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The Bell OCTOBER 2025

THE UNDEFEATED WAVE | REPORTED BY LAYTON SMITH | PG 7

INSID E

ISSUE 1

VOLUME 102

TOC

Inspiring Future Generations Reported by Danny Jamison

5 The Young Progressives Rise Reported by Elissa Ketcham

6-7 The Undefeated Wave Reported by Layton Smith

8-9 The Party’s Over Here Reported by Addi Fung

10-11 Sibling Shadows to the Spotlight Reported by Destinee Davis

Editor in Chief Kora Smith Managing Editor JaiDynn Sargent Photojay Managing Editor Ceily Tiemann Social Media Manager Abbi Mota Online Managing Editor Addi Fung

12-13 Tech Time

Photojay Copy Editor Ayla Espinoza

16-17 Feel the Beat

Photojay Equipment Manager Iyari Hyde

18-19 Breaking the Silence

Section Editors Destinee Davis, Katie Ericksen Camdyn Johnston, Katelyn Smith

Reported by Camdyn Johnston Reported by Abbi Mota

Reported by Katelyn Smith

20 Time to Retire

Reported by Kora Smith

21 Friend or Foe?

Reported by Katie Ericksen

22 More Than a Distraction Reported by JaiDynn Sargent

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Photojays Lorelai Hupp, Haylee Mason, Gracee Pugh, Royce Schmalz Reporters Danny Jamison, Elissa Ketcham, Layton Smith

TOC

On Th

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The m en’s s wim how c well his te oach cele these a u m p c perfo brates omin also p rm g r perfo aised his swim me s in ets. H team rmed e f l or ho ast ye abou guys t this team ar. “ The w they w n well ho are ve is we hav ice part at sta r e te las y fast and a lot of t ye pe said. Phot ar,” Coac rformed o by Iyari h Murph y Hyde .

The student section cheers as the team scores a touchdown, leading them to win 73-7 over Raytown South on Sept. 12. “It was awesome, the crowd was loud. The whole game and beating Raytown South like that just felt great,” Senior Spirit Leader Freddy Bryant said. Photo by Ceily Tiemann.

Letter From The Editor

By now, everyone has gotten settled into the 2025-2026 school year, so it is appropriate we take the time to honor and report on student achievements A new school year means new clubs, like the Young Progressives club (see page 4). Fall sports teams are busy visiting the elementary schools and competing state-wide (see pages 5-7). Not only are our sports teams successful, but so are the student sections (see page 8). This issue, we chose to highlight junior Quinn Harman and freshman Faith Cabuyaban for their academic and athletic achievements (see pages 10-13). In addition to these spotlights, we have also highlighted the drumline and a recent competition they took on (see page 16). To finish off this issue, we discuss more serious topics like Suicide Awareness Month (see page 18), unsafe drivers (see page 20) and how the rise of AI negatively affects students (see page 21). Our staff as a whole also decided to contribute to an editorial on the new phone ban that was just put into effect (see page 22). Lastly, we would like to thank our advertisers for setting us up with overwhelming support for the rest of the year, and all our readers who are looking forward to a new year of The Bell.

Kora Smith

Find more homecoming week photos on our online photo gallery @lhsnews.net. Photos by Ayla Espinoza.

Editorial Policy

The Liberty Bell strives to provide correct and factual information which does not misconstrue statements given by students, faculty and outside sources. If at any time while reading through this paper misinformation is found please contact our advisor jamie.munoz@lps53.org and our Editor In Chief ksmi5474@lps53.org immediately so the staff can be aware of the mistake. We will take such information into account, discussing ways to properly handle it in the future, as well as provide a written apology in the next printed issue to take accountability for our actions. LHSNEWS.NET | OCTOBER 2025

NEWS

Inspiring Future Generations From track to classroom: student‑athletes spread knowledge. Reported by Danny Jamison Designed by Addison Fung

Fall sports, Spirit Leaders, and Blue Crew Crazies visited the elementary schools in the district during the morning of Sep. 18. “I enjoyed being a role model to the little kids during our visit,” senior Brooke Roseberry said. Photo courtesy of Tricia Middleton.

n the month of September, several groups went to multiple elementary schools to encourage students and inspire them to join. Groups visited and talked to the young students about their future high school plans. “I think they were excited to see older kids; they were screaming and talking a lot,” sophomore Katelyn Whitmire said. High School student-athletes started the day with the kids by welcoming them inside, coloring together, answering questions about

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middle and high school and taking photos together. Fall sports such as Softball, Football, Volleyball, Cheer and Sapphires attended the elementary schools. According to childfocus.org, “Getting your kids involved with clubs and sports is one of the best things you can do to help their social and physical development. These extra-curricular activities give your child a chance to socialize with their peers, make new friends and learn new skills.” LHS Pride and Guard made

assemblies to encourage students to join the band, they highlighted specific instrument groups by playing popular songs. They attended every elementary school and invited at least two kids to conduct the band to play the fight song. “I loved playing in the assembly, it was such a fun vibe and I adored seeing all the kids’ happy faces,” senior Sophia Phillips said. Younger students asked their older peers about their high school experience, and athletes answered their questions about their future goals and post-graduation. Getting involved in the community helps students; they reported better time management, better mental and physical health and a sense of accomplishment. Both band and fall sports plan to continue engaging with younger elementary school kids in the future. To find more info about their outings, visit their Instagram or website. Scan this QR code to access the Blue Jay Bands’ website.

