Year: 2025
Liberty names new high school principal
On Tuesday, May 6, the Liberty Central School Board appointed Liberty High School Assistant Principal Stephen Matuszak as LHS principal, effective July 1. He will replace Dr. Derek Adams, who was named assistant superintendent.
Mr. Matuszak has served as assistant principal at LHS since April 2020.
He grew up in the Binghamton, New York, area. He began his educational career as a substitute in the Maine-Endwell school district after earning a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a focus in social studies from Mansfield University in Pennsylvania.
Mr. Matuszak moved to Sullivan County in 2007 to take a seventh and eighth grade social studies teaching position at RJK Middle School in the Monticello Central School District, where he also was a coach. He was the school’s behavior specialist his final year. He also earned a master’s degree from the University of Scranton in curriculum development and design, and completed his certificate of advanced studies in educational leadership from SUNY New Paltz in 2019.
A Liberty resident, he is married and has two daughters.
Liberty Music Department to host spring concerts
The Liberty Music Department will present its spring concert series, starting Thursday, May 8. All concerts will take place in the HS Auditorium at 7 p.m. except for the Elementary Concert, which will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The public is invited to attend all concerts, which will also be livestreamed. The schedule, with the livestream links, is as follows:
- Thursday, May 8: High School Mixed, https://events.locallive.tv/events/174442
- Tuesday, May 13: Seventh and Eighth Grade and Middle School Jazz Band, https://events.locallive.tv/events/174443
- Thursday, May 15: High School Honors, https://events.locallive.tv/events/174444
- Tuesday, May 20: Fifth and Sixth Grade, https://events.locallive.tv/events/174445
- Monday, June 2: Elementary, https://events.locallive.tv/events/174446
Each concert will offer a variety of music and is a celebration of the dedication and creativity Liberty students have put into their performances this year.
LHS teacher arrested on charges of sharing child-related pornography
This evening, May 5, Liberty Central School District was informed of the arrest of a Liberty High School teacher on charges of sharing child-related pornography on social media. The district was made aware of the investigation on April 22, and the teacher was placed on immediate paid administrative leave by the district, pending further investigation.
It is not believed any Liberty student is involved. Counselors have been made available for students. The district is fully cooperating with the investigation.
Anyone with more information regarding this case is asked to contact state police in Liberty at 845-344-5300.
“The safety of our students is our top priority,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “We remind our students if they see or experience anything suspicious to report it to a trusted adult or through our Anonymous Alerts portal.”
More than 200 students earn honors at LHS
The following students were named to the honor rolls for the third marking period at Liberty High School. High Honor Roll students must have attained a marking period average of 90 or better and have no failing or incomplete grades. Honor Roll students must have attained a marking period average of 85 or better and have no failing or incomplete grades.
12th grade
High Honor: Elmida Aguilar Reyes, Quinn Allen, Franki Alvarado, Endya Alvarez, Guillermo Arauz Gonzalez, Kaitlyn Bodolosky, Lewis Bound, Alexia Caiza Viracocha, Noah Call, Andres Castillo Hernandez, Braedan Clarke, Cathy Delgado-Flores, Colin Doeinch, James Dworetsky, Sara Fajardo Reyes, Sophia Ferguson, Faith Fitzgerald, Lianna Gissentaner, Wyatt Green, Sandra Hanofee, Jordan Hewlett, Gianna Journet, Alex Kearney, Joshua Kratz, Carla Lara Fernandez, Kenisha Ledoux, Gianna Lewis, Jordan Loucks, Skylar Loyce, Addison Makky, Brenna Mangan, Colin Mangan, Matthew McKoy, Andrew McPhillips, Luis Molina Gonzalez, Owen Moore, Sierra Norris, Liam Parks, Jeferson Pineda Monzon, Wenifer Ramos Mata, Joshuaj Reyes Escobedo, Megan Schmidt, Mason Smith, Angel Valladares, Austin Werlau, Cameryn Will, Mykenzi Williams, Hannah Wormuth, Rachel Yaun and Rita Zheng.
