Issue 2, 2024-25

The Budget

Lawrence High School Lawrence, KS Volume 132

Issue 2

October 2024

Pay gap issues in the spotlight Adults with disabilities face challenges around work income Page 8-9

Disrespect in school sports

Sportsmanship remains vital on and off the field Page 24-25

The Budget News

IN THIS ISSUE

4

New safety security system to be implemented in LPS

10

USD 497 considers new layout for high school boundaries

16

All-women crew works lights for LHS productions

24

The Budget

Lawrence High School Lawrence, KS Volume 132

Issue 2

October 2024

Disrespect makes high school sports worse for everyone

WE’VE GOT MORE ONLINE FOLLOW @lhsbudget Pay gap issues in the spotlight Adults with disabilities face challenges around work income Page 8-9

@lhs.budget OPINION: Abortion rights should be protected

District moves forward with cell phone restrictions

New line dancing club has students dancing with spirit

Disrespect in school sports

Sportsmanship remains vital on and off the field Page 24-25

At Lawrence High, we take pride in excelling in many activities at once. How are so many students so involved in such a wide range of activities? Take a look at us as we go behind the scenes of Lawrence High School. Cover by Wren Jay

Everyone is going nuts for

NEEDOH

NeeDoh cubes take the senior and junior classes by storm

BY AUDREY STOCK REPORTER

“The craze will probably die down within the next month, but I can see everyone who already has one still using it,” Fowler said.

Ventello shares this perspective, but here is always some fidget keepremains optimistic. ing high schoolers stimulated, “NeeDohs did grow in popularity incredbut this year, NeeDoh is the prodibly quickly, but I feel like it mostly reached uct taking LHS’s upperclassmen the senior class, so maybe once we by storm. graduate it will die down,” Ventello NeeDoh cubes are sensory fidget “I haven’t said. “That said, I wouldn’t be surtoys designed by the cooperation taken really prised if it spread to the underclassSchylling. NeeDoh is designed both good care of men who would be in full support as a fun stimulant and an anxiety mine and it’s of it.” reliever. still in GREAT NeeDoh owner junior Violet Fidget trends spread like wildfire, SHAPE,” Meinershagen has found the product and soon enough many students —Violet to be an effective stress reliever. were obsessed. Senior Giulia VentelMeinershagen, “I haven’t taken really good care of lo’s love for NeeDohs sparked off of junior mine and it’s still in great shape. They school grounds. are really good when I’m anxious,” “Every time I went to Provi FowlMeinershagen said. er’s house I found myself desperate to play Ventello believes in the magic of the Neewith her NeeDoh, so I decided I needed to Doh cube, and encourages anyone interested get one for myself,” Ventello said. to get one.

However, Fowler thinks they will soon “NeeDohs are a true gift and we would become a fleeting trend.

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2 OCTOBER 2024

Designed by Zana Kennedy

Proudly presenting her prized cube, senior Ava Lee shows off her NeeDoh. Photo by Zana Kennedy be supporting a local business by getting them from The Toy Store — so it’s a win-win,” Ventello said.

The Budget News

CHECK IT OUT

An extra festive episode of the Lion’s Roar hosted by seniors Bryndal Hoover and Kylee Chee wraps up Room 308 Productions for the 2024 season.

Through journalism rival schools join

FORCES

High school journalism staffs team up for joint issue

BY ZANA KENNEDY THE BUDGET, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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here are few opportunities for cross-town rival high schools to team up, but this year, the Lawrence High School and Free State High School journalism programs found a way.

In mid-September, The Free Press approached The Budget to create a collaborative issue for the City Showdown Rivalry football game. The issue was designed to have no front or back, equally representing both schools and the unique strengths of each journalism program.

LHS’s side had stories diving deep into the school’s longstanding traditions of pride and accomplishments, while Free State reported on the history of the crosstown rivalry game, specifically.

The process of making this exclusive issue included multiple brainstorming meetings, creating a shared Basecamp drive to organize and monitor the progress of content, and asking staffers to take on extra designs, spreads and stories.

This was a fun but important project

R The Budget THE FREE PRESS I V A L R Rivalry Iss Y ue Lawrence High School Lawrence, KS Volume 131

Issue 1.5

October 2024

Quarterbacks final face off

Lawrence High and Free State quarterbacks talk about their lifetime friendship.

Pages 4-5

LHS pride runs deep

The Silvers family has a deep connection with LHS and they talk about their memories.

Pages 8-9

Graphic by Harper Jay

Oct. 25 2024

for both schools to show unity is achievable even during the greatest rivalry of the year.

The purpose of journalism is to report objective, unbiased news, so how better to

| Edition 28

achieve that than content from both rival schools in one epic newspaper?

Designed by Zana Kennedy

OCTOBER 2024 3

The Budget News

USD 497 introduces new tool for

SAFETY

Lawrence school district makes plans to implement ‘panic buttons’ for staff

BY DELANEY HAASE RED & BLACK, CO-EDITORIN-CHIEF

“Building principals and staff were pleased with the system.”

Liberty Memorial Central Middle School was one of six schools in the district that gave awrence Public Schools the system a trial run. teachers now have “They added an extra layer panic buttons. of security, especially in a large Thanks to Safe building like Central,” Principal Schools funding provided by the Jennifer Schmitt said. “It Kansas State Departprovides a connection to “We were ment of Education, outside support like law USD 497 has purVERY enforcement in situations chased products from SATISFIED with a high-level emerCentegix, creators of with the pilot gency.” the CrisisAlert Panic in the six The approval of this Buttons. The buttons, buildings last system covered an initial which are portable school year.” cost of $265,600 for the and often worn on first year, which included —Larry lanyards, are already shipping, installation, Englebrick used by Olathe and setup and training. some Kansas City “Funding for this project schools. will be split equally between “We were very satisfied with the Safe Schools Grant and the the pilot in the six buildings last Facilities and Operations Safety school year,” deputy superinand Security Capital Outlay tendent Larry Englebrick said.

L

4 OCTOBER 2024

Designed by Zana Kennedy and Arabella Gipp

Fund, resulting in a district expenditure of $132,800 for the first year,” said Julie Boyle, director of communications for USD 497. “For years two to five, the district will seek the Safe Schools Grant annually to cover 50% of the costs.”

According to Centegix, badges have two alert styles: a staff alert and a campus-wide alert. A staff alert “alerts local responders and administrators immediately of an ‘I need help incident,’ displaying a map showing who needs help and where they’re located on campus.” A campus-wide alert allows staff to “instantly initiate a campus-wide rapid response to emergencies.” This alert goes directly to first responders, activates audio and visual communication across campus, and contacts 911 with location details.

Art teacher Todd Poteet was the first at Lawrence High to use the button for a safety concern.