NEWS

Once the Young Democrats club disappeared during my Freshman year, I felt a lack of advocacy in the school. - Senior Harrison Sameck said

The Young Progressives Rise

New student club aims to engage peers with politics, serve the community and push for voter registrations. Reported by Elissa Ketcham Designed by Addison Fung

he Young Progressives is a club founded this year by Senior Harrison Sameck to help improve progressive political discussions. The club meets monthly, every first Wednesday after school in the View. They aim to be a gateway to politics for students and hope to create an educational space for progressively aligned students. important in high school. “Being in a community that is focused on some sort of political

goal or orientation is very important, especially at a young age, where in these times, we see a lot of detachment from the world and a sort of nihilism,” Sameck said. He believes that being in a community focused on political orientation can be especially important in high school. For this reason, the Young Progressives plan to host meetings

and events to help build their community. The events will be spread across the school year, with the goal of increasing student engagement within the community. “I think that everyone should have their opportunity to have that outlet if they want it,” senior Kellyn Graham said. This winter, Sameck hopes the Young Progressives can assist with the Liberty Community Christmas Tree Program (LCCT). With LCCT, the club will help a family with fulfilling their holiday needs and they need all the help they can get. Second semester, there are plans to assist with LCCT, a Harvester’s food drive, host a voter registration drive and encourage students to volunteer in organizing the Clay County April election with a speaker for the Clay County Election Board there to help advocate. To get involved with Young Progressives, email Sameck at hsam6624@lps53.org or go to the club’s monthly meetings.

Senior Harrison Sameck is the President of the Young Progressives Club. Sameck wanted to start this club since his sophomore year. “Once the Young Democrats club disappeared during my Freshman year, I felt a lack of advocacy in the school,” Sameck said. Photo by Lorelai Hupp.

LHSNEWS.NET | OCTOBER 2025

SPORTS

The Undefeated Wave Swimmers to face tall task at their next big meet. Reported by Layton Smith Designed by Destinee Davis

The men’s swim coach anticipates his team performing well in upcoming swim meets. He also praised his team for how they performed last year. “The nice part about this team is we have a lot of guys who are very fast and performed well at state last year,” Coach Murphy said. Photo by Iyari Hyde.

he pool deck was cold as Junior Cole Tobin put his goggles on and stepped up onto the block to compete in the 50 Freestyle. Tobin heard the sound of the whistle. 100 spectators in the stands went quiet, as the speaker announced, “Take your marks,” the other swimmers leaned into their starting position, waiting to hear the beep. When the sound finally rung, the swimmers exploded off the blocks and into the cold, glassy water at the LSR7 Boys Invitational, a big meet to prepare Tobin for the upcoming annual

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CoMo meet. Many of the swimmers swim year-round on teams like the Tsunami club team, and frequently compete at the Mizzou Aquatic Center in Columbia, Missouri, so they are familiar with the location. CoMo, where they will swim at Columbia, Missouri on Oct. 3 to Oct. 4 at the Mizzou Aquatic center. “I think we can break all the relay records, and I think we have a good chance in breaking 100 back. and 200 free,” Tobin said. Oct. 3 will be the prelims, and Oct.

4 will be the Finals. “In a month we will go to Columbia for a meet, and that’s when we’ll really be able to tell how we are compared to the rest of the state,” swim coach and math teacher Christopher Murphy said. Practices for the men’s swimming season started in August, taking place at the Liberty Community Center. “Most of my guys swim all year round, so they’re always swimming. They’re really dedicated,” Murphy said.

SPORTS

This season, they’ve had three meets so far, including a Lee’s Summit meet, where they won with Junior Cole Tobin doing a 1:41.17 in the 200-meter freestyle and 46.24 in the 100-meter freestyle. Junior Matthew Riggs went a 1:58.98 in the 200-meter individual medley and a 1:00.60 in the 100-meter breaststroke. The team has competed in lots of meets but recently the team has swam at Gladstone, where they swam against 20 different teams in the Kansas City area. This was a big meet for the team, perfect to prepare them for the next big upcoming meet. “We put up some times the fastest in the state right now by quite a margin,” Murphy said. They have gone to this meet 13 times since 2006. Their highest placings were in 2018 and 2024 where they placed second

both times. This CoMo meet will be their biggest meet of the season, and with the help of their fast swimmers like Graham Henderson who currently holds the record for the 100 backstroke with a time of 49.54, and Adam Houck who currently hold the record for the 100 breaststroke with time of 57.21. The team will go against multiple exceptional swim teams such as Hickman High school in Columbia. “So it’s just good to get off to a good start and just keep this rolling. We’ll know more later in the season,” Murphy said. Junior Matthew Riggs hopes that some new relay records will be set at their next meet. He also wants to get to the finals or state in the 200-meter individual medley and in the 100-meter breaststroke.

