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
Melody Tavallaee

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor

Melody Tavallaee is a senior who joined Wingspan during her sophomore year. One of her greatest passions is iced coffee and you can almost always find Melody chugging unhealthy amounts of iced macchiatos while daydreaming of all the places in the world she would like to travel to. Melody is also very passionate about exploring science and medicine with hopes to pursue a career in health care in the future. Until then, she can be seen going on jogs, binge watching Keeping Up With the Kardashians, spending unreasonable amounts of money on workout clothes, and laughing at everything- even when it is unnecessary.  

Contact Melody: melody.tavallaee.128@k12.friscoisd.org 

All content by Melody Tavallaee
Along with educational achievements, Ham is recognized by many students on campus as well as the district as an excellent educator. In the 2019-2020 school year, he was among the final five up for FISD Secondary Teacher of the Year.

[Photo] Ham up for Secondary Teacher of the Year

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
April 30, 2020

Burns’ eternal flame

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
November 1, 2019
Senior Melody Tavallaee has been a part of Wingspan since her sophomore year and has contributed to the program by taking on the role of a Managing Editor for the 2018-19 school year.

Melody Tavallaee

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
May 30, 2019
With 700 students receiving scholarships from the Frisco Education Foundation in 2018, students are encouraged to apply. Applications for the class of 2020 opened Monday, Dec. 2, 2019 at 10 a.m. and will close on Dec. 20, 2019.

More than $680,000 to be awarded to seniors at FEF Scholarship Night

Cori Ross and Melody Tavallaee
May 22, 2019
Pre-AP Algebra 2 students are closing the year with a cumulative quiz that goes over the material they learned over the course of the year. The quiz is to help students prepare for the future and has many benefits.

[Photo] Finishing up algebra with a refresher

Shreya Jagan, Guest Contributor
May 22, 2019
Working with their communities, students were awarded with the President's Volunteer Service Award on Monday night for those that have been proactive in their community.

Awarding students for community service

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
May 21, 2019
Seniors take the stage Monday morning to accept senior awards in the last two weeks of school. Recognizing students for purely academic success, the class of 2019 were placed in the spotlight for their work over the last four years.

Students honored for academic success

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
May 21, 2019
Pets found without their owners in Frisco are typically transferred to McKinney, where they go to the Collin County animal shelter.

Animal shelter looks to find home in Frisco

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
May 16, 2019
Seniors Andrew Ashmore, Dalton Stewart, Kailyn Lay, Ashley Cook, Jordan Johnston, Regan Cooper, and Precious Essien (left to right) signed on to continue their athletic careers in college on Wednesday Morning in the library.

Redhawk athletes sign letters of intent

Aaron Boehmer and Melody Tavallaee
May 15, 2019
Recently, Elon Musk brought Twitter for 44 million dollars, switching the company private. “Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated,” Musk said in a press release.

[Photo] Avoid the influence of influencers

Trisha Dasgupta, Guest Contributor
May 15, 2019
Wrestling athlete Precious Essien signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his athletic career at University of Missouri at a Signing Day Ceremony Wednesday in the library.

[Photo] Precious Essien

May 15, 2019
Volleyball athlete Regan Cooper signed a National Letter of Intent to continue her athletic career at Millsaps College at a Signing Day Ceremony Wednesday in the library.

[Photo] Regan Cooper

May 15, 2019
Wrestling athlete Jordan Johnston signed a National Letter of Intent to continue her athletic career at Schreiner University at a Signing Day Ceremony Wednesday in the library.

[Photo] Jordan Johnston

May 15, 2019
Basketball athlete Kailyn Lay signed a National Letter of Intent to continue her athletic career at Coffeyville Kansas at a Signing Day Ceremony Wednesday in the library.

[Photo] Kailyn Lay

May 15, 2019
Football athlete Dalton Stewart signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his athletic career at Southwestern College at a Signing Day Ceremony Wednesday in the library.

