• A reminder, winter break is Dec. 23 through Jan. 1. We wish all our Redhawk families a happy and healthy holiday season! We can’t wait to see everyone back on Jan. 2, 2025.
  • Liberty Central School District will dismiss early today, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, The Elementary School will dismiss at noon and the Middle and High School will dismiss at 12:15 p.m. All after-school activities will be canceled including Boys and Girls Club.
  • A new temporary traffic pattern will be in effect at Liberty Elementary School starting Monday, Dec. 16. Please see details of new traffic pattern here.

Liberty High School honors athletes

A man presents a helmet in a case and other items to two women.The Liberty High School Athletics Department hosted the Athletic Block “L” Awards banquet Thursday, June 6, in the high school gymnasium.

The event honors the varsity scholar-athletes who participated in Liberty sports during the 2023-24 school year.

Two people hold plaques and a clock in front of a Liberty backdropThe banquet began with remarks by Athletic Director Erin Alvord and a buffet dinner. The ceremony began with a tribute to Javon Islam, who would have been a senior this year but passed away in May 2023. His football helmet, a baseball cap with his number, and a photo, which will be displayed in the school trophy case, were presented to his family.

Before the student-athlete awards began, Alvord recognized two longtime coaches, Anne and Carpio Ramos, who are retiring. Anne coached girls soccer from 2003 to 2023, and alpine ski from 2021-24, with Carpio coaching girls soccer for 25 years, starting in 1999, and alpine ski starting in 2013.

Students stand holding certificats.

Redhawk Awards

Student recognition began with the presentation of the new Redhawk award. Students who receive the award are chosen by their coaches for often working the hardest and demonstrating great sportsmanship, teamwork, dedication and commitment.

Receiving the award were:

  • Boys Soccer: Bryan Jimbo and Luis Molina Gonzalez
  • Girls Soccer: Haylee Gomez
  • Football: Christopher Rodgers
  • Fall Cheer: Sherlyn Garzon and Shelby Clack
  • Boys Basketball: James Dworetsky and David Philips
  • Girls Basketball: Haylee Gomez and Angela Wheeler
  • Boys Indoor Track and Field: Anthony Lemus
  • Girls Indoor Track and Field: Elaina Rameriz
  • Skiing: Aiden Yaun
  • Winter Cheer: Lorena Chevalier and Soleil Ocasio Lombardi
  • Baseball: Matt McCoy
  • Softball: Brooke Hessinger, Elaina Ramirez and Alesandra Rivera
  • Girls Outdoor Track and Field: Brooke Bull and Rayanna Cottman
  • Boys Outdoor Track and Field: Nathan Desrochers and Carlos Campos-Castro
  • Girls Golf: Maria Abreu

Students stand in a group holding certificates

Scholar Athlete Awards

Seventy-six students earned scholar athlete awards, for carrying at least a 90 average while playing a sport: Quinn Allen, Endya Alvarez, Alvord Zackary, Sheyla Anguisaca-Llanos, Cristian Argenal, Josue Artiga Martinez, Mia Barragan, Jill Baumander, Shawn Bickham Jr., Zachariah Bickham, Brooke Bull, Carmela Burgio, Kevin Cando, Eyanna Castro, Phoenix Cordero, Olivia Corrigan, Rayanna Cottman, Jake Cross, Alan Cruz, Noellia Cruz Cruz, Colin Dasraj, Nevaeh Davis, Eli Desrochers, Lorna DeWitt, James Dworetsky, Jayla Edwards, Alexandra Etess, Sara Fajardo Reyes, Sydania Foster, Juanita Garcia Lopez, Haley Gill, Lia Guillerme, Peyton Hadjstylianos, Starriah Harris, Claudia Herzog, Adam Houser, Misael Juarez Perez, Julia Juron, Jacob Kelly, Madeline Kelly, Zoe Kip, Joshua Kratz, Shea-Leigh Kristiansen, Audrey Krum, Kenisha Ledoux, Gianna Lewis, Roger Lynker III, Kimberlin Malaga Gonzalez, Brenna Mangan, Melany Manzanares Orellana, Matthew McKoy, Mariely Medina Orellana, Luis Molina Gonzaliez, Owen Moore, Elizabeth Navarrete, Joseu Nunura Galan, Soleil Ocasio-Lombardi, Lesly Panama, Giselle Payton, David Philips, Adriana Ponce Agredano, Elaina-Louise Ramirez, Alesandra Rivera, Joseph Sarney, Jeremy Simon, Justin Simon, Mason Smith, Amy Szuba, Allison Vasko, Benjamin Visconti, Austin Werlau, Angela Wheeler, Cameryn Will, Aaden Woolard, Aiden Yaun and Sebastian Yupanqi.

