Liberty's Top Seniors honored by Senator John J. Bonacic

On Thursday, June 2, three Liberty students along with other top students in the 42nd Senatorial District of New York were honored by Senator John J. Bonacic at his 12th Annual Celebrating Excellence in Education Day.

Liberty Valedictorian Paulina Kleinberger, Salutatorian Jessica Dunnigan and “honored student” Conor Siegel along with their families, High School Principal Jack Strassman and Superintendent Michael Vanyo participated in a full day of events with the senator at the State Capitol.

Senator Bonacic kicked the day off by welcoming the honorees, their families and school administrators. A presentation followed featuring notable speakers including Kenneth Adams, president and C.E.O. of the Empire State Development Corporation and Jonathan Lippman, Chief Judge of the State of New York.

The group then made their way to the Senate Gallery, where a resolution honoring the top students in Senator Bonacic’s district was read aloud and adopted during the legislative session.

After lunch, a tour of the capitol and photo opportunities with the senator followed. “I was really glad that Senator Bonacic has brought this day back for the students in his district,” said Liberty High School Principal Jack Strassman. “It really is a wonderful opportunity for our students to realize that their achievements are important not just to them and our community, but to our state’s law-makers as well.”

Liberty’s delegation joined forces with Tri-Valley and Livingston Manor to take a bus to the Capitol, giving the three district’s top students a chance to meet each other. “The Excellence in Education Day in Albany is always one of the best days of school,” said Strassman. “It is a great day for the kids.”