Liberty Ledger issue 1 - September 30, 2016

Liberty Ledger

Volume 4 ISSUE 1 SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Change Happens Nolan Bone Ben Collins

Jana Bowman Dessa Outman

Liberty is constantly changing. Open to page 7 to read more about our ever evolving school.

DESIGN BY ALICIA ORLANDO

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Check out LHStoday.org for additional coverage about what’s going on at Liberty.

Liberty Ledger

Volume 4

issue 1

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Liberty High School

2275 Sommers Rd. Lake St. Louis, Mo 63367 636.561.0075 www.wentzville.k12.mo.us

Serving Students,Community and Beyond

Intentions

The Liberty Ledger is a publication that releases six issues throughout the year, distributing 1,000 free copies to the student body, faculty and administration of Liberty High School as well as the surrounding Wentzville and Lake St. Louis communities.

The publication is part of the District’s curriculum and is designed to provide practical journalistic experience and for written expression on a variety of topics. The adviser and principal will review the content and may delay publication, stop publication or remove specific material from this paper.

The opinions expressed in this newspaper may not be those of Liberty, nor the Wentzville R-IV School District, faculty, staff or administration. The main editorial, when included, expresses the opinion of the Liberty editorial staff.

Reacting

Letters to the editor can be submitted in room 239, emailed or mailed to Liberty. All letters must be signed. Limit letters you wish to be published to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space requirements and libelous material at the discretion of the editors. If you have a news story idea or comment, please contact us in room 239.

Credentials

The Liberty Ledger is a member of the Sponsors of Student Publications of Greater St. Louis.

Advertising

Editors-In-Chief Olivia Holler* Chasteanne Salvosa*

Sports Editor Maddie Baker*

ONLINE EDITORS Max Fensterman* Alicia Orlando*

To further facilitate the space available for student writing, advertising will McKenzie REPORTERS Bartels, Danielle Corgan, Jessica not be offered in the Liberty Ledger.

Gibson, Sarah Martin, Maddi Pomerinke, Jenna Schwandner.

*Each editor also serves as a reporter.

Liberty Ledger

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Fake Body Found

News

3

A PBS project leaves other students questioning Jessica Gibson You may have seen a girl laying on the floor upstairs at school, but don’t worry, it’s not what it looks like at first glance. Many people took a fright on the first day of school when walking upstairs and seeing a dead girl on the floor, but now realizing she wasn’t real.

The stuffed clothing laying on the floor has a name and a background. Her name is Anna Garcia, and she’s a part of the year long investigation in the Principles of Biomedical Science class.

In the PBS class, each student is required to figure out the death of Anna.

They will use evidence, biopsies, and reports made about her death, students will have to determine how she died.

“They’re going to get more and more evidence throughout the year,” Mrs.

The PBS Class is given information all throughout the year in order to determine the death of Anna Garcia.

Decedent: Anna Garcia Age: 38

Weight: 165

Height: 64 inches Race: Hispanic Sex: Female

Strathman, one of the two PBS teachers said. “Then in the spring they will receive a full autopsy report that they will use to come up with a theory on how she died.”

Every year the class does the same type of project. The story of Anna stays the same but how she dies changes each year.

This is the first year having a realistic body around the school. In the past three years, there had just been a taped body on

Tutti Fruttie Smoothies Liberty opens their first DECA store

McKenzie Bartels If you are heading to lunch and you need something to eat, why don’t you stop at Liberty’s first ever DECA store.

Now that Liberty has seniors, the sponsor of DECA, Mr. Barnes, along with the students in the club were able to open up a store for the whole school to enjoy just right outside of the cafeteria.

Now, all high schools photo by M. Bartels in the Wentzville School Vice Presidents Grace Berry and Hannah Dees along with Emma Lough sell District have a DECA store. snacks in the store during lunch.

“I knew we would have a DECA store as soon as we had seniors,” Mr. Barnes said.

The store offers a variety of different items all costing $1, except for slushies, which cost $2. Some of the items they sell include candy, gum, chips, fruit snacks and much more.

The money raised in the store goes towards the DECA club.

In order for kids to go to state and internationals, it costs a lot of money. Mr. Barnes wants to make it as easy as possible for as many kids to go to these competitions as possible.

“I just want the store to do well enough so students don’t have to spend as much money for competitions,” Barnes said.

All of the kids that are in DECA help out with the store, with the supervision of Mr. Barnes.

“I love the DECA store and I hope that in the future we get more of a variety of stuff.

I also want to buy stuff so that we can decorate the store,” Gabi Kocsis, the president of DECA said.

Even though the store has only been open for a couple weeks, the store has already been very successful.

By the end of this year, If everyone continues to come to the store, we will see more and more kids be able to compete.

Anna Garcia is placed face down, behind a caution sign and crime scene tape.

the floor.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Tim Leach said, senior at Liberty.

The PBS course is a weighted class, and

photo by J. Gibson

if you’re looking to challenge yourself in school, this is the class for you. Think you can solve the case?

Getting Connected

Students can get to know teens around the world Sarah Martin Communicating with new people is a beneficial way to learn new ideas.

Liberty’s library staff are planning to have two separate mystery Google hangouts this September. These hangouts will be apart of the library’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) challenges.

During the first two challenges, Liberty will connect with an undetermined school somewhere around the world. The whereabouts of their school will be not be revealed.

Liberty’s students will be able to ask the students yes or no questions to try and figure out where they are located, while they do the same to us.

“We’re going to have a little bit of difficulty with other countries only because of time zone issues, but you never know,” librarian Mrs. Oliva said.

All Liberty students are able to participate in these hangouts.

The challenges will be held on Wednesdays during Academic Intervention, the exact dates will be announced at a later date.

Students will be able to walk in, completely voluntary. Teachers will be informed of the challenges and will have the opportunity Mrs. Oliva presented STEAM at the beginning to offer extra credit to students that participate. of the year at English classes’ Each month there will be new challenges for students to take visits to the library. part in. They will all include aspects of STEAM. Many schools are familiar with the term STEM (science, technology, engineering and math.) STEM is an educational program that is designed to prepare students for college and eventually a career.

Liberty’s library strongly believes that art is also a vital part of the learning experience.

“I am very aware that our district is STEM focused, but I feel like whenever people are designing or engineering things, they have to think about aesthetics as well,” Mrs. Oliva said. “I think art, that creative aspect, still has a really important role in STEM.” STEAM has recently become a substantial component of student learning.

“I think the whole STEAM idea is a really great way to get kids involved in subjects that they wouldn’t necessarily would have tried before,” senior Grace Meinhardt said. “I think it’s great that the library is making efforts such as that to get children involved.”

STEAM will continue to reshape the education system. These challenges are a great way to incorporate STEAM in the school environment.

