The Ledger is a publication that releases four issues (one issue per quarter) throughout the year, distributing 900 free copies to the student body, faculty, and administration.
The Ledger is a part of the district’s curriculum and is designed to provide a journalistic experience for written expression on a variety of topics. It is a student-led publication class that reports on events related to the school community. Students write, take photos, and design the publication while the adviser supervises the student journalists.
The opinions expressed in the magazine may not be those of Liberty High School, nor the Wentzville R-IV School District faculty, staff or administration. The staff editorial, when included, expresses the opinion of the Ledger staff.
Credentials
The Ledger is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association, Quill and Scroll, and the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association.
We’ve WAITed Long Enough Liberty performs Hadestown following the release of its high school adaptation.
By Keena Boschert, Reporter
It’s an old song, and this spring, Liberty sang it. “Hadestown” originally premiered on Broadway in 2019, going on to win 8 Tony’s and a Grammy. A teen edition, designed for high schoolers to perform, was first released in late April 2024. High school theater directors nationwide rushed to secure the rights to produce it for the 2025 school year. Liberty is among the first high schools in the country to stage the decorated show.
“I saw a professional production of Hadestown my freshman year, and it quite literally changed my life,” lead Mak Barnes (11) said.
“It’s a beautiful show I believe every performer needs to see, or at least listen to, at least once in their life,” Barnes said.
Based on a Greek myth, Hadestown is founded on ideas of industrialism versus agriculture. “The themes of Hadestown feel especially relevant right now. In the show, the world is in chaos—the weather is unpredictable, people are struggling, and there’s a real sense of imbalance,” said actor Tyler Bugg (11). “I think we can draw ties to a lot of what we’re experiencing today.”
“At its core, Hadestown is about hope—about continuing to sing even when the world is falling apart,” Bugg said. It is for this reason that he felt audiences “really connected with Hadestown as they left the show.”
Theater director Melissa Gehrke was originally unable to reveal the name of the spring musical due to stipulations within the licensing.
Regardless of this fact, the members of the drama club felt extreme excitement for the secret show. After the highly anticipated reveal in late 2024, club members were buzzing with excitement. “It’s an incredible honor. I’ve loved this show for a long time— ever since I first saw it, I dreamed of performing in it, but never thought I’d get the chance,” Bugg said, reflecting on his feelings following the reveal. Hadestown has received countless words of praise, and it will continue to do so as it enters high schools around the country.
Photo submitted by M. Gehrke Orpheus, Tyler Bugg (11), holds Eurydice, Mak Barnes (11), as they sing. “Getting to play such a powerful and beloved character in the theatre world has been such a dream come true,” Barnes said.
Photo by C. McDonnell
Sofia Shreve (10), played one of the Fates. “As the Fates, we overlook the story, make sure it sort of goes how ‘we plan’, almost villainy,” Shreve said.
Photo by C. McDonnell
Hades, Sebastian Tabers (11), leads the ensemble, his workers, in “Chant Reprise,” as he raises his arms.
Photo by C. McDonnell Hermes, Samuel Woollard (9), joins the ensemble in gathering for the ending climax of “Road to Hell.”
What is an executive order?
An executive order is quite simple. According to the American Bar Association, “An executive order is a signed, written, and published directive from the President of the United States that manages operations of the federal government.” So, what does that mean? The president issues an executive order, and that order has the “force of law.” Whatever that order says, whoever the order is directed to [usually the government] has to follow it to the best of their ability. However, you cannot break the law to do so.
What does it mean to be temporarily blocked?
While Congress cannot overturn an executive order, they can pass legislation to make it difficult or impossible for the order to be carried out. Courts, however, can strike down executive orders, either because the order itself is unconstitutional, or it is found that the president did not have the authority to make that order. (Usually, a congressional statute gives the president power to make an order, but sometimes they claim that they are using their constitutional power). For a temporary measure, a plaintiff sues the Trump administration and asks for a temporary restraining order from the judge. The judge must determine if irreparable damage will occur if the executive order continues during the lawsuit, and if it will, they will order the TRO, lasting for two weeks. A preliminary induction is similar, but takes more time to prove it is necessary and usually occurs when a lawsuit lasts years and a TRO’s time frame is too short.
