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
Erika Pernis

Erika Pernis, Editor-in-Chief

Erika Pernis is a senior entering her third year of Wingspan. During her spare time, you can find her reading, drinking boba, or hanging out with friends. In the future, she is hoping to pursue a career in journalism. She loves taking naps, obsessively buying stationery, and making her notes look pretty. Erika is so excited to be one of the Wingspan Editor-in-Chiefs this year!

Contact Erika: erikachryselle.pernis.174@k12.friscoisd.org

All content by Erika Pernis
Senior editors say goodbye: Erika Pernis

Senior editors say goodbye: Erika Pernis

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
May 19, 2023
Members of the editing staff sit down with members of the staff to discuss what it's like being in Wingspan.

The Scoop: Onto the next

Athena Tseng, Harley Classe, Caroline Caruso, and Erika Pernis
May 17, 2023
Yearbooks are now on sale for the lowest price of the year. If families purchase a yearbook before Sept. 15, there are four free included decals.

Yearbook distribution during lunch Monday and Tuesday

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
May 15, 2023
This week on Artistic Expressions, Erika Pernis sits down with drill team member Kanen Braden. Braden talks about her future in drill and her favorite memories.

Kanen Braden

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
May 12, 2023
Chromebooks for seniors must be returned by Tuesday. If students are leaving Liberty but staying in FISD, they can keep their Chromebooks for their new school.

Seniors must return Chromebooks by Tuesday

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
May 9, 2023
The deadline for students to withdraw from Dual Credit courses is Friday.

Dual Credit classes come to a close Thursday

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
May 4, 2023
Red Rhythm, Dance 3, Dance 4, and Color Guard will be putting on their annual spring show on Friday and Saturday nights. With a special ceremony for seniors on Saturday, the event will be open to all Redhawks and their families.

Red Rhythm dances into Spring Show

Harley Classe and Erika Pernis
April 28, 2023
Voting for the May 4 election begins Saturday and includes City Council and School Board members. Eligible voters can go to one of the voting locations to submit their ballot.

Early voting opens Monday

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
April 24, 2023
ISM students got to show their work from this school year at final presentation night on Monday. Students got to invite their friends and family to come listen to their work and their peer’s work.

[Photo] ISM students display the year’s work at Final Presentation Night

Athena Tseng, Editor-In-Chief
April 18, 2023
Members of the editing staff sit down with members of the staff to discuss what it's like being in Wingspan.

The Scoop: senior spotlight with Shannon Christian

Erika Pernis, Editor-in-Chief
April 18, 2023
National Honor Society applications for rising juniors and seniors are open now, but the deadline is quickly approaching. Prospective members must complete the application, including answering questions and getting teacher recommendations, by Friday at 4:30 p.m.

Annual NHS inductions take place Friday

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
April 14, 2023
NHS is holding their annual induction Friday at 5:30 p.m. NHS provides students with an influx of volunteer opportunities.

NHS inducts new members

Erika Pernis, Editor-in-Chief
April 14, 2023
With the gubernatorial elections quickly approaching, many voters, including students, have debate who to support on election day. Both candidates have placed a focus on young voters, with Beto O'Rourke capitalizing on social media and Greg Abbott connecting with young Republican networks.

Some seniors eligible to register and vote in upcoming local elections

Erika Pernis, Editor-in-Chief
April 6, 2023
AP Biology students put their knowledge into practice with a recent ecology grant project. They had to submit a proposal solving an ecological problem.

[Photo] Solving problems one project at a time

Hannah Beeler, Staff Reporter
April 3, 2023
Homeowners in Frisco could get a tax break if current bills continue to work their way through the state house in Austin. The first bill is a property tax relief package valued at $16.5 billion and the second bill, Senate Bill 4, seeks to cut school property tax rates.

Property tax bills make their way through Texas Legislature

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
March 29, 2023
Members of the editing staff sit down with members of the staff to discuss what it's like being in Wingspan.

The Scoop: spring fever

Harley Classe, Caroline Caruso, Athena Tseng, and Erika Pernis
March 28, 2023
Some of the Redhawks on campus will be competing in the Academic UIL District Competition Saturday at Independence High School. Students who place highly will advance to regionals.

