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
Yael Even

Yael Even , Managing Editor

Yael Even is looking forward to her third year of Wingspan. She loves to workout, write, and spend a lot of time with friends and family. She also likes to put fun outfits together which you can find on her Instagram stories (@callmeyaeli).

Contact Yael:  yael.even.410@k12.friscoisd.org

All content by Yael Even
Helping set up a scale version of the solar system in the school's main hall way, astronomy and physics teacher Kenric Davies was named the inaugural Doc Brown Futures Leaders Award winner by the American Association of Physics Teachers. Nominees were chosen for their ability to demonstrate excellence in their physics contributions to the AAPT program as well as physics education. Davies is the first recipient of the award as he is recognized for his contributions and leadership.

[Photo] Davies wins inaugural national physics award

August 19, 2020
Yael Even

Yael Even

Yael Even, Managing Editor
May 28, 2020
COVID-19 has closed schools, however the student body is able to vote for the Student Body President of the 2020 through 2021 school year. On the left is rising senior Franny Trezza, followed by rising senior Tyler Brown on the right.

Trezza takes the title of StuCo president

Yael Even, Managing Editor
May 6, 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.

Teachers return to the classrooms starting Monday

Yael Even, Managing Editor
May 4, 2020
Biology teacher, Chris Ham celebrates after being rewarded with a check from the Frisco Education Foundation. Adding to his success for the year, Ham won Secondary Teacher of the Year after being named of the five finalists.

Ham makes his name known in the district

Yael Even, Managing Editor
May 1, 2020
In previous years, students have gone to grab their cap and gown during the school day, at a Jostens booth on campus. With social distancing in place, students will be able to visit campus to pick up their graduation gear Thursday in the school parking lot.

Drive through cap and gown pick up available for seniors

Yael Even, Managing Editor
April 15, 2020
Senior Rileigh Horcher plans on attending the University of Oklahoma in the fall. However, starting classes in person could be in jeopardy as colleges move summer orientation online.

Colleges move orientation online amid COVID-19 outbreak

Yael Even, Managing Editor
April 14, 2020
Senior Zach Bishop stays active by playing basketball outside. Although everyone is advised to remain indoors, students are trying to be healthy and active from the comfort of their own home.

COVID-19 isn’t stopping students from staying healthy and active

Yael Even, Managing Editor
April 3, 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.

[Photo] Child Nutrition Department expands meal pick-up plan

September 14, 2020
Due to COVID-19, e-learning has been extended and all in person activities have been suspended until April 3. Prom will not be held on April 3, a decision has yet to be made.

Prom still up in the air

Yael Even, Managing Editor
March 20, 2020
Directed by senior Lauren Head, during a WTV report on Holocaust Remembrance, the campus' Anne Frank production will not debut this week due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Anne Frank production postponed

Yael Even, Managing Editor
March 17, 2020
Spring break extended one week

Spring break extended one week

Yael Even, Managing Editor
March 12, 2020

Campus adds new WiFi access points

Yael Even, Managing Editor
March 6, 2020
Softball took a swing at the Reedy Lions, however fell 15-0 on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. Softball hopes to beat the Centennial Titans at they step up to the plate on Monday, March 2, 2020.

Falling to the Lions, softball hopes to defeat Titans

Yael Even, Managing Editor
March 2, 2020
On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, baseball participated in a pre-district tournament as they gear up for the start of their season. Despite falling to the Prosper Eagles by two runs, baseball believes they are making progress considering Prosper's prior success.

Just two runs short, baseball falls to Eagles in tournament

Yael Even, Managing Editor
March 2, 2020
The window for students to make any changes in their course requests for next year opens this Friday. The deadline for students to request a change in courses for 2021-2022 is Friday April 15 at 4:30 p.m.

[Photo] Course change window opens

April 1, 2022
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.

Lebanon Trail hosts Coffee Talk with district leaders

Yael Even, Managing Editor
February 24, 2020
Relationships and dating are often the topic of conversation for many high school students, but come Valentine's Day only 35 percent of students have been in some type of romantic relationship. "I do think high school is too soon to start serious relationships and being emotionally and physically intimate because of the overall lack of emotional maturity and underdevelopment of the brain,” Marriage and Family Therapist Kimberly Gist Miller said.