NEWS 4 Taking the Pledge

september 30, 2016

Liberty Ledger

A chance to win $10,000 and a Greek Fire concert

Sarah Martin For several months now, Liberty has been in first place out of 168 schools, to win $10,000 and a free concert featuring the St. Louis band Greek Fire.

To help promote safe driving, Jim Butler Auto Group created a teen driving contract.

Teens, parents, and other teen supporters are able to take the pledge once an hour.

The main points of the pledge are to never text and drive, always wear your seatbelt, obey all traffic laws, and always be a defensive driver.

The pledge is completely free and takes less than a minute to do. Go to stlsafedriver. com to pledge and view the full contract. Students have until Sept. 30th to take the pledge.

Timberland High School is in 8th place and Holt is in 14th as of Sept. 22nd.

Liberty’s first place status says a lot about our school spirit, compared to schools that have larger student bodies.

Drivers Ed teacher Ms. Kleiber is particularly eager for Liberty to win. She frequently reminds her students to take the pledge.

“Getting you guys to realize how dangerous it is out there…” Kleiber said. “The pledge is just kind of like a commitment you guys are making to yourselves more than anything else. Hopefully by doing it so many times, everyday, you might think about actually being safe drivers… Driving is such a huge responsibility.”

Greek Fire is a popular rock band that formed in St. Louis in 2008. Their lead singer Philip Sneed, “Moon,” is also a member of the band Story of the Year, along with member Ryan Phillips. Greek Fire’s popular song Top of the World received over 2.5 million views on Youtube. Lead singer Moon, is also featured on the Rizzuto Show on 105.7 The Point.

“This is important to me and should be to you,” Moon said of safe driving.

The contest comes to an end on Sept. 30, at 11:59 pm. The winner will be announced on or by Oct. 3.

Leaderboard

Schools that have the most safe driving pledges

* leaderboard results 1) Liberty High School, MO as of 9.23.16 2) New Athens High School, IL 3) St. Dominic High School, MO 4) McCluer North High School, MO 5) Seckman High School-Imperial, MO 6) John Burroughs School, MO 7) O’Fallon Township High School, IL 8) Timberland High School, MO 9) Grand Center Arts Academy, MO 10) Affton High School, MO

If We Win....

“That would be bomb. I had no idea we would win a concert.” -Abby Klausen

“I am excited for our school because everyone has been so involved and there are a lot of schools doing this and we are winning as of now.” -Zoe Miller

photo by M.Pomerinke

Students learn to build relationships and social skills by taking care of children in the new child development program.

Being Small, but Thinking Big Child Development Center welcomes preschool students Maddie Baker Not only are we educating our minds, but we’re educating the minds of our future generations.

The Child Development Center just opened in August, and is now bringing in preschool students into the building.

The Child Development Center opened its doors in the 300 hallway about two weeks into the school year.

The high school students taking Child Development II are able to interact with the children and learn some very valuable skills that they can take with them later on in life. The students learn behavior management, lesson planning, time management, empathy and how to teach subjects in a fun, interactive and hands on ways.

When the preschoolers first came in, it took a while for the students and kids to adjust to the new environment.

“It’s different having to teach the kids, but it’s something that I can get used to,” Junior Britney Moellering said.

In the Child Development Center, there are toys for the kids to play with, books for them to read, dress up clothes and other supplies that are needed in a preschool environment.

Most of the toys and supplies in the classroom are donated by the teachers of Liberty High School and 4-5 of the teachers’ children also go to preschool in the morning.

The students also have to teach, play and come up with lesson plans for the preschoolers to do throughout the week, when the kids are there. Students will come up with three lessons for each day, a snack and allow them to have some free time playing with the toys.

The lesson plans can not be the same everyday so the students have to learn to come out with their creative ways while making their lesson plans.

The preschoolers come in on

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 7:20-8:50 a.m. On the days that the preschoolers are not there, the students come up with lesson plans and work on things that will benefit the preschoolers.

“The students are very tired on days we don’t have kids, and when the kids come in, the students call dibs on the student and start playing with them,” Ms. Genenbacher said.

The students have began to build relationships with children and since Child Development II is only a semester class, it will be hard for them to let go.

Students learn the different needs and attention that each child needs too, so the students that will be coming in second semester will also have to learn and adapt to their needs.

“I learned that they all require different attention at different times,” Moellering said.

Students in Child Development I and II have to be dedicated to the class and take on a lot of responsibility.

“My advice would be to think about if you’re dedicated enough to take the class and have a big responsibility on your hands,” Moellering said.

The Child Development class can make a huge impact in your life and will teach you the skills that you will need later on in life.

Mrs. Genenbacher is currently looking for students to sign up for Child Development II for second semester. See Mrs. Genenbacher if you are interested.

Liberty Ledger

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

“When Life Gives You Color, Run With It” Liberty’s Key Club hosts Color Run Oct. 22

Maddi Pomerinke You’ve seen the signs around school, over the drinking fountains and tacked on the hallway walls. Liberty’s very own Key Club is hosting their second annual Color Run on Saturday, Oct. 22 between 8 and 11 a.m on the track at the LHS campus.

The Color Run is an untimed “fun run” where participants can walk, run, or jog along the course. During the course, they are given white shirts to wear and will walk/run through “splash zones”, where they will be splashed with different colors, and after the run, there’s a final “color toss celebration”.

“It unleashes everyone’s childish side, to throw color on other people,” senior Haley Sante said, who is the president of Key Club and organizer of the event.

The run is intended to be a fun run and not necessarily competitive.

Usually the Color Run is a 5K (3.1 miles), but Key Club decided to make some changes to make it less intimidating.

“We want to get that message across, that it’s supposed to be fun,” Key Club sponsor Ms. Borders said addressing their new changes on the run.

Another new feature is that participants can run whatever length they want.

“People can walk the whole thing. We wanted to make it a fun run. People can come and do one lap and leave,” Borders said.

Key Club invites students, along with those from the community to join them in their run, for only $20.

photo by C. Cauwels

Students participate in the 2015 annual Color Run. This year’s Color Run will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22.

The minimum amount of participants to make the race happen is 100 and Ms. Borders and Sante both hope to see 200 runners this year to make the race successful.

In order to get your race bib, color packet, and t-shirt, make sure to register by Oct. 2. The event is also online at Eventbrite (LHSKeyClub.eventbrite.com).

“We work really hard on it, it’s almost a two month project,” Sante said. “The hard work really pays off; it’s really fun. We want people to get involved and see their hard work pay off.”

