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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

In promotion of LGBT+, students come together and support the community by holding hands in front of the rainbow flag. There have been many great strides for the community so far in 2015: the legalization of gay marriage, having both names of a same sex couple written on children's birth certificates, support through social districts, pride parades, awareness days, books being published and much more.

LGBT+ students discuss what it means to be different

Lauren Brittain, Mariah Houston, and Trenna Soderling October 29, 2015

Source: International Spectrum presented by University of Michigan Most people wouldn’t picture “The Goonies” when they consider sexuality and identity. However, for senior Ellie Houston, sweaty...

Looking across at her opponent, senior Dalma Olvera gets ready to serve at Free State's dual meet against Mill Valley on September 17. Olvera plays soccer, a cut sport, and tennis, a non cut sport.

Tennis and soccer coaches analyze pros and cons of selective teams

Maya Hodison, Reporter October 28, 2015

When sophomore Ashton Rantilla tried out for soccer this year, he hoped to make a team. When he did not, however, he chose a different sport: ultimate frisbee. “I do want to practice more and try...

When her Rocky Mountain adventure went wrong, Everett and her son's girlfriend found themselves lost in the wilderness for two nights. Soon after, a helicopter came to their rescue, "It was something I'll not soon forget," Everett said.

Helicopter rescues librarian after two nights in Colorado mountains

Elizabeth Patton, Social Media Editor October 25, 2015

Most trips to the bathroom don’t end with a rescue helicopter ride out of the Rocky Mountains. For librarian Chris Everett, however, that was the case. On her annual Rocky Mountain hiking trip with family...

Every year the school board sets goals for equity, excellence and engagement. This year these goals include a look at what the district can do to help LGBT+ students to feel comfortable in the school environment. For example, the option to use the bathroom for the gender a student identifies as.

USD 497 adds new equity goals

Madi Engnehl-Thomas, Reporter October 22, 2015

When New York Elementary School third grade teacher John Bode was in high school, coming out as gay or lesbian was unheard of. Many of his high school friends didn’t come out until after graduation,...

Reading one of her favorite books, "The Right Side of History" by Adrian Brooks, P.E. teacher Hopkins sits next to just one of several racks that will soon be unpacked into the library.

P.E. teacher advocates for new LGBT+ library section

Sydney Gard, Co-editor in chief October 21, 2015

When gym teacher Nancy Hopkins walks through her Cardio Center in the school, she feels a great sense of pride. After all, she came up with the idea for the center, contacted people from around the country...

Senior Hope O'Connor uses Blackboard while in AP Environmental Science. Websites like Blackboard are often used in blended learning classes.

Students and teachers share their thoughts on blended learning

Maame Britwum, Online Editor October 14, 2015

As teenagers being raised and taught during the Information Age, it only makes sense for students to have technology in the classroom. That’s the direction many schools are starting to take, including...

A long with the recognition of winning the Horizon award, social studies teacher, Jordan Boyd, also received a $250 check.

Social Studies teacher Jordan Boyd wins the Horizon Award

Libby Stanford, Online Editor October 7, 2015

Social studies teacher, Jordan Boyd, was shocked and a little frightened to see members of the administration coming into her room on September 22nd. Boyd was soon informed, however, that she was not in...

A picture of Free State newly built in 1997 is held in front of the newly renovated Free State building.

Teachers reminisce on Free State’s beginnings

Sydney Gard and Elizabeth Patton September 30, 2015

What happens when a gym teacher, a counselor and a science teacher walk into a newly built high school in West Lawrence, Kansas? They stay for the next (nearly) two decades. At least that is the story...

Senior Chris Blevins, freshman Trey Melvin, junior Sid Lin and senior Bret Carey run during an after school cross country practice. they are team members o the largest cross country team in school history. The number of team members has been steadily increasing for past years.

Free State cross country team boasts largest numbers in Free State’s history

Hala Hamid, Copy Editor September 28, 2015

From the long, sweaty runs in the hot August sun, the yearly team campout and helping out at the state meet, senior Hayley Boden has had countless memorable moments during her time on the cross country...

Finding an assignment for class, senior Isabel Marshall-Kramer picks up her paper at the library's printer. The library printer offers free printing to all students. Conscious of funding, teachers have been asking students to print from home, if possible.

New funding system presents uncertainty for Free State

Mariah Houston, Reporter September 23, 2015

Free State Firebirds flood the new, renovated hallway, clutch their new school supplies, and catch glimpses of their new principal. The year of 2015 is one full of change for Free State, but many students...

Swedish exchange students,Kevin Munge (right) and Simon Larspers (left), finish the obstacle course at Free State's club fair.

Foreign exchange students adjust to life in another country

Reagan Sullivan, Reporter September 11, 2015

Free State students come from different places. Some from different towns, states, and even countries. This year, Students from all over the world have come to live in the U.S. as part of exchange programs...

Bystanders gather to learn about the prairie restoration project behind Free State.

Prairie restoration project connects KU and Free State

Libby Stanford, Co-Online Editor in Chief September 4, 2015

Two years ago Free State science teacher Julie Schwarting and University of Kansas professor Dr. Helen Alexander saw potential in the abandoned football field behind Free State. Schwarting and Alexander...

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