J. Wilsons Banner
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
Anders Benson

Anders Benson, Yearbook Photo Editor

Anders is a senior and a Photo Editor for the Free State Talon. Outside of journalism, he is involved in marching band, wind ensemble, chamber choir, chamber singers, orchestra and musical theater. Outside of school, he enjoys writing and recording songs and doing portrait and street photography.

All content by Anders Benson
Senior Gage Fahrenkamp keeps the crowd engaged.

PHOTO GALLERY: Freshmen First Day

Anders Benson and Nathan Kramer
August 15, 2025
Tipping her mortarboard on graduation day, senior Geneva Sabatini prepares to walk down to the field.

LIVE STREAM: Free State Graduation 2025

Nathan Kramer, Nathan Friedman, Anders Benson, and Nate Willems
April 22, 2025

LIVE STREAM: Lawrence Virtual School Graduation 2025

Nathan Kramer, Nathan Friedman, Anders Benson, and Nate Willems
May 7, 2025
PHOTO GALLERY: Prom 2025

PHOTO GALLERY: Prom 2025

Anders Benson, Addison Powers, and Nathan Kramer
April 15, 2025
Suspended, Nora Talbott does the splits.

PHOTO GALLERY: Ovation Talent Show

Anders Benson, Nathan Friedman, and Nathan Kramer
February 6, 2025
POWDER PUFF: On Sept. 25., StuCo invited each grade level to compete in a flag football tournament. Participating students were separated by grade level and given a t-shirt that matched their grade's respective color. This year the junior class won and was congratulated with cookies.

[Photo] PHOTO STORY: StuCo Events

Kinsey Lake, Digital Illustrator, Podcast Team
December 3, 2024
Screenshot 2024-09-29 at 9.32.21 PM

[Photo] VIDEO: Powderpuff Football

Nathan Kramer, Video Team Co-Manager
September 27, 2024
Screen Shot 2024-04-30 at 1.57.28 PM

[Photo] PHOTO GALLERY: The Importance of Being Earnest

Mallory Thompson, News Photo Editor
April 30, 2024
In shock, senior Tehya Jacobs receives a hug from Lawrence High School senior Aubrie Magnuson after Jacobs is announced as Prom Royalty alongside senior Nolan Craig.

[Photo] FEATURE: Elite Event

Delaney Bayliss, Reporter
April 30, 2024
Screen Shot 2024-04-20 at 8.43.04 PM

[Photo] PHOTO GALLERY: Prom 2024

Mallory Thompson, News Photo Editor
April 20, 2024
Screen Shot 2024-04-15 at 12.13.34 PM

[Photo] PHOTO GALLERY: Solar Eclipse

Mallory Thompson, News Photo Editor
April 15, 2024
Working with a student, athletic trainer Kaarin Haig scrapes a student's leg. In the spring season many athletes come into this physical training space in order to get help with their injuries.

[Photo] SPORTS: Recovery Roadblocks

Corinne Kingsley, Reporter
April 1, 2024
Screenshot 2024-03-21 at 2.57.58 PM

[Photo] PHOTO GALLERY: Encore 2024

Chloe Cook and Mallory Thompson
March 21, 2024
Varsity Volleyball players cheer at a game.

[Photo] SPORTS: Change of the Game

Arianna Waller, Reporter
March 20, 2024
Teacher Rachel Downs advises senior Chloe Mure-Limburg on a water color project in one of Downs art classes.

[Photo] FEATURE: Rachel Downs Battling Health Issues While Supporting the Art Program

Nick Sprecker, Sports Editor
January 25, 2024
At the Kansas Thespian Festival Showcase, seniors Natalie Riley and Liz Wyle improvise a conversation. The night before leaving for KTF the theater department held a showcase of the students who would be performing at the festival.

[Photo] NEWS: Improv Team Becomes Back-to-Back State Champions

Maria Mosconi, Reporter
January 25, 2024
Screenshot 2023-12-14 at 10.39.05 AM

[Photo] PHOTO GALLERY: Free State Boys Swim & Dive wins Triangular at Lawrence High

Chloe Cook, Yearbook Photo Editor
December 15, 2023
Taking advantage of open lunch, sophomore Miles Beaty walks to Taco Bell. Taco Bell is a popular choice among students because it is close to the school and has reliably fast service. “I enjoy having the choice of open lunch because it is a nice opportunity for students to get some space and fresh air.” Beaty said.

[Photo] NEWS: Clearing Up Open Lunch Rumors

Maria Mosconi, Reporter
December 14, 2023
Clapping her hands, senior Fiona Van Dyke watches the ball at a home game on Aug. 31.

[Photo] SPORTS: Fall Sports Highlights

Nick Sprecker, Sports Editor
November 28, 2023
Reaching out, a student is shown purchasing a breakfast bar from second chance breakfast. The newly implemented second chance breakfast program was put on hold for Nov. 10 and Nov. 13 after a physical altercation erupted during second chance breakfast.

[Photo] NEWS: Second Chance Breakfast Paused

Elliot Skillman, Reporter
November 28, 2023
Practicing in the orchestra room, sophomore Annah Steele runs through some scales. Steele plays the string bass for the Symphonic and Chamber orchestras. “I love the unity of [orchestra]. I love everyone working together to put together a single and unified result. Working together to make beautiful music is our common goal,” Steele said.

[Photo] NEWS: Lawrence Youth Symphony Disappears

Nomso Enyinnaya
November 9, 2023
Choices of studying tools vary for different students. Some prefer online practice tests while others may opt to buy ACT practice books.

[Photo] FEATURE: To Submit or Not to Submit?

Stella Mosier, News Copy Editor
October 25, 2023
Trying to cheat, a student tries to access the AI program “ChatGPT” on their iPad. Cisco Umbrella removes students' abilities to access some websites such as Social Media platforms, Video games, AI programs and more.

[Photo] NEWS: District Implements New AI Program to Monitor Students’ Technology

Maura Langland
October 12, 2023
Jane Goodall, the recently escaped snake rests in the hands of one of science teacher Julie Schwarting’s students. Goodall is a ball python that is 2 feet long.

[Photo] NEWS: Missing Snake Found In Closet

Maria Mosconi and Arianna Waller
October 5, 2023
Awaiting regular maintenance, the auditorium stage piano sits in the alcove of the auditorium. The school owns one grand piano, and a few upright pianos, which like this one are often out of tune. “Sometimes you just have to make do with what you've got a little bit longer than you'd like to,” choir director Joshua East said.

[Photo] FEATURE: Budget Cuts Hit on Performing Arts

Maria Mosconi, Reporter
September 21, 2023
Benson Varsity Volleyball August 31 2023 (2 of 49)

[Photo] PHOTO GALLERY: Back To School Recap

Mallory Thompson, News Photo Editor
September 11, 2023
Waiting patiently, Cafeteria worker Ikuko Fox watches hungry students grab their second chance breakfast. Ms. Fox works at the Second Chance Breakfast cart at the end of the 2nd floor hallway.

[Photo] NEWS: District Introduces Second Chance Breakfast to High Schools

Jayne Landers, Managing Editor
September 8, 2023
After a block, senior Fiona VanDyke’s teammates cheer her on. VanDyke is a returning member to the Varsity Volleyball team this year.

[Photo] SPORTS: Girls Volleyball Swings Back into Season

Nick Sprecker, Sports Editor
September 7, 2023
Load More Stories