmates. Our senior class was very close and a lot of us still stay in contact to this day.

All the sports supported each other at every event, and we took pride in trying to help the team win. We used to look forward to games all week, and we always had themes in the

When seniors think of high school, they remember and reminisce on all the fun, “All my friends made high school special for me, they were there for me throughout all of high school,” senior Mackenzie Shinn said.

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FEATURES the games themselves at times.”

At the time, they did not have spirit leaders, as the first spirit leader wasn’t until 2013 when Turner Staton was able to get the entire crown to follow in the chant, popularizing it. In the beginning, it was the front-row seniors who lead the chants and cheers.

Fellow alumnus, current history, Psychology, Sociology teacher and Baseball coach Matthew Dye was a close friend of Brown during the creation of the chant and he too enjoyed being a part of the implemented tradition.

“I just think this [the Rollercoaster] has become such a major part of the culture of LHS and school spirit. We finish our assemblies with it, and it brings every group of students, every grade level and all the staff members together to do the same thing. So, since it is so special, I think it’s important to know the history of it, and when it first originated,” Dye said.

The chant is memorable to more than just the alumni who created it, as many students participate in the Rollercoaster during games.

“I always liked doing it to get us ready before kickoff. It got me, the crowd and the players ready before the game,” senior Alex Cronin said.

Though this tradition has stuck it was never expected to.

When the chant was first performed the student section was only able to do it twice before they graduated.

“I love how it is such a tradition now. I remember my first assembly, while I was student teaching, and they finished the assembly with the Rollercoaster. I had no idea it had become such a thing when I was away at college. I Snapchatted Braden, while it was going on because I was so excited to tell him what had happened,” Dye said.

The original Rollercoaster was done a bit differently than it is done now. The first chant was much slower and longer than the one we do today. It used to take almost a minute to do with much more movement and there is no longer fake puking at the end.

“It did live on after 2011 and started happening each year. My younger brother, Brennon Brown was in charge of directing it his whole senior year in 2015. He told everyone he had to do it because his older brother is the one who started it,” Brown said.

Students may view the first time students did the Rollercoaster: the video is titled “libertyhighrollercoaster”

by Baseballmvp5.

“It brought fun and excitement to the crowd leading into the second half,” Alumn Braden Brown said.

LHSNEWS.NET

11

SPOTLIGHT

SENIOR EMMA WOOD

A passion for business has led her to State.

Reported by Bianka Mancia | Designed by Brookelyn Jadwin | Photos courtesy of Emma Wood

Senior Emma Wood is a part of the FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and has won many awards including a $1000 dollar scholarship for college. She will attend UMKC in the fall to major in finance or accounting. “I wasn’t really that surprised when she joined. She’s organized and good with numbers and processes. I’m glad she has a support system not just in her home but her school as well for her career.” senior Madilyn Wood said.

W T he sudden stomach drop and tingly sensation in one’s hands, The sudden heart pounding and headache you feel when the moment arrives to make a decision that will affect your high school life forever.

This is what many juniors and seniors have felt when the moment comes to decide a career. Senior Emma Wood first joined Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). last fall when she faced this challenging decision.

FBLA is a business organization which helps grow strong leaders for their future life endeavors for these students.

“FBLA has such a wide variety of topics that are addressed. There are events in anything from public speaking, business communications, personal finance,

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“FBLA is a business organization that helps to build strong leaders,” Natalie Craig said.

graphic design, computer programming, publication design, broadcast journalism, agribusiness and more,” Business teacher Natalie Craig said.

FBLA has many learning options. It helps with skills which many students will need after high school for example:public speaking.

“Additionally, it provides networking experiences with other students as well as potential employers,”Craig said.

“The group is small but very committed and involved. If you are interested in business, you should check them out,” says Senior Emma Wood. There are a wide range of scholarships and leadership opportunities that go along with being in FBLA that can help after high school. Wood received a 1,000 scholarship for her college by “Is really good practice in speaking with

SPOTLIGHT

business people and learning how to take constructive feedback. This is a skill that students will need after high school, it also provides networking experiences with other students as well as potential employers,It can be really beneficial if they are willing to give it a shot,” Craig said.

Wood hopes to follow a career in finance or accounting. She will be attending the Bloch School at UMKC and has plans to go to FBLA’S State Conference.

