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
Lucas Barr

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief

Lucas is a senior in his fourth year of Wingspan. As vice-president of Youth and Government on campus and at the Plano YMCA, he helps teach members bill-writing and debate. Lucas loves writing and has participated in UIL Journalism throughout high school. He plays both the violin and piano, and serves as a senior representative in orchestra, planning socials to make this final year memorable. Lucas loves politics, world events, and law, and is interning at GoransionBain Ausley this school year. Outside of school, Lucas can be found eating the best chicken around at Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers with friends.

Contact Lucas: lucas.barr.978@k12.friscoisd.org

All content by Lucas Barr
Lucas Barr

Lucas Barr

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
May 28, 2020
In years past, freshmen on campus have filled the hallways for one night exclusively, Rising Freshman Night. Now, this year's participants will be taking a virtual approach, as the night will be composed into a webinar.

Frisco ISD ends emergency closure, delays construction

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
May 12, 2020
all students are given the opportunity to register to attend summer school with Monday being the first day the registration window opened. While registration ends on May 25 for credit recovery, students have until May 31 at 4 p.m. to drop the class with a full refund. After 4:01 p.m. on May 31 through June 10, students may still drop the class with no penalty, but they will not get a refund.

District hosts informational summer school webinar

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
May 5, 2020
The new year brings new classes for some Redhawks, as students who were enrolled in single-semester classes last fall transition into their spring courses. The change brings new teachers, new content to cover, and new classmates for many.

[Photo] Spanish brings health lessons to homes

Ayooluwa Olotu, Guest Contributor
May 5, 2020
Pictured by the intersection of Main St. and 2nd St., business and roads in Frisco's Rail District were nearly empty following Collin County's stay-at-home order that took effect in March.

Abbott announces plans to reopen Texas

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
April 28, 2020
Campus hallways and classrooms are empty as students and teachers take part in eLearning amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. In order to maintain a classroom environment, a common way teachers connect with students is through a video communication application called Zoom.

Redhawks adjust to ending the year online

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
April 21, 2020
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the Saudi Arabia-Russia oil price war, gas prices averaged under $1.50 on Tuesday at stations near campus.

Texas gas prices tumble as industry suffers

Lucas Barr and Fletcher Edmunds
April 7, 2020
A woman receives a vaccination for the flu virus in her upper arm. With flu season nearing, the campus is opening a flu clinic on Wednesday.

Scientists begin search for COVID-19 vaccine

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
April 3, 2020

Orchestra performs “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa via Zoom

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-Chief
April 3, 2020
Pictured by the intersection of Main St. and 2nd St., business and roads in Frisco's Rail District were nearly empty following Collin County's stay-at-home order that took effect in March.

Collin, Denton Counties issue stay-at-home orders

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
March 24, 2020
With the campus closing for at least one week due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Redhawks begin eLearning on March 17.

Frisco ISD launches eLearning

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
March 17, 2020
Talking with her students, AP Literature and Humanities teacher Beth Evans smiles during her celebration in advisory. Gone for the remainder of the school year, Evans will be undergoing treatment for a form of blood cancer.

“Ready for the fight”

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
March 6, 2020
AP Seminar students are wrapping up the school year by reaching out to academic scholars that may have made a significant contribution to students’ research topic. The foundation of the AP Seminar course is research, and this provides an opportunity to thank the researchers referenced in their projects.

Frisco ISD considers teacher incentive allotment

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
March 5, 2020
Playing her harp, former senior Urja Joshi advanced to Area after auditioning for the Region 24 All-Region Orchestra. As the competition this year has come to a close, the hard work and dedication students have undergone has payed off according to Orchestra Director Julia Blackstock.

Juniors drop fine arts and athletics from GPA

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
February 7, 2020
The payment window for AP exams is now open. Students can pay fees through Online School Fees by Nov. 1.

Second semester AP registration goes live

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
February 6, 2020
Swearing in delegates at the 2020 Texas Youth and Government State Conference, Judge Michael Keasler of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals speaks at the opening ceremony.

[Photo] Youth and Government looks to set the bar with their bills

Maddie Aronson, Managing Editor
January 31, 2020
Haze clouds the skyline of Tehran, Iran's capital and largest city. More than a week after the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani on Jan. 3, 2020 ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump, local Iranian students feel conflicted about the situation.

