Jan. 22, President Obama visits KU

Lawrence students and educators flocked to Anschutz Sports Pavilion to hear President Barack Obama give a speech on education, economics and the Affordable Care Act.

“All three of those, I thought, were vitally important,” debate and forensics coach Jeff Plinsky said. “I enjoyed hearing him speak.”

March 14, boys basketball at state

The boys basketball team made it all the way to the state championship game at Wichita State’s Koch Area before losing 58-43 to Wichita East.

As their second loss of the season, fans and players were devastated after the game.

“The whole environment… enclosed, and the big stadium — it’s just so surreal, being there,” said senior Daonte’ Lowery.

Sept. 14, District kicks off LGBT initiatives

Superintendent Rick Doll made a special visit to LHS to talk to members of the Gay-Straight Alliance to begin a district-wide initiative to better meet the needs of LGBT students.

Doll visited LHS because has the oldest and most active GSA.

“The students were very appreciative that he took the time to come and listen,” GSA co-sponsor Randall Frye said.

Among the issues the district plans to address, are gender-neutral bathrooms, bullying and better informing student bodies about LGBT topics.

Nov. 13, Football team makes run at State

The football team had its best season in more than a decade, going undefeated in the regular season and making it to the quarterfinal round of the postseason.

The team ended its season with a 17-42 loss against Blue Valley.

“It was alright,” senior JD Woods said. “I mean, we didn’t come out how we wanted to, but we made it to the second round, so that was a good set-up for the young guys that will be coming back next year.”

Nov. 23, Bill Clinton receives award

Former President Bill Clinton accepted the 2015 Dole Leadership Prize and spoke to thousands about bipartisanship at the Lied Center. Many students and staff went to hear his speech.

“We have a thriving university population that really cares about politics, which is exemplified by the Dole Institute,” English teacher Shannon Draper said. “And to make it free to the public means that all of the voting populace has access to hearing what a world leader has to say, and I think that’s really important.”

This was Clinton’s first trip to Lawrence since 2004.