Liberty Ledger issue 3

Liberty Ledger

Volume 3 ISSUE 3 February 9, 2016

The Secret Life of a Liberty Mascot

Who is the person getting the crowd all HYPE at the games wearing our beloved EAGLE uniform?

The mascot is officially REVEALED!

Check It Out on page 6

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Liberty Ledger

FEBRUARY 9, 2016

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16 2015-16 Ledger staff for issue 3

The Ledger’s philosophy:

The Liberty Ledger encourages comments and suggestions. This newspaper’s objective is to inform its readers about the events in the school and community and of issues of national or international importance which directly or indirectly affect the school population.

The Ledger encourages letters to the editor. Bylined commentaries represent the opinions of their writers; they do not necessarily express the views of the administration, faculty or student body. This newspaper is apart of the district’s curriculum and serves as a training ground for future journalists and designed to provide practical journalistic experience for written expression on a variety of topics.

Maddie Baker McKenzie Bartels Emma Bobbitt Tanner Davies Maranda Flod Angel Flores Jessica Gibson Olivia Holler Sarah Martin Zoe Raye Emma Rudolph Chasteanne Salvosa Tayte Sanders Jenna Schwandner

Mr. Hall - adviser

Liberty High School 2275 Sommers Road Lake St. Louis, Mo. 63367 636.561.0075 www.wentzville.k12.mo.us

Liberty Ledger

SAVE THE DATE Maddie Baker

FEBRUARY 12th- Teacher PD Day - No School

14th- Valentine’s Day 15th- President’s Day/ No School 29th- Leap Day

MARCH 7th- Late Start 11th- Early Release/End of Quarter 13th- Daylight Savings 7th- St. Patrick’s Day 21st-25th: No School (Spring Break) 25th- Good Friday

27th- Easter

FEBRUARY 9, 2016

News

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Children on Campus

Child development center set to open next school year.

Emma bobbitt

It’s no news to Liberty High School students that there is construction going on right now for new classes to be built for next year.

Following in some of our local high schools’ footsteps, one of the classrooms being built is going to be a child development center. Students taking Child Development II next year will be watching children between the ages of 3-5 for a grade.

“The students will be called teachers by the kids,” said Mrs. Pizzo, one of the child development teachers at Liberty. Mrs. Genenbacher is the teacher in charge of this class.

The students will be watching the children for two hours on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday during fourth and fifth hour or first and second hour. The hours that the children will be at the child development center will be voted by the teachers. Holt and Timberland have their programs open from fourth to fifth hour, though the Fort Zumwalt District has theirs 1st through 2nd hour.

There is expected to be 12 to 14 children on campus. Now if you’re a student, there’s no need to fret about children on the campus wandering around. The classrooms will be separated from the actual high school classes.

“This is a great class for anyone - not just future preschool teachers,” Mrs. Genenbacher said. Everyone will encounter preschoolers in their lives as aunts/uncles, friends/neighbors, and in many professions. Children ages 3-5 can be intimidating to interact with, but in Child Development II, students learn strategies for communication and how much fun they can be.”

If you’re a student interested in this, you will have to take Child Development II, which is a class that requires an application that is outside of Mrs. Genenbacher’s room, 311.

The child development center is not just open to children of staff members at Liberty.

It is open completely to the public. If you know someone who is interested or you are and have a child between the ages of 3 and 5, contact Mrs. Genenbacher.

APRIL 1st- April Fools 4th- Late Start 18th- Late Start 21th- Progress Reports

MAY 2nd- Late Start

8th- Mother’s Day 24th- Early Release 25th- Last day of School 26th- Snow Make Up Day (if needed) 27th- Snow Make Up Day (if needed) 31st- Snow Make Up Day (if needed)

30th- Memorial Day

A blueprint of the Child Development Center set to open next school year. It is currently under construction as part of the new academic wing.

Chili cookoff champion “Never trust a skinny chef” It’s no surprise to Mr. Barnes that he brought home the gold with his “Barnes Pot of Goodness” at Liberty’s first staff chili cookoff in December. He claims his secret ingredients include: love, joy and the tears of failing high school students.

“You can always trust a fat guy when it comes to cooking,” says the chili cookoff champ.

4 NEWS

FEBRUARY 9, 2016

What makes a snow day?

How the district determines if it’s safe to have school.

It’s more complex, SARAH MARTIN however, if the wind Everyone loves a good chill is in the negatives. snow day, but what really Dr. Cain will pay determines the calling off close attention to how of school? Students don’t long students can stay usually worry about why or outside without being how it’s getting called off. put in harm’s way.

Once All that matters is if they he determines that it Photo by Sarah Martin can go back to sleep or not. isn’t safe to have school, Determining a snow day is a very detailed process So to answer the he then decides if it question, the final decision that can begin as early as 3 a.m. can be delayed for two is up to the superintendent, hours, or if the entire but there are many factors involved. day should be called off.

“The superintendent Dr. Cain is out We had our first snow day of the on the roads starting at about 3 a.m. along school year on Jan. 20th.

Since the entire with the director of transportation, said day was called off, we will make up the day Mary LaPak, the director of community on the first built-in snow day May 25th. As relations. “They have specific roads they of now, this is the last day of school for the travel across the district to determine if road year. conditions are safe for students to travel.”

There are many reasons why the delay During this process, Dr. Cain takes would be the more efficient outcome. It many things into consideration. He would count as a full day, so the built in contacts the CFO, Pam Frazier, to make snow days would not have to be used. sure that the building parking lots will be Delays affect teachers and students cleared of any ice or snow. He then checks positively.

Teachers have extra time before several weather forecasting sources and students come and students get to sleep in. contacts other superintendents to make a “I’m glad that it does count as a full final decision. day,” said Mrs. Jacks.

“It’s nice because There is not a set temperature or when you guys come in late teachers have a amount of snow that would call off school. little bit of extra plan time.”

No Pain, No Gain JEnna schwandner

Contusions

A region of injured tissue or skin in which blood capillaries have been ruptured; a bruise. A contusion can be caused in any sport.

Elbow tendonitis

Inflammation or irritation of a tendon any one of the thick fibrous cords that attaches muscle to bone. The condition causes pain and tenderness just outside a joint. Elbow tendonitis is common in tennis, baseball, and softball.

Break

If more pressure is put on a bone than it can stand, it will split or break. A break of any size is called a fracture. Breaks are extremely painful and can be caused in any sport.

Shin splints Known for shooting pain down the front of the leg. It happens most often to runners.

Minor shin splints can be improved with ice, rest and over-the-counter pain medication. Wearing proper shoes, stretching and knowing your limits can help prevent shin splints.

Liberty Ledger

The Secret Sport of Speech

Liberty’s theatre department is making school history.

Photo by Chasteanne Salvosa Hannah McCrary and Andrea Detterman joking around before performance.