[Photo] Dalton Stewart

May 15, 2019
Wrestling athlete Ashley Cook signed a National Letter of Intent to continue her athletic career at Lyon College at a Signing Day Ceremony Wednesday in the library.

[Photo] Ashley Cook

May 15, 2019
Track and field athlete Andrew Ashmore signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his athletic career at Harding University at a Signing Day Ceremony Wednesday in the library.

[Photo] Andrew Ashmore

May 15, 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.

School board talks budget and honors students

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
May 14, 2019
On Monday, May 13, 2019 assistant principal Jason Harris spoke over the intercom about enforcing the school rules due to recent misbehavior.

End of the year doesn’t bring an end to misbehavior consequences

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
May 13, 2019
In today's digital age, it can be difficult to love oneself. However, Wingspan's Sydney Glover expresses her thoughts on the importance of self love in this column.

[Photo] Be comfortable with yourself

Sydney Glover, Guest Contributor
May 8, 2019
The school gave students participating in the Special Olympics a sendoff on Monday during advisory. Students competed on Tuesday in a variety of events.

Students compete in Special Olympics

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
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.

Youth and Government students get inside look at legislative process

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
May 2, 2019
Although season is over, soccer hits the weight room to prepare for the 2019-20 season. “It’s important to keep training because we still need to grow as a program and set new goals for the year to come,” Chladny said.

[Photo] Off-season work laying the foundation for 2020

May 2, 2019
Special forces stand in front of a church target in the Easter bombings in Sri Lanka. Approximately 300 people died in the attacks that shook the Asian nation and junior Minuki Medis.

A world away, bombings in Sri Lanka hit home for junior

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
April 23, 2019
FFA's Medical Applications team and Farm Business Management team both advanced to state with the Milk Quality Products team finishing one spot from making state and the Horticulture team placing in the top 20 in the area.

Two FFA teams advance to state

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
April 17, 2019
It's not uncommon for high schoolers to load up on classes and extracurriculars. Wingspan's Allison Lynn shares her opinion on how this can affect their lives.

[Photo] Slow down on the overscheduling

Allison Lynn, Guest Contributor
April 17, 2019
The national wavier to lunch and breakfast prices at school will not continue next year. The new meal prices for next year have been approved.

[Photo] Math inspires ceiling tile art

Abby Wang, Guest Contributor
April 10, 2019
For the 2019-20 school year, presidential candidates have started campaigning for the election that will begin on Thursday, April 9, 2019. Voting will close on Friday, April 12, 2019 at 4:15 p.m.

Meet the candidates

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
April 9, 2019
Seniors CJ Nelson, Gavin Clark, Sanye Ford, and Ashley Pennington (left to right) signed on to continue their athletic careers in college on Friday Morning in the lecture hall.

Four Redhawks sign letters of intent

Aaron Boehmer and Melody Tavallaee
April 5, 2019
After painting the library tables, Junior Raina Kinneer, washes the paint covered brushes in the library office sink. There is a large pile of wet paint brushes next to the sink that continue to sry from previous students use.

Tables become canvas for library painting project

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
April 4, 2019
With librarian Chelsea Hamilton recognizing seven bland tables in the library, she decided to allow students to utilize their artistic ability to decorate the tables. This, in turn, is hoped to add more color to the library.

Junior Hailey Castillo prepares to run the bases after getting a hit. Keeping a team balance is an important part of the sport for Castillo.

Featured Athlete: Hailey Castillo

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
April 2, 2019
Hosting University Interscholastic League on Saturday, campus took home the 2019 District 9-AAAAA Academic Champion award bringing home over 150 points among the various competitions.

Sweeping the district in academic UIL

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
April 1, 2019
An award case displays the past accolades of the campus UIL Academics team including district titles and individual state awards. Redhawks placed 7th overall in this year's 5A UIL Region II meet.