The following awards were also presented:

Coaches Presentations

Boys Soccer

  • Defensive Players of the Year: Benjamin Visconti and Carlos Campos-Castro
  • Most Improved: James Dworetsky

Girls Soccer

  • Most Valuable Player: Noellia Cruz
  • Outstanding Offensive Player: Angela Wheeler
  • Outstanding Defensive Player: Brenna Mangan
  • Most Improved Player: Elizabeth Navarrete

Football

  • Offensive Most Valuable Player: Enrique Mercado
  • Defensive Most Valuable Player: Jameel McCline
  • Most Valuable Player: Enrique Mercado
  • John O’Hearn Most Improved Player: Aydan Wilson
  • 2023 Coach’s Award: Joshua Kratz

Cross Country

  • Most Outstanding Runner: Colin Dasraj

Volleyball

  • Most Valuable Offensive Player: Aaliyah Williams
  • Most Valuable Defensive Player: Kayla Samuel
  • Coach’s Awards: Mya Huebsch, Claudia Herzog and Mykenzi Williams

Fall Game Day Cheer

  • Most Valuable Cheerleader: Heidi Brown
  • Coach’s Award: Haley Gill
  • Most Improved Cheerleader: Endya Alvarez

Boys Basketball

  • Ivan Richards MVP Award: Riley Totten
  • Most Improved Player: Jeremy Simon
  • Offensive Player of the Year: Riley Totten
  • Defensive Player of the Year: Enrique Mercado

Wrestling

  • Most Valuable Wrestlers: Shawn Bickham Jr. and Zoe Kip
  • Coach’s Awards: Adam Houser and Tarek Benadim
  • Rookie of the Year: Zachariah Bickham

Boys Indoor Track and Field

  • Most Outstanding Field Event Award: Nathan Desrochers
  • Most Outstanding Runner: Carlos Campos
  • Most Improved: Joseph Sarney

Girls Indoor Track and Field

  • Most Outstanding Runner: Sydania Foster
  • Most Improved: Rayanna Cottman
  • Most Outstanding Novice: Brooke Bull

Alpine Ski

  • Most Valuable Skiers: Hudson Danzilo and Brenna Mangan
  • Most Improved Skiers: Jake Cross and Cameryn Will
  • Coach’s Award: Aiden Yaun

Girls Basketball

  • Ivan Richards Most Valuable Player: Destiny Loyce
  • Most Improved Player: Julissa Velez
  • Sportsmanship Award: Mya Huebsch

Winter Game Day Cheer

  • Most Improved Cheerleader: Alesandra Rivera
  • Most Valuable Cheerleader: Melany Manzanares Orellana
  • Coach’s Award: Elyanna Ocasio-Lombardi

Baseball

  • Defensive Player of the Year: James Dworestky
  • Offensive Player of the Year: Justin Simon
  • Coach’s Awards: Zack Alvord and Aidan Yaun

Softball

  • Most Improved Player: Mya Huebsch
  • Outstanding Offensive Players: Quinn Allen and Aaliyah Williams
  • Outstanding Defensive Player: Nevaeh Davis
  • Coach’s Award: Olivia Dworetsky

Boys Outdoor Track and Field

  • Most Outstanding Novice: Roger Lynker
  • Most Outstanding Track Athletes: Christopher Rodgers and Joseph Sarney
  • Most Outstanding Field Athletes: Joshua Kratz and Zachariah Bickham
  • Most Improved: Alan Cruz and Kevin Leon Gavilan

Girls Outdoor Track and Field

  • Most Outstanding Track Athlete: Sydania Foster
  • Most Improved: Jill Baumander
  • Most Outstanding Novices: Starriah Harris and Adriana Ponce Agredano

Boys Tennis

  • Most Valuable Player: Josue Nunura
  • Most Improved Player: Misael Juarez Perez
  • Coach’s Award: Sebastian Yupanqui

Boys Golf

  • Coaches Award: Jeremy Simon
  • Most Improved Golfer: Owen Moore

Girls Golf

  • Coach’s Award: Mia Barragan
  • Most Improved Golfer: Elizabeth Cruz Cruz

Five students, four holding plaques, stand in tront of the Liberty backdrop.

