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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

FEATURE: March Madness

FEATURE: March Madness

Greyson Heiman March 31, 2023

The NCAA’s March Madness tournament is always a major event in the world of sports. With 64 Division I schools out of 324 competing, only one team becomes the national champion. This leads to highly...

Student poses with a transgender flag during a student-organized walkout. Students from across the district walked out from class on March 28 to voice their opinions on the introduction of anti-trans bills in Kansas. ““[Trans] rights should be like anybody else’s rights: being protected, and being valued, because they are human rights, obviously,” event organizer junior Adriana Cazares said.

EDITORIAL: Talk around Trans Bills

Lilly Wall March 31, 2023

For many students, school sports are a central source of stability and a safe space to feel valued among peers. On April 5, Kansas legislature voted to override Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of House Bill...

OPINION: March Madness—The Ultimate Bracket Buster

OPINION: March Madness—The Ultimate Bracket Buster

Nick Sprecker March 31, 2023

Around 60 million Americans fill out their March Madness brackets annually, many of them joining bracket competitions. Whether it's serious or for fun, everyone gives their best shot at predicting as many...

REVIEW: Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd

REVIEW: Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd

Allison Mayhew, Editor-in-Chief March 30, 2023

Lana Del Rey’s music career has been marked by success and controversy. “Did you know that there is a tunnel under Ocean Blvd'' is a deeply personal album that gives Del Rey’s introspect on religion,...

During their opening song, “Lift You Up,” the cast sets the energetic atmosphere with the upbeat number.

FEATURE: Encore Lives On

Phoebe Morris March 30, 2023

On March 23, 24 and 25, upperclassmen choir students performed the 25th Annual Encore. With help from choir teachers Joshua East and Olivia Henning, the Lawrence community looked forward to seeing these...

NEWS BRIEF: Students Walk Out For Trans Rights

NEWS BRIEF: Students Walk Out For Trans Rights

Conrad Hill and Allison Mayhew March 28, 2023

Students walked out of schools throughout the district on Tuesday, March 28, to voice their opinions on the introduction of anti-trans bills in Kansas. “It is more than just a political issue,...

NEWS BRIEF: District Votes to Close Two Elementary Schools

NEWS BRIEF: District Votes to Close Two Elementary Schools

Natasha Torkzaban and Lilly Wall March 28, 2023

The USD 497 Board of Education voted to close Pinckney and Broken Arrow Elementary on Monday in an attempt to bridge the $9.6 million budget deficit.  Despite two public hearings at Broken Arrow...

FEATURE: Students Win Writing Award

FEATURE: Students Win Writing Award

Arianna Waller March 22, 2023

Sophomore Gillian Sellet competed at this year's annual Scholastic art and writing awards. During this virtual event, Sellet won the Gold Key for her poem“Lingua Franca'' and for her science/fantasy...

Freshman Corinne Kingsley said Xello can be beneficial, but also feels more like an assignment that she has to do than something that would really help her in school. “It’s a great way to find a career fit to you and figure out how you learn best; Students would be more likely to focus on the lessons if they weren’t as long though,” Kingsley said.

FEATURE: Say Hello to Xello

Allison Mayhew, Online Managing Editor March 22, 2023

Xello is a college and career planning website that creates an idea and plan to help students with their oncoming futures. However, while some students think it is a good way to help prepare for the future,...

On Feb. 18, 13 Free State students headed to Wichita to perform at the KSHSAA State Piano Solo Festival. After all receiving “ones” at regionals, these students performed again two weeks later, with 11 out of 13 receiving top scores.

FEATURE: Students Find Keys To Success at State Piano Festival

Emi Stone March 21, 2023

After months of preparation, students stepped onto the stage to perform their well-rehearsed pieces. On Feb. 18, 13 students went to the KSHSAA State Piano Festival and showcased their talents in front...

On Feb. 23 the All-State Choir stands outside the Century II Convention center, where they rehearsed and performed. Photo contributed from Joshua East.

FEATURE: Singing to State

Conrad Hill March 21, 2023

After months of preparation, the chamber choir performed for the Kansas Music Educators Association at Wichita with the entire All-State choir on Feb. 25. Chamber choir first started practicing early...

 “I really love these burgers and don't understand why people are stealing them,” freshman Emily Ahern said. Ahern said she is confused as to why the Free State students are robbing burgers and what they are doing with them.

NEWS: The Great Burger Heist

Grey Heiman March 20, 2023

Over the course of the school year, the cafeteria has dealt with students smuggling burgers out of the cafeteria in their pockets.  It wasn’t till early October that cafeteria manager Tracy Pobjoy realized...

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