Story by Morgan Hill – Sports Editor  The Pink Out game annually brings the community and soccer together. In this soccer event, the rivalry game between LSN and LSW is known as the Pink Out game, which helps donate proceeds from the game to charities that support a local Breast Cancer Foundation called “Fight Dirty”.     So far, the LSN girls’ soccer season has gone well, and the girls are playing great, lengthy matches.    “The team has stayed positive and played a really good style of soccer in the matches, and it will make them difficult for other teams to beat,” Ryan Kelley, girls varsity soccer coach, said.    Every year, the team looks forward to the Pink Out game because it gives them a bonding moment during the busy season and a game that is extra special out of the entire season.    The fundraising side is also equally important as the game itself, especially to many members of the Lee’s Summit community and those who support the cause.    “It is a really great event where the two programs work together to raise money through selling shirts and the auction. Last year, the two schools combined to raise over $10,000,” Coach Kelley said.    The Pink Out game not only provides a great soccer game but also helps to fight a bigger cause that the LS community is able to rally behind. The 2025 Pink Out game is hosted at LSW on April 22, and the Broncos are not just looking forward to winning on the field but also off the field.   Photo by Kate Gerding – Editor-in-Chief

Story by Kay Haas – News Editor   As the year comes to a close, Lee’s Summit North’s Student Council is hosting its annual elections again.    Student council is a student organization that focuses on engaging the student body in various productive ways. If you have been wandering the halls of Lee’s Summit North, you have probably seen the posters advertising the different things STUCO does. The biggest event that STUCO hosts every year is homecoming.     STUCO is not an open club, you have to apply to be a part of it. Prospective members must fill out an application and complete an interview with one of the sponsors of STUCO. The application also includes getting 5 teacher evaluations filled out. Interviews will be taking place from April 28 to April 30, with results announced on May 7th.    The requirements of being in STUCO are that you have to have a 2.75 weighted GPA, and you have to demonstrate certain traits that make you a good student leader.     The link to the application can be found on the posters in the hallways, and the signup sheet for interviews can be found on Brielle Laster’s, English teacher and STUCO sponsor, door. Laster’s room is located right across from the MacLab in room 2118..    Returning members only have to complete the application and not an interview. The due date for these applications is Friday, April 25th, at midnight.     While STUCO is a teacher-sponsored organization, there is a level of student leadership as well. There are officer positions open to only incoming seniors who have at least a year of STUCO experience. Those officer positions are President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Historian. These positions all have different specific roles, but each person has the responsibility of leading meetings and being a good representative of STUCO. These prospective officers must complete a separate application, get 5 teacher evaluations as well as 2 letters of recommendation, and complete an interview with a sponsor. Officer applications are due on Tuesday, April 29, by 2:45 p.m. The link to sign up for interviews is posted in the STUCO SportsYou. The officer interviews will take place after school on May 1st, with results posted on May 7th.    Whether you are applying for an officer position or are a new member, STUCO is excited to have you be a part of it.    Here is the link to the new/returning representative application: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1105W4zMIKaOiUPdRLQcm3kYNSgMItQNh6_ZuKe2Ep24/edit?tab=t.0

Story & Photo by Ireland Lucas – Staff Reporter    The Boys Volleyball team has had a great season so far and hopes to continue doing well. The team always makes sure to lift each other up and has an inclusive setting. They all make sure to have a positive mindset, which allows them to do so well together.     “The best part is playing with people I’ve played with my whole life, my team always find ways to have fun which makes the game that much more enjoyable,” Mason Brady, sophomore, said.       A lot of the guys have played together in previous years, some even for almost their entire lives. Most of the guys had started playing at a young age, which allowed them to have that upper hand.     “I decided to join because I’ve played volleyball since I was nine and I’ve always just found that I am good at it and enjoy it,” Brady said.     While it can be hard to manage the schedule of practices and games, they all still show up and put their best effort forth. While the team has a lot of positive notes, they each have an obstacle that holds them back.      “The hardest part is losing games that I should’ve won, but it allows me to work harder next time,” Brady said.       Overall, the team has high hopes to keep up their good work, which will allow them to keep bringing home Bronco victories. 