CHASTEANNE SALVOSA Out of Liberty’s 900 students, only several participate in the speech and dramatics tournaments that make school history without many students’ knowledge.

On Saturday, Jan. 16 and Tuesday, Jan. 26, students competed in various events such as storytelling, dramatic interpretation, humorous interpretation, and duets.

For these events, students memorize soliloquies, monologues and scenes as short as two minutes or as long as 10 minutes.

But for non-thespians, what is a speech and

Common Sports Injuries

dramatics tournament?

“Speech and dramatics tournaments take place at different high schools around our area, where speech and debate teams from all around (Missouri) come to participate in different types of acting and debating competitions,” says junior Jake Denunzio, who has competed in several speech and dramatics tournaments this year.

If students can possibly recall, they may have heard of a previous speech and dramatics tournament, where freshman Zoë Fleschman placed first in dramatic interpretation, performing a piece on a woman who questions her faith after dealing with the death of her husband in the 9/11 terrorist attack.

If any thespians are to rank high, they not only get the satisfaction of placing high, but they also get the possibility of going to state. According to Raye, a complicated system of placing and averaging will win these students that possibility.

“If they qualify for state, we will go down to Springfield, Missouri and they will compete against all of the state qualifiers in Missouri. And there’s a big awards ceremony. If you placed 1st-6th, you qualify for state.

Concussions Brain injuries that happen when there is a significant hit to the head. They do often include nausea, difficulty concentrating, loss of balance, dizziness, amnesia, disorientation, headaches and other symptoms. Athletes who participate in contact sports like football, wrestling, cheerleading and soccer most commonly get concussions.

Shoulder tendonitis

An inflammation injury to the tendons of your shoulder’s rotator cuff. Shoulder tendonitis is common in baseball for the pitchers.

Sciatica

Lower-back pain that reaches down into the legs and can affect athletes who participate in running, golf tennis and baseball. Sciatica is most commonly caused by improper stretching.

Torn or pulled muscle

A strain is a stretching or tearing of muscle or tendon. A tendon is a fibrous cord of tissue that connects muscles to bones.

Strains often occur in the lower back and in the hamstring muscle in the back of your thigh. Torn or pulled muscles can happen in any sport.

Liberty Ledger

Are You Serial?

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News

FEBRUARY 9, 2016

Popular podcast inspires new club to form at Liberty.

Tayte Sanders Mystery, suspense and debate. Just a few words to describe the exciting and devious world of the podcast Serial. Lucky for you, it is a club here at LHS. Sponsored by Ms. Oliva, the Serial Club is for students who love mystery, suspense and real-world stories.

The series’ second season revolves around the story of American soldier, Bowe Bergdahl, who was captured by the Taliban in 2009. Ms. Oliva encourages any and all students to join them and listen to the

podcasts. You are still able to join, but to be up to date on the episodes, please listen to the previous episodes.

The Serial Club is unique and different from other clubs.

“It’s a different kind of club,” Ms. Oliva said. “We meet every two weeks to listen to a new episode. Each episode, you never know what you’re going to get.”

The club meets at lunch every two weeks. Not only are students welcome, but teachers too. Mr. Hendricks is a member of

Gamers Unite Gaming enthusiasts meet on Wednesdays.

the club. “It’s really cool to see kids engaged in real-world problems and being able to understand the world itself,” Hendricks said.

When asked what his favorite part of the club was, Mr. Hendricks said, “When people bring different viewpoints to the table I didn’t think about.”

Join the most suspenseful club at LHS yet. Dive into the world of Serial! Contact Ms. Oliva in the library for more info.

What is Serial?

Serial is a podcast series that covers controversial issues.

Serial posts new content every two weeks and stays up on current events in the story.

This season is about Bowe Bergdahl who was captured by the Taliban.

Hands on experience Students create a variety of projects in woodshop classes.

Caleb Woods Gaming Club is where gamers hangout and test their skills and is sponsored by Mr. Schumacher. The club formed last semester.

“Josef D’Angelo and Donald Box III asked me to be a sponsor,” said Mr. Schumacher.

D’Angelo has an photo by Caleb Woods interest in video games Gaming club enjoys another great Wednesday full of fun games for and thought it would everyone. They are always having a good time and always looking for be a good idea to have a new members. club at Liberty.

“I came up with the idea from playing games from common interest,” said D’Angelo. “I love to play games with other people and Mr. Schumacher was the only teacher that was up to it,” said Box. In Gaming Club, gamers can play Xbox 360 or the Nintendo Wii. On the Wii, gamers play Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros. Brawl. During all Gaming Club meetings, gamers have a chance to win in a tournament on the Wii. Gamers get competitive in Mario Kart. Mr. Schumacher has them line up and touch their hands on the whiteboard and counts off how many hands are on the board. Some games in this case, because people are evenly matched and everyone wants to win. Even some other teachers stop by to win. Mario Kart does get competitive because everyone is trying to win the tournament.

On the Xbox, gamers can play either Tekken or racing games.

Gaming Club is on all Wednesdays except the third Wednesday of the month it is after school from 2:25 to 3:20 meet Room 404. There are typically about 20 people show up.

Gaming Club is always looking for some new members.

Photo by Angel Flores

When you have a teacher as good as Mr. Labrot, you should have a good, fun, stress-free class. Woodshop is said to be a hard class, but Labrot changes everything and makes it a fun environment.

Photo by Maranda Flod Austin Beckerly works on a project in woodshop. Relieving school stresss is one great perk of taking this fun class.

Angel Flores Woodshop (300 hall if you are curious) over the years has developed to become a larger program with more students joining over the three years that Liberty has been open.

Students enjoy the class by having some time to have a break from a normal academic class and experience how to construct and build a project.

“Woodshop has grown over the years because all the extracurricular classes that is available for those who want to choose to take the class and will good thing is that the students pick it that’s why,” said Mr. Labrot, who is the woodshop teacher.

“I say that students don’t like academic classes and they choose woodshop since it’s a break from any work of handwriting. I think that it’s also less strict than other classes and some other students take it for the elective.”

Labrot says that as the program grows, he will

start to enter and attend competitions.

“I would also like to have guest speakers (professional wood workers).”

The projects and activities that they do in woodshop depends on what course you take. If you take Woodshop 1 then you would do more smaller projects like cutting board, step stool, shelf, and a group project of an Adirondack chair. If you take Woodshop 2, then you would start with a large sideboard/buffet table for a project.

There is also Home Maintenance and Repair and it covers the four major housing systems (framing, electricity, plumbing, and drywall).

Students work in pairs to construct a 4’x4’ wall that includes all the major components in one semester.

Students have agreed that having woodshop is a time for them to have a break and have some fun and to forget about any other class except woodshop.

“It’s a break from the rest of the learning day,” junior Brandon Weidinger said, who was refinishing a 1920s-30s era school desk. “It’s more hands on instead of just bookwork.”