Special Recognition Awards

Ross Awards

  • Boys Soccer Scholar Athlete: Ben Visconti
  • Girls Soccer Scholar Athlete: Elaina-Louise Ramirez

Rattner award

  • Boys Basketball Scholar Athlete: David Philips
  • Girls Basketball Scholar Athlete: Kenisha Ledoux

Goodstein Award

  • Wrestling Perseverance: Manuel Lopez

Kavleski Award

  • Boys Track and Field Scholar Athlete: Phoenix Cordero
  • Girls Track and Field Scholar Athlete: Jill Baumander

Fred Planica Award

  • Most Improved Baseball Player: James Fancher

Buchal Awards

  • 2024 Most Valuable Baseball Player: David Philips
  • 2024 Most Valuable Softball Player: Angela Wheeler

Six students pose with awards in front of the Liberty backdrop

Senior Presentations

  • Elizabeth “Betty” Totten Sportsmanship Awards: Riley Totten and Noellia Cruz Cruz
  • Liberty Rotary Club Perseverance Awards: David Philips and Aaliyah Williams
  • Tom Kelly Award Outstanding Senior Athletes: Enrique Mercado and Mya Huebsch

Seniors pose for a photo in front of a backdrop.

Congratulations to all of our 2023-24 student-athletes, and best of luck in the future to the Class of 2024

More photos can be seen on our social media pages.

Liberty unveils new logos

Liberty Redhawk badge logoAbout a year after deciding on a new mascot for Liberty Central School District, the district has finalized a new Redhawks logo.

The design process began in November, with the district working with Gilday Creative to come up with the initial designs. The designs were brought back to the district’s student liaison teams in all three schools for input. After several rounds of redesign and student input, two basic mascot designs were created: one with a redhawk in flight and another featuring the head of the redhawk in a badge form. Versions of each have been created with the words “Liberty Redhawks” and “Redhawks” included in the designs.

“This truly was a student-led design process,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “I appreciate the work and thoughtfulness our student leaders put into the process  to create the imagery that will represent Liberty Central School District and our Redhawks into the future.”

Following a mandate from New York State in November 2022, Liberty was required to move to discontinue the use of its Native American mascot and logo. Following a vote by the public in May 2023, the Board of Education approved the use of Redhawks mascot in June 2023.

The district had unveiled new logos in October, but they were discontinued over any potential legal issues that may have arisen from their use.

The new design will begin being put in use over the next several weeks.

Partnership aims to empower girls

On a recent Tuesday, a group of girls at Liberty Middle School sat at a table creating luxury scrubs and labels for their containers. They passed bottles of fragrances around and discussed the properties of each, which led to a greater discussion about morning and nighttime routines.

To a casual observer, this activity may have seemed to be a simple craft time, but it was much more.

The girls are part of LMS’ Girls Empowerment Group, an effort to help build the confidence of the students and empower them to succeed, and the activity was part of a module on self-care with Adrienne Jensen, executive director of EverGreen Meadow Academy, and EverGreen social worker Carmen Martinez.

Jensen encouraged the students to share what they were excited about over the past few weeks and what was coming up. One student shared she was happy about winning a softball game but was convinced the team was going to lose the next game.

Two adults sit at a table as one girl stands near leaning on the table and another girl walks by “But at least you won your last game, right?” Jensen said. The reassurance is an integral part of the group, which aims to support the mental health of middle schoolers.

“EverGreen Meadow reached out to local school districts in Sullivan County and offered services,” LMS School Counselor Michelle Behrman said. “They saw the need for mental health support and services in our county, and we jumped at the chance to work with them.”

The goal of the group, which began last year with six girls, is to teach communication skills, coping strategies and other skills needed to be a successful leader. The girls are invited to the group based on the recommendation of the guidance staff, social worker and psychologist.

The program fits in with the school’s mission to prepare students by promoting academic excellence, respectfulness, independence and responsibility and its vision to foster growth and potential in an accepting, diverse and enriching community.

“Through activities and discussions in the group, girls are encouraged to learn new things about one another, other people they meet and different cultures,” Behrman said. “They are also encouraged to use critical thinking skills to reason through situations. Girls are encouraged to work on gaining independence and how to be responsible.”