Aftermath of Soleimani killing leaves countries tense, students conflicted

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
January 14, 2020
AP Literature students work in groups on a month long project exploring eras of literature.

District gives look into advanced courses

Lucas Barr, Editor-In-Chief
January 9, 2020
GT American Studies students pose with their teachers Swapna Garnder and Emily Griffin, along with guests, after completing their Saving the System presentations. The project came to an end on Monday after month's of work.

American studies students save the system

Lucas Barr, Editor-In-Chief
December 17, 2019
The swim team dove into their invitational against Panther Creek on Thursday, and some swimmers qualified for the TISCA invitational. “I’m so proud of myself and how far I’ve come,” senior Maria Oushalkas said.

TISCA meet puts swim team to the test

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-Chief
December 13, 2019
The Frisco ISD Board of Trustees held its monthly meeting Tuesday evening to discuss many topics including future-ready spotlights and various approval plans. This month's future ready focus area is basic conditions of learning, and the board voted to nominate Gopal Ponangi for the Frisco Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors.

School board takes action on pre-K waiver, renovation contracts

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
December 10, 2019
Senior, bass clarinetist Emily Graves, practices her All Region audition music during class. 9 students advanced to 5A Area on Monday night.

9 band students advance to 5A Area

Yael Even and Lucas Barr
December 10, 2019
Orchestra seniors smile during their first social of the school year at Nerdvana Frisco on Nov. 9. With 21 seniors this year, the socials are a tradition of the program.

Orchestra seniors skate to second social

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
December 6, 2019
Senior Sam Mills wins the primary election for Speaker of the House in the Plano Youth Delegation on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019.

Leading the way, Mills joins Texas Model UN

Athena Tseng and Lucas Barr
November 21, 2019
Juniors Franny Terreza and Emily Chladny help with last minute donations. Tuesday was the last day for angel donation during second period B-day classes.

Classes submit presents for Adopt-an-Angel

Lucas Barr and Abby Wang
November 19, 2019
Pictured: the orchestra officer council gathers for a meal. Friday, orchestra students will be gathering for their once a semester breakfast social.

Officers orchestrate early Thanksgiving

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
November 15, 2019
Orchestra is sending six members to the All-State orchestra, up from five members last school year. Back row (left to right): first-time member, sophomore Julia Johnson (violin), second-time member, sophomore Jacob Choi (viola), and three-time member, senior Jonathan Peng (violin). Front row (left to right): second-time member, junior Nandika Chirala (violin), second-time member, senior Geethika Bonthala (violin), first-time member, freshman Jayna Yoon (violin).

Orchestra sends six of their members to All-State

Lucas Barr, Editor-In-Chief
November 14, 2019
Youth and Government prepares to compete in the annual district competition on Saturday. “I’m really excited to spend the day debating bills with my friends, especially since we’ve been preparing for a few months now,” second year delegate Aryan Samal said.

[Photo] Delegates to Duncanville for districts

November 15, 2019
Students (from left to right) junior Tom Punnen and seniors Kapil Rampalli, Keshav Narasimhan, Johnathan Peng, Kunal Dhawan, and Zachary Suzuki hold up certificates. The six Redhawks were among other students honored at the school board meeting Monday night for receiving a perfect score on the SAT or ACT.

School board alters schedule, honors Redhawks

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
November 12, 2019
For the third straight year in a row, the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees has lowered the district tax. This rate is the lowest Frisco ISD has seen in more than 20 years. 

School board to consider extended summer, school days

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
November 11, 2019
With SAT and ACT on the horizon for many students, senior Mykah Robins studies with an ACT prep book. The Frisco ISD presentation on SAT and ACT will cover some tips and guidelines for the test, with the help of Princeton Review.

District offers test advice with Princeton Review

Lucas Barr, Editor in Chief
November 6, 2019
Daylight saving time will end this Sunday, Nov. 3. Time will fall back one hour at 2:00 a.m., becoming 1:00 a.m.

