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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

Reading from his phone, junior Khaury El-Amin shares his poem, "What's Up Dad?" at the talent show.

Free State Slam Poetry Team plans to compete at Louder than a Bomb

Libby Stanford, Reporter February 9, 2015

The point isn't the points—the point is the poetry. This is the motto at the “Louder Than a Bomb” slam poetry festival, considered the “Super Bowl” of all slam poetry events. Students from...

Construction continues on new additions to the Ninth and Delaware Cultural Arts District. While some residents resists the development, their protests have not hindered the project. "I'm happy to see we can develop older properties instead of just tearing them down," said Patrick Kelly, cultural arts district task force member.

Lawrence Cultural Arts District construction continues

Maame Britwum, Reporter February 8, 2015

When senior Solomon Cottrell walks through his neighborhood in downtown Lawrence, he sees art everywhere. With artistic neighbors, noticing sculptures leaning in yards or artists working on streets isn’t...

Discussing amongst one another during a game of trivia, members of Scholars Bowl practice for upcoming tournaments. So far Free State has produced a successful season. "This is my eighteenth year coaching Scholars Bowl here at Free State and I've been the only coach that we've had here," Strawderman said.

Scholars Bowl Students Compete for Academic Expertise

Darby Gilliland, Reporter January 30, 2015

Every Monday from October until the end of February, students meet for an hour after school in Coach Oather Strawderman’s room to test their academic knowledge and trivia skills in preparation for their...

Birds Word: Winter Formal

Maddie Birchfield, Reporter December 10, 2014

"We are going to the Oread and eating dinner. Then, taking pictures there and going to formal." - freshman Chloe Holland   "I'm not going to Winter Formal. I'll be Indianapolis, hanging out...

Athletic advisory committee formed; students represent athletic programs

Maddie Birchfield, reporter November 27, 2014

Athletic director Mike Hill sits at his desk, looking over files for new athletic facilities, students in need of guidance and the usual jumble of school administrator necessities. One of Hill’s main...

Seniors Jacob Allen and Joel Spain help a teammate to his feet during the varsity Homecoming game against Leavenworth.

Free State athletes recount concussions, close calls

Maddie Birchfield and Lauren Brittain October 27, 2014

Hoping to secure a spot on the varsity team, senior Briceson Junge plays hard on the last day of soccer tryouts. As Junge goes for a hitter, the goalie’s fist collides with his face. Junge immediately...

Red in a Sea of Blue

Maria Carrasco, Print Managing Editor October 13, 2014

From serving as an intern for the State Capitol under Kansas Representative Connie O’brien, to being an assistant for Milton Wolf, the runner-up of the 2014 United States Senate primary, freshman Colton...

Board of education addresses recent high school vandalism

Kenneth Palmer, Reporter September 23, 2014

On Monday, Sept. 22, the Lawrence Public Schools’ Board of Education commented on the racially-inspired vandalism that occurred as a result of the rivalry between Lawrence Free State High School and...

#FSLHSUnite

Maria Carrasco, Print Managing Editor September 18, 2014
During the early morning hours on Sept. 18, an anonymous group of Free State students vandalized the Lawrence High football field. The Budget, Lawrence High's newspaper, and the Free Press started the hashtag #FSLHSUnite for students at both schools to express their feelings about the event.
Senior Elyse Boxberger perches at her post as a lifeguard at the Lawrence Outdoor Pool.

Summer jobs made students money, friends and life skills

Lauren Brittain and Hala Hamid September 2, 2014
When she isn’t flipping chicken nuggets or taking orders at Wendy’s, junior Maame Britwuum tends to her least favorite part of work, cleaning the bathrooms. “You’ve never felt real pain until you have to clean the men’s bathroom after lunch rush with a bunch of construction workers,” Britwuum said...

Champion Artists of Free State Peyton Townsend and Preston Nye

trenna soderling, reporter August 30, 2014

This month, two students were selected as Champion Artists of Free State. Given to two Lawrence High (LHS) and two Free State artists, the Champion Artist Award recognizes outstanding artists at a gathering...

Kenneth Palmer and Maddie Birchfield discuss the current face of feminism

Reporters tackle feminism

Maddie Birchfield and Kenneth Palmer August 28, 2014

Maddie Birchfield: I am a feminist and a humanist. For some reason, the idea has risen that one can’t be both. This is due to the muddling of the meaning of the word “feminism.” I am a feminist...

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