The Bell 12/20/2013

The Bell December 20, 2013 Issue 3 Volume 90

SCAN & VISIT

LHSNEWs.net

Table Of Contents

02

On the cover: Senior Haley Brown sings her heart out as lead actress in the fall musical. Tarzan. See page 16 for more!

StuCo pays it forward by doing a weeks worth of community service. Find out how they got involved here!

Page 25

Shh, Don’t Tell Umbridge

Fellow Harry Potter fans gather during Liberty Hour. See what magic they are brewing here.

New Season, Same Goals The Liberty Blue Jays prepare for their upcoming season.

Discover what standards they have set for themselves this year.

Photo by Molly Meeks

Page 09

Before becoming teachers at LHS, many staff members served in the armed forces. Learn more about their lives after serving.

Photo by Kaitlyn Hamline

Page 07

Troops to Teachers

Photo by Jordan Wheelhouse

Page A Week in Service 05

Photo by Zach Kilgas

Photo by Kristen Poe

The Bell Staff

Editor In Chief Madi Denton Design Editor Diana Timmermans Features Editor Aly Copp Sports Editor Nick Palmarine Assistant Sports Editor Grace George Opinion Editor Molly Meeks A&E Editor Meredith Crouch News Editor Zach Kilgas Ads Manager Sammi Siegel Online News Manager Sol Kim Website Technical Support Tyler Eggleston Adviser Lori Oyler Photos Manager Kaitlyn Hamline

Reporters Alex Wilson Alex Jimenez Jasmine Smith-Marley Katie Crouch Kennedy Allison Sara Arns Tara Prindle

Contact us Address 200 Blue Jay Drive Liberty, MO 64068 Email thebell@liberty.k12. mo.us

Photo Journalism Photo Editor Kristen Poe Assistant Photo Editor Nicole Throckmorton

Phone (816) 736-5353

Our Mission

Our Mission for the 2013-2014 school year is to unite a diverse group of people and ideas to compose an informative and entertaining magazine using articles, photographs and commercial messages. As journalists in training, we endeavor to give the best representation of the community of Liberty High School. The Bell student newspaper is a public forum for student expression.

Twitter @TheBell_LHS

Jays’ Jabber

03

What’s happening @ LHSNews.net?

Cloverton at North Liberty North’s FCA welcomed Cloverton to the stage!

Learn about how the show came together here!

German Advent Calenders German students have been working hard to fundraise their trips and class activities! Check out how they did it here!

Classic Christmas Movies Our staff took a look into some Christmas favorites, and compared them to the new remakes!

on Fire

Forth’s on Fire

With a background as an Eagle Scout, and inspired by his grandfather, senior Brandon Forth has been inducted into the National Technology Honor Society for his work in the Firefighting 1 and 2 Program at the Excelsior Springs Area Career Center. He is the only student from Liberty to earn the honor.

While we were decorating our staff Christmas tree, we noticed some of our decorations were missing.. Help us find our ornament! Come to room 513 at the beginning of 6th hour to receive a prize!

SCAN & VISIT LHSNEWS.net

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04 News

Gifting Love

One LHS club is reaching out to help out a local family this Holiday.

Story by Meredith Crouch For many students at LHS, this time of year is devoted to shopping, eating and spending time with family. The holiday season is a time of receiving gifts but, more importantly, it is a time for giving.

Key Club collects gifts for a family through Hillcrest Transitional Housing Program. The Hillcrest Transitional Housing Program is for homeless families trying to get back on their feet.

This program gives the families a place to live to help them recover. With little money to spare, buying their children presents is the last thing on these families’ minds.

That is where organizations like LHS’s Key Club come in. Hillcrest reaches out to the community, asking for volunteers to sponsor a family by purchasing their presents. The families make lists of their wants and needs and the lists are given out to the organizations who are eager to help.

“Needs are things like clothing, shoes and school supplies. Wants are fun things like toys, games and gift cards,” club sponsor Erin Garvey said.

“Without our help, these families would not get presents for Christmas.

They are not in the families’ budget.”

The students who are buying the presents only know the age and gender of the person they are buying for. The family that Key Club has adopted includes a single mother with a 19-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter.

“We pick an objects to go with what the kids of the family want,” sophomore Dakota Brizendine said. “We go out and buy it and they will receive it on

Photos by Kristen Poe

I

Christmas. ” After each member has bought a gift or two, the family ends up with a more joyful Christmas experience.

“The most important part of the holiday season is giving to others,” freshman Sarah Parrot said. “It’s a win-win situation because you can know that you have helped someone and they get the gift of having a better Christmas.”

Members of Key Club are eager to help others, especially during the holiday season when these families need the most.

“It’s something that everyone is usually pretty excited to do, the items go pretty quickly and we are always able to bring in a lot,” senior Caroline Abbot said.

Sometimes what may seem like the simplest of gifts can make a huge difference.

“I had a dad request pink cowboy boots for his seven-year-old daughter.

He said that was the only thing she really wanted and she talked about it all the time,” Garvey said. “Key Club got her the cowboy boots. When the dad saw the boots, he started crying and was so thankful. Later, in a thank you note, he wrote that his daughter loved the boots so much she wouldn’t even take them off to sleep.”

It is eye-opening for LHS students to see how many local, homeless families are in need.

“It’s good for us to get experience and to know how families are because we’re not homeless, it helps us realize how much people in these situations are in need,” junior Abigail Jones said.

I Key Club gathered all of the gifts together.

Later they will be wrapped and delivered to the families.

A Week In Service Story by Sarah Arns

05 News

Photos by Zach Kilgas, Jordan Wheelhouse

StuCo’s B.I.O.N.I.C. Week or, “Believe It Or Not I Care”, has returned this year starting December 1. During B.I.O.N.I.C. Week StuCo members and LHS students worked together to complete random acts of kindness in LHS and the Liberty community.

Above: StuCo and residents at Cedars of Liberty.

Below: Junior Mary Mwaura cleans desks on Custodian Appreciation Day.

This included volunteering and participating in service projects such as Salvation Army bell ringing and helping out at the Cedars of Liberty assisted living home. Other events that took place were Custodian Day, where students helped with the task of lunch cleanup, and the popular Friday ‘Treat Trolley’ that delivered home baked goods to teachers all throughout the school. StuCo members think of and organize the charitable acts themselves. Many StuCo members look forward to the event each year and seeing their fellow students giving back.

Right: Science Teacher Tim Block chooses a cookie from the Treat Trolley

Above: Madison Jones paints a resident’s nails .