*Everything here has been paraphrased to the best of our ability from executive orders signed by President Trump, which were found on the Federal Register. We selected what we believe will affect the mass majority of people. These are not based on our own opinions. As of May 5th, everything is up to date.
13679 - The Secretary of Education has been ordered to close the Department of Education. The belief is that the closing of the DOE is going to help improve higher education. The DOE manages more than $1.6 trillion in student loan debt, and the current administration wants to return financial processes to institutions that can handle American students’ loans. With the dissolving of the DOE, the authority for education will be turned back over to the states.
14151 - Collectively, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Attorney General, and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management will work together to eliminate programs such as DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility). This administration believes that by getting rid of these programs, they will end discriminatory practices within different institutions.
T14158 - The Department Of Government Efficiency will modernize both federal technology and software. Highest ranking officials of an agency, also known as Agency Heads, will organize DOGE teams. These teams have at least four people per team: one team leader, one engineer, one attorney, and one human resource specialist. An agency head’s job is to ensure that DOGE’s Team Leads correlate their work with the USDS (United States Digital Service), which works to improve the online government services offered to Americans.
14160 - The United States will not issue documents of citizenship to anyone born in the USA whose mother was unlawfully present or temporarily lawfully present in the country and father who is not already a citizen or lawful permanent resident.
14164 - The Attorney General will pursue the death penalty for any crimes that they deem necessary. In addition to this, the Attorney General will pursue the death penalty for federal capital crimes that involve murder of a law enforcement official or for undocumented immigrants that commit a capital crime.
14168 - The United States will only recognize two sexes, male and female. It no longer recognizes gender identity as a form of identification. Federal funds will be cut from Gender Ideology. Only biological females will be put in female detention centers and prisons. This order dissolved 5 previous executive orders made by the Biden Administration.
14179 - The United States of America will amplify its AI global dominance to advance national security, the ability to flourish, and economic competitiveness.
14224 - English will become the official language of the United States of America. Agencies will no longer be required to add other languages that are not English to documents, products, or services.
By Lexi Hufty, Reporter and Brielle Vassel, Reporter
Students, dressed in their
attire, gather at
for Liberty’s 2025 prom - enjoying a night they won’t forget.
“My favorite part of prom was being on the dance floor with friends.”
“My favorite part of prom was being on the dance floor with friends.”
Arianna Smee (12) Arianna Smee (12)
“My favorite part was definitely making our bouquets; we had to go to four different stores.”
“My favorite part was definitely making our bouquets; we had to go to four different stores.”
Isabella Romine (11) Isabella Romine (11)
Photos By K. Altrup
nicest
The Barn in Woods Fort
By Faith Vaught, Layout Editor
By Faith Vaught, Layout Editor
The Future
Plotnitskiy decided to follow a similar, yet different pathway: pursuing a Marine Biology degree to perform Rescue & Rehab work to save marine life.
When she made this decision, her first choice for college was Washington University. However, even though she was accepted, Plotnitskiy decided to not attend due to her introverted personality
and preferences. While it was a very tough decision for her to walk away from her dream college, it was the decision that was best for her.
After touring other college campuses, Plotnitskiy found a college that fit her needs and personality: Maine University. She will be attending the University of Maine’s Coastal program this fall.
“It's very hands-on, a small community, and a lot of fun," Plotnitskiy said. Even though her dream college was not the right fit for her, she found the right one through patience. Plotnitskiy is now ready for a new chapter of her life, leaving advice for incoming seniors: “Once you find the right school and the right people to help guide you, it’s a lot easier.”