A tirl reaches for markers as a girl in the foreground works on a body scrubThroughout the current school year, there have been two groups of girls—fifth and sixth grade in one and seventh and eighth in the other—with about 18 students total taking part in the twice-a-week sessions.

Typically, the first weekly session focuses on one of the following subject areas: Relaxation, Grounding, Self Care, Distraction Skills, Creative Outlets, Movement Skills, Good Health Habits, Manners, Thinking Skills, Loneliness, Anger, Sadness/Grief, Body Image, Social Media, Anxiety, Fear (lack of safety) and Internet Safety.

During the next session that week, students participate in an activity that reinforces what they learned.

Seventh-grader Asia Hurley said the group has taught her to not immediately react to a situation.

“You should think for a second, and don’t go to the first thing that comes to your mind,” she said.

Eighth grader Alyssa Padilla agreed, adding she learned to focus on more positive things.

Fifth-grader Savannah Kandic said the activity days are her favorite because she likes spending time with the other students and doing the crafts with the group.

But there are messages in the activities, Jensen said.

“The activity days are creative and enjoyable and at first glance may seem like just play. Play is an evidence-based way for us to learn, and that is what happens here,” she said. “These activities always involve communication and collective interaction, discussing real-life situations and applying the skills learned.”

“Some of the activities help us really think about a situation and how we could have handled it better,” Asia said.

LMS hopes to increase the number of girls taking part in the 2024-25 school year, possibly having three groups: one for fifth graders, one for six and seventh, and one for eighth, because the transition years are tough, Behrman said.

“While EverGreen Meadow Services is available to other schools, the partnership between Liberty Middle School and EverGreen is a special one,” Jensen said. “(Liberty has) committed to expanding their program here at Liberty Middle School first and then to other schools as funding becomes available.”

The impact so far has been great.

“The girls at Liberty that have come through their Empowerment Group are phenomenal,” Jensen said. “They are bursting with potential and intelligence. They have been observative, receptive and kind. Each of them enters with different personalities and backgrounds that don’t necessarily blend together, but they have worked to find ways of interacting with each other in a supportive manner. This is more than so many of us adults have learned to do.”

21 inducted into LMS National Junior Honor Society

Liberty Middle School inducted 21 students into the National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony on May 13 in the High School Auditorium.

Those inducted were sixth-graders Madison (Montgomery) Allen, Mya Davis, Claire Ferguson, Makayla Fuentes Serapio, Gavin Grant, Aiden Hernandez Mejia, Luna Hulse, Matthew Kolarik, Corinne Lake, Madison LaMantia, Harper Matuszak, Americus Mott, Zalaina Nash, Angelick Rivera, Brycen Smith and Hayden Smith, seventh-graders Alexandra Galeas Osorio, Yoscari Gomez Mejia, Sariah Ocasio and Jacob Pennell and eighth-grader Alonso Yupanqui.

Students are invited to apply for NJHS based on several criteria including scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship; the five pillars of the organization. These students have maintained high academic standing of no less than a 92 GPA all year and have held themselves as exemplary leaders, role models and service-minded citizens in the school and greater liberty community, advisers said. These students have demonstrated high potential to be the great leaders of tomorrow and have pledged to uphold the five pillars of the NJHS, to maintain high scholastic standing, to endeavor intelligently and courageously to be a leader, to practice good character and give of themselves freely in service to help improve their community.

During the event several members spoke about what it means to be dedicated to the pillars and how members work together to contribute their interests, talents and skills to improve the school and Liberty community and shared some encouraging words with our students, families and community members.

Music was also provided by  NJHS students in orchestra: Sophia Vasko, Olivia Matuszak, Joshua DiBartolo, Adriana Ponce-Agredano, Belle Gandulla, Sophia Duarte, Zackary Alvord, Mariely Medina Orellana, Roger Lynker III and Allison Vasko, directed by Sarah Weber.

After the ceremony, students and families celebrated the occasion with a reception in their honor.

Liberty CSD voters approve $68M school budget proposal

On Tuesday, May 21, voters in the Liberty Central School District approved, 987-69, the district’s $68 million budget proposal for the 2024-25 school year.

“We appreciate Liberty Central School District residents’ continued support and recognition of our efforts to give our students the education they need to pursue their potential and thrive in the future,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “We are also glad we could do this without increasing the tax levy for the sixth year in a row.”

