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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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After receiving advice from her students, orchestra director Judy Erpelding marks her music. Although the director normally makes the artistic decisions, Erpelding will often consult her students and hear their opinions on what sounds good and what they should try out. “[The students] are the heart of the program, not me,” Erpelding said. “I know they will carry that on and I will miss them. Making great music with them, being able to challenge them, taking their inspiration.”

NEWS: Judy Erpelding Announces Resignation

Lilly Wall May 11, 2023

After serving as the Director of Orchestras program for 11 years at the school, Judy Erpelding has announced her resignation, effective May 26.  With this position being her first teaching job, she...

Student poses with a transgender flag during a student-organized walkout. Students from across the district walked out from class on March 28 to voice their opinions on the introduction of anti-trans bills in Kansas. ““[Trans] rights should be like anybody else’s rights: being protected, and being valued, because they are human rights, obviously,” event organizer junior Adriana Cazares said.

EDITORIAL: Talk around Trans Bills

Lilly Wall March 31, 2023

For many students, school sports are a central source of stability and a safe space to feel valued among peers. On April 5, Kansas legislature voted to override Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of House Bill...

NEWS BRIEF: Students Walk Out For Trans Rights

NEWS BRIEF: Students Walk Out For Trans Rights

Conrad Hill and Allison Mayhew March 28, 2023

Students walked out of schools throughout the district on Tuesday, March 28, to voice their opinions on the introduction of anti-trans bills in Kansas. “It is more than just a political issue,...

NEWS BRIEF: Reported Bomb Threat at West Middle School

NEWS BRIEF: Reported Bomb Threat at West Middle School

Natasha Torkzaban January 26, 2023

Editor's note: This story has been updated as new information comes to light. Earlier today, the USD 497 district evacuated students from West Middle School as a safety precaution after receiving...

News Brief:  Futures Planning Committee Proposes Budget Cuts

News Brief: Futures Planning Committee Proposes Budget Cuts

Natasha Torkzaban, Lilly Wall, and Cici Hunter January 18, 2023

In an attempt to bridge the budget gap of $9.6 million, the USD 497 Futures Planning Committee (FPC) is deciding on a series of proposed cuts. The main objectives are to achieve competitive wages for...

Courtesy of the Lawrence Public Schools

NEWS BRIEF: Lawrence school board appoints GR Gordon-Ross to fill vacant seat

Allison Mayhew, Alicia Narum, and Natasha Torkzaban September 1, 2022

On August 30, Ronald “GR” Gordon-Ross was elected by the Lawrence Board of Education to fill Andrew Nussbaum’s vacant spot. Gordon-Ross was one of three finalists out of the 13 applicants.  “One...

NEWS BRIEF: StuCo Sponsor Under Investigation

Brooke Burgess and Olivia Nagel May 19, 2022

Story Update 5/20/22 Building administration has verified the investigation is over and sponsor Alyssa Barratt will return to work. News spread on Tuesday morning that Student Council sponsor Alyssa...

Student Protesters Speak Out About Abortion

Student Protesters Speak Out About Abortion

Alicia Narum and Lilly Wall May 18, 2022

At 11 a.m on Tuesday, students joined Lawrence High School [LHS] to voice their opinions about abortion, in two different student-led protests. Earlier this month, a leaked Supreme Court draft showed...

NEWS BRIEF: New Adminstration

Allison Mayhew and Natasha Torkzaban April 28, 2022

  The USD 497 District Administration has announced three administrative positions effective July 1. Principal Myron Graber and Associate Principal Amy McAnarney have selected Dr. Amanda Faunce as...

NEWS BRIEF: John Marshall and Serena Rupp Win Tournament of Champions

NEWS BRIEF: John Marshall and Serena Rupp Win Tournament of Champions

Ember Klein and Allison Mayhew April 26, 2022

Seniors John Marshall and Serena Rupp won in the final round of the Tournament of Champions in a 2-1 decision yesterday night. They competed against the top 25 high school debate teams in the country.  The...

Graber Announces Retirement

Graber Announces Retirement

Isis Norris, Alicia Narum, and Natasha Torkzaban February 21, 2022

After a 47-year education career, Principal Myron Graber announced his retirement this week.  “It's time to enjoy some other parts of life,” Graber said. Working across smaller towns in Kansas...

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