Honor: Yedrick Aliers Cruz, Christian Aucaquizhpi Perez, Ayaan Awais, Jackson Bustillo Martinez, Winsley Caiza Viracocha, Yelsin Cruz Marin, Eugene Davis-Andino, Jose Galeas Aguilar, Bryan Garzon, Gabriella Gentile, Anjay Harripersad, Ashley Jordan, Jack Krum, Kimberlin , Malaga Gonzalez, Adamaris Navarro-Leon, Gerson Nolasco Monroy, Iris Ogden, Luis Otero Jr., Melody Rivera, Christopher Rodgers, David Sellers, Ashley Szuba, Konnar Williams and Kyra Wingert.
11th grade
High Honor: Maliea Agapito, Sheyla Anguisaca-Llanos, Carmela Burgio, Kamoren Connell, Genna DeFrank, Giada DeFrank, Cameron Degroat, Eli Desrochers, Allisson Diaz Lopez, Christopher DiBartolo, Adrian Ferguson, Lia Guillerme, Jaspreet Kaur, Jacob Kelly, Kaley Klein, Lincoln Klein, Belen Leon Martinez, John Palacios Medrano, William Pennell, Brooke Porter, Cassandra Porter, Justin Simon, Elijah Warren and Jada-Lynn Wiliams.
Honor: Naiara Alvarado Piedy, Christian Argenal, Shawn Bickham Jr., Brooke Bull, Addison Bury, Naima Canady Byam, Jake Cross, Elizabeth Cruz Cruz, Marcus Curry, Joshua Decker, Maria Guambi, Kelsey Hopkins, Zane Kip, DaShaun Loyce, Angelina Magie, Sarai Miranda, Serenity Moore, Makayla Morales, Melanie Moreno Velasquez, Genesis Munoz Valladares, Randy Romero-Bello, Joseph Sarney, Tayler Schwartz, Jaidon Simmons, Elmer Son Vincente, Emma Stonick, Tatianna Warren and Angela Wheeler.
10th grade
High Honor: Derick Aliers Amparo, Zackary Alvord, Gianino Amendola, Sophia Marie Avellino, Jill Baumander, Olivia Corrigan, Liliana Crespo, Ashley De Leon, Dung Duong, Mariah Edwards, Angel Figueroa, Austin Frunzi, Yamilet Garcia Gonzalez, Peyton Hadjstylianos, Jhosmery Jadan Pangolo, Misael Juarez Perez, Peyton Klein, Bartlomiej Klys, Audrey Krum, Orchid Langlois, Nester Leon Aldana, Roger Lynker III, Katherine Maldonado, Bryan Maradiaga-Marin, Jeremiah McLeod, Mariely Medina Orellana, Jose Moreno Reyes, Katherine Panama Guailazaca, Giselle Perez Sanchez, Lucio Ponce Vazquez, Katterin Reyes Guardado, Amy Szuba, Allison Vasko, Jeronimo Velez Osorio, Sebastian Yupanqui and Jireth Zambrano Laines.
Honor: Keila Barrios Castanon, Eyanna Castro, Isabella Caycho, Kent Clark, Jeffery Cobbs, Jr., Riley Cox, Hudson Danzilo, Frandy DeLaCruz Solano, Colin Dole, Carlos Garzon Cruz, Mayrelis Gonzalez Ramirez, Kevin Leon Gavilan, Gia Matullo, Lucas McCarthy, Angele Osorio Ramirez, Daniela Ponce Flores, Riley Santiago, Jordan Smith, Madelynn Stewart, Olivia Tyler and Lige Young.
Ninth grade
High Honor: Colten Allen, Lillianna Black, Samuel Blandon Cardona, Emily Cardenas Reyes, Hope Corbett, Kevin Cordero Lima, Sophia Duarte, McKayla Figueroa, Belle Gandulla, Stephanie Gomez Nivelo, Hunter Kavleski, Jacob Klein, Shea-Leigh Kristiansen, Justin Lima Cedeno, Danna Lopez Ojeda, Evelyn Molina Ax, Anai Perez Sanchez, Adriana Ponce Agredano, Raul Rios, Gabriella Sheridan, Mason Williams and Jackson Wilson.
