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The student-run news site of Lawrence Free State High School

Free Press Online

The student-run news site of Lawrence Free State High School

Free Press Online

The student-run news site of Lawrence Free State High School

Free Press Online

Archives 2022-2023

Picking up a box of juice, JustFood warehouse manager Wayne Briggs collects donations of leftover food from the cafeteria. Briggs picks up extra, unopened food from the kitchen twice a week. These donations, often at least 50 pounds, are taken to the pantry, where anyone can take food free of cost.

FEATURE: JustFood Receives Leftover Food Donations

Lilly Wall May 4, 2023

During April, 855 pounds of leftover lunch food from both public high schools were repurposed to feed the community through just one partnership. Starting in the fall of 2022, USD 497 looked locally to...

Many new opportunities have opened for students with the newly free city bus fare. The new price has made it possible for more people to get to school, social events or school activities.

FEATURE: Free Ride?

Conrad Hill May 1, 2023

On Aug. 16 2022, the Lawrence City Commision approved the Fare Free Pilot Program which includes free rides on all Lawrence transit services all throughout 2023. According to public transit and parking...

Ahead of winning 3 medals at the state competition, the Science Olympiad team poses for a picture in their team shirts at Wichita State University on April 1. Members worked closely for months to prepare for the event. When describing the team environment, junior John Platkowski said, “It’s casual, friendly, and everyone enjoys working with their partners.” Contributed by Mike Colvin.

NEWS: Science Olympiad places 12th at State

Simon Williams May 1, 2023

This spring, the Science Olympiad Team traveled to Wichita State University to compete at the annual state tournament, wherein the team placed 12th overall.  Science Olympiad comprises 23 independent...

Senior Spencer Doan stands by teammate during the Lawrence High game. The Firebirds won 28-26 on Oct. 14.

SPORTS: Kansas Shrine Selections

Greyson Heiman April 30, 2023

Standout offensive linemen seniors Kaden Leonard and Spencer Doan were selected to play in the prestigious Kansas Shrine Bowl. The goal of the game is to raise money for the Shriners Hospitals for Children...

A student holds a board stating "0 days since a mass shooting." According to the Gun Violence Archive, as of April 19, the number of mass shootings in America exceeded 140 for the year of 2023.

EDITORIAL: Mass Shootings, Massive Failures

Natasha Torkzaban April 28, 2023

Firearm deaths occur five times more than drownings. Instead of teaching your child how to swim, you might consider firearm defense training and school shooter drills.  According to CNN, there have...

 On top of extracurriculars, work and activities, students are feeling overwhelmed by their academic demands. Junior Rachel Bruffett sometimes feels overworked when having to do loads of homework and study for upcoming tests. “I feel like during the week it's just really fast paced and I only get to recover over the weekend, then do it all over again,” Bruffett said.

FEATURE: Turns out to be Burnout

Phoebe Morris April 28, 2023

According to a poll from @fsjournalism on instagram, 94% of Free State students have experienced academic burnout. Normally towards the final stretch of the year students want to leap into summer, but...

Preparing to bat, varsity baseball player runs through some swings. Free State is currently ranked 9th in the weekly PBR ratings. (Photo by Isabelle Pro)

SPORTS: Swinging Through Adversity

Nick Sprecker April 27, 2023

The boy’s varsity baseball team has hit the ground running to start the season with only three losses to their name. The squad has found success both hitting and on the mound, and have slotted themselves...

Starting her dive, junior Mallory Qualseth jumps off the diving board. Although it has a competitive aspect to it, Qualseth has found that diving competitions are often much more fun than aggressive, “You always want to help out because our scores contribute to the overall score,” Qualseth said. “But, everyone’s just really nice and not super competitive.”Photo by Eleanor Roust

SPORTS: Compete to Repeat

Thomas Patton April 11, 2023

Girls swim and dive has started this year's season as a heavy favorite to repeat as state champions.  “I’m really excited to compete for back to back state championships,” junior Liza Engelbrecht...

Junior Yael Gillath speaks about her project to fell students at the Women in STEM Showcase hosted at Free State on April 5, 2023.

FEATURE: Smarties in STEM

Maeve Nichols April 10, 2023

When co-presidents juniors Hannah Stone and Yael Gillath started the women in STEM club last year, their goal was to work together to get people to feel more comfortable in STEM. Through this, the women...

FEATURE: Test Optional Policies Spark Debate

FEATURE: Test Optional Policies Spark Debate

Lauren Tao April 7, 2023

Standardized tests have long been a required part of the college admissions process, with students spending months beforehand studying and even taking classes to help prepare. But now it seems that almost...

FEATURE: Carlos's Cuts

FEATURE: Carlos’s Cuts

Tommy Taylor April 4, 2023

The school has many ways for students to pursue artistic expression, from ceramics to the Phoenix Collection, but there are students who express themselves outside of the classroom through different mediums.  Senior...

The Kansas City Royals paying their respect on MLB Opening day, March, 30. 2023 in remembrance of a local officer who lost his life.

MLB: Season Opener

Elizabeth Hare April 3, 2023

The Major League Baseball [MLB] season is an exciting time for many students, staff and people in the community, not only for the fact that the Royals play right here in Kansas City, but also for the fact...

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