6 PEOPLE

The Secret

FEBRUARY 9, 2016

Liberty Ledger

Life of a Liberty Mascot

Braden McMakin’s identity is revealed as the Eagle.

ZOE FLESCHMAN

Photo submitted by Sharon McMakin

Braden McMakin walks spiritedly at the 2015 Homecoming.

Freshman Braden McMakin gets the best of both worlds.

Almost like Miley Cyrus as Hannah Montana, McMakin is now unmasked as the eagle, our beloved mascot. He recently won the title as spirit king at the recent winter assembly.

“Only a handful of people know it’s me,” says McMakin. “I put on this costume and I’m a whole different character.”

Braden was attempting to keep for as long as possible his mascot behaviors a secret. No one knew who was in the costume and McMakin says he was asked countless number of random questions trying to discover who was hidden behind the eagle. Boy or girl? Age? What grade are you in?

“I often get a lot of questions like does it smell or is it hot,” McMakin said. “It doesn’t really smell like you think it would. It mostly smells of rubber from the head of the costume, but it does get extremely hot in that thing. It could be 20 degrees outside and I’d still be sweating. It’s a good thing there’s a built in fan. But the number one question I’ve ever received is, ‘Can you whip?’”

“I’ve taken on this job since I was the previous mascot at my old school,” McMakin said, who recently transferred to Liberty this year from Christian Middle School.

“We are new to the school district this year. He spoke with Coach Eldridge about his past mascot experience at his old school when we enrolled but they hadn’t connected yet about the mascot responsibilities,” says McMakin’s mother, Ms. Sharon McMakin.

“I enjoy ‘mascotting’ because I can be completely crazy without most people knowing it’s me. It’s like almost being invisible yet still getting to be the center of attention,” McMakin said.

So get your spirit on and cheer with Braden McMakin, our school mascot!

Photo by Chasteanne Salvosa Braden McMakin won the award as most spirited at the recent winter assembly.

Thespians take on NEW opportunities

Thespian Troupe 8211 enjoyed the out-of-classroom experience. olivia holler One of the most important parts of high school is to get many opportunities to do things you know and love, but also to meet new people.

Thespian Troupe 8211 of Liberty received the opportunity to go to Missouri Thespian Conference Jan. 6th-9th in Kansas City to further their knowledge on the career of acting.

The Thespian Conference embraces the art of acting, getting out of your comfort zone and meeting new people.

“On my first night I was checking in I was in the elevator going to my floor and I was in there with another girl from a different school, it was really quiet. I normally am not the type of person who can easily start a conversation with a stranger,” Braden McMakin said. “A couple of seconds before this girl asked for my name and how I was doing. I was surprised since I wasn’t used to people starting conversations with me but I went along with it and we talked until she reached her floor. I made a friend that night and it was a good way to start a great weekend.”

There were a lot of opportunities to make new friends through the improv olympic games and activities.

Thespians of Liberty meet the thespians of Joplin at the Conference dance.

Photos by Zoe Fleschman

The thespians of Liberty shiver while waiting to get on the bus to go to Conference.

“I met so many new people that I would consider my friends,” Kate Benes said.

The conference was held in Kansas City at the Marriott, lasting three days long.

The students did a variety of activities during those three days. They worked in workshops to enhance performance skills, worked on acting skills and did a lot of improv.

“I learned how to swing dance, act on camera and new theater games,” Blake Phillips said.

Coming out of the trip, the thespians gained more knowledge about how they wanted to further their career with acting or more skills to improve their acting.

“I learned to take off makeup properly, improv and to think faster like impulse rather than instinct,” McMakin said.

The Thespians had so much fun and hope to come back next year.

“It was everything I thought it would be and more,” Kate Benes said.

Liberty Ledger

FEBRUARY 9, 2016

in-depth

7

Second Semester

SLUMP

ZOE FLESCHMAN

The struggle is real because we’ve hit that second semester slump.

What is second semester slump?

It’s the dull season. The football season has lost its hype, homecoming is long gone, prom is months away, and it’s too early to start looking forward to summer.

The sky is dark and all we feel like doing is crawling into bed and binge-watching our favorite television shows until the school year is over.

Believe it or not, sadly, this is NOT an option.

BUT there is a solution.

Inside, you will find everything that you could be doing to get you some motivation to get up and moving with your life. Whether it’s the Winter Dance or the New Year’s Resolution you never followed through on, the Second Semester Slump of 2016 is not going to take you out.

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in-depth

LiBerty Ledger May 18, 2015

8

in-depth

FEBRUARY 9, 2016

LiBerty Ledger

How much sleep do you get?

Are you getting enough?

Maranda Flod

About how many people do you see sleeping in your first hour?

Taylor Stewart - 0 Lucas Sproull - 2 Jaeda Lee - 0

About how many people do you see sleeping in your last hour?

Taylor Stewart - 0 Lucas Sproull - 2 Jaeda Lee - 0

Taylor Stewart - Check social media Lucas Sproull - Watch T.V. Jaeda Lee - Music and it has to be dark

What distracts you from falling asleep?

Do you fall asleep in class?

Taylor - No Lucas Sproull - Sometimes Jaeda Lee - Sometimes if we’re not doing anything important.

What time do you wake up for school?

Taylor Stewart - 5:30 Lucas Sproull - 6:00 Jaeda Lee - 6:00

What time do you usually go to bed?

Taylor Stewart - 10:30 Lucas Sproull - 12:30 Jaeda Lee - 9:30- 10:00

Is there anything that you have to do or have to have before you go to sleep? (completely dark, have the T.V. on or play music)

Taylor Stewart (11)

Taylor Stewart - Staying on social media Lucas Sproull - Playing games on my phone Jaeda Lee - Mostly my siblings

Do you eat breakfast?

Taylor Stewart - Drink a protein shake Lucas Sproull - Most of the time Jaeda Lee- Yes

Lucas Sproull (10)

Liberty’s nurse Ms. Donaldson believes kids in high school aren’t getting enough sleep because of social media and phones in general. She said high school students should get about eight hours of sleep each night.

It’s a proven fact that sleep is like food for the brain. During sleep, important body functions and brain activity occur, and without sleep you are not fully concentrated and won’t function properly.

Sleep is just as important as water is for the body.

Teens need about 8 to 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to function best. And it’s proven that kids who get more sleep get better grades. So if you want better grades, it’s as easy as going to bed earlier.

“Silence your phones for the night,” Ms. Donaldson stressed. “Turn off your computers, IPads and rest well.” You’ll feel awesome when you get regular uninterrupted sleep.

Are you a morning person?

Taylor Stewart - Give me 5 minutes to wake up and I’ll be good!

Lucas Sproull - Yes, because some days I have to wake up at 3:00 a.m. to go to a swim meet on the weekends.

Jaeda Lee - No not really.

Jaeda Lee (9) Ms. Donaldson, LHS nurse

Winter Blues

The effect that the time of year has on student performance and attendance.

