The student news site of Liberty High School in Frisco, Texas

WINGSPAN
The student news site of Liberty High School in Frisco, Texas

WINGSPAN
The student news site of Liberty High School in Frisco, Texas

WINGSPAN
Prachurjya Shreya

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor

Shreya is a senior and this is her fourth year in wingspan. As a senior, she finds almost everyone annoying and hates when underclassmen accidentally touch her in the hallways. She looks really mean when she’s walking, but she’s actually really nice and loves to meet new people. Now, she may look like a twig, but she’s ready to fight at any given time. If you ever get her mad, just buy her some food, and all is forgiven. She hopes her last year in Wingspan is the best. If you were wondering, Higgins is still her savior.

Contact Shreya: Prachurjya.shreya.846@k12.friscoisd.org

All content by Prachurjya Shreya
The Redhawk book challenge is going on until the end of September. The focus is reading as many books as possible by the end of the challenge.

[Photo] Friday last day to return library books

Shreyas Viswanathan, Staff Reporter
May 6, 2021
Property taxes in Texas are one of the biggest issues being discussed by the Texas legislature right now with many lawmakers hoping to lower taxes. In August, Frisco ISD lowered its tax rate for the year, but in general, Texans pay a higher proportion of their home value toward property taxes, than homeowners in almost every other state.

[Photo] Texas Trio event offers information on UT, Tech, and A&M

Shreyas Viswanathan, Staff Reporter
April 27, 2021
While most classes are starting to wind down with only two weeks of school left, band keeps working for their annual Spring Swing event to take place Saturday, May 18, 2019. The event will work both as a performance and fundraiser for the group.

[Photo] Band swings into annual performance

May 17, 2019

Seven months in the making, parent-teacher orchestra debuts Wednesday

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
May 15, 2019
Bringing the year to a close, choir had an 80s themed concert on Tuesday night. The theme allowed students to expand their horizons as singers as they were presented with the chance to sing different styles of music.

[Photo] Throwback Tuesday for choir’s final concert of the year

Maddie Aronson, Staff Reporter
May 15, 2019
The annual UIL choir performances are soon approaching for choir students. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, students will record their performances and submit them, rather than perform them live.

Back in time, choir set for spring show

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
May 14, 2019
Senior Olivia Brucker reads the book, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. Students in AP lit are doing a project based on a book of their choosing for the next several weeks.

[Photo] Students choose their learning in AP Lang project

May 8, 2019
Early voting for midterm elections has been open for nearly two weeks. Polling places for early voting will remain open until 7 p.m. on Friday.

[Photo] Voters head to the polls for Saturday’s local election

Vivek Sundararaman, WTV Staff Reporter
May 3, 2019
Choi is hosting a winter concert Thursday at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. The choir will be singing classic winter songs such as Carol of the Bells” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”

Choir spring concert auditions underway

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
May 2, 2019
Earning a gold seal, junior Sunyoung Yu drew a self portrait to take to the state VASE competition on Friday and Saturday in San Marcus. This was one of the many honors the art department was able to bring home.

Art students medal at state VASE

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
April 30, 2019
Students who are wanting to change their schedules for next year have until May 1st by 4:30 p.m. After May 1st, no changes will be allowed.

[Photo] Deadline looming for 2019-2020 course changes

Ashika Deshpande, Guest Contributor
April 30, 2019
Classes are ending the fall semester with some holiday cheer. Some classes on campus are throwing parties to celebrate and commemorate the semester, including potlucks and movie watching.

[Photo] Learning by watching

Abby Wang, Guest Contributor
April 30, 2019
For seniors interested in going to Six Flags, students must attend a mandatory information meeting on Tuesday at 8:30 to 8:55 a.m. in the library where details on the trip will be provided.

Mandatory Six Flags meeting on Tuesday for seniors

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
April 26, 2019
Actions taken by legislators in Austin could have an impact on the 2019-2020 Frisco ISD budget, but while district leaders wait to see what happens, the school board is meeting with the district's long range planning committee on Wednesday to have an initial public conversation about next year's budget.

2019-20 budget under discussion in special school board meeting

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
April 17, 2019
Fire engulfed Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris at approximately 11:30 a.m. CST. Early damage reports suggest as much as two-thirds of the roof has been destroyed but its two front towers appear to have been saved. The cathedral's wooden frame dates from the year 1220, with some of trees making up the frame cut down between 1160 and 1170. Construction of Notre Dame began in 1163.

