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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

Top Stories

EDITORIAL: 92,000 Fans Show up for Nebraska Women's Volleyball

EDITORIAL: 92,000 Fans Show up for Nebraska Women’s Volleyball

Nick Sprecker, Sports Editor September 27, 2023

A sea of red packed Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska on Wed, Aug. 30 to watch the #1 ranked Nebraska Women’s volleyball team take on The University of Nebraska Omaha. With five national championships...

With tatsy sauces and thin cut fries Dempsey’s deliveres a unique taste and texture. Dempsey’s fries were awarded 2nd place for 2023 best of lawrence.

REVIEW: Fry Fixes: The Best Go-To’s in Downtown Lawrence

Simon Williams September 26, 2023

Fresh cut golden fries are a staple at Dempsey’s, and are the perfect addition to any meal. A timeless side or a stand alone snack amongst all age groups, the french fry is a popular addition to most...

At the Club Fair, senior and president Jaelizza Garcia promoted the Animation club. At Animation Club, they watch cartoons, animes, and other animated shows. They also play games, eat snacks, and discuss topics relating to animated shows. They have some big things planned this year, including trunk-or-treat, a bake sale, and a trip to the theaters. “My favorite memory from the club was our trip to Tous Les Jours last year,” Garcia said.

FEATURE: Annual Club Fair Sparks Student Interests

Claire Heinritz, Reporter September 26, 2023

The overwhelming number of clubs provided at school offers a variety of interests but it also can be stressful to look through. To help students looking for clubs to join, the annual club fair showcases...

 Awaiting regular maintenance, the auditorium stage piano sits in the alcove of the auditorium. The school owns one grand piano, and a few upright pianos, which like this one are often out of tune. “Sometimes you just have to make do with what you've got a little bit longer than you'd like to,” choir director Joshua East said.

FEATURE: Budget Cuts Hit on Performing Arts

Maria Mosconi, Reporter September 21, 2023

Over the past few years, USD497 has made significant budget cuts to extracurriculars. Students from kindergartners to seniors have been affected by the district’s cuts, but previously underfunded programs,...

The Lawrence Journal World has been sharing stories in Lawrence, Kansas, since 1858. In a report, the Deputy District Attorney, Josh Seiden, made unfounded statements about The Journal World's content. 

EDITORIAL: Kansas Fights First Amendment Right Violations

Allison Mayhew and Lilly Wall September 20, 2023

As student journalists, we strive to amplify voices and tell unbiased pivotal stories in our community. This mission, containing journalistic integrity, could be applied to any news publication across...

Running towards the ball, junior Delaney Bruhns works to win a point against her opponent.

SPORTS: New Varsity Roster

Emi Stone September 18, 2023

Coming off a successful season placing fourth at state, the girls tennis team returns to the court striving for success again, but without multiple key players who graduated. The new team will look at...

Prior to the relocation of the Sacred Red Rock, or In'zhje'waxóbe, to Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park, James Pepper Henry, a vice chairman of the Kaw nation, speaks at Buford M. Watson Jr. Park. The Return of In'zhje'waxóbe was celebrated on Aug. 29 to honor the rock, which was brought there in 1929 from the junction of the Shunganunga Creek and Kansas River to become a monument to the city's early founders.

NEWS: The Sacred Red Rock: Return and Reconciliation

Simon Williams, Reporter September 18, 2023

For nearly a century, a large red boulder rested affixed to a stone base and adorned with a plaque commemorating the white settlers of Lawrence, Kansas. Approximately 94 years later, less than a block...

Sophomore Addy Tenbrink passes an opponent from Olathe East. In her second year on the team, Tenbrink is a regular runner on Varsity.

SPORTS: Striding into a New Season

Mason Lester, Reporter September 12, 2023

The cross country team is looking to carry on the legacy of a very successful program. After getting 7th in state last season, the boys did not finish the way they wanted, but they have been working hard...

In AP European History, sophomore Olive Minor listens to a lecture. Although a structured college class, their teacher has given them a lot of independence in the class. “We can go at our own pace with the notes,” Minor said. “It’s a lot of self-monitoring which I enjoy.”

NEWS: Big Classrooms Mean Bigger Challenges

Phoebe Morris September 11, 2023

After the first few weeks back, staff is left to frantically figure out how to handle the increase in classroom sizes. The Board of Education’s budget cuts decreased teachers' positions, creating a domino...

Studying math, sophomore Willow Marable takes notes using her iPad and stylus. While Marable misses having a laptop, she still prefers taking notes online instead of on paper. “I would use my iPad to take notes, because it’s easier to organize and faster to edit than pen and paper, and it also has autocorrect,” Marable said.

NEWS: MacBooks Out, iPads In

Stella Mosier, News Copy Editor September 8, 2023

Starting off this school year has been majorly different for every high school student in the district. The transition between the iPads and MacBooks has shown major differences in technology, which has...

After a block, senior Fiona VanDyke’s teammates cheer her on. VanDyke is a returning member to the Varsity Volleyball team this year.

SPORTS: Girls Volleyball Swings Back into Season

Nick Sprecker, Sports Editor September 7, 2023

A long awaited girls volleyball season has officially begun after the firebirds clashed with Topeka Seaman on Thursday, Aug. 31. Coming off a fourth consecutive substrate win, head coach Jayme Savage and...

While working clay into shapes, ceramics teacher Jacob Lewis demonstrates rolling slabs. Lewis enjoys seeing his students succeed in the studio. “My favorite part of teaching is what I call the ‘AHA Moment.’ It is when they put the pieces together independently, and realize their own power to succeed and rely on their knowledge and experience to express themselves creatively,” Lewis said.

FEATURE: New Ceramics Teacher Jacob Lewis

Emi Stone, Reporter September 1, 2023

In August, teacher Jacob Lewis molded his way into the school’s ceramics position after being an elementary school teacher for nine years.  When Pickney and Broken Arrow  closed down, he came back...

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