Sarah Martin It’s that time of the year again.

Grades suddenly drop, as well as moods, and students are less likely to come to school.

These patterns are usually seen around winter and finals.

The attendance has been mostly consistent throughtout the year, showing just a small decrease. The average attendance of September was 95.38%, October was 94.88%, and November was 94.06%.

Attendance is essential for student success.

“Students who attended school more than 90% had an average first quarter GPA of 3.17.

Students who attended school

Nurse encourages students to get eight hours of sleep

less than 90% had an average first quarter GPA of 1.86,” said principal, Mr. Nelson. There is definitely a correlation between attendance and grades.

Some recent absences have been due to illnesses that have been going around.

“I have noticed a bigger increase in absences, but sometimes that is due to the flu or cold season,” said science teacher, Ms. Braile. Many of students have gotten sick due to the cold weather, causing them to be absent.

All of the pressure that is placed upon students is also

causing absences. Many students are battling with anxiety and depression on top of completing their school work.

“I think that the lack of attention to detail is due to, probably the kids having so much going on in their lives. Like, being very involved in sports, clubs, and their mind is elsewhere sometimes,” said Braile.

Weather, anxiety, and finals all are reasons why students are absent more frequently. They then get behind with their work and struggle to catch up, which may cause their grades to decrease.

LiBerty Ledger FEBRUARY 9, 2016 Changes through time

in-depth

Stuco takes on preparation for winter dance

Olivia Holler Many people play video games and they have become popular in today’s society. Stuco had decided to tie it back with the theme “Nintendo LHS” for the winter dance because this year is based on “Timeless” or throughout the decades.

“The theme behind Nintendo is this whole year is based around ‘Timeless,’” Bennett Outman said. “Video games are so big right now that we wanted to take you back to the originals and some new ones too.”

The winter dance was on Jan. 30th from 8-11 p.m.

Unlike homecoming, this was a very informal dance. The student council decided to do an informal dance because it was less pressure on everyone.

“It’s more affordable than homecoming,” Ms. Sutherlin said. “You can go with friends or a date. Girls don’t have to get a dress or get their nails done. People usually come in with whatever on.”

The dance was also a black light dance.

They have been doing the black light dance since Liberty opened.

“We wanted to do another black light dance because it’s really fun,” Blake Phillips said.

They were hoping for at least 350 people to show up.

Only 81 tickets were sold. In the past it has been at least 40 perencet of homecoming, according to Ms. Sutherlin.

In the month leading up to the dance, student council began on preparations.

They did decorations, got the DJ squared away and the dance ready for the winter pep assembly.

The DJ is different from homecoming.

Many people didn’t like the DJ that was at homecoming so student council decided to switch it up.

The winter dance is another way you could get out and hang out with your friends this winter.

The Student Section Second semester slump lowers school spirit and student section presence

chasteanne salvosa Following the football season, the hype about sports tend to go down, and school spirit reaches an ultimate low. The second semester slump isn’t just a new low for grades, but a new low for support for our teams. Wrestling, girls swim and dive, and girls and boys’ basketball, need all the spirit that we showed for football in the winter season.

A general estimate from several sources say that a winter sports crowd ranges anywhere from 0 to 50 people, with a variation from parents to students to middle school students to staff.

One sport that could use a boost in support is the swim team.

Do any members of the student body attend swim meets?

“No,” swimmer Marjori Russo simply answers to the question.

Unlike football, for most winter sports, a small crowd present is lucky. Russo’s advice to students who want to attend meets is to carpool. The simple solution to carpool to nearby pools to support Liberty’s girls’ swim team can also be a motivating factor, Russo said.

“It’s all about hype in swim meets. When you’re getting ready to race and you hear them cheering behind you like, ‘Go!’ it makes you feel good that people are supporting you,” Russo said.

Sometimes it’s just other teammates who show up in the crowd. According to wrestler Ethan Jones, there are always a few teammates who want to support each other that are present at matches.

Like Russo, Jones believes that having a larger student presence at matches would motivate the team to perform better. And when asked if he would like to see that presence next year when Liberty is full, “Definitely,” he responds, confidently.

According to Coach Walterbach, head coach of varsity girls’

basketball, the largest crowd at a game this season consisted of 50 people. His goal is to one day have a full student section. He also noted that both girls’ and boys’ would be grateful for a larger student presence.

“Both boys and girls are working really hard right now and student support for both programs would play a huge part in their success,” Walterbach said.

If boredom is a big cause of your second semester slump, attend a game or a match or a meet. Come support your winter sport teams as they get down to business and wrap the season.

Filled stand of students.

Upcoming Games:

February 18th Girl’s Basketball - Varsity vs. Orchard Farm 5:30 p.m.

Boy’s Basketball Varsity - vs. Orchard Farm 7 p.m.

February 19th Boy’s Basketball JV - vs. Orchard Farm 5:30 p.m.

February 23rd Boy’s Basketball JV - vs. Union 4 p.m.

Girls Basketball Varsity - vs. Union 5:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball Varsity - vs. Union 7 p.m.

Empty and folded up bleachers.

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10 IN-DEPTH WAke Up Call:

FEBRUARY 9, 2016

Time to raise your grades

Second semester slump or second semester bump up?

ANGEL FLORES

Liberty Ledger New YEar, New You

Students check that the “You” part is keeping up with the year.

Tanner Davies

Freshman Nathan Stumpf

Q: How were your grades this second quarter?

A: “They’re going good. I have some good grades.”

Q: What changes will you do for second semester?

A: “Study harder and try not to get behind in homework.”

Q: Have you had your wake up call with your grades so you can do better?

A: “Well, when I saw that I had a C in one of my classes, I started to freak out so I started to do work, so yes, I had my wake up call.”

Sophomore Connor Low

Q: Did you do well this semester with grades?

A: “All A’s. Am not even lying.”

Q: What will you do in second semester to improve?

A: “Well, I do have two B’s, but I’m sure I’m going to have all A’s in second semester.”

Q: How are you going to achieve it or make it happen?

A: “Just being me.”

Q: Have you had your wake up call with your grades so you can do better?

Teacher Ms. Braile

Drew Corbin

Drew Corbin: “Do more homework.”

Austin Beckerle: “To supercharge my car.”

Victoria Parkes: “To have all A’s.”

Hunter Beauto: “To make JV soccer again next year.”

Austin Beckerle

Q: Did you keep your resolution ?

Corbin: “Yes, I kept it.”

Beckerle: “No, not yet.”

Victoria Parkes

Parkes: “No I didn’t.”

Beauto: “Yes I did.”

Hunter Beauto

Q: Have you seen grades decline over the months of the school year?

A: “Yes.” Q: Why do you think that grades go down as the school year goes on?

A: “I think that students get too comfortable in school and also clubs and activities so they don’t have time to study.”