“She’s organized and is good with numbers and processes. I’m glad she has a support system, not just in her home, but her school for her career,” Woods’ sister Madilyn Wood said.

FBLA is not only helpful for people who choose to pursue a career in business but it teaches good skills that can be used for any career path.

“No matter what you do as a career, you will have to learn how to professionally communicate with others, how to explain your ideas and how to interact with people you don’t know. All of these skills are experiences students will have in FBLA. Additionally, it gets students familiar with the topics that will be talked about in the desired field,” Craig said FBLA doesn’t require prior coursework or experience. If interested, email the sponsor Natalie Craig, or check out their Instagram @bluejay_fbla.

Woods has now been in FBLA for one year and is now working on achieving her career path of choice “FBLA helped me in giving me a 1,000 scholarship,” said Woods.

As Woodcontinues on her journey of achieving a finances or accounting career she has had support from many people in school and out.

THE BELL | LHSNEWS.NET

13

SPOTLIGHT

SENIOR ANTHONY WENSON

Football player plans for the near future.

Reported by Connor Rizek | Designed by Brookelyn Jadwin | Photos by Lizzy Garr and courtesy of Anthony Wenson

W enson had the ball in hand, sweat

rushing down his face, weaving past the opposing team, scanning for anyone who might get in his way. The feeling of scoring the gamewinning touchdown against Liberty North is a feeling he will never forget.

Senior Anthony Wenson will continue his football carrer at the the Aiforce Academy. As he committed to the Air Force Academy, located in El Paso County, Colorado, on June 30th of 2022. The academy is home to the Air Force Falcons. He played football for the Blue Jays, and he signed with the Air Force Academy. He had a total of 31 touchdowns and 3,339 yards according to Max Reps.

“I feel that the season could’ve gone better, but overall, I loved my senior season. I loved how I got to lead our team to many victories. We also made many memories that will stick with me for the rest of my life,” Wenson said.

Wenson is named a three star football player.

His starting position for football was running back, but he also played kick off returner and on defense he was a defensive back. Wenson was a team captain and had 78 people on the football team that followed Wenson’s lead. His leadership led the team to the postseason where the team lost to Blue Springs South 42-14.

“Anthony Wenson was an amazing player, and I loved coaching him. He’s an amazing leader and will do great things in the future. The team will miss him next year,” head coach Chad Frigon said. Wenson played for Frigon for all four years of highschool.

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In that time he became a First Team All-State kick off returner, and first team All-Conference athlete. In his senior year had 1930 total yards, and 21 touchdowns.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for me.

Honestly i’m really excited and really honored that they chose me and offered me a scholarship there. I’m just really honored to go there and learn all I can and proud to serve my country,” Wenson said.

“Anthony is a great teammate and really does deserve this. He’s worked harder than anyone I know to be able to be in the position he’s in right now,” senior Eli Ozick said.

During training sessions, Ozick would kick to Wenson and he would practice returning the ball during, and outside of practice.

“An early memory was, beating North as a sophomore, when I scored the game sealing touchdown against North and that was pretty cool moment, but other than that I remember all the time I spent with my teammates, getting ready for games, practicing and playing with each other, which I would say is my favorite memory,” Wenson said.

Wenson’s impact on the football team will be left behind for many seasons to come. When him and his team mates think about highschool football they will think about eachother.

“There’s been many nights all I did was just school work to make sure I keep my grades up so I could do what I want. I am very grateful for the encouragement from my parents to keep me going so I could do what I love,” Wenson said

SPOTLIGHT

appealing to me.” Anthony Wenson said. to do. The life of an airforce officer was very the career path was better for what I wanted “I chose the Airforce because I thought the careeer path was better for what I wanted to do. The life of an airforce officer was very ap-

Senior Anthony Wenson plays under the Friday night lights for his last games as he approaches his life outside of high school, he has decided to further into football and education at the Air Force Academy.

“It’s an everyday thing, being in the weight room is obviously a big help for playing football, and just doing everything I can to make myself a better player on the field,” senior Wenson said.

THE BELL | LHSNEWS.NET

15

INDEPTH

COVID AFFECTS SENIORS COVID has changed seniors high school experience, positively and negatively.

Reported by Brookelyn Jadwin | Designed by Victorya Wilkinson | Photo by Madison Remley T hroughout the past four years, the class of 2023 (seniors),

underwent something which altered their experience at Liberty High School: COVID-19. This limited what they had exposure to whilst in their highschool years, making it hard to develop certain skills (social skills, time management, etc.) needed in everyday life.