Top performers on the boys’ team for the 2025-2026 season inculde Graham Henderson and Cole Tobin, - According to NSCA Photo by Iyari Hyde.

Photo by Iyari Hyde.

LHSNEWS.NET | OCTOBER 2025

FEATURES

The Party’s Over Here Crowd wins second place nationally.

he stands erupted with the sound of school pride on Sept. 19 as the Jays went 49-0 against Raytown South. The air was thick with the smell of pretzels and the student section was filled top to bottom with students dressed in USA gear. As of August of 2025, the student section has been ranked second nationally by the Student Section report, and number one for the week of 9/5-9/9. Raymore Peculiar is located in Peculiar Missouri and is the one to beat for the national title. “I think that with the four Spirit leaders, we have really dug deeply with our students and our student body, and I think it’s going really well,” senior Charlie Hermann said, “It feels really good. I love all the students we have and I think we have a really cool program.” Spirit leaders and seniors Charlie Hermann, Madeline Philips, John Pace and Brett Turnage are currently directing the football stands every Friday night. Leaders talk about their improvement with the energy in the student section, and highlight the raised “school spirit.” These leaders are chosen at the end of the previous year, selected by the athletic director at her discretion of who will be most suitable to lead the students in the following year. “Our next big event is Blue and White Night, which is a kickoff to all of the winter sports. We are going to showcase girls swim and dive,

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Reported by Addi Fung Designed by Camdyn Johnston

wrestling and basketball. We will have silent auctions and 50/50 raffles as a fundraiser for those sports as well.” Phillips said. The student section ranges from grades 9-12, and includes themes that the “Blue Crew Crazies” leaders pick at the beginning of the year. These themes can range from

white out to country, and even color wars. For the game themed “USA,” the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps members were invited and shot off canons at every touchdown. “My favorite thing is hanging out with my friends and watching the game,” freshman Will Shelton said, “The energy is good, I feel like the

Flushing with color to kick off the 2025-2026 season, Liberty Blue Jays face off against Lee’s Summit on Aug. 29. Liberty wins 21-13, setting them up to be undefeated so far. “It was an amazing bridge from last season to this season and started the incredible year we’ve had so far,” Senior spirit leader Madeline Phillips said. Photo by JaiDynn Sargent.

Sophomore Luke Mahr is a Blue Crew Crazies leader. This is Mahr’s second year as a Blue Crew Crazies leader for the school. “We make sure people show up and make the events or games fun,” said Mahr. Photo by Royce Schmalz.

Freshman Kailyn Gerberding shares how her school’s student section raises her school spirit. She also stated that she felt like the student section lifts the whole school during these events.”I felt like they were very hype, especially when our football team did something good,” Kailyn said. Photo by Iyari Hyde.

blue crew crazies do a good job to keep it that way.” The way these student sections are ranked is first by a prediction. The final rankings are released in November or December. According to the Student Section Report, “This year we plan to get several “barstool” pages that

trouble. These student sections deserve recognition.” Next up for this student section the Blue Crew Crazies are planning to continue to navigate through challenges and uplift the students through school spirit and chants in order to achieve the number one spot in nationally ranked

FEATURES

Photo by Ceily Tiemann.

Photo by Ayla Espinoza.

showcase Student Sections in their states. Some of those pages were very helpful last year as we get more accurate with our rankings. I know that Student Sections have a lot of work to do to get the students to the games to cheer on their classmates and go along with the theme and make sure they don’t cause

student sections. “We had some challenges with the guys in the front of the student section the first home game but we got that figured out now so that’s one thing we had to get over,” Hermann said. Upcoming themes for games are “fight night,” “pink out,” “greek life,” and “pj party.”

Photo by Ceily Tiemann.

LHSNEWS.NET | OCTOBER 2025

SPOTLIGHT

Sibling Shadows to the Spotlight The rise of a standout player on varsity.

Reported by Destinee Davis Designed by Katelyn Smith

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he crowd was quiet as freshman Faith Cabuyaban was at home plate against St. Joe Central, the sound of the smack of the ball echoed across the field as the pitcher repeatedly hit the ball into her golve as she got ready to pitch. She pitched, the ball smacked the bat, the crowd buzzed with excitement. The smell of the dust flew through the air as she ran to first base. The sweat ran down her face as the ball is still in the outfield with another point on the board for Liberty as Central fell 11-2. “I was excited when I found out I made varsity. I tried not to show too much emotion because my sister also made varsity as a freshman, but hearing it was such a relief and reassurance,” Cabuyaban said. Cabuyaban has already earned a spot on the varsity softball team. She is following in her siblings’ footsteps. Her brother played baseball when he was in high school and made the varsity baseball team as a freshman, and her older sister who also played on the varsity softball as a freshman too. “It takes up a lot of time, so I have a set routine. I try to get homework done in the mornings or during free time at school. After games, I do homework while eating dinner. It’s definitely a lot, but I make it work,” Cabuyaban said.

