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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

Entertainment

Celebrating the 20th anniversary, Starbucks released their fall infamous pumpkin spice latte to rejoice in two decades of their fall menu. The new flavors dropped Aug 24. and many students were excited to get a taste of their favorite drinks once again. “I was very excited to try the pumpkin spice latte because I’ve never tried any of the fall flavors before,” senior Keat Hockenbury said.

REVIEW: Starbucks Fall Drinks Menu

Jayne Landers, Managing Editor August 28, 2023

Starbucks, the infamous coffee franchise, with over 16,000 locations in the United States alone, gains much attention each year with the release of their Fall drink collection.  Since the Pumpkin Spice...

Senior Ben Williams and Keith Popiel are going to be working in the pool cleaning business once again this summer. After Popiel joined his family's pool cleaning business he invited Williams along the way.

FEATURE: Students Prepare for Summer Job

Emi Stone May 17, 2023

When nice weather comes out and pools open up, seniors Keith Popiel and Ben Williams come in. For the past four years, Popiel has been working for a family pool business and invited Williams along the...

Referencing the hit October 2020 miniseries, sophomore Gillian Sellet says that “The Queen’s Gambit” seems to have kicked off society’s newfound obsession with chess. Now, with students frequently using class time to play the game, many teachers have expressed frustration with the effects of the craze on their classrooms. “People use it as a form of competition and it can be good for hanging out with friends but it’s pretty disruptive during class time,” Sellet said.

FEATURE: The Chess Epidemic

Nick Sprecker, Sports Editor May 12, 2023

The game of chess has been around for over 1500 years and has remained popular throughout its duration; however, the game has recently experienced a tremendous surge in popularity. Short chess clips are...

Senior Caroline Börk smiles as she works on one of her art pieces on display at the Lawrence Arts Center. Börk began her art journey at a young age by taking classes at the Arts Center Preschool. “Funny enough, that is where the [previous] exhibition was held...so, I both started and ended my Lawrence artist journey at the arts center,” Bork said.

FEATURE: Lawrence Schools Held Annual District Art Show at Lawrence Art Center

Evie Chancy May 12, 2023

Art teachers from across USD 497 curated the best works from their students to be displayed at the annual District Art Show on April 28 at the Lawrence Art Center.  When the art teachers began accumulating...

 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...

REVIEW: A Different Drummer

REVIEW: A Different Drummer

Alicia Narum March 9, 2023

It’s June of 1957 in a fictional state in the South; the remaining residents of Sutton frantically gossip trying to understand the recent events which suddenly made all African American residents...

Poet and artist Gabrielle Civil recites part of her book at her performance on Feb. 13

A&E: Poet Gabrielle Civil Comes to KU

Conrad Hill February 17, 2023

Black feminist writer, performer, teacher and activist Gabrielle Civil came to University of Kansas [KU] on Feb 13. to perform a new piece titled “The Déjà Vu”. The piece is specifically an autobiography,...

Archived photo by Isabelle Pro

KU Beats K-State at Sunflower Showdown

Greyson Heiman and Nick Sprecker February 1, 2023

Last night, No. 8 Kansas University [KU] came out on top over No. 7 Kansas State University [K-State] in a 90-78 victory. With the help of another massive 20 point performance from junior Jalen...

REVIEW: SZA Album Review

REVIEW: SZA Album Review

Lady Ortega-Perez and Mallory Thompson January 11, 2023

SZA’s sophomore album, “SOS” is reflective and sharply self-aware, but loose and confident. On the opening title track, SZA presents a theme for the album and tells listeners that even through struggles...

REVIEW: The Loneliest Time

REVIEW: The Loneliest Time

Mallory Thompson November 13, 2022

Carly Rae Jepsen’s “The Loneliest Time'' consists of 13 undeniably refined tracks inspired by 80s and 90s dance floor sounds. While a large change from Jepsen’s first five albums, this record...

Donuts and menu rest on table at Taylor’s Donuts new location.

REVIEW: Taylor’s Donut

Evan White November 11, 2022

Who doesn’t love a fresh donut in the morning? Here is a review conducted by FSJournalism staffers of the newest donut shop in Lawrence. Taylor’s Donuts at 1827 Louisiana Street is located across...

ALBUM REVIEW: You Signed Up For This

ALBUM REVIEW: You Signed Up For This

Mallory Thompson November 10, 2022

“I’m twenty and probably upset right now,” Maisie Peters sings to open her debut album “You Signed Up For This” released last year in August. This is the kind of tongue-in-cheek, silly and odd...

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