The holiday season is here and first semester is coming to a close. In this issue, we share some holiday related photos and stories as well as other end-of-year related content.
As for holiday and end-of-year events, STUCO will put together a before-break day of activities (see page 4) and orchestra organizes a fundraiser (see page 5). We also highlight two unique student hobbies including horseback riding (see page 6) and pageants (see page 10). As for clubs, Model UN hosts a conference this December (see page 8).
This issue, we chose to spotlight junior Bethany Brummitt, for her acts of kindness and community service (see page 12). We also spotlight freshman Maclin Cooper for his ability to balance multiple fine arts (see page 14). Speaking of fine arts, choir is hosting their winter concert and featuring alumni (see page 16).
With Christmas coming, certain students and organizations in Liberty are helping out those in need this holiday season (see page 18). Starbucks also released their holiday menu, which reporter Katie Ericksen reviews (see page 20). Lastly, I discuss finals and how students prefer to be evaluated through projects not tests (see page 20).
The Liberty Bell strives to provide correct and factual information which does not misconstrue statements given by students, faculty and outside sources. If at any time while reading through this paper misinformation is found please contact our advisor jamie.munoz@lps53.org and our Editor In Chief ksmi5474@lps53.org immediately so the staff can be aware of the mistake. We will take such information into account, discussing ways to properly handle it in the future, as well as provide a written apology in the next printed issue to take accountability for our actions.
Kora Smith
Find more Christmas photos on our online photo gallery @lhsnews.net. Photos by Ayla Espinoza.
The bright and vibrant Northern Lights were seen in Kansas City on Nov. 11. Due to a powerful solar storm, pink, purple and green were seen all throughout the sky. “It was a good experience seeing the Northern Lights, since I have never had the chance to see them before,” junior Adi Leimkuhler said. Photo by Ayla Espinoza.
Students Celebrating Field Day
STUCO gives students the day off on Dec. 19.
Reported by Katelyn Smith
Designed by Addison Fung
Throughout the school day on December 19 (the day before Christmas Break), Student Council (STUCO) will host a field day for students to give back for the hard work they have put in this semester.
“The day is a celebration of a successful semester, increasing belonging and the excitement around students being here at school,” Principal Dr. Ryan Nichols said.
STUCO put together a day full of fun activities for all students. A Christmas movie will be voted on by students to be hosted in the PAC. There will also be a dodgeball tournament throughout the day
that students can participate in at any time. A silent disco will also be hosted, but will only be able to host only 500 students at a time.
“We feel like it’s important to be able to give back to kids and have some fun. We enjoy being here. We want them to enjoy being a part of what we’re doing,” Nichols said.
In light of these activities, no classes will be held on this day. However, students will meet in their first hour to beginning of the day to collect attendance and then leave to go to the different stations.
According to Inclusive Schools Network, “By engaging in a school-wide celebration, students
have the opportunity to experience the power of working together as a community.”
Other events STUCO had that helped students enjoy the end of the semester was a freshman finals information session and game day before Thanksgiving break on Nov. 24-25.
As planning for this Christmas break field day continues, more information is still to come. Stay updated with STUCO to learn more.
Senior Macey Magera, junior Wallis Love-Hall, senior Parker Blaine, senior Greyson Horwitz and junior Sadie Werth plan the Christmas field day which is on Dec. 19. They were excited to show everyone what they came up with. “As of right now, we are planning to have a dodgeball tournament in the fieldhouse, movies in the PAC, trivia and games in the blackbox, a silent disco in Cokley, card games, ornament decorating and cookie decorating in different classrooms,” senior John Pace said. Photo by Lorelai Hupp.
Wreaths for Travel
The orchestra students fundraised for a trip by selling fresh wreaths. The fundraiser will allow students to earn credit toward travel costs by selling holiday wreaths that are shipped directly to the customers. Each wreath sold adds up to $10 to the students orchestra account.
“I like that the funds go directly to a student’s account, and up to ten dollars per wreath will support that student,” Orchestra Director Michelle Joy said.
The fundraiser runs until December first. Students sell
Sales support the journey to Seattle.