The $68,034,294 budget funds all current student programs and services, while keeping the tax levy the same as the current year. The budget includes several program expansions that support the district’s five-year strategic plan, including expanding the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) math curriculum to seventh grade, adding Syracuse University Project Advance college credit courses, as well as introducing more computer science and AI-related programs across grades.

The budget also includes the addition of a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)-certified teacher, creating an administrative athletic director position, and converting two part-time teacher aide positions into one full time teacher aid. An update to the middle school library’s innovation lab is also included.

Voters also re-elected three board of education members to three-year terms on the board. Maureen Crescitelli received 605 votes, Peter Racette received 591 and Pamela Teed Fisk, 595. Three write-in candidates, Miriam Singer, Miriam Breuer and Miriam Heimlich, each received more than 400 votes, with several others receiving one vote each.

Capital project schedule set

Construction expected to begin in the fall

While no dirt has been moved nor a sledge hammer yet swung, work on the Capital Project approved by Liberty Central School District voters in January is moving forward.

After speaking with administrators and staff who will be impacted by the work, a basic schedule of the work has been created. The plan was recently presented to the board of education.

Maintenance Building

The maintenance building structure for the Building and Grounds Department, which has already been approved by the state Education Department following the 2021 project vote, is expected to go to bid this summer and early fall, with construction anticipated to begin in the fall and be completed by late summer 2025.

Phase 1

The next phase will be broken into three sections, with all expected to be submitted for SED approval in July, and bidding to be in February and March 2025.

  • Phase 1A will include exterior stair replacement and emergency generator replacement at the high school; interior door replacement at the middle school, and hazardous flooring abatement and replacement at the elementary school. The work at the athletics field is also in the phase. That will include the synthetic turf field installation, running track and field events upgrades, scoreboard, public address system and bleacher replacement, the addition of site and athletic lighting, sidewalk replacement, and replacement of the press box with a pre-engineered metal building. Construction of this phase is anticipated to take place spring 2025 through spring 2026.
  • Phase 1B will be the boiler replacement in the Elementary School, with construction expected to take place in summer 2025.
  • Phase 1C will be the installation of new emergency generators in the middle school and district office and the replacement of electrical distribution panels of the middle school. Construction of this phase is expected in summer 2026.

Phase 2

The second phase of the project will be at the elementary school, with the boiler conversion (steam to hot water) completed, gymnasium ventilation added, HVAC controls upgraded, unit ventilators installed and the wood flooring in classrooms replaced. The project is expected to be submitted for approval to the NYSED in September with bidding anticipated in May or June 2025 and construction to be completed in summer 2026.

Phase 3

The final phase will include renovations to the 300 wing and cafeteria, as well as work needed to convert the former maintenance space into the innovation lab, at the high school. The third phase will also include HVAC controls upgrades at the high school and middle school, new carbon monoxide systems in all three school buildings and the district office, new emergency lighting and repairs for the transformer and chiller at the middle school, and roof fascia repairs and gymnasium seating handrail upgrades at the elementary school. The final phase is expected to be submitted to NYSED for approval in January 2025, with bidding anticipated to follow in November and December 2025. Construction is expected to take place during the summers of 2026 and 2027.

The full capital project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

The presentation can be seen at https://go.boarddocs.com/ny/liberty/Board.nsf/files/D49JCW4C71CF/$file/CS%20Arch%20Presentation%20April%2016%2C%202024.pdf

Liberty Middle School awarded Stewart’s Holiday Match Grant funding

Liberty Central School District middle school students will be able to use new indoor and outdoor equipment at recess thanks to $500 from a grant awarded to the district from the Stewart’s Holiday Match program.

The grant funding will allow the district to revitalize and enrich the recess program by purchasing various sports balls, such as soccer balls, volleyballs, basketballs, footballs, kickballs, jump ropes, an outdoor portable speaker and a recess cart for all the supplies. These age-appropriate items will contribute to increased physical activity and engagement during recess, not only promoting a healthier lifestyle, but also enhancing social interactions among students. In addition, the grant will be used to acquire indoor recess materials such as mindfulness coloring books, giant inspirational coloring posters, and colored pencils which will be added to our current collection of games. These items will provide students with positivity and entertainment during inclement weather, ensuring that recess remains a valuable and enriching experience regardless of environmental conditions.