On the field she is very motivated and hardworking. Off the feild, she’s the same; she stays focused and keeps her grades up. - Freshman Lucy Reliford said

Photo by Royce Schmalz.

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Balancing school and softball is no small task but Cabuyaban has found out what she needs to do to get all of her work done on time and still have time for softball. Between the late night studies and practice, she manages to keep her grades up and her game strong on the field. Her ability to handle both sides of her life proves just how dedicated she is to the things she does in her life. “Since her sister played with us before, we already knew of Faith and she fit in right away. She is very similar but very different in her own ways. Faith is definitely louder and more outgoing,” junior Addison Dorsey said. She has definitely made her own impact on the team as her own person. While her sister was quieter. Cabuyaban is known for being loud and bringing out good strong energy in the dugout. Her confidence makes

SPOTLIGHT

her stand out as a player and fit in with her teammates. Yet her performance shows she is more than just her sister’s shadow. Her personality and skills make her a player the team can rely on. “On the field, she is very motivated and hardworking. Off the field, she’s the same; she stays focused and keeps her grades up,” freshman Lucy Reliford said. Her drive isn’t something that only shows up while she practices or has a game; it is a part of who she is every day. Whether that is inside her classes or out on the field, she carries the same focus and determination with her. The steady work ethic mirrors the reputation her siblings live behind, but she added her own style to it. Her ability to stay motivated in every area of her life proves why she is thriving as a freshman on varsity. “I hope to grow from freshman to senior year by building strong relationships with my teammates, just like the seniors do now. I want

Freshman Faith Cabuyaban is a starting player on varsity softball. Faith has been playing softball for about 8 years, working up to varsity. “I’m so blessed to be able to play on varsity as a freshman, especially with some of my other club teammates. It’s a different environment that I get to experience, and the fact that I get to experience it with the girls that I do is such an amazing opportunity,” Cabuyaban said. Photo by Royce Schmalz.

to be someone who makes the underclassmen feel comfortable when I’m an upperclassman,” Cabuyaban said. She has made such an impact already just being a freshman on varsity, this is only the beginning for her. She is already looking ahead;

Freshman Faith Cabuyaban plays on the varsity softball team while balancing her academics. She works hard on both her athletics and academics. “Every day I get to the school at 7:30 in the morning and try my best to begin catching up on assignments and have a to-do list with deadlines and scheduled times,” Cabuyaban said. Photo by Royce Schmalz.

she knows that being a part of varsity is not just about the sport, it is about the relationships you build along the way. Her being an underclassman, she gets to watch the seniors and how their l eadership brings the team together. She hopes to offer the same support and guidance when she is an upperclassman. “My brother chose baseball, which influenced my sister to do softball, and then me. I think we all love how mentally challenging the sport is, and growing up around it made me want to play too,” Cabuyaban said. Watching her siblings play inspired her to take softball seriously at the age of seven. Her brother continued with baseball after high school by playing baseball at Northwest Missouri State University and Her sister also continued to play softball after high school at the University of Tulsa.

LHSNEWS.NET | OCTOBER 2025

SPOTLIGHT

Tech Time A new leader in STEM rises up.

Reported by Camdyn Johnston Designed by Katelyn Smith

t the Heartland Regional, a rumbling sound was heard as a robot glided by, picking up coral and algae on its way. With only a few seconds left to score, junior Quinn Harman took a shot and threw the coral and algae into the scoring net, or the barge. The crowd erupted in cheers, concluding the end of the 2025 Robotics Challenge: Reefscape. Harman last competed sophomore year with the Reefscape challenge of moving coral and algae to the barge or center net and not get many penalties so that they could get more points than the opposing team. “Quinn’s never been shy as of the way he conducts himself at robotics,” robotics coach and Principles of Engineering teacher Gary Pierson said. “But to see him grow and to have some health issues his freshman year and miss out on so much of our build season, to becoming a leader last year and even more so this year, has been

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incredible to see.” Harman is the Chief Logistics Officer for FIRST Robotics Team 1764. LHS was the 1,764th school to register under FIRST. FIRST is an acronym: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, which is a non-profit founded to promote STEM education. Being the Chief Logistics Officer (CLO) means he is in charge of organizing and helping out other members. He also supervises safety, is the drive and scouting lead and strategy coach. This means he assesses the overall strategy of the competition and figuring out who to team up with for semi-finals, while making sure everyone follows the safety protocols. “I started robotics in my freshman year. I went to the first meeting I could and just immediately got started with it,” Harman said. His sophomore year he was the

Photo by Gracee Peugh.