Olivia in Hawaii enjoys the sunset of the ocean.
Olivia trots with Carl right before doing college visits.
Photos submitted by O. Plotniskiy
Olivia rides on her horse (Carl) jumping over a log fence in competition.
Mature Minds , Young Hearts
Hearts Minds ,
Discussing teens and their rush to adulthood.
By Meghan Lynch, Editor-in-Chief and Loukya Vaka, Copy Editor
In more ways than one, high school is a transformative experience for many, and students often have to decide what is worth it at this moment. “I definitely feel as though I have grown up too fast. I made the choice to jump into my career early and obtain my emergency medical technician (EMT) license while still in high school. While I do enjoy it and would choose to do it again in a heartbeat, it has, by all means, had its downsides,” Sophie Hegyi (12) said. In order to advance her future career, Hegyi has made decisions that have come with sacrifices and successes. Yet, Hegyi also feels that people can benefit from staying in the moment: “As someone who hasn’t always had the chance to enjoy these 4 years of high school, I think we should step back and appreciate them more because one day we will miss them.”
TO MUCH, TOO FAST
“Everyone acts differently in different environments,” Madeline Mitchell (11) said. Through their current experiences, students’ behavioral tendencies can be altered in a unique way. For instance, students are sometimes shaped by the pressure they face. “As a 17-year-old, adults expect me and my peers to know what we want for the rest of our lives,” Mitchell said. Ultimately, students reacting to various situations can also build their own knowledge for the future. Mitchell said, “Our crazy world has a lot to take in. Understanding what’s going on will help us make good decisions for the future.”
There can be a lot of social expectations for young people, one of which being having a romantic relationship. Many teenagers feel as if they have to experience romantic love and relationships by a certain point, and in many cases, peer pressure is the culprit. “I think there is a lot of pressure to be in a relationship [as a teenager] because some people may think it’s uncool to not have a partner,” Riley Gotsch (11) said. This pressure and expectation to act mature and grow up faster than one may be ready for can be very damaging for young people’s self esteem.
Photo submitted by R. Gotsch
Students learn best when they’re comfortable.
By Lexi Hufty, Reporter
“What you wear matters.” This is a common statement, but is it really true? The clothing that is characterized as pajamas are made of the same material you wear out and about. Does a plaid pattern make any difference? Some clothes may be softer or looser; does that make any difference, too? The answer is : no, it doesn’t.
Some would argue that nice, comfortable
clothing is distracting, most likely because others are stifled in a starched dress shirt. Across the country, students have their own opinions on how they like to dress down. The Editorial Board at Altoona High School wrote on their news website, Mountain Echo, “It’s just foolish to prohibit students from being comfortable in a place that already guarantees most of them stress.” Maddy Kelly at Berkeley High wrote for her school’s website, Berkeley High Jacket, that she could find “no definite research that what you wear to school has any impact on your learning.”
Overall, while there is no definite research, there are countless students that wrote articles defending comfy clothing at schools.
Indeed, Liberty High School is no different. It is not uncommon for teachers to have blankets, couches, plushies–all promoting a comfortable environment. So, why not dress the part? Lillian Chastain (9) said, “Wearing comfortable clothes does take away the stress of tests and school activities because you’re in something you can work in, instead of feeling stuck in something uncomfortable.” We already have to deal with tests and quizzes almost every week, and with EOCs on the way, many students will need the support of a stuffed or soft material.
Ultimately, we’re students, not office workers. A company may have a dress code that requires professional attire, but our school doesn’t. When we get into the workforce, we’ll follow these rules, but it is currently inconsequential if we wear pajamas or not. So, why not dress how we want, whether that be dressing fancily or wearing the same thing we wear to bed? No one cares. And, no one will punish you.
In summary, students at other schools like comfy clothes, students at this school like comfy clothes, and we are just students. Wear what feels right for you, whether that is high heels, pretty dresses, a suit and tie or a hoodie, plaid fleece pants, and slippers. Your comfort only affects you, and it is only up to you.
