Breaking News
  • Friday is an early release day with students being dismissed at 12:10 p.m.
  • Thursday is an early release day with students being dismissed at 12:10 p.m.
  • Senior Chris Johnson won the 5A state championship in long jump
  • Associate principal Stacey Whaling will be the new principal starting with the 2022-2023 school year
  • Principal Ashley Rainwater will not be returning as principal next year
  • Class of 2022 graduation is at the Ford Center on Saturday, May 21 at noon
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
All content by Brian Higgins

[Video] If academics were athletics, and teachers were coaches

April 1, 2022
Many upcoming freshman got to take their first look on campus at Rising Freshman Night.

[Photo] Future freshmen stop by campus

March 31, 2022
A severe weather has been hitting the DFW metroplex for the past couple of months.

[Photo] Breaking News: Notification sent to parents about possibility of more severe winter weather

February 22, 2022
More than 60 USB-C to USB adapters are piled on top a desk in room C102. With the new iMacs having no USB ports, the adapters are necessary in the Audio/Video production classroom as the video cameras record on SD cards.

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A crew of 10 Frisco ISD technology workers spent several hours in C102 removing all the Apple iMacs and installing news iMacs on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022. While the room was being worked on, the classes of journalism teacher Brian Higgins relocated to the library.

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The new iMacs are smaller than the previous models at 11.5 mm thick. Powered by a M1 chip, the computers feature smaller keyboards, and four USB-C ports.

[Photo] Campus technology refresh begins

February 1, 2022
Called the Magic Mouse, Apples new wireless mouse is rechargeable with a multi-touch surface. According to Apples site claims the battery on the Magic Mouse could last more than a month.

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Key Club has been helping teachers clean up around the school in light of the campus refresh.

[Photo] Key Club helps clean up

April 14, 2022
Filling several different carts, the new iMacs were installed in two hours.

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Frisco ISD is giving all staff free N95 masks that are more effective in providing protection from COVID-19. The masks are not required to be worn, but any staff member interested in getting one can stop by the front office.

[Photo] District offers free N95 masks to staff

January 14, 2022
FISDs COVID site, in partnership with Nomi Health, have closed its doors after the contract with the city ended.

[Photo] Breaking news: district to open exclusive COVID-19 testing location

January 10, 2022
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[Photo] Sunrise to sunset, senior does it all

November 18, 2021
Senior executive producers Alyssa Murphy, Kirthi Gummadi, and Cooper Ragle film the WTV Daily Update. On Thursday, the show was recognized as a National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker finalist, one of the highest honors for high school journalism.

[Photo] WTV Daily Update receives national recognition

October 22, 2021
Using M&MS to explain the concept of chain rule, students such as senior Vanessa Jara found the lesson to be easier to understand using candy. “I think this makes it a lot easier to remember because M&Ms are a thing that most of us are familiar with,” Jara said. “It helps us visualize a difficult and unknown concept and put it into something we’re familiar and comfortable with.”

[Photo] Candy helps teach new calculus concept

September 17, 2021
The FDA has approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children from ages 5-11 leading FISD to email parents that all students under 12 will return to on-campus learning on Jan. 4, 2022.

[Photo] Guava pudding

April 11, 2021
Recently, Frisco company, InspectIR, made first FDA approved COVID-19 breath test, making testing for COVID-19 even easier.

[Photo] Frisco company develops first COVID breath test

April 28, 2022
Due to limited space, the current Frisco public library will be moving locations where it will be rebuilt as a bigger building where it will hold larger numbers of people and books.

[Photo] Construction set to begin for new public library

April 8, 2021
Whether its blooming flowers that trigger allergies, or the stress of exams, guest contributor Shruti Bhoyar has anything but spring fever.

[Photo] From blooming flowers to STAAR tests, spring is stressful

March 31, 2021
Seniors celebrated prom last weekend, a special dance regarding the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. Held at the W hotel, all students were required to wear masks and social distance.

[Photo] Prom official for senior class of 2021

March 18, 2021
Stretching before a game, the Redhawks softball has started off slow with the team looking for its first win Friday at Lone Star.