Scouting lead where he revamped the previous method and made it his own. The scouting lead took a group at competitions to watch matches and collected data to then put into an analysis system. “He has a lot of great ideas and works through them and gets people to help with them as well,” senior Ember Cox said. Along with robotics, Harman also participates in TSA, or Technology Students Association. Last year in TSA, Harman competed in Technological Debate, where he placed first. He also competed in Music Production, where he placed third. Other events were Future Engineering Teacher and Video Game Design with friend junior Aleyah Borsuzky who is also in

SPOTLIGHT Junior Quinn Harmon is on the Robotics team he is there chief logistics officer. Harmon has been in robotics for 3 years. “We’re a student led team, and that never changes, and both the coaches and other students really support that idea and make it an incredibly positive environment and experience,” Harmon said. Photo by Gracee Peugh.

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The dream will always and forever be MIT and I’m pushing myself pretty hard to get there. - Junior Quinn Harman said

Junior Quinn Harmon is involved in multiple academic activities, including being an NHS member, TSA member, Board Game Club member, and Scholar Bowl participant. “I push myself pretty hard throughout many AP classes and extracurriculars, and the number one way that I manage my stress throughout it all is an amazing support system from my friends,” Harmon said. Photo by Ceily Tiemann.

Robotics and is the Lead Programmer. He is planning on continuing Technological Debate and Music Production, and is going into Board Game Design. “I find a lot of people through my clubs and classes due to them having similar academic passions to me, so that really helps me form bonds with them super easily,” Harman said. He met friends like Cox who is the CEO of the Robotics Team. They joined Robotics Harman’s freshman year and Cox’s sophomore year, they started talking and became friends throughout the season. He also continued to work with Borsutzky who was friends since seventh grade gifted science class. Being a part of Robotics also comes with fun traditions like the team’s rock

climbing trips. “He wants to make sure that everyone is happy and is having fun, but he also wants to make sure that we’re getting somewhere, we’re doing what we need to do instead of just being by ourselves and not participating in our community and in robotics,” Borsutzky said. Harman also participated in MSA or Missouri Scholars Academy over the summer of his sophomore year. He originally found out about MSA from his dad, who was also involved in it in high school. After he realized he could qualify, he started the application process along with 330 students from all across Missouri. The students would go to Mizzou for a month to learn and

take classes of various interests they would not get to take in regular school. “He has a very analytical mind, he’s very sharp and thinks through very complicated, complex issues and does a great job of breaking it down,” Pierson said. Harman’s future plans include going into a career with a mix of mechanical and aerospace engineering, specifically to work on satellite with data collection from other planets. College wise he is thinking of Missouri S and T Milwaki School of Engineering, although his dream school is MIT.

LHSNEWS.NET | OCTOBER 2025

GAME

Homecoming Word Search All words relate to events from HOCO week. Designed and Illustrated by Kora Smith

ASSEMBLY BIRDS BLUE CARNIVAL DANCE DRESS

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FEATHERS PARADE RIO SUIT TICKET WHITEOUT

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LHSNEWS.NET | OCTOBER 2025

A&E On Sept. 13. the drum line played at “Drummit at the Summit” and received second place. The drum line was ecstatic at their reward. “It felt cool to compete in a competition just for drumline, and hopefully we can win first place next year,” junior Chloe Elmer said. Photo by Haylee Mason.

Feel the Beat Drummers succeed at their September event.

undreds of kids are in the stands, all covered in white. The roar of the student sections is loud, “Go!” A crowd of students then yells back, “Jays!” but they don’t quite drown out the noise of the banging and clashing of the drums. On Sept. 26, during halftime at the homecoming football game, you can hear a wide range of beats and melodies. They played the first three movements of their show titled “Changes” at the

Having multiple people come together to play multiple instruments and having everything connected makes it really enjoyable to see everything come together.

- Junior Rollins Pyle said

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Reported by Abbi Mota Designed by JaiDynn Sargent

last football game. And this fast-paced beat caused the students to all cheer and pump their fists in the air. Every morning before school, the band and drumline is out on the football field, not just for Friday night games but also for competitions. They have rehearsals every morning and most weekdays after school in the evenings; some students, such as senior Greyson Horwitz, even make sure to practice every day, calling it a “time sport,” so he says just practicing and making sure people smile when they hear him playing the drums is the most important thing to achieve. On Saturday, Sept. 13, the drum line participated in the “Drummit at the Summit” competition at Lee’s Summit High School. As a team, they all arrived there at 11:00 p.m. and got to prep and wait until their team was called. Each school had a specific time frame and was also required to transport all

Photo by Ceily Tiemann.