Story by Bailee Council – Asst. Editor/Entertainment Editor  Student teaching is vital to education programs, offering aspiring educators hands-on experience in real classroom settings. This phase of teacher training bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, providing a structured environment where future teachers can develop essential skills under the guidance of experienced mentors. The benefits of student teaching extend beyond the individual educator, ultimately enhancing students’ classroom learning experiences. One of the primary advantages of student teaching is the opportunity to gain real-world experience. While coursework in education programs equips future teachers with theoretical knowledge, it is through student teaching that they apply these concepts in actual classroom settings.     “The first time you step into a classroom, you realize that reading about teaching is nothing like actually doing it. You have to adapt on the fly, and no two days are ever the same,” Rachel Voss, student teacher, said.    Another significant aspect of student teaching is receiving constructive feedback from mentor teachers and supervisors. This feedback helps student teachers identify their strengths and areas for improvement. Mentors provide guidance on lesson planning, instructional techniques, and classroom interactions, offering insights often unavailable through traditional coursework.    “I don’t like conflict, so learning to handle classroom discipline has been a challenge for me. But having mentors guide me through it has made all the difference,” Voss said.     Student teaching also provides an opportunity to understand the broader responsibilities of educators. In addition to lesson planning and instruction, teachers are responsible for assessing student progress, communicating with parents, collaborating with colleagues, and fulfilling administrative duties. By participating in faculty meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and school events, student teachers gain insight into the multifaceted nature of the teaching profession.    “I don’t want students to think I’m just some person in a room. I have a life outside of teaching, and I think showing that human side helps build connections in the classroom,” Voss said.           Student teaching is a valuable experience that prepares future educators for the realities of the classroom. By gaining hands-on experience, developing classroom management skills, receiving feedback, building relationships with students, and preparing for professional responsibilities, student teachers cultivate the skills and confidence needed to excel in their careers. As the final step in teacher preparation, student teaching serves as a transformative phase that bridges the gap between academic learning and professional practice, ultimately benefiting both educators and their students.

Story by Talon Cleveland – Feature Editor    Girls’ flag football is back and getting ready for the new season. New players participated in a pre-season skills clinic to learn essential skills to help them decide which team they would play on.     “Challenges this year are playing together. Last year trying to separate teams evenly was a challenge. This year we are treating it like a football or softball team would. Varsity, JV, and C. The battle to keep them motivated on whatever team is difficult but I believe once we start playing it will not be a problem,” Deron Washington, head coach, said.     There were great turnouts at the tryouts with over 80 ladies interested in the team and 60 tried out. The team wants to include as many athletes to help them develop football skills and understanding of the game at a high school level.     “We always want to win but we have to teach them properly first. The only time I will say we want to win is when playing the other Lee’s Summit schools,” Washington said.     Girls’ Flag Football is a newer sport at LSN and the coaches Washington and Falkenburg want to establish a team with strong sportsmanship and endurance to win.      As a coach, I want to inspire them to be a great adult. Lead and motivate. I have to coach flag football differently than I do tackle football, it is a challenge sometimes.    Tryouts have ended but all ladies are welcome to watch this year and start next year running. This season will end on May 2nd and there is a final 24-team Regional Girls Flag Football tournament held at the Lee’s Summit North Bronco Athletic Complex on May 9th.    Photo courtesy of LSN Flag Football Team -Instagram

Story & Photo by Morgan Hill – Sports Editor    After finishing the 2024 season on a high note by making it to the ALDS, American League Division Series, the Royals are recharged and ready for another great season of baseball.     The 2025 season represents a fresh start for the team and a new year to fulfill the players’ dreams of bringing home a championship to Kansas City.    “It’s one thing to have playoff hopes, but another thing to have made those hopes a reality. I think this city has shown it supports winners, and we are in for a very fun season,” Josh Keeney, baseball coach, said.    Many fans are excited to watch the Royals coming off of their postseason run and to continue investing in Kansas City’s future in baseball.     With players like Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez, Bobby Witt Jr, and many others that make up this star-studded lineup, all contributing to the success of the team and the city, it is a great time to live in Kansas City.    “I think Bobby Witt Jr will continue to be a superstar. He might be the best player in the Major Leagues,” Keeney said.    With the success of Bobby Witt Jr. and many other young but veteran players, the Royals appear to be rising at the right time and in stride just in time for the 2025 season.