Q: What tips would you give your students to raise their grades?

A: “Study more and study often and make sure you don’t have missing assignments.”

Right: Haeley Hughes shows off her team spirit

Q: What is your New Year’s resolution?

2 out of 4 people have kept their resolutions; have you?

The Styles of School Spirit Photos by Chasteanne Salvosa and Jessica Gibson

with her jersey.

Left: Evan Fuhremann and Zoe Fleschman showcase their spirit for their favorite football teams.

Below: Ms. Sutherlin’s first hour wears red for

Below (Left to Right): Haeley Hughes, Connor Kremer,

freshmen spirit.

Kaylee Essers, Samantha Cox, Catie Barrett, Sarah Mikulas, and Maria Hufford.

Bottom Corner (Left to Right): Olivia Holler, Morgan Metcalf, and Katie Coyle wear tutus for Spirit Day.

Below: Student Council shows off their dance moves at the Winter Pep Assembly.

Above (Left to Right): Albert Edney, Mykaela Reiland, Cassie Frank, Marjori Russo, and Shakir Martin-Watson pose for the camera on Power Down PJ Day. Right: Kevin Roberts portrays character from Assassin’s Creed.

Liberty Ledger FEBRUARY 9, 2016 WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE? DAELYN NILGES

mckenzie bartels

MASIN ZWIEFEL Music is a huge part of freshman Mason Zweifel's life.

Four months ago, Masin started creating mix tapes and songs.

His favorite song that he has created is called Wave Talk.

“Being in the studio is the best part of my life,” says Masin.

He collaborates with a bunch of his friends and has created 26 songs total.

Some people at first think that it's weird and different to create music but once they understand what exactly it is they respect what he does.

“Music is a big part of my life,” he says.

Making music is what Mason loves to do and without it, his life would be very different.

Entertainment

Daelyn has not only traveled to California once, but she has gone 30 times!

She is currently 15 years old and travels to California twice a year.

She normally stays two weeks each time she goes.

Her grandfather lives there but she has also has made many friends there and has had some amazing experiences.

“We were driving to Santa Cruz and we saw Hells Angels [bikers] on the highway,” Daelyn said.

This is just one of the many stories that happened while Daelyn was in California.

“My favorite place to eat in California is ‘In and Out Burger’,” she says.

There are many things that Daelyn loves about California.

I’m sure many people would love to travel to California just once but what if you were able to go twice...every year!

What are Thoooose!?

Winners selected for 1st annual ugly sweater contest at LHS They are the champions of the world!

At least that’s what Mr. Hendricks thinks. Since he played the song ‘We Are The Champions’ by Queen that day.

Marlee Doniff, Ms. Goldschmidt and Mr. Hendricks won Liberty High School’s 1st annual ugly sweater contest.

Not only did all three of them win bragging rights for the rest of the year, but the teachers were awarded with their own trophies. It was a tough competition, due to all the students and teachers who wore their

11

CAylin FULLER Being in Student Council is time consuming enough, but what if you were an officer?

Caylin Fuller is one of the officers in Stuco.

“We have to make sure that things are running smoothly and everything gets done. It requires a lot of extra time out of class for us,” Caylin Fuller said.

In order to become an officer, you start by filling out an application explaining why you want to be an officer.

Another thing that you have to do to become an officer is an on-the-spot interview with sponsor Ms. Sutherlin.

Caylin is in charge of the art committee. If you are on this committee, you are in charge of planning decorations, making sure signs get painted, etc.

“Being an officer is a lot of hard work, but a lot of fun,” she says.

WHAT PEOPLE REALLY THINK OF VALENTINE’S DAY EMMA RUDOLPH

Chris Bingaman and Savannah Kruse share Valentine’s Day thoughts.

JESSICA GIBSON

ugly sweater.

“Oh yeah, I had total intentions in winning this contest,” said Hendricks, “It was an honor winning. I seemed to also be famous in the SnapChat universe.”

You have to have courage walking around with these sweaters on as well.

“A lot of people stared at me in class,” said Doniff.

Both Hendricks and Doniff bought their sweaters, but Goldschmidt was the only one to personally make hers. She based it on her childhood because her mom and herself both had identical sweaters.

“It was a replica of the one I had when I was little.”

You can find pictures of all the winners in the 300 hallway, displayed in the art case. They’ve definitely set the bar high for next year!

HE SAID “Probably a stuffed animal and chocolate.”

SHE SAID

What do you think the most “The most popular gift are popular gifts are on Valenstuffed animals, jewelry and tines day? chocolate.”

“Yes, it is overrated because evDo you think Valentine's day eryone just suddenly loves all day is overrated? but really it should be like that everyday.”

No, because some people might be left out if they don’t have someone to spend it with.

Do you think Valentine's day should be a real holiday?

“I do not think it is overrated although you should show and appreciate you partner everyday.

It is still special.”

Yes, because it is a day to appreciate your special someone and show how much you love them.

I would rather stay at home, or“I’d rather go on a fancy date and Would you rather: go to a fancy der a pizza and watch movies. I restaurant for dinner or stay at would do this because it is more movie just because you have to home and order pizza? dress nice.” interaction and more relaxing for me.”

“When I was a kid because every- Did you like Valentine's day “If I had a boyfriend, I’d like it one gave you cards and candy.” better now, but being single, I better as a kid or now? like it better as a kid.”

“No, it shouldn’t.”

Should Valentine’s day be banned?

“No! It is a fun day to spend with your partner.”

12 interacTIVE

february 9, 2016

Valentine’s Day Word Search

Heart Hugs Love Flowers Kisses Ring Giving Candy

The Real Choice

Chocolate Valentine Couples Red Dates Romance Cupid February

By Paityn Schlosser

Liberty Ledger R MW ZY QW S X S B J R O G N I R Q E L E M M RB MD N L L LG N I V I GR A F M RP K I S S E S BX N K L U E TA L O C O HC C DO O N YR A U R B E F E C I E W TB D D C T L Y ZV L P R E A E A X S T R V A O AU T R N Z G P L P V J E L E CD S U B B QX J H D S M YL H X NN DZ

The first student to bring the completed word search to room 239 wins a QT giftcard! said 47% people they prefer

milk chocolate

said 23% people they prefer

dark chocolate

said 30% people they prefer

20%

want flowers for Valentine’s Day

40%

want chocolate for Valentine’s Day

chocolate with nuts

Liberty’s Valentine’s Day Poll Out of 100 people, these are the results we got...

22%

want a teddy bear for Valentine’s Day

18%

want a gift card for Valentine’s Day

21%

people like Valentine’s Day

35%

people don’t like Valentine’s Day

44% people kind of like Valentine’s Day

Liberty Ledger February 9, 2016 The Force is Back!

Top Unanswered Questions from The Force Awakens.

On December 18th, Star Wars: The Force Awakens hit the theaters and left many unanswered questions with Star Wars fans. Here are the top 5 unanswered questions from the film

#1 Who are Rey’s parents?