Faces of Color Gaurd The preformers you often see next to the band. its own equipment. Their performance started at 3:45 pm and lasted three minutes. They played Movements 1 and 3 of their show titled “Changes.” While the judges record and made comments whilst they’re playing. “I remember the judges told us that the frontline needed to look up and check in with each other more,” sophomore Kallen Brier said. This is an annual competition that consists of judges and schools from all over the district. And after all the performances are over, the awards are announced later that night. The drumline makes sure to hype each other up before important competitions like these. And overall, they placed second in the competition, beating out all the other schools. “The competition went really well. I was really happy when I heard we got second place in our division, and I feel like we played to the best of our abilities. I’d say it was one of our better runs. And, we got some really good feedback from the judges,” junior Rollins Pyle said. The drumline really makes sure to connect in order to perform to the best of their abilities together. When drumming, everyone must be in sync and go with the same flow and

rhythm, so it’s important to do so. They make sure they go out and have team dinners, as well as forming long-lasting friendships and practicing together before they go out and perform, like the Lee’s Summit competition. “My favorite thing about drumming is that it’s really a team sport when it comes down to it. You’re as good as your weakest link, and so it’s just all about lifting up your friends and making sure that as a team, you’re really strong.” Horwitz said, “As a team, we did really well. I was really proud of my peers, and it’s just an all-around great experience.” Up next, the drumline has an upcoming competition on Saturday, Oct. 11, it’s a Lee’s Summit North marching invitational. The drumline has been doing a great job, and you can buy tickets for their invitationals if you want to check them out and see them play. To check out more information, go to @bluejay_pridebands on Instagram.

Senior Gracee Peugh Photo by Ayla Espinoza.

Senior Bindi Chale Photo by Ayla Espinoza.

Sophomore

Maddie Davis Photo by Iyari Hyde.

Sophomore

Kenley Painter Photo by Gracee Peugh.

LHSNEWS.NET | OCTOBER 2025

IN-DEPTH

Breaking the Silence National Suicide Prevention Month builds community among students.

n September, students came together to express and bring awareness to mental health by creating a club called Hope Squad. This is because September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month, which raises awareness for people nationwide who struggle with mental illnesses. “People don’t understand how terrible it is to be depressed; it’s this constant weight on you. You could be in a room full of people and feel alone. You could also have a tendency to zone out and be in a void of your own loneliness. It feels like you’re battling yourself, and you’re doing it alone, and that is really painful,” sophomore Ben Jungel said. September Events Although September has ended, National Suicide Awareness Month helped struggling individuals feel welcomed. There are a few national organizations, like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), which hosted community walks, or “Out of the Darkness walks,” across the country to raise money for research and help build community. Kansas City hosted many events in September, with some starting in October. The University of Kansas Health Center hosted a Community Suicide Prevention Symposium on September 10th to talk about how suicide impacts our community. A SpeakUp Walk was hosted on

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Reported by Katelyn Smith Designed by Katie Ericksen

Sept. 21 at 9 a.m at a price of $32.80 to raise money for mental health programs in schools. This walk was one mile long and hosted in Olathe, Kansas. There was also a Greater KC Out of the Darkness Walk, which is free of cost, hosted at English Landing Park, Parville, MO, on Oct. 4 at 9 a.m. “I think National Suicide Prevention Month allows people to know that they’re not alone with what they’re struggling with. A lot of people are struggling too. There are a lot of kind people to help,” freshman Amaina Peterson said. Understand the Statistics According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Suicide is the second leading cause of death in people ages 10-34, and in all age groups, it is the eleventh leading cause of death. National Suicide Prevention Month advocates for building community among individuals to help support them. “I want to let students know it’s okay to not be okay, and it’s okay to ask for help, and that it’s very important to get the help that they need, because they don’t have to do it alone,” social worker Kris Boyle said. Possible Causes Depression is a versatile illness; there is not simply one cause or one solution. However, there are many common triggers to look out for to recognize warning signs. Some of these common triggers include grief, loss, rejection, stress, sickness, sleep

problems and substance abuse. According to The Recovery Village, “By identifying depression triggers, people can identify and be aware and be alert to signs of depression in themselves and in others.” Coping Skills Dealing with mental illnesses can be difficult. Everyone can have different ways of helping themselves. However, not everyone who struggles knows how to deal with their feelings. Some simple coping skills would include getting active, spending time with loved ones, eating healthy or journaling. “Depression is something I’ve learned I need to stay on top of. I don’t ignore how I feel, but I find activities, hobbies, or people to talk to when I’m struggling instead of being on my own,” junior Wallis Love said. Depression In Schools Since 2012, it has become more prominent for teenagers in high school to be depressed and consider suicide. This could be for many reasons; for most, the change from middle school to high school is stressful and overwhelming. Another cause for this could be new emotions from puberty without enough recognition of them, making teens feel out of place and unbelonging. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and

IN-DEPTH

Prevention, “39.7% of students experienced persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, 28.5% experienced poor mental health, 20.4% seriously considered attempting suicide and 9.5% attempted suicide.” Opportunities Counselors and social workers set up a day in October, which is National Bullying Prevention Month, for the SOS program. The SOS initiative brings together both of these big issues to help take action on them. This program teaches students how to ACT, which stands for: acknowledge that you or your peer is struggling, care for their feelings, and tell someone else who can provide help and support. “SOS also works on youth advocating for themselves when they know that they aren’t okay or that they may need extra support. SOS is trying to wrap around the whole school individually and with our friend groups and the students,” social worker Beth Schroeder said. Another program our school has is the HOPE Squad, which is a group of formally trained students who are able to provide help finding resources and trusted adults to whom you can communicate your emotions. HOPE is the approach they use, which stands for: Heads Up, Offer Support, Provide Information, and Empower Peers. These students will wear HOPE Squad shirts occasionally so students will know who to contact. “It’s hard to reach out to a teacher or someone you don’t know, but if it’s someone you

