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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

Photo illustration by Luna Hu.

NEWS: Construction on Sixth Street

Eli Roust, Yearbook Photo Editor January 24, 2024

Every day, more than 1,200 students get out of school at 3:10. By 3:30, hundreds of them are still sitting at stoplights or at a standstill in traffic. According to a poll sent out on the @fsjournalism...

Smiling, senior Sophie Racy stands for a photo. Racy has competed as a member of the Speech and Debate team for 4 years, earning numerous medals along the way. “I think that these awards serve as a representation of the work I've put into the activity and I was given them because the people around me in the community see that” Racy said.
(Caption by Gregory Mayhew)

FEATURE: Racy-ing to the Top

Claire Heinritz, Reporter January 23, 2024

Summing up her outstanding work for four straight years, star debater Sophie Racy’s high school career comes to a close being nationally recognized with the NSDA’s degree of premier distinction. The...

REVIEW: Quiet Up and Listen Down

REVIEW: Quiet Up and Listen Down

Ava Talbott, Reporter January 19, 2024

There’s no doubt that the fictional story “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl is a monumental piece of literature. Two movies have been made on the story, but recently, Hollywood...

Free State sits covered in snow. On Tuesday, Jan. 16, a snow day was called due to the extreme freezing temperatures.

NEWS BRIEF: School Buses Down

Maria Mosconi, News Planning Team January 17, 2024

On Tuesday Jan. 17, it was announced that there would be school the following day, however the school buses would not be in use. The buses were experiencing mechanical issues with fuel gelling that prohibited...

N.A.S.S.’s Miss Indian Youth of Lawrence isn’t a beauty pageant – it’s an event where we select the young Indigenous leaders who will encourage the continuation of Indigenous cultures and serve our students for the upcoming year.

NEWS: Lawson Garcia Awarded Miss Indian Youth of Lawrence

Simon Williams, Online Managing Editor January 17, 2024

Dec. 1 at Billy Mills Middle School, each candidate draws from a basket of questions. There are four questions, given at random, that the candidate for Miss Indian Youth of Lawrence could select. Senior...

Certified Nurse Aide students review important information before a test. As a partnership with Neosho County Community College, students had the opportunity to earn college credit by taking the class.

FEATURE: Turning Passion Into Profession

Isabella Bobey, Reporter January 17, 2024

Many nurses begin training for their careers as students, taking classes to become certified nursing assistants. Being a CNA gives students the unique opportunity to work under registered nurses and with...

Bowing a bass, senior Sawyer Janssen practices for all-state auditions. Getting the results back, Janssen placed 6th in the state on double bass. “I really enjoy playing music,” Janssen said. “I love the sound of string instruments and classical music.”

FEATURE: Schedule-Maxing

Evie Chancy, News Planning Team January 17, 2024

  As each year of high school is finished and more credits are completed, students are left with an increasing amount of freedom in how they fill those empty spaces in their schedule. Seniors,...

Michigan Wolverines Logo

NEWS BRIEF: College Football Championship

Nick Sprecker, Sports Editor January 11, 2024

The undefeated BIG10 Champions Michigan Wolverines re-established themselves as a dominant in college football with a commanding victory over undefeated PAC12 opponents, the Washington Huskies, during...

These truffles are the perfect, easy, no-bake treat for holiday loving bakers. The combination of a crunchy chocolatey coating and the refreshing hint of peppermint makes for a chilled wintery delight. By using these ingredients and measuring with your heart, all can enjoy this recipe during the holiday season!

FEATURE: Oreo Peppermint Truffles Recipe

Amelia Wiles, Photographer December 14, 2023

Ingredients (makes 28-32 truffles) 36 oreo cookies 8 oz softened cream cheese 12 oz of your favorite chocolate chips ½ teaspoon of vegetable oil crushed peppermint Instructions ...

Senior Rachel Bruffett scrolls Amazon, while tempted by holiday season big sales.

FEATURE: Impulsive Spends

Arianna Waller, Reporter December 14, 2023

In the midst of the holiday season, shoppers are presented with big sales and spending. With Black Friday, Cyber Weekend and Cyber Monday, many students struggle with overspending while navigating through...

Smiling in the street, junior Olivia Hemker is surrounded by hundreds of other Spirit of America dancers from across the country. Photo collected from Olivia Hemker.

FEATURE: Olivia Hemker Dances in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Meredith Shryock, Reporter December 14, 2023

The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade has been an iconic staple in many people's turkey day routine since 1924. While many students may have watched the parade on television, junior Olivia Hemker experienced...

 Filled with candies from the past, an old-fashioned boat sets the scene for customers as they walk in the door. Squishington’s has a nautical theme, complete with an octopus mascot, Squish.

REVIEW: Squishing-Tons of Candy

Simon Williams, Reporter December 14, 2023

What speaks to the holiday season more than sweet treats? For many holidays celebrated in this season, food often takes center stage in the festivities. Often, the most highly anticipated being the sweet...

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