Lights, Camera, Action

An Art of Fixing Things

5

New class allows students to earn IT certification McKenzie Bartels “So far, we have had great success but Have you ever wondered what the we are just starting. We are learning as we inside of a computer looks like? Well, some go.” students at Liberty are getting the chance to Most of the students taking this class not only see the inside, but to fix them. are seniors but anyone can take it, no A new hardware class is being offered matter the age. to students at Liberty. You can do online “I signed up last spring but anyone can learning to receive an IT certification. be in it,” senior Mason Willie said.

Currently, only eight people are taking Hopefully this program can continue the course but if you are interested in to grow and perhaps, in the future people computer software, then this is the place will always be going to them for help with for you. their Chromebook.

Every day, during first and sixth Mr. Jarrett hopes that he can expand hour, students with questions about the course and wants to offer other Chromebooks can get it fixed by their own certifications that students can earn. peers.

There is still a lot to learn, and they “We fix people’s Chromebooks for still need to figure out what works and what them, like we would in the real world,” doesn’t, but next time your Chromebook senior Nick Beseda said. shuts down, or your screen turns purple, If your Chromebook is damaged or stop by during lunch and have these if you just have a question about your students take a look.

Chromebook, then you should come to room 411 and 413 during first or sixth hour, you can even come during any lunch.

After you drop off your Chromebook, they will assess it and see what needs to be done. As soon as the Chromebook is fixed, someone will deliver your new and improved Chromebook to you.

Mr. Jarrett began this handson learning program that prepares photo by M. Bartels students for the real world and it can Nick Beseda and Sam Schuettenberg fix Chromebooks for students. even help them get further on their If someone is having an issue with their Chromebook, this new class career path. can help.

Liberty will be participating in the first annual WSD Film Festival Sarah Martin Now is the time for students to express their creativity through film.

Liberty is participating in the first annual Wentzville School District Film Festival. Film entries must be submitted by Feb. 24, 2017. The film festival awards night will be held on March 30 at 7:00 p.m. at the Carl Reininger Theatre located at Timberland High School.

Students will have the opportunity to create a film to be submitted and judged. Films must be solely student written and produced this school year. Scripts and/or storyboards need to be approved before being submitted.

The films must not exceed seven minutes, which includes first fade to the end of the credits. All use of clip art, non-original music and authorizing programs must be credited at the end of the video. If the film disobeys copyright laws, it will be disqualified.

Films that are not appropriate for all ages will be accepted. However, they will not be displayed at the award ceremony.

Students are able to use the library as a place to film.

News

The library has resources such as green screens, Ipads and computers.

“Any sort of Library technology is available and we are also available as a resource,” librarian Mrs. Oliva said. “So if someone wants to learn how to use WeVideo or they need to learn how to use the green screens, we’re here to help.”

Senior Jake Denunzio enjoys filming and is interested in the festival.

“It’s just what I’ve wanted to do for most of my life,” Denunzio said. “I feel like the film festival would be sort of fun to do as a gateway to doing it professionally.”

The available film categories are instructional, informational, Public Service Announcement (PSA)/ commercial, story, music video, news package and sports.

Each school is limited three entries per category.

“I think it’ll be a learning experience for everyone involved,” Mrs. Oliva said, “I’m excited to see what our kids create, because we have really talented students and talented students across the district.”

The film festival is a good opportunity for students that are interested in making films and students that want to try something new.

Instructional: A video that teaches the viewer something new without trying to alter their opinion.

Informational: A film that provides a fact-based view of a subject.

PSA/Commercial: A video that would try to convince the viewer to feel a certain way.

Story: Tell a story through comedy, drama, etc.

Music Video: A video representation of an original or non-original piece of music.

News Package: an original news story that would include interviews and a voice over, (could include stand-up from the reporter.)

Sports: A film of a sports related story.

6 PEOPLE

september 30, 2016

Get Involved

There is a club for anyone and everyone at Liberty Jenna Schwandner

Thinking about joining a club? Well, it's a good thing Liberty has many clubs and there is something for everyone.

Some popular clubs include DECA, FCCLA, StuCo and HOSA. DECA is an international association of high school of marketing, management and entrepreneurship in business, finance, hospitality and marketing.

Mr. Barnes sponsors DECA and loves everything about it. His favorite thing about DECA is getting to work with a bunch of different kids in a different atmosphere.

So why should you join DECA? You can get college scholarships, learn to promote yourself and get to meet and work with awesome people.

FCCLA stands for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and is a national career and technical student organization that provides personal growth, leadership development, and career preparation opportunities for students in family and consumer sciences education.

Mrs. Pizzo sponsors FCCLA and suggests you join because you learn how to better communicate with families and get better community interaction. Mrs. Pizzo wanted to sponsor FCCLA for many reasons.

“I love family consumer classes. I want it to be successful,” she said. Mrs. Pizzo loves the interaction with the kids, and loves even more seeing them grow.

President of FCCLA Lindsey Gevers joined the club her sophomore year because she wants a job in teaching and the club is really geared towards jobs like that.

Lindsey’s favorite thing about the club is how much community service they get to do and working with kids.

StuCO is another great club to join.

It’s a really great organization to be in, for school spirit, gets you involved in school, it creates leadership skills, and fosters leadership. Mrs. Holmes is the sponsor of this club.

“It's a great club to be a part of, the

Liberty Ledger

“It keeps me coming to school everyday.”

- Katie Coyle, president of StuCo. students are fun and I really enjoy being part of the events,” Holmes said. Her favorite part of being a part of StuCo is getting to work with great kids everyday and being able to plan awesome events.

Katie Coyle, who is the president of StuCo, joined her sophomore year when Mrs. Sutherlin asked her and now she loves the club.

“It keeps me coming to school everyday,” Katie said. Her favorite thing about the club is the environment because everyone is very accepting. It’s like a second family.

HOSA is a great way to meet students, not just at Liberty, health professionals and to meet people that you could work with later in life.

Mrs. Strathman sponsors HOSA and loves it. Her favorite thing about being the sponsor is seeing students get internships, doing community service like helping with make a wish foundation. These people help make the world a better place.

Mrs. Strathman loves the field of medicine and science. It's her passion and she believes being involved in a good club makes a student well rounded.

Mrs. Strathman is a strong believer in what the club is all about.

Maddie Armstrong, who is the president of HOSA, joined the club her sophomore year. She wants to go into the medical field. Her teacher had talked about it and it seemed like a good opportunity.

Maddie’s favorite thing about the club is being involved in volunteer work and getting connected with people in the medical field.

Being involved in a club is such a great way to not only get involved in your school, but to meet some great people. Don’t be scared to join a club now, because if you don't you'll definitely regret it.