4,000 miles away, Notre Dame fire strikes a chord on campus

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
April 15, 2019
Spanish 2 Pre-AP classes are learning about the culture through music and dances. “We have a special theme where they make a real world connection toward it,” Spanish teacher Patricia Flores said.

[Photo] Learning Spanish through music and dance

Shreya Jagan, Guest Contributor
April 15, 2019
Campaigning for StuCo, the candidates have posters all over school. Two female students are running for the student council presidency for the first time in four years.

[Photo] Voting open for 2019-2020

Sydney Bishop, Guest Contributor
April 11, 2019
On their annual spring trip, band traveled to Galveston. Eight band students pose for a picture outside of NASA this past weekend.

Weekend trip helps band bond

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
April 8, 2019
Looking more like snow than hail, the backyard of head volleyball coach Ui Womble is covered with thousands of pieces of hail after a storm on March 25, 2019.

Severe weather clouds Saturday forecast

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
April 5, 2019
Choir made history as they competed in UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest. Mixed and Womens' choir both got sweepstakes.

Choir sings to sweepstakes honors

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
April 3, 2019
Election season is kicking off in Student Council as sponsor Julie Anderson will help narrow down the number of candidates. In the coming weeks the final candidates will begin campaigning for votes in the school-wide election.

Student Council narrows field of candidates for election

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
April 2, 2019
Waiting for student director Eduardo Borja-Prieto to call places for the full run, some of the cast waits outside the stage door and talks through some things in the show. "Urinetown" opened its two night run on Thursday with a final performance Friday night. Rehearsing off and on for months, the show is part of Borja-Prieto's ISM project.

A flushing finish for Urinetown

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
April 1, 2019
Redhawk National Merit Semifinalists from 2019 stand during a recognition ceremony during Monday night's monthly school board meeting. Recognized for their high scoring performance on the PSAT, the seniors have the chance to score thousands in scholarship funds.

National Merit Semifinalists recognized by school board

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
March 5, 2019
Senior Mackenzie Glover hugs senior Mara Casey following the medal ceremony upon the conclusion of the UIL 5A girls' state championship game. Making their second appearance in four years in the state final, the Redhawks lost to the Amarillo Sandies 47-42 in the 5A state championship.

Redhawks fall short of state championship

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
March 4, 2019
Following the game, senior Randi Thompson shares an intimate moment. With this being the last game with some of her team members, it was a bittersweet moment.

Senior Randi Thompson accepts the runner up trophy from Principal Ashley Rainwater. The team fell short in the fourth quarter against the Sandies.

Coach Reedy looks onto the court as the team loses 47-42. "We've always pride ourselves and being really mentally tough and there's probably no other group in the past nine years that has been this mentally tough,” he said.

The crowd gets riled up as Redhawks lose their lead in the fourth quarter. In a back and forth game, the Redhawks got out-scored in the 4th quarter 19-8.

Head coach Ross Reedy was named assistant athletics coordinator for the 2020 -2021 school year. Reedy let the team to win the state championship, making it the district's first one.

[Photo] Championship shoes filling the role of assistant athletics coordinator

August 14, 2020
Senior Makenzi Glover looks to pass the ball to her teammates.

After months of practice the cheer team was able to take home 11th place at the state competition. The team was able to out place all of the other Frisco ISD teams.

[Photo] Cheer sticks the landing

January 15, 2021
Senior Kelsey Kurak drives the ball across the court, while being defended by the Sandies. Despite having a lead the first three quarters, the Sandies made a comeback in the last quarter.

With the girls' basketball teams state championship win being apart of last years season, the celebration hasn't stopped yet. The girls finally received their personal rings presented to them by head coach Ross Reedy and their teammates.

[Photo] Girls' basketball finally receives their hardware

December 10, 2020
Before the game, senior Alyssa Nayar and her teammates stretch on the floor of the Alamodome. For some seniors, this is the second time taking the court for a chance to obtain a state championship.

With tryouts set for Thursday, March 7, 2019, for the 2019-2020, cheer will host clinics Monday-Wednesday in preparation for the official tryout.