There are many theories about who Rey’s parents are.

The movie sets you up towards the end that Rey’s father was indeed Luke Skywalker. All evidence in the movie goes towards that theory. Evidence such as Rey’s parents leaving her on Jakku at a young age and Luke Skywalker disappearing around the same time; how strong the force was with her, she had used the force to get the lightsaber out of the snow and ended up beating the trained Kylo Ren in a EMMA BOBBITT lightsaber fight; and Maz Kanata claimed to have seen her eyes before when she was looking into her eyes. Even if Luke Skywalker is her father, who is the mother?

#2 Who is Supreme Leader Snoke?

Supreme Leader Snoke is a giant in the film that seemed to confuse Star Wars fans. Who is Snoke? There are dozens of theories such as he is the Emperor, or possibly Darth Plagueis, a legendary Sith Lord referred to by Palpatine in Revenge of the Sith.

Many have suggested that he is Darth Vader himself noting the scars on his head are on the same parts as Vaders.

#3 What caused Luke to go into hiding?

The entire movie is based on a manhunt to find Luke Skywalker, but what exactly happened to him? Theories suggest that perhaps he was the man who trained Kylo Ren and failed to turn him into a Jedi. Apparently, he could have been haunted by the failed teaching of young padawans and disappeared in search of a Jedi Temple. That is the most constructed theory so far even though there are dozens.

#4 What happened to C3PO’s arm?

In the first scene threepio is in, we see that one of his arms is red. Why was his arm red? Many fans suggest he was wearing the red to represent the resistance, others suggest enemies captured him and marked him with the crimson arm. Although it is a mystery now, hopefully we will all learn what actually happened to threepio’s arm.

#5 Is Finn’s family still out there?

It is no secret that family ties play a huge roll in the Star Wars movies, so what about Finn? He managed to say that he was a kidnapped by the First Order and was trained to be a stormtrooper. Who exactly are his parents though? Are they still alive?

If so are they looking for him? Many people have a theory that Finn is indeed Lando’s child. Although, it is debatable if Finn’s family will be revealed or talked about in future movies, it is still something to keep at the back of your mind.

Although we may not have the answers to all of these mysteries, we have lots of theories. Whether these theories are correct or not, is a matter of waiting. Hopefully all of our questions will be answered in episode 8 on December 15th, 2017.

op-ed

Thinking Positive

13

Advice From a New Perspective.

In a world filled with negativities that are thrown at you every day, it only takes one person to think positively. Is that person you? Do you ignore the negative comments, and produce positive ones? Are you the one person who shares a smile, a laugh, or words of encouragement to make someone’s day?

These simple gestures are what can cause someone to think positively. Being that light in a dark world is what distinguishes a leader from an everyday follower. Being a leader is something special. It is a role in life that many people live out everyday.

Although some lead people into a positive lifestyle, others tend to lead people into a negative one. If you consider yourself a leader among your peers, take a moment to evaluate yourself. Do you live your OWN life in a positive manner?

If you have trouble answering that question, you might be leading your peers into a negative lifestyle. Now granted, no one is perfect, and I am not here to judge your lifestyle, but I do think that there is a right and wrong. I think that leadership is a trait that is not for everyone and it is a role that comes with responsibility, but if used right, it can help others live positive lives!

Changing your own attitude and way

of thinking can have a positive effect on others attitudes and ways of thinking. So, hold yourself responsible for your attitude, and help change TAYTE SANDERS someone else’s for the better.

Finding things in life to be thankful for can help as well. Focusing on things that you are thankful for, is not only way to block out the negatives, but is a way to remind yourself of your blessings. Friends, family members, even your pets! These everyday things are what can help you focus on the greater things in your life.

So again I ask, do you ignore the negative comments, and produce positive ones? Are you the one person who shares a smile, a laugh, or words of encouragement to make someone’s day? Start with yourself, and others will be influenced by you.

Pressure of the Truth Are high school students having too much asked of them?

I have the personal experience of feeling like everything I do has to be perfect. From school grades to sport academics, if I mess up, I feel that I let down everyone around me.

Teachers have told me over the years that what I do now can affect my future. I understand being told about this in high school. The first time I heard this saying was in 6th grade.

Being so young, it really scared me, and caused me to question everything I did in 7th and 8th grade.

Now being a freshman in high school, I understand it a bit more. But being under so much pressure from a young age, JESSICA GIBSON made me stress out over the most ridiculous things in middle school.

No one enjoys homework no matter what class it’s from. And some teachers assign a lot of homework each night. Not to mention many high school students participate in some type of club or sport. Some sport games or practices can go past 10 p.m.

When teenagers are expected to do well in school and sports, they can become overwhelmed. Some feel the need to have everything perfect. To receive an A on every paper.

And to the best of the best. To me, that sounds like late nights. And sleep is very important.

Pressure can really affect students and athletes. I feel as if everyone is expected to do to much at such a young age. Some people have to juggle jobs, school, sports and the idea of a future all in one night.

I think the best way to help reduce the amount of pressure on your shoulders is to open up to a mentor. Asking a teacher for an extra day to do an assignment, talking to you coach about how you’re doing, and maybe even telling your parent that you can’t do your chores due to more important reasons. Not everything has to be perfect. I’m not saying slack on every other paper you have to write or do, but sometimes you just gotta take a break.

14 OP-ED

FEBRUARY 9, 2016

Disguised Bullying

Is social media a good or a bad thing?

Networking takes a toll on teenagers everyday lives.

Social media is not for everyone. But recently it has started to impact our lives more and more everyday. We can be either put down or raise you up by social media. It all depends on what you take in from it. Is it good or bad?

I have had both negative and positives of social media affect my life. Social media can bring self confidence down by putting out things that could be harmful. On a website called Ask.fm I was made fun of very badly. People kept calling me out for my imperfections. I had let it got to me and it was not good.

Miscommunication is one of the biggest problems out there. Kids never know what the tone is of other people over the web. It’s very hard to decipher what it actually means. I have also experienced miscommunication on these websites. It caused my friends and I to get in an argument because of a silly misinterpreted word.

Social media has caused distractions in our lives. Some people lose focus in class, losing interest in people and things they love. I know that social media has made me get easily distracted from homework and sometimes my school work.

There are some positives to social media.

Social networking can increase talking daily to people who live far away. It gives the advantage of keeping in touch with people and their lives. I have a couple friends I have met from summer camps and the only way I keep in touch is through social media and text messaging. It keeps people to stay connected.

Teenagers can make new friends through

Liberty Ledger

A new brand of bullying.

Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The increase of cell phones had a role in this too. It has made people connect in a new way. Social networks have changed the idea of friendship forever.

Its very possible to olivia holler have 200 friends on Instagram and not know them on a personal level. But that should not stop you. There are several people I consider my friends that I have met through social networking. It can help you keep friends and make friends.