“There was a commotion in the hallway, and when I looked out through my glass doors, I saw that a bunch of students were filming something, so I stepped out,” Poteet said. “There was an altercation going on between two students so I pressed the button to get help.”

When the button is pressed, administrators are notified with the teacher’s location in real time, rather than the location where the button was initially pressed, which aids security’s ability to respond efficiently to an alert.

“There was an altercation I was involved in breaking up and the students were actually moving down the hallway while I was trying to keep them apart.

If I would’ve called from my

The Budget News

Gra phi

c by

room, we were no longer there,” Poteet said.

Along with the panic buttons, other safety features have been included with the CrisisAlert plan. Flashing strobe lights will be placed in hallways, classrooms and other areas to prompt a visual lockdown cue, an intercom communication through the system as soon as a button is pushed in specific situations, and the ability for district devices to display a lockdown alert on their screens.

“There is no higher priority for our school district than the safety of our students and staff,” Boyle said. “We appreciate our students, staff, school families, and community working together to look out for one another to help us maintain safe learning environments for all students and staff.”

Ara bell aG ipp

SCHOOL SAFETY AT A GLANCE Reporting by Eliza Naumann

$142,000 GIVEN TO KANSAS SCHOOLS FOR PANIC BUTTONS

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6

SCHOOL SHOOTINGS SCHOOLS RUN TRIALS IN THE US IN 2024 AS FOR PANIC BUTTONS IN LAWRENCE OF NOV. 27 DISTRICT

Designed by Zana Kennedy and Arabella Gipp

OCTOBER 2024 5

The Budget News

TAKES THE CAKE

Cast members reveal their favorite cake flavors

Reporting by Eliza Pultz-Earle

“On a good day, I WOULD SAY RED VELVET. However, I recently had a bomb lemon cake, and I think it was pretty life changing.”

—Magnus Pollington, senior

“Marble CHOCOLATE cake.”

—Gladys Demby, senior

“Generally PUMPKIN SPICE, but then sometimes almond.”

—Shea Spiess, junior

6 OCTOBER 2024

Designed by Josie Segraves and Arabella Gipp

The Budget News

‘Tony and Tina’s Wedding’ finds success with

IMPROV

Audience participation fosters uniqueness for every performance

BY LEILA ELKHAMRI REPORTER & WRITER

to create something new, taking on a different version of the show each rehearsal.

“It changes a lot, because most of the he theater program opened the time you have the script, but I can add on auditorium doors to “Tony and to my character and what he says, and it Tina’s Wedding” on Oct. 24. makes a lot of people break character,” Not only was the show exciting Allen said. and hectic, but it also relied heavily on Improvisation is just one of the many improvisation. ways the cast sweetened up the play. Like “Tony and Tina’s Wedding” followed many wedding ceremonies, “Tony and the story of a drama-filled comedic wedTina’s Wedding” featured wedding cake ding in New Jersey. for the audience to purchase and enjoy.

“The craziest wedding you can Lopez said cast member ever think of. Everything that “The CRAZIEST connections were central to the shouldn’t happen is going to greatness of the show. wedding you happen,” junior and cast mem“I like the group a lot. can ever think ber Tristan Allen said.

Fisher[the director] did a really of. Everything “Tony and Tina’s Wedding” good job casting everyone in that shouldn’t was almost fully improvised with happen is going the roles,” Lopez said. “It kind bits of scripted lines throughout. of really mirrors how we all act This created room for actors to to happen,” together anyways.” make the characters and scenes —Tristan Allen, From the exciting improvitheir own. junior sation to the daring cake scene, “Our scripts are more like Tony and Tina’s wedding was an a guide,” cast member and sophomore unforgettable show.

Sammy Robison said. “The actual cer“I’m just excited that we’re going to get emony is scripted out mostly, but the to have fun with it, because, it’s improv,” reception and interacting with guests is Robison said. “We can just kind of mess where that improv comes through the with it and do what we want.” most.”

Senior Parker Lopez, playing the role Taking it all in, senior Grace Sanders of Tony, said the use of improv helped to listens while her cast mate makes a toast make the show unique. during tech rehearsal for “Tony and Tina’s “It’s definitely more intimidating to Wedding” on Oct. 23. The cast and crew put take on, but I think it can result in a more on three performances of “Tony and Tina’s personalized show in general, and I think Wedding.” “I think my favorite performance it gives the cast more of a chance to show was probably the last one because my what they can do,” Lopez said. younger siblings were in the audience. So, Rehearsals also took an unconvenwhen I was walking down the aisle they all tional route due to the structure of the looked so shocked and so happy. I honestly play. Instead of focusing on memorizing a started tearing up,” Sanders said. Photo by full script, every day the actors were asked Lydia Folks

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Singing “Here in My Heart” by Tiffany, senior Adelle Spiess performs on stage during the fall play, “Tony and Tina’s Wedding.” Spiess’ character, Donna Marsala sang to the audience and to her boyfriend, Dominic, played by senior Thomas Sikes. “My favorite part of doing the show was the people in it. I got to hang out with all my friends and, like, the 80s-ness of the show,” Spiess said. Photo

by Lydia Folks Improvising, senior Parker Lopez performs in “Tony and Tina’s Wedding” with senior Cooper Grant on Oct. 23. Lopez and Grant portrayed brothers in the show, and made special memories through the production process. “We came up with this thing where we have our drinks and he proposes and we say, ‘What?’ And we look at each other and spit on each other,” Lopez said. “It’s really funny.” Photo by Lydia Folks

Designed by Josie Segraves and Arabella Gipp

OCTOBER 2024 7

The Budget News

Push underway to address

FAIR WAGES

Lawrence program develops work place skills for adults with disabilities

BY AVERY SLOYER RED & BLACK, CO-EDITOR-INCHIEF

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here is been an ongoing fight to raise wages for people with disabilities.

The Fair Labor Standards Act has allowed employers to pay sub-minimum wages to some workers who have disabilities. Efforts to end the practice began under the Biden administration and are ongoing in some states.

While advocates for change say it’s needed to ensure people are fairly paid for their work, some debate what is more important: wages or life experience.

Gaining work experience is important for any individual. At Lawrence High, work experience coordinator Matt Klein works with students who have disabilities to build soft skills needed for employment.

“Those are the skills that are going to help them be successful at any job,” Klein said. “We do that on campus first. You’ll see students helping out with coffee, with newspaper delivery, with recycling, with laundry, with cleaning tables in the hallways, helping out in the library, helping clean the van, all different types of jobs.”

Klein’s program also helps students look for jobs off campus that align with their interests. Project Search is an employment opportunity for students after graduation. This allows them to get employed with more competitive pay.