Honor: Brandon Amador, Irwin Barragan Rojas, Brayan Deras Barrios, Ezra Dilworth, Michael Feijo, Jade Guillazaca Lopez, Radek Klys, Lena LaGattuta, Jessey Miranda, Kourtney Perry, Baileigh Steinberg, Sophia Travis and Samantha Vidalis.
Liberty PTA, LFA to host Meet the Candidates event
The Liberty Schools PTA and the Liberty Faculty Association will co-host a Meet the Candidates night for the Board of Education candidates at 6 p.m. Monday, May 12, in the Liberty High School Media Center.
The five candidates on the ballot have been invited to attend. The candidates, in the order in which they will appear on the ballot, are Miriam Rivka Singer, incumbents John L. Nichols and Timothy Hamblin, Miriam Heimlich and incumbent Matthew DeWitt. The top three vote-getters will serve three-year terms running July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028.
The board election and budget vote will take place between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, at the LHS Media Center at 125 Buckley St. in Liberty.
For more information on the budget, visit the Liberty Central School District budget page.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of May 5-11, 2025
Our student-athletes are in action this week in baseball, golf, softball, tennis and track and field.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
Monday, May 5
10 a.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. Multiple Schools at The Monster at Resort World Catskill.
Tuesday, May 6
4:15 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Ellenville at Ellenville High School.
4:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Track & Field vs. Multiple Schools at Tri-Valley Central School.
Wednesday, May 7
4:30 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Onteora at Davis Park
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. James I. O’Neill at James I. O’Neill High School
Result: Liberty 6, James I. O’Neill 10. After two rainouts in a row, the Varsity traveled to James I. O’Neill High School to take on the Raiders. In a very competitive, back and forth game, Liberty ultimately was unable to withstand a final O’Neill rally, losing 10 to 6. The Redhawks’ bats were hot all day and were led by Angie Wheeler’s 2-3 performance. Angie had a double, single, RBI and two runs scored. Maddy Stewart had a single and two runs driven in. Megan Schmidt was robbed of two hits, but still finished with a single and run scored. Brenna Mangan, Ashley Szuba, Addison Bury and Giuliana Wagner also had a hit. The Redhawks defense was sharp as they turned two double plays on the day. Liberty is scheduled to next play Chester at home this Friday if the weather permits.
4:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Tennis vs. Port Jervis at Liberty High School
Thursday, May 8
3:30 p.m.: JV Baseball vs. Fallsburg at Fallsburg Junior/Senior High School
4 p.m.: Boys and Girls Modified Track and Field vs. Multiple Schools at Sullivan West – Jeffersonville
4:15 p.m.: Modified Softball vs. Fallsburg at Liberty High School
Friday, May 9
All events postponed or canceled because of rain.
Saturday, May 10
No events scheduled.
Sunday, May 11
No events scheduled.
Library to host game days, library card orientation
The Liberty Public Library will host a series of events open to Liberty Central School Students.
A Teen Game Day after school until 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 13. Students in middle and high school are invited to the library, at 189 N. Main St., in front of the Liberty Elementary School, to play games such as Uno, spoons, mancala and Monopoly. Snacks will be provided.
On Tuesday, May 20, the library will host “Play with Us!,” a time for games for elementary school students and their adults starting at 2:45 p.m. If the weather is nice there will be a few outdoor games available as well.
The library is also hosting is annual special orientation for first-grade students. Students will be introduced to the library and the resources it has to offer— in person and online. As part of the orientation, students will have the opportunity to receive their own library card. With a library card, students will have access to books, eBooks, audiobooks, streaming video,
educational games, and more available through our digital library services.
Registration forms sent home with students should be returned to the student’s teacher by May 23.
The library is at 189 N. Main St. in Liberty, in front of the Elementary School.
For more information, call 845-292-6070 or visit www.libertypubliclibrary.org.
LMS teacher under consideration for NYS Teacher of the Year
A Liberty Middle School teacher is under consideration for the New York State Teacher of the Year award, presented by the state Education Department.
Melissa Murphy, a sixth grade ELA teacher, is one of only seven teachers in the state to make it to the third round, chosen by the Teacher of the Year Council.
“This accomplishment speaks to the powerful investment you and your school community have made in education,” the letter announcing the selection read.