[Photo] Hitting the road, Redhawks softball hopes to take flight

March 19, 2021
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Local services are available to those affected by the recent Texas winter storms. Some organizations to reach out to include Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Health and Human Services Commission, North Texas Food Bank, Frisco Family Services, The Shepherd’s Hand, and Minnie’s Food Pantry.

[Photo] Ways to receive help for those affected by winter storm

February 25, 2021
Canned food and other non-perishable food items are among the items journalism adviser Brian Higgins and his 12-year-old son Owen bought on Saturday for Mondays food and water drive sponsored by PALs, Student Council, and Wingspan. What I would like students to take from this drive, is to realize that sometimes people fall on hard times and they couldnt do a thing about it to stop it from happening, Higgins said via email. And when that happens, people need the support of others, and if you can provide support, whether through volunteering or donating, its worth doing because you never know when you may need help yourself.

[Photo] Clubs on campus team up for donation drive

February 22, 2021
Black History Month is observed every February, and it is celebrated by various countries across the world. This year, Student Council is bringing the celebration to campus through informational posters in the rotunda and a slideshow with biographies that will be displayed in the cafeteria.

[Photo] Student council aims to educate during Black History Month

February 1, 2021
Senior Maya Jain hugs friends and family after UIL State Championship tournament. After the Redhawks head home, they will have to adapt to a new normal.

[Photo] 8 months later and the championship memory lives on

November 6, 2020
Students interested in taking dual credit classes through UNT have the chance to learn more about the program tomorrow night.

[Photo] FISD introduces new dual credit program

October 27, 2020
Southern Images Photography will be on campus Tuesday and Wednesday taking school pictures. Photos can be viewed and ordered online Sept. 30-Oct. 4 by going to www.soimagesphoto.com and clicking on the Clients/Galleries tab and entering the student ID.

[Photo] Say cheese, school pictures take place Tuesday and Wednesday

September 21, 2020
Parked on West Street near Vesey Street on September 11, 2001, the FDNY Ladder 3 truck was damaged as a result of the collapse of the Twin Towers. The truck is now on display at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City.

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The aerial ladder was partially crushed on the FDNY Ladder Truck 3 on September 11, 2001 when debris from the Twin Towers fell on the vehicle. The truck is on display at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum as it was found on Sept. 11, 2001.

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Occupying a huge wall in the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, this mural created by Spencer Finch is titled Trying to Remember the Color of the Sky on That September Morning. Comprised of 2,983 watercolor squares, it features a quote from Roman poet Virgil that reads No day shall erase you from the memory of time.

[Photo] Redhawks reminisce on the 20th anniversary of 9/11

September 10, 2021
Flags and flowers are often sprinkled throughout the names on both the North and South Pools in memory of those who lost their life on Sept. 11, 2001. The names of all the victims of both 2001 and 1993 are inscribed here and are grouped by the locations and circumstances in which victims found themselves during the attacks.

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Patriot Day honors the lives of those who were killed as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. This day effects and has influenced many people on campus.

[Photo] Patriots Day influences staff on campus

September 10, 2021
Flags and flowers are often sprinkled throughout the names on both the North and South Pools in memory of those who lost their life on Sept. 11, 2001. The names of all the victims of both 2001 and 1993 are inscribed here and are grouped by the locations and circumstances in which victims found themselves during the attacks.

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Located near the 9/11 Memorial Pools is this Callery pear tree. Called the Survivor Tree it was discovered by recovery workers at Ground Zero in October 2001. Severely damaged, the tree was removed by the New York City Parks and Recreation Department and nursed back to health at a different location. It was returned ot the site in 2010 and now stands in the plaza as a symbol of resilience and perseverance.

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This set of stairs called The Survivors Staircase was the last visible remaining original structure above ground level at the World Trade Center site. On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, these stairs served as an escape route for hundreds of people feeling the World Trade Center complex.

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Locating to the southwest from the top of the One World Trade Center, visitors can see the Statue of Liberty, approximately two miles away in the Upper New York Bay.