Reported by Destinee Davis
Designed by Addi Fung
through individual online links and the money they earn helps cover expenses such as transportation, lodging and performance fees. The Seattle trip will include performances at Pacific Lutheran University and the University of Washington, as well as group activities such as visiting Pike Place Market and the
Space Needle.
“It’s important so we can go to Seattle and have a good trip without having to cut out things because of costs,” junior Milo Cantrell said.
Participation in the fundraiser varies among students. Those planning to attend the trip are more involved, while others have opted out. Future Fundraisers will include pastry sales and Valentine’s Day grams to continue supporting travel costs for the Seattle trip.
“I want to provide as many opportunities as possible for students to afford the trip, the overall goal is to make the experience accessible for everyone,” Joy said.
With the Seattle trip still a year away, the orchestra plans to continue raising funds through multiple events each semester. The program hopes to have multiple events each semester. The program pushes for these efforts to ensure all students can participate, while also building support from the community for future music opportunities.
In the hopes to go to Seattle, the Liberty Orchestra raises money by selling wreaths. When they arrive in Seattle they will travel to the University of Washington where professionals help them improve their skills. “Raising money for the orchestra will help me get many opportunities to improve my skills and have fun,” junior Natalie Van Natta said. Photo by Ceily Tiemann.
Photo by Ceily Tiemann.
Along For The Ride
Students participate in a unique sport outside of school.
Reported by Danny Jamison
Designed by Destinee Davis
well as simply enjoying it as a hobby.
ophomore Mia Bowles straddles her horse on November 12, her mind goes quiet, heart calm and stress disappears. The smell of hay, seeing an open field and a bright blue sky. Horses sense emotions; it’s essential to remain calm.
For many riders, horseback riding isn’t just a hobby; it’s therapy and even a lifestyle.
“It’s made me more determined and independent. Mentally, horses are my happy place. Being around them quiets my mind and makes me feel content,” Bowles said.
Students participate in horseback riding for various reasons, including barrel racing, show riding, training and preparing for competitions, as
“My dad gave me the choice between gymnastics and horseback riding. I chose riding because it was already in the family, and I’ve stuck with it ever since,” senior Tabatha Short said.
Short competed in barrel racing, which consists of a rodeo-style event, where a rider runs a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels. It requires patience, balance, endurance and focus. Short wanted to pursue her career and go professional, and even ride in the National Finals Rodeo. The NFR is a 10-night event held in early December. The rodeo includes events such as bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel
racing and bull riding. Whoever performs best in 15 riders wins a cash prize.
“It’s helped my mental and physical health. It keeps me in shape, and horses have taught me a lot about honesty, kindness and patience. Things you don’t learn in a classroom,” Short said.
Riding isn’t just a sport; for many, it can be a form of therapy. It builds strength and balance and mentally can build bonds with an animal. Riders have to train to stay patient with themselves and their animals and be strong not to fall off.
According to Horsepilot.com
“While horse riding is primarily a sport, it is also considered a way of life (especially for horse owners). It
Sophomore Mia Bowles practices her show jumping with her horse Gloria. She has been riding for the past 12 years, she is training her new horse that she purchased. “It’s made me more determined and independent. Mentally, horses are my happy place. Being around them quiets my mind and makes me feel content,” Bowles said. Photo by Ceily Tiemann.
provides many benefits for riders, both physical and mental. This activity is generally practiced in the countryside or in a riding arena, with the utmost respect for nature and the horses. Discover the benefits of horse riding for riders’ health. Horseback riding is a gentle sport. It promotes muscle development in adults, but also stimulates the senses in young children. It improves muscle tone and balance and helps the body live longer.”
People who have had injuries use riding as a way to heal their mind and body.
“Last year, I had two major surgeries and couldn’t ride for a month and a half. It was hard, but riding is physically demanding. It works muscles that most people don’t realize. It’s both challenging and rewarding,” Bowles said.
Riding is a very important aspect of many people’s lives. Bowles had deals with an injury that restricts her from participating in most sports, she found riding a therapeutic escape for her. Whether it’s chasing barrels or enjoying a peaceful trail, being around horses gives them balance, focus and a sense of calm that stays long after the ride is over. Bowles wants to ride for fun even past her college life, and keep horses in her life forever.
“It helped me through family struggles and gave me a support system. The horse community feels like a family, and it’s helped me mentally and emotionally,” junior Cailyn Elwell-Stalnaker said.