06 News

Gears in Motion Team 1764 is back and ready for action.

Story by Kennedy Allison

Team 1764, the Robotics Team, has already kicked off their club activities far ahead of schedule. Participating students from both Liberty and Liberty North travel together around the country to compete in Robotics regionals against hundreds of other high schools.

“We’re sent what our robot needs to be built off of in January,” Senior Taylor Eggleston said.

“We have six weeks to build that robot and then take it to the competitions with us.”

Last year’s team constructed a robot that was able to throw Team 1764 poses Frisbees, while the team from two years ago built one that could shoot basketballs from the free-throw line with accuracy.

Team 1764 is ecstatic to get hold of their criteria and start building.

“It’s been up in the air for about a month or so,” junior Madi Hayter said. “There’s about 30 for 40 people that show up to every meeting we have.”

On February 27 the whole team will travel to Pekin, Illinois to compete in a regional competition, other locations are yet to be announced.

Photos by Madi Hayter

“We normally rent out a bus and we have another person hauling a trailer with our robot in it”, Eggleston said.

Funding for these machines can be a

Tuesday and Thursday after school from 3:30 to 5:30P.M. In the six week period of building season they meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday until around nine at night and Saturday mornings. The club gathers together and eats as a family during their building season Old robots are kept on hand for future seasons to take to competitions before they are given criteria for the new ones. These competitions are used to help get the new club members used to the idea of how things are run and the pressure as a group before the Massive Mini competition these students have on their shoulders when challenge, the Liberty Ford Dealership has their creation hits the performance turf. partnered up with the group to help them Team 1764 is showing all new members out with the Ford Drive One fundraising the ropes, whether that be programming, event. “The money we raise goes towards building, or working with computers to help helping us build the robot”, Junior Brooke get a visual. Come January, the club will be Yanez said “It’s really helpful with where we constantly busy and they can’t wait to show need to go.” the nation what the Liberty Public School About $38,00 is raised to support the team District can do! every year, this money goes to competition enrollment, hotel and dining at competitions as well as the robot itself.

During off-season the team meets every

TroopstoTeachers LHS students salute their teachers that have or are currently serving in the Armed Forces.

Story by Sol Kim Some soldiers choose to build lifelong careers in the armed forces. Others decide to pursue opportunities in jobs outside of the army. Teachers around LHS have supported their country by being a part of the United States armed forces. LHS students and staff appreciate all of the hard work that past and present soldiers have done.

Liberty High School students salute their teachers that have or are currently serving in the military.

Zoology teacher Trace Larson spent five years in the Army Reserve, and 19 years in the Air Force Reserve.

“I served as a Senior Master Sergeant in the Air Force. I joined the Air Force because I needed money for college, and I accomplished that through the G.I. Bill,” Larson said. “I got to travel all around the globe. I traveled to Europe, South West Asia, Central America, and all around the United States.”

According to Larson, his military experience was more of a job.

“I studied mainly in engineering and design so most of my work revolved around that,” Larson said.

History teacher Jeffrey Wilkins is still serving in the military. Wilkins

07 Features

Design by Aly Copp has been in the army for 21 years and three months. He is a Staff Sergeant for the Nebraska National Guard.

“I have only served state side,” Wilkins said. “I’ve been in the Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, and Missouri guard units. For active duty posts, I’ve trained at Fort Benning, Georgia, Fort Riley, Kansas, Fort Lee, Virginia, Lackland Air Force Base San Antonia, Texas, Fort Hunter Ligett, California, as well as many other Guard and Reserve posts through out the country,” Wilkins said.

His most memorable experience from the army was his first airborne jump out of a C-17.

“I think it is great how Mr. Wilkins has served our country. He is inspiring many students with his bravery and passion for the military,” sophomore Jack Zhang said.

“I have met a lot of people that I consider my friends from all over the country and various parts of the world. I’m more self disciplined and have a degree of confidence that I lacked when I was younger,” Wilkins said.

Both Wilkins and Larson said that the one downside of being in the armed forces was spending time

away from home.

“I was gone from my family for a long period of time. It was difficult being gone, but it really shows how much you appreciate your family.

My knowledge of engineering and design has increased greatly from being in the army,” Larson said.

“I’ve always heard of the sacrifices men and women have made to secure the freedoms we enjoy in this country,” Wilkins said. “After joining the military, my eyes have been opened to just how deep those sacrifices are. We should all be very appreciative of those who have and who are currently serving.”

LHS thanks all of the brave teachers for their hard work and dedication they have put forth to protect our country. LHS students and staff appreciate the soldiers past and present that have risked their lives in order for our country to flourish.

LHS Teachers who have served in the Armed Forces:

Jeffrey Wilkins- Staff Sergeant for Nebraska National Guard

Trace Larson- Senior Master Sergeant in the Air Force

John Neldon- Army Sergeant

08 Features

Super Strange Scholarships Students have the opportunity to apply for some interesting scholarships.

Story by Sarah Arns

A senior is sitting in the library. He looks down at his hands and remembers how cool it was to be left-handed in elementary school, and how all the other kids loved the doodles he would do in his notebook.

Now he has to worry about his grades, and, if he wants to get a scholarship and go to a good college.

What he doesn’t know is that there are all kinds of scholarships that have nothing to do with academics or sports. They can be found by searching sites like scholarships.com or finaid.org.

If you are left-handed, there is a scholarship for you. If you are a girl over 5’9 or a boy over 6’2, there is a scholarship for you. If you are addicted to the TV show The Walking Dead, there is a scholarship for you. There are scholarships for people who are creative, people going into specific fields or to specific collages, even scholarships about going to prom.

A good way to find out about these scholarships is by going to the counseling office or the family connections website where scholarships are listed for seniors.

“I think that unusual scholarships can be a good idea because one, they offer opportunity to students, regardless of what the background is, and then I think like anything else something unusual or offbeat tends to catch the eyes of the teenagers or youth,” Counselor Greg Casel said. “If it gives opportunity and exposes more people to that opportunity than that’s great. As long as it’s not illegal or immoral.”

Tall Clubs International offers a $1,000 scholarship for tall people, the Kae Sumner Einfeldt Scholarship. Women who are at least 5’10” and men who are at least 6’2” are eligible for the award. Candidates must be under 21 years old and plan to attend college in the fall.

“I personally like the scholarship competitions that force students to be creative,” Guidance Counselor Scott Gillespie said.

“For example, Duck Brand Tape has a scholarship competition that awards students who create their prom outfits out

Photo by Ashley Covarrubias

of duct tape.”