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The design of the 9/11 Memorial was chosen from more than 5,000 contest submissions. The winning entry was submitted by architect Michael Arad and landscape architect Peter Walker, and is called Reflecting Absence. The design features twin waterfall pools surrounded by bronze parapets.

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Occupying a huge wall in the 9//11 Memorial & Museum, this mural created by Spencer Finch is titled Trying to Remember the Color of the Sky on That September Morning. Comprised of 2,983 watercolor squares, it features a quote from Roman poet Virgil that reads No day shall erase you from the memory of time.

[Photo] Nearly two decades later, 9/11 still elicits vivid memories for teachers

September 11, 2020
Adjacent to where the Twin Towers once stood, One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the United States and features a viewing platform more than 1,2000 feet up. Located in Lower Manhattan, the view north provides a glimpse that covers most of Manhattan. Construction of the building began in 2006 with the building opening in 2014. The One World Observatory, from where this picture was taken, opened on May 29, 2015.

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With in person school having started on Thursday, minimizing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 is crucial. It’s important that students know, and are aware of, how to keep themselves, their peers, and their teachers safe in a learning environment.

[Photo] How students can help stay safe when returning to school

September 8, 2020
Staff reporter Madison Saviano explores hot topics and issues that students face in her weekly column Piece by Piece.

[Photo] Piece by Piece: buy, buy, bye

August 25, 2020
The school wasn’t spared from the high winds that whipped through the area as one of the trees in front of the school, outside the social studies hall, was split almost in half from winds. 

[Photo] Storm rolled into North Texas, leaving some damage

August 17, 2020
Economics teacher Fred Kaiser begins his Zoom meeting with students during first period in his classroom. Thursday marked the first day of school and the beginning of three weeks of strictly virtual instruction for students.

[Photo] Students start school online

August 13, 2020
Although multiple factories in Dallas County were forced to shut down to COVID-19 complications, delaying yearbook arrival, the yearbook staff kept finishing the book during eLearning. “The staff is always proud of all the work that we’ve put in when designing and completing our yearbook, so we always make sure that students receive their book as promised. Hosting a safe and contactless yearbook distribution was our biggest concern for this year due to the current circumstances, which is why we chose to go with the same method as demobilization, Editor-in-Chief Alice Caid said.

[Photo] Yearbooks available for pick-up

July 23, 2020
Standing outside Toyota Stadium, senior Yael Even is all smiles before her graduation on Saturday, May 30, 2020.

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Redhawk alumni Jonathan Peng makes his way across the graduation stage on May 31, 202 while wearing his National Honor Society stole. Stoles, along with honors cords and other academic awards, are available in front of the auditorium for class of 2021 graduates on Tuesday and Wednesday.

[Photo] Awards and cords available for pickup for seniors

May 4, 2021
All FISD students are given their own FISD email which they hold from elementary school. However, all of class of 2021 FISD student accounts will be deactivated following graduation.

[Photo] Senior emails to deactivate May 22

May 13, 2021
Like the graduation ceremony in 2020, graduates will be responsible for getting themselves to commencement ceremonies. Unlike the event last year, the 2021 ceremony will be held at The Ford Center at The Star, rather than Toyota Stadium.

[Photo] Upcoming senior events make way for graduation

February 9, 2021
This Saturday, graduation will be livestreamed so family and friends can watch either live or after the ceremony.

[Photo] Graduation is being live streamed this weekend

May 17, 2022
For the class of 2022, graduation is set on Saturday at noon at the Ford Center.

[Photo] Graduation held on Saturday at the Ford Center

May 20, 2022
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Posing for a picture, senior Kanz Bitar holds her diploma on the stage at Toyota Stadium for the class of 2020 graduation on Saturday, May 30, 2020.

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Senior Maddie Aronson makes her way across the stage at Toyota Stadium for the class of 2020 graduation on Saturday, May 30, 2020.

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Looking towards the rest of the class of 2020, senior Roy Nitzan makes his way off the stage at Toyota Stadium for the class of 2020 graduation on Saturday, May 30, 2020.