Riding is a very important aspect of many people’s lives. For lots of people, horseback riding isn’t just something they do; it’s something that shapes who they are. Short, Elwell-Stalnaker and Bowles have learned lessons, like patience, trust and determination, stay with riders long after they leave the arena If you want to learn more go to @_cailynrose on instagram.
It’s a more complicated sport than people think. I’ve lost and switched horses a lot, which is hard mentally. Money also plays a huge role—if you can’t afford it, it’s hard to move forward.
- Sophomore Mia Bowles said.
AdobeIllustrationbyDestineeDavis
Photo by Ceily Tiemann
Photo courtesy of Cailyn Elwell-Stalnaker
Parliament of Possibilities
Students take the lead at a December conference.
Reported by Elissa Ketcham
Designed by Camdyn Johnston
The smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the hotel’s conference room as junior Morgan Yeates represents Comoros. She’s surrounded by people from every corner of the world at the Harvard Model UN Conference 2025. Each of them represent nations with a
variety of viewpoints and goals. The Northland Model UN Conference was hosted all-day, Dec. 6 at Liberty High School. This is a change, as it was hosted at Liberty North since 2022. This year, the conference was orchestrated in collaboration between the two high schools and it aimed to engage students in debate, diplomacy and collaboration.
In past years, Yeates has walked into the room as a delegate. This time, instead of being a delegate, she will be one of the Chairs. This means she is helping lead the Northland Model UN Conference. She made sure the committee ran smoothly, ensured
parliamentary procedure was followed and tallied delegates’ votes on resolutions.
“Being a chair is something I’m really looking forward to. After attending many conferences as a delegate I’m excited to be on the other side of things and experience what it’s like to lead the conference,” senior Kate Ornelas said.
According to The United Nations, “Model UN conferences help students develop public speaking, writing and research skills. In addition, they often provide students with their first entry point into international affairs and concepts.”
The Northland Model UN Conference started in 2022 as an opportunity to expand Model UN opportunities in Kansas City. The committee has two conferences. The first is a General Assembly Plenary and the second is a Social, Cultural and Humanitarian Committee (SOCHUM). Both of these committees are general committees, meaning they simply provide resolutions to international problems such as emergency humanitarian assistance.
“I also just think that it will be a really great introduction into something that is definitely up my alley,” senior Jill Vanyperen said. Vanyperen represented Sweden in the SOCHUM committee. Vanyperen has been in debate for
most of her high school career, and Model UN may expand her knowledge of debate styles. This conference will be her and others’ first time experiencing a Model UN conference.
“I believe this is really gonna help me with my speaking and overall extemping,” junior Zach Herzog said.
Delegates learn a variety of facts about their nation’s stance about the topic. This includes biases, goals and their history with the topic. They have to write position papers which
Photo by Ceily Tiemann.
Photo by Ceily Tiemann.
Photo by Royce Schmalz.
compile all of this data into one article. These position papers become guides for delegates when deciding what actions to take in committee.
“You also need to have knowledge on the topic. You can’t just go in blind,” Yeates says. This holds true as a Chair but is also kept in mind as a delegate.
The Chair learns the overall facts of topics. They need to know enough about the topic to accurately judge delegates, but they should be void of biases or agendas which could impact decisions. Along with this, the Chair has to judge delegates’ position papers, analyzing its relation to the topic at hand as well as the accuracy of the data.
“I’m going to be a Chair with two other people on the Model United Nations team and we’re gonna be taking the lead role in the committee,” Yeates said.
She will be a Chair with Ornelas and senior Scarlet Langhorst. All three of them are a part of the team’s secretariat, each having their own individual role for the team. They are all meant to assist in leading the team, providing mentorship and aid to novices.
The Northland Model UN conference offers opportunities to learn different committee roles for each team member. Novices are expanding their knowledge on parliamentary procedures, but the secretariat is taking a step up in leadership roles.
For interest in joining Model UN, email jordan.moree@lps53.org. To learn more information about the Northland Model UN Conference, you can go to either https://sites. google.com/lps53.org/nomunc/ home or look at @lifelibertymun on Instagram.