In PublicHealthNYU it states, “Social distancing takes a toll on most of us. Our worlds have become vividly self-contained, lived mainly within the walls of our homes and the social sphere of immediate household members, if present. This is clearly a time that demands resilience.”

EFFECTS OF COVID While not all seniors were affected, many claim it had some sort of effect on them in the long run, whether it was socially, or physically, with sports.

“I don’t feel I know very many people. It’s my senior year, and I know some people, which are really only people I met in my classes initially in freshman year. After that, if I didn’t meet them freshman year, I wouldn’t know them,” senior Broderick Beebe said.

According to PublicHealthHYU, There are both negatives and positives to COVID, with different perspectives there are different struggles, as well as different successes.

Now, there are more digital opportunities, as well as more independent teens because they had to live alone for nearly three years, before things went back to normal.

“I’ve come out of my shell a little bit more. I’m a little more talkative and a little more outgoing I’d say. I was a little more shy freshman year, it gave me an opportunity to really learn how to do things for myself, rather than getting others to do it for me,” senior Madison Dolato said.

Being more independent during the quarantine could also be seen as a negative, as people may lack social skills, or the ability

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to stick up for themselves, and being more introverted. In the The Michigan Daily, it states, “COVID-19 threw a wrench in those high school dreams. I think I saw five people max last summer — two of them being people I lived with. This summer, with restrictions lifted in my hometown, I find myself more comfortable keeping a quarantine summer routine instead of living my high school social summer dreams. It’s weird to hear about plans and parties from high school friends and realize how little I care now. It’s a strange feeling because this social life used to be my whole world.”

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES It can easily be considered tragic for many seniors who missed out. Activities such as homecoming, prom, football games, spirit days, etc, were all things that could’ve been affected during their high school years.

“So, no matter what year you were, it was a little bit devastating for you. Those kids had this huge hit from that. Then after that, the following year there was just caution with everything. A lot of things were just different as far as the school community activities that we are able to do now, assemblies, dances, or whatever it might be,” science teacher Pamela Koch said.

ACADEMICS There was grace allowed to the class of 2023 as teachers cut certain lessons out of their curriculum. Giving more time for work, as well as being more flexible with grades. This made it significantly more difficult for students to transition back into normal learning their junior year.

“They really had an adjustment. I don’t think all teachers stuck to all of the material that they had done, they sort of had to pick and choose what they did. It was harder for the students to try to go back to their normal classes, then the courses that they were taking their junior year were also more rigorous, then they were used to,” Koch said.

INDEPTH MENTAL HEALTH According to The74, “70% of public schools reported that the percentage of students who have sought mental health services increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic; and that 34% of public school students seeking out mental health services more than others were “economically disadvantaged students.”.

This is a major negative from COVID, while many people suffered with a sort of depression throughout quarantine due to isolation. Lacking the ability to socialize, as well as seek any mental help they required throughout the pandemic.

However, there are some positives which came out of COVID. The pandemic increased creativity and allowed the seniors to connect with people all over the world.

ATHLETICS Sports were a big activity that was affected, limiting what teams could do to bond, not allowing them to make the connection all teams need.

“I think it did change a little bit of our team dynamics because there were no gatherings. They weren’t bonding as much on the bus or outside of school or doing a lot of activities. I know this year, my team had a lot of readjusting to know what it was to be a team,” Koch said.

In general COVID did have a major impact on the class of 2023, but there were both positives and negatives to it. Many opportunities were given through different technologies, as well as experiencing something which not everyone gets to experience. As seniors experience their last year, think about how it would’ve felt to go through such an event.

“About half of teens age 14 to 18 said the pandemic had a negative impact on their academics,” according to The Washington Post.

“More than 37 percent of high school students reported they experienced poor mental health during the pandemic,” according to Childrens Hospital New Orleans.

“Online enrollment rose to 170% of its prepandemic level in 202021, then nudged up further to 176% in 2021-22,” according to the74million.org.

“44 percent of teens said they persistently felt sad or hopeless [since COVID],” according to Childrens Hospital New Orleans.

LHSNEWS.NET

17

OPINION

Moving on to Mizzou Newspaper Prepared Me For My Future.