can trust, then reaching out is a lot less scary. Hope Squad is able to give those people the resources and tell them who they can trust,” Love said. Speaking Out It is common for people to feel misunderstood, depressed, anxious and hide those feelings from other people because of shame. However, it is important to share your emotions and bring those feelings out. This is why National Suicide Prevention Month encourages community and communication. “So many people have lost their lives to suicide. I think if it’s recognized, spoken out about, and public, it makes it less taboo. More people will feel like they can get help and they are not alone,” junior Zoe Moore said. Some actions you can take to get involved can be as simple as calling an old friend or loved one and checking in on them, or as big as taking time to donate to a national organization or participate in one of their activities. Call 988 if you or someone you know is struggling. Scan this QR code for the offical Scuicide Hotline.

Senior Andrew Fiacco is on the varsity men’s sprint team. Fiacco’s personal record for the 100 meters is 11.31. “That feeling when you cross the finish line and see a new PR is pure adrenaline and prooWf that hard work pays off” Fiacco said. Photo by Madeline Phillips.

Image of Counselor Office Photo by Gracee Peugh.

Emotionalsupport supportdog dogBear Bear Emotional helpsstudents studentsall allover overour our helps school; with out Bear, our school school; with out Bear, our school wouldnot notbe bethe thesame. same.Bear Bearhas has would beenan anemotional emotionalsupport supportdog dog been at Liberty High School for at Liberty High School for sixyears. years.“I “Ilove loveseeing seeing six Bear bring a smile to Bear bring a smile to people'sfaces,” faces,”Bear Bear people's handlerKris KrisBoyle Boylesaid. said. handler Photo by Haylee Mason. Photo by Haylee Mason. LHSNEWS.NET | OCTOBER 2025

OPINION

Time to Retire Old age impairs driving, impacting everyone who drives.

riving on the highway at night, an elderly driver was about to miss her exit and cut across the right lanes in an attempt to make it. She merged into the back of the car I was riding in, causing me and my friend, who was driving, to spin around on the highway and end up in the median facing oncoming traffic. I know I am not the only teen to experience a situation like this. That being said, drivers over the age of 75

Photo by Lorelai Hupp.

20 LHSNEWS.NET | OCTOBER 2025

Reported by Kora Smith Designed by Destinee Davis

should not be driving. As people age, their reaction times slow, their hearing and eyesight worsen and they develop medical conditions such as dementia. According to Autoinsuranceez. com, “The rate of fatal crashes per mile traveled increases after age 70, peaking among drivers 85 and older.” Elders often make lane change violations, drive too slowly, pull out in front of other cars, get lost, stop in the middle of the road and get confused. This doesn’t just affect senior drivers, though; it affects all drivers, including high school students. I believe we can avoid this by requiring senior drivers over the age of 75 to take a written and physical driving test every three years when they renew their licenses. “Knowing that there aren’t going to be people with dementia or other issues on the road will make new drivers feel better about driving,” senior Izzy Downing said. The Missouri Department of Revenue requires drivers 70 and older to renew their licenses every three years and must take a vision and road sign test. However, it is not mandatory for the drivers to actually get behind the wheel. “It depends on the person,” Liberty

police officer Jerrol Anderson said, “If someone is still licensed as a legal driver, we can’t tell them he can’t drive. It’s a tricky situation because you have to have a valid reason; you can’t just take away people’s rights.” Indeed, there is legally no age limit to driving, and it is unconstitutional to take away someone’s right. Also, some seniors are capable of driving. However, it’s for the greater good of the community, not just the elderly drivers themselves. It is only fair for all older drivers to be tested. “I’ve talked to people who have seizures and other problems and they can’t drive anymore because of their physical ailments,” Anderson said, “It’s unfortunate, and it’s a bigger challenge in life, but it’s just part of circumstances that you can’t control.” Requiring physical driving tests every three years that assess reaction time, hearing, retracting steps and overall cognitive functions after the age of 75 is essential. It is only fair to separate the less-capable drivers from the road and allow the more functional ones to continue driving until their time to retire is reached.

OPINION

Friend or Foe? The use of AI and the effects on teenagers.

I is unregulated, as it continues to grow, constructs mental health apps, creating a massive vulnerability for the world. Artificial intelligence needs to be limited not just in schools but everywhere; it fails to improve the mental well-being of teens or adults. Artificial Intelligence is a new concept. Companies are labeling these thinking computers as companions or friends. Leading teenagers to engage in extreme behavior, disassociating the real world from fiction, creating narrow-minded individuals. According to the University of California, there are reports of people becoming addicted to using chatbots to the point of withdrawing

Photo by Haylee Mason.