Junior Morgan Yeates shares about her experiences with being in Model UN. She showed that Model UN is exciting to meet new people. “So that's definitely something to do. Just seeing and meeting new people for the first time from different parts of the country.” Yeates said. Photo by Iyari Hyde.
Adobe Illustration by Camdyn Johnston.
New Model UN chair steps up.
More Than a Crown
Pageantry empowers local teens.
Reported by JaiDynn Sargent
ADesigned by Camdyn Johnston
ll eyes are on her as junior Jora Miller walks onto stage at the Miss Kansas City preliminary competition to the Miss Missouri Teen competition on Sept. 2. Miller may be new to Kansas City, however, she’s not new to pageantry. Pageants have been around since the 1950s, and students still particpate in Kansas City today. The success of the Miss America organization paved the way for a multitude of other organizations. Pageants are an opportunity for female students to earn s cholarships and make a difference in their community.
Students like Jora Miller and Lexi Jines are only two of the girls at LHS
It is less about the dresses and more about reminding yourself that you can do it and that being different from other girls is a good thing, - Junior Jora Miller said.
to compete in these pageants.
“Pageantry is a scholarship opportunity, not just a beauty contest. It is not really about looks or how you walk; it is about who you are, what you stand for, and how you use your voice. For someone who feels stuck or in a rut, it can be an amazing way to open doors,” Miller said.
According to the Miss America Organization, “Each year Miss America, the 100+ year old iconic brand and competition event
Photo courtesy of Raj Patnaik.
Photo courtesy of Raj Patnaik
awards more than five million dollars in tuition scholarships to young women nationwide and millions more in-kind through local/state and national events.”
Jora is not the only girl in the running for have a chance to compete for a scholarship through various pageant organizations, sophomore Lexi Jines competes with the National American Miss organization.
“I’ve met so many new people and have made an impact to many younger generations through pageantry,” sophomore Lexi Jines said.
Pageants are not only a competition and scholarship opportunity, they can be a life changing opportunity for some girls who compete.
“I grew up in Montana, which is a huge state with a small population and not a lot to do. Over time, my mental health really declined and I now recognize that I was dealing with depression and anxiety. I turned to substances to try to cope, which led to one of the darkest periods of my life because I was damaging my body just to feel better,” Miller said.
Many contestants use the platform a title comes with to advocate for their experiences, Miller uses hers to advocate for Seatbelt Safety in honor of her late friend, Gavin McCombs. As well as advocating for Seatbelt Safety, Miller uses her talent “HER Story” to share stories of inspiring women and to prove that she is capable of
anything if she sets her mind to it.
“The Miss America Opportunity is a big reason I got sober. I was introduced to it while I was actively struggling with addiction. A friend encouraged me to try it, and I went to an appearance where, for the first time in a long time, I had fun without substances. That moment helped me decide it was time to get sober so I could fully commit to this opportunity.”
Through pageants girls learn valuable life skills such as, public speaking, confidence and resilance, as well as social skills, discipline and goal setting.
“Pageantry has made a difference by simply just the girls, you definitely make lifelong friendships and it’s super awesome to have met friends from something both of you love. Another thing is speaking out for what I support and try to bring awareness to which is people who are less fortunate. I strive to make self care bags for those in need and go around supporting and helping others. This has made a huge difference in my life as I get to see tears, laughs, and love through just giving
and helping people,” Jines said.
Pageants also provide a source of networking, opportunities and community involvement that span the entirety of their lives beyond pageantry.
“You’re not only signing up for the chance to win that crown and sash, but you’re signing up for life long friendships, new opportunities, and something that no matter the end results you should be proud of what you’ve accomplished on your way. Which is something a lot of the younger pageant girls I work with don’t quite understand,” liberty alumni Ava Shaw said.
According to Miss Collegiate USA, “Participants develop a sense of self-assurance through preparation and performance, learn to handle both winning and losing, and may form lasting friendships with other contestants. Pageants can also foster community involvement and provide opportunities in related fields like modeling or acting.”
Junior Jora Miller preforms her empowering monolouge for the Miss kansas city team competition called “Sit like a lady” that speaks on Women in male dominated fields. She got into the Miss Missouri Organization as it is the number one scholarship provider for women in America.