The Duck Brand Duct Tape Stuck on Prom Contest is open to students age 14 years or older who are attending a high school prom in the spring.

Entrants must enter as a couple and attend a high school prom wearing complete attire or accessories made from duct tape. The submission must include a color photograph of the couple together in prom attire.

The first place prize consists of a $5,000 scholarship for each member of the winning couple and a $5,000 cash prize to the school that hosted the prom.

Another unusual scholarship calls on a very specific talent that some kids in LHS possess.

The Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest awards a $1,500 scholarship to the winner.

The contest is open to any high school senior in the United States who can call ducks. Contestants have 90 seconds to use four calls. The first runner-up receives a $500 scholarship.

Some currently offer special scholarships or discounts for twins and triplets including Carl Albert State College in Oklahoma (Paula Nieto Twin Scholarship), George Washington University in Washington, DC (50% discount for second sibling), Lake Erie College in Painesville, and Ohio (each twin gets the scholarship in alternate years).

“You should get scholarships for things you can actually do stuff with,” sophomore Alexis Dolby said. “I mean, being a twin’s not going to get you anywhere in life, you’re just a twin.

But you’ve got to pay for it somehow and if the offer’s out there, you might as well take it, because college isn’t cheap.”

More than one of the students who didn’t previously know about the unusual scholarships agree that they were strange but a good idea.

Standing at 6’10 Senior Jeff Kinder would be a perfect candidate for the height scholarship, even though he isn’t strange!

Shh, Don’t Tell Umbridge Students get together at Harry Potter Club to release their inner wizard and witch.

Story by Jasmine Smith-Marley In the Harry Potter Club, students have transformed into “wizard’s of Hogwarts.” Everyone in the club shares the same passion and love for J.K. Rowling and Witchcraft and Wizardry in Dumbledore’s Army.

“We meet Tuesdays and Wednesdays Liberty Hour B,” sophomore and club leader Katie Allgaier said. “Harry Potter club got started when me and a couple of friends decided Liberty needed more Harry Potter.”

Everyone who loves Harry Potter can be part of the club, but you have to go through steps to get placed into one of the houses offered to you.

“People get shorted using the Pottermore website,” Allgaier said. “The houses are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin.”

The leaders of the heads of houses are sophomore Shelby Werner who’s in charge of Gryffindor, Me [Katie Allgier]

09 Features

Photos by Molly Meeks

who’s in charge of Slytherin, Cecelia Cook who’s in charge of Ravenclaw, and Holly Laws, who’s in charge of Hufflepuff.

Allgaier also explained the plans for the future, such as fundraisers, bake sales, and crafts that are based on Harry Potter.

“We are also working on forming our quidditch teams and communicating with Liberty North’s Harry Potter Club,”

Allgaier said. “[We want] to do some sort of collaborative project.” “[I enjoy the club’s] environment.” sophomore Holly Laws said. ”Everyone gets along so well and it’s a really fun time.”

The club sponsor’s and Spanish teacher Jason Lowe role is to make sure the club stays well-organized, and connect to the school administration.

“I became a sponsor for the HPC [Harry Potter Club],” Lowe said “Because some students that I have taught over the last couple of years asked me to sponsor the club.”

The sponsors for Harry Potter Club at Liberty North suggested setting up a Quidditch match between the two schools and are currently brain-storming ideas for community service.

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10 Spotlight

AJ Jones Senior

Story by Kennedy Allison

Photo by Kristen Poe

How long have you been in Exit 1-6?

I’ve been in Exit 1-6 since my junior year, I tried out at the end of sophomore year and I did my first show with them right before school let out. A lot of people think it’s just about being funny and that’s not it. You have to know how to connect with other people

How are you involved with the British Ju-Jut-Zu club?

Ju-Jut-Zu club is a pretty high priority. Last year when it first came around I was super excited for this because Liberty is like the first school ever to have a martial arts club. I was there every single day and made sure I learned every single move that he went through.

Have you been in any musicals previously?

Tarzan [was] my first musical. They were talking about it last year and they were like, “Hey you should try out for Tarzan because you’re a crazy person!” and I was like, “Yeah I am a crazy person!”

All I wanted was to swing on ropes and act like an ape.

What was your role in the play?

I [was] a gorilla actually, my role [was] as Kerchek’s advisor which meant whenever Kerchek [was] on stage I [was] out there with him. Just like a regular ape, only slightly stronger.

Will you be trying out for Macbeth?

Who AJ really is..

AJ brings his funny and spirited personality into all his school activities, including his namesake AyJay Dance Fridays.

I may try out for Macbeth. That’s the one that’s coming up this year. There is supposed to be a lot of students trying out for it. I really enjoyed the musical so I might just give it a try. I want to be a character who gets to use a sword to fight people and have a bunch of awesome fight scenes; that’s all I want to do.

Mrs. Bertoldie’s thoughts on AJ: “Aaron is a very passionate person with whatever he is involved with.

He is passionate about Exit 1-6, he is very passionate about Broadcasting when he is working on stories about something that he loves, like his AyJay Dance Friday stories. He works diligently on the things that he is passionate about.

Alex Dowling

Junior

Story by Kennedy Allison

Photo by Danni Hammontree

How long have you been in band?

I’ve been in band since sixth grade. I play the tuba and go to contests.

Students who are in band are also required to be in marching band, we go to contests as a whole for that as well. In single contests I usually get ones (which is the highest rating possible) and for marching band we have gotten ones in past years, however this time around we didn’t do so well.

How long have you been swimming?

I’ve been swimming since sixth grade. I swim for both Liberty High school, and then out of school I swim for Club North. We practice at the municipal in Gladstone. Last year I went to state with the school team for the medley relay, breaststroke leg.

What do you do outside of school?

I have a job at a vineyard making all different types of wines. It’s called Four Horses and a Dog. The guy who owns the vineyard is a family friend who asked me when I was about twelve years old if I needed money. He asked if I wanted to come down over the weekend sometimes over the summer. I didn’t start producing the actual alcohol until last year. We went to competitions and got first place in a national event in Massachusetts.

What do you want to do when you leave school?

[I want to be] an architect specializing in low income/cost housing development from other countries. I was looking at Rensselaer up in Troy, New York because they have really good partnerships with CASE, which is a really good architecture firm that’s supposed to be one of the best in the nation. They have multitudes of advanced technologies in terms of architecture.

What is Architecture Club?

This is my second year being in Architecture Club. They have a problem sent in by a board of people and we solve it with architecture related solutions. Then we take the solutions to the competitions we go to, and they are judged with all of the other [five or so] schools and the judges pick the best ones. The club usually starts up after Thanksgiving break and we meet regularly until competition, around Spring break, and then the club dies off until the following school year.