Liberty Clubs and Organizations Band Director – Sarita Magno Asst. Band Director – Patrick O’Donnell Color Guard – Patrick O’Donnell Drama/Speech – Jordan Shelton School Newspaper/Yearbook – Jonathan Hall Student Council – Lindsey Holmes Asst. Student Council – Amanda McMillen Vocal Music – Kacey Kennedy Robotics – Darrell Wodrich Art Club – Elizabeth Moore Freshman Class Sponsor – TB Sophomore Class Sponsors – Jacob Cole/Stan Schumacher Junior Class Sponsor – Brooke Braswell Senior Class Sponsor – Lauren Jacks DECA – Ryan Barnes DECA Asst - Kori Vagner FBLA – Mike Jarrett FBLA Asst - Robyn Taylor Key Club – Sonya Borders National Honor Society – Melissa Gehrke National Honor Society Asst – Constance Hallemeier Scholar Bowl – Alex Schaper Epsilon Beta – Kelly Oliva HOSA – Jennifer Strathman Writing Club – Melissa Gehrke Kpop - Melissa Gehrke

HOSA

EPSILON BETA

NHS

ART CLUB

DECA

STUCO

Liberty Ledger

W E A R E L E G E N D S

2013

2014

2015

2016

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

In-depth

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W E A R E L I B E R T Y

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in-depth

LiBerty Ledger May 18, 2015

8

in-depth

september 30, 2016

LiBerty Ledger 2013

291 going on 1,261 Students reflect and compare their first days Danielle Corgan You go to that school with no upperclassmen? The new school? Is it weird being so small?

All those questions are becoming irrelevant as Liberty starts off the 2016-2017 school year with a full class.

With Holt having 1,710 students and Timberland 1,658 (as of Aug. 23 according to Director of Human Relations, Mary LaPak), Liberty doesn’t fall much behind with 1,261 student enrolled.

In Liberty’s inaugural year, there were 291 freshmen who only used the 100 hallway that held their lockers and most core classes. The freshman class was really familiar with one another and didn’t have a whole lot of paths to take to get to their other classes.

“It was a lot smaller the first time, so it still felt like 8th grade, but now it feels like a real high school,” senior McKenzie Meyer said.

When the school opened in August 2013, it was a goal to make the first day unique and exciting. That’s when the pep rally, bridge walk and shortened classes tradition started. With the building still being in progress, there wasn’t a whole lot of space and some of the areas were blocked off due to construction.

“I really wanted to go upstairs, but we couldn’t and I was disappointed because like the teachers said, ‘Oh, we’ll take you on a tour upstairs’... they never did. I loved the bridge walk, we got free food, like free breakfast. The assembly was amazing and we didn’t do anything, so that was even better,” senior photo by Mr. Sodemann Ryan Sinkler said.

In Liberty’s inaugural year, the entire school filled up one section on one side of the bleachers in With the growing population, Liberty is now the gym. With only 291 students, all of Liberty’s full school events were small. officially a real high school. The upperclassmen are to be in one hallway, until I got my schedule and I’m slowly getting used to the adjustments. everywhere,” freshman Allyson Fox said. “It was a little “Freshman year the hallways were completely empty overwhelming, I wasn’t expecting that many people to be in and now it’s like hard to get to your classrooms because it’s the hallway at one time and there was a lot of jostling in the so busy,” junior Noah Willison said. hallway, like people running into you and trying to get to The incoming freshmen see Liberty as any other high school and are getting the full experience as to what it is like your class on time with people walking in front of you is a lot trickier here.” being the underdog in a school full of students.

As the school fills with unfamiliar faces, the freshmen “When I walked in I couldn’t really get through the come in feeling welcomed, which was a goal from day one, doors because there was so many people here,” freshman making Liberty a school of kindness. Inviting the freshman Hailey Forck said. in with open wings causes their first days to be less scary; After hearing the reputation Liberty once had especially coming into a full high school. regarding it’s size, some freshmen are shocked by the large “Liberty is more like a family here.” “I’ve had everyone population and crowded halls. talk to me, and it’s just been really welcoming,” freshman “I like totally underestimated the amount of people Annalisa Kercher said. here. Honestly, I still thought most my classes were going

This year, the first year that Liberty is full, both sets of bleachers are completely filled. There are even an overflow of students that have to sit on the ground during assemblies.

2016 Change is Inevitable

Seniors reflect on the changes they have seen Liberty undergo in the past 4 years

“In the past four years Liberty has changed drastically. Obviously it’s grown in size, as a building itself and class sizes. I think most importantly though as a whole population we’ve become much more confident. We have pride in our school. When it was just us as freshmen, we were all timid, afraid to show who we are. Now people aren’t afraid to have school spirit. It’s not just StuCo kids participating, it’s the whole student body. Liberty has grown to have such a positive environment, from the staff, to the admin., to the teachers, to the students. I’m so proud to say I got to help start out Liberty, that I got to watch it grow, and that I get to call myself an Eagle.”

-Caylin

Fuller (12)

“Freshman year wasn’t a normal freshman year. We were pretty much in an empty school. But each year as new classes joined us, the school became more lively and more enjoyable. Each year my fellow seniors and I tried creating a legacy that we hope is continued and built upon in the coming years. I’m glad to have been in the class that started Liberty’s traditions. I’m also glad to have met so many great students and teachers that have all impacted me greatly.”

-Wyatt Lake (12)

“Starting off at Liberty was a little scary just because it was new and different from the other high schools. I was nervous that we would miss out on opportunities due to our lack of traditions and older students.

However, my experience at Liberty was completely different than what I was expecting. We were able to create our own traditions and establish the foundation of our school. I’m really thankful to have such a nice school that is filled with the most caring faculty.”

-Hannah Dees (12)

in-depth

LiBerty Ledger september 30, 2016 Small Change

Unless you were here all four years, you would never know these changes that happened from year to year.

Little things have changed about Liberty during its first years ChaSTEAnne Salvosa

The Cafeteria

Then....

9

....Now

Then.... ....Now Homecoming Liberty’s first and second homecomings were in the open area at the end of the 200 hallway, but for the first time, homecoming was held in the cafeteria last year.

Then....

Football Jerseys

....Now

The original jerseys worn in 2013 are still used for the freshman team today.

You know you go to Liberty when. . . .

Approximately 90 students were surveyed in all lunches and they share what makes Liberty unique to them

When people ask, “What is it like to have no upperclassmen?”

9% When the fire alarms sound/air conditioning stops working:

31%

When people ask, “Where is Liberty/LHS?”