“I needed a way to be able to attend law school in the future and found the org and fell in love! I also love the opportunity to advocate for seatbelt safety, in memory of my best friend Gavin McCombs, which is my community service initiative,” Miller said. Photos courtesy of Raj Patnaik Photography.
Brummitt Goes Beyond
Student spends her free time volunteering and helping out in the community.
Reported by Addi Fung
Designed by Katelyn Smith
The room smelled like fresh toys and the sight of soccer balls and stuffed animals filled the area. Junior Bethany Brummitt volunteered at her church, First Baptist Church North Kansas City. Brummitt’s passion is volunteering, which she does as much as she can. She strives to volunteer six to seven times a month.
“It really proves the meaning of hard work. Doing it (volunteering) without expecting monetary benefits is really impactful because you know you’re just doing it to help other people,” Brummitt said.
Brummit dedicates around three hours a month to volunteering, most commonly with her church (First Baptist Church NKC). In addition to volunteering, Brummitt houses a foreign exchange student, senior Leah Graversen, and previously freshman Jacob Norup where she and her family had a good experience and wanted to participate again.
“It’s really great to meet new people from a different culture and learn different things that I wouldn’t have known without her staying with us,” Brummitt said.
Brummitt has completed multiple mission trips around the world such
as her visit one summer to Nicaragua where she built houses. This was something she had never done before which made the experience very unique. In addition to Nicaragua, she has also missioned to Louisiana, Kentucky, Prague and Czech Republic.
“I like to go on Mission trips because I get to help different communities and I get to share with others the great news of Jesus,” Brummit said.
Brummitt’s next project is a Christmas donation drive with her church. Her church does this in a form of an advent calendar food drive. Each day, members of her
Photo courtesy of Bethany Brummitt.
church collect a food item and put it in a box at home. Then on the 24th, at the church’s Christmas Eve service, everyone brings the box full of all the food they’ve been collecting. The church has a food pantry, which all the Christmas donations help to stock.
“I am proud that my daughter wants to serve and help in so many ways,” Brummits mom, Andrea Brummit said.
Brummit hopes to help out struggling families and donate toys and other needs for the
holiday season.
“My favorite part of it all was making important relationships and seeing her impact on the community,” Brummit said.
Volunteering is important because it impacts communities who may be struggling in certain aspects. Missouri specifically is a state which excels in their volunteer percentages, especially before the pandemic.
According to Yahoo, “In a recent study by AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, Missouri came in 10th
in the nation with a formal volunteering rate of 30.5% in 2021 and Kansas came in eighth with a rate of 31.5%.
To find out how to volunteer around Liberty, Brummitt recommends churches in the area, including her own https://fbcnkc. org/ , or other opportunities can be found at https://www.kcmo.gov/ programs-initiatives/volunteer or https://kctoday.6amcity.com/ city-guide/play/ volunteer-opportunitieskansas-city.
Junior Bethany Brummit and foreign exchange student Leah Graverso are both involved in the high school swim team and go to the same Youth Group. “I like having an exchange student because I get to learn more about other cultures and traditions. I also like getting to share the traditions my family has with someone else. It’s also interesting to learn the differences and similarities between our lives,” Brummit said. Photo by Gracee Peugh.
Maclin’s Musical World
Freshman juggles four different fine art hobbies.
Reported by Layton Smith
Designed & Illustrated by Katelyn Smith
The loud roar of the bassoon and the bold graceful sound of the piano fill the students’ ears in the band room as freshman Maclin Cooper plays each note with ease. Cooper juggles playing these instruments all while taking singing lessons.
He started playing in 6th grade because he wanted a challenge after playing the flute.
“I first started band by playing the flute, but I didn’t really like playing the flute because it did not present much of a challenge,” Cooper said.
He plays the two instruments as well as acting and performing on the stage. Cooper got into playing the bassoon in 6th grade.
“Some people who inspire me to continue doing theatre and playing so many instruments are my grandparents.”
His switch to the bassoon was a big jump from playing a small instrument like the flute.
“The bassoon is a very difficult instrument to play, a challenge at the time when I was in beginning band,” Cooper said.
Did you Know?
Cooper has played the bassoon for four years now after he switched. Cooper does challenge that the bassoon offers to him.
