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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
Caroline Caruso

Caroline Caruso, Editor-in-Chief

Caroline Grace is a senior moving into her fourth and final year of being on Wingspan staff! She is also involved in NHS, choir, student council, Frisco ISD’s Student Advisory Board, Varsity cheer, and is President of the Best Buddies chapter on campus and Secretary of the Sand Volleyball club. Her involvement in Wingspan has facilitated her passion for the realm of communications and public relations. In her free time, you can catch her in downtown Dallas with her church, reading, cooking, or singing something- she is never not singing, really.

Contact Caroline: caroline.caruso.433@k12.friscoisd.org

All content by Caroline Caruso
Rates of flu are continuing to rise in the United States. The U.S. has crossed the epidemic threshold, according to federal health officials, with flu hospitalizations reaching the highest point since 2010.

Flu cases are on the rise

November 30, 2022
Members of the editing staff sit down with members of the staff to discuss what its like being in Wingspan.

The Scoop: Maya Silberman

November 8, 2022
Spending almost all of his life in school, AP Biology and AP Research teacher Chris Ham has gotten his PhD in Educational Psychology. Ham’s PhD program allowed him to combine science and education, and solidify his understanding that science is key to empowering people to make informed and healthy decisions for themselves.

AP Biology teacher Chris Ham puts the pH in PhD

October 31, 2022
The Collin College Writing Center is offering free help with college applications to dual credit students. Appointments will be available at all locations, including neighboring areas such as the Frisco, Plano, and McKinney campuses.

College application help available at Collin College Writing Center

October 21, 2022
Pictured: All-Region finalists pose for a picture at the TMEA-sponsored concert. After advancing past the first round of auditions and becoming All-Region finalists, several choir students prepare for phase 2 of All-State auditions Saturday at Little Elm High School beginning at 9 a.m.

Choir cranks up rehearsal time for All-Region auditions

October 14, 2022
The Redhawks choir is performing its first concert of the year Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. “I think the fall concert is a great way to demonstrate where we’re at to start with, and know where to grow from there,” choir director Toni Ugolini said. “I’m really excited to have everybody on the stage and have everybody else hear what we’re working on so far.”

First choir concert set for Wednesday night

October 12, 2022
Members of the editing staff sit down with members of the staff to discuss what its like being in Wingspan.

The Scoop: Shreya Agrawal

October 11, 2022
Members of the editing staff sit down with members of the staff to discuss what its like being in Wingspan.

The Scoop: how we met

September 27, 2022
The Frisco ISD Board of Trustees is hosting a Community Input Meeting Monday at 6:30. Each speaker will be given three minutes to speak.

Board of Trustees holds Community Input Meeting Monday

September 26, 2022
As the Homecoming dance approaches, Student Council has decorated the halls for Homecoming week. For many students, the decorations brought back feelings of school spirit to start out to their Monday morning.

Bringing school spirit, Student Council decorates for homecoming

September 13, 2022
Student Council hosted a line dancing event during advisory on Thursday. Many students and teachers found enjoyment in the midday activities.

Student council boosts spirit with line dancing

September 8, 2022
Culinary arts students are constructed models of flowers made of tootsie rolls on Wednesday. The project is meant to help students learn about keeping clean hands in the kitchen.

Culinary arts students are on a roll

September 1, 2022
Members of the editing staff sit down with members of the staff to discuss what its like being in Wingspan.

The Scoop: our origin stories

August 30, 2022
The administration building is frequently the site of board meetings and other district-related occurrences. Frisco ISD was given an A rating by the Texas Education Agency Monday in all categories, making it the largest district in the North Texas area to receive such a distinction.

Frisco ISD given superior score by TEA

August 16, 2022
Members of the editing staff sit down with members of the staff to discuss what its like being in Wingspan.

The Scoop: an introduction

August 16, 2022
Pictured: the Redhawk color guard practices in the Vandeventer Middle School gym. Over the summer, the guard, as well as band students, attended Vandeventer for practices in preparation for their fall show, Queen Bee. Despite having to adjust to a new location due to school renovations, both departments were able to get ahead of schedule in their rehearsals for this upcoming year.