Love, dating, and high school relationships

Yael Even, Managing Editor
February 13, 2020
Theatre members perform on stage in February 2020. For the program, the state-wide UIL One-Act Play coming up in March, so students have already started preparing, with director Heather Willingham saying the rehearsal process has been going smoothly so far.

Clinic provides critic for one act troupe

Yael Even, Managing Editor
February 13, 2020
On Monday, the Board met at the Administration building. They approved the 2024-25 calendar, with the addition of Fall break and a Monday start.

National Merit Semifinalists honored at board meeting

Yael Even, Managing Editor
February 11, 2020
With the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly spreading throughout the world, Wingspan's Ana Toro encourages people to take the virus seriously.

Coronavirus spreads local concern

Yael Even, Managing Editor
February 7, 2020
In order to learn about confidence intervals, statistics classes have been working in teams of personal strengths to gather data from minute-to-win-it type games. “I love the idea of making the project interactive and allowing other students around the school to participate,” senior Anjali Pothukanuri said.

Adulting 101 teaches a different set of skills

Yael Even and Advik Dixit
February 3, 2020
Parents and guardians have the chance to see what is happening in various classes on campus as part of Monday's Meet the Teacher from 6-7:30 p.m. The event will allow parents and guardians to move freely throughout campus and visit with teachers as wanted.

Rising Redhawks see what the campus has to offer

Yael Even, Managing Editor
January 30, 2020
English 4 students work on their Othello essays in English teacher Shannon Glidwell's room on Thursday. “The students will be expected to connect the themes and elements of the play to the universal themes shown in the real world,” Glidwell said.

[Photo] Othello prompts students on ethics and human behavior

Ananda Ghoshal, Staff Reporter
January 30, 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.

Administration building hosts flu vaccine clinic

Yael Even, Managing Editor
January 28, 2020
The first winter improv show of the year was Thursday in the Black Box theater. Actors played several improv games and even interacted with the audience.

Put on the spot, improv show debuts

Yael Even, Managing Editor
January 24, 2020
Students were represented at a staff meeting on Wednesday, providing input on a variety of topics that affect campus and student life. "I enjoyed getting the students input on a wide range of topics from cell phone policies, to lesson planning ideas and how to connect with the student population and engage them," economics teacher Fred Kaiser said.

Student panels lead the conversation at staff meeting

Yael Even, Managing Editor
January 23, 2020
The 2019 cheer team poses for a picture in the competition hall, and came in 18th in the overall competition. Heading to their second year of the UIL Spirit State Championships, the team barely missed the cut to compete in finals, and is now focusing on basketball and spring cheer.

Three points shy of finals, UIL cheer season concludes

Yael Even and Remi Williams
January 22, 2020
Campus Digital learning coach Clayton Pope takes a look at a new platform created by the District called Guardian Gateway. Parents should be expecting an email regarding the new website and how to log in.

District provides a gateway into student life

Yael Even, Managing Editor
January 16, 2020
Student council applications are now open for future upperclassmen. Student council is looking for leaders of the school and people who want to make an impact on their community.

Student Council applications now available

Yael Even, Managing Editor
January 13, 2020
Student council applications are now open for future upperclassmen. Student council is looking for leaders of the school and people who want to make an impact on their community.

[Photo] Student council applications now open

January 20, 2022
Pulse brought High Five Friday to Anderson Elementary on Friday morning. Pulse looked to promote positivity beyond campus and spread it throughout the district.

Smaller hands, same goal for High Five Friday

Yael Even, Managing Editor
January 10, 2020
The past couple of weeks before winter break, AP Literature students spent time analyzing the play Macbeth. Before completing a timed write, students demonstrate their understanding of Macbeth on one page.

One novel, one exam, one page

Yael Even, Managing Editor
January 9, 2020
Students in fine arts and athletics have the option to drop the credit from their GPA. The opt-out window opened on Sept. 1 and will stay open until Oct. 1.

Underclassmen begin new schedule selection

Yael Even, Managing Editor
January 7, 2020
eggsquisite

[Photo] Eggsquisite excels at brunch

January 7, 2020
As the break approaches, so does the deadline for Frisco Education Foundation Scholarship applications, on Friday at 4:00 p.m. With only a three week window, some students have been scrambling to complete the forms, but can earn a portion of $7.2 million the foundation has given.