“I asked my band teacher at the time what instrument I should switch to, and she said
Photo by Lorelai Hupp.
Photo by Lorelai Hupp.
bassoon, and so that’s how I started,” Cooper said.
“I manage doing theatre and playing other instruments just like how some people can balance playing multiple sports at a time.” Cooper said. Cooper has acted on the stage for many years of his life and he enjoys it a lot.
“Maclin has brought a fresh energy to our department and the stage. His characterisation and presence are engaging, specifically based on his vocal and physicality choices. We are happy Maclin is a part of our family and hope to see him return for future productions,” theatre teacher Mick Turpin said.
Cooper doesn’t have clear plans for the future in acting right now although he enjoys it. But, teachers and students hope to
see him perform on the stage for future productions. Cooper will perform at some future band concerts and theatre performances such as the band concert on December 8 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. at 200 Blue Jay Drive in Liberty Missouri at Liberty High
Freshman Maclin Cooper plays multiple instruments. Cooper just recently won the 2025 MTNA/MMTA Missouri State Piano Competition in the ninth Grade Category. “In this competition, there are 12 divisions for 12 different winners of the state for each division. I won the State Championship in Division nine,” Cooper said. Photo by Lorelai Hupp.
Freshman Maclin Cooper takes the stage as Monsieur André in this years fall Musical, Phantom of the Opera. Individuals have said Cooper belongs on a stage. “I started participating in theatre in sixth grade because it seemed like a fun way to spend my afternoon, and then it took off from there,” Cooper said. Photo by Lorelai Hupp.
Adobe Illustration by Katelyn Smith
The piano, harp and bassoon are the only instruments that use all ten fingers. Did you Know?
All The Voices
The alumni return for a big show.
The choir room is full of energy and sound, with a comforting hint of chilly air filling the room as December creeps in. Students warm up their voices as sheet music flutters and singing on key begins.
Full of anticipation for their next concert happening on Dec. 10. All TB chorale, SA chorale, voces and choir concert came together to sing this, along with some special guests; past high school alumni and old teachers invited back to sing the last song “How Great Our Joy” from the audience which has never been done before.
“I like the new style of grand chorus piece we’re doing for this concert. I know many musicians don’t get opportunities to sing when they
Taking The Stage
Reported by Abbi Mota Designed by JaiDynn Sargent
graduate high school, so I think it’s nice to let the audience join in the music,” junior Ayodeji Nilson said. The beginning songs all consist of choir songs, such as “The Shadows of Sylva” “Sing We Now of Christmas” “Alleluia Incantations” and “In Meeting We are Blessed.” Having the “How Great Our Joy” be an acapella. The alumni got to choose the last song, “How Great Our Joy” a song about celebration and love which is the one they’ll be getting to perform at the very end.
“I love it when we’ve finally learned our songs fully and we can immerse ourselves in our music fully. I think it will be a fun experience and a good experiment with our music,” senior Rory Wiladsen said.
From standing on the PAC stage during the wintertime to after school rehearsals later on Wednesday, the array of voices and harmonises all at once, no matter the occasion. As the concert approaches, the students have been practising reluctantly to improve and be more confident on the stage. Starting with rehearsals every day in class. Having chamber and JV Chamber choir practicing for 2-2:30 hours extra every Monday. And Jayblues practicing twice a week on Wednesday mornings and Sunday nights. A very busy and time-consuming schedule, perfecting the songs and pitches one lesson at a time.
“I joined choir at first because I had a lot of friends in it and it sounded fun,” junior Chase Ashby said, “And I stayed because of the community
environment- and because the choir director Mr Brown makes sure to know everybody by name, like has genuinely gotten to know all of us.”
The conductors, Mr Brown and Mrs Davis behind the scenes, making sure every note was hit just right, is standing right at the centre of this classroom. Choir directors are in charge of leading,
New choir director takes advantage of his role at LHS.
Photo by Haylee Mason
Photo by Haylee Mason
rehearsing, and coordinating all of the choir performances. This includes selecting musical pieces, teaching vocal techniques; and coaching singers on pitch, rhythm, harmony, and expression. They also manage administrative duties such as auditions, scheduling, and sometimes budgeting, and work to develop the skills and cohesion of their singers.