The busy bees of band camp

August 11, 2022
The majority of staff and students make a return to campus after summer vacation. However, for a select few, this fall will be the first time stepping foot into the nest.

Redhawks return to a school year rhythm

August 10, 2022
Sophomore Kyla Dalton (pictured right) stands with her dance teacher Sarah Cadungung after a performance Friday. In this weeks edition of Artistic Expressions, Wingspan sits down with Dalton as she discusses her passion for dancing.

Kyla Dalton

May 16, 2022
In this weeks edition of Artistic Expression, Wingspan sits down with sketchbook artist Jaden Silver Pearl as she discusses her passion for drawing.

Jaden “Silver” Pearl

May 10, 2022
For the past five years, Frisco ISD has been distinguished as one of the best communities for music education. The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation has announced this years winners, with Frisco ISD being on the list, once again.

FISD named best community for music education six years in a row

May 5, 2022

The Big Tipper

May 3, 2022
Junior Red Rhythm member Kanen Braden (pictured center) performs alongside her fellow Red Rhythm dancers at a pep rally. In this weeks edition of Artistic Expressions, Wingspan sits down with Braden as she discusses her passion for dancing.

Kanen Braden

April 20, 2022
Guest Contributor Kiara Hinz shares her experience in the Immersive Van Gough exhibit in Dallas. Including more than 200 of his lifes paintings, the show illustrates the illustrator himself, artist Vincent Van Gough.

[Photo] Starry Night meets Dallas

March 2, 2022
Cooper, Athena, and Andrew sit down to sort out a list of movies that they believe to be the greatest, or not so great.

[Photo] The Reel Deal: Pixar tier list

November 19, 2021
Winter Guard placed first in Saturdays championship competition.

Winterguard wins big

April 4, 2022
Sister clubs, Youth and Government and Model United Nations will be making their way to Dallas Saturday to the Urban Youth Summit. Members of both clubs will have a chance to learn further into what they are interested in.

Model United Nations hits state convention Friday

March 31, 2022
Pictured above: the theatre departments fall showing of Singing in the Rain, back in 2018. Within the span of a few months, freshman Nicholas Giles has experienced an entire musical production, while also finding a new hobby in the process. In this weeks edition of Artistic Expressions, Wingspan sits down with Giles as he talks about his passion for acting.

Nicholas Giles

March 15, 2022
Every 4 years, the orchestra department takes a trip to Disney World. Many students found it as a great opportunity to get closer with their peers.

Spring break means trip to Disney World

March 14, 2022
In this week’s edition of Artistic Expressions, Wingspan sits down with junior Shreya Pattangi as she discusses her passion for choral repertoire.

Shreya Pattangi

February 22, 2022

Home is where the music is

February 10, 2022
In English teacher Vanessa Melvins classroom, some of her students best work can be found on the Rockstar Wall. Not only does this highlight students who have reached a high level of writing, but it also serves as examples to other students of what exemplary looks like in Melvins classroom.

[Photo] Melvin showcases writing on Rockstar Wall

February 8, 2022
From a young age, Saujesh Barman felt drawn to instruments. In this week’s edition of Artistic Expressions, Wingspan sits down with the senior as he talks about his passion for playing the guitar.

Saujesh Barman

February 8, 2022
Once they were teacher and student, but now, they are colleagues. Jeff Crowe, Brian Higgins, and Julie Blackstock (back row), used to be the teachers of the colleagues standing in front of them: Kristen Mayfield, Haley Brown, and Madison Waggerman.

Teacher and student in the past, colleagues today

February 7, 2022

Cheer leaps and bounds in Zumba workout

February 2, 2022
Posing for a picture, Best Buddies vice president Marcela Perdron (center) smiles with former club members at the 2019 Friendship Ball. After two years of absence, the dance will be returning this Saturday, and Buddies will be returning to the dance floor.

[Photo] Friendship Ball returns Saturday for Best Buddies

February 2, 2022
In this week’s edition of Artistic Expressions, Wingspan sits down with junior Akash Pradeep as he shares his passion for shoe design.

Akash Pradeep

February 1, 2022
Wingspan sits down with junior Allie Elgin as she discusses her newly found passion for floral design.

