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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

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...

FEATURE: Teachers quitting

FEATURE: Teachers quitting

Conrad Hill March 9, 2023

Last year, agriculture teacher Allyson Gillmore left her position to pursue an offer at another school. As a result, the club she was sponsoring, Future Farmers of America, could no longer continue without...

After discovering a murder on the Orient Express, Monsieur Bouc, played by sophomore Cooper-Atlas Hefty, calls for help. Although being involved since fifth grade, their theater experience was brought to a halt during the pandemic. “I missed the feeling of theater and how fun it was,” Hefty said.

FEATURE: Murder on the Orient Express

Maura Langland March 9, 2023

On March 3 and 4, the theater department put on “Murder on the Orient Express” with new director Bryce Jones. Jones is making the transition from assistant director to head of the theater department...

Although the school’s devices have this website banned, it is available for students to access on other devices. This exhibits how student integrity can be challenged when considering the completely open access to anything at the touch of a button.

FEATURE: ChatGPT creating conversation inside classrooms

Lilly Wall March 8, 2023

In the pinch of needing to meet an essay deadline or finding starting points for an assignment, many students have begun to rely on the rising AI-Powered chatbot, ChatGPT.  ChatGPT, developed by the...

Following an intense storm, Free State is covered in a blanket of snow. Although roads were slick, school continued and students and staff carefully made their way through the snow and ice.

FEATURE: Icy Injuries

Greyson Heiman March 8, 2023

On the way to school Thursday Feb. 16, senior Jada Fowler lost control of her car due to ice and slid off the road up onto a curb. Immediately after, Fowler called her mother sobbing because she was terrified...

The Scholar’s Bowl team shows off their fourth place medals at the state competition on Feb. 11. As coach of the team, Oather Strawderman enjoyed seeing the students be successful and take pride in their accomplishments. “They should be really proud of themselves because the 6A Scholar’s Bowl is a really tough, competitive environment,” Strawderman said. “They did really well.”

FEATURE: Scholars Bowl Soars to State

Evie Chancy March 7, 2023

After months of practice, the Firebird Scholars Bowl team traveled to Washburn Rural High School where they placed fourth in the Kansas State High School Activities Association [KSHSAA] state championship....

Members of the Unity Step Team perform at the 2021 Firefest hosted by Student Council. Photo archived from Addison Driscoll.

FEATURE: Performative Activism and It’s Effects

Simon Williams February 22, 2023

Q: How do you see performative activism negatively affect Black History Month? A: “It is important to not only acknowledge the accomplishments and impacts of cultures during specific times of the...

Leitel smiles while watching the girls tennis team warm up before a match.

FEATURE: Remembering Adam Leitel

Olivia Nagel February 21, 2023

Free State High School U.S. history teacher and coach Adam Leitel died on Feb. 3 at 41 years old due to an unexpected medical emergency. He taught for 11 years at Free State and coached girls' tennis...

Milton's cafe sign located at the corner of Ninth St. and New Hampshire.

FEATURE: Milton’s Cafe: A Local Spot

Maura Langland February 20, 2023

During Black History Month, there are many ways to show your support for Lawrence’s black community, such as supporting local black-owned businesses.  One of many local black-owned businesses is...

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