“There’s also places like Van Gogh, students with IEPs automatically qualify for the services that Van Gogh provides; they still have to apply for a job there,” Klein said.

Klein encourages high wages but

8 OCTOBER 2024

also wants his students to pursue work here very successfully.” their dreams.

Cottonwood helps connect em“We can be exploited by our ployees with other jobs outside of interest in earning money and that their facility. Jamie Meyer, a Cotthere are other things that are really tonwood employee for 28 years, important to have in the balance that enjoys all the different contracts we have…” Klein said. “We need to of her job. be a little bit more balanced and ho“I like to do just about anything… listic about what are the important and I do like cargo [straps],” Meyer things that we need in our lives.” said.

It’s a common standard for While work is important at Cotpayment to be based on the amount tonwood, the connections employof work an employee can do. Klein ees make are also valuable. believes everyone should be getting “I like all the people,” Meyer said. paid more than the federal mini“I could get used to working with mum wage of $7.25 per hour. these guys all of the time.”

“Everybody should be getWhether it be at Cotton“Everyone ting paid. I think minimum wood, or out elsewhere in should be wage is a joke,” Klein said.

Lawrence, in the end, the GETTING “It should be significantly PAID. I think goal is for people with dismore than that, because we abilities to obtain competiminimum know that there’s a difference wage is a joke. tive, substantial pay in a job between minimum wage and that they enjoy and fulfills It should be the self-sufficiency standard. their interests. significantly Ideally, people would be get“Cottonwood really more than ting paid a certain amount of hopes for those choices to that.” money where they wouldn’t be available, because every —Matt Klein, person’s choice is going to require supplemental serLHS work vices and income.” be different,” Walters said. experience Cottonwood Incorporat“Employers out in Lawrence specialist ed specializes in employing would absolutely love to adults with disabilities. The have all of you.” various jobs focus on general skills that can be used in many different Putting together poppies, a Cotton work settings. The company producWood Industries worker assembles es medical kits, Super Bowl-themed donation flowers. They put the petals cups, and cargo straps. They also on the stem and then attached a tag. have work contract options designed Employees gave these flowers out on to fit the employee’s preferred tasks.

Veterans Day and Memorial Day. This Kara Walters, administrator of is one of the many jobs available to services at Cottonwood, believes in workers. Photo by Eliza Naumann the importance of these accommoIn discussion, Jamie Meyer talks with dations. other employees about their work “You may have to be able to do experience at Cottonwood Industries. all five steps of a particular job. Here, Meyer has worked at Cottonwood for that is not the case,” Walters said.

28 years. Meyer said she appreciates “We’ll continue to look for those the various aspects of the job. “The money, you guys [her coworkers], the opportunities to give you the chance whole family,” Meyer said. Photo by to try something out... If you can’t do Eliza Naumann it, for whatever reason, you still can

Designed by Zana Kennedy

The Budget News

PAY GAP STATS Reporting by Juliet Outka

22.5%

of people with disabilities were unemployed in 2023

12%

less on average made hourly by people with intellectual disabilities

11%

of people with intellectual disabilities are selfemployed

Designed by Zana Kennedy

OCTOBER 2024 9

The Budget News

District struggles with plans to change high school

BOUNDARIES Committee discussions to change the LHS-Free State boundary paused amid questions

BY MIMI ROSADO-SCHMITT SOCIAL MEDIA, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

A

fter months of discussions, the USD 497 Boundary Advisory Committee delayed until next school year making changes to address enrollment gaps between Lawrence High and Free State.

Initially, their goal was to bring a recommendation for boundary changes to the school board for the 2025-2026 school year — that is not the case anymore.

Earlier in the fall, the committee had been speeding toward community meetings when committee members said they needed more data to demonstrates the impact of proposals. The school district then agreed to spend up to $45,000 to bring in RSP & Associates to provide further analysis.

When the BAC met with RSP & Associates, members reviewed data that did not reflect the two options that had been previously considered in their meetings. Instead, they focused on what was truly wrong with the current boundaries.

Without the pressure of a time limit, they were able to go in-depth on details they hadn’t thoroughly talked through in the past.

Many members wondered if a change was even necessary.

“We’re not sure what we’re gaining as we

look at this and go through all the data,” a member said.

Along with the suggestions of no change, committee members proposed the idea of a more lenient transfer policy for LHS. Throughout the meeting, the pros and cons of the feeder school option were heavily discussed, especially since elementary schools Hillcrest and Schwegler are expected to “over utilize” their building capacities within the next five years, according to RSP. After discussing the elementary capacity limits, the idea of a true feeder school system was brought up by multiple members. That would mean students would all move on to the same school as a group when they leave elementary school and then middle school.

Currently, they can be split into different middle or high schools.

“We like the broader picture of what feeder schools can do and the synergy that can develop from that,” College and Career Center principal Mark Preut said. “It’s a big piece to take on, and it needs to be done in a way that is a long-term solution.”

Other members suggested moving the boundary to 13th Street instead of the current 15th Street.

Dr. Larry Englebrick also raised the concern that USD 497 as a district is decreasing in numbers.

“All the indications are that we’re not

going to grow,” Englebrick said.

The decision to continue talks into next year came as the committee spent weeks focused on two options. An analysis of BAC data by The Budget showed significant challenges for each plan in accomplishing goals of balancing enrollment and demographics. Neither option successfully addressed socioeconomic imbalances and only one of the options balanced enrollment numbers between the schools.

The committee had been charged with finding a way to balance the enrollment differences between FSHS and LHS. Currently, LHS has about 300 fewer students than FSHS — a gap that is expected to persist in coming years. That gap prompted school board president Kelly Jones this summer to call for the committee to review high school boundaries for the first time since Free State opened.

“We need to work toward growing LHS enrollment,” Jones said back in June. “The boundary shifts may not need to be dramatic to achieve the desired outcome of a balanced high school enrollment and distribution of students by socioeconomic status.”

In addition to suggesting no changes for next school year, the boundary committee recommended it reconvene in September to start a more in depth decision-making process, including exploring feeder school systems.

LOOKING AT OPTIONS

Here’s a breakdown of the options discussed by the Boundary Advisory Committee this year

CURRENT With no changes, 15th Street serves as the dividing line between the high schools.

Declining enrollment at LHS has forced the loss of teaching jobs and program impacts.

10 OCTOBER 2024

Designed by Bea Johnson

OPTION 1 With the L boundary, anyone east of Massachusetts Street would also have attended LHS. According to a data analysis

by The Budget, this would have flipped problems with enrollment and economic disparities.

The Budget News

Graphic by Ruby Hull

OPTION 2

With this feeder school approach, Southwest and Billy Mills middle schools would have fed into LHS while Liberty Memorial Central and West would have attended FSHS. Currently, Southwest and Liberty Memorial split between the two high schools.