[Photo] Countdown to cheerleading tryouts begins Monday

Yael Even, Staff Reporter
March 4, 2019
Taking the court at the Alamodome on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in the 5A state semifinal, starters: Randi Thompson, Mara Casey, Kelsey Kurak, MacKenzie Glover, and Kailyn Lay get ready to take on the Kerrville Tivy Antlers. The Redhawks would go on to win 34-28, advancing to Saturday's championship.

Guarded by Tivy's Julia Becker (#10), senior Randi Thompson looks to make a move in the 5A state semifinal game at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Thompson would finish with a game high 16 points and six steals in the Redhawks 34-28 win.

Trying to get the ball into center Catherine Kaiser (#32), Tivy guard Charli Becker (#11) is guarded by Redhawks senior Randi Thompson. The Redhawks offense sputtered at times, going more than 12 minutes without scoring, but their defense never allowed the Antlers to take a lead.

The Redhawks bench looks on during Thursday's state semifinal game against Kerrville Tivy in the Alamodome. Tied at 27 with six minutes left, the Redhawks would only give up one more point and win 34-28.

Holding her right hand aloft, senior Randi Thompson watches the ball after shooting a free throw in the first half of the UIL 5A state semifinal against Kerrville Tivy. Thompson scored a game high 16 points in the Redhawks 34-28 win on Thursday, Feb. 28 in San Antonio.

Redhawks fans celebrate as the final seconds tick off the clock in the team's 34-28 state semifinal win over Kerrville Tivy in the Alamodome on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. The team is back in action Saturday against Amarillo in the 5A championship game.

Campus athletic director Chris Burtch walks away from the team after the Redhawks 34-28 win the UIL 5A state semifinal against Kerrville Tivy. The team went more than 12 minutes without scoring but never gave up the lead.

As senior Brittany O'Reilly-Ward (#15) looks on, assistant coach Kristin Lynch hugs senior Kelsey Kurak after the Redhawks secured a place in Saturday's 5A state championship game against Amarillo. The Redhawks got there after beating Kerrville Tivy 34-28 on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019.

[Photo] 32 minutes from championship glory

March 1, 2019
During a break in the action, the team huddles up on the sideline in the 5A state semifinal against Kerrville Tivy in the Alamodome. The Redhawks scored a 34-28 win to advance to Saturday's state final.

Both baseball and softball fell to the Centennial Titans with the girls' falling 10-0 and the boys' 7-3 on Friday, March 29, 2019.

Wynia pitches Redhawks to district opening win

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
February 27, 2019
Preparing for the first football game on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at Kuykendall Stadium, Thursday's pep rally looks to raise school spirit. After a year of virtual pep rallies, they are back in person.

StuCo welcomes next year’s class

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
February 26, 2019
Liberty competed in the UIL competition on Saturday in hopes of adding more accolades to the case. Many students placed in several categories.

Top 3 finish at invitational for UIL academic team

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
February 25, 2019
Informing students and parents of information and dates for the 2019-20 year, cheer hosts a mandatory meeting on Monday, Feb. 25 2019 at 6 p.m.

Mandatory cheer meeting Monday at 6 p.m.

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
February 25, 2019
UT Austin's auto admission criteria becomes more selective each year. With the implementation of the new GPA system, students will be forced to take all AP or IB courses in order to meet the set criteria.

[Photo] GPA scale set to do more harm than good

Trisha Dasgupta, Guest Contributor
February 21, 2019
Red Rhythm travelled to Celina High School to participate in he Danceline USA Ring of Champions competition. The girls won Grand Champions Large Team and First Runner up in overall Grand Champs

Red Rhythym sweeps at Danceline USA Ring of Champions

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
February 19, 2019
From Monday to Wednesday, students will have the opportunity to audition for a role in this year's musical. Unlike previous auditions, students are required to sing, dance, and do cold reads.

Preparing for UIL with Pride and Prejudice

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
February 13, 2019
Restaurants all across the country are putting business on hold, including restaurants like Bubba's, where only take out options are available. With these precautions in place, some students are choosing to stay home from work, to reduce their contact others in practice of social distancing.

[Photo] Students take time off work amidst coronavirus concerns

April 1, 2020
After weeks of competition, varsity winter guard is taking a break. The team looks forward to improving their performance styles.

