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
Aaron Boehmer

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief

Aaron Boehmer is a senior and in his fourth year of working on the Wingspan staff, third as an editor. Aaron is hoping to study journalism or political science, or both, in college next fall. He loves art, music and a good Yerba Mate (chilled, Revel Berry flavored). He is returning this year in the position of Editor-in-Chief and is excited to see what his last year in high school brings. Follow him on Instagram @aaronboehmer_ ! 

Contact Aaron: aaron.boehmer.429@k12.friscoisd.org

 

All content by Aaron Boehmer
Senior Aaron Boehmer joined Wingspan as a freshman, becoming sports editor his sophomore year, managing editor his junior year, and finally serving as Editor-in-Chief his senior year.

Aaron Boehmer

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
May 21, 2021
Pictured from left to right, Remi Williams served as sports editor, Ana Cuen (middle) served as managing editor, and Aaron Boehmer served as Editor-in-Chief for Wingspan.

Senior editors say goodbye

Aaron Boehmer, Remi Williams, and Ana Cuen
May 21, 2021
Frisco ISD is hosting a Achieve Mentor breakfast appreciation Friday 8-9 a.m.

FISD urges Texas senate to expand online learning

Aaron Boehmer, Staff Reporter
May 17, 2021
Top Bunk members include Memorial senior Diego Fernandez (top left), Heritage senior Shruthi Venkatesh (top right), Memorial senior Kaleb Mills (bottom left), Memorial junior William Flashnick (middle left), Memorial class of 2020 alumni Corbin Dennis (bottom middle), Memorial junior Megan Butler (bottom right), and Memorial junior Jurnee Brinson (far right). "I’ve always felt that Top Bunk will be whatever Top Bunk wants to be. We have no agenda and it is truly a space for everyone within it to evolve as they feel is natural," Fernandez said.

Bunk up the beat

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
May 14, 2021
Sophomore Arshia Narula (second person in top row) and junior Trisha Dasgupta (fourth person in top row) participate in a North Texas Model Untied Nations club meeting. “I started MUN in eighth grade and it has been a really big part of my life since then,” Dasgupta said. “I feel these last five years have been leading up to this. I love this club, all the work I’ve put into it, and the potential we have to grow and learn from each other.” 

Two Redhawks named leaders of Texas Model United Nations

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
May 13, 2021
Graduation ticket information for the class of 2021's ceremony on May 23rd has been released Wednesday. Each student has 10 tickets, and is able to receive access to information through an email sent out by campus administration.

Graduation ticket information released Wednesday

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
May 5, 2021
Redhawk alumni Jonathan Peng makes his way across the graduation stage on May 31, 202 while wearing his National Honor Society stole. Stoles, along with honors cords and other academic awards, are available in front of the auditorium for class of 2021 graduates on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Awards and cords available for pickup for seniors

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
May 4, 2021
Frisco ISD is hosting a Achieve Mentor breakfast appreciation Friday 8-9 a.m.

Frisco election results in, run-offs to take place June 5

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
May 3, 2021
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Current Supreme Court case spurs class discussion

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
April 29, 2021
Senior Emma Varela works on her art work at home. For the Art 2-D, Drawing, and 3-D exams, the May 20 date is the deadline for AP coordinators to forward AP Art and Design portfolios to the AP Program through the AP Art and Design digital submission. Additionally, there are no physical portfolios for the 2020-21 school year exams.

Paint to paper, rundown of AP art exam season

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
April 27, 2021
Frisco ISD is hosting a Achieve Mentor breakfast appreciation Friday 8-9 a.m.

Early voting for school borad and City Council elections ends Tuesday

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
April 26, 2021
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.

Redhawks place 7th in UIL regional meet

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
April 19, 2021
Senior prom will be held at the W hotel on April 22. Tickets are now on sale through Online School Fees.

Seniors celebrate prom amid pandemic

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
April 13, 2021
The school's UIL academic teams competed in the district 9-5A meet on Friday and Saturday at Centennial with the Redhawks finishing second overall losing to Centennial High School. For the journalism team, it was their second straight district championship.

Redhawks win big at district UIL

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
March 29, 2021
The collective efforts going into putting an end to COVID and the pandemic are going to pay off, and are already starting to. In this week's "Viral Thoughts" staff reporter Haille Hughes discusses the decrease in Texas's COVID cases.