“Having this grant has been helpful in building up our inventory of recess materials, giving more students the opportunity to engage in physical activity and social interaction,” Safety Duty Aide Cindy Mercado said. “On behalf of all Liberty Middle School students and lunch/recess staff, we send a huge thank you to Stewart’s for this Holiday Match Grant.”

The grant application for Liberty Central School District was written by members of the Capital Region BOCES Grants & Development Service.

Stewart’s Holiday Match is a program to aid school-age children all year long in the areas of social services, health, education, recreation, and the arts. More than $2 million was raised between customer and corporate donations for the 2023-2024 program and more than $38 million has been awarded since the program started in 1986.

Anti-vaping message spreads at LMS

Fifth-graders in Jill Parks’ WINN (What I Need Now) class at Liberty Middle School learned more than to just say “no” to vaping, they also learned the reasons behind why they should say no.

Students seated at a curved table look at pamphlets as an adult stands at the front of the room“Vaping is bad because it can change the way your brain works if you start at a young age,”  student Alisha Morales said. “It can also cause lung cancer.”

Nicole Blais, a Sullivan 180 prevention coordinator, recently visited Parks’ class for one period a day for five weeks to lead the CATCH My Breath program. CATCH My Breath is a peer-reviewed, evidence-based youth vaping prevention program developed by The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health.

According to its website, the program provides up-to-date information to teachers, parents and health professionals to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about the use of e-cigarettes, including JUUL and disposable devices.

“(CATCH My Breath) changed how I think about vaping because I used to think that vaping wasn’t that bad for you until they told us how bad it was,” student Madison Hernandez said.

Students work on posters using markersStudents in the enrichment class learned about the addictiveness of vaping, what chemicals can be found in the product, how inhaling those chemicals can affect the body and how some companies market the product to younger people. Blais encouraged students to spread the word about the dangers of vaping. During her first visit, students created posters highlighting what they had learned so far.

“It is essential for students to be exposed to explicit direct instruction about how bad these products are for their health at an early age,” said Parks, who is one of LMS’ Wellness Advisors. “It is much harder to change a habit than start one.”

This is the second year the program has been available for LMS fifth graders. Last year, it was held in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club after school.

The program is new for Sullivan County and fits in well with the district’s Sullivan 180 Empowering a Healthier Generation Program, Parks said. The goal is to eventually have every LMS student go through the program.

“Overall, an anti-vaping program not only addresses a critical health issue among students but also reinforces the values, goals and strategic priorities of the Liberty Central School District,” she said. “It reflects a holistic approach to student well-being and success within a diverse and supportive educational community.”

An anti-vaping poster
A poster created by Ely Garcia Garcia.

The program also touches on several pillars of the district’s strategic plan. It can be integrated into the existing health education curriculum, ensuring all students receive comprehensive education about the risks of vaping. Collaborating with parents, teachers, health care professionals and community organizations can strengthen the impact of the anti-vaping program and provide ongoing support to students. And developing and implementing an anti-vaping policy and related procedures aligns with the district’s commitment to integrating its mission and vision into all aspects of its operations.

It appears students are hearing the message of the dangers of vaping.

“People use celebrities to get kids’ attention to e-cigarettes,” student Ely Garcia Garcia said, “but vaping is so, so bad and I will never, ever vape.”

LMS to honor third-quarter honor roll students; ceremonies to be livestreamed

Liberty Middle School third-quarter honor roll ceremonies will be livestreamed Friday, May 3, at https://events.locallive.tv/events/133089. Fifth grade awards will be presented from 8:15 to 8:25 a.m., with sixth grade from 8:25 to 8:35 a.m., seventh grade 8:35-8:45 a.m. and eighth grade from 8:45 to 8:55 a.m.

Honor Roll students have an overall average of 90-96. The Principal’s Honor Roll requires an average of 97-100.

The following students will be honored:

Eighth Grade

Principal’s Honor: Colten Jay Allen, Belle Gandulla, Leah Herbek, Shea-Leigh Kristiansen and Adriana Ponce Agredano.