End of daylight saving turns back time

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
November 1, 2019
Students will stay in their second period class during advisory for a special presentation on vaping as part of Frisco ISD’s vaping prevention program in coordination with national program Catch My Breath. Although Thursday is the first time FISD will talk to students about vaping, parents had a chance to learn about the issue at a seminar on Sept. 18.

Catch My Breath presents the truths of vaping

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
October 24, 2019
Mount Aqraa (Mount Casius) overlooking the town of Kasab in the province of Latakia in Syria.

Students share thoughts as ceasefire between Turkey and Kurds expires

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
October 22, 2019
The SOC can be a short term solution for some students but it can be the final path to graduation for others. "Some students just really bond with our staff here and they feel that this is their campus so we have what we call celebrations," former principal Sue Kirk said.

Chapter 4: celebration

Aliza Porter and Lucas Barr
October 21, 2019
The tornado sirens and storms that crashed through North Texas Sunday night hit a little too close to home for some students on campus. While most just suffered a warning, others will have to repair fences and cars from due to the strong winds.

[Photo] Tornados touch ground in DFW Sunday

Shreya Jagan, Staff Reporter
October 21, 2019
The Disciplinary program serves students of all grade levels. In this chapter Wingspan takes a look at the program for high school students

Chapter 3: the disciplinary program

Aliza Porter and Lucas Barr
October 18, 2019
Math teacher Mark Matthews instructs students while they are working on coursework at the Academic Academy. The SOC has typically about 150 students enrolled in the program at any time.

Chapter 2: the Academic Academy

Aliza Porter and Lucas Barr
October 17, 2019
For more than 100 years, Frisco Independent School District has had a presence on Maple Street in downtown. It began as the original site of Frisco High School, and over the years has undergone several stages of construction and renovation. In 1937, the three story building on Maple Street was demolished with the current building constructed and serving as Frisco High School until 1973. In 1997, the building was renovated once again and made the Student Opportunity Center.

Chapter 1: A history and an overview

Aliza Porter and Lucas Barr
October 16, 2019
For more than 100 years, Frisco Independent School District has had a presence on Maple Street in downtown. It began as the original site of Frisco High School, and over the years has undergone several stages of construction and renovation. In 1937, the three story building on Maple Street was demolished with the current building constructed and serving as Frisco High School until 1973. In 1997, the building was renovated once again and made the Student Opportunity Center.

Behind Closed Doors: the Student Opportunity Center

Aliza Porter and Lucas Barr
October 16, 2019
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.”

Choir kicks off fall concert

Maddie Aronson and Lucas Barr
October 16, 2019
With The Little Elm Classic on Homecoming, September 28th, band members had to miss out on the annual event. Although members of the band didn't have a chance to go, the band is hosting its own Homecoming Saturday letting members to put down their instruments for one night.

Better late than never, band hosts its own dance

Lucas Barr, Editor-In-Chief
October 10, 2019
All-Region violinist sophomore Sophie Lin practices during class. Lin is among 38 other Redhawks that competed with over 900 students for spots in the All-Region orchestra.

17 students score spots in All-Region orchestra

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
October 8, 2019
The band has been preparing all season, to perform at their UIL competition this Saturday. The band hopes to showcase their cumulative effort throughout the year, and hopefully make their way to state.

From day to night, band keeps on marching

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
October 3, 2019
Junior Megan Guidry listens to choir teacher Toni Ugolini give feedback. Guidry claimed the third chair in the All-State Mixed Choir at Saturday’s area auditions for the Texas All-State Choir.

Choir students advance one step closer to All State

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
September 25, 2019
Souther Images Photography School returns to campus with yearbook picture retakes being on Monday in the auditorium. All freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are eligible to have their picture retaken.

Yearbook pictures return for retakes

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
September 20, 2019
Pictured is a collection of the confiscated vapes in Officer Glenn Hubbard's office. Vapes from across campus have been collected by teachers and administration to help lessen the epidemic.

Frisco ISD hosts vaping seminar amid national crisis

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-Chief
September 18, 2019
Students can now pick up their IDs in the front office before school, after school, during advisory, or at lunch.

ID badges set to make renovated return

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
September 12, 2019
The band won't 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.