FEF scholarship window comes to a close

Yael Even, Managing Editor
December 19, 2019
PTSA members help to fill the library with cookies baked by the community. Staff had the chance to bring cookies home to their family as part of the exchange.

Annual cookie exchange puts bakeries to shame

Yael Even, Managing Editor
December 17, 2019
PTSA members help to fill the library with cookies baked by the community. Staff had the chance to bring cookies home to their family as part of the exchange.

[Photo] A sweet treat for teachers this holiday season

December 16, 2024
For a few seniors on campus, they will be receiving their diploma just after the first semester. For some this means starting off their career early, while others plan to get their generals out of the way at Collin College before the fall.

Graduation comes early for some seniors

Yael Even, Managing Editor
December 16, 2019
AP World History teacher John Sommers steps aside as students teach the class. Each student was assigned a certain topic regarding European Expansion to study and later present to the class.

WHAP students switch roles with the teacher

Yael Even, Managing Editor
December 12, 2019
BPA regionals will be taking place Wednesday after school from 4:30-6:00 pm.

[Photo] Early STAAR testing for some, library closed for all

Kasey Harvey, Editor-In-Chief
December 12, 2019
In 2018, senior Caitlyn Schroeder and Student Council sponsor Kandy Stevens set up for Teacher's Night Out, where Student Council watches teachers' kids to give them a well deserved night off. This year, the same event will be held Friday in the gym from 5:00-9:00 p.m.

Student council gives teachers a night off

Yael Even, Managing Editor
December 11, 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
While students start to finalize grades before the end of the semester, dual credit students cram for finals. Due to Frisco ISD not having finals, some dual credit students are struggling to adapt.

No finals for Frisco, but not so for dual credit students

Yael Even, Managing Editor
December 9, 2019
Advisory has started up again for the 2023-24 school year. Students are able to go to classrooms, the library, the cafeteria and more from 12:15-12:45.

[Photo] Advisory starts back up Monday

August 21, 2023
As a senior violinist in the top orchestra, Caroline Attomore had the opportunity to play in the pit at Matilda. The show will have live orchestral music to accompany each song.

Orchestra meets theatre for production of Matilda

Yael Even, Managing Editor
December 3, 2019
Several students making a Starbucks run Thursday morning witnessed a silver Jeep crash into the Firehouse Subs on Custer and 121. Although the Jeep managed to break through the glass window, there were no injuries reported.

Caught by surprise, Firehouse Subs gets a new look

Yael Even, Managing Editor
November 21, 2019
Students and teachers on campus brought a variety of items for the angel tree, and were sorting the items to send them off. The school has adopted angels for 4 years, and this year, 46 individuals received their christmas gifts from Redhawk donations.

Redhawks provide 46 angels with Christmas gifts

Yael Even, Managing Editor
November 20, 2019
Just under two weeks away, the deadline to purchase a senior ad is Nov. 30, 2019. With different prices for different size ads, payments can be made at Balfour.com.

Senior ad deadline is coming up

Yael Even, Managing Editor
November 19, 2019
With the canned food drive ending Thursday, Junior Emma Gow puts in her last minute donations. All donations will help families in need through Frisco Family Services.

Donation drive ends Thursday

Yael Even, Managing Editor
November 14, 2019
Science teacher, Kenric Davies, was recently named the next President Elect of the Science Teachers of Texas Association after being a member for several years.

Astronomy brings planets to the hallways

Yael Even, Managing Editor
November 12, 2019
Science teacher, Kenric Davies, was recently named the next President Elect of the Science Teachers of Texas Association after being a member for several years.

[Photo] Teacher on campus named President Elect of Science Teacher of Texas Association

April 29, 2022
Senior Lauren Ransom passes the ball to her teammates, in hopes of scoring another point, Ransom is a 4 year varsity player, and has been playing setter since the beginning of her school volleyball career in 7th grade at Vandeventer Middle School.

Featured Athlete: Lauren Ransom

Yael Even, Managing Editor
November 12, 2019
Redhawks first and only win of the season made it's way on national television on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019. During the Cowboys v. Vikings game on Sunday, highlights from the Liberty v. Wakeland game were featured during NBC’s broadcast of Sunday Night Football.