Allie Elgin

January 11, 2022
Pictured: All-Region finalists pose for a picture at the TMEA-sponsored concert. After advancing past the first round of auditions and becoming All-Region finalists, several choir students prepare for phase 2 of All-State auditions Saturday at Little Elm High School beginning at 9 a.m.

Six months in the making, two students inducted in All-State Choir

January 11, 2022
From the age of five, Drill team director Nicole Nothes has held a passion for dance. Now as she coachess the Red Rhythm dance team on campus, she is able to relay her passion for the art to her students. 

[Photo] Dancing through life

December 16, 2021
Redhawk orchestra students sit on stage in the auditorium. With Wednesday and Thursday being the premier of the annual Winter Extravaganza, multiple groups across the fine arts department will unite to bring holiday spirit to the Redhawk community. Both shows begin at 7 pm in the auditorium, and tickets for each person can be purchased via the band website.

Winter Extravaganza is here for the holidays

December 16, 2021
In this week’s edition of Artistic Expressions, Wingspan sits down with junior Kenna Hall as she talks about her fascination and experience with fashion design. Hall references a few projects she has worked on over the years.

Kenna Hall

December 7, 2021
Theatres opening night for Bright Star, their fall musical, starts Thursday evening at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased at the doors of the auditorium. I don’t want to give any spoilers but a lot of crazy stuff happens, cast member Cierra Willis, pictured above, said.

Theatre shines Bright like a Star in fall musical

December 2, 2021
Theatres opening night for Bright Star, their fall musical, starts Thursday evening at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased at the doors of the auditorium. I don’t want to give any spoilers but a lot of crazy stuff happens, cast member Cierra Willis, pictured above, said.

Ciara Willis

November 30, 2021
FISD has a new team of school support specialists. Their goal is to educate families on mental-health related concerns.

School support specialists aim to educate on mental health concerns

November 19, 2021
Pictured: Krishna Rajagopal (center) practicing sight-reading with two section members. Vowels, consonants, diction, and dynamics are in the back of every choir students mind as UIL contest approaches. Beginning Tuesday, all three choirs on campus will sing their hearts out in the state-wide competition.

Krishna Rajgopal

November 9, 2021
Legislation, executive, and judicial decisions have been made an opportunity for three juniors on campus, after announcements rolled out Saturday that the trio would be embarking on a trip to Austin this summer for the Texas Boys State conference.

Texas Boys State Nominees Announced

November 8, 2021
Nurse Lindsey McDavid has started a newsletter, Notes from the Nurse, that keeps teachers updated on current health news and answers any medical concerns they may have.

Notes from the Nurse answers teachers’ medical questions

November 5, 2021
A modern-day twist of Da Vincis the Mona Lisa, the tabby cat portrait sits in the art room.

[Photo] Artistic Expressions: volume 13

February 1, 2022
Screen Shot 2021-10-20 at 2.01.56 PM

[Photo]

Frisco ISDs Inside Scoop, held at Emerson High School, gives community members the opportunity to talk to district leaders.

District’s first Inside Scoop of the year

October 7, 2021
Gone are the days of Zoom and virtual performances as orchestra is holding its fall concert Tuesday evening, beginning at 7 pm. The concert is the first live performance for orchestra in 18 months and comes with no COVID-19 restrictions in place.

Free from COVID restrictions, orchestra hosts live concert

October 5, 2021
To assist students, Frisco ISD is continuing their free tutoring services, RAIL through live conferencing and video tutorials.

Free tutoring offered

September 29, 2021
The Redhawks take it to the court Friday for a District 9-5A volleyball game. The Redhawks look to lay their losing streak to rest and bring home a win.

Volleyball hopes to bounce back against Lebanon Trail

September 17, 2021
Best Buddies will be having a Back-to-School Bash Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m. It is also an opportunity for some students to earn service hours.

Best Buddies hosts Back to School Bash

September 10, 2021
National Honor Society will be holding their first meeting in person meetings of the year since Spring 2020 this Tuesday and Wednesday. “I think the biggest difference between last year and now is the volunteer opportunities we have for members,” she said. “This year, we really want to provide opportunities that are geared towards our members’ interests.

NHS meetings back to in person

August 31, 2021
The first of many social gatherings set for students to attend this fall, performances at Redhawk Rally bring spirit to students and families.