This would equalize enrollment but not demographics between the two schools, according to projections provided to the BAC. The district has long avoided an east-west split between the schools as it would exacerbate income inequalities.

Designed by Bea Johnson

MORE

Find additional coverage at the link.

OCTOBER 2024 11

The Budget News

IDEAS ON THE BOARD Before settling on the Hype House theme, the film crew pitched several other ideas The Kardashians Filming a Kardashians inspired family feeling reality TV show

Survivor A twist on the intense and iconic wilderness survival show full of fun challenges

YouTube Rewind

A video highlighting all of the year’s trends in an internet video-style fashion

Ready to record, senior Opal Morris creates the 2024 Homecoming video on Sept. 25. This year’s video had a “Hype House” theme, depicting court candidates as popular influencers. “This was my first year doing a video like that,” Morris said. “I think we did a great job using all sorts of equipment like drones and stuff.” Photo by Arabella Gipp Checking her camera settings, senior Arabella Gipp prepares to film senior court member Morgan Moeckly. “It was a lot of fun to work outside of school and being able to capture so many funny moments with my classmates,” Gipp said. Photo by Bryndal Hoover

12 OCTOBER 2024

Designed by Zana Kennedy

The Budget News

Homecoming documented through a

NEW LENS All-women crew takes over production of court video tradition

BY KAREN CRUZ SANTOS REPORTER

the filming process.

“I learned there’s a lot of waiting,” Sikes said. “I liked how everyone was interacting in the video.”

Senior Naomi Sui Pang, who served as a video his year’s Hype House themed Homeeditor and court member, appreciated having an coming video featured court members all-women’s crew. playing hide and seek in the home of “Working with a crew and cast that’s so heavily senior Kaden Valbuena — run and female-run has been empowering,” Sui Pang produced by an all-women crew. said. “The environment is comfortable to work in, The crew consisted of seniors Opal Morris, everybody is super understanding, and girls get Elise George and Arabella Gipp. The three girls the job done.” were selected by video teacher Zach Saltz.

Sui Pang, having had past experience producMorris, who has experience in photography, ing the video, took the initiative of helping the found the transition to video to be smooth. crew adjust to the new environment. “It taught me “Photography carries a lot into videography... a good lesson of knowing when we’re not to cross the same rules kind of apply to both,” Morris said. the line,” Sui Pang said. “They’ve been doing “So just expanding that and doing it such a good job, especially since this is their more for the school has really been fun “Just first year in video three, it’s impressive how this year,” because it’s much they’ve been able to accomplish.”

As the lead on many creative denews doesn’t George was proud to see her peers enjoy cisions, she aimed to bring cinematic the video. elements to the production. mean it “It felt very rewarding because I would “Just because it’s news doesn’t mean can’t BE see things up there that maybe I edited or it can’t be creative,” Morris said.

CREATIVE,” shot, and people would laugh,” George said.

George reflected on the transition —Opal Morris, “There was a lot of relief as well because it from last year’s bigger group to a smaller senior was such a strenuous process, but once the one. finished product was on the screen, it was “I do feel like the more people that like, ‘OK, we did it. We’re done.’ ” were in the room, the more complicated things Senior court member Banks Bowen, enjoyed were — more ideas were being thrown around, the production and bonds formed throughout the so more ideas, less planning,” George said. “But process on set. when it was less people, it felt much easier to “Being around people I don’t usually hang manage, and much easier to get your ideas heard.” out with was fun, and I made new relationships,” Because of the small crew, teamwork was critiBowen said. cal due to the limited time to shoot.

As this is her last year with Room 308 Produc“We definitely had to share the load of all of the tions, George encourages students to get involved work, which is kind of a lot, but communicating with videography. through that was definitely a big part of our team“If you have any interest in video, go for it, work,” Morris said. because I didn’t realize when I joined video proThe crew faced pressure under the time crunch duction what I was getting into, but once I started, with changes in the script, length of the video, I really found out that it’s exactly what I wanted to feedback from school administrators, and only do,” George said. two days of shooting for the eight-minute video.

“It was intense,” Morris said. “We shot all of Pointing, senior Opal Morris directs the Homeour stuff within two days, and then the remaining coming video on Sept. 25. This homecoming video four days is all about editing. It was definitely a involved a game of hide and seek. “My favorite part fast-paced project.” to film was probably all of the individual hiding Senior court member Asher Sikes reflected on

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skits,” Morris said. Photo by Bryndal Hoover

Designed by Zana Kennedy

OCTOBER 2024 13

The Budget News

Students showcase their artistic

TALENTS

BY GRACE SANDERS REPORTER

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ortfolio students arrived to school ready to show off their best artwork to colleges across the nation in September.

Portfolio Day was an opportunity for art students to receive feedback on their work and listen to presentations given by representatives from art schools. Before Portfolio Day, art students selected their best work to showcase to college representatives, who traveled from as far as Maine.

Schools presenting this year were Johnson County Community College, Washburn University, Maine College of Art, School of Visual Arts, Kansas City Art Institute, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design and Laguna College of Art and Design.

Butler County Community College and Maryland Institute College of Art were also present but did not give presentations.

When students weren’t listening to presentations, they had the opportunity to show off their portfolio to colleges in the Maker Space or in drawing teacher Todd Poteet’s room.

During portfolio reviews, college students. representatives gave students advice “Basically it was sort of like an and critiques. Sophomore Ari Kamat independent day,” Stinson said. “You found the portfolio reviews to be could choose what you wanted to helpful, as well as stressful. spend your time doing. And so for “It’s kind of judgmental, but it me, I sat in on one of the presentacan be very straightforward and tions, I showed my work to some honest, even if you don’t reps, I ate some food, it was want to hear it, but they help just kind of like a mix of “I’M you out, point out things that whatever you wanted to do.”

REALLY are good and bad, give you Overall, Portfolio Day GLAD I DID was an event that inspired advice on what you should IT because students, like senior Sophia do in colleges and what kind I got some of programs and scholarships Montrose. you can get, which is very “I didn’t go in with very great helpful,” Kamat said. feedback on many expectations, because Senior Celeste Stinson I wasn’t expecting to present my work.” also found the portfolio art, because I only had one —Celeste reviews valuable.

