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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

Feature

Digital Illustration by Kouri Demelash

FEATURE: On-Demand Makes the Leap

Rakshan Ossen, Sports Editor February 17, 2025

Televised streaming of sports has been a pivotal part for fans around the country. Recently, sporting organizations have moved from traditional services like NBC, CBS, ESPN and Fox to offer streaming services...

Smiling, juniors Landry Koester, Piper Northrop, Megan Green, and Ebi Hegeman pose for a selfie.

FEATURE: Firebirds at KTF

Jonah Frye, Reporter February 17, 2025

From Jan. 9-11, the Free State Theatre department took a trip to Wichita for the annual Kansas Thespian Festival. The festival is designed for any registered school in Kansas and plays host to many competitions,...

Facing away, an actor looks over the stage before a big performance.

FEATURE: Under the Spotlight

Dylan Tenbrink, Reporter February 6, 2025

To calm their nerves before a big performance, some students have special rituals to get over their stress before going on stage. Performing in the winter play, “You Can’t Take It With You,” Freshman...

Digging through materials, students organize donations for teachers for the teacher supply drive.

FEATURE: Honor Society Provides

Odelia Colvin, Reporter February 4, 2025

With over 200 participants, the National Honor Society teacher supply drive gave school supplies to over 80 teachers. The drive occurred on Jan. 21, and was the first ever NHS school supply drive.  According...

Holding a highlighter, a student highlights their lines for the winter play, "You Can't Take It With You".

FEATURE: Double Casted Show

Lilly Wall, News Editor-in-Chief January 13, 2025

Editor's Note: This story has been updated since original release with added context regarding the announcement date of double casting. On Nov. 20, Free State Theatre announced their winter play cast...

Sitting in the commons, Mr. Lewis attends the award ceremony for Lucas Fearn.

FEATURE: The Student Who Saved Mr. Lewis’ Life

Logan Dinges, Reporter January 13, 2025

It was the same as any other ordinary day as senior Lucas Fearn and ceramics teacher Mr. Lewis ate lunch together after school in the ceramics room. “On Wednesday of the second week of school Lucas...

Digital Illustration by Lucas Smith

FEATURE: The Balancing Act

Rakshan Ossen, Sports Editor December 3, 2024

For multi-sport high school athletes, transitioning between two seasons may be demanding; however, some athletes decide to take up the challenge. Junior Ava Corbin, a volleyball, wrestling and track...

Waiting for students, a bus is parked outside of Free State.

FEATURE: Round and Round

Evie Chancy, News Managing Editor December 3, 2024

Without the bus drivers diligently picking up and dropping off students, many of the 1,600 registered bus riders in the district would not have a stable ride to and from school. Due to the unique nature...

Graphic designed by Katie Campbell.

FEATURE: Staff Spotlights

In the district, hundreds of staff members from teachers to paraeducators to administrators work daily to contribute to student success. To uplift those that aren't regularly, this collection aims to feature...

Visitors stroll through decked out buildings in a variety of costumes. Since the festival’s beginnings, everyone has been encouraged to dress up for the weekend’s theme. “I like walking and looking at people’s outfits,” sophomore Emmett Henry said. “It feels like in modern day, we don’t get to experiment as much with older styles of dressing”.

FEATURE: Once Upon a Festival

Ebi Hegeman, Reporter October 16, 2024

Walking through the fair grounds, attendees are surrounded by fairies, knights in shining armor, and crowds of hoop skirts. Each festival is a trip back in time and encourages people to embrace an older...

Digital illustration by Lucas Smith

FEATURE: Justice Journey

Olive Minor, Reporter October 7, 2024

Restorative practices attempt to avoid unnecessary punishment by strengthening community relationships and fostering conversations on harmful incidents. The University of Chicago Education Lab found that...

Digital illustration by Willow Marable

FEATURE: Art Blooms

Claire Heinritz, Yearbook Managing Editor October 3, 2024

The popular Lawrence tradition of Art in the Park, dating back to 1964, lives on this year with an expected 20,000 visitors. It not only brings together the community of Lawrence but also supports the...

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