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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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Five e-readers available for check out

Five e-readers available for check out

Maame Britwum, Reporter March 10, 2015

When sophomore William Lenz checked out a Kindle from the school library, he was able to use it with ease. “It’s really simple, really easy to use,” Lenz said. “It makes reading easier.” Lenz...

While the number of homicides in Lawrence has increased dramatically over the past couple years, Sgt. Trent McKinley, with the Lawrence Police Department, reassures that these crimes are not random. "What we're seeing in these, is we're seeing that these are individuals that have some sort of relationship to one another, and that they got into a situation again," McKinley said.

City experiences increased homicide rate

Libby Stanford, Reporter March 9, 2015

Since July 2013, there have been 10 homicides in Lawrence. This is an uncharacteristically high amount of murders for the city, considering there are typically one or two homicides in a year. Isolating...

A member of KNEA holds up a sign during a protest at the capitol in Topeka. Sam Brownback's plan to cut school funding resulted in marches and protests.

Brownback’s order sparks discord, protest follows

Darby Gilliland, Reporter March 9, 2015

Sophomore Eli Jost arrived at the state Capitol on Feb. 14 with one goal in mind: change. Standing among a crowd of determined citizens who shared his goal, he and others carry signs, chanted and waved...

freshman Hirsch Guha

Bird’s Word: Do freshmen like LINK?

Juliana Hill, Reporter March 6, 2015

“I like having them, especially (since) the seniors and juniors that we have for LINK leaders are pretty fun, too.” - freshman Darik Dudley “I think they’re pretty lame because the activities...

The Lied Center is often used by middle and high school students to showcase their talents. With the help of Anthea Scouffas, Director of Education and Engagement, The Lied Center is able to once again host events that young adults enjoy. "We're going to go looking for specific artists that we think will speak to middle school aged or to high school students," Scouffas said.

New donations expand middle, high school programs

Trenna Soderling, Reporter February 10, 2015

From “The Ugly Duckling” to “The History of Hip-Hop,” the Lied Center has brought free performances to elementary school children for many years. However, a similar program did not exist for older...

Taking the place of Brad Simon after his passing in mid December, new science teacher Mattithyah Tillotson takes over the classes previously taught by Simon. Tillotson majored in chemistry, general physics, and secondary education with a chemistry concentration at K-State University. "I’ve been a teacher assistant for chemistry labs and recitations for three years, I think, so I’ve taught, like, hundreds of college students," Tillotson said.

Recent graduate fills open science position

Sydney Gard, Reporter February 10, 2015

When science teacher Brad Simon passed away on Dec. 13, students and teachers wanted time to mourn. Finals, however, were only a week away, and Simon had AP Physics 1 and Chemistry classes scheduled for...

Suspicious Water Cleared as Safe

Suspicious Water Cleared as Safe

Evan Frook, Reporter February 9, 2015

Junior Hayley Boden listens to her chemistry teacher mention suspicious water coming from the drinking fountain, and, a short time later, she notices it herself. The water trickling out of the fountain...

Seniors Carson Bowen, Scott Frantz and Michael Georgie sign to play sports at their college of choice. Bowen, Frantz and Georgie were all players for Free State's football team. "The positive is that we are able to recognize the accomplishments of our student-athletes and celebrate their continued participation at the college level," Athletic Director Mike Hill said.

New athletic signing day policy a possibility for future

Hala Hamid, Reporter February 9, 2015

As senior student-athlete Eliza Anderson finally decided she wanted to sign to the University of Rhode Island for swimming and diving, she had the freedom to choose when and with whom to sign with, within...

 Usually turning to her water bottle, senior, Brianna Adams, takes a reluctant sip out of the school drinking fountain. Students have been questioning the school's water quality. "It's not convent. One time it was cloudy and foggy," Adams said.

Clear reason exists for cloudy fountain water

Evan Frook, Reporter February 9, 2015

Junior Hayley Boden listens to her chemistry teacher mention suspicious water coming from the drinking fountain, and, a short time later, she notices it herself. The water trickling out of the fountain...

Bird’s Word: AP approach and single-gender classrooms

Maria Carrasco, Print Managing Editor February 6, 2015
Students' reactions to AP classes and single-gendered classrooms
Sitting at his desk during his drafting I class, freshman William Orr watches Mr. Williams as he goes over parts of a drafting pencil. Students spent the first couple weeks of the semester with substitutes while the school looked for a permanent replacement for Don Clancy, the previous instructor. "I heard people talk [about Clancy's retirement], but I didn't find out until the beginning of the semester," Orr said.

Administration finds replacement for drafting teacher

Kellie Stofac, Reporter January 31, 2015

As weeks passed by at the beginning of quarter three, students fed up with watching pointless videos contemplated switching out of Drafting I. However, after three substitutes and much confusion, the administration...

(From right) Senior AJ Zarnoweic and juniors Sydney Gard and Christina Craig play their saxophones. This year, Dr. Albert Miller took over as the new jazz band director.

New director brings passion to jazz band

Erin Friedrichsen, Reporter January 26, 2015

Trombone in hand, junior Steele Jacobs works to keep up with new Jazz Band Director Dr. Albert Miller. Playing every note with confidence as Miller preaches about swinging eighth notes, Jacobs can see...

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