Academic UIL District Competition held Saturday

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
March 24, 2023
After wrapping up the novel Beloved, AP Lit students partook in a socratic seminar to wrap up the grading quarter.

[Photo] AP Lit discusses Beloved through socratic seminar

Caroline Caruso, Editor-in-Chief
March 8, 2023
Pre-Cal is implementing a project into their trigonometric equations unit. Students have to create a creative representation and explanation of a certain equation.

Taking trigonometry to the next level with Pre-Cal project

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
March 7, 2023
Members of the editing staff sit down with members of the staff to discuss what it's like being in Wingspan.

The Scoop: a life update with Erika Pernis

Erika Pernis, Editor-in-Chief
March 7, 2023
Students in the Business Professionals of America club got back from Dallas Sunday after competing at the State Leadership Conference for three days. Of the 21 state qualifiers, nine are moving on to nationals in anaheim at the end of April.

BPA returns to campus after competing at State

Erika Pernis and Varun Saravanan
March 6, 2023
Results from the March 6 SAT are now available. The test was administered virtually, adding a new aspect to the test taking process.

Juniors take SAT Wednesday morning

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
February 28, 2023
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent for Catholics and Protestants. “Usually year-round I don’t get to go to church as much so when all the big events come up, like Ash Wednesday, I’m motivated to dedicate more of my time,” sophomore Addison LeBlanc said.

[Photo] Catholics and Protestants celebrate Ash Wednesday

Christine Han, Staff Reporter
February 22, 2023

As recovery continues, Redhawks await the fate of family and friends

Erika Pernis and Lauren Pratt
February 14, 2023
The FISD CTE Center Mock Trial team is on the lookout for new members. The team is hosting an introduction meeting Thursday at 6 p.m.

3Peat: CTE Center team win regional co-champions for the third year

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
February 9, 2023
Members of the editing staff sit down with members of the staff to discuss what it's like being in Wingspan.

The Scoop: Sarayu Bongale

Erika Pernis and Sarayu Bongale
February 7, 2023
National Honor Society applications for rising juniors and seniors are open now, but the deadline is quickly approaching. Prospective members must complete the application, including answering questions and getting teacher recommendations, by Friday at 4:30 p.m.

National Honor Society applications now open

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
February 6, 2023
Independent Study and Mentorship students are presenting their work at a gallery walk in the library Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2:50 pm. and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. All students and staff are welcome to stop by and view the presentations.

Walk through ISM students work Wednesday and Thursday

Rin Ryu and Erika Pernis
January 24, 2023

CTE expands to increase student opportunities across FISD

Athena Tseng, Erika Pernis, and Sadie Johnson
January 24, 2023
HOSA members competed in the Spring Leadership Conference on Friday and Saturday. There were 15 top 5 finishes as well as 11 members advancing to the State Leadership Conference.

HOSA students advance to State Leadership Conference

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
January 19, 2023
Library aide applications for the 2023-24 school year have opened. The role entails mainly shelving books and decorating the library.

Library aide applications open

Erika Pernis, Editor-in-Chief
January 12, 2023
capitol building FEAT

[Photo] Texas legislature is back in session

Maya Silberman and Joaquin Perez
January 10, 2023
Members of the editing staff sit down with members of the staff to discuss what it's like being in Wingspan.

The Scoop: Rin Ryu

Erika Pernis and Rin Ryu
January 10, 2023
Teachers are getting into the holiday spirit with an elf searching contest, in which teachers are given clues to find an elf hidden around the school. Along with the elf searching contest, teachers are encouraged to wear ugly sweaters for an ugly sweater contest held by the yearbook staff.

Teachers get a taste of the holiday spirit

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
December 13, 2022
Frisco ISD has opened applications for the district committees. The applications consist of roles for the District Advisory Council, Legislative Leadership Council, Library Reconsideration Committee, Safety and Security Committee, School Health Advisory Committee, Special Education Parent Committee, and Student Advisory Committee.