32% When you have 30 seconds to run to the bus:

28%

10 homecoming StuCo’s

september 30, 2016

to Hoco

Liberty Ledger

Danielle Corgan & Olivia Holler

Spirit Week Monday 10/3 Lets Cruizzz- Pajamas

Announce theme options and have students vote

Have a class debate and pick theme

layout of Look at a rawn and d a, ri te fe the ca scale measure to

Tuesday 10/4 Piston Cup ChallengeColor Wars

ost school alm Stay after eeks prior to the w 2 everyday dance

/ on ati r or fo ec ils e d eta ak d e M nize arad iga p

or

Ann wi oun hoc nner s ce o ga t me

Decorations

Brainstormeas id decoration

Ha voteve scho win for ol goo ner onthe gle forma

S nomend ou inat t form ion

Hoco Court

Ptomote dance and sell T-shirts

C nom ount see inatio court wh ns mo o has and st v the ote

Pep assembly class Make a for scheduleay the d

sports Contact and s m a te in get captation a rm fo in

Plan nd games aes activit

mock Have a practice to assembly and a day a week fore be

Wednesday 10/5 Get your kicks on Route 66- Crazy socks and shoes Thursday 10/6 Tacky tourist dayBucket hats and Hawaiian shirts Friday 10/7 All American

Stay after school for about 6 hours night before the dance and decorate

Enjoy the dance

Tear down the walls and clean up after dance

Ticket PricesSept. 26-30 $15 Week of $18

FRESHMEN FEELINGS TOWARDS HOCO “I know there might be a lot of people there so I have to be like totally prepared and be like, ‘just get it over with...get it over with. Tough it out...tough it out.’”

“I’m excited because it’s fun to get dressed up.”

“This is my first time back in public school in like five years, so I have no idea how it’s going to go.”

Domenic Cortese

Megan McVey

Lydia Hart

CONGRATULATIONS to the 2016 Homecoming court F R E S H M A N

Ben Adelsberger

Marissa Sharp

S O P H O M O R E

Senior king and queen nominees

Kyle Chastain

Cassie Frank

J U N I O R

Tyler Hammond

Hayden Henningsen

Daniel Holmen

Dalton Nilges

Peyton Eikle

Sydney Sneed

Danielle Corgan

Allison Patrico

Liberty Ledger

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Stepping Up At Liberty

Jessica Gibson

From Holt but now an Eagle

Hard work paying off

Mr. Kiesel has worked at Liberty for two years but now is an assistant principal.

He has been a teacher for a total of four years and taught geometry and precalculus previously. Before coming to Liberty, he use to teach at Holt High School. Mr. Kiesel was also the coach for JV baseball and softball at Holt.

Getting to this point in life is a big accomplishment.

“I did a lot of volunteering,” Kiesel said.

“For different events and communities.”

Each assistant principal is in charge of a certain job.

Mr. Kiesel is in charge of building maintenance, which in other words, means handle building and community of Liberty. Mr. Kiesel represents students with the last name of N-Z.

Ms. Sutherlin has worked at Liberty since the school opened its doors in 2013. She has had one of the opportunities to work with and teach the first graduating class at Liberty. After three years of teaching AP/ regular history and AP/regular psychology, Ms. Sutherlin is now an assistant principal. She also was the director and sponsor of StuCo. and was assistant varsity coach for volleyball.

“I knew I wanted this from when I started,” Southerlin said.

“It’s something I’ve worked towards.”

Now as assistant principal, Ms. Sutherlin is now responsible for public relations at Liberty.

For example, the emails you receive informing you about upcomings at Liberty all done by Ms. Sutherlin. She also represents students with the last names G-M.

#Swimspiration

photo by J. Gibson

FEATURES

11

The Takeover

Ms. Holmes takes over as StuCo advisor Alicia Orlando family this year,” Nicholas Raphael Homecoming, student sections said. “She will make a great impact and spirit days. Most of our in our activities and help further favorite things around Liberty are develop our leadership skills.” coordinated by Student Council, a Not only are the members of small group of people with a huge StuCo ready to take on the year, but love for our school.

Holmes is as well.

In their club, order is slightly “I have a mix of emotions; different this year. Ms. Holmes is nerves and excitement. But I am going into her third year teaching super enthusiastic about starting this at Liberty, but her first year as new class,” Ms. Holmes said. the StuCo advisor, replacing new Be on the lookout for the great Assistant Principal, Ms. Sutherlin. opportunities StuCo will put on for “We have a new presence in our school this year. the StuCo class this year,” Bailey Cheatham said. “She really wants to make this a good year for the school.”

They are all excited for what’s to come and ready to take on the year. Right now, they have a head start on planning homecoming and are prepping for every Friday night football game, even the away games. photo by m. pomerinke “Holmes is a great Ms. Holmes is joined by students at an informational booth at addition to our StuCo SLAMM Day. Holmes is excited to be the new StuCo advisor.

Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky amazes Liberty students in and out of the pool Chasteanne Salvosa Many of the eyes of those who stayed up late to watch Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky race, belong to students at Liberty High. Ledecky, who is still a teen (19), inspired the Olympic hopefuls at Liberty like sophomore Marjori Russo.

“She’s a relatable, humble girl. Like a lot of the other Olympians are like, ‘Yeah, I’m the best of the best!’ and Katie is just like, ‘Yeah, I’m just doing this because this is what I love to do,” Russo said.

Though Russo and fellow Lady Eagle swimmer, senior Eva Herling, adore Ledecky, they found it fair that Ledecky won the smaller headline after breaking the world record and Olympic swimmers Michael Phelps won the headline after tying with silver on the same day.

“To be honest, I think it’s amazing that she’s even in it (the newspaper). Honestly, you think of Katie Ledecky and people are like, ‘Who?’ but, you know, you say Phelps and people are like, ‘Oh, I know him, I know who you’re talking about.’” Herling said.

“And I think the main reason why people thought Phelps’ win was like so important, not because he tied for silver, but because it was a three way tie for silver and it has never happened, I don’t think in history, where everyone in the same heat ties for silver, like a three-way tie with all the same time, that’s just like unheard of,” Herling said.

Another three-way tie occurred in London in 2012, where three athletes tied for bronze in the high jump, but because of Michael Phelps’ popularity, the significance of the tie rose above

Ledecky’s world record. Not only has this brought attention to Ledecky, but her pure talent as well.

Ledecky, being 19, is shocking young swimmers all around the world with her abilities and her humbleness, but her positivity as well.

“I also think that they’re (Ledecky) positive. Even if they may have a bad race one day, they’re not gonna let that stop them. With Simone Manuel, it’s not like she was aiming for the gold and whenever she got there, she was flabbergasted, she was so excited,” Herling said.

This forceful positivity behind Ledecky’s successful career is summed up in her own words.

“I try to make the good days great and take something positive from the bad days I’m not feeling good - work on technique or something like that.”

“She’s a relatable, humble girl.

Like a lot of the other Olympians are like, ‘Yeah, I’m the best of the best!’ and Katie is just like, ‘Yeah, I’m just doing this because this is what I love to do.”-Marjoiri Russo

Olympic swimmer, Katie Ledecky at the 2016 Olympic Games.