Jazz band begins audition process early

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
September 10, 2019
School board meeting set for Monday

School board meeting set for Monday

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-cheif
September 9, 2019
Orchestra students play volleyball at the annual Bach to School Bash. During the bash students play games, eat, and get to know their fellow orchestra members.

No instruments allowed at Bach to School Bash

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
September 6, 2019
Students being warned not to park in staff lots 

Students being warned not to park in staff lots 

Kasey Harvey and Lucas Barr
September 6, 2019
From video doorbells to high school #11, Wingspan sitFrisco ISD is an ever growing district with new plans constantly in play, and WIngspan was able to sit down with the man who runs it all. Here is part one of a special interview with Dr. Mike Waldrip.

Waldrip speaks on state of the school district

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
September 3, 2019
Guest Contributor Urja Joshi explains the hidden beauty found in everyday life in Frisco.

Frisco ISD property owners to see tax reduction

Lucas Barr and Trisha Dasgupta
August 30, 2019
The campus sees new staff members every year. However, this year, there were more than usual.

Senior brings AP Art History back to campus

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
August 26, 2019
American Studies teachers Emily Griffin (L) and Swapna Gardner (R) instruct their students in the library last school year. Both the in-peron and virtual American Studies classes are now taking part in independent reading as a means to further develop their skills as readers.

GT American Studies makes and teaches history

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
August 21, 2019
Sophomore Michelle Hong takes notes in AP Physics. This year students will be adapting to a new system of grades, with daily grades no longer being used.

District gives new value to grades

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
August 19, 2019
Applications are due Friday for students wanting to apply for the Spanish Honor Society. To be eligible, students must have completed their first semester of Spanish 3, be in the 10th grade or higher, and have maintained A averages in Spanish.

New GPA changes implemented

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
August 15, 2019
The halls were filled with students as the campus kicked off the 2019-2020 school year on Thursday.

Redhawks return to campus for new school year

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
August 15, 2019
On Saturday the Texas Legislature passed HB 3 after legislators focused on school finance reform the entire session which ended Monday. Frisco is set to receive millions of dollars more in state funding, some of which is dedicated to teacher raises.

Frisco feels the impact of HB 3

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
May 29, 2019
Students for Environmental Action plans to commence their composting system. The club aims to educate students on composting and how they are contributing to it.

Students have the power to fight plastic waste

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
May 29, 2019
Several Redhawks are heading to the capital for the UIL State academic meet. Students in Lincoln Douglas debate, number sense, and science placed high enough at the Regional tournament at UT Arlington to advance.

Legislature passes school finance reform before sessions ends

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
May 28, 2019
Orchestra students rehearse in preparation for their final concert. The program finished out the year with a singing project instead of string instruments.

Singing not strings for orchestra final project

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
May 23, 2019
The plastic animals pictured are part of a Family Science Night project aiming to combat plastic pollution. Students from all types of science classes created presentations to teach children and their families about concepts they learned this year.

Students become teachers at Family Science Night

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
May 21, 2019
Freshmen are learning how to handle police interactions. This course is being taught because of the passing of SB30.

Police interaction course takes place in classrooms

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
May 20, 2019
ISM Final Presentation Night is this evening at 6 p.m in the cafeteria with product displays and with individual presentations taking place in separate classrooms at 7:30 p.m.

Year’s work on display at ISM Final Presentation Night

Vivek Sundararaman and Lucas Barr
May 17, 2019
Wingspan staff gives a tour of the campus as freshmen enter their first day of high school. This, in turn, gives new students more familiarity when walking from class to class.

Registration for summer school now open

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
May 13, 2019
While in school, Pre-AP biology students began their unit on viruses. Coincidentally, teachers are using COVID-19 in their lessons so that students can connect their classwork with reality.

Environmental problems the focus of APES project

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-Chief
May 9, 2019
Due to a holiday on Monday and two STAAR testing days next week, classes will look different for all grades, with some students staying home for asynchronous learning.

Students without STAAR get late arrival

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
May 7, 2019
Students taking back to back AP tests have only a few minutes of break to eat lunch before beginning the afternoon test. Seniors taking the AP Environmental Science test right after the AP U.S. Government test experienced this Monday, having less than ten minutes before starting the next exam.