Academic teams ready for Saturday’s district meet

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
March 29, 2019
Taping the cards on the custodian door during third period on Thursday, March 28, 2019, students gathered together to show appreciation for the custodians. Making the thank you cards in the lecture hall, Student Council provided snacks and drinks to participants.

[Photo] Custodian Appreciation Day draws dozens of students

March 28, 2019
The W Hotel in Dallas will again be the venue for prom, set to take place on Saturday April 13 at 8 p.m. Wednesday's prom hype party aims to get seniors engaged in the event and boost turnout.

Hype party starts countdown to prom

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
March 26, 2019
Friday's Redhawk Rant attempts to teach students about finding one's purpose.

Digital footprint and cyber safety focus of Friday’s Redhawk Rant

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
March 22, 2019
Friday's Redhawk Rant attempts to teach students about finding one's purpose.

[Photo] Presentation aims to educate on purpose

September 17, 2021
In preparation for AP exams in May, begin Saturday in the gymnasium. The mock exams are a chance for students planning to take the actual exams to see what the real test will be like and subject areas they need further practice with.

[Photo] Getting ready for AP tests, mock exams begin Saturday

March 22, 2019
Wednesday is not only the first day of spring but also Persian New Year. For many students on campus this means many festivities and spending time with their family.

Springing into the Persian New Year

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
March 20, 2019
After years of playing volleyball, senior Sophie Rodriguez decided to take a swing at softball and join the Redhawk softball team. Upon joining the team, she has found her place and made many memories and friends through the sport.

Featured Athlete: Sophie Rodriguez

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
March 19, 2019
Seniors are finalizing their futures on May 1, with many colleges requiring enrollment decisions to be made. Students have a variety of factors to consider when deciding where they choose to further their education.

College admissions process in the spotlight amid reported bribery scheme

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
March 18, 2019
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.

[Photo] Coffee, counselors, and Collin College

Dea-Mallika Divi, Assignment Editor
March 6, 2019
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.

A peek into Dual Credit

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
March 5, 2019
Chemistry students are making s'mores in class on Thursday and Friday as part of their new unit on stoichiometry. The activity allows students to get a visual representation of the chemistry they are learning and helps students understand the concepts of the class.

Sophomores use s’mores in chemistry

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
March 1, 2019
Ready, set, code

Ready, set, code

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
March 1, 2019
The National Art Honor Society will be putting on a Museum Night on Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for students to show off their artwork. Admission is free but students have the chance to buy jewelry and other things to raise money for the fundraiser.

[Photo] Night at the NAHS Museum

Aliza Porter, Assignment Editor
March 1, 2019
While most people view community service as something to do simply for college applications, guest contributor Ashvita Girish sees value beyond that. In her column, she explains the benefits community service can have in one's own life and in the lives of those around them.

[Photo] A service to yourself and the community

Ashvita Girish, Guest Contributor
February 27, 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

Teacher pay raise bill gets committee approval

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
February 26, 2019
Redhawks perform in the auditorium during a concert. Tuesday evening, band students will be playing UIL music in their Pre-UIL concert in order to prepare for the contest in April.

Hitting the right notes

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
February 25, 2019
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Students in food science participated in a class wide baking competition. After baking their deserts, students offered their baked goods to the faculty. Teachers and admin were the judges of the food that the students had made.

[Photo] Sweet taste test

February 21, 2019
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Hoping to bring a new perspective for people outside of the community, junior Maddie Aronson talks about her journey to finding acceptance within herself and others. Although she has come a long way on this path, she believes that it is a life long experience that is just beginning.

[Photo] I am…

Maddie Aronson, Staff Reporter
February 20, 2019
The light posts in front of the school don new school spirit banners. The school hopes the new additions will improve the appearance of the school and raise school spirit.

Campus gets new decorative additions

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
February 19, 2019
Tuesday's power surge did not just leave clocks hours off the correct time, but left many teachers unable to operate their projectors. Teachers adapted lessons as administration worked to solve the problem.