Reported by Ethan Mcnemeny | Photo by Sam Brusven | Designed by Chloe Franklin

A

fter taking a photography class, my junior year, I looked for a way to continue my newfound hobby. I decided to apply to be on the PhotoJ staff for The Bell, expecting to only further my skills with the camera. As I would soon find out, I would be subject to many more lessons than I had initially realized. I now know to never underestimate new experiences.

From early on, I was challenged by being put into a leadership position. It felt as if I was learning something new about my job with every issue of the paper, and it often created stress. Looking back, I realize how my experience in newspaper prepared me for my next step in life; it taught me how to meet deadlines, work with a team and most importantly, meet new people. Similar to others in the school, I was content with taking classes that did not provide challenges, however, I learned that to progress through life, challenges must be faced.

Working in a leadership position gave me the experience to take charge of a team. Holding others accountable while keeping everyone on track was harder than I anticipated, but I am glad I was given the opportunity to do it. Taking newspaper I discovered journalism may not be a part of my future, but I will carry the experiences it provided for years to come.

There were hard times as in any publication but the friends I made were worth every challenge we faced. There was rarely a boring day because of the amazing people. The saying, “save the best for last,” held true as I was always excited for the last hour of the day.

Perhaps part of the challenges I faced was due in part to losing track of time whilst joking around with others. Being on staff was a lot of work, but the skills it gave me and the people that came with, made it worth the struggle. I will use these skills next year at The University of Missouri- Columbia, I hope to further my education and pursue a major in the healthcare field.

To be a Journalist There is a journalist in every person.

Reported by Sam Brusven | Photo by Lizzy Garr

A s many individuals begin their journey from youth to adulthood and grad-

uate from the assuring safeground of high school, there is a common feeling of cluelessness as to the person we would like to become. As I stand alongside my peers, with roughly a month before I step through this door and enter the University of Missouri - Columbia School of Journalism, I remind myself that I too was once in this position. That is, until I discovered a true passion in the art of journalism.

I’m not here to inform you of a textbook definition of journalism, but to share what I’ve learned through being a journalist in my three years of doing so through the KLHS Broadcast, The Bell Newspaper, and Spectator Photojournalism. These core values of caring, loving, and having courage can be found in people all around us, despite modern publications making it feel insignificant and forgotten. As a journalist, it is important to care about the topics you cover, especially those that feel more personal than others. A good journalist doesn’t do what they do just because it’s their job, they do it because they love doing it and because of the rewarding aspect of seeing a finished product. Lastly, a good journalist has to have the courage to take on controversial topics and those that people are not speaking up on.

It is important to see journalism for the values it contains, and not what the media makes it out to be, as the values found behind journalism are values that we have and can continue to apply to ourselves to be a stronger, more empathetic community. In the future, the staples of being caring, loving and courageous will continue to propel us forward as we all strive for greatness.

18

THE BELL | MAY 2023

OPINION

MIZZOU A love of journalism transformed into a career.

Reported by Kaiya Lynch | Photo by Richie Burns

B log. Broadcast. Magazine. Yearbook. Newspaper–all forms of written

and spoken communication I’ve participated in since the age of eight.

Since I could put pen to paper, I’ve written. It’s led me to pursue a Bachelor’s in Journalism at the University of Mi ssouri-Columbia (Mizzou) with a major in Strategic Communications.

When I joined The Bell, I was a sophomore reporter hoping to provide a voice to those who otherwise wouldn’t have one. At the same time, I was enrolled in an anthropology course at Metropolitan Community College. This took the blinders off in regard to true diversity, allowing my eyes to be fully opened. My combined junior/ senior year mash has been spent applying the knowledge I’ve gained through both personal experiences and education, utilizing my platforms to advocate for myself and others.

When I received the position of Editor-in-Chief of The Bell, I decided to not only write about diversity, but bring more of it into the newsmagazine.

Our paper has covered LGBTQ+ rights, “The Little Mermaid” controversy, Black History Month and other sundry topics this school year alone.

The 2022-2023 school year was a difficult one for our staff. With only 16 members and an almost entirely underclassman leadership team, The Bell was constantly learning and growing. Through late-night deadlines and working on the newsmagazine across the U.S., we perserved through it all. I saw not only myself, but my peers develop their skills more each issue; so much so that our staff and paper won 17 awards on the State level at the MIJA J-Day competition.