FISD employees eligible for COVID-19 vaccine at local providers

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
March 16, 2021
This month's board meeting is going to cover the new middle school, next year's school calendar, and paid leave.

EOCs to Students for Equity, array of topics brought to board meeting

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
March 2, 2021
In the past years, students competing in VASE would travel to the selected high school and be interviewed about their piece and then scored 1-4, with the top scores of 4 then placed on the floors of the gym. VASE 2021 is a bit different, as there are no interviews and the competition is completely virtual, with art work being submitted online.

Virtual VASE pushed back to Saturday

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
March 2, 2021
The SAT that was originally on March 3 has been rescheduled for a date yet to be announced. This delay is due to the shipping of the tests being interrupted because of Winter Storm Uri.

SAT originally on March 3 rescheduled

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
February 23, 2021
Texas is known for its unpredictable weather changes, something that can cause accidents on the road. A new bill passed in September allows for the adjustment of speed limits to accomodate for this.

Asynchronous learning takes place following winter storm

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
February 22, 2021
Like the graduation ceremony in 2020, graduates will be responsible for getting themselves to commencement ceremonies. Unlike the event last year, the 2021 ceremony will be held at The Ford Center at The Star, rather than Toyota Stadium.

Upcoming senior events make way for graduation

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
February 9, 2021
Every day for Black History Month, Wingspan will be publishing profiles on prominent Black historical figures, leaders, and revolutionaries.

[Photo] Black History Month

Wingspan Staff
February 28, 2021
A CDC study has shown COVID spread in schools is relatively low. The numbers in Frisco ISD appear to support this. As of Friday, the number of on-campus (237) and off-campus (189) active cases are within nine percent of each other.

On-campus, off-campus COVID-19 cases within nine percent of each other

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
January 29, 2021

Freshmen meet with Emerson High School principal

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
January 11, 2021
Guest Contributor Grace Meyers offers up her opinion on the recent news.

Redhawks react to pro-Trump mob attacks on U.S. Capitol

Aaron Boehmer and Trisha Dasgupta
January 7, 2021
New Board of Trustee member takes the Oath of Office during a board meeting on Monday. Davis became the first Black woman to serve on the board.

Dynette Davis sworn in to board, attendance zones modified

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
December 15, 2020
Liberty High School was one of 9 FISD schools awarded recognition on College Board's AP Honor Roll.

TEA hits pause on ratings, but go on STAAR

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-In-Chief
December 11, 2020

School board takes input from parents on special board meeting

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
December 1, 2020
The FEF application includes portions of academic and financial information and requires two teacher recommendations. The scholarship has helped FISD students since 1999. This year's FEF application closes Thursday at 4 p.m.

Frisco scholarship application opens for seniors

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
November 30, 2020
This Saturday, the ACDEC Redhawk team is getting ready for an internal district scrimmage to see who will make the team.

AcDec earns eight individual awards, places eighth as team

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
November 16, 2020
The Texas Education Agency has released a new set of guidelines that suggests new protocols involving parent and trustee involvement in the evaluation of what books are appropriate for public school libraries.

Three students on campus recognized as National Hispanic Scholars

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
November 16, 2020
Voting results from the May 4 election are in. In this election, open positions included two seats on the Board of Trustees and two City Council seats.

Local election results bring new faces to office

Aaron Boehmer and Trisha Dasgupta
November 4, 2020
A poster promoting StuCo's annual Nov. food drive hangs in the rotunda. A QR code hangs to the right of the poster, which has Amazon links to the items that can be donated as the event is online this year.

[Photo] StuCo hosts annual food drive online

Kate Graham, WTV Staff Reporter
November 2, 2020
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.

Spring Dual Credit registration opens

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
October 26, 2020
Over the summer, the campus will be undergoing a few renovations including a new paint job, carpets, and a technology upgrade. To prepare for this, teacher have to clear their classes.

Students switch learning environments as marking period ends

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
October 19, 2020
Due to the data acquired since July, when using contact tracing to determine who needs to be quarantined will now be based whether or not masks were used. “We will continue to monitor our data as we implement this change, and we are prepared to reverse course as necessary if we experience a significant increase in case numbers,” Executive Director of Government and Legal Affairs Daniel Stockton said.