Story by Kate Gerding – Editor-in-Chief  The girls’ varsity soccer team won their game against Lee’s Summit West on Friday, March 21, with a final score of 2-1. Goals were scored by Kara Robinson, senior, and Mia Katamura, sophomore, in the first home-game of the season.    “We’ve been practicing and conditioning a lot, five or six days a week unless we have a game,” Emma Gerding, sophomore, said.    The girls also participate in team-building exercises alongside their usual practices to strengthen their game performance.     “On Mondays, we go into the weight room and do journaling and other team bonding things,” Gerding said.    Their next game will be tonight against Blue Springs.    “I think it’s going to be challenging but good. I think we can win,” Gerding said.    Gerding is looking forward to the Pink Out game against West on April 22. The girls are selling Pink Out shirts to support Breast Cancer awareness which can be purchased via QR code or the link posted below. Orders are due by April 4.   https://pinkout2025.itemorder.com/shop/home/   Photo by Isabelle Flood – Social Media Editor

Story by Isabelle Flood – Social Media Editor  Spring sports are kicking off at LSN, baseball being one of them. The season may not have ended how the players wanted it to last year but this year they plan to make a change. Trying to start their season off right, the Broncos are looking for a win against the Wildcats from Blue Springs High School. The game is today at 4:30 P.M. and the players are looking forward to it.    “I always look forward to game days, all the traditions and bus rides to away games are the best,” Jake Bearman, junior, said.    Relationships and trust are very important aspects of a team sport. How well a team can work together can make or break its success for the season. Luckily, this team is not even close to lacking relationships and trust. In fact, that is what makes it strongest.    “The best part of baseball season is the bonds you make with your teammates and the memories you make,” Bearman said.     A new season brings new chances but also new challenges. Every team has its strengths and weaknesses so one of the main focuses of each practice is to work through the struggles for the next game.     “Each practice is never the same. We are always switching up drills and incorporating new things to focus on things we need to improve on,” Bearman said.    Emphasizing their strengths and improving their weaknesses is just one of the steps the Broncos have taken to start off their season right. Taking on the Wildcats later today, the boys will look for their first regular-season win, with everyone’s support behind them. 

Story by Antil Snoddy – Staff Reporter LSN’s SAAC held its annual pickleball tournament fundraiser this past weekend and it was a huge success. Twenty-three teams showed up and the evening was filled with high spirits and good competition.     Members of SAAC helped set up the event for the night.    “Us from SAAC we came around 3:30 to all the gyms…We started setting up the pickleball courts; we had six total. We set them up with tape and got nets from [ETMS] and[BCMS]. Once we got all that set up, teams started showing up around 4:30-5 ish and we started the tournament around 5:20-5:30,” Cam Sunarjo, senior, said.     The event lasted until 7:15 and the champions were crowned not long after.    Team Fratty Baddies, seniors Carter Andrews and Wyatt Stewart, took the title for the second year in a row. They came into the tournament ready to face anyone in their way and expecting to get to the championship. Team Fratty Baddies won twenty-dollar Quiktrip gift cards and reigned supreme as champions.     All participants from the event encourage students from various grade levels to participate in next year’s pickleball tournament.    “I would say sign up. It’s not only helping your physical health and mental health but it’s helping you get closer to other people playing a sport with a fun atmosphere,” Carter Andrews, senior, said.    Events like these are a great way for students and teachers to socialize and meet new people.  SAAC hosts many fundraising events that bring the community together and everyone is welcome to participate. Photo credit: Crimson Crazies – Instagram