Mr. Murphy’s thoughts on Alex:

“Alex really finished the season strong after facing an injury at the beginning of the year. He ended up placing top eight in our conference which is really big and I think he’s going to make a run for the state cup next year in the 100 fly.”

Who Alex really is..

Alex plans to build his future as an architect, while passing the time with swimming and marching with the band.

11 Spotlight

12 Spotlight

Meagan Gardner Sophomore Story by Grace George

Photo by Spencer Hausman

When did you start ice-skating?

[I started ice skating] when I was four. My mom was an ice skater and had to take me to the rink with her. I didn’t have anything else to do.

What routine is your favorite to perform?

My favorite routine to perform is just plain freestyle. I like it best because it incorporates jumps, spins, footwork and music all together. I’ve been doing it since I was four years old and it is the routine that I am best at.

As a skater, on a scale of 1-10, how would you rate yourself?

I would rate myself an 8. I’ve been doing it for a long time and I know what I’m doing. I compete in a lot of competitions. [My favorite ice-skating memory was] When I qualified to go on to finals at regionals, which were [held] in Pony Express, Missouri.

How has your family supported you through your ice-skating career?

My mom pays for lessons and practice time and they always come to see me perform. They help me pick out dresses for our competition and always push me to do my best.

What is the funniest thing that’s happened to you?

When my brother and I put pillows on our heads as helmets, thinking that it would cushion our heads, but when we ran into each other it did not cushion them and we fell.

If you could be any animal in the world, what would you be and why??

Who Meagan really is..

Meagan is talented, hardworking and well known for her slick skills on the ice.

I would be a penguin, mostly because they’re cute and waddle around and sliding on their bellies looks fun.

Mr. Hammer’s thoughts on Meagan: “Having Meagan in class is a pleasure. I can honestly say she is one of the nicest girls that anyone could ever meet.”

Katherine Shaffer

Freshman

Story by Grace George

Photo by Ashley Covarrubias

What has music done for your life?

“Music has kept me going through a lot of hard times. When people in my family have passed away music was there for me and is able to be help me get through it.”

What is your favorite song to play?

“Probably one of our stand shorties because it’s just so upbeat and fun. I’ve been playing it since the beginning of this year.”

Who is your favorite band to listen to?

“My favorite band is 3 Days Grace because their songs actually mean something unlike others that just talk about breaking up and making up.”

What is the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?

“[It’s] probably when I was in 5th grade. My brother shaved off my eyebrows so I had to go to school with no eyebrows for a few months.”

Who is your biggest inspiration?

“I would say my mom has been my biggest inspiration because everyone loves her. Even if someone was not kind to my mom

If you could rewind and redo anything in your life, what you do over?

“I would probably say I love you to my mom every single day because I never do.”

Mr. Owen’s thoughts on Katherine: “Katherine Shaffer is a nice and energetic young lady. She has been a great addition to our band program this year. She does a great job in our marching band and has been doing well in our concert band as well. I am proud of her for being involved in our program along with all of the other things that she does, and balancing them out very well.”

Who Katherine Really is..

Katherine is a kind-hearted freshman who cares deeply for her family and hopes to carry music with her throughout the rest of her life.

13 Spotlight

14 Spotlight

Matt Kiser Teacher

Story by Katie Crouch

Photo by Ashley Covarrubias

Did you always want to be a teacher?

I think I was destined to be a teacher. Even when I was a kid I used to play school, which probably sounds really strange. My brother was the one who actually talked me into it. I was in college and he was in high school. I was tutoring him in his algebra 2 class and he just kept telling me over and over that I should be a teacher because I could teach it better than his teachers, so I finally listened to him.

What is the craziest thing that has happened in your class?

There have been a couple of fights I’ve had to break up. I broke up a fight between two girls and that was pretty crazy because it didn’t matter that I was in between them; they still wanted to go at it. It was over a boy. That was probably the craziest thing that’s happened.

What was your favorite part about coaching?

I coached baseball here for six years. And every year I had a good time doing that. Probably just seeing the improvement in a kid in the thing that you’re showing them and practicing over time.

If you could live anywhere, where would you want to live?

My favorite place that I’ve ever been too is Hawaii. It was just nice the week that I went there. I went in 2001. We left the kids at home, so maybe that’s why it was a great vacation.

Mrs. Langford’s thoughts on Mr. Kiser:

Who Mr. Kiser really is..

Mr. Kiser is a fantastic teacher with a spunky personality who cares about his students and their lives.

“Mr. Kiser is very friendly. I think what I’ve noticed over the years is that he’s really interested in people.

He finds things out about you, and remembers them and asks about them. He jokes around and laughs and stuff and he really is a people person and he cares about people.

He personally has helped me out, like when I need copies and things like that. I think that he’s very good to work with because he’s easy- going and tends to always stay positive.”

Michelle Kist Administration

Story by Katie Crouch

Photo by .Maddie Hissong

Have you always wanted to be a nurse?

“When I became a nurse, yes. Since I came to Liberty it’s been the best job I’ve ever had.”

What’s the greatest thing about working here at Liberty?

“This is going to sound really crazy- the kids. Just watching the kids change, and grow and mature and go on to bigger and better things.”

What is the craziest thing that has happened to you at the high school?

“It doesn’t have to do with the kids. It has to do with the district and the school altogether. When my husband had a horrible accident, the support and all the things that people did to help us while he was hurt was just amazing. I just think the whole school district is amazing.”

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

“Well I’d have to stay here only because my grand kids are here. If my grand kids could come with me, probably Ruidoso, New Mexico. I’ve been there maybe twice. There are no beaches actually, there’s horse racing and mountains. And I love that stuff because we raise racehorses.

We breed and raise them on the racetrack. And Ruidoso New Mexico is where the All-American Futurity I held.”

Where did you go to school?

“I went to high school on the West Coast, and I attended college on the West Coast.”

What kind of car did you drive then?

I had a 65 Mustang fastback; it was black with glass-packs, red leather interior and a stick shift.

Mrs. Hausman thoughts on Mrs. Kist: She does everything for me, I wouldn’t know what to do without her. Nurse Michelle is a great listener, and she gets life. She is a really good sport. She’ll do anything for the kids.

Who Mrs. Kist really is..

Nurse Kist has a happy disposition, welcoming attitude, and is passionate about her job at LHS.

