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
Caroline Caruso

Caroline Caruso, Assistant Editor-in-Chief

Caroline-Grace Caruso is a junior transitioning into her third year on staff! Aside from writing for Wingspan, she is also involved in NHS, PTSA, Frisco ISD’s Student Advisory Board, Varsity cheer, choir, and is President of the Best Buddies chapter on campus. Outside of school you can catch her stocking cards at the Hallmark store (which is a pretty amazing job, if she does say so herself), and staying involved in her church. She is thrilled to work with the rest of the writers on staff this year, as well as her fellow editors. 

 

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

All content by Caroline Caruso
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 17, 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 3, 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
After four rounds of auditions, the hard work has paid off for students Shriya Pattangi and Jane Wester, who will be singing in Austin next month amongst 500 other choir students in the TMEA All-State Choir. Before closing out their high school careers, both Wester and Pattangi will have represented two out of the three students in campus history that have reached All-State.

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

December 1, 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
Spanish classes have started reading their first book, Fiesta Fatal. “It’s a nice experience because I really don’t read books in other languages, but reading a book in another language is kind of interesting,” Kotha said.

Second year of high school, first year on campus

August 12, 2021
The legacy continues as the 2021-2022 yearbook is released for students on campus. Students who ordered their book are able to stop by the cafeteria during lunch starting this Monday.

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 18, 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
The legacy continues as the 2021-2022 yearbook is released for students on campus. Students who ordered their book are able to stop by the cafeteria during lunch starting this Monday.

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 28, 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 7, 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
This Tuesday is the opening of Dual Credit registration as counselors start to work on schedules.

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

October 7, 2020
IMG_0284

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

November 6, 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
At the admin building on Wednesday, the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees will be hosting their monthly Community Input Meeting

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
FISDs new employee wellness center will be open in the spring after the district gaining a new partnership.

Annual flu clinic registration open for students and staff

September 8, 2020
While most students began the 2020-2021 school year virtually, special education students participated in face-to-face classes since the first day. Parents and teachers agree that maintaining structure and routines is beneficial to special education students, which is difficult to do virtually.

Special Education students get head start on face-to-face instruction

September 2, 2020
Tuesday marks the opening for the Spring Dual Credit registration window, which is open until Dec. 2 at 4 p.m. Before registration, students must fill out a permission form by 4 p.m on Nov. 20.

Students begin Dual Credit classes as the Collin semester starts

August 26, 2020
When parts of Frisco suffered from a brief internet outage on Friday during third period, senior Tom Punnen temporarily took over teaching his ISM class. “When we realized that there was an internet issue, the ISM 2 students collectively stepped up in the absence of the teacher. We had all been through a year of ISM, so we could continue explaining the course to our fellow classmates. With the host abilities, I decided to share my screen and give a brief overview of the course and Canvas until Mrs. Secord returned, he said.

Brief internet outage leads to creative solutions

August 17, 2020
The band wont be seen in the parking lot practicing for the first three weeks of school, as it and other fine arts programs like choir and the Red Rhythm drill team are completely online for that time period.

Show will go on, fine arts fully virtual first three weeks

August 13, 2020
With its annual Scholarship Night cancelled due to limitations of social interactions, this year the Frisco Education Foundation delivered news of scholarships to the homes of students.

Scholarship night moves to home delivery

May 20, 2020
The Star wont be packed full of friends and families, nor will the artificial grass be planted with graduating seniors, as graduations across the district will be taken outside for socially distance ceremonies hosted at the Toyota Stadium on May 29, 30, and June 1. “As a school board and administration, we have tried to plan with several things in mind. We have wanted all along to conduct a graduation ceremony that is as close to a traditional ceremony as possible, Frisco ISD Board of Trustees Vice President John Classe said.

Taking it outside, graduation to be held at Toyota

May 14, 2020
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Top 5 Ideas for Mother’s Day

May 8, 2020
Joining together every week, Frisco ISD librarians launched a podcast when the districts eLearning program began. A new podcast is uploaded every week on Wednesdays and is available through various streaming services.

Weekly podcast brings librarians together

April 22, 2020
Posing for a picture, Shiloh the rescue dog is the namesake of Shilos Road to Hope, an organization looking to put rescue animals in safe homes during quarantine. They rescue dogs from kill-shelters across the country, and place them with families who will care for the dogs in their time of need.

Shelter dogs looking for new homes as people shelter in place

April 15, 2020
Sitting on a bench when he was younger, Lewis smiles for a picture. Later on when Lewis entered high school, he would meet teacher Cheryl Madani. Throughout his four years at Liberty he has grown so much, Madani said. He can now easily share his thoughts and feelings with us. Dylan is much more independent.

Day, month, or year, Lewis’s courage shines through any challenge

April 9, 2020
With schools and libraries in FISD closes, the Virtual Insanity Book Club is now available via Zoom. Hosting its first meeting at noon, the group looks to organize readers, and provide a social outlet for students across the district.

Virtual book club connects readers across the district

April 8, 2020
Red Rhythm junior lieutenant Annie Tian performs at the spring pep rally. With COVID-19, Red Rhythm, cheer, and color guard have to postpone their tryouts.

Tryouts pushed back to COVID-19

March 27, 2020
During their fall performance season, senior Emma Hancock dances during half time for Red Rhythm alongside her fellow dancers. Each spring, Red Rhythm, Cheer, and Colorgaurd typically host tryouts, but with current health concerns, these will be pushed to a later date.

Time off campus pushes performing arts tryouts at a later date

March 25, 2020
This Saturday, the ACDEC Redhawk team is getting ready for an internal district scrimmage to see who will make the team.

ACDEC tests their knowledge state-wide

March 4, 2020
Competing in a series of basketball related events, Best Buddies students headed to Frisco Fieldhouse. With a variety of events like shooting hoops and dribbling, the participants have an opportunity to socialize and exercise in a welcoming environment.

Best Buddies hit the court for the Special Olympics

February 26, 2020
Former Best Buddies president Isabella Pedron (right) poses with club members after last years winter formal.

Dressing their best, Buddies ready for winter formal

February 13, 2020
Frisco ISDs first ethnic studies class, African American Studies, went on a field trip to learn about the Pullman Porters.

English students deepen understanding with discussions

February 4, 2020
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