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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
Amelia Wiles

Amelia Wiles, Photographer

Amelia Wiles is a senior at Free State and is a third year photographer for Free State Journalism. Outside of journalism, she is on the girls soccer team, is a member of chamber choir, and is involved in NHS. You can find her hanging out with her friends, watching horror movies, or doing anything outdoors.

All content by Amelia Wiles
Located behind the football field, the Free State Prairie is cared for by Environmental Science teacher Julie Schwarting and KU ecology specialist Dr. Helen Alexander.

[Photo] FEATURE: Preserving Our Prairies

Eula Heriford, Reporter
April 25, 2025
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[Photo] NEWS: StuCo Switch Up

Lauren Rosen, Reporter
December 3, 2024
Math teacher Lawrence Baker advocates for keeping students' phones put away through his numbered cell phone caddy. “I really think this helps some of the students that just reach for their phone out of habit. Asking the students to put their phones in the caddy still requires them to follow the rules and there will always be students who won’t do that, so this doesn’t help them and I end up still having to police those students. That’s why I want to see a total ban,” Baker said.

[Photo] NEWS: Forbidden Phones

Lauren Jackson, Reporter
September 6, 2024
PHOTO GALLERY: Great Green Help

PHOTO GALLERY: Great Green Help

Lilly Wall and Amelia Wiles
April 25, 2024
Like many students, junior Amelia Wiles uses a variety of accessories in her car as an avenue of self-expression. Wiles said that many of the trinkets hold sentimental value and are daily visual reminders of family, friends and happy memories.

[Photo] FEATURE: Students Reflect on Car Decorations

Isabella Bobey, Reporter
April 15, 2024
A student drives without a license, something that has become increasingly popular and is a growing concern. This problem in our high school and many others around the United States can have dire consequences as inexperienced teen drivers attempt to navigate the road.

[Photo] FEATURE: Driving Unlicensed

Delaney Bayliss, Reporter
March 8, 2024
Seniors Molly Nuckolls and Sophie Racy and junior Kinsey Lake rehearse their Encore featured act, “Ex-Factor”, for the performances to come at the end of this next month. As this is an exciting, anticipatory time for these Free State Choir participants, it also invites a great deal of stress into the lives of these busy students.

[Photo] FEATURE: A Look into Encore Auditions

Phoebe Morris, News Planning Team
March 4, 2024
These truffles are the perfect, easy, no-bake treat for holiday loving bakers. The combination of a crunchy chocolatey coating and the refreshing hint of peppermint makes for a chilled wintery delight. By using these ingredients and measuring with your heart, all can enjoy this recipe during the holiday season!

FEATURE: Oreo Peppermint Truffles Recipe

Amelia Wiles, Photographer
December 14, 2023
Celebrating with his teammates, senior Drew Rosenthal runs toward the student section after a goal at a varsity soccer game on Sept. 5.

[Photo] SPORTS: Fall Sports Highlights

Nick Sprecker, Sports Editor
November 28, 2023
Senior Maya Lee anticipates the ball as she serves. Although this is Lee’s final year with Free State, her tennis journey has not yet reached an end. “I am playing in college and intend to coach to make money during school as well.” Lee said.

[Photo] SPORTS: Lee Sisters State Tennis

Nick Sprecker, Sports Editor
October 30, 2023
The closet of junior Kinsey Lake reflects her unique sense of style and her flair for all things fashionable. Having a variety of colors, shoes and accessories allows for the perfect outlet to express her personality.

[Photo] OPINION: Hue Are You?

Nomso Enyinnaya, Reporter
October 16, 2023
Spin Pizza’s seasonal Pumpkin Cheesecake Gelato is the perfect treat for the autumn days ahead. Combining a cold taste and spicy notes, this resembles the epitome of fall.

[Photo] REVIEW: Local Fall Foods Review

Ava Talbott, Reporter
October 10, 2023
Sharing coffee with friends on the recently opened patio space is a fun way to experience the vibe of local downtown shop, Blue Heron. This patio area provides a great calm space to study, talk with friends, or just bask in the autumn weather

[Photo] Review: The Great Blue Heron

Stella Mosier, News Copy Editor
September 20, 2023
Evie Chancy, and her friends, Baila Love, Megan Green, and Claire Heinritz shared the experience of viewing “Barbie'' in theaters for the first time. This movie has united women all around the world, whether it may be just dressing up in pink, or wearing something that nurtures self-expression, or just overall embracing one’s inner “girlhood”. Photo collected from Evie Chancy.

[Photo] FEATURE: Students Can’t Get Kenough of Barbie

Evie Chancy, Reporter
September 11, 2023
Armed with a multitude of water weapons, seniors begin the battle known as Water Warriors on Monday, April 3. This competition is a spring tradition among Free State seniors, with one winner claiming the ultimate prize of the collective entry fees and recognition of being the last warrior remaining.

[Photo] FEATURE: Seniors Make a Splash

Maria Mosconi
May 17, 2023
Collins says this was one of the hardest decisions he has had to make, but that he will always love Free State. “I simply enjoyed building relationships on and off the court, basketball is easy but being there for your players is most important,” Collins said.

[Photo] NEWS: Sherron Collins: I’ll Always Be a Firebird

Nick Sprecker
May 4, 2023
Although the school’s devices have this website banned, it is available for students to access on other devices. This exhibits how student integrity can be challenged when considering the completely open access to anything at the touch of a button.

[Photo] FEATURE: ChatGPT creating conversation inside classrooms

Lilly Wall
March 8, 2023
Starting strong, sophomore Brylee Burns strides out during the beginning of the race. Burns made huge leaps this season and helped to lead the girls team to a successful season with her individual 9th place at state. "My favorite part of the season was doing long runs with my best friends," Burns said.

[Photo] SPORTS: Recognition at the Highest Level

Thomas Patton
March 7, 2023
Leaving six hours prior to game time, Senior Varsity player, Spencer Bentley, loads the cooler onto the bus. Proper amounts of food and water are critical for the players to maintain their energy during the extended wait.

[Photo] NEWS: Bus Schedule Forces Teams to Leave Early

Ember Klein
October 31, 2022
Freshman Phoebe Morris

[Photo] Safety in State: Free State Increases Security Presence to Tighten Measures

Gabriella Kellison and Stella Mosier
September 21, 2022
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