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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

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Monitoring the school, School Resource Officer Kasey Wiltz works in her office to help make Free State a safer place. Over the past four years as an SRO, Wiltz has discovered a passion for the work as well as the community. “Once I became a school resource officer, [I found my niche] and I didn't ever want to do anything different,” Wiltz said.

PROFILE: Law, Legacy and Lasting Relationships

Odelia Colvin, Reporter March 11, 2025

After four years of working as a Student Resource Officer, Corporal Kacey Wiltz is leaving at the end of this school year to work as Chief of College Police at Kansas City Kansas Community College. For...

Sitting in a chair, editor-in-chief Nick Sprecker poses in the library.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Nick Sprecker

Nick Sprecker, News Editor-in-Chief March 11, 2025

Hi Firebirds, Thanks for taking a look at Issue 6! Please know that what is inside is created and designed for you, and that you are placed at the forefront when we are considering what to cover. It...

Senior Hazel Powers stands in the patio of the nursing home where she uses her nurse aide certification to assist residents with various daily tasks.

FEATURE: Future Nurse at Work

Evie Chancy, News Managing Editor March 11, 2025

Every Wednesday and Sunday, senior Hazel Powers clocks into work like many other teenagers do throughout the week. For Powers, her job is more than just practice because as a certified nursing assistant,...

With Free State's 1,800 students, the parking lot remains full on any given day. Students can purchase a parking pass for their vehicle at the beginning of the school year or any time later in the finance office for $10.

NEWS: Pardoned Parking

Aleia Kemp, Reporter March 11, 2025

During the first semester, many students received tickets for one of three reasons: parking in a reserved area, parking without a visible permit or parking in an incorrect manner, such as pulling through....

A pile of fake IDs. Digital illustration by Neylana Haque

FEATURE: (Lie)censed to Purchase

Phoebe Morris, News Editor-in-Chief March 11, 2025

Editor's Note: Names are made up for the safety of students with fake IDs With a quick flash of a false identification card, minors nationwide can enter the college party scene. According to a study by...

The Haskell sign welcomes students and vistors to Haskell's campus. Amid federal budget cuts, Haskell laid off around 25% of its faculty and staff.

NEWS: Scaling Back Staffing

Ember Klein, Online Editor-in-Chief March 11, 2025

On Feb. 14, Haskell cross country coach Clay Mayes walked into a meeting with Haskell athletic director Zach Wilkerson not knowing what to expect. He walked out of the meeting unemployed and worried about...

The white house being clouded by money. Digital illustration by Zoe Kaul

EDITORIAL: Government For Sale

Nick Sprecker, News Editor-in-Chief March 11, 2025

After spending half a century in politics, former president Joseph R. Biden bid farewell in an Oval Office address on Jan. 15 warning that “an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth,...

Freddy the Firebird singing like our chamber choir birds. Digital illustration by Abbie Veeder

FEATURE: Chamber Choir Chosen For KMEA

Odelia Colvin, Reporter March 11, 2025

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated since the original press release for corrections. For the first time in nine years, Chamber Choir was offered the opportunity to perform at Kansas Music Educators...

A CD with all of Online Managing Editor Baila Love's favorite songs from February. Digital Illustration by Lucas Smith

REVIEW: Baila’s Top 8 of February

Baila Love, Online Managing Editor March 11, 2025

February was a busy month in the music scene, with a myriad of notable releases. It was hard to narrow it down to just 8 songs, but after a couple weeks of reflecting over what February had to offer, this...

Holding signs and chanting, Lawrence residents protest downtown.

NEWS: Lawrence Citizens Protest the Trump Administration

Simon Williams, Online Editor-in-Chief March 10, 2025

Editor's Note: The first protest took place on Feb. 23, and has continued weekly. There is no definite end date.  On March 2, approximately 200 individuals gathered at the intersection of Ninth and Massachusetts...

Looking at the referee, senior Blaine
Larkin prepares to continue his match at
KSHSAA 6A State Competition on March 1.

SPORTS: Grapplers at State

Rakshan Ossen, Sports Editor March 10, 2025

As Sunflower League champions, the wrestling team proved their dominance this season after securing a “three-peat” at the Johnson County Classics and earning multiple tournament placings at area renowned...

Grappling, women's wrestlers get ready to wrestle.

PHOTO GALLERY: Winter Sports

Baila Love, Online Managing Editor March 5, 2025

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