Bonuses and academic calendar discussed at December board meeting

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
December 13, 2022
The windows of the rotunda are decorated with fake snow and snowflakes in light of the holiday season. StuCo has been working on decorating the school to create a cozy, wintry atmosphere.

[Photo] StuCo decks the halls for the winter season

Aashi Oswal, Staff Reporter
December 8, 2022
Junior Sophie Yang has been playing the piano for 10 years and the viola for five, and talks about the influence of music in her life.

Sophie Yang

Erika Pernis, Editor-in-Chief
December 8, 2022
Senior Tom Marom represents his assigned court case, Brandenburg v. Ohio, with an ornament of a cross. AP Government students have been working on making ornaments that creatively represent court cases.

Decking the shrub with Supreme Court decorations

Erika Pernis and Rachel Kim
December 1, 2022

Calculus integrates competition into the classroom

Erika Pernis, Editor-in-Chief
November 30, 2022
The Angel Tree Program aims to help underprivileged families by donating Christmas gifts of toys and clothing, and it made its way to campus this year. Teachers were given the option to ‘adopt an angel’ and collect donations with their 2A class periods, and those who chose to participate have been collecting gifts for a child in this program.

Students make miracles happen with angel tree donations

Faith Brocke and Erika Pernis
November 29, 2022
Members of the editing staff sit down with members of the staff to discuss what it's like being in Wingspan.

The Scoop: Haley Ward

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
November 29, 2022
The door policy on campus has been updated, with the front doors being the only ones open during the school day. The new policy has been implemented to promote safety. Previously doors such as the ones leading to the student parking lot would be open during passing periods for students that had late arrival or CTE classes.

New door policy set to improve campus safety

Erika Pernis and Athena Tseng
November 18, 2022
Chemistry is a passion for senior Vishnu Vasudev. He has been able to use his creativity and imagination to perform experiments with limited access to resources.

[Photo] Senior finds magic in mixing and performing at-home experiments

Rachel Kim, Staff Reporter
November 18, 2022
HOSA is holding a blood drive in partnership with Carter Blood Care Monday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students who donate will receive two service hours, a t-shirt, and a graduation cord if you donate twice in one year.

HOSA holds blood drive Monday

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
November 11, 2022
Physics and astronomy teacher Kenric Davies was named 2022-23 Teacher of the Year on campus. According to principal Stacey Whaling, Davies' knowledge and engaging teaching style set him apart.

Davies named Teacher of the Year on campus

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
October 26, 2022
Carter Blood Care is holding blood drives at the CTE Center Training Room on Wednesday and Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students 16 and up are eligible to donate with a signed permission form from a parent or guardian.

CTE Center holds blood drives Wednesday and Monday

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
October 25, 2022
Members of the editing staff sit down with members of the staff to discuss what it's like being in Wingspan.

The Scoop: Rachel Kim

Erika Pernis, Editor-in-Chief
October 25, 2022

[Video] 24 Redhawks qualify as National Merit Semifinalists

Erika Pernis, Maya Silberman, and Rachel Kim
September 29, 2022
Members of the editing staff sit down with members of the staff to discuss what it's like being in Wingspan.

The Scoop: how we met

Athena Tseng, Caroline Caruso, Erika Pernis, and Harley Classe
September 27, 2022
Debate is heading to their first competition Saturday at Princeton High School. One of the team's main goals at the competition is to give new team members experience.

Debate prepares for first competition of the year

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
September 23, 2022

Redhawks buzzing with excitement as H-E-B makes North Texas debut

Maya Silberman and Erika Pernis
September 21, 2022
Members of the editing staff sit down with members of the staff to discuss what it's like being in Wingspan.

The Scoop: reporting for H-E-B

Athena Tseng, Erika Pernis, Karina Grokhovskaya, Varun Saravanan, and Maya Silberman
September 20, 2022
The Board of Trustees will hold their monthly meeting Monday at 6:30 p.m.

Bathrooms, books, and bills discussed at monthly board meeting

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
September 13, 2022
Members of the editing staff sit down with members of the staff to discuss what it's like being in Wingspan.