Honor: Brandon Amador, Stephanie Amaya Bonilla, Angeliz Arriaga Munoz, Irwin Barragan Rojas, Zachariah Bickham, Gabriel Bossert, Alyssia Boyles, Jared Briggs, Emily Cardenas Reyes, Ted Caycho Jr., Hope Corbett, Keven Cordero Lima, Nysaiah Davis, Sophia Duarte, Timothy Eronimous, Michael Feijo, McKayla Figueroa, Brooke Golzak, Stephanie Gomez Nivelo, Jade Guaillazaca Lopez, Starriah Harris, Tyler Juron, Hunter Kavleski, Alice King, Lena LaGattuta, Emmanuel Leon-Leon, Patrick McNamara, Peter Miralle Jr., Jessey Miranda, Giselle Payton, Anai Perez Sanchez, Gimena Quiroz Ramirez, Jayla Ramon, Raul Rios, Peyton Rivera, Michael Segovia Ramon, Gabriella Sheridan, Baileigh Steinberg, Michael Tocco, William A Vargas-Martin, Samantha Vidalis, Mason Williams, Aaden Woolard and Alonso Yupanqui.

Seventh Grade

Principal’s Honor: Luca Burgio, Amelia Cole, Joshua DiBartolo, Grace Fitzgerald, Alexandra Galeas Osorio, Jasmine Garcia-Reyes, Sara Liddle, Xavier Martin, Olivia Matuszak, Jacob Pennell, Aaron Ponce Flores, Alena Tarabichi, Anthony Valdez Calle and Sophia Vasko.

Honor: Nathan Alvord, Samantha Bull, Phillip Burrous Jr, Evelin Castillo Hernandez, Matthew Decker, Casity DiBartolo, Laudy D’Oleo, Anthony Gavidia Reyes, Yoscari Gomez Mejia, Miles Harman, Victoria Henry, Mariana Joya-Reyes, Damien Keating, Alexandra Kelly, Elizabeth MacNamara, Selkir Molina Gonzalez, Sariah Ocasio, Alex Olivares-Reyes, Javier Ortiz Paz, Arturo Perez Reyes, Arianna Rodriguez, Sulenny Romero, Quinn Santiago, Everett Schwartz, MaKaidyn Smith, Jace Snowden, Emma Tacti and Wayne Toscano-Gardner.

Sixth Grade

Principal’s Honor: Madison Montgomery Allen, Mya Davis, Claire Ferguson, Antoni Klys, Corinne Lake, Harper Matuszak, Angelick Rivera and Brycen Smith.

Honor: Conner Baum, Faith Boyles, Maria Cinfuentes, Makayla Fuentes Serapio, Michael Garzon Valle, Gavin Grant, Damier Harrington, Alan Hernandez Lopez, Aiden Hernandez Mejia, Jolisa Hernandez, Luna Pixie Hulse, Lilly Kehrley, Sidra Koen James, Matthew Kolarik, Liam LaGattuta, Madison LaMantia, Denis Leon Aldana, Ixchel Marin Gonzalez, Pricilla Matute, Ava McNett, Adner Mejia Aguilar, Americus Mott, Pearl Mott, Liriel Mueses Valdez, Zalaina Nash, Erika Panama, Genesis Paz, Luke Poley, Valeria Ponce Vazquez, Myla Rielly, Kameren Samuel, Aiden Satz, Namarpreet Singh, Hayden Smith, Angel Terraza Raymundo, Erick Torres Garcia, Nahum Vallejo Sandoval, Evan Vidalis, Markel Woeckener and Ethan Zheng.

Fifth Grade

Principal’s Honor: Elisa Barragan, Owen Brust, Farrah Conklin-Degraw, Dia D’Agata, Tristian Degroat, Delilah Flores-Serapio, Lilliana Garzon Ferrufino, Mia Grant, Isabella Intranuovo, Tyler Kavleski, Aubrie Keating, Randy Panchana, Joseph Portillo Larios, Scarlett Ratner, Caleb Rusin and Belinda VanGordon.

Honor: Muhammad Awais, Guiliana Birkett, Emma Boyles, Katarina Card, Riley Church-Bradley, Gregory Dasraj, Marcel Davis, Avery Decker, Conor Deis, Ellis Dilworth, Ronal Dubon Duque, Royce Fingers, Madelyn Garcia Cuellar, Ely Garcia Garcia, Dariana Gonzalez Suarez, Astrid Guardado Diaz, Anabel Hernandez Fuentes, Hudson Jeffrey Jardon, Dylan Joya Reyes, Allison Juarez Perez, Mateusz Klys, Makenzie Knack, Kaleb Laidley, Leandro Leon, Daisuke Mapes, Megan Martinez Gomez, Ayanelson Mazariegos Cuz, Abel McClain, Bentley Moore, Alisha Morales, Karen Mosso, Samuel Negroni, Denali Owens, Makaela Parsons, Lily Paynter, Milsi Ramirez Martinez, Jordanno Rivera, Kailani Rivera, Aaliyssa Rodriguez, Sherlene Romero, Jorge Tacuri Llano, Marjorie Tejada Servellon, Sophie Toledo, Katherine Valdez Calle, Carolina Vera Rivera, Raegan Wagner, Delanie Yupanqui, Sophie Zayas and Subhan Zeeshan.