Kids can be also inspired on social media. Not necessarily the site itself, but the people who are on it. There are people who make these Instagram or Twitter accounts to raise self confidence of other teenagers.

Some examples would be having positive daily quotes or just videos to make you laugh or smile. These people can often be famous people or really anybody that makes an account has the power to inspire. I usually follow quote pages on Instagram to just have something different instead of pictures all the time. Being inspired by other accounts increases teens’ self confidence.

Social media is neither good or bad. It is somewhere in between that. It all depends on the way you perceive what you see and what you hear.

When people hear the word bully, the first thought that usually comes to mind is a kid trying to take another kid’s lunch money. Or just simply a person who harasses someone else due to their lack of confidence. However, nowadays it’s not that simple.

“Bully” is a severely broad term that could mean many things. Basically, it is someone who intentionally harms another person either physically or mentally.

There are some cases when someone might not even be aware that they are bullying. For instance, an acquaintance that constantly insults or tries to bring you SARAH MARTIN down, then brushes it off with “Oh, you know that I’m just messing around.” But are you really? A simple joke that means nothing to you might affect someone more than you intend it to. Furthermore, saying “no offense” does not indicate that they won’t be offended by what you say.

Kids, and even adults, need to become aware of what is appropriate to say and what isn’t. Before you say something rude to or about someone else, you need to ask yourself a couple of questions. Is it absolutely necessary that I say this? If all that I will gain is a chuckle or two from my friends, is it worth possibly hurting another person’s feelings?

We’ve all had our feelings hurt at one point or another. Even though it affects some more than others, it isn’t a good feeling. Someone might act as if it didn’t bother them, but you have no idea how they are really feeling.

Nevertheless, I realize the difficulty of trying not to offend people. Nowadays, it’s almost impossible to find something that not one person is offended by, because of everyone’s unique values.

Being worried of offending others should not change how you live your everyday life. But you should not to go out of your way to tease someone else, even if it’s in a jokingly manner.

For instance, an acquaintance that constantly insults or tries to bring you down, then brushes it off with “Oh, you know that I’m just messing around.” But are you really?

A PSA about PDA

One couple’s romance can cause one student’s poor on-time attendance.

Public displays of affection, also known as PDA, has always been a problematic topic among the student body and staff, with everyone’s opinions divided. While some believe the canoodling couples are an issue, others claim to be unaffected or find it romantic. Though school rules crack down on PDA, some teachers and staff fail to end the issue when other students are clearly uncomfortable.

In a recent survey in lunch C, approximately 143 students answered, and the survey shows that 117 students witnessed PDA in Liberty hallways, and that 18 students were annoyed by it, while 93 students were unaffected unless the couple had affected them somehow. Many students claimed they would be annoyed under certain circumstances, such as if the couple displayed their affection in the middle of hallway. Other students also claimed that their relationship status or

mood affected their feelings of the topic, saying that their opinions changed everyday depending on what they witness.

Some PDA is minor, such as hugging or cuddling, is common within the hallways of the school. While more intense versions of PDA, such as full fledged making out, are rare, they occasionally seen in the stairwells.

Like many other students, I personally find myself unaffected by PDA, but I also agree with the majority of students when I say that I feel annoyed when I find myself blocked by a kissing couple. Many of us are in a hurry to run across the building, down the hallway, or up or downstairs in order to get to our classes in time and an affectionate couple in the way can be quite irritating, no matter what your relationship status is.

Going around them can be quite a trouble as well, for socializing students are politely instructed to socialize to the side of the hallway by teachers and students alike, and

this in effect, leaves a large block in the hallway. And dear Liberty couples, I, along many other students, know that the teachers don’t want to see public displays chasteanne of affection as salvosa well. While school rules cut down on the minor forms of PDA, many teachers don’t know what to do when they are forced to break a lip-locked couple apart. The situation, as you can imagine it, can be very awkward and strange. Some teachers have answers to this problem when they are confronted with PDA, but students are left to create answers on their own.

A few solutions that could solve the issue go as followed; a) couples can move their PDA to the side of the hallway and this solves the issue of agitated students who are in a rush to get to class; or b) couples can withhold their affection. Though this suggestion irritates couples, it is a very simple one. I’m sure a few hours of holding your affection in for your “significant other” will not harm anyone or yourself, for I am also sure that you are not absolutely required to kiss your boyfriend or girlfriend right then, right there, in the middle of the hallway.

So if you could hold your undying love for your “baby”, “babe”, “boo”, “sweetheart”, “sweetie”, or “prince/princess” for a few hours, then I’m sure the student body can get along, and get to class, a little bit nicer.

Liberty Ledger February 9, 2016 It’s cold, but we’re still sweating Winter sports start off the winter season Maddie Baker

BOYS BASKETBALL RECORD: 3-12 PLAYERS THOUGHTS: “I think our season is not going as well as we would like, but we’re making the right steps forward and getting better and better.”

Wesley Hines (10).

TEAM ACHIEVEMENTS: Were seeded 8th in consolation championship at Warrenton, then ended up placing 5th.

SPORTS DANCE

GIRLS BASKETBALL RECORD: 4-14 PLAYER THOUGHTS: “We’ve been practicing really hard and working our butts off, and throughout the games, so far, you can tell that we have improved a lot since last year.”

Emily Giljum (10).

TEAM ACHIEVEMENTS: Got first varsity win in Liberty’s girls basketball history.

TEAM ACHIEVEMENTS: Won 1st and 4th place at Lindbergh Competition.

PLAYERS THOUGHTS: “It’s exciting because we have a bigger team, so we all treat each other like family, which makes us better.”

Samantha Clynes (10).

GIRLS SWIM PLAYER’S THOUGHTS: “The season has been going very smooth, the new freshmen have been doing their part and really helping hold up the team. Even though practice gets hard, we all try to do our best.” Bennett Outman (10).

15

TOP FINISHERS: Majori Russo, Lanni Guffey, Lexi Guffey, Bennett Outman, Sarah Staats, Zoe Killingsworth, Eva Herling, and Hannah Keer

WRESTLING PLAYERS THOUGHTS: “We have done really good so far, and everyone has improved a lot from last year which is also good.” Benjamin Leach (10).

ACHIEVEMENTS: Took 1st place in Brentwood Invitational, 7th in the 24 team St Charles Invitational, and finished in the top 10 in the GAC Conference Tournament. Cameron Steinhoff and Christian Zeik both have numerous 1st place finishes and have beaten former state qualifiers and state placers.

New Season, New MENTOR Walterbach guides Liberty’s girls varsity basketball team.

Photo by Majori Russo

Photo by Alysan Amann

Photo by Alisha Grant Coach Walterbach gives the girls a pep talk during a timeout.

Moira Charnot & Maddie Baker Liberty’s varsity girls basketball team has a new coach this year who’s also new to teaching at our school.