The next step in the process is a site visit by three or four members of the selection committee in May. The site visit will involve a lesson observation as well as interviews with staff, administration and students and a conversation with Ms. Murphy.
If she moves on in the process, she will be interviewed by the selection committee in June, with the Teacher of the Year named near the start of next school year.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of April 28-May 4, 2025
Our student-athletes are in action this week in baseball, golf, softball, tennis and track and field.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
Monday, April 28
11 a.m.: Girls Varsity Golf Divisional at Villa Roma Country Club
3:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity League vs. Multiple Schools at The Monster at Resort World Catskill
3:45 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Livingston Manor/Roscoe at Liberty High School
Result: Livingston Manor/Roscoe 11, Liberty 9. Livingston Manor/Roscoe used plenty of small ball and excellent base running to go on to defeat the Redhawks 11-9. The Varsity did not give up after the Wildcats jumped to a 10-2 lead, however. The Redhawks staged a furious rally as they scored seven runs in the 5th and 6th innings to try to complete the comeback. Offensively for Liberty, Megan Schmidt led the way with three hits and three runs scored. Brenna Mangan had two hits and three RBI. Aubrey Botsford and Angie Wheeler each scored twice. Angie, Cameryn Will, Addison Bury and Maddy Stewart also had hits for Liberty.
3:45 p.m.: Boys and Girls Modified Track & Field vs. Multiple Schools. at Washingtonville High School
4:15 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Eldred at Eldred High School
4:15 p.m.: JV Baseball vs. S.S. Seward Institute at Rock Sports Park.
Tuesday, April 29
2:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs. Multiple Schools at Wallkill Golf Club
3 p.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. Tri-Valley at Tarry Brae Golf Course
4:15 p.m.: Boys Modified Baseball vs. Livingston Manor/Roscoe at Liberty Middle School.
4:15 p.m.: Modified Softball vs. Livingston Manor/Roscoe at Liberty High School
4:15 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Ellenville at Berme Road Field
Result: Ellenville 14, Liberty 6. It was another tough loss for the varsity, as they fell to Ellenville. After Liberty scored twice in the top of 6th to bring the game to within four runs, the Blue Devils broke open the close game in the bottom of the inning by scoring seven runs. The Redhawks didn’t go quietly as the scored 3 in the 7th to put some pressure on Ellenville before losing by the final score of 14 to 6. Megan Schmidt paced the offense once again as she had a triple, single, two runs scored and an RBI. Cameryn Will singled and drove in 3 runners for the Redhawks. Aubrey Botsford and Angie Wheeler also had two hits apiece. Aubrey also had two stolen bases and a run scored while Angie had a stolen base and RBI.
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Chapel Field Christian Schools at Chapel Field Christian School.
Wednesday, April 30
3 p.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. Fallsburg at Sullivan County Golf and Country Club
3:15 p.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs. Ellenville at Shawangunk Country Club
4 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Track & Field vs. Beacon City at Beacon High School.
4:15 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Fallsburg JV Scrimmage at Benjamin Cosor Elementary School
Result: Liberty 22, Fallsburg 0. Liberty traveled to Fallsburg for an unofficial contest versus the Comets on their Senior night. The Redhawks exploded for 22 runs on 16 hits as they cruised to a 22-0 victory. Giuliana Wagner finished with three hits, two runs scored, and five RBI. Cameryn Will also had three hits with a run scored and three runs driven in. Angie Wheeler had a double, single, two runs scored to go along with two RBI. Maddy Stewart had two hits, 3 runs scored and an RBI while Megan Schmidt also had two hits, two runs scored and an RBI. Nine different Redhawks had hits, and all 12 players scored at least one run. Angie pitched a great game in the circle giving up just two hits and striking out 10.