Break awaits winter guard

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
February 11, 2019
Two managers from Chick-fil-A pose in front of their table in the cafeteria. They hope that they can recruit new employees. “It's really, really important to start work ethic very, very young, you have to work to earn bread and a house and all of those things and so you might as well love what you do,” manager Kasey Sjoerdsma said.

Chick-fil-A seeks out ‘remarkable’ workers

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
February 4, 2019
Winter Guard will conclude their season with their final performance on Sunday at the NCTA Championships at Flower Mound High School. Sunday's competition comes as Winter Guard was reclassified to the national level.

Winter guard earns second straight win

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
February 4, 2019
Following the NTCA Coppell High School Competition, color guard practices for flag night on Thursday. The competition took place on Saturday. Varsity placed 1st and junior varsity placed 3rd.

Season starts with a win for winter guard

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
January 28, 2019
Guest contributor Trisha Dasgupta shares her thoughts about the government shutdown. While the shutdown is affecting jobs, immigration is also being affected. The green card process has halted with the shutdown, which has many effects on families seeking to be permanent residents.

[Photo] Real implications of government shutdown

Trisha Dasgupta, Guest Contributor
January 22, 2019
Choi is hosting a winter concert Thursday at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. The choir will be singing classic winter songs such as Carol of the Bells” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”

Chorus of choirs at first ever festival

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
January 22, 2019
DECA members went to the Irving Convention Center to complete the second part of districts, role play. This portion plays a huge part in determining which students are able to go to State. After advancing to state, students will have the chance to go to internationals.

DECA students try to make a date at state

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
January 15, 2019
Students in art class are preparing for the VASE competition in February. On Wednesday, students who wish to compete will know if they are eligible.

[Photo] Art students face VASE deadline

January 15, 2019
The SecureGun prototype includes GPS technology, geofencing, artificial intelligence, and a video camera, which could limit or even prevent mass shootings. The gun has to ability to make decisions and unlock a gun in 500 milliseconds. The team hopes the gun's ability to think for itself will prevent future mass shootings.

Students produce patent pending SecureGun

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
January 11, 2019
Straying from the norm of playing instruments, orchestra students are learning by singing. “We started singing at the beginning of every class to help develop students’ hearing ability,” assistant director Victoria Lien said.

[Photo] Students take a final stride towards All-state

Kennedy Williams, WTV Staff Reporter
January 11, 2019
Saturday's Librarypalooza at Centennial offers students a chance to talk with authors and illustrators. From children's book authors to science and robotics activities, the event aims to appeal to local families and kids of all ages.

[Photo] Library renovations to wrap up by Monday

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
January 8, 2019
Students and terachers raised over $1,000 for the Samaratin Inn. The 2B class that raised the most money will be awarded with a pizza party.

Donation drive raises more than $1,000 for those in need

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
December 21, 2018
With 700 students receiving scholarships from the Frisco Education Foundation in 2018, students are encouraged to apply. Applications for the class of 2020 opened Monday, Dec. 2, 2019 at 10 a.m. and will close on Dec. 20, 2019.

FEF scholarship application Friday at 4:00 p.m.

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
December 20, 2018
In addition to performing with Red Rhythm on Tuesday and Wednesday, freshman Melia Terry will also be playing the violin with the orchestra.

[Photo] Fine Arts Extravaganza double feature for freshman

Sydney Bishop, Guest Contributor
December 18, 2018
NAHS induction ceremony will take place Friday after school. Students in PAP/AP drawing classes had the opportunity to join. The induction is an annual event held by the NAHS club.

[Photo] NAHS holds induction ceremony

Kanz Bitar, Guest Contributor
December 14, 2018
Math teacher Kelli Duckworth attends the cookie exchange and lunch held in the library. Besides many deserts that were offered, the teachers were also offered food. This annual event is a way to show appreciation to the teachers.

Cookie exchange makes teachers’ days sweeter

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
December 13, 2018
Many teachers filled to go boxes with baked goods. The goods were provided by students and parents.

Lines of cupcakes and cookies filled the library tables. The assortment of baked goods was provided by students and parents.

Teachers line up to get food from the annual PTSA event. The event occurred during all lunches and it was a come and go event

Although the event is called "cookie exchange," there were also cupcakes. Different flavored cupcakes provided teachers with a variety of baked goods.