Redhawk’s win makes national TV

Yael Even, Managing Editor
November 11, 2019
Librarian Chelsea Hamilton reads a book review at the circulation desk in the library. Students who write a book review can earn service hours if submitted through the library's website and meets a 500 word minimum.

Writing book reviews in exchange for service hours

Yael Even, Managing Editor
November 7, 2019
Representitives from the Frisco Education spoke to students during advisory Wednesday, to prepare them for upcoming deadlines for possible scholarship opportunities. The Foundation gives scholarships from anywhere between $500 to $22,000, for students who meet a variety of requirements.

Senior scholarships for all Frisco students

Yael Even, Managing Editor
November 6, 2019
Students from local school master new techniques in the Collin College Plano campus gym. Multiple professors were at the college to run classes.

Collin College welcomes students for Dance Day

Yael Even, Managing Editor
November 5, 2019
Jostens paid a visit to seniors on Wednesday to give information class rings.

[Photo] Josten gives annual class ring presentation

September 8, 2021
Books are now on display as a part of the Scholastic Book Fair. The book fair will last from Nov. 4-8 and books, pens, pencils, and posters also on sale.

School’s first book fair opens Monday

Yael Even and Ananda Ghoshal
November 4, 2019
Frisco ISD is hosting the next event in their series of Find Your Future Nights on Tuesday. The event focuses on Texas schools.

Deadline closes for early college applications

Yael Even, Managing Editor
November 1, 2019
The Baker's Club offers everything from new recipe ideas to learning simple techniques. The club meets every Thursday in room C143 during advisory.

Aspiring bakers whip up a new club on campus

Yael Even, Managing Editor
October 24, 2019
Junior Kimberly Nguyen waves her rifle prop around as a member of Color Guard during a football game at The Star. With marching band season coming to an end, color guard will compete int he UIL Area competition on Saturday in Little Elm.

Color guard prepares for its winter season

Yael Even, Managing Editor
October 24, 2019
The show, Matilda The Musical, will be under the spotlights on Dec. 5, 2019. However, backstage productions have begun with technical theater director Jason Dixon leading the way.

Matilda’s backstage productions already underway

Parijat Somani and Yael Even
October 22, 2019
Junior Kimberly Nguyen waves her rifle prop around as a member of Color Guard during a football game at The Star. With marching band season coming to an end, color guard will compete int he UIL Area competition on Saturday in Little Elm.

Band and colorguard hope to put the judges on cloud nine

Yael Even, Managing Editor
October 18, 2019
Debate students are practicing rotary speeches and are tasked with writing an inspirational speech over a topic of their choice. The winning speeches will be entered in the Plano Rotary Competition.

Senior sunrise shines light on class of 2020

Yael Even, Managing Editor
October 16, 2019
Team tennis playoffs begin Tuesday

Team tennis playoffs begin Tuesday

Yael Even, Managing Editor
October 15, 2019
The Redhawk tennis team heads to Centennial High School on Tuesday, to face the Titans in their last district matchup. They are coming off an 11-8 loss to Lebanon Trail, but feel ready to take on the Titans.

Taking to the court, tennis serves up against the Lions

Yael Even, Managing Editor
October 10, 2019
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.

Fasting for faith

Yael Even, Managing Editor
October 9, 2019
Orchestra is performing their first concert of the year on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. After weeks of out-of-school and in school practice, orchestra students are excited to show off their skills.

Orchestra takes the stage for fall concert

Yael Even, Managing Editor
October 7, 2019
While in the past students had to schedule their SAT over the weekend and pay a fee, juniors across the district will have the opportunity to take the test for free during school. Testing will take place in the gyms as well as classrooms on Wednesday, March 4, 2020.

Prepping for the PSAT takes away advisory

Yael Even, Managing Editor
October 3, 2019
Seniors are required to fill out FAFSA applications, which give out loans or grants to students to pay for college if they are eligible. FAFSA applications are now open, and will remain open until Jan. 15, 2023.

Window to apply for Federal student Aid now open

Yael Even, Managing Editor
October 1, 2019
The annual Homecoming dance was Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. With the theme being "High School Hype", approximately 400 tickets were sold to the dance.

Homecoming hypes up hundreds of students

Yael Even, Managing Editor
September 30, 2019
Class of '20 gets ready for their last homecoming with the dance on Saturday from 7:30 to 10p.m. Those who have not bought their tickets in advance can purchase their tickets for $30 at the door, and students must present their ID when entering the dance.