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“For all FISD 2021 graduations, face coverings will be optional for graduating seniors and guests,” FISD said in an email to students. “Sections will be designated at Ford Center at the Star for those wishing to remain masked and seated socially distanced from other households.” The change in the mask policy comes just days before graduation, but some students aren’t too concerned.

[Photo] Masks to be optional at graduation

May 20, 2021
Family members of a class of 2020 graduate sit in the shade at Toyota Stadium on Saturday, May 30, 2020 for the class of 2020 graduation.

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Wearing her Frisco ISD class of 2020 graduation masks provided by Jostens, principal Ashley Rainwater stands on the field at Toyota Stadium for graduation on Saturday, May 30, 2020.

[Photo] Campus reacts to Principal Rainwaters departure

March 24, 2022
With his hand over his heart, head football coach Matt Swinnea stands during the national anthem during the class of 2020s graduation at Toyota Stadium on Saturday, May 30, 2020.

[Photo] Swinnea tackles planning season amid COVID-19

August 17, 2020
Sitting in the Hall of Fame section of Toyota Stadium, graduates are socially distanced at the start of the class of 2020 graduation ceremony at Toyota Stadium on Saturday, May 30, 2020.

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Frisco Police Department officer, and campus resources officer, Glen Hubbard was on hand at Toyota Stadium for the class of 2020 graduation on Saturday, May 30, 2020.

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In their Jostens caps and gowns, the class of 2020 sits in the stands at their graduation ceremony last year. In almost a month, the Class of 2021 will join them in becoming Redhawk alumni, with caps and gowns available for pickup Wednesday and graduation scheduled for May 23 at the Ford Center at The Star.

[Photo] Graduation getup ready for pickup

April 6, 2021
Walking through the tunnel at Toyota Stadium, senior Amelia Jauregui smiles as she makes her to the start of the graduation ceremony at Toyota Stadium on Saturday, May 30, 2020.

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Campus administration spent several days collecting personal items from throughout campus for students to pickup beginning Thursday with seniors. Every grade level has a different day to pick up and drop off stuff with each grade divided by last name as far as what time they can pick up or drop off items.

[Photo] Campus demobilization begins Thursday

May 13, 2020
Teachers throughout Frisco ISD are being adopted as part of the Adopt-A-Teacher program started by parent Kimberly Armstrong. For journalism teacher Brian Higgins, it meant a basket filled with various treats and gift cards.

[Photo] Appreciating teachers during COVID-19

May 11, 2020
Frisco ISD will be observing a four day weekend as Friday and Monday are school holidays with no eLearning scheduled for these two days. eLearning classes resume on Tuesday.

[Photo] eLearning to take a break for district holidays

April 9, 2020
Pictured by the intersection of Main St. and 2nd St., business and roads in Friscos Rail District were nearly empty following Collin Countys stay-at-home order that took effect in March.

[Photo] Collin, Denton Counties issue stay-at-home orders

March 24, 2020
Hitting a 3-point shot in the third OT that gave the Redhawks a four point lead they wouldnt relinquish, junior Lily Ziemkiewicz hugs family and friends at the end of the 5A Region II final in Garland. The Redhawks advanced to the state semifinals after beating Midlothian 48-43 on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020.

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With scoring at a premium in the 5A Region II final versus Midlothian, junior Maya Jain (#24) holds her hands in the air after shooting (and making) a three point shot in overtime. The Panthers led the Redhawks 4-2 at the end of the first quarter with both teams trading leads throughout the triple overtime game won by the Redhawks 48-43.

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The back and forth nature of Saturdays 5A Region II final in Garland had many Redhawks fans on their feet for the duration of all three overtimes. The Redhawks will be back on the court Thursday in San Antonio for the 5A state semifinals.

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It was a Pink Out game for the Redhawks as they hosted the Centennial Titans on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019 at the Ford Center at The Star. The Redhawks and Titans both entered the game without a win and after a close first half, it was the Titans that walked away with the 41-28 win.