15 Spotlight

16 indepth

Two Worlds

LHS was not aping around in their production of Tarzan

Story by Amanda Kovac Photos by Nicole Throckmorton The loveable Disney film Tarzan has always held a special place in my heart. I was ecstatic to hear that Tarzan would be making an appearance as the fall theatre production.

With expectations heightened after last year’s blue star award-winning performance of A Christmas Carol, I entered the Little Theatre, except it wasn’t the Little Theatre anymore. I was in a jungle paradise.

It was exciting to find a misty atmosphere, swinging rope vines, and even a trickling waterfall, not to mention the giant spinning tree in the middle of the stage. It was truly a captivating experience.

Within the first ten minutes of the show, I was hooked. I had been captured by senior Roslinde Rivera’s

performance as the caring apemother, Kala, as she saved the baby Tarzan from the leopard. Senior Tyler Frost, who played the leopard, truly blew me away. He really embraced his role as a flesh-eating feline predator. Sitting front row, I saw first-hand how intimidating he could be.

I found numerous audience members, including myself, would shrink back as he passed. I will openly admit that I felt the urge to run when he looked me in the eye.

I fought the impulse, and I’m glad I did.

A musical is attended for, of course, the music. While sticking with many of the songs from the original Disney Tarzan film, other songs by Phil Collins were added, including my

favorite two duets between Tarzan and Jane, and two between Kala and Kerchek. Rivera and senior Turner Staton, who played Kerchek, both have strong, beautiful voices that complemented each other nicely on both, “No Other Way” and “Sure As Sun Turns To Moon.”

I also really enjoyed the duet, “For The First Time,” between Tarzan and Jane. It was a romantic ballad between seniors Austin Jones and Haley Brown, who played Tarzan and Jane. The two have beautiful, sweet voices that matched their characters well. It is amazing to me that high school students, such as Brown and Jones, can have such obvious talent.

Left: Senior Turner Staton (Kerchek) poses in his gorilla costume.

Above: Senior Austin Jones (Tarzan) dances around and sings while the gorillas have a dance number of their own.

One Family I loved all the songs, as Tarzan is one of my favorite Disney sound tracks, but my favorite had to be “Trashin’ the Camp.”

I loved the nonsensical nature of the song, compared to other songs in the musical. The young, rowdy apes gave me joy as they smashed plates and drummed on pots and pans.

The cast could not have been picked more perfectly. Each cast member was paired to his or her ideal character.

I was happy to find that both Jones and Brown could convincingly play the roles that I loved so much as a child.

Jones seemed as if he were really learning everything for the first time.

From the examination of Jane’s foot, to his first time wearing a suit, he was curious and intrigued by the strangers like him.

Brown was just as ladylike and adorable as the Jane in the film. She looked impeccable in her bright yellow dress; exactly how I would have imagined the real Jane Porter.

The pairing of Rivera and Staton as Kerchak and Kala made my heart want to sing. Both characters had a strength

that Rivera and Staton captured and let shine through the heavy makeup and airbrushed abs.

Junior Noa Adams, who played Terk, and Landon Tuso, (son of Prevention Specialist Amy Tuso) who played the young Tarzan, also did an amazing job. I could not have been more pleased by Noa’s sassy attitude, and little Tuso, who had some spunk of his own, creating a friendship that had me rolling with laughter throughout the performance.

Senior Alex Hemphill, who played Clayton, made a flawless, and comical, dirt-bag. I found myself truly hating him as he yelled out lines such as, “they won’t object… once we throw them overboard.”

I wanted to break his gun over his own head, in a good way.

I found myself mesmerized by each character again and again. I couldn’t help but laugh when Staton entered the stage fluffier than before, to show that he had aged.

I thought the silliness between Tarzan and Jane during their first meeting was perfect.

Tarzan performed cartwheels

17 indepth

for Jane, a cute touch to show how primitively he was raised. The small, and somewhat humorous details such as these gave me the Tarzan craze that I had lost from my childhood years.

I felt like swinging from trees again.

But who has time for that when the ship for England arrives in only a few days?

Left: Senior Roslinde Rivera (Kala) interacts with young Tarzan., Landon Tuso.

Top right: Haley Brown (Jane) looks at her camp after the Gorillas trash it.

Bottom right: Alex Hemphill, Andrew Dipoto and others discuss what is happening in the jungle

18 A&E

Catching Fire Story by Aly Copp

“Let the 75th annual Hunger Games begin.”

Photo by Diana Timmermans Photo courtsey of screened.com

Throw your hair in a braid, grab your mocking jay pin and let the 75th annual Hunger Games begin.

I watched Catching Fire two days after the premiere. In the movie, the winners of the previous year’s Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark get thrown back into the arena along with other old winners for the third Quarter Quell. While in the arena, the tributes have to figure out the puzzle behind their new atmosphere and fight to stay alive, while at the same time, fighting for their freedom from the governing Capitol.

Having read the entire Hunger Games trilogy, one could say that I walked into that AMC theatre with high expectations. I think I speak for most avid readers when I say that it is disappointing when the film is a lot different than the book it was based on.

However to my delight I felt that the movie followed the book pretty well aside from a few minor differences.

At the end of the Hunger Games book Peeta gets his leg amputated because of an injury that happened in the arena.

This causes him to have to wear a prosthetic leg during his second time in the arena in Catching Fire. However, Peeta’s leg was not amputated in either of the movies.

Other key scenes that were left out of the movie were Katniss’ wedding dress photo shoot, Peeta and Katniss bonding on the roof the night before the Quarter Quell, and Katniss breaking her foot

while trying to jump over an electric fence. (Entertainment Weekly) One of my favorite things about the movie is the cast. If you get hungry before the movie, no snacks are necessary because there is plenty of eye candy throughout the entire film. I know every girl who has seen Catching

Fire so far, was close to drooling when they saw Finnick Odair, same goes for the guys and Jennifer Lawrence. And to all of those who have not yet seen the movie, spoiler alert: they’re attractive.

On a different note, their acting was great as well.

After watching the movie, I’d heard a lot of complaints from people about the ending. They said that it was too sudden, or that it wasn’t as exciting as expected. I however loved the ending.

Without giving it away, I will just say that it was simple and to the point.

I recommend that everyone see this movie. With this snow outside, you might have quite a journey to the theatre though.

So my parting words are, go see t h i s

movie

Calling all movie lovers..

“I am excited for the Catching Fire movie beacause we read all of the books together in my SSR class last year. I think it’s going to be a great movie,” french teacher Jessica Lumetta said.

“I’m really excited to see Frozen.

There have been a lot of cartoon movies recently that have been really bad, but I’ve heard from people that Frozen is really good so I can’t wait to see it,” junior Ben Anderson said.

