The Liberty Central School District Wall of Fame Committee is pleased to announce its two honorees for the 2024 Wall of Fame:  Maurice Gerry and Kurt F. Scheibe.

Maurice Gerry

Maurice Gerry, a member of the Class of 1949, embodies a legacy of love for his hometown. Celebrated during his school years with titles such as “Best Dressed,” “Funniest” and “Most Entertaining,” Gerry’s charismatic spirit has endured through the years.

His roots in the community sprouted in a one-room schoolhouse on Ferndale Loomis Road. He recently paid homage to his first teacher, Mrs. Manion, by dedicating a plaque to be displayed on the schoolhouse wall once restored.

After high school, Gerry entered the Navy and later resettled in San Francisco, working with influential figures such as Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk. Actively involved in Diane Feinstein’s mayoral campaign, Gerry’s efforts to raise awareness about the AIDS epidemic earned him the honor of representing Alaska in a Washington, D.C., parade for the cause.

Upon returning to Liberty to care for aging parents, Gerry immersed himself in local politics, the arts and preservation. The visionary behind the Ms. Sullivan County Beauty Pageant, he championed diversity and inclusion, ensuring financial barriers did not hinder participation. Serving as town councilman for two decades, affectionately known as the “Tree Hugger,” Gerry dedicated himself to maintaining Liberty’s beauty and integrity.

At the age of 91, he assumed the role of interim councilman, a testament to his enduring commitment. Gerry actively supports humanitarian efforts locally and internationally, holding seats at O & M Museum, Liberty Arts Museum, Time and Again Museum and the Shandelee Music Festival.

At 93, he remains an inspiration, weaving the threads of community, history and compassion together.

Kurt F. Scheibe

Scheibe, an esteemed community member and 1962 graduate of Liberty High School, has devoted his life to selfless service. Retired as a Liberty postman for 35 years, his commitment extended beyond mail delivery. Serving as a Little League coach, he sought donations and sponsors, ensuring young athletes had uniforms and a pitching machine.

Collaborating with neighboring town coaches, Scheibe orchestrated a summer of sports, fostering enjoyment and the development of athletic skills and sportsmanship in the players. Among his notable achievements is the transformation of the White Sulphur ballfield from a swampland to what has become an integral part of the White Sulphur Springs Fire Department park.

Scheibe’s volunteer efforts extend to meticulous groundskeeping, not only at White Sulphur but also in assisting other communities such as Grahamsville in developing their sports fields. Transitioning from coaching to officiating, he uses his time and sports knowledge to referee youth games and fundraisers.

Beyond his youth-focused endeavors, he serves as the treasurer for the WSSFD, and is a member of the Liberty Elks Lodge.

His unwavering dedication and multifaceted contributions have left an indelible mark on Liberty and neighboring communities, embodying the true spirit of community service.

The Wall of Fame

The Wall of Fame was established in 2011 by the Board of Education to honor extraordinary alumni. Nominees are judged on exceptional accomplishments and significant contributions within their career, community or personal life. The two honorees will be inducted during the Liberty Central School District Wall of Fame ceremony in June. Planning for the invitation-only event is underway. Former inductees’ information can be found on the district’s Wall of Fame webpage.