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Chester Academy at Chester Academy
4:30 p.m.: JV Baseball vs. Chester Academy at Liberty High School
Thursday, May 1
3 p.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs Multiple Schools at Tarry Brae Golf Course
4 p.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. Sullivan West Central at Villa Roma Country Club
4 p.m.: Boys Varsity Tennis vs. Monticello at Liberty High School
4:15 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Monticello at Rutherford Elementary School
4:15 p.m.: Modified Softball vs. Monticello at Monticello High School
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Port Jervis at Liberty High School
Result: Port Jervis 17, Liberty 0. The Redhawks played just their third home game of the year, and their fourth consecutive game in a row, as they welcomed two-time division champion Port Jervis to Liberty. The last two times the Varsity had played the Raiders, they were no-hit. Although they ultimately lost definitively to the champions 17-0, Liberty put together some great at bats and continually put the ball into play. Both Angie Wheeler and Giuliana Wagner finished 2-3 with a double and a single. Aubrey Botsford and Brooke Porter also recorded hits in the loss.
Friday, May 2
3 p.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. Monticello at The Monster at Resort World Catskill
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Sullivan West Central at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: JV Baseball vs. Sullivan West Central at Sullivan West – Lake Huntington
Saturday, May 3
No events scheduled.
Sunday, May 4
No events scheduled.
Retiring LHS science teacher to be honored by MHSSC
In her final year of teaching, a well-loved Liberty teacher will be honored by the Mid-Hudson School Study Council next month.
Lucinda (Cindy) Nolan, a science teacher at Liberty High School for 31 years, will receive a Teaching Excellence Award from the MHSSC. She has taught a variety of science classes from eighth grade physical science to Regents physics.
“I am honored and humbled to receive this award,” she said. “It is the frosting on the cake of a fulfilling career as an educator.”
In his nomination letter. LHS Principal Dr. Derek Adams called Ms. Nolan “the epitome of an exceptional educator, demonstrating unwavering professionalism and dedication.”
Her high-quality instruction, engaging learning experiences and meaningful assessments fosters an environment where students thrive, he added
While her work in the classroom has been noteworthy it is her interactions with her students that make her an outstanding teacher.
“A good educator is able to inspire students to learn about the subject that they teach, but more than that to connect with students to help them to become better humans and to make a difference in their lives,” Ms. Nolan said. “Sometimes a difference is made by teaching exciting topics, other times it is by showing love.”
From engaging her students with her how-can-it-not-be-fun Physics of Toys classes, to leading lessons on rollerblading during this year’s Genius Hour, to posing with selfies with graduating seniors in their caps and gowns, Ms. Nolan has a way of connecting with students.
“I don’t think anyone dislikes Ms. Nolan,” freshman Baileigh Steinberg said.
She goes above and beyond helping her students understand their lessons, students said.
Senior Jonathan Stonick said during his freshman year he spent almost every day after school and during a study hall with her to help understand and complete his work.
“She has helped me a lot throughout my four years,” he added. “She’s a really great teacher.”
Fellow senior Nora Liddle agreed.
“I’m really happy to have had her as a science teacher. She’s one of the best female science teachers I have known,” she said. “It’s a joy to be around her.”
It’s not just the students who say that.
“I have witnessed each and every current and former student, staff and community members give and receive the warmest of greetings and interactions usually starting and finishing with a hug,” Dr. Adams said in his nomination letter. “The relationships that Cindy has built through her career are remarkable and is a testament to her dedication to an education for all students”
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Nolan also serves as adviser of National Honor Society and Science Olympiad. She is also a leader and a mentor to her colleagues, serving as a department facilitator and leading weekly professional learning community meetings, and she has spearheaded initiatives to improve instruction and student outcomes.
“Ms. Nolan is a worthy recipient of the MHSSC Teaching Excellence Award,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “We will miss her at Liberty and wish her well in her retirement.”
While she may leave Liberty schools at the end of the year, her memories and connection to the district will always remain.
“I have grown so much as a person during my time here. I have received an education in different cultures and their traditions. My co-workers have become lifelong friends and extended family who have been mentors, and ‘partners in crime’ and extended family,” she said. “Not many people can meet so many people and have as much fun in their career as I have. I chose the right career for me!”
Ms. Nolan will be honored at the MHSSC’s annual meeting and awards celebration in the Fieldstone Auditorium in the North Rockland Central School District on May 7. Earlier this school year, Liberty Middle School Aide/Safety Duty staff member Cindy Mercado was honored with the MHSSC Support Staff Award for Excellence in Education.