Photos by Molly Meeks

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20 opinion

Staff Editorial: Are we Excited for the new Fieldhouse?

Although it is not the home we have all come to love, the Bell staff is excited about the addition of the new fieldhouse.

Rumors have been floating around that the old fieldhouse and auxiliary gym will be torn down to make room for the new gym. But the trick is to not believe everything you hear.

The new fieldhouse will be added onto the building, meaning the current gyms will remain standing. Upper classmen who graduate before construction is finished can return to see their favorite Blue Jays in their new home, while still being able to peek into the home they left behind.

Some are not too keen on the idea of leaving the beloved Cokely fieldhouse, though. Some of the staff

believe changing the fieldhouse would be changing tradition, as the current fieldhouse is the perfect size for fans to scream, shout, and get loud. Many felt the larger fieldhouse would overwhelm dedicated fans, making their cheers and chants less effective.

The bulk of the staff, however, is ready to welcome this new addition with open arms. Many feel that the new fieldhouse is meant to be bigger, better and newer, so why not embrace the change? Others on staff agree that instead of clinging to memories in the current fieldhouse, we should allow the school to continue to evolve with time. Lets embrace the new, letting all our happy memories remain in the past, rather than never changing anything in fear that a tradition may change or a home may move.

Yes: 16 No: 3

photos by Molly Meeks

The articles on these pages do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the entire Bell staff. Please feel free to comment, criticize, or condemn anything you see on this page in a Letter to the Editor at thebell@liberty.k12.mo.us

Opinion

The Car That Saves Lives

My car has become something of a black hole. The more things I take with me, the more seems to get magically left behind, causing me to make the brave trip outside each time I need something.

I have everything from a Valentine’s Day box, to a beach towel, to pillows, to my little sister’s cheer outfit. She hasn’t been enrolled in cheer for about a year now.

As lazy as I may sound, I’ve actually grown to love my inability to put away the things I take out. For every time I’ve gotten myself into some kind of teen-emergency, I’ve found something within my little Gold Sunfire to save me.

Take last week, for example. I was running late for school, and I all but sprinted out the door, coffee in hand.

I got about half-way to school when I had to break fast, spilling my now luke-warm coffee all over my shirt.

Editor in Chief Madi Denton Were I in any other car, I would’ve had to turn around, go home and change, and be late to my ultimate destination.

Quickly, I turned to my backseat for a miracle, and surprisingly enough, I had a perfectly good sweater right there, ready to be worn.

I do get picked on a lot for the chaos that is my back seat, and at one point in time, it was significantly worse than it is now. It got to the point where I had more shoes in my car than my closet, about 16 pairs to be exact, alongside a homecoming dress and a full change of clothes.

That I found to be a bit of an extreme, but right now my car is perfectly clustered. So if you ever find yourself caught in a crisis, come find me. I’m sure my car has something to save the day.

Stereotypical Christmas Column

own their very own, or their veryown-but-shared-with-their-siblings, dog. Denying a child of this right proves to the rest of the free world that a parent does not love their child.

Or their love only reaches enough to feed and clothe, sort of like a slave or a pet fish (minus the clothe part).

Tragically, I have been denied this right.

Rumors have been floating around, saying that animals such as cats can supplement for a dog in a child’s life. Such thoughts or feelings are fraudulent. Trust me, I have a cat and it’s not the same. While cats serve as nice companions for children and teenagers, they do not result in the same joy and childhood memories.

Think for second of all the activities are only fun with the humble canine; There is one right of every American fetch, going on walks, living life. Have child, one that cannot be denied; to you ever tried to play fetch with a cat?

Opinion Editor Molly Meeks

Because I have, and it’s pretty lame.

I throw the toy, Sally (my cat, who I love dearly) looks at the toy and that’s the end of it. Occasionally, she will run over to the toy and sniff it for a second, but it never escalates beyond that. Often times, playing with the cat will lead to getting bitten or scratched.

Don’t misread this column and think, “Molly hates cats” or “Molly hates her cat.” Because that is entirely untrue, as I mentioned before I love my kitty. I could not have asked for a better pet. Unless of course I was asking for a dog, which I am. Even then the dog would not be better. It and Sally would stand equally.

I’ve been denied of this right for 17 whole years, which I think is long enough. Since my parents have not yet given in, there is only one real solution; Dear Santa, …

‘Tis the Season to Drink Coffee ‘Tis the season for family, snow, Santa Claus…and Starbucks!

The holidays are all about being jolly and getting into the spirit of Christmas, so I decided to get into the spirit of Christmas by going to my favorite place in the world, Starbucks, to see what their Christmas drinks were all about.

If you know me, you know that I am not one to branch out from anything that I eat or drink. Changing things up is too big of a jump, but now after trying all of these drinks, I am a firm believer that change is good.

I tasted all of their seasonal choices: Peppermint Mocha, Chestnut Praline Latte and a Caramel Brulee Latte.

I am not a peppermint, chestnut or

caramel person. I tried these drinks with a mindset that I would return them and go back to my Chai latte, but to my surprise, I kept drinking the drink.

These drinks were made to get everyone in the spirit of Christmas and bring up holiday memories in hopes of getting everyone in the mood for the most wonderful time of the year.

Starbucks has surely achieved this goal with just these three drinks.

So for this upcoming holiday, gift your friends, family and even yourself to these holiday themed drinks to stay warm and be happy this Christmas.

Ads Manager Sammi Siegel

photos by Molly Meeks

Opinion

21 opinion

22 opinion

Pro: Jingle All Year

Everybody loves Christmas, the food, the gifts, but most importantly, the music. Christmas music has a special place in everyone’s heart. This music brings so much cheer to those who are listening. It always makes you feel warm inside. Why wouldn’t

you want that all year?

Sadly, its a common misconception that holiday music can only be played during winter. We listen to School’s Out all year long and that’s a summer song!

Christmas music has quality and feelings, it makes you feel all kind of emotions from happy to sad. They seem to take control. When you listen to Jingle Bell Rock and the chorus starts, it’s hard to resist at least tapping your foot. Not every song you listen to makes you feel emotions quite like this.

Christmas music is really magical and it does not take a whole playlist to impact you. Christmas music can bring joy, and lighten up the mood more than any other music, it can bring memories of shining lights and opening presents in front of an open fire.

These songs tell stories. They bring out the best in everyone, but the moment January comes everyone is switching their Pandora Stations to

By Reporter Alex Wilson The best of N Sync.