Stinson, senior piece I was showing, but the “My favorite part of the expectations were definitely day was getting the review met. It really inspired me to from the School of the Art Institute of want to keep pursuing art,” Montrose Chicago rep,” Stinson said. “She was said. just so knowledgeable, and she gave Presenting their work, senior Ena me some really good comments. I Chambers meets with the School of was nervous going in because that’s the Art Institute of Chicago at Lawa really good art school, but I’m rence High’s annual Portfolio Day in really glad I did it because I got some September. “I think that portfolio regreat feedback about my work.” views are a critical step in every young Several rooms in the art hallway artist’s life,” Chambers said. “We need had different activities students as much feedback as possible from could partake in, including snacks as many artists as possible.” Photo by made by Lawrence High culinary Eliza Naumann

FAVORITE PIECES

Eliza Pultz-Earle

14 OCTOBER 2024

Art students display work for Portfolio Day

Celeste Stinson

Designed by Prairie Mulligan

Students share work they presented on Portfolio Day

Henry Farthing

The Budget News

Talking through her portfolio, senior Eliza Pultz-Earle learns about art school options at Portfolio Day on Sept. 20. Pultz-Earle talked with many schools including the School of Visual Arts and Johnson County Community College. “They were really friendly and supportive of pursuing the arts and going to their school,” Pultz-Earle said. Photo by Eliza Naumann Receiving critique for their artwork, junior Adrian Cahwee used watercolor as their main medium. Cahwee said there’s “nothing specific” their piece focuses on but their main source of inspiration was their sister. “She’s really good at art,” Cahwee said. Photo by Eliza Naumann

Designed by Prairie Mulligan

OCTOBER 2024 15

The Budget Features

Lighting the path to becoming a

LEADER

Senior Molly Kelly steps up to lead the lighting crew at LHS

BY ANNE WOOLVERTON REPORTER

about different equipment and techniques, and on the bus ride home we asked [theater director] Mr. Fisher if he could teach us the light board,” Kelly said. he Spring 2023 Showtime perforFrom there it only grew. Kelly has worked mance was set to come to audiencthe lights on Showtime twice, LHS theater proes as scheduled when an opening ductions such as last year’s “Spooky Dog and in the Light Crew left producers the Teenage Mystery Machine,” and “Mean scrambling to fill the tech gap. Senior Molly Girls the Musical.” She ran lights for the fall seKelly stepped up to the role, despite her mester production “Tony and Tina’s Wedding” lack of experience. alongside Pultz-Earle.

“I filled in at the last minute, on the spotNearly two years after her first show worklight, for Showtime sophomore year and had a ing on the light crew, any observers would lot of fun,” Kelly said. testify that Kelly’s involvement seemed As an involved student, nobody inevitable because of her natural talblinked an eye at her willingness to ent. Her peers have nothing but praise jump in and help.

“She’s for her work ethic.

Although Kelly had worked tech for definitely Senior Renee Dvorske who has some performances at the Lawrence BECOME A worked on the tech crew several times Art Center before attending LHS, she can attest to her commitment. thinks the experience was more confiLEADER.” “I think she’s a very professional dence-building than educational.

—Eliza Pultzworker when she needs to be, but she’s “The way the stage manager there Earle, also totally willing to learn and interact made our role in the production senior in ways that are not stiff,” Dvorske said. feel so important, she was definitely Although behind-the-scenes influential in getting me involved in theater work is not often recognized, theater,” Kelly said.

Kelly’s story is evidence of Lawrence High’s Kelly’s on-the-spot role rekindled her love ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordiof tech, and she’s been involved in behindnary. Pultz-Earle admires Kelly’s work ethic. the-scenes aspects of most productions since.

“I would just highlight how much effort Kelly doesn’t work alone though. In most Molly puts into it. She’s always the first person shows, she is accompanied by her friend Eliza there and the last person to leave,” Pultz-Earle Pultz-Earle. said. “Sometimes it’s literally just her and Mr. “Best friend forever, tech buddy, lifelong Fisher, building something. I admire that for pal,” Pultz-Earle said. “Me and Molly have every show she’s been a good leader.” been friends since we were in primary school, and we’ve done a lot of tech stuff together.”

Fixing the lighting, senior Molly Kelly shows off her Pultz-Earle also recognized the growth in skills. “I think it’s a misconception that it’s always her friend. men,” Kelly said. “High school theater is so female “She’s definitely become a leader,” Puldominated to begin with, looking at run crew, lights tz-Earle said. “She always comes in really early costumes, etc., that seems to extend to tech.” Photo on the weekends, even when not many other

by Piper Journey people are there. She helps everybody around Altering settings, senior Molly Kelly demonstrates her know what to do. She’s very competent at the difficulties of lighting. “From the outside, theater what she does.” is a community with a very specific energy that I Pultz-Earle and Kelly also attended the didn’t think I would be that suited to, but I’ve found Thespian Festival to enrich their technical that there’s actually a lot of space for creativity and careers. involvement beyond the performance aspect,” Kelly said. Photo by Piper Journey “Eliza and I went to a really cool workshop

T

16 OCTOBER 2024

Designed by Zana Kennedy

The Budget Features

UP IN THE BOOTH How to run the lighting board in three quick steps Reporting by Zana Kennedy

1. Bring down electrics to manually angle the lights correctly

2. Program the lights for brightness, color and timing to function at the click of a button

Designed by Zana Kennedy

3. To use, press the preprogramed gobutton

OCTOBER 2024 17

The Budget Features

MEET THE COURT

Homecoming court members shares their favorite fall activities, candy, teachers and more Reporting by Mimi Rosado Photos by Kennedy Glasgow & Piper Journey

Favorite restaurant?

Who is the best dancer on court?

“I’m going to have to say Raising Cane’s.”

—Asher Sikes, senior

“Naomi has good rhythm, or Elise.

She’s really good at the Footloose dance.”

—Sylvia Oparaji, senior

Favorite Halloween candy?

“Haribo Gummy Bears.”

—Kaden Valbuena, senior

Who is the best dancer on court?

“Bryndal Hoover.”

—Kylee Chee, senior

Favorite Halloween candy?

“Reese’s.” ­—Elise Rathmel, senior

18 OCTOBER 2024

Designed by Josie Segraves

Favorite song?

“Ever Seen by beabadoobee.”

—Naomi Sui Pang, senior

Favorite teacher?

“Mr. Jones.”

—Morgan Moeckly, senior

Favorite teacher?

“Dr. Dunn because he’s the best.”

—Provi Fowler, senior

Favorite restaurant?

“Texas Roadhouse.”

—Lydia Folks, senior

Favorite fall activity?

“Watching Harry Potter.”

—Harper Dye, senior

Favorite song ?

“My Girl by the Temptations.”

—Bryndal Hoover, senior

Favorite restaurant?

“Tokyo Sushi, across the river.”

—Banks Bowen, senior

The Budget Features

Singing the alma mater, senior Provi Fowler links arms with her fellow homecoming court members at Rally Around the Lion. Fowler enjoyed spending time with people who she would not normally interact with. “I had a really good time being able to just lay back and not have to worry about putting it together, from the band or the spirit squad or just the organizational point of view and just getting to enjoy myself,” Fowler said.