Power surge disrupts clocks and classrooms

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
February 12, 2019
Junior Andrew Sen, sophomore Ethan Walker, junior Jackson Hawk, senior Nihar Degaonkar, sophomore Thrisha Malireddy, sophomore Sofia Calderon, sophomore Ella Gong, and junior Chelsea Kang pose for a picture at the Academic Decathlon region competition on Friday and Saturday at McKinney High School.

Mission accomplished as AcDec advances

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
February 11, 2019
A new interactive crime tracking map allows for citizens to view crime trends in the city. By using technology, there is more transparency with the trends involving crimes.

New program allows residents to track crime

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
February 7, 2019
Students work on art during advisory at the Painting with Amelia event. During this event, students got the opportunity to relieve stress.

Stress relieving activities hosted by student

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
January 31, 2019
Current 8th graders that will be attending Liberty next year will be coming to campus to get a sneak peak of high school life. The Rising Freshman Night is taking place from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday.

[Photo] Sneak peek at high school

Allison Lynn, Guest Contributor
January 30, 2019
Mock trial is back on campus with the revival of the school's mock trial team. Through mock trial, the team has an opportunity to work with attorneys and get experience in the court room.

Harvard lecture series inspires senior’s discussion forum

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
January 28, 2019
Mock trial is back on campus with the revival of the school's mock trial team. Through mock trial, the team has an opportunity to work with attorneys and get experience in the court room.

[Photo] Mock trial makes its comeback on campus

September 30, 2022
Ready to hang their Martin Luther inspired posters listing their problems with the Student Handbook, world history students listen as teacher Kristin Mayfield tells them what to do. The project was designed as a way to help illustrate what Martin Luther did with the Reformation.

400 years later, history classes mimic Martin Luther

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
January 22, 2019
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Auditions for the Talent Show are on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. in room F107. Students trying out will have a chance to perform their talents at the show on Jan. 31.

Auditions to show talents at Talent Show

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
January 16, 2019
Frisco ISD Board of Trustees will host their monthly meeting at the Frisco ISD administration building at 6:30 p.m. Monday night.

District’s growth leads to new hires

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
January 15, 2019
Saturday's Librarypalooza at Centennial offers students a chance to talk with authors and illustrators. From children's book authors to science and robotics activities, the event aims to appeal to local families and kids of all ages.

Library renovations to wrap up by Monday

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
January 8, 2019
Hoping to make a difference in someone's life, senior Davis O'Brien donates money to the annual holiday donation drive. All donations go towards the Mckinney Samaritan Inn and are due to 2B classes by noon on Thursday.

Donation drive deadline approaches

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
December 19, 2018
Kicking their legs high in the air, the Red Rhythm dance team practices their Winter Extravaganza performance in the auditorium. Beginning Thursday, the team will resume tryouts for next year.

One stop shop for fine arts

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
December 18, 2018

Tis’ the season to dress jolly

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
December 14, 2018
The holiday season can be stressful, but Student Council is hosting a teachers night out where teachers can drop off their children for the night to give them a break. Student Council members will provide free childcare for the children.

[Photo] Free babysitting courtesy of StuCo

Katharina Santos, Staff Reporter
December 13, 2018
Band and Orchestra members came together for All-Region on Saturday after weeks of practicing solo. By sending 16 students from campus to play alongside some of the region's top players created a competitive environment to further enhance their skill.

Measuring the success of one sound

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
December 10, 2018
Graduation is more than 7 months away for the class of 2019, but the window to apply for scholarships from the Frisco Education Foundation opens at 10 a.m. on Friday and closes on Dec. 21.

Scholarship window for FEF opens Friday

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
November 29, 2018
NHS provides students the chance to spread the holiday spirit to school by decorating teachers' doors.