She has inpired swimmers around the world with her talent.

photo provided by Trotter Senior Eva Herling swims for the Liberty girls team and has been inspired by Ledecky’s positivity.

12 ENTERTAINMENT

Teachers got spirit, you should to!

Teachers are frequent participants in spirit days

photo by D. Corgan Mr. Cole participates in hat day and pink day by wearing a pink undershirt and Liberty hat.

mckenzie bartels Teachers have spirit, yes they do... teachers have spirit but how about you?

School spirit days are always popular at Liberty seeing as it’s very entertaining and it’s a great way to support the school.

Not only do students participate in spirit days, but so do a lot of the teachers.

One of the many teachers at Liberty that participates is Mrs. TarrantOliphant.

“Yes, of course I participate in spirit days because I always want to support my students in anyway I can,” Mrs. T.O.

said. “I love my school, job and my kids.”

Mr. Hendricks also loves spirit days.

You can always count on seeing him in the hallway on spirit days dressed in something fun and funky.

“I love spirit days. I think it’s a good way to be crazy and tap into my inner self,” Hendricks said.

Mr. Hendricks is anxiously awaiting for the first PJ day. He wants to wear his onesie and according to him...it’s “super tight”.

Teachers at Liberty agree, that most teachers participate in Spirit Days.

Ms. Holmes says, “I think that teachers do a really good job of participating in the spirit days. It’s become part of the culture here at Liberty to participate in spirit days.”

Showing school spirit is just part of Liberty and without showing school spirit, Liberty would be very different.

“Yeah, I think a majority of the teachers participate,” Mrs. T.O. said. “I think they like to get photo by D. Corgan involved because they all really care about the kids.”

Mr. Hendricks donated a dollar to participate in pajama day.

You may be asking, how do we really know that teachers are participating in spirit days?

Every Friday, an email gets sent out to all the teachers.

The goal of this email is to see how many teachers are wearing Liberty spirit.

“StuCo students tally points for the teachers and the teachers with the most points at the end of the year get a prize.”

Now that teachers have spirit, it’s time for you and all the students at Liberty to show some school spirit.

“I love spirit days.

I think it’s a good way to be crazy and tap into my inner self.”

- Mr. Hendricks

photo by D. Corgan

Ms. Shelton teaches in her pink out gear for breast cancer awareness.

Liberty Ledger Sunday Funday

sept. 30, 2016

Concert at Boulevard Park gives students a way to enjoy their Sunday MAX FENSTERMAN

Students at Liberty are always on the hunt for a fun leisure activity. Whether it’s a relaxing hike on the weekends, or a visit to a park, an activity on the weekends is a necessity for any student who needs a break from the stress of school starting up again.

On Sunday, August 14th, Boulevard Park held its first Rock by the Water music festival at the pavilion on the east end of the park. The festival featured three local bands; The Motifs, The Public and Gypsy Lion. They all played a sampling of original songs and covers of psychedelic rock bands ranging from the 1960s to present day.

Junior Connor Low is a member of Gypsy Lion and photo by M. Fensterman played his famous renditions in fingerstyle, where all sounds The band called Public performs under the pavilion at Boulevard Park. in a song come from the guitar.

“The goal was to create the festival vibe of love, peace, and music,” Low said. “No one got paid, we just did it because we love playing music, love each other, and love everything.”

Junior Zack Johnson also attended the concert to cure his end of weekend blues on that Sunday evening.

“I saw the big man [Connor] hop on stage and he delivered a great show and most importantly, it made the audience happy,” Johnson said.

Johnson said that he would like to attend another concert like this, especially at Boulevard Park due to its proximity to the school.

So the next time you are on the hunt for some outside of school fun, even if it is a Sunday, stay on the lookout for other upcoming performances at the park.

Why Wait?

Students share their views on improving Liberty Maddi pomerinke

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

Anne Frank (1944) “People need to be more kind and stop bullying people because it’s not going to help anything if we keep attacking fire with fire.”

Lauren Spakowski (9) “Taking better care of classrooms and treating people with respect because people don’t give much respect to each other.”

Taylor Cunningham (10) “Have more school spirit.”

Ashley Cheatham (11)

“Seniors showing more leadership. We’re a new school and we (seniors) should have more tradition and the lowerclassmen follow us.”

Alex Hines (12)

Liberty Ledger SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 interactive Name:________________________________

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Word List: HAUNTED HOMEWORK FOOTBALL FALL

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Welcome Back! haunted hayride pumpkin chilly welcomeback homework teachers workhard

liberty halloween football friday october cozy bonfire fall

PUMPKIN WELCOMEBACK FIRST STUDENT TOCHILLY COMPLETE ALL ACTIVITIES WORKHARD LIBERTY HALLOWEEN

HAYRIDE TEACHERS FRIDAY

OCTOBER

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BONFIRE

CORRECTLY ON THIS PAGE AND BRINGS IT TO

ROOM 239 HAS THE CHANCE TO WIN A QT GIFT CARD! SECOND PLACE GETS CANDY!

Solve the 3 riddles You will always find me in the past. I can be created in the present, but the future can never taint me. What am I? I know a word; six letters it contains and yet if you take one away,

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twelve is what remains.

You hear it speak, for it has a hard tongue. But it cannot breathe, for it has not a lung. What is it?

Home Life of a Liberty Student

By: Cat Frank

13

Can you guess which teacher has this in their room?

14 OPINION

september 30, 2016

Don’t miss out!

Students should participate in school activities Jessica Gibson You only get four years of high school, so make them memorable. Once you graduate you can’t go back to your freshman, sophomore, junior or senior years ever again.

Most people you ask will say they wish they would have done more in high school. I know that I’ve already missed out during freshman year.

There are so many clubs, activities and sports you can do at school. Pick one that you can relate to or enjoy doing. I tried out for volleyball freshman year because it’s a sport I thought I might enjoy and now it’s all I do. If you want to tryout for a sport, do it. The worse thing they can say is no.

Same goes for clubs. If there is a club you are thinking about joining, go for it! Don’t be scared of asking a teacher questions about it.

It’s the beginning of the year. This is the time to join activities. It’s a fresh start to the new school year, and a great time to begin new activities. Ask the teacher of a class you really enjoy if there are any clubs that can relate to the type of things you do in class. There are so many different clubs in the school and there’s bound to be one you would enjoy being in.

Clubs are great for college resumes, but also are great to improve your soft skills.

Getting involved with clubs can improve your social skills, leadership, and you can make lifelong friends who share the same interests as you.

Colleges don’t only look for people with good grades, but they look for people who participate in school activities and clubs. If you want to become a lawyer, colleges may look to see if you did clubs relating to law like public speaking, debate and scholar bowl.

Clubs can also change your perspective of your future. You could change the career type you were pursuing by finding interest in another profession.