Photo by Cadence Scholz Lit up with joy, senior Kylee Chee is recognized as homecoming court royalty alongside senior Kaden Valbuena. Chee believes in the impact of this Lawrence High tradition. “I think it’s important because all of these things kind of bring the school together, everybody goes to the parade, everybody goes to the game, and the school spirit when everybody’s dressing up, it’s just something you look forward to all year,” Chee said. Photo by Piper Journey

SPIRIT WEEK THEMES Monday 9/30

Tuesday 10/01

Senior sunrise, Night in or night out

Home varsity soccer, Inside out color wars

Wednesday 10/02

Thursday 10/03

Friday 10/04

Saturday 10/05

Homecoming Assembly, Homecoming Football Homecoming Dance Home Varsity soccer, Game, Red out Homecoming parade, Rhyme without a reason Soccer moms vs barbecue dads Designed by Josie Segraves OCTOBER 2024 19

The Budget Features

The Budget Sports

SPORTS LHS junior shines on and off the

FIELD

Football player Josh Galbreath has received multiple D1 offers as he looks to future

BY CHANNING MORSE LHSBUDGET.COM CO-EDITORIN-CHIEF

W

ith 61 tackles in the

2023-2024 season, junior Joshua Galbreath has already received six division one offers and is on his way to earning more.

Galbreath was given his first offer the spring of his sophomore year. Since then, Galbreath has received five more, including from last year’s Big Ten national champion, the University of Michigan.

Galbreath, a three star linebacker and wide receiver, was ranked number one in sacks for 6A schools in the state of Kansas, and continues to stand out on the high school field after an eye-catching freshman season.

“I had a pretty good year and just didn’t look back from there,” Galbreath said.

Galbreath is an asset to the Lawrence

High School varsity football team on “I mean he’s already off to a great and off the field. Not only does he make start, week one he was [in] beast mode the crucial plays on the line of scrimmage and whole game, and statistically he was inperform tackles only capable by a 6 foot 3 credible, made a lot of plays,” Head coach player, he’s also team captain.

Clint Bowen said.

“He’s “He’s a good leader, he’s pretty “If he continues to do that it’ll OBVIOUSLY be a really big year for him.” locked in on the sport. He’s just HAVING a good teammate overall,” senior With a bright future ahead, wide receiver Jaylen Parks said.

Galbreath has been keeping an SOME Over the summer, Galbreath open mind, not singling out one SUCCESS, trained five days a week, going to school to attend. so that he some training camps at universi“He’s obviously having some can just keep success,” Bowen said. “So that he ties, including KU and K-State. his eye on For the future, Galbreath is can just keep his eye on the path interested in a school that has “a the path and and keep going.” good coaching staff that does not keep going,” only want just football but also —Clint Bowen, Holding the flag, junior Josh Galbreath walks out for home game values me as a person as well. Just football coach against Shawnee Mission West a good community to develop.” on Oct. 4. The Lions won with the This season, Galbreath led the final score being 55-0. “The key to good team through an outstanding first game communication is everyone having a good on Sept. 6. He ended the season as second relationship and being able to talk about team All Sunflower League Defense. the little things,” Galbreath said. Photo by He hopes to become a four-star rated Piper Journey athlete.

COLLEGE OFFERS University of Iowa

Iowa State University

University of Michigan

University of Nebraska

University of Illinois

Kansas State University

University of Wisconsin

Designed by Oliver Reynolds

University of Kansas

OCTOBER 2024 21

The Budget Sports Waiting patiently, the boys’ varsity lineup stands on the field as the starters’ names are called.

Lawrence High played Olathe North on Sept. 12.

Sophomore Jasper Piepergerdes felt honored to be a part of the group. “I mean first year starting varsity means a lot,” Piepergerdes said. “Being able to walk out there is like an achievement.” Photo by Lydia Folks

Sprinting, senior Josh Lavin defends the goal from Free State player Eli Stone on Sept. 19. “I think there was a lot of improvement over the season,” Lavin said. “I felt we did pretty well as a team building off of what little we had.”

Photo by Selah Wolfe

On the field, senior Garrett Ernzen strategizes for the next play. “Every game meant something to me this year,” Ernzen said.

“Being a senior knowing you won’t be playing with some of your closest friends again is a sad reality.” Photo by Lydia Folks

22 OCTOBER 2024

Designed by Oliver Reynolds

The Budget Sports

LHS boys soccer concludes a promising

SEASON

The boy’s soccer season has came to a close, here is what you missed

BY CARTER KINGERY REPORTER & DESIGNER

T

his year, LHS’s varsity boys soccer team started off strong.

The successful season caused newly-positive mindsets for the players, and hope for the future. Players say they owe the season’s wins to keeping their heads up even in rough times.

As the season progressed, senior player Asher Sikes realized that winning games relied on more than just skill.

“I think having the right mindset after a loss and kind of apart from during a game, just having the right mindset and being together with each other, I think has been helpful,”Sikes said.

Sikes, the starting left winger for the team, played soccer all four years of high school.

In addition to a focused mindset, the team believed intense summer workouts contributed to their 5-2-1 record.

“I would say, really just working outside of practice. You know, we had a lot of summer workouts, getting reps in before the actual season started so then once we came into the season and started having games, we were confident in our ability to play the game together,” sophomore player Baden Masenthin said.

Positive mindsets, extra hard work mixed with the addition of talented younger players set the teams future potential to an all-time high. Even so, to junior varsity player Patrick Sandefur, the loss of five varsity seniors will hold a large effect on the team.

“It’s going to be a lot different.

We’re losing most of the back line so that’s an area we’ll have to

focus on rebuilding, but we are also gaining a lot of experience especially in the midfield,” Sandefur said. “We’re going to have younger guys step up pretty big so I think we will be alright.”

Hard-working players who are eager to improve helped the Lions through a record-setting season, and hopefully will foster success in seasons to come.

“We’re really working on staying composed and just playing our game. Going into it with a different mindset of just playing our game no matter who our opponent is,” Masenthin said.

Dribbling, freshman Abdulhafiz Asuku plays against Free State. The game took place on Sept. 19 at home.

The Lions lost to the Firebirds 2-4.

Photo by Lydia Folks

CARD TRAUMA Soccer players share experiences with the card system Reporting by Ethan Hanratanagorn "A yellow card is usually a warning after you’ve been given another warning. So usually referees give you a warning verbally."

—Josh Lavin, senior

"Shawnee Mission Northwest this year got a red card for dangerous play. And that meant I wasn’t able to play against Free State.”