Redhawk Rally sets tone for social gatherings this fall

August 16, 2021
In the eyes of Managing Editor Caroline Caruso, some of the most memorable life experiences stem from days in elementary and early middle school. Caruso expresses her opinion on K-6 students having the option to return to virtual learning this school year.

A new proposition: K-6 given option to return to virtual learning

August 12, 2021
The drop period for advanced and AP classes is opening Friday. It will stay open until Sept. 22.

Second year of high school, first year on campus

August 12, 2021
Senior ads provide an opportunity for parents to leave a note for their graduating student. The deadline for senior ads is Friday, and payments can be made in installments.

Yearbook pick up window opens Wednesday

May 12, 2021

The Twilight Zone transitions into 1985

May 5, 2021
Throughout April and May, many seniors will be able to revisit their elementary schools or join in on a virtual meet-up with their school. For many, this is a chance to visit old teachers and end their time as a student in FISD on a high note.

Seniors revisit their elementary schools one last time

April 28, 2021
Track will compete today and Saturday at regionals where they look to accomplish personal and team goals to move on to state.

State on the line for track and field athletes

April 22, 2021
Despite being limited to the number of participants allowed, chapter Social Advisor and junior Marcela Pedron believes that the community walk was successful in relaying the club’s inclusive values. “Since Best Buddies International usually plans everything and sets it up, we had to plan a lot more,” Pedron said. “We had to think about food, music, games, things to do, etc, which isn’t something we would have to think about in years past.”

Best Buddies participates in annual Friendship Walk

April 19, 2021
HOSA is hosting its annual Blood Drive sponsored by Carter BloodCare this Wednesday near the auditorium doors from 8:30-3:30 PM.

HOSA hosts Carter Bloodcare Drive Wednesday

April 14, 2021
HOSA is hosting its annual Blood Drive sponsored by Carter BloodCare this Wednesday near the auditorium doors from 8:30-3:30 PM.

[Photo] HOSA hosts annual blood drive

November 17, 2021
BPA regionals will be taking place Wednesday after school from 4:30-6:00 pm.

Is there any value in state testing?

April 7, 2021

60 years later: The Twilight Zone

March 31, 2021
Current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, who are interested in applying for an officer position with HOSA for 2021-2022 must turn in their application and recommendation by Friday at 5 p.m.

HOSA officer applications due Friday

March 25, 2021
During their conference period, teachers on campus will be able to partake in LHS Real Talks, a monthly meetup for staff designed to celebrate diversity present on campus.

Teachers set for Real Talks on Thursday

March 17, 2021
Two orchestra students on campus, both of whom were selected to advance from the preliminary round of the Coleman Chamber Music Competition, will have a chance to win the People’s Choice Award. 

Two orchestra students on campus advance to next round of Coleman Chamber Music Competition

March 5, 2021
Children, adolescents, and adults alike share in celebrating World Read Aloud Day this Wednesday.

Bookmark Wednesday as World Read Aloud Day

February 3, 2021
Senior ads provide an opportunity for parents to leave a note for their graduating student. The deadline for senior ads is Friday, and payments can be made in installments.

Friday last day to order yearbook

January 28, 2021
Now an English teacher, veteran David Volkmar reflects on his time as a Marine on Veterans Day.

Once a Marine, always a Marine

January 27, 2021
Student Council is looking for new members for the 2021-2022 school year. Applications will be done via a Google form, and they will close Jan 22. I need more people who think outside the box, self-starters, and I’m just looking for people who are committed to creating a more inclusive and inviting campus, Student Council sponsor Kandy Stevens said.

StuCo applications open through Friday

January 21, 2021
In years past, freshmen on campus have filled the hallways for one night exclusively, Rising Freshman Night. Now, this years participants will be taking a virtual approach, as the night will be composed into a webinar.

Wednesday’s Rising Freshman Night goes virtual

January 20, 2021
Spring break marks the conclusion of the third nine-week grading period. Bad weather days and SAT made the block schedule a bit more complicated.

Another semester, another switch in learning environments

January 6, 2021
Frisco ISD continues to increase the number of course offerings available for students with the addition of new classes and pathway programs for the 2021-2022 school year. Starting next fall, those interested will be able to explore a multitude of options, with electives ranging from African American studies to a Multicultural Section of AP Seminar. 