[Photo] Students taking two AP exams in one day encouraged to bring their lunch

Maddie Aronson, Staff Reporter
May 7, 2019
With their AP test Wednesday morning, AP Literature students are finishing out the year with a project. Students have the freedom to choose their own books and create their own rubric.

[Photo] AP Lit students create their own rubrics in final project

Ian LaPerre, Guest Contributor
May 7, 2019
Band students rehearse for their final concert scheduled into two weeks. Last week band students worked with incoming eighth graders to give them an insight into daily work of band students.

[Photo] Eighth graders get look at band with visual camp

Shreya Jagan and Jimena Murray-Campbell
May 7, 2019
District Board of Trustees member Debbie Gillespie (Place 5) speaks to the campus Youth and Government club about her work as a board member. Students then had to ask her questions about her thoughts on education legislation just three days before the board election on Saturday.

[Photo] Youth and Government students get inside look at legislative process

May 2, 2019
After years of political turmoil in the Latin American nation of Venezuela, many protests took place in the city of Caracas. Despite being on a different continent, the effects of what is happening in the country are felt my students on campus of Venezuelan heritage.

Venezuelan power struggle of particular interest to several Redhawks

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-Chief
May 1, 2019
The staff development days originally set for Oct. 9, Feb. 12, and April 26, have been moved to Friday, Aug. 21, Friday, Aug. 28, and Sept 4, the Friday of Labor Day weekend. 

Unannounced lockdown drill provides practice for staff and students

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-Chief
April 24, 2019
History club members host review lectures

History club members host review lectures

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
April 23, 2019
One of many yearly traditions, the homecoming pep rally is Thursday during advisory.

District plans cheerleading class

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
April 16, 2019
Orchestra students are preparing for their final concert of the year Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. The concert will be the final opportunity for students to show off their skills this school year.

Orchestra returns from spring trip

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
April 9, 2019
Another special legislative session is being Monday to discuss many important topics including political boundaries, transgender students in sports, and COVID-19 vaccines.

Texas House to vote on House Bill 3

Lucas Barr and Dea-Mallika Divi
April 3, 2019
Following allegation of fraud, the Plano and McKinney passport offices will be permanently closed. on Tuesday. Due to these closures, residents of Collin County must find new locations to apply for passports, such as the Dallas office or the Frisco Public Library.

Two Collin County passport offices shut down

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-Chief
March 27, 2019

Damages estimated at $300-400 million from Sunday’s hailstorm

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
March 25, 2019
Applications are due Friday for students wanting to apply for the Spanish Honor Society. To be eligible, students must have completed their first semester of Spanish 3, be in the 10th grade or higher, and have maintained A averages in Spanish.

[Photo] Trying to bounce back, softball squares off against Wakeland

Catie Reeves, Sports Editor
March 22, 2019
Band and orchestra students are coming together Tuesday and Wednesday at 7 p.m. to perform together as part of their winter concerts in the auditorium. This yearly tradition serves as a chance for students to connect over music.

Orchestra hosts fellow student musicians from Arkansas

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
March 8, 2019
Following their Friday performance at Centennial, the Redhawk full orchestra stand outside the campus auditorium with their sweepstakes award. The top group's performance concluded a week of UIL contests for orchestra that began Tuesday Feb. 26.

Sweepstakes honors across the board for orchestra

Shreya Jagan and Lucas Barr
March 4, 2019
Every month the FISD Board of Trustees meets to discuss school board matters. At the December meeting, on the agenda is a review of the Academic Course Guide, which may indicate a refresh as to what courses students will be able to take in upcoming years.

[Photo] FISD Board of Trustees March meeting Monday

Aliza Porter, Assignment Editor
March 4, 2019
History teacher and four Redhawk students hold signs promoting funding solutions at the rally. The Texas PTA then spent the afternoon meeting and asking education questions with legislators.

Students rally for education funding in Austin

Lucas Barr, Editor-in-chief
February 26, 2019
Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen vowed to make public education funding his top priority after years of inequity, property tax hikes, and band-aid solutions. While legislators are still awaiting the main funding bill, this legislation would see teachers get a four-figure raise

[Photo] Teacher pay raise bill gets committee approval

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
February 26, 2019
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