OPINION
Between school, work, and late-night study sessions, the days bleed together in a cycle of alarms and unfinished tasks. A moment to breathe feels like a luxury. However, when that moment finally comes, exhaustion takes its place. The urge to be productive lingers, but so does the need to escape what feels like the endless cycle of work you almost can never seem to finish.
For many students, managing time has become a constant struggle to overcome. Between school, jobs, clubs, sports, family and other responsibilities, free time is repeatedly borrowed. Relaxation becomes procrastination, seeping into a blur through the hours of the day, leading to consistent burn out.
“My schedule is almost always packed, and unfortunately, my free time often isn’t productive either because I use that time to recharge before I rush off to the next thing,” Marissa Varga (12) said.
To Do List...
- Math Homework
- Group Project
- English Homework
- Working Mon. Tues. Fri. this week
- Friend group hang out!
- Family dinner Sat. @ 5 p.m.
- Prepare graduation party plans
DEADLINES!!!
- Unit 8 Math work due Thursday 11:59
- Magazine Layout May 2nd
- SEND IN MAY 5TH!!!
- May 4th, AP class work!
- June 1st, GRADUATION!!!
The issue is not having a lot to do. Rather, it’s knowing when there will be a moment to breathe, and always trying to play catch-up. Prioritizing homework over distractions sounds easy, but after a long day, the mind craves an escape. Thus, grabbing the phone, scrolling, doing everything other than the main task is nearly inevitable. The repetition becomes a habit.
Time is not the enemy; It’s the habits built around it that truly affect people. Without clear direction, even the most open hours slip away unnoticed, and while managing time has become an easier task for some students. Free time isn’t something to be earned only after burnout hits. Rather, it’s a part of what keeps everything else in motion. When free time is used with intention—whether it’s for rest, catching up on work, or simply stepping away from the pressure—it becomes something that supports students.
Learning how to make space for that balance, before the pressure takes over, is what students are still figuring out. As students grow busier, time management isn’t just about finishing work; it’s about protecting the moments in between.
I don’t have a ton of time to read as much as I would like to. And while I do have time to spend with friends and family, I wish I had more time to do so!
Marissa Varga (12)
DISCONNECTED
DISCONNECTED
The effect of hyper-individualism on teenagers.
There’s always been a lot of pressure for high school students to figure out what path in life they want to pursue. That’s been true for many years. But, recently, schools have been pushing students to do more for college and their future careers while they’re still in high school. While these programs can do a lot of good for students and help them reach their goals, they can also cause a disinterest in their high school lives, leaving them dissatisfied and indifferent about their high school experience.
Over the past five or ten years, it’s become more and more obvious that we don’t allow kids to be kids anymore, but that is especially true for high school students. In recent years, high schoolers have been exposed to numerous college and career prep programs–such as Dual Enrollment, Lewis and Clark, or CAPS. While very beneficial, these programs can cause students to put more emphasis than necessary on their futures. This attitude may not seem like a huge problem—and for some, it may be harmless—but it can affect many other areas of their high school experience and turn something that’s supposed to be enjoyable into a very stressful time in a teenager’s life.
This heightened importance of productivity isn’t just an isolated issue, though. Rather, it’s a symptom of a much larger issue: hyper-individualism. Hyper-individualism is something of a hallmark within American culture and society. There’s always been a distinct emphasis on individual achievement and independent priorities for Americans, but it’s grown exponentially in the last several years. An article in TIME regarding prioritizing individualism explained, “This change in our priorities is reflected in how we raise our kids. Research indicates that American teenagers are more likely to prioritize aspects of their success—happiness and achievement—over caring for others…” In a society that’s placing progressively less emphasis on connection and relationships, it’s not surprising that the younger generations are experiencing a mental health crisis.