“Mr Brown and Mrs Davis are wonderful, exuberant and educational
people. They give us a surplus of energy to work with while we sing. Also, it can be confidently said that they truly care about us and our voices,” Wildasen said. Old teachers and students will emerge out from the audience at the last song to come up and sing. No matter the age, anybody that was a previous choir member or teacher could sign up and learn the song. Helping kick off the holiday season with the rest of the class. Truly, a December to remember.
Molly Sheely Fresman Jay Blues Member
The Voces choir prepares for their winter concert. They have prepared for this concert all November. “Choir is not just a group of voices, it’s a family of hearts united through song,” sophomore Temperance Plummer said. Photo by Haylee Mason.
Photo by Haylee Mason
Spreading Christmas Joy
Student organizations work to help families in need during this holiday season. Reported by Camdyn Johnston Designed & Illustrated by
Katie Ericksen
dusting the air as can after can gets loaded into boxes. With volunteers setting up for the upcoming season, the jingling of bells can be heard as garlands are hung throughout the community center.
Liberty’s Need
According to Missouri Hunger Atlas, an estimated number of 779,000 people are food insecure in Missouri, and approximatly 356,000 people are experiencing very low food security or hunger.
National Honors Society(NHS), Blue Crew Crazies(BCC) and Student Council held donations for the annual Liberty Christmas Tree Program, helping families in the community get food over the holidays. After the week of donations on Monday, Dec. 8, the LPS maintenance crew went to all the school buildings to pick up the donations to bring to the Liberty Community Center to be sorted and separated for each house. According to the Liberty, Missouri, Government, “The Liberty
(LCCT) Program is designed to lend a hand to families and older adults who are facing a difficult holiday season.”
“Donating helps the community because we’re bringing in food for around the holidays. Obviously, people are hungry all year round but especially during the holidays , having your family home during the school days it can make it hard to feed your family. So to bring in food for everyone is really helpful,” NHS junior hours officer senior Enslie Dryer said.
Other than LCCT, our school has
People are gathering together to make donations for
those in need for Christmas.
B&B Theaters, Liberty Community Christmas Tree program, and Second Baptist Church’s Christmas Store are all gathering donations to give out. “I really enjoyed donating presents for kids in need because it makes me feel better,” senior Qorianka Hyde said. Photo by Ayla Espinoza.
contributions madefrom others clubs and even singular students. Liberty Robotics has a winter clothing and childrens book drive with boxes set up around the school for donations.
After they receive the donations they will go to the community and people in need. Another club looking for donations was Young Progressives who were looking for donations to give tpo a local food pantry from Nov. 3-14 to help in response to the lack of access to SNAP benefits. One student, senior Orion Middleton, for his senior project he did a food drive from Nov. 17-25, looking for donations of non-perishable, canned or boxed foods.
common cause,” Comegys said. Donations
The donations NHS, BCC and STUCO need are canned and nonperishable goods like peanut butter and jelly, canned meat, canned soup and crackers, canned or dried fruit, canned vegetables, pasta sauce and pasta, dried herbs/ spices and apple sauce in plastic jars.
Last year, they were able to collect 1,756 cans, so the goal for this year is 2,000 cans and to get a variety of food along the way.
Also any personal hygiene, winter gear, period products, baby formula or diapers. Preperations
“I feel really excited for this event, excited to see how many cans and non perishable foods or items we can collect and help our communit,” BCC member and NHS communications officer senior Ella Anderson said.
On Tuesday, Nov. 11, NHS, BCC and STUCO all met to recap last year, the promotion, class competition, what worked and didn’t. Then, they brainstormed new ideas like a spirit week based on different food donations. They are trying new things like a spirit week to get more students involved. Students promoted the event through posters, social media, broadcasting and word of mouth.
“We do this drive to give back to our community since they are so supportive of our school, and because we have the resources to supportive those in need,” NHS service officer senior Macey Magera said. All the LPS schools participate in LCCT with NHS coordinating the food drive. LCCT sent in a list of preferred donations, and last year, they delivered three boxes to 565 homes around Liberty.
“It was all homes in the Liberty Public School district \ so what’s cool with this particular fundraising drive and these efforts is that it is helping the people that students are sitting in class with. It’s helping the local community,” NHS sponsor Serena Comegys said.