The Scoop: our origin stories

Athena Tseng, Erika Pernis, Caroline Caruso, and Harley Classe
August 30, 2022
Orchestra hosted their annual back-to-school bash on Friday. The social serves as a way to welcome in new members and foster connections between students.

Orchestra throws annual back-to-school bash

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
August 29, 2022
Members of the editing staff sit down with members of the staff to discuss what it's like being in Wingspan.

The Scoop: an introduction

Athena Tseng, Erika Pernis, Caroline Caruso, and Harley Classe
August 16, 2022
The first nine weeks of the school year is coming to an end Friday. For students in sports, this is also an eligibility checkpoint.

New grading system implemented campus-wide

Erika Pernis, Editor-In-Chief
August 15, 2022
Erika Pernis provies us some information of this years rules and policies, with the main change being with grading.

Rules and policies

Erika Pernis, Editor-in-Chief
August 11, 2022
The campus sees new staff members every year. However, this year, there were more than usual.

Campus welcomes new teachers

Erika Pernis, Editor-in-Chief
August 11, 2022
Coach Allen Harris sets a to-do list for cleaning out his classroom. All teachers are required to have their classrooms completely cleaned out by the end of the year for the campus refresh.

Math teacher Jennifer Harrison cleans off her whiteboards in preparation for the campus refresh.

The end of the year looks a little different this year with Thursday and Friday being half days.

School ends year with half days

Erika Pernis, Managing Editor
May 18, 2022
Each year, precalculus students end the spring semester with painting a ceiling tile. “We like the ceiling tile project because it directly correlates to the state standards of conic sections for what the students need to know in precalculus,” advanced precalculus teacher Julia Ridgway said.

[Photo] Pre-calculus students paint the school

Rachel Kim, Staff Reporter
May 18, 2022
FriscoISD has now made it possible to get a glimpse from the past with archived digitalized yearbooks. Students may now browse yearbooks from 2007 to present.

Yearbooks distribution starts this Monday

Erika Pernis, Managing Editor
May 16, 2022
Starting next week, students will have to remain in their second period classes during advisory. For some students, this prevents a little bit of extra AP exam prep.

No advisory period starting next week

Erika Pernis, Managing Editor
May 6, 2022
In this weekly podcast, managing editors Jordan Battey and Athena Tseng talk about a variety of topics, focusing in on things they think are dumb.

Dumb and Dumber: AP testing

Athena Tseng and Erika Pernis
May 6, 2022
Junior Erika Pernis begins her Final Presentation. Final Presentation Night is an opportunity for ISM students to showcase their year’s worth of research

ISM students host Final Presentation Night

Erika Pernis, Managing Editor
April 28, 2022
NHS has elected their new set of officers, with historian Henry Nguyen, secretary Rachel Kim, vice-president Riya Khosla, and president Athena Tseng.

NHS elects new round of officers

Cooper Ragle and Erika Pernis
April 26, 2022
Wingspan's Ally Lastovica takes a slight detour from her blog "Vegan View" and shares her journey to becoming a vegan, followed by her struggles with an eating disorder.

[Photo] My journey being a vegan with an eating disorder

Ally Lastovica, Staff Reporter
April 13, 2022
Future Farmers of America recently competed in the Collin County Jr. Livestock Show. Juniors Lila Elizondo and Carsyn Bianchin both placed in the Swine category.

FFA competes in various contests

Erika Pernis, Managing Editor
April 13, 2022
Wingspan's Featured Athlete for 3/24 is soccer player, senior Jack Abare.

Featured Athlete: Jack Abare

Erika Pernis, Managing Editor
March 24, 2022
The CTE Mock Trial Team came in second place at last year's state competition, and they are currently recruiting new members. In order to try out for the team, students must attend the informational meeting at the CTE Center on Aug. 29.

Mock trial finishes second at state competition

Erika Pernis, Managing Editor
March 14, 2022
Business Professionals of America will be heading to the state competition this Thursday at Fort Worth. “I’m going in with an open mind, especially because this is my first year competing,” junior Sherry Hu said.

BPA heads to state

Erika Pernis and Kirthi Gummadi
March 1, 2022

Conflict in Ukraine is a family matter for some Redhawks

Erika Pernis and Kirthi Gummadi
February 22, 2022
AcDec recently competed in their last competition of the school year and placed tenth overall in the state and with several individual awards.