—Jasper Piepergerdes, sophomore Designed by Oliver Reynolds

OCTOBER 2024 23

The Budget Opinion

Expectations for respect shouldn’t end in the

STADIUM

High school athletics is not an excuse to abandon basic morals

BY CHANNING MORSE LHSBUDGET.COM, COEDITOR-IN-CHIEF

trators getting upset by the yelling. Administration needs to be able to trust students, but that means that students need to stop being so immature, and igh school sports realize that taunting players are being taken way isn’t what is important, but if too seriously and they wish to do so, do it withthe disrespect that out negatively commenting has resulted is unfathomable. on someone’s appearance or In most high schools, yelling offensive slurs at them parents, coaches and athletes while they play. tend to take sports to another During the level, often leading to third quarter of “There is a disrespectful comments a home football toward players and line between a opener against coaches, and even physijoking, playful Shawnee Mission cal fights. Lawrence High student banter, South, a player is not immune to this and VERBALLY on the opposing behavior.

HARASSING team was seriousEarlier this year at a someone.” ly injured. When boys soccer game, two the LHS football parents from the opposteam saw that his injury was ing school got into a physical going to take longer than a fight over high school soccer, minute to fix, they immediraising the question: Why are ately stood up from kneeling. adults fighting over high school While the ambulance was on sports? the field, players were tossing There is a line between a around a football, showing no joking, playful student banter, respect for the injury that had and verbally harassing somejust occurred. An ambulance one. came onto the field and someThe school administration one in the LHS student section keeping such a close eye on yelled “run him over.” This kind students is exacerbating the of behavior regarding high problem. Since students see school sports is unacceptable. admin watching, they often Even in a joking manner, that push the limit to see what they kind of comment is beyond can get away with. inhumane.

The result of this is students It gets to a point when it’s yelling vulgar words and slurs beyond respect and just about at players and the adminishuman decency, regardless of

H

if you know the person or not.

There was no way of knowing how injured the player was, and tossing a football around a little too close to the accident is not OK. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), participation in high school sports has led to an increase in poor sportsmanship, over questioning of calls, and even violent attacks. The intensity of high school sports has become too much, causing harm to players and officials.

Competition is healthy, but can become dangerous. There should be nothing as important as a human life on the line when playing a game in high school. Athletes are playing for fun and so fans getting overly upset takes away from their enjoyment.

No sport should be put above someone’s safety, integrity or respect. Being upset when a bad call is made or losing is understandable, but part of being an athlete or sports supporter is being able to appropriately regulate your emotions.

There is no other place in the world where it would be acceptable to treat human lives poorly like it’s a game. High school sports should not be the exception.

SPORTSMANSHIP

Reporting by Ida Harrington

KSHSAA rules on sportsmanship a. Be COURTEOUS to all (participants, coaches, officials, staff and fans) b. Know the rules, abide by and RESPECT THE OFFICIAL’S decisions c. Win with CHARACTER and lose with DIGNITY.

24 OCTOBER 2024

d. Display APPRECIATION for good performance regardless of the team. f. Permit only positive sportsmanlike behavior to reflect on your school or its activities

Designed by Harper Jay

The Budget Opinion

Designed by Harper Jay

OCTOBER 2024 25

The Budget Opinion News

CREDITS NEEDED These are the classes offered at LHS to fill the one semester PE graduation requirement Reporting by Piper Journey •Ball Sports, 0.5 credit •Lifetime Sports, 0.5 credit •Fitness I, 0.5 credit •Fitness II, 0.5 credit •Swimming I, 0.5 credit •Swimming II, 0.5 credit •Physical Fitness and Weight Training, 0.5 credit •Advanced Weightlifting, 0.5 credit

26 OCTOBER 2024

Designed by Alexa Nauholz

The The Budget BudgetOpinion News

Exceptions needed to requirements for a

PE CREDIT Involvement in school sports would go up with an alternative to gym

BY JULIET OUTKA THE BUDGET, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

the PE half-credit just feels like another box to check off on the list to graduate.

In my opinion, the best thing about high n an average week in the fall, I school is the many different things you get dedicate 10 hours to cross counthe opportunity to try. Since LHS prides try practice, not counting early itself on having students who participate in morning meets each Saturday. a wide range of different activities, I believe This is the reality for many other high requiring school athletes to take a PE class, school athletes, with the football and in doing so barring them from team practicing before the sun trying out another elective they are “The PE comes up some days due to the heat, interested in, is not in line with the half-credit and track and field returning from school’s values. just feels like school meets as late as midnight.

Additionally, many athletes sufanother box fer from over exertion during their In addition to competing in an extracurricular sport, school to check off sport’s season, and having an addiathletes, like all other students, are on the list to tional PE class on top of practices required to take a semester-long PE can lead to injury. graduate.” credit to graduate. I believe students Participating in a season of a who participate in a school sport school sport should be an altershould be exempt from this requirement. native to taking a half-credit of PE. This PE classes are valuable and definitely would almost surely boost the low numshould be offered, as they are a great way bers in no-cut sports, such as cross country to introduce students to different aspects and girls golf. It would also encourage of physical activity. But the question is students to try something that is outside not if PE classes are good or not, it’s what their comfort zone, and again, open the this requirement is taking away from other door for school athletes to take electives electives one might want to take. they might be interested in, but have not Since I already spend so much of my had the opportunity to explore. time participating in athletics at school,

O

Designed by Alexa Nauholz

OCTOBER 2024 27

The Budget Opinion

Everyone deserves a

SAFE SCHOOL With a drastic rise in school shootings, it’s time for students to speak out

BY MIMI ROSADO-SCHMITT SOCIAL MEDIA CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

have to worry for her life too, because a part of working with kids has become having to protect them from murderers.

My brother is a freshman at my school, and I can not even imagine the fear that I would feel for not only my life but his very day students risk their lives just by stepas well. ping into the building that should be reserved I have heard the argument that the problem is not the for learning. That is not a routine that I will ever weapons themselves, but the people who carry get used to, and it feels like no one is them. That may be true, but why does only Ameridoing anything about it.

“As ca have this problem?

Since I was five years old, the thought of a kindergartners, The answer is gun culture. Guns have been in school shooting has been engraved in my brain.

As kindergartners, we were taught to protect ourwe were taught this country from the very beginning, but school shootings are a more recent problem. Society has selves, just in case. to protect Lock down drills have also been a part of my ourselves, JUST changed and this problem has only gotten worse.

Some people feel the need to protect themyearly school procedures. It seems like just another IN CASE.” selves, so they buy a gun. Some people like to hunt, day of practicing what to do if my life is on the line.

