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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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Following an intense storm, Free State is covered in a blanket of snow. Although roads were slick, school continued and students and staff carefully made their way through the snow and ice.

FEATURE: Icy Injuries

Greyson Heiman March 8, 2023

On the way to school Thursday Feb. 16, senior Jada Fowler lost control of her car due to ice and slid off the road up onto a curb. Immediately after, Fowler called her mother sobbing because she was terrified...

The Scholar’s Bowl team shows off their fourth place medals at the state competition on Feb. 11. As coach of the team, Oather Strawderman enjoyed seeing the students be successful and take pride in their accomplishments. “They should be really proud of themselves because the 6A Scholar’s Bowl is a really tough, competitive environment,” Strawderman said. “They did really well.”

FEATURE: Scholars Bowl Soars to State

Evie Chancy March 7, 2023

After months of practice, the Firebird Scholars Bowl team traveled to Washburn Rural High School where they placed fourth in the Kansas State High School Activities Association [KSHSAA] state championship....

Members of the Unity Step Team perform at the 2021 Firefest hosted by Student Council. Photo archived from Addison Driscoll.

FEATURE: Performative Activism and It’s Effects

Simon Williams February 22, 2023

Q: How do you see performative activism negatively affect Black History Month? A: “It is important to not only acknowledge the accomplishments and impacts of cultures during specific times of the...

Leitel smiles while watching the girls tennis team warm up before a match.

FEATURE: Remembering Adam Leitel

Olivia Nagel February 21, 2023

Free State High School U.S. history teacher and coach Adam Leitel died on Feb. 3 at 41 years old due to an unexpected medical emergency. He taught for 11 years at Free State and coached girls' tennis...

Milton's cafe sign located at the corner of Ninth St. and New Hampshire.

FEATURE: Milton’s Cafe: A Local Spot

Maura Langland February 20, 2023

During Black History Month, there are many ways to show your support for Lawrence’s black community, such as supporting local black-owned businesses.  One of many local black-owned businesses is...

Senior Wendo Kimori reads to children. Photo submitted by Wendo Kimori.

FEATURE: NAACP Youth Council is Revived and Helps Promote Equity

Maria Mosconi February 19, 2023

High school students are ready to take action for equity; therefore, after 30 years, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People [NAACP] developed a youth council branch in Lawrence...

On Dec. 17, 2022, Free State's 4-Speaker state debate team won second place, winning 12 out of 16 ballots, losing only to the reigning champions, Washburn Rural. The team consisted of junior Sophie Racy, seniors AJ Persigner, Emma Stanmeyer, Emma Hefty and freshman alternates BReahna Randall and Lena Hasiuk. Racy, who's been on the debate team sicne freshman year, is especially grateful for the relationships she's made while a part of the team. "I really enjoyed getting to spend a lot of time with my teammates," Racy said. "It felt like a great bonding experience that I don't always get with my team."

FEATURE: Debate Places at State

Phoebe Morris February 19, 2023

On Jan. 13 and 14, varsity debate students ended the season placing at state. The 4-speaker team placed second with debaters senior AJ Persinger,  senior Emma Hefty, senior Emma Stammeyer, and junior...

In order to prevent the spread of disease, sophomore Lola Stuhlsatz washes her hands. Stuhlsatz started taking extra precautions to avoid illness after contracting COVID-19 ahead of finals. “Hand washing is very important, you have no idea what was on the surface you just touched,” Stuhlsatz said.

FEATURE: Flu impacts midterms

Simon Williams February 18, 2023

For many people, exams create feelings of stress. Oftentimes, this stress can be chalked up to something as simple as nerves or mere procrastination. However, the spread of seasonal illness in school communities...

Members of the Robotics Team come together from Free State and Lawrence High to collaborate at the College and Career Center on how they can improve their coding skills.

FEATURE: Team STEAM Competition Season

Arianna Waller February 18, 2023

As the season begins, the Team STEAM swings into high gear to prepare for regionals starting in March. The team has been successful in previous years, however this year they are returning with senior chief...

On Feb. 7, 2023, Free State High School’s Chamber Choir and Lawrence High School Concert Choir sang at the annual All-City Choir Concert. Students from both high schools and middle schools put months of dedication into the concert. Among the songs they learned and performed, Alleluia by Jake Runestad was an audience favorite.

FEATURE: All City Choir Inspires With Song

Evie Chancy February 18, 2023

After hours of rehearsals, the combined choirs from Lawrence Public high schools and middle schools took the stage in the annual All City Choir event at the Lied Center on Feb. 7. The show consisted...

Fans gather and celebrate at Johnny's North.

FEATURE: Celebrating the Super Bowl

Greyson Heiman February 15, 2023

On Sunday, Feb. 12, The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 in Super Bowl LVII. Leading up to the game, students felt the buzz build around the game. With the Kansas City Chiefs facing...

Students on the combined Free State and Lawrence High robotics team work on their robot design. The robot is supposed to be designed to finish a short list of tasks, including maneuvering around obstacles and picking up objects.

FEATURE: Team STEAM Prepares For Their Competition Season

Arianna Waller February 10, 2023

As the season begins, the Team STEAM swings into high gear to prepare for regionals starting in March. The team has been successful in previous years, however this year they are returning with senior chief...

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