For many individuals, they may not see the problem of hyper-individualism in their everyday lives. It’s a subtle danger, one that may not obviously affect one right away. But hyper-individualism will eventually break us down, because it is not human nature to isolate yourself. “In America today, far too many of us are disconnected from each other, lonely, self-protective, or at each other’s throats,” TIME said. We need to refocus our attention towards connection and shift our priorities back to collective achievement and well-being.
Dual Enrollment can be an amazing opportunity for high school students, but it can also prevent them from getting to experience high school as a child.
- Alexa Kiepe (11)
Spring Sports showcase their talent and teamwork in every game. Spring Sports showcase their talent and teamwork in every game.
SPRINGING INTO ACTION BASEBALL SPRINGING INTO ACTION BASEBALL
Baseball is having a surprising season, being 9-16 so far into the season. “Right now, we need to hit better and stop walking so many batters,” Coach Dan Wheeler said. However, even while having some struggles at the beginning of the season, they have a great defense overall. And, they are determined to find a better way to work together, since most of the players have played together since freshman year. One thing that they always try to do, that is encouraged by the coaches, is to stick together no matter the situation. Their goal as a team is to win Conference, Districts, and State. “My favorite memory was going undefeated freshman year,” Carson Scrogin (12) said.
by
Photo
M. Stroud
Carson Scrogin gets ready to hit a fastball.
MAY 2025 Designed by Vanessa Jackson
BOYS VOLLEYBALL 17
For the second year of having a boys volleyball team, they are having an outstanding year being 15-15-1. Even with the team being a new addition to the sports program, their skills, mentality, and personalities set them apart from other teams. “Failing is not a weakness; failing is a strength, and you’re going to fail. It’s how you recover,” Coach Veronica Kirkpatrick said. The ultimate goal for the team is to perform better than last year. “My favorite memory was playing in the Lafayette tournament against the best teams in the state,” James Siterlet (10) said.
BOYS’ GOLF
The boys golf team is having a strong year, taking third place in the Jackson Tournament and Cole Packingham (11) setting a new state record with a 7-under par 63 at the Warrenton Invitational’s White Division at the Warrenton’s Golf Course for a par -70 course. Their competitiveness, will power, and leadership can be observed during every one of their matches. “We play a very individualized sport, where you are out there you are on your own … and yet they are a team, and they do cheer for each other and support each other, which you don’t always get in our sport,” Coach Jacob Cole said. “My favorite memory was going to Texas Roadhouse and doing the roll challenge, eating eight baskets of rolls with my buddy Cole Packingham,” Cooper Ludwig (12) said.
TRACK & FIELD
Track & Field is having an outstanding season this year with Grace Alexander (9) breaking the girls 100 meter dash school record running 11.99 seconds, the girls long jump school record with jumping 5.28 meters, and many other school records from both boys and girls sides being broken repeatedly. Their hard work ethic, determination, and team culture are constantly being shown through their stats at every meet. “I feel like all of our athletes support the other events that the kids are in…They all understand that it matters as an entire team,” Coach Toby Glavin said. The team’s overall goal is to win conference, and to get as many individuals into districts, sectionals, and state as possible. “My favorite memory was seeing my family’s reaction to me breaking the school record for discuss,” Ella Nelson (11) said.
BOYS’ TENNIS
Boys Tennis is having an outstanding season, continuing the Liberty Tennis tradition to “go out and compete.” The team has an overall record of 6-10 so far into the season. The athletes get along well, show mutual respect for one another, and collaborate to help each other. “We’ll make mistakes and it happens, but you have to let them go because you have the opportunity to get the other points to win your games and your match,” Coach Teodoro Campos said. The goal is to win Conference, qualify for Individual States, and qualify as a team for States. “My favorite memory was winning my #4 doubles GAC divisional match ups my junior year,” Russell Haynes (12) said.