FISD changes contact tracing protocols

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
October 15, 2020

Two teachers, one mission for change

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
October 2, 2020
Frisco ISD is hosting a Community Input Meeting on Monday. The meeting provides a dedicated opportunity for parents to discuss any issues they see within the district.

Frisco ISD receives Champion Seal by EverFi for Whole Child education

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
September 28, 2020
Junior Trisha Dasgupta (left) chose virtual academy, while senior Aaron Boehmer (right) chose in-person school. No matter how they weighed their options or considered their circumstances, both of them had a tough call to make.

To be in-person

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
September 10, 2020
Junior Trisha Dasgupta (left) chose virtual academy, while senior Aaron Boehmer (right) chose in-person school. No matter how they weighed their options or considered their circumstances, both of them had a tough call to make.

Deciding how and where to learn is tough during a pandemic

Trisha Dasgupta and Aaron Boehmer
September 10, 2020
World geography classes are closing their year with a final lesson on cartography/maps.

AP 2-D Art begins the year with mind map project

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
August 27, 2020
Frisco ISD has transitioned from x2VOL to instead use Xello as a new way to track students' volunteer hours. None of the hours previously approved within x2VOL were migrated over to Xello, though the counseling secretary has a report of each student’s total approved hours categorized by student ID.

Say hello to Xello: FISD’s new program for tracking volunteer hours

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
August 27, 2020
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[Photo] Trisha Dasgupta

August 19, 2019
Senior Emily Chladny paints on a pair of Nike shoes. Chladny has learned that the most important task of customizing a shoe is creating something that is coherent.  “Now having customers I am having to take in their ideas and factor them into what I believe would make the best coherent shoe design,” she said.

Stepping into her creativity, student customizes shoes

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
August 18, 2020
Senior Emma Varela works on an art assignment in her room at home last year during eLearning in the spring. Online art classes for the first three weeks will look different from eLearning that took place in the spring. “During eLearning we had already established skills, and a system so it's going to look very different,” art teacher Fred Rodriguez said. “Students will really need to practice to develop the skills they will need throughout the year. In the spring we were limited with the amount of time we could assign to each student, but this will feel more like regular school, except online.”

Artists make do with at-home supplies first three weeks online

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
August 14, 2020
Recently, the district has opened applications for the district-wide committees.

FISD issues one-time bonus to employees

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-Chief
July 15, 2020
Demonstrators protest across the street from Dallas City Hall Saturday. “The energy was very powerful. It is so surreal,” Independence High School rising senior Bianca Agoretti said. “Seeing it on TV and being in it is a different atmosphere. Everyone there was so supportive and we were all looking out for one another. Everyone was making sure you had enough water and you had food.”

Amid fight for justice, students take charge in local protests

Aaron Boehmer, Editor-in-chief
May 31, 2020
Kasey Harvey (top left) served alongside Lucas Bar (top right) as Editor-in-chief for their junior and senior years. In addition, Yael Even (bottom left), who joined staff as a sophomore, and Maddie Aronson (bottom right), who joined staff as a junior, served as two of Wingspan's Managing Editors for the 2019-20 school year.

[Photo] Senior editors say goodbye as they leave The Nest

Wingspan Staff
May 28, 2020

Local AC/DC tribute singer auditions for spot on tour

Aaron Boehmer and Kyle Strickland
May 26, 2020
Senior Kennedy Williams visited the University of North Texas in the fall, now she is ready to become an eagle in August. However with COVID-19 cutting the school year short, some are in fear of the fall semester going online as well.

College students hope for in-person classes in the fall

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
May 7, 2020
Included in the reopening are malls, and Stonebriar Centre has set up curbside services that align with Gov. Abbott's new order. While the mall still prohibits on-premise food consumption, its restaurants and food services may adhere to the curbside pickup and delivery system.

Students weigh in as stay-at-home expires

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
April 30, 2020
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.

Ham up for Secondary Teacher of the Year

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
April 30, 2020
Frisco's growth is booming, and since the early 2000's, the amount of available land has gone from 60 percent to 25 percent. One of the biggest areas for development is the quadrant north of Panther Creek along the Dallas Parkway.