Personally, I think these Holiday masterpieces should be played all year. Finals come and you are pacing back and forth with sweat on your brow, why not listen to Frosty the Snowman to calm down? School lets out for the summer and you are taking a long, boring car ride to the Sprint Center with some friends, listening to Trans-Siberian Orchestra will make it go by faster. Even in the fall when school begins, listening to any kind of Christmas music will remind you only one semester lies between you and the holidays.

With all of it’s charm and spirit, why isn’t Christmas music played more often? Music is music. Christmas songs take time to write and are forced to be only played in December.

It makes no sense. Any and all music deserves to be played, so why not have the best songs play everyday.

photo by Molly Meeks photo courtsey of Diana Timmermans

Christmas Music All Year Con: Jingle Smells By Design Editor Diana Timmermans Ohh falalala, the holiday season is upon us. All I can say is “Ba humbug!” But stop, before you shun me for life, let me explain!

Many people who know me fairly well know that I don’t particularly like the winter holiday season but it’s not because I hate giving or I don’t have the Christmas spirit, it is just the music. A few reasons why I look at this season’s music with distaste is because it overpowers the holidays near Christmas like Halloween, Thanksgiving and other various holidays. It never ceases to amaze me how lightly Thanksgiving gets taken, this coming from a very angry girl whose aunt moved Thanksgiving dinner to Friday this year so her aunt could stand in line outside of Wal-Mart. So it truly irritates me that some radio stations are playing those “jolly” tunes in October!

NO THANK YOU! I enjoy my other holidays being reindeer-free! I am totally

fine with Christmas and holiday music in December, surprise, surprise!

Most holiday music is good, but honestly there’s only so much holiday music to be played before it is overplayed every year. The monotony of it all is what really kills me, I can only listen to the same 30 songs so much before I get a little, I guess, irritable. I keep my Christmas/holiday music just in the week of Christmas, I know it’s a shocking concept, but it’s true. That way, I’m still in the spirit but I am not banging my head against a wall because I’ve heard “Feliz Navidad” or “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” over 100 times each.

I understand it’s a personal choice and I respect that, but just remember, if you listen to holiday music before December, odds are I dislike you… sorry that’s just me.

Another Corny Pep Talk News Editor Zach Kilgas takes on school spirit Story By Zach Kilgas From time to time, I hear horror stories about people’s high schools. I’ve heard stories of schools that are plagued by toilets that flood hallways and staircases filled with black mold, and worst of all, shabbily illustrated textbooks written in the 90s. Compared to these schools, LHS is a paradise. However, with the arrival of the winter’s, cold I think it’s time for a reminder of everything that makes LHS amazing.

Students who attend Liberty High School should be proud. We are what the French teachers call “crème de la crème,” the best of the best. From band, to debate, to our athletes, we are spectacular and excel beyond many other schools.

Being frank, I think in the past weeks I’ve seen a lot of negativity. Our tweets, faces, and actions all reflect negativity on this place we call home. We’ve allowed our negative attitudes to affect how we treat our school. I see this in the amount of trash that is left on the ground after Liberty Time.

Some students have begun to notice the negativity.

“I think the negativity we have in school makes it hard to come, and even be at school,” executive StuCo President Hannah Goodwin said. “It seems like there’s always somebody against your passion in school.”

I myself am no saint, but am also one of the guilty. I too suffer from the negativity plague. I’ve caught myself thinking about how “done” I am with the school weekon a Tuesday, but I desire to change our

Photos by Molly Meeks

situation. This year, I’ve noticed that I’ve had more and more of these days. A simple tally of tweets from my Twitter feed counted 53 “anti-Monday tweets.”

We have the power to control our school environment. Imagine what a different place LHS could be if we all viewed it in a slightly more pleasant light.

Using cliché terms that come from my mother’s corny throw pillow collection, “happiness is a choice.”

Let’s agree to be proactive about making our school a more pleasant place. Let’s take a moment to be thankful for what we have.

We’re an extremely lucky bunch. Every day, we come to a clean school; despite the mess we left the day before, thanks to a hardworking team of custodians. We walk down the halls, carrying new Mac Books in our backpacks. Everyday we enjoy the luxury of getting an hour to eat our lunches. Our librarians constantly wear smiles and will always help us in our everexpanding library. This is your school.

LHS has a lot of reasons to be proud. We are amazing. Our cheerleaders are state champions, the Sapphires never fail to bring home the trophies, the debate team is ranked one of the top 10 in the nation, the symphonic band has over 50 superior ratings from full band contests, the boy’s football team had a 7-4 record and we have over 80 clubs, naming only a few.

We’ve even had a stadium blackout happen perfectly on cue. How many schools can say that?

23 opinion

24 opinion

Blue Jays Get a New Home Assistant Sports Editor Grace George discusses the new fieldhouse Story by Grace George

Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because Liberty High School is getting a new sports arena. That’s right everyone, the wait is over. 200 Blue Jay Drive will no longer be home to that inferior, brokendown, well-aged gym. The gymnasium of our dreams will soon find its new home within the walls of Liberty High School.

We have been hoping and begging for a while now and our voices are finally being heard. After speaking with Chief Financial and Operations Officer Carol Embree, I was informed that if all goes as planned, construction on the field house will begin around May of 2014. In theory, the gym will be finished and ready to play in by January of next school year.

Picture this: First home game of the season. The doors open and fans from the opposing team fall through the wooden doors. Expecting to see the gym they’ve previously seen at Liberty games, they stroll in with their noses in the air like they own the place. They all look up at once.

What is this? The enemies stop in their tracks and are outraged with what they see. In perfect sync, their heads fall back down and they can’t help but stare at the glossy new court as it reflects back upon their faces. The fans stare at the wood and just as we suspect, the court illuminates fear in their eyes. Precisely what we were hoping for. We have won this game before our athletes have stepped on the court.

Embree also cleared up some of the confusion on the location of this new gym.

“The current plans are for the gymnasium to extend on to the school. It will come out on the side of the athletic parking lot

Photos by Molly Meeks

and be two stories high,” Embree said.

Naturally, some people in our “The main and auxiliary gym will stay community will not like the idea of and be used for extra activities.” tearing down the gym that every Liberty Of course with any significant change alumni has called home. It’s the court that athletes have dripped blood, sweat, and tears on for decades. They are the stands that this community has shouted for joy in after every victory, and the stands that fans weeped in after suffering harsh defeat. Many will feel that disassembling the gym that’s held these memories will ruin everything that Liberty has built for its town up to date when really, it will do the opposite.