Curtain rises on surprise show

Isabella Santiago and Prachurjya Shreya
December 12, 2018
19 orchestra were selected to the All-Region orchestra with a chance to earn All-State honors and perform in San Antonio in February.

Combination concerts brings orchestra and band together

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
December 7, 2018
AP government students worked on compiling their vocab terms in such a way to create a storybook. This project allows students to be rewarded for not only their knowledge of the content, but their creativity as well,

Lessons become letters in AP government

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
December 6, 2018
Students' last chance to drop AP and Advanced classes is Thursday at 4:30 p.m.

[Photo] Srivani Gandikota

Allie Lynn, Guest Contributor
December 4, 2018
Thanksgiving break provided students with a chance to relax, but for some, the break served as an opportunity to prepare for the All-Region audition on Thursday. The audition allows band students to show off their musical talent and hard work.

39 students admitted to All Region band

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
December 4, 2018
The Professional Golfers Association of America is anticipated to move their headquarters to Frisco if plans are approved in a Tuesday vote by the city council. The facilities are expected to be built on a 2,544 acre property in North Frisco depicted above.

[Photo] PGA tees off bid to move headquarters to Frisco

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
December 4, 2018

Library checks out of service until mid-January

Wade Glover and Prachurjya Shreya
December 3, 2018
After months of rehearsing, the cast and crew and ready to debut their performance of "Singing in the Rain". The show opens Thursday at 7 p.m. in the auditorium with additional shows Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Lights, camera, rain

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
November 29, 2018
Hall passes get a technology update as FISD works to limit in-person contact as much as possiblle.

[Photo] Hall passes get a technology update

September 18, 2020
NHS provides students the chance to spread the holiday spirit to school by decorating teachers' doors.

[Photo] Holiday season comes knocking on classroom doors

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
November 28, 2018
Junior Rachel Vanmeter, junior Emily Degarmo, junior Amelia Jauregui, junior Natalie Guerra, junior Natalie Brooks, and junior Lauren Head (left to right) attended the annual Texas Thespian Festival to perform, take workshops from professionals in the theatre industry, and celebrate theatre.

Thespian festival provides professional learning experience

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
November 16, 2018
Josten's sales representative Sherri Jurak is in the cafeteria until 6 p.m. Thursday for seniors to place their graduation orders.

Seniors can place cap and gown orders

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
November 15, 2018
AP Psychology students prepare to retest.

[Photo] Stop relying on the retest

Caleb Wai, Guest Contributor
November 14, 2018
Being in high school can also mean freedom in regards to work, relationships, and classes, however for freshman, this can be restricted. With laws keeping underclassmen from driving due to age, Wingspan's Allie Lynn shares her thoughts on not being able to drive.

Band parking lot is now open

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
November 13, 2018
Placing first in every category at Prosper High School's Fall Invitational, the debate team poses for a victory picture displaying their trophy. Learning from their mistakes, the team will take their win to the next competition in January.

Debate sweeps four first place victories

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
November 12, 2018
There are boxes in the rotunda for students to drop off games and DVDs for Frisco Family Services. The drive will continue until November 14th.

StuCo seeks donations for games and DVDs

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
November 9, 2018

Real Talk: daylight saving time

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
November 2, 2018
Student council has set up donation boxes in the rotunda on Wednesday to any unused candy to donate to Treats for Troops.

[Photo] Treats for troops

October 31, 2018
JWAC's Take a Side Tuesday is an effort by the club to create conservations on current events and political developments.

Cruz and O’Rourke the focus of Take a Side Tuesday

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
October 23, 2018
Managing Editor Prachurjya Shreya believes social media is a platform for advertisements that target teenagers.

Targeting teens may not be media’s best bet

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
October 22, 2018
Performing inside at the Ford Center is one of the few times the marching band has been able to stay dry as rain has been a factor at several of this year's football games. However, on Saturday they will be performing outside at the UIL Marching Band Showcase in Plano.

Battling the rain, band ready for UIL

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
October 19, 2018
Having spent months preparing for its competitions, the school's debate team medaled in all categories in Melissa.

Debate earns multiple medals

Prachurjya Shreya, Managing Editor
October 19, 2018
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