Homecoming festivities end with hyped-themed dance

Yael Even, Managing Editor
September 27, 2019
While mums and garters will fill the hallways, many people have different opinions on the Texas tradition. Two of Wingspan's staff members will share their thoughts on the matter.

[Photo] Mums: love them or hate them

September 26, 2019
ID's are being passed out in English classes Monday and Tuesday. They will start to be enforced Thursday, September 26.

[Photo] ID badges reappear on campus

September 23, 2019
ID's are being passed out in English classes Monday and Tuesday. They will start to be enforced Thursday, September 26.

ID badges reappear on campus

Yael Even, Managing Editor
September 23, 2019
Now with three co-hosts, Michael, Athena, and Jordan talk about everyday things as dumb, dumber, and dumbezt.

Dumb and Dumber: just working things

Michael Martin and Yael Even
September 20, 2019
Senior Joreal Watts submitting a song request for homecoming. Students can suggest songs to the DJ via the QR code handout.

[Photo] DJ works together with students to choose music for homecoming

September 19, 2019
Senior Joreal Watts submitting a song request for homecoming. Students can suggest songs to the DJ via the QR code handout.

DJ works together with students to choose music for homecoming

Yael Even, Managing Editor
September 19, 2019
Lunches today were out of the ordinary as students were in for a treat. The DJ for homecoming made an appearance to get students hyped for the dance on September 28.

Class of '22 at last year's homecoming before the dance. Tickets are now available to be purchased on OnlineSchoolFees and during lunches on the week of homecoming.

Homecoming tickets go on sale

Yael Even, Managing Editor
September 17, 2019
Homecoming nominations open Monday and will last until September 3. With homecoming set for Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, excitement for the selected two winners from each grade level has already begun.

Homecoming voting opens Monday

Yael Even, Managing Editor
September 16, 2019
Freshman Brandon Hicks voted for the homecoming court. Voting opens Monday, September 16th and closes Thursday, September 19th.

Hoping to address teacher shortages in the classroom, Governor Greg Abbott is trying to take steps to understand the problem through the establishment of the Texas Agency of Education Task Force.

[Photo] School finance reform pays off for teachers

Kanz Bitar, Staff Reporter
September 13, 2019
As of June, Governor Greg Abbott signed into law House Bill 3 leading to a three percent raise increase for teachers. In addition, teachers have been given a $250 dollars bonus to this week's paycheck for supplies.

College fair was Wednesday, September 11th at Memorial High School. Students and parents broadened their knowledge on colleges and universities as they got to meet with many representatives.

One stop college shopping

Yael Even, Managing Editor
September 12, 2019
It's

Homecoming nominations come to an end

Yael Even, Managing Editor
September 11, 2019
Looking on as his friend Satwik Ghoshal eats his lunch, Zain Rahmani has chosen to fast for religious reasons. Today marks the day of Ashura, therefore Rahmani along with many other Muslims on campus.

Some students fast on campus for Day of Ashura

Yael Even, Managing Editor
September 10, 2019
After taking Fashion I, senior Julianna Brooks helps out Red Rhythm. With Red Rhythm needing minor repairs, Brooks puts her skills to the test.

[Photo] Fashion II student ties loose ends for Red Rhythm

September 9, 2019
After taking Fashion I, senior Julianna Brooks helps out Red Rhythm. With Red Rhythm needing minor repairs, Brooks puts her skills to the test.

Fashion II student ties loose ends for Red Rhythm

Yael Even, Managing Editor
September 9, 2019
The debate of whether or not to decrease the school week is ongoing. With several districts moving to this new format, it is no surprise many have something to say about it.

English classes helping seniors apply for college 

Yael Even, Managing Editor
September 6, 2019
Seniors who purchased the senior package will be able to visit the courtyard for food and games for the senior sunrise. Canes and In-n-Out will be provided to all seniors, along with possible raffle prizes.

Deadline to purchase senior package fast approaching

Yael Even, Managing Editor
September 5, 2019
In this biweekly sports column, Redhawks coaching staff share their personal athletic journeys and advice for student athletes. For 8/30, the featured coach is athletic coordinator and head football coach Matt Swinnea

Swinnea set for head coaching debut

Yael Even, Managing Editor
August 30, 2019
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