“Thanksgiving and Christmas time are the season of giving, so we like to take this time to give back to our community through food donations,” Magera said. Donations can be delivered to The View at a class table. Another way to donate is at Blue & White Night on Nov. 21, the wrestling match on Dec. 2. The women’s JV basketball game on Dec. 3, and the men’s JV/Varsity basketball game on Dec. 4. The class with the most donations will win doughnuts.
“It’s neat because once we’re in the room those boundaries of ‘Oh I’m an NHS student’ ‘I’m a STUCO member’ ‘I’m a Blue Crew Crazy representative’ that all kind of goes by the way side and it’s just everybody working toward a
Sending The Gifts
So many groups, organizations and students are taking initiative and finding ways to help and give back to the community. Even one can, can help someone in need, it could be a student in your class, a friend, a coworker, anyone could need help and you could be the one to help them.
PhotobyRoyceSchmalz.
Photo by Ayla Espinoza.
Photo by Ayla Espinoza.
Tests or Projects?
It’s finals season, and students are displaying their knowledge. Reported by Kora Smith
Designed by Destinee Davis
Entering December, students are faced with finals, which many teachers present in the form of a cumulative test. However, testing cumulatively for multiple classes becomes a struggle for students with test anxiety and doesn’t require students to apply their knowledge to something bigger.
I believe that is why projects are a superior form of finals and should be implemented more in schools.
In a November poll conducted by The Bell, 79% of students voted on projects being the preferred final.
When test day comes around, students may experience anxiety, or could be having a bad day, resulting in inaccurate scores. One day determines their understanding of weeks of learning, and a project is a process that a student
Repetitive Holidays
Overrated drinks and pricey charges on the Starbucks Holiday launch.
Reported by Katie Erickson
Designed by Destinee Davis
builds upon.
“I get really bad test anxiety. I understand the need for testing over projects, but I feel more connected to the topic when I don’t feel pressured to do my best in a limited amount of time,” junior Madelynn Heits said.
In contrast to tests, projects give students a chance to use what they learned in class, rather than just stating it.
“Projects are a way for students to add their personal creativity and flourish to their learning, giving them more autonomy, which causes them to be more invested in the material,” senior Olivia Messina said.
However, some say projects are unfair, since students will often be executing the project differently from one another, while tests are the same for every student.
According to the National Library of Medicine, “Tests
On Nov. 4, Starbucks released its holiday drinks. The holidays have transitioned to release the moment November rolls around, but why does Starbucks always stick to the classics and never branch out anew?
According to Food Chain Magazine, “Starbucks has announced plans to reduce its menu by 30 percent by September as part of its ‘Back to Starbucks’ initiative, which will involve discontinuing certain specialty drinks, food items, and complex customization options.”
My problems with Starbucks are that it’s always the same drinks. The annual Starbucks holiday menu is
are effective in evaluating a student’s depth of knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, as students must recall and apply information without external aids.”
This may be true for regular exams throughout the year; however, as far as finals go, students are expected to perform well on tests for all seven classes, all in the same week. For finals, contributing to a project is a slower, more manageable way to demonstrate learning.
“Tests are an unsustainable cycle of short-term memorization, regurgitation, and forgetting to store new knowledge,” Messina said.
If you are interested in being tested solely through projects, the EDGE microschool is centered around project-based learning. To learn more, visit The View.
released with manufactured hype in early November: though it relies heavily on the same three or four drinks, Starbucks exploits consumer nostalgia while failing to innovate the menu and diversify the holiday season to a predictable, sugary and repetitive cycle.
“In 2024, more than 30% of customers reported waiting as long as 15 minutes for their order, with some even sitting around for up to half an hour” a survey by Technomic Ignite Consumer shows.”
For instance, Peppermint Mocha is around year-round, but the media doesn’t acknowledge this drink till the holiday season. Starbucks Mocha is bitter, overpowering, and harsh. People would rather spend 6+ dollars on a drink that is focused more on syrup than on the quality of espresso. prioritizing quantity over quality.
Photo by Gracee Peugh.
Photo by Gracee Peugh.
Christmas Coloring
Color in the Christmas scene below. Designed by Kora Smith