GIRLS’ SOCCER
Girls soccer is having an competitive season this year, with an overall record of 9-6-1 so far. Their competitive nature and personalities set them apart from other teams, which drives them to be their best during every game. “We show up, and we compete everyday so that we can improve everyday,” Coach Heidi Kleekamp said. “My favorite memory is my sophomore year when we won districts and made it to the first round of state,” Natalie Zeman (12) said.
Photo by A. McClelland
James Siterlet (10), an outside hitter, strikes the volleyball against Borgia.
Ella Nelson (11) holds the school record in discuss throwing 35.26 meters (115.68 ft.) and shot put throwing 9.75 meters (31 ft). Submitted by E. Nelson
Natalie Zeman (12) clears the ball out of Liberty’s half against FZN.
Submitted by N. Zeman
Russell Haynes (12) purses the tennis ball and returns a shot from an opponent.
Photo by C. McDonnell
“My favorite memory was going to Texas Roadhouse and doing the roll challenge, eating 8 baskets of rolls with my buddy Cole Packingham,” Copper Ludwig (12)
Photo by P. Unnerstall
THEROM COM R EV I VA L
How rom-coms are reclaiming the spotlight.
By Ella Quinney, Editor-in-Chief
Romanticcomedies. Rom-coms. The classic “He was a stuck up business man. She was a passionate artist, baker, writer, and the list goes on.” A played out trope. Or, that’s what the internet was saying a few years ago. Now, however, the world can’t seem to get enough of these overdone movies–with films like “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” “10 Things I Hate About You,” and “Clueless” making major comebacks after close to 20 years of being released. Along with the revival of these older films, new ones are taking the spotlight, too: the trilogy of “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before,” “La La Land,” and “Crazy Rich Asians,” among other movies, are becoming culturally significant movies for Gen Z.
Aubrey McClelland (10) believes rom-coms are making a comeback because “the newer ones have actually relatable characters.” Good characters are very important for a successful movie, especially in a romcom, due to the easily overplayed tropes and plots. This is why McClelland fell in love with “Anyone But You,” she described this movie as “an amazing fake dating and miscommunication trope, and it has Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell in it, who wouldn’t love that?” With Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell starring in personable roles, everyone did love this movie when it hit theaters in 2023, with teenagers across the country flocking to theaters and dancing as “Unwritten” played over the end credits, as seen on Tik-Tok. “Anyone But You” has become a sensational part of the rom-com revival.
Louisa Young, a reporter for the Guardian, made the observation that rom-coms may be coming back because of the crazy world we live in. McClelland shared a similar sentiment, saying, “sometimes I just need something cute and light hearted after watching a movie or show about a serial killer.” In a world full of polarized views and dark or heavy media, the one thing that brings some hope is a rom-com.
Rom-coms place a bright, shining, light on the good in humanity. Even with fights and silly misunderstandings within their plots, rom-coms almost always end with everything working out, even if it’s not in the way the characters first imagined. This overall happy outcome is a comfort to Gen Z, and all, because to us, it can often seem like we will never get past the sadness we feel. So, seeing Andy Anderson and Ben Barry kiss on the Manhattan Bridge, Patrick Verona apologize to Kat Stratford with a guitar, Laura Jean Song-Covey always end up with Peter Kavinsky, and Mia and Sebastian both achieving their dreams, all on a silver screen, gives us the hope that everything will eventually be resolved with a happier ending.
Molly Mueller (12) and Russell Haynes (12) pose to recreate the “10 Things I Hate About You” movie poster. Photo by E. Quinney
Elly Rentfro (9) and Sam Woollard (9)pose to recreate the “How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days” movie poster.
Margot Revelle (12), Raksha Thiagarajan (12), and Rathi Thiagarajan (11) pose to recreate the “Clueless” movie poster.
Kayla Kroehnke (11) poses to recreate the “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” movie poster.
Hadassah Haefele (12) and Alex Kercher poses to recreate the “La La Land” movie poster.