After speaking with Noah Simpson, the Varsity girls basketball head coach, it was clear that he was ecstatic about getting a new gym.

“I am pumped for the new field house,” Simpson said. “Not only do I think getting a new field house will get more people out to our games, but I also think we will try to protect our new house and that will get us more wins.”

Simpson was not the only person happy about getting a new field house.

“I think getting a new gym will be great for us,” junior Chiarra Franklin said.

“People will finally be excited to come out to our home games and that makes like getting a new gym, we will encounter me especially happy because it will be just many pros and cons. In my opinion, in time for my senior year.” getting the field house will be very Throughout life, change is inevitable, beneficial for Liberty High School. This but Liberty High School is going down is the first step our school has taken in the right path. With our new field house the right direction to catch up with the we hope to get more people out to Liberty facilities at neighboring schools. Liberty games and to get more wins over the as a whole is well known for its sports next few years. Overall, getting a new teams and we deserve a nice gym in field house will be very rewarding and which to show off. beneficial for Liberty High School.

25 Sports

New Season, Same Goal Bluejay boys start the season with one goal in mind.

Story by Alex Jimenez Photos by Kaitlyn Hamline As the autumn air starts to chill, the leaves fall and the last of the fall sports have ended, there is a slight feeling of sadness knowing those sports will have to wait another year to be played. That feeling is then revived and turned into excitement for the coming of the winter sports.

“We feel we have a really good chance this year. We know we can do something special together. We have all been playing with each other since we were little, so we all have great chemistry,” senior Grant Fordyce said.

“The goal always is to make it as far as possible, I know what my teammates and I can do and I think this year is gonna be the year we can make it all the way”.

With the new video board added to the gym, it adds a little ‘electricity’ in the air for the players and fans who come to watch the game, and for the team’s seniors, they feel this could be a special year.

“I feel like the video board adds a new element to the game. Its gonna get the fans more into the game and its just something you don’t see in a lot of high

school gyms” senior Brandyn Moultrie said. “It’ll give a little rush to the players and a new excitement factor.”

Unity. One word that describes the key element of what makes a great team. This is what the team expects to experience this year.

“Based off of the blue/white scrimmage I feel our team has so much potential.

The older guys are great and are always willing to help us and teach us, trying to make us better players”, junior Cameron Smith said. “December 10th is our first home game against North Kansas City. We hope that a lot of people can come out and support so we can show case what everyone will be seeing the rest of the year.”

With so much excitement in the players and a lot of success in the past it has just been a struggle getting over that hump in the playoffs the last few seasons for the jays, but this year could be different.

“Obviously our depth stands out, having multiple people that can go out and play that position against the competition we will be facing. Good work ethic with this team, commodity,

The varsity boys basketball team plays in the blue-white scrimmage held on November 22nd at Cokely Fieldhouse.

and the purpose this team will have and the way these seniors want to go out. They want to go out on top and have a great season and strive to be the best,” coach Roger Stirtz said. “We will at least have three games under our belt coming back from Fayetteville so it will get us ready to play in our always exciting Cokely Fieldhouse, and its just a great time with our students with their theme for the games and everyone there to kick us off a great start to the season.”

The experience of this year’s team will play a huge role in the success they can potentially have. This seniorled team, most of whom have started or have seen time playing since their sophomore year, will help guide the younger players towards great things.

“We only lost 4 seniors from last year,” sophomore James Bednar said.

“I know a couple of the guys on this team have been playing varsity since their sophomore year, so I really think the experience we have on this team is going to give us the edge.”

Senior Brady Newland shoots the ball during the blue/white scrimmage.

26 Sports

D E C E M B E R

14

“Basketball has helped me gain a really good work ethic that has translated into my school work. It has also helped me meet most of my friends. It has given me a sense of determination and passion. It is also really fun.”

“McKenzie is a great person and player! She will have an immediate impact this season an we are so happy to have her be a part of things for our program!”

-Coach Noah Simpson “Mckenzie is going to be a very good player. Her height and post moves add an extra weapon to our team. She is also extremely nice and fun to be around.”

-Senior Abbie Gentrup

Annabelle Anderson Grade: Sophomore Height: 5’1” Position: Flyer and Tumbler Years Cheering: 7 Fav. Food: Noodles

photo by Morgan McNea

Mckenzie Hull Grade: Freshman Height: 6’0” Position: Post Years Playing Basketball: 7 Fav. Food: Spaghetti Story and design by Nick Palmarine

Jays

photo by Sadie Zipsie

B O B B L E J A Y S

LIBERTY

“Cheerleading has helped me break out of my shell and gain more friends. It has helped me gain a determination to never give up even when the going gets tough.”

“Annabelle is one of the most coach-able athletes I’ve ever had on the team. She has an ability to take her talents and push herself to be better; she doesn’t accept “good enough”.

Annabelle comes to practice ready to work, and always has a positive attitude. I feel very blessed to be her coach”

-Coach Brenda Moats “Annabelle is a very good flyer and one of the best tumblers on the team. Although she is very quiet she is very funny and likeable. She is a fantastic leader and a great teammate.”

-Junior Macy Rich

27 Sports

D E C E M B E R

Jack

43

LIBERTY

“Wrestling has prepared me for later on in life because it has given me a tough work ethic to work through the struggles that I will have. Wrestling has taught me that working hard will pay off.”

“Keyen is a great example of someone who has the ability to excel at two sports because of his determination and hardwork. He trains very hard year round to excel on the football field and wrestling mat.”

-Head Football Coach Chad Frigon “Keyen is something else. He is a very strong individual.

He inspires us with his passion and talent for wrestling.

He is definitely one of the best wrestlers on the team because of his hard work.”

-Senior Cameron Wells

Sam Griffin Grade: Senior Height: 6’4” Position: 4 or 5 Years Playing Basketball: 13 Fav. Food: Creamy Peanut Butter

photo by Daniel Evans

photo by Maddie Hissong

Keyen Braughton Grade: Junior Height: 5’11” Weight Class: Light Heavyweight Years Wrestling: 10 Fav. Food: Fruit

“Basketball has allowed me to meet some of my closest friends and has helped shape me into the person I am today. It has also helped me win over all the ladies, especially Mo. I will really miss it.”

“Sam is going to have a tremendous senior season. He has expanded his skill set to include a better perimeter game but he still knows he has to be a force for us inside the lane. Sam’s impact will hopefully lead us to a successful season.”

-Coach Roger Stirtz “I like playing with Sam because he is a nice presence to have in the middle as a big guy. He grabs a lot of boards and is an excellent defender.”

-Senior Kellan Turner

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