Being selected to lead The Bell my senior year has been an honor. I’ve expanded my knowledge and real-world experience and am excited to carry it with me to Mizzou. M-I-Z…Z-O-U!

LHSNEWS.NET

19

Designed by Lucy Boyle

CONGRATS SENIORS Emma Murphy Congrats Emma!! We are very proud of all that you have accomplished. Looking forward to what you accomplish in this next chapter.

Love Mom, Dad, Meghan

Landon O’Brien Landon, You have given us so many reasons to be proud but the proudest moment for us is telling others that...YOU ARE OUR SON!

Love you, Mom & Dad

Calvin Wager

Marianna Tomc Your Dad would be so pleased with everything you have done. We are so proud of all of the achievements you have accomplished! We love you!

Hudson Boyle We are so proud of you Hudson! We have no doubt that you have a bright and successful future ahead of you.

Love you, Mom & Dad

Molly Tapp Molly, Your next chapter is so bright! We are so proud and excited to witness you move further into adulthood and accomplish your dreams!

Love you, Dad, Cindi, Haydn & Hannah

Kaiya Lynch

We are so proud of you Calvin & can’t wait to see what your future holds! We know you’ll do tremendous things!

“I know the plans I have for you.” Jeremiah 29:11 As you leave the blue jay nest, go out there and soar!

Love-M, D, M, & A

Love, Mom, Dad, & Eliza

Grant Herzog

Ian Folscroft Ian, Super proud of the young man you have become and look forward to seeing what the future holds for you.

Love, Dad

Madilyn Wood Moe, We are so very proud of you! I admire your strength and commitment to making this world a better place.

Love you always, Mom

Elese Fiacco

Congratulations Grant! We are very proud of you and look forward to seeing what the future holds for you!

Love, Mom, Dad, Zach and Alex

Anakin Olguin I am so very proud of you and your accomplishments!

I am even more blessed to be your Mom! Shine bright my star! I love you!

Love, Mom

Truman Schulte

Sis, you did it! Your life is only beginning, and I cannot wait to see how you shine. Love you!

Your biggest fan,

Congratulations Truman! We are so proud of the man you have become. Do great things at Mizzou and beyond!

Love, Mom

Love, Mom and Dad

Emma Wood Emma, We are so proud of you!

I admire your determination and grit and love that you find the humor in life.

Love always, Mom

Jesse Hickman Jess I’m so super proud of you. You are such an amazing young man! I’ve set back and watched you excel over the years, you never cease to amaze me. I can’t wait to see what you do in the next chapter of your life.

I love you lots.

Dayton Smith

Rachel Green

We are incredibly proud of you boy! The world is yours, take it!

We are so proud of you!

Love, Dad

Love Mom Dad & Abigail

Hannah Green

We are so proud of you!

Love Mom Dad & Abigail

Madeline Belcher We love you Maddie! Congrats on your successes and on to OCU! Enjoy the moment!

Ella Torno Ella, we are so proud of you and all you’ve accomplished in your high school career. Keep shining bright!

Love, Mom and Dad

Alaina Floersch We’re so proud of you! You’re talented, a hard worker, and most importantly, a thoughtful and kind person. Always believe in yourself and chase your dreams!

Love, Mom and Dad

Fawad Khan

Lily Gott

Congratulations dear Fawad! We are proud of your achievements and hard work. We can’t wait to see what you do in future!

InshAllah

Congratulations, sweet daughter! I am so proud of you!

Can’t wait to see how God leads you in your next endeavor.

Love you!

Love Mom, Dad and Zahra

Love, Mom

Abagail Willett Congratulations! We love you!

Katie Bower Congratulations, Katie! We are so very proud of you. Your future is bright!

Love always, Mom and Dad, Cole, Luke, and Evan

Kolby McClain I’m proud of you -- your accomplishments, your achievements, but most of all -- the person you’ve become.

No doubt, there are big things ahead! Congrats!

Love, Mom

Sam Brusven Congratulations Sam! We are proud of all your accomplishments and your wonderful spirit! You have grown into an amazing man and we love you, Bugaboo!

Love, Mom & Molly

Jocelyn & Jaxson Renfro Wherever you go…there you are! No regrets.

Love, mom and dad.

Ethan Mcmenemy Congratulations Ethan!

We’re very proud of you!

We’re rooting for you always!

Love, Mom & Dad

FAREWELL SENIORS