FEDC discuss ways to assist companies during COVID-19

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
April 16, 2020
The deadline to register clubs is fast approaching. Students must have a sponsor, paperwork, and approval from an assistant principal in order to register.

Campus closed, but clubs remain connected

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
April 16, 2020
Non-denominational church Preston Trail continues to host online only services amidst COVID-19 outbreak. Religious institutions and churches are unable to congregate as part of social distancing restrictions.

[Photo] Easter looks different for many due to social distancing

Hannah Beeler, Guest Contributor
April 9, 2020
Holding its first virtual meeting, the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees, along with other district leaders, held a special session Wednesday morning to discuss the ongoing impact of COVID-19. On Tuesday, Gov. Greg Abbott suspended all in-person classes for public schools throughout the state of Texas until May 1.

School closures extended due to COVID-19

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
April 1, 2020
Senior Emma Varela works on an art assignment in her room at home last year during eLearning in the spring. Online art classes for the first three weeks will look different from eLearning that took place in the spring. “During eLearning we had already established skills, and a system so it's going to look very different,” art teacher Fred Rodriguez said. “Students will really need to practice to develop the skills they will need throughout the year. In the spring we were limited with the amount of time we could assign to each student, but this will feel more like regular school, except online.”

AP Drawing adjusts to art at home

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
March 26, 2020
Governor Greg Abbott sits down with Texas Department of State Health Services Dr. John Hellerstedt, Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath, Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, and Medicaid Director at Texas Health and Human Services Stephanie Muth during a virtual town hall. “We’re dealing with a very real challenge, a challenge that we collectively must respond to,” Abbott said during the town hall.

Abbott addresses the state

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
March 20, 2020
Gathered for a virtual town hall on Monday March 16, Frisco city leaders addressed the local response to the COVID-19 outbreak. With four cases reported in Frisco it remains unclear how long schools will remain closed.

City updates COVID-19 response at town hall

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
March 17, 2020
Sophomore Jazzy Owens-Barnett prepares to shoot from the free throw line. The Redhawks advance to the state championships, playing the Veterans Memorial Patriots at the Alamodome at 3 p.m. Saturday.

Redhawks advance to the state championship

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
March 6, 2020
Summer Knox, junior, looks down at the ball, getting ready to pass to her teammates. Girls', however, fell 6-1 to Lebanon Trail on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020.

Redhawks soccer splits with Lebanon Trail  

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
March 2, 2020
No access to paint, pencils, or pastels on campus, student artists are left with the supplies they have at home for the first three weeks of school during virtual instruction. But sometimes, restraints make for the best art, according to art teacher Fred Rodriguez.

Art work meets a competitive atmosphere at annual VASE competition

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
February 28, 2020
Nurse Emily Mikeska wears a medical mask amidst the coronavirus outbreak. Frisco ISD emailed parents and guardians Thursday at 4:30 p.m. with information on plans to prevent and control the coronavirus.

District emails parents concerning coronavirus

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
February 27, 2020
Studying the fundamentals of a synthesis essay, students listen to AP Language teacher Swapna Gardner's instructions. With the news project, students have a chance to understand the different perspectives involved in a topic of their choice.

[Photo] AP Lang project trades essays for journalism

Abby Wang, Staff Reporter
February 25, 2020
Celebrating Philip's time on the court, head basketball coach Stephen Friar cheers with Philips for his points scored at senior night. “It's better than any win, any record, any play off, moments like this is what lasts forever,” Friar said. “Moments like this is what you remember 20, 30, 40 years from now, so him scoring four points for the varsity game on senior night, couldn't imagine anything better than that. We're really proud of him."

Nine years in the making, senior gets his one shining moment

Aaron Boehmer and Kirthi Gummadi
February 19, 2020
Early voting begins on Monday and ends May 3, for 3 Frisco ISD board positions.

Casting ballots: the politics of voting

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
February 18, 2020
S-Z counselor Staci Stokes works on student course selections for the 2020-21 school year in C141. From Monday to Friday, school counselors like Stokes will be recognized as part of National School Counseling Week.

Counselors in the spotlight

Aaron Boehmer and Fletcher Edmunds
February 3, 2020
The HOSA Spring Leadership Conference takes place on Friday, and provides high school students the opportunity to research and take part in professional medical conversations and debates. This year the competitions are in-person as opposed to online for the first time in two years.