Two from Liberty to be honored by MHSSC 

Liberty High School English Teacher Michele Clark and Liberty Central School District Board of Education member John Nichols will be honored by the Mid-Hudson School Study Council later this spring.

Michele Clark

Michelle ClarkClark will receive a Teaching Excellence Award, which is “designed to recognize those teachers who have demonstrated excellence in achieving the educational mission at their BOCES, district, or campus level,” according to the MHSSC.

Clark, who has taught English for 30 years, 25 of them at Liberty, will be honored for her commitment to her students and the school community.

“Clark is more than just a teacher; she is a dynamic educator who continuously innovates and enhances her craft,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan wrote in nominating her for the award. “Her dedication to professional development and her willingness to explore new teaching methodologies have resulted in engaging and effective lessons that resonate with her students.”

High School Principal Derek Adams agreed, writing in his nomination letter: “In the classroom, Michele exhibits exceptional educational talent, employing effective instructional practices that not only engage students but also yield tangible results in terms of academic growth and achievement.”

Her excellence goes beyond the lessons, Sullivan wrote, calling her “a caring individual who prioritizes building meaningful relationships with her students and colleagues alike.”

“She creates a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed,” he added. “Her genuine care and concern for her students extend beyond the classroom, as she actively participates in extracurricular activities and mentorship programs to further enrich their educational experience.”

Adams’ noted Clark’s work as Allusions co-advisor, where creative writing, poetry and artistic work come together in the annual Allusions publication.

She is also a leader for her peers, Adams wrote. She is a department facilitator and hosts weekly professional learning community groups to improve her department. “She exemplifies leadership qualities that inspire others and contribute to the professional development of the entire faculty,” he wrote. “She embodies the highest ideals of teaching excellence and is truly deserving of this prestigious honor.”

John Nichols

John NicholsNichols, who has served on Liberty’s school board for more than a decade, including time as board vice president and five years as president, will receive a School Board Service Award. The award is “designed to recognize those individuals who through their selfless efforts have helped guide, support, promote and serve the school districts and communities they represent,” according to the MHSSC.

“The mission of the Liberty Central School District is to empower each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential,” Sullivan wrote in his nomination letter for Nichols. “After reading our mission, I am honored to state that Mr. John Nichols has exemplified our mission throughout his work as a Liberty Central School District Board of Education member.”

Nichols’ goals, Sullivan wrote, “are to provide students with the opportunities and resources to help our students achieve, uphold fiscal responsibility, and represent the entire Liberty Community.”

And that is something Nichols has done well, Sullivan wrote.

Nichols “always stresses the importance of leveraging our resources to expand our curriculum, supports each student that walks through our hallways and relays the voice of his constituents,” Sullivan wrote.

Sullivan also pointed out Nichols’ dedication to students and tradition. In his role as board president and a volunteer firefighter, Nichols, a 1985 LHS graduate, helped the district safely resume the homecoming bonfire during the 2021-22 school year.

Fiscal responsibility is also important to Nichols.

“Mr. Nichols has a strong understanding of our school budget, and he continuously balances fiscal responsibility and innovation,” Sullivan wrote. “(He) continuously supports our Strategic Plan from his Board of Education capacity and has advocated for a minimal tax increase for our school community for several years,” calling him “a true champion for our students, faculty, staff and taxpayers.”

“Liberty would not be on its trajectory if it wasn’t for Mr. Nichols’ leadership,” Sullivan wrote.

The awards will be presented at the MHSSC’s Annual Meeting & Awards Celebration on Wednesday, May 8, in the Fieldstone Auditorium in North Rockland School District

This year, the MHSSC split its awards into two ceremonies. LHS Teaching Assistant Nancy Katzenberger was honored this fall as one the recipients of the MHSSC’s Support Staff Award for Excellence in Education.

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