New course offerings available for 2021

December 16, 2020
Shelter project

StuCo accepting donations for Austin Street Shelter

December 10, 2020
A year after their musical Matilda, theater returns to the stage Wednesday for their next fall performance The Laramie Project. The show aims to shed light on serious issues with relevance to today’s world, specifically regarding violence towards members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Theater returns with production of The Laramie Project

December 1, 2020
Starting off with the 2020-2021 school year, Pre-AP classes will be given a new name. The change to “advanced” has been in the works for a while, and is a result of a decision ultimately made by the College Board.

Pre-AP now a thing of the past

November 18, 2020
Unable to do a traditional choir concert due to COVID-19 restrictions, the FISD choir department has joined students to create a virtual concert experience on Thursday at 7 p.m.

No stage required for virtual choir concert

November 12, 2020
CollegeBoard has launched BigFutureDays, a regional series of virtual college fairs with registration now open for Texas and its regional event on March 30. “Student Search Service is a free voluntary program connecting students with information about educational and financial aid opportunities from eligible colleges, universities, scholarships, and other educational programs,” College and Career Facilitator Leslie Thompson said.

AP Exams payment window adjusted by College Board

November 2, 2020
To help provide parents with more information on these substances, Frisco ISD is hosting a webinar “Real Talk: CBD, Cannabis, & Edibles” Wednesday from 6-7 p.m. Hosted by Irene Little, the CEO and Director of Access Counseling, the main goal of the presentation is to keep parents of teens informed on trends and concerns that have popped up in recent years. 

CBD, cannabis, and edibles webinar tonight

October 28, 2020
Once recognized as National Hispanic Heritage Week by President Lyndon B. Johnson, Hispanic Heritage Month finally made its debut as a national holiday during Ronald Reagans presidency in 1988. The month itself seeks to highlight the cultural contributions made by both Hispanic and Latino Americans. Through the eyes of two Hispanic staff members and one student on campus, Wingspan takes a look at what it means to be Hispanic in 2020.

Their heritage is more than a month

October 15, 2020
With both of his parents born in Mexico, senior Juan Pablo Trujillo is influenced by his Hispanic heritage. “Hispanic culture has shaped me primarily through the interactions with my family, who mostly live in Mexico,” he said. “I like that I get to see different perspectives, habits, and environments whenever I visit them, and I think that is really what makes me who I am today.”

Normality in two cultures: Juan Pablo Trujillo

October 14, 2020
For art teacher Fred Rodriguez, his Hispanic heritage is something that influences him as a dad. With three children Nate (5), Noah (7), and Luke (8), Rodriguez and his wife Nancy incorporate their background into every day life. “My culture influences a lot of the ways I raise my kids. Hispanic culture is very family oriented, so we tend to have a lot of family events,” Rodriguez said. “We have a lot of friends that come over and become like family. In those ways my culture influenced just how my family and I interact with people in our community.”

Passing down culture to next generation: Fred Rodriguez

October 14, 2020
A series of Dual Credit Information Nights will take place from Wednesday until Jan. 12. The first event is a webinar held Wednesday from 7:00 to 7:45 p.m.

Part two of Dual Credit Night expected to take place this evening

October 7, 2020
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[Photo] Months away, cheer begins to prepare for UIL

November 5, 2020
cheer

[Photo]

Cast and crew lists for theaters upcoming fall production, The Laramie Project, were released Sunday, after students auditioned last week.

Theater releases cast list for fall show

September 29, 2020
The Board of Trustees met Monday night.The trustees looked to decide on how to handle transgender student bathroom use, zoning changes, and library book policy.

School board to discuss topics from budget to construction plans

September 14, 2020
With half of FISD students choosing to stay virtual, the Child Nutrition department has expanded the meals-to-go programs for the rest of the year. Distribution will continue to be scheduled for Thursdays.

Child Nutrition Department expands meal pick-up plan

September 14, 2020
Frisco ISD is hosting their annual flu immunization clinics. There will be a clinic at Liberty on Sept. 7.

Annual flu clinic registration open for students and staff

September 8, 2020
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