Holiday season comes knocking on classroom doors

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
November 28, 2018
Throughout much of the Los Angeles area a wall of smoke can be seen from the Woolsey FIre. With the fire overwhelming area firefighters, more than 200 firefighters from north Texas have gone to California to help out including several from the Frisco Fire Department.

Frisco Fire Department helping battle blazes in California

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
November 15, 2018
Having a hand in the development of dozens upon dozens of Marvel characters, Stan Lee left a lasting legacy on pop culture. But not everybody agrees on which superhero is best. That's the case with Sports Editor Aaron Boehmer and Assignment Editor Dea-Mallika Divi who turn their backs on each other in the attempt to prove whose opinion is right.

[Photo] Debating the creations of Stan Lee

November 13, 2018
Monday's regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting discussed a variety of subjects. On the agenda was student and staff recognitions, the 2023-2024 budget, and polling locations.

Frisco ISD looks ahead after voter approval on TRE/bond

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
November 12, 2018
Sophomore Megan Guidry and Senior Jessica Gordon advanced to Area.

Choir members sing their way to Area

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
November 8, 2018
From early voting to Election Day, polling places throughout Denton County and Collin County featured a steady stream of voters with two issues on the ballot Frisco ISD propositions. Voters in both counties approved both the Frisco ISD TRE and bond propositions which will provide funding for the district, one of the fastest growing in Texas.

Frisco ISD voters approve TRE and bond propositions

Melody Tavallaee and Dea-Mallika Divi
November 7, 2018
Junior Keith Kibler describes his growing interest in the violin in this week's edition of Artistic Expressions.

Orchestra students set perfect All-State record

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
November 6, 2018
After working as an EMT for 3 years, Laura Stubblefield is applying what she learned about medicine to teaching medical terminology on campus.

[Photo] Laura Stubblefield

Sydney Bishop, Guest Contributor
October 31, 2018
Many Jewish students on campus such as senior Yael Ben David pictured holding the microphone at are involved in Israeli Scouts, a group that builds connections among Jewish youth in America. With Yom Kippur approaching, many people practicing the faith are fasting, for spiritual reflection.

Synagogue shooting impacts students on campus

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
October 30, 2018
Offering over 20 languages to test out of, Frisco ISD students have the opportunity to advance in a familiar language by completing an assessment through Avant Assessments. This allows students to bypass courses and build off what they already know within their chosen language.

One assessment, 1,000 credits

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
October 29, 2018
Senior Aarya Oswal talks about her experience as an American born Indian. Oswal opens up about her journey to embrace her culture.

Staff takes new lengths to enforce ID badges

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
October 22, 2018
NAHS is hosting its first of many bowl-making sessions as part of the Empty Bowls project. In March, the finished bowls will be sold at Arts in the Square, with all proceeds going to combat hunger in North Texas.

Empty Bowls symbolize empty stomachs

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
October 16, 2018
Choir sings national anthem before volleyball game. Among them are sophomore Megan Guidry, juniors Kia Dunlop and Jessie Rho along with seniors Jessica Gordon and Merlyn George; all five made All-Region Choir.

Singing their way to All-Region

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
October 12, 2018
Graduation is more than 7 months away for the class of 2019, but the window to apply for scholarships from the Frisco Education Foundation opens at 10 a.m. on Friday and closes on Dec. 21.

FEF presentation discusses scholarship planning

Melody Tavallaee, Managing Editor
October 10, 2018
Students in pre-AP Biology classes such as those of teacher Kristen Newton are learning how to write a science based research paper over a health problem in today's society.

[Photo] Kristen Newton

Shreya Jagan, Guest Contributor
October 9, 2018
Band will be heading to The Star to play in FISD’s third annual Marching Band Showcase Tuesday from 7–9:30 p.m.

[Photo] Band marches to The Star in perpetual motion

Abby Wang, Guest Contributor
October 2, 2018
English teacher David Barr looks forward to year of building relationships with students through English.

[Photo] David Barr

Anushka Shrivastava, Guest Contributor
October 2, 2018
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