High school is a one-time thing. So is life. Don’t miss out on the opportunities you have now because they may never happen again.

Liberty Ledger

I’m going to the Community College and I am not ashamed

Many peers look at SCC as an option for slackers

Danielle Corgan If there was a specific item that you wanted and knew you needed, would you get it? Even if it was miles away and costs you a fortune? What if I told you could get it for free and in your own community?

The A+ program does just that, but instead of just something, you get a college education free of charge for two full years as long as you meet the following requirements: be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; sign an agreement; attend a designated A+ high school for 3 consecutive years; graduate with at least a 2.5 GPA; have at least a 95% attendance record all four years of high school; 50+ hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring; maintain a record of good citizenship; got proficient or advanced on the Algebra I End Of Course exam.

It couldn’t be easier and makes a huge difference financially for the same education that you could get at a four year university.

My peers often look down on me for choosing the A+ program, as if it is an option for slackers. Before you even get into

what you’re going to school for, you need two years of gen eds. Why waste $10,000+ on the same thing, especially when it’s offered for free at the St. Charles Community College?

According to collegeatlas.org, 30 percent of college and university students drop out after their first year. To me, that sounds like money straight down the drain.

Money that could have been saved for your last two years of college at a university specific to you and your needs.

It may be a status issue, or the fact that people are ‘too good for community college’, but in my case, I’m not here to impress anyone. My goal is to get my associates degree, stay close to home, find time to mature and save my money so that when I know I’m paying for a college education, it is for something I absolutely want as opposed to a $10,000 partying fee coming out of my parent’s pocket.

I pledge allegiance...

It’s important to say the pledge every day Maddie Baker “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice

for all.”

Those were the words I used to say everyday in elementary school, but once middle school hit you only had to say it once a week.

I always thought it was strange to not say the pledge of allegiance everyday.

I was always told that when we say the pledge to say it loud and proud for we are remembering the people who serve our country, but as I got older I realized, not only are we remembering the people who served our country.

The new House Bill 1750 was passed and now is in effect for all the federally funded schools in Missouri. All schools that are federally funded now have to work into the schedule a time to say the pledge of allegiance once a day, everyday.

This allows the students to be able to remember those serving or have served our country everyday and remember why we have the rights we have today.

We say the pledge for many reasons, the most common to remember the people who are serving or have served our country.

We say it to show respect to the founding fathers who created the Constitution to set up our government and have no one power in control and set rights for the people.

We say the pledge as a promise to come together as one nation when we have to deal with conflicts that arise unexpectedly, like terrorism. It shows our solidarity as a nation, regardless of race, ethnicity, religious beliefs and gender. Not only is it a remembrance of the people who fight for our freedoms, but it’s the remembrance of the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and for all the people who make the United States possible.

Although it may take some time to figure out when to work the pledge into the schedule, it’s still a very important thing to remember everything that was done for us, so we can have the freedoms that we do today.

New state law has become groundhog day Max Fensterman “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Recognize these words? You should. It’s apart of our daily routine… literally.

On Sunday, Aug. 28th, House Bill 1750 went into effect. Now, all publicly funded schools in the state of Missouri have to say the pledge of allegiance at least once a day.

This gives students an opportunity to say the pledge. As per the First Amendment, students aren’t required to stand and/or say the pledge.

The bill was sponsored by representative Shane Roden from congressional district 111, in Jefferson County.

The most important contradiction this law provides is that although lawmakers seem to be most concerned with standardized test scores and the education that public school provides, they aren’t entirely invested.

Even though reciting the words takes about 30 seconds, that is time that can

be spent learning and increasing our ever important scores. Some schools have had to even change their schedule to accommodate the change.

Although a schedule change isn’t in order for Liberty, we are interrupted during different parts of the day, breaking up independent learning time or note taking.

Even during this brief period of interruption, refocusing on the task at hand can be difficult for some students.

Proponents of this law argue that saying the pledge every day is a good thing because it honors our veterans and helps instill the values that the pledge reflects.

Perhaps we could go back to the original law, that required schools to recite the pledge only once per week, instead of at least once a day. This provides the happy medium between a devoted learning environment and an appreciation of our American values and those in the armed forces.

If the law cannot be changed back, I would call upon our school’s administrators to find a consistent time for the pledge to be said, instead of a different time every day.

This would minimize interruptions and make the learning environment more productive.

Liberty Ledger

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

sports

It’s All in the Stroke

15

Girls golf wins first 12 matches and is crowned GAC Champs Olivia Holler The girls golf team has had a major jump start to the season. The team is an undefeated 12-0 in matches and took first place in the Washington tournament at Wolf Hollow and a first place win in the Troy Tournament at Woods Fort. The team is also GAC champions with an astonishing score of 318.

The girls golf team only has ten players but they are all very ecstatic and wants to continue working hard to get the results they want.

“It’s an amazing and great feeling to be undefeated after playing really great teams,” junior Maya Schnable said.

Coach Sodemann has been pushing each girl to their potential to make them not only a better player, but to have team building skills even though it’s an individual sport.

“I am excited for the girls and the start to the season,” Sodemann said. “I am proud of them because they have worked hard in the offseason and are seeing the results of that hard work. If they stay focused, they have a chance to have a special and historic season for Liberty High School.”

The team dedicates time after school and offseason to improve their skills.

The girls work hard to take time out of their afternoon to practice and progress each match.

13

The golf team beat 13 teams to win the Troy tournament and also took first out of seven teams at the Washington tourament

“I practice outside of school every day,” junior Madeline Larouere said.

The coach has seen a lot of improvement not only in their relationships with one another, but in the golf game itself.

“The girls have improved in their consistency hitting all their clubs. We will always continue working on putting as it is a major part of their scores,” Sodemann said.

Not only has the team been committed to take time out to practice, but also to focus on being supportive players and their friendships throughout the team.

Provided by Coach Sodemann The team dedicates time after school and offseason to improve their skills, and it shows greatly.

Bonding has seemed to help the team Left to Right: Zoee Harrington, Madeline Larouere, Maya Schnable, Jordan Wilson, Kelsey Fletcher grow not only as individuals, but also as Golf has never been just an independent sport for teammates. these girls. They are encouraging and support each other.

“We have grown as individuals and players. It’s so “I’m very happy that we have been winning,” Larouere much fun to watch the whole team comes together to said. “I think the bonding of the team is great because we accomplish a common goal. We all go out and shoot low can all push each other harder and we will all be there for scores,” Schnable said. each other.”

The girls have made this team about friendship and They have had team dinners and hang out at each accepting each other, but also coming together to do others houses. something they have a passion for.

