Five Liberty Middle School students were featured earlier this week at “An Evening With EverGreen.”

The students are part of the LMS Girls Empowerment Group, led by Adrienne Jensen and Carmen Martinez of EverGreen Meadow Services.

The students—Helen Munoz Barragan, Asia Hurley, Tahjleyah Miller, Jazmia Padilla and Isabella Pujols—performed a song they co-wrote based on thoughts, feelings and expressions after their group sessions. The song was created with the help of Beth and Scott Bierko through the STEAM Fund.

“I really liked being in the empowerment group with really kind people like Ms. Adrienne and Ms. Carmen,” Helen said. “Creating a song that other people enjoyed hearing made me feel really good.”

The partnership between LMS and EverGreen was spotlighted at the event, held Sept. 23 at Arnold House in Livingston Manor.

“It was such an inspirational evening to hear Stacey (Millman, EverGreen founder and president), and other speakers share their personal stories and meaning behind the work,” said LMS Principal Heather Cheh, who attended the event along with Assistant Principal Katlyn Rusin. “We are so proud of  Helen, Asia, Tahjleyah, Jazmia and Isabella for all the growth they’ve made over the past few years, and the collaboration with Adrienne and Carmen.”

EverGreen has become an important partner of LMS over the past two years LMS School Counselor. Michelle Behrman has done a “tremendous job” collaborating with EverGreen on attending the LMS Back to School Nights and Open Houses to share information with families, Cheh said. In alignment with the district’s MTSS pillar of the five-year strategic plan, EverGreen is continuing its Girls Empowerment Groups and the organization has met with students during lunches and hosted activities for all students.

“Intervening with girls in their middle school years offers the best opportunity to change their lives,” Cheh said. “By addressing social and emotional concerns early and providing necessary support, EverGreen Meadow plays a crucial role in nurturing a healthy and resilient community.”