HOSA heads to Spring Leadership Conference

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
January 31, 2020
Located near the intersection of 423 and Rockhill, Frisco ISD's newest elementary school is set to open in the fall of 2022. Originally opening in 2021, the push back has been attributed to a redesign of the campus.

Frisco ISD’s 43rd elementary school pushed to 2022

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
January 23, 2020

No school Monday means more than a day off

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
January 17, 2020
Students present the progress on their original work in January 2019 during the 2018-2019 school year. ISM students from around the district will return to the Ford Center for the annual showcase night Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m.

Students present progress at ISM Showcase Night

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
January 15, 2020
Despite starting a new semester, students are still expected to wear their ID badges at all times. The campus administration is also making sure classroom doors remain closed during the day.

[Photo] Safety measures back in the spotlight

Kasey Harvey, Editor-in-chief
January 15, 2020
Prior to the game against Lone Star, senior Micaiah Abii attempts to dunk the ball.

Redhawks escape with wins

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
January 13, 2020
Former senior Lauren Tanghongs paints herself for the portraits project in AP Drawing. Other than using pastels for a change, students learned how to incorporate the skill of realism in their pieces.

Pastels bring life to the page

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
January 9, 2020
Former senior Lauren Tanghongs paints herself for the portraits project in AP Drawing. Other than using pastels for a change, students learned how to incorporate the skill of realism in their pieces.

[Photo] From mirrors to a canvas, Art 1 completes self-portrait project

January 4, 2022
Catching a ball, junior Jaylen Abii works with his teammates during practice. Girls' basketball looks to keep their undefeated district record alive at 6 p.m., while the boys' team searches for their first win at 7:15, with both teams playing at the Nest.

Basketball shoots for wins against Wolverines

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
January 7, 2020
With the end of the regular season and the beginning of the playoffs suspended through at least March 29, both the boys' and girls' soccer teams are transitioning to individual workouts. Although the UIL has only suspended athletic contests through March 29, Frisco ISD has suspended in-person classes through April 3.

Redhawks welcome Celina before district soccer season begins

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
January 7, 2020
AP Language students were challenged to define what a "good life" means to them through a creative video project. This is meant to resemble the popular youtuber, Kid President.

[Photo] Defining a good life

Abby Wang, Staff Reporter
December 19, 2019
Last minute stress

Last minute stress

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
December 17, 2019
Junior Aaron Boehmer provides his insight on various relevant topics in comic form. Spanning from social to political, environmental to economical, this series aims to add humor to serious conversations.

Comical Commentary: volume 2

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
December 17, 2019

Junior set for national esport semifinals

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
December 13, 2019
For the last week before winter break, Student Council is hoping to get students in the holiday spirit by hosting a Dress Up week from Monday to Friday.

StuCo marks end of semester with dress up week

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
December 13, 2019
Scores from the first digital SATs were released by College Board on Friday with many students still unsure if they prefer the paper or digital version of the standardized test.

ACT prep provided on campus

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
December 5, 2019
The depressed press

The depressed press

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
December 3, 2019
With All Region auditions taking place on Dec. 7, band students went from class to class on Friday playing their music in order to prepare. “It was really just kind of a thought I had that I figured would be a good idea for students to get a holistic approach to playing in front of people who have never heard them play,” band director Zachary Anderson said.

Classroom practice eases All Region audition nerves

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
November 22, 2019
Members of Best Buddies gathered at Strikz last year for Bowling for Buddies. Sunday will mark the club's second annual Bowling for Buddies event.

Bowling for Buddies

Aaron Boehmer and Abby Wang
November 15, 2019
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Redhawks break losing streak

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
November 11, 2019
“I had never seen a live demonstration before, it was really fun because he was funny too,” junior Catherine Tong said. “I got to see a lot of different processes that I didn’t know went into painting, which was really cool to look at in real life. I think it’ll help me with how I follow my drawing because I also want to do painting.”

Drawing with the pros

Aaron Boehmer, Managing Editor
November 11, 2019
Steve Ko begin to outline junior Emma Varela in order to teach art students how to paint the human head through a live acrylic painting.

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