Mr. Walterbach has big plans for the team and has been helping the girls work harder to improve at every practice.

“I want to make sure that everyone has a good time, an enjoyable experience, and that we win the games we should,” Walterbach said.

Mr. Walterbach is very experienced in the field of coaching and teaching. He teaches Geography, Western Civilization, and United States History, but also has been

coaching basketball for 12 years, along with a few years of coaching football and about eight years of tennis. He also played basketball in all of his four years in high school and a couple of years in college, playing for Rockhurst University.

“He’s been helping us improve a lot, and is making us more united as a team,” said Cari Schaeffer, a player for the team.

“I have definitely seen a lot of improvement since last year,” assistant coach Tock said. “We are playing less scared, especially against really good teams. We are starting to realize that we can play a close game

with pretty much any team that we go up against this year.”

So far this year, the team has had a few injuries, such as a concussion and a broken finger, so the team hasn’t been able to have many scrimmages. But despite this, the team has been showing improvement this year, and according to Walterbach, they’ve been working hard and doing well, though a lot of improvement is still needed.

“We may have had a bit of a rocky start, but I think we’ll finish this season well,” Schaeffer adds.

As a team you win together, lose together, and stick together.

DANCING THEIR WAY TO VICTORY

Jessica Gibson

Liberty Belles win 1st in mix at Lindbergh competition.

After having to choreograph two new dances within four days, the Belles really showed their Eagle spirit at the Lindbergh Dance Competition on Dec. 5th.

They won first in mix with the “Most Memorable Routine Award” and took fourth in poms. All 18 girls gave it their best effort.

“I was so proud of the girls because performed the routine as well as they ever had,” Amanda Miller said, who is coach of the Liberty Belles dance team.

“Everything came together on that day and it was my favorite moment with my team this year.”

Sophomore Cheyenne Doss sadly had to sit out during their Lindbergh performance, due to a torn growth plate in her hip.

“I would have been out there with my team,” said Doss, but due to doctor’s orders, she had to be weight

bearing. With two weeks on crutches, four weeks out of dance, and therapy, Doss will be dancing again in no time.

The Lindbergh competition meant a lot to the team and it was their first competition of the season.

“We were all under a lot of stress and pressure at that point,” Taylor Stewart said, who is one of the two captains of the team. “But it all worked out in the end.”

After being elected first for mix, the whole team was shocked, due to the fact it was the first time they competed as a varsity team. Everyone was jumping with joy, screaming with excitement, and hugs all around.

Even a few of the girls shed some tears.

All 17 dancers - 3 juniors, 7 sophomores and 7 freshmen - worked their hardest during practice and on stage. In the end, everything they did to prepare paid off.

Photo by Alysan Amann

Jana Bowman (10), throws her poms in the air with spirit.

16 SPORTS

Liberty Ledger

february 9, 2016

A Day in the Life of a Wrestler Tayte Sanders

Q: Do you mind having to stay at a meet for so long?

A: “The meets are long, but worth it. It takes forever until YOU actually wrestle, but when I do it’s so fun.”

-Brandon Jones Q: How do you feel about staying at a meet for so long?

A: “It takes all day. When you aren’t wrestling, it’s sort of boring waiting. But, when you do wrestle, it’s exciting!”

-Chase Ford Q: Describe the feeling when your hand is raised at the end of your match, after you win.

A: “I feel that every time I get my hand raised, I still know I have stuff to work on, and to get better.”

-Trentin Helton

A typical Saturday

• Wake up 5:30 a.m • Arrive at Liberty 5:45 a.m.

• Board bus 6:00 a.m.

• Arrive at Rockwood Summit HS around 6:35 a.m.

• Weigh-ins from 7:30-8:30 a.m.

• Warmups 8:45 a.m.

• Matches round 1-3 9:30-1:00 p.m.

(Lunch Break at 11:50-12:15 p.m.)

• Final Matches 1:00 -2:00 p.m.

• Awards 1:30-2:00 p.m.

• Leave around 2:15 p.m.

• Arrive back at school around 3:15-3:30 p.m.

State and Beyond

“Watching my older brothers wrestle really inspired me and I’ve been Zeik has his eyes set on state championships. doing this since I Tayte Sanders passionate” about wrestling. He also says that Zeik is “very competitive.” was 3.”

Do you crack under pressure? Do you fold when This demand for the best, shows how hard Zeik is - Christian Zeik the spotlight is on you? How do you function when you willing to work to win. Christian’s expectation of himself compete at a high level? All of these questions can be answered by Christian Zeik, and he answers them with trophies.

Zeik is a part of the varsity wrestling team and he’s a freshman. He competes in the 126-pound weight class, and is very successful at what he does.

He’s off to a great start this winter with a 38-3 record as of Feb. 1 and five first place medals at varsity tournaments: Brentwood, Zumwalt North, Liberty, St. Charles Invitational and DeSoto.

Backed up by 16 national titles, Christian has dominated the wrestling scene since he was young, and even competing against people older than him.

“I’ve been to a lot of tournaments and beaten a lot of people. Even people that were older than me,” Zeik said.

Wrestling has been an interest of his since he was young. When asked what inspired him to wrestle, Zeik said, “Watching my older brothers wrestle really inspired me and I’ve been doing this since I was 3.”

Wrestling is something that has interested Zeik for a long time and he’s been passionate about his craft for just as long too. Jason Barry is his good friend and has been a witness of his growth as a wrestler and as a person.

“For the 11 years that I’ve known him, he’s always dominated. He’s the most athletic person I know,” Barry said.

Barry also states that Zeik is “very emotional and

and his work is at a high level. He demands to be the best and works hard to achieve that.

Zeik maintains a constant workout schedule during the offseason and during the season.

“In wrestling season, we practice every day except Sunday for two hours,” Zeik said. “And during the offseason, we practice three days a week.”

Zeik has his eyes set on winning a state championship this season. Anyone accomplishing this feature is impressive, but for a freshman to do this is quite extraordinary.

Cameron Steinhoff was the first Liberty freshman to qualify for state last season, and Zeik not only has the skills to be the next one to accomplish this, but also the drive.

“When he wrestles, he doesn’t get tired. He doesn’t stop. He has an endless motor,” Barry said.

Competing at the varsity level at any sport might intimidate anyone, but when asked if he had any nerves about this season, Zeik replied confidently, “Nah. I’ve been competing against older competitors for my whole life, so no, I’m not nervous at all.”

Christian’s dream is to one day have all of his hard work pay off and wrestle in college. His dream college is the University of Iowa (he told me this while he was wearing Iowa Hawkeyes socks). He knows that his dream is a hard one, but because he works hard in every aspect of wrestling, his dreams might not be so far away after all.

Photo by Tayte Sanders

Christian Zeik has 16 national titles and has dominated the wrestling scene since he was young. Zeik has set his goals for his future.