—Mimi Rosado so they buy a gun. And the reality is that some Since 2008, there have been at least 675 total Schmitt, people are mentally ill, so they buy a gun. school shootings in our country. One of these junior If the problem is the people, the only solution many shootings was in Winder, Georgia. That’s is to restrict the people. Unfortunately, there aren’t about 900 miles away from Lawrence High, but it many easy ways to elevate the mental health of could have been next door.

American society.

A 14-year-old had access to a gun, shot 13 people, and This is not to say that restricting gun rights will end all killed four of them. All at his very own school. school shootings because it won’t. However, more in-depth The lives of everyone at Apalachee High School will nevbackground checks should be set in place. er be the same, all because of one misguided individual who For the sake of safety in public schools, gun owners cost students’ lives. There is no reason we should get used to should have to go through a lengthy process including a this. Students have to worry and teachers have to protect. stricter mental health evaluation.

My mother is also an administrator at a public school. I

E

28 OCTOBER 2024

Designed by Arabella Gipp

The Budget Opinion

AMERICA Graphic by Arabella Gipp

Designed by Arabella Gipp

OCTOBER 2024 29

The Budget Opinion “This years homecoming court “This are....” years homecoming court are....”

POV: POV:

What should I wear??

What should I wear??

Being a HOCO candidate Being a HOCO candidate

by Arabella Gipp

by Arabella Gipp

What is your favorite kind of sandwich??

What is your favorite kind of sandwich??

Bro I don’t even know.. What are Bro even theseI don’t questions know.. What are these questions I’m going to sound stupid I’m going to at the sound stupid assembly at the assembly

HYPE HOUSE video!!

HYPE HOUSE video!!

Oour Homcoing royalty are...

Oour Homcoing royalty are...

Letter from the

EDITORS

Open your eyes to the vibrancy of our school culture

BY ARABELLA GIPP & JULIET OUTKA CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEFS

W

e chose this theme because we are a part of many extracurricular activities at LHS beyond athletics. Although school sports are close to our hearts, there are a multitude of other activities we are balancing. It is vital that our non-athletic passions are equally valued at LHS and in the district at large.

30 OCTOBER 2024

We hope that through this issue of The Budget, the stories and experiences of students and staff at LHS that normally stay in the background shine brighter.

Our unique identities are at the heart of our school culture. Through this issue, “Behind the Scenes of LHS,” we wanted to highlight stories of students and school extracurriculars that are less visible.

The Editors-in-Chief of The Budget for the 2025 school

Designed by Arabella Gipp

year are Bryndal Hoover, Zana Kennedy, Juliet Outka and Arabella Gipp.

The Budget Opinion

SONG OF THE MONTH ‘Calling all the Monsters’ by China Anne McClain tops our playlist Check out our song of the month! Scan The QR code to listen.

JOURNALISM STAFF MEMBERS MISSION STATEMENT The Budget is committed to providing the Lawrence High community with objective, inclusive news that ensures relevance to its readers. The staff devotes itself to the exercise of First Amendment rights and upholding the highest of journalistic standards. While the paper is a tool to publish student voices, it works to help students grow as journalists and help readers access information.

ABOUT US The Budget is distributed free of charge to students and faculty at Lawrence High School, 1901 Louisiana, Lawrence, Kan. The Budget is produced by students in the Digital Journalism and Digital Design and Production courses with occasional contributions from 21st Century Journalism and guest columnists. The newspaper’s goals are to inform, entertain, and present a forum of expression for students, faculty, administrators and community members. The newspaper is financed through advertising and fundraising.

The editorial staff is solely responsible for the content of this newspaper, and views expressed in The Budget do not necessarily reflect those of the administration of Lawrence High School or USD 497.

STAFF

“ ‘Calling All the Monsters’ makes me feel free to let my freak flag fly.”

— Rhubarb Brubacher, lhsbudget.com coeditor-in-chief

“I love A.N.T Farm.

I love China Anne McClain. I love monsters and freaks. Amazing beautiful song.”

—Beatrix Johnson, social media coeditor-in-chief

“It makes me feel like I’m a monster and China Anne McClain is calling ME.” —Mimi Rosado, social media co-editor-inchief

“It’s an amazing song.

Very underrated. For sure a top 30 Disney song.”

—Lydia Folks, Red & Black co-editor-in-chief

“ ‘Calling All the Monsters’ by China Anne McClain speaks to me because it’s a fearless anthem that embraces both the light and dark sides of life. It reminds me that we all have a little monster inside, and it’s OK to let it out every once in a while.

It’s not just about facing our fears. It’s about owning them, dancing with them, and turning them into something powerful.”

—Bryndal Hoover, The Budget co-editorin-chief

Aaminah Ahmed, Heidi Anderson, Clark Barber, Alexis Clark, Karen Cruz Santos, Leila Elkhamri, Ruby Flanner, Elise George, Kennedy Glasgow, Ethan Hanratanagorn, Ida Harrington, Ruby Hull, Harper Jay, Wren Jay, Piper Journey, Ronan Kemme, Carter Kingery, Claire Lindemyer, Sophia McLaughlin, Prairie Mulligan, Alexa Nauholz, Eliza Naumann, Jordan Nguyen, Zoe Peterson, Eliza Pultz-Earle, Oliver Reynolds, Grace Sanders, Cadence Scholz, Josie Segraves, Audrey Stock, Finian Tholen, Miles Wade, Selah Wolfe, Anne Woolverton, Eileen Zhao.

THE BUDGET EDITORS Arabella Gipp ����������������������������������������������� Co Editor-in-Chief Bryndal Hoover �������������������������������������������� Co Editor-in-Chief Zana Kennedy ���������������������������������������������� Co Editor-in-Chief Juliet Outka �������������������������������������������������� Co Editor-in-Chief

LHSBUDGET.COM EDITORS Rhubarb Brubacher �������������������������������������Co-Editor-in-Chief Channing Morse ������������������������������������������Co-Editor-in-Chief Ashlyn Tell ����������������������������������������������������Co-Editor-in-Chief Naomi Sui Pang ��������������������������������308 Connection Manager

RED & BLACK EDITORS Lydia Folks ��������������������������������������������������� Co Editor-in-Chief Delaney Haase ���������������������������������������������Co-Editor-in-Chief Avery Sloyer ��������������������������������������������������Co-Editor-in-Chief

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS Beatrix Johnson ������������������������������������������� Co Editor-in-Chief Mimi Rosado Schmitt ���������������������������������� Co Editor-in-Chief Barbara Tholen ���������������������������������������������������������������Adviser

Designed by Arabella Gipp

OCTOBER 2024 31

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Treading water, senior Josh Lavin carries senior Vale Aguinaga on his back as they swim in an IPS class water polo game. “[Water polo] was the most fun activity I’ve done in a class before,” Lavin said.

Photo by Bryndal Hoover