[Photo] Football falls to Titans in season’s closest game

October 15, 2019
AP Human Geography students take part in an activity scattered throughout the hallways and rotunda. Students in AP Biology and astronomy also participate in lessons that include assignments outside of the classroom.

[Photo] Learning beyond the classroom

September 11, 2019
Originally cancelled by Plano ISD amidst security concerns, Thursdays game between Plano Senior High School and El Paso Eastwood High School was reinstated when Frisco ISD offered the use of The Ford Center at The Star. Making the more than 600 mile trip from El Paso to Frisco, El Paso fans arrived hours before kickoff to take in the sights at The Star.

[Photo] More than just a game

September 5, 2019
Before laying down the new turf, work crews had to pull up the old turf and resurface the area below the playing field. The work which was funded by the 2018 bond election, took several months to complete and will see its first action Friday night when the Redhawks host North Garland.

[Photo] FISD Memorial Stadium gets new turf

August 29, 2019
Rolls of the old turf at Memorial Stadium sat in the east parking lot during the turf replacement process that took place this summer. The project took months to complete and was finished in plenty of time for its 2019 debut when the Redhawks host North Garland. The new turf was funded by the 2018 bond approved by voters.

[Photo] FISD Memorial Stadium gets new turf

August 29, 2019
Baseball players selected a teacher to join them on the field before Fridays game. Teachers were given a jersey from their player to wear onto the field before the game and in the case of social studies teacher Jay Sommers, a full uniform. Sommers was chosen by senior pitcher and future University of West Virginia Mountaineers Tim Wynia.

[Photo] Titans topple Redhawks on the diamond

April 1, 2019
Girls and boys soccer will take the field at Toyota Stadium on Friday, March 22 to go head to head against the Lone Star Rangers. With this being the last match in District 9-5A, the girls will have the chance to secure their spot in playoffs.

[Photo] Playoff spots on the line at Toyota Stadium

March 22, 2019
Posing with other Wingspan staff members on a trip to San Francisco in April 2018, editor-in-chief Kasey Harvey writes says that friend groups can change from middle school to high school and that can be a good thing as it allows a person to discover new relationships.

[Photo] Limiting friends can be a wasted opportunity

September 19, 2018
Receiving some social media love over the summer for its Mangonada, a mango slush with chamoy, tajin, and fresh mango chunks, Zero Degrees on Preston Road is hit or miss. Its signature drink falls a bit flat, but its Cookie Monster shake hits the spot.

[Photo] Review: Zero Degrees

September 6, 2018
Anyone can complete this course either on the beach or in their bed as it is all online with the exception of the proctored final.

[Photo] Secondary summer school registration begins

May 14, 2018
Wingspan and WTV students Marisa Uddin, Divya Murali, Brooke Colombo, Mady Daddario, Wade Glover, Keegan Williams, Neha Perumall and Megain hold up their award certificates at the end of the JEA/NSPA Fall National High School Journalism Convention in Dallas.

[Photo] Setting the pace, WTV Daily Update wins national award

November 28, 2017
Collections boxes are set up in the rotunda for donations which will be provided to those affected by Hurricane Harvey. The donation drive is being led by student council in a partnership with the Frisco PTA.

[Photo] Harvey donation drive underway

September 6, 2017
Friscos only Costco was a busy stop for gas on Thursday as drivers waited more than 20 minutes to fill up with the cheapest gas in town at $2.15.

[Photo] Harvey leads to gas shortages in Frisco

August 31, 2017
19 orchestra were selected to the All-Region orchestra with a chance to earn All-State honors and perform in San Antonio in February.

[Photo] Orchestra brings year to close with final show

May 18, 2017
Being happy can have an impact on day to day life and the Happiness Challenge hopes make happiness a habit. I am very energetic when I am positive, sophomore Jennifer Hernandez said after high-fiving classmate and fellow sophomore Ariela Rodrigues.

[Photo] Challenge seeks to make happiness a habit

April 18, 2017
Currently under construction the Omni Hotel at The Star is scheduled to be opened by the time the 2018 NFL Draft would be held.

[Photo] NFL draft could be coming to The Star

April 7, 2017
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