The major accomplishment for the team and Liberty “They have grown closer as a team and it’s fun to is, the team’s improvement over the years has made them watch their confidence grow in themselves and each other grow as individuals and as teammates. as the season goes on,” Sodemann said

18

Madeline Larouere has won both eighteen hole tournaments LHS has entered

2

Zoee Harrigton took second at the Washington tournament and third at the Troy Invitational

174

The teams nine hole match average score is 174

Tearing it Up and Laying it Down

New artificial turf provides more cushion and helps prevent injuries

photo by d. corgan Since the turf has been laid down, a lot of the players that use it are very impressed with the outcome.

photo by j. hall

They began laying down the turf on June 6th. Football began using the field on Aug. 15th.

Maddie Baker Friday night lights just got a whole lot better.

Since the football field’s new artificial turf was laid down this month, a lot of people are impressed on how good it looks too.

But the project isn’t just for the looks. It also helps prevents injuries and tends to have more cushion than the old grass field did. It also helps with the traction of cleats for the football players when the field is wet, and helps with the motions for dance and marching band when they perform their halftime shows.

“When the conditions are dry there’s probably is not much of a difference, maybe slightly,” head coach McMillen said. “But when it is wet, the traction is 100 times better.”

With the traction being better for players when the field is wet, this will definitely help with the amount of injuries that players would regularly get if they were playing on a regular field.

The football players, marching band and dance teams didn’t get to use the field right off the bat.

Football started using the field on Aug. 15th, and marching band started using the field on the first day of school. They had to use the practice field while the turf was being laid down around June 6th.

Since the turf has been laid down, a lot of the players that use it are very impressed with the outcome.

“I’m so glad that we have a turf field now, I feel that the players and coaches enjoy it and we don’t have to suffer from the mud,” Alex Hines said. “This was just one of the gifts that we received and I hope we can take advantage of this opportunity to work hard and be better teammates.”

The benefits of the turf also includes the visual representation of the field as well. The field markings are more clear and easier to read.

“The field markings are clear and easy to read, which makes learning our drill a much more efficient process,” band director, Ms. Magno, said.

The turf not only benefits the football team, but many other teams as well.

16

sports

Liberty Ledger

september 30, 2016

Getting to know Amber Stockton

Sports Update

Just how well do you know Liberty’s star softball catcher?

Max Fensterman Liberty’s sports teams are a huge part of our school.

But exactly how well do you know our teams and players?

Senior Amber Stockton is a core member of Liberty’s softball program.

For her, it all started when she was 6 and signed up to play tee-ball. And at 10 she found her true passion, softball. From her early age, she had great ambitions.

“My dream was to make varsity as a freshman, but Liberty didn’t have a varsity team at the time so I had to give that up,” Stockton said.

In her first year playing high school softball at Liberty, she quickly found her role playing catcher, which she continues to do, although she sometimes played shortstop when needed.

During her junior year, the softball program finally had enough players to split into two teams, a JV and varsity team. Stockton made the varsity team, which fulfilled part of her dream even if it was a few years late.

This year, Stockton was picked as one of three captains of the varsity team. She shares responsibilities alongside junior, Taylor Jones and senior, Colette Linden.

In addition, she is one of only three players who have stayed with the program since their freshman team of 17 girls.

Stockton is one of the top offensive players on the

Eagles this season in batting average and RBIs. Liberty’s pitcher, junior Gabbi Evans, has played with Stockton since their younger days and says softball brought them closer together.

“Pitching and catching itself is like a friendship, It brought us closer together because we always have to work hand and hand on the field,” Stockton said.

After her high school softball days are over, Stockton would like to play at the next level if given the opportunity.

“If I got offered a scholarship, I would play [softball] in college. But, if not, I’m fine being a normal college student.”

As far as what college she plans to attend, she’s not sure yet.

“I plan on completing the A+ program and using the free two years at community college, finishing at a four year university, I’m just not sure which one yet.”

She’s equally undecided about her future career, but said that she is interested in the medical field, possibly in dermatology. She was inspired by her parents’ line of work.

“My parents were both in the medical field, they worked for a plastic surgeon and then an orthopedist,” Stockton said.

Williams (11) leads the team Stat Leaders: Corey with touchdowns, Wesley Hines and Williams leads in rushing stats and Branton McCain and John Brookes lead in defense stats.

Soccer

Record:

9-6

Stat Leaders: James Boyd (11) leads in assists,

Andrew Stuhlman (12) leads in goals scored and game-winning goals.

Volleyball

Record: 6-8 Stat Leaders:

Amelia Quinn (11) leads in number of digs and Mackenzi Sifuentes (11) leads in number of blocks and kills.

Softball

Record: 9-7

Amber Stockton (12) leads in number of home runs and runs batted in and Abby Behlmann (10) leads in putouts.

Cross Country

Nick Follmer makes verbal commitment to Central Michigan had the nicest campus of the schools he visited. ¨Everything I needed was within a 15 minute walk on campus¨ Follmer said.

Follmer is the very first football player at Liberty High School to get a Division I scholarship. Offensive line coach Barnes believes that Follmer can play at the next level.

He has quick feet, he is very strong, also knows how to use hands and feet very well,¨ Barnes said.

1-5

Stat Leaders:

Photo by M. Baker Amber Stockton (12) is one of the only three players who have stayed with the program since the freshman team.

Tackling Central Michigan University Caleb Retzer You can’t miss him.

Towering at 6-foot5, senior Nick Follmer made college recruiting visits to South Dakota State, Memphis, Mizzou, and Illinois State, but one school stood out to him the most.

On March 29, Follmer made a verbal commitment to Central Michigan University located in Mount Pleasant. His role on the Chippewas will be as an offensive tackle.

The main two reasons Follmer chose this school was that it had the better coach and

Record:

Football

Achievements:

Girls Tennis Achievements:

photo by C. Mason

Nick Follmer (#79) is the first football player at Liberty to get offered a Division I scholarship.

About Central Michigan

photo by C. Retzer

Division: 1 Nickname: Chippewas Conference: Mid-American Enrollment: 28,389

Abbigael Woods (9) ran a time of 22:54 at the Forest Park XC Festival and Gabe Rompel (12) ran in at 17:59 at the Jim Marshall Invitational.

At GAC’s, Addison Haddock (11) took first overall in singles, Megan Smythe (12) took second in singles, Nawal Cheema (9) took first in first rank varsity singles, Julia Wolz (11) and Abby Falgout (11) took first in doubles and Lindsey Gevers (12) and Kylie Seaton (12) took first in doubles.

Boys Swimming Achievements:

Took first against Lutheran High School, Ian Herling (10), Tommy Burtelow (12), Lucas Sproull (11) and Zach Myers (10) took third in boys 200 yard freestyle relay in the Fort Zumwalt West Jaguar Relays meet and Herling took first in the 50 freestyle and in the 100 freestyle against Timberland.