AcDec advances to state

Erika Pernis, Managing Editor
January 31, 2022
Physics has been utilizing coding in order to help visualize orbital motion. Students have mixed opinions on this new coding aspect.

Physics adds complexity with coding

Erika Pernis, Managing Editor
January 25, 2022
The Carter brothers exhibited their Agriculture Mechanics project at the Collin County Jr. Livestock Show. For this, they built an 11 foot, 5 door barbecue pit .

Three Redhawks showcase projects in Collin County Jr. Livestock Show

Kiara Hinz and Erika Pernis
January 14, 2022
Pearson Middle School teachers have started to dress up while cross guarding. The goal is to attract enough from drivers, that nobody goes above the speed limit in the school zone, making for a safe walk to and from school for students.

Traffic cone crossing guards seek to slow school zone speeding

Trisha Dasgupta and Erika Pernis
December 1, 2021
HOSA is hosting its annual Blood Drive sponsored by Carter BloodCare this Wednesday near the auditorium doors from 8:30-3:30 PM.

HOSA hosts annual blood drive

Erika Pernis, Managing Editor
November 17, 2021
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.

Regular board meeting scheduled for Monday

Erika Pernis, Managing Editor
November 8, 2021
Journalism students throughout the district are putting their skills to the test in the 2nd Annual Frisco ISD Journalism Competition at the CTE Center Tuesday and Wednesday. Wingspan staff will be competing in the following categories: Generals News Package, Anchor Reads, Video Package, Online Multimedia Story, Broadcast Sports News, and Sports Highlight Reel.

WTV Daily Update receives national recognition

Erika Pernis, Managing Editor
October 22, 2021
The Redhawks headed to Panther Creek on Friday, and soared with a 3-0 win. They head to Reedy on Tuesday, hoping to bring home another win.

Volleyball takes on Centennial

Erika Pernis, Managing Editor
October 22, 2021
After a semester of working and researching in the career field of their choosing, Independent Study and Mentorship students will be presenting their work at the annual ISM Showcase at the FISD Athletic Facility Wednesday at 6:30 pm. “It’s a really good time for our students to showcase their work this year and introduce their mentor to their community,” ISM teacher Kelli Secord said.

Business symposium aims to prepare students for professional world

Erika Pernis, Managing Editor
October 12, 2021
Mental health issues have spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to many years, mental health is no longer something kept behind close doors.

Reducing the stigma of mental health issues through awareness

Erika Pernis and Rachel Kim
September 13, 2021
Collin County is the healthiest county in the state according to the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps program’s annual ranking. The ranking looked at many factors including health behaviors, clinical care, social, economic and physical environment.

A second first day of school for dual credit students

Erika Pernis, Managing Editor
August 23, 2021
Texas Parks & Wildlife north Texas hunter education specialist, Monica Bickerstaff, presents outdoor education coach, Justin Koons, with the educator of the year of 2020 award. Koons has been teaching this class for seven years and strives to provide a fun and interesting physical education experience for his students.

Outdoor ed coach recognized as professional educator

Erika Pernis, Managing Editor
August 20, 2021
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[Photo] New grade policy aims to demonstrate mastery in content

Jordan Battey, Managing Editor
August 19, 2021
After rescheduling, band is finally performing Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at their Midwinter concert. Redhawks are excited to show off the music they have been working on in class.

Frisco ISD explores public-private partnership for fine arts facility

Erika Pernis, Managing Editor
August 13, 2021
Hate crimes against Asians have increased as much as 1900% according to data from the New York Police Department. “Honestly, I’m extremely disappointed and disgusted that people are committing these hate crimes against the Asian-American and Pacific-Islander community, and especially because they are attacking our elders, who are the least likely to fight back,” sophomore Sherry Hu said. “I think it’s despicable people act on their feeling of hate to assault and murder people, especially when it’s based on race.”

Hate crimes against Asians impacts Redhawks

Erika Pernis and Athena Tseng
May 12, 2021
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