Reported by Katie Ericksen Designed by Destinee Davis

from engaging with real humans in their lives. AI can give harmful advice people adopt when it fits their selfish interests. Chatbots are creating unhealthy boundaries between chats while engaging with personal lives. Though AI can be utilized as a tool for learning, its negatives are often overlooked. Recently, according to AP News, an AI Chat Bot led a teen to inflict self harm. AI can be used beneficially, both in and outside of school environments. AI can be used for taking notes or asking clarifying questions on a topic. Artificial intelligence is often used as another tool for gathering information on a topic or a project. “AI has a ton of positive effects, primarily in scientific and medical fields. The advancement and use of AI has had an overall beneficial effect on society due to the incredible advancements it has made, and will aid us in achieving,” an anonymous responder said. I believe, in often cases, even if AI is being utilized correctly, users can form a concerning relationship with the computer. Teens may also become addicted to using chatbots to the point where they are no longer trying on their

Adobe Illustration by Kora Smith.

assignments. Mental wellness can be disrupted, and teens may find themselves experiencing anxiety, loneliness, or social pressure. There needs to be limitations on how AI is used, as a tool, not a venting source. “I can understand how people enjoy the benefit of venting to a non-judgmental AI. However, this can sometimes be concerning if it’s replacing real-life relationships with friends and family or if someone’s safety is at risk.” councelor Mindy Beard said. Instead of using AI for emotional help, reach out to a counselor or get in contact with a friend. Nothing replaces human connection. AI is a tool which should be used for educational help, not for mental well-being. If you know someone struggling with mental health, text or call 988.

LHSNEWS.NET | OCTOBER 2025

OPINION

More Than a Distraction

Liberty’s policy shows limiting phones doesn’t mean losing security.

n July 9, 2025, the Missouri Senate passed Bill 68, issuing a statewide mandate which bans cell phones from bell to bell in schools. The Bell Newspaper staff voted unanimously that our phone policy is a better adaptation of the Senate mandate because students still have access to their devices for emergencies; however, the access is limited in a way that minimizes classroom distraction. A recent poll conducted by the Spectator Yearbook claims students believe cell phones create a sense of security, and while they can be a distraction, most students have a respect for time and place in the classroom. Last year, the school adopted a similar policy to attempt to improve test grades; it has now been modified to comply with the mandate. “I like how our school handles the policy because I still have access to my phone if I need it,” sophomore Royce Schmalz said. The bill, which focused on minimizing distractions for students, has sparked a debate among students about safety. Students no longer feel they have a sense of safety on their campus without the ability to have contact outside the school, the threat of violence feels extremely real with the amount of school shootings in the US. According to CNN, “There have been 53 school shootings in the United States as of September 23, 27 were on college campuses and 26 were on K-12 school grounds. The

22 LHSNEWS.NET | OCTOBER 2025

Reported by JaiDynn Sargent Designed by Destinee Davis

incidents left 19 people dead and at least 84 other victims injured.” This threat felt very close to Liberty’s students at this year’s homecoming, after a fight between a few individuals took place at the dance, where a weapon was reported by students but never found by staff or law enforcement. The situation caused mass panic, resulting in large numbers of students exiting the building at once, ending the dance early. Students immediately contacted parents and family members, as well as law enforcement, once outside on their devices. Students left their phones and other belongings in the gymnasium. Students without their devices reported being more panicked than students with their devices due to a lack of information and connection with loved ones. “I dont know what I would’ve done if I didn’t have my phone. I know it seems like such a small thing, but being able to call my friends and know they were okay and tell my family that I was okay made me feel so much more relieved after

everything that happened,” Schmalz said. Students have a reasonable fear for their safety in schools. Phones are a lifeline to parents in an emergency; not having access to their cell phones shouldn’t be an option. Educators, however, believe that phones are a distraction to the learning environment in schools. According to Paw Research Center, “High school teachers are especially likely to see cellphones as problematic. About seven-in-ten (72%) say that students being distracted by cellphones is a major problem in their classroom.” While we agree that phone use needs to be limited in classes, completely restricting access to devices during times such as lunch and free periods is not necessary to eliminate the distraction. Taking away access during these times only adds more stress and anxiety to students, considering phones are such an integral part of teens’ daily lives. “I dont think it’s necessary to ban phones during lunch or flex because I listen to music and catch up with what’s happening outside of the school. I like that our school lets us use them,” Senior Ceily Tiemann said. As students of the school newspaper, we believe that Liberty High School has a better policy than other schools in the northland. Cell phones are needed to provide a sense of security to students, and phones are acceptable in classrooms as long as students have respect for the mandate and understand the consequences of using them.

GAME

Would You Rather? Read the question and circle your answers below. Designed by Kora Smith

OR Be invisible Live at the beach OR Live in the mountains Have unlimited wealth OR Have unlimited time OR Drink energy drinks Drink coffee Speak with animals OR Speak all languages OR Have a new wardrobe Have a new car Live without internet OR Live without AC Have a personal chef OR Have a personal trainer Only be able to whisper OR Only be able to shout Be able to fly

LHSNEWS.NET | OCTOBER 2025