Year: 2025
LMS FFA members learn about growing food in space
FFA generally focuses on things involving earth, but recently Liberty Middle School FFA members got a chance to see how NASA is working to grow food in space.
The event highlighted the innovative work being done to develop sustainable plant growth systems that will support astronauts on longer space missions, such as those to the moon and Mars.
“I didn’t know they were doing research on plants in space,” eighth-grader Gwendolyn Meddaugh said. “It was cool to learn about science that is going on now.”
In a video conference, keynote speaker Jacob Scoccimerra, a Penn State graduate with more than six years in the space industry, shared his expertise in mission management and strategic program leadership. With experience overseeing more than 100 research projects to the International Space Station, Scoccimerra offered insight into the challenges and breakthroughs of growing plants in microgravity. His discussion emphasized how space-based agriculture not only supports human health in orbit but also contributes to solving food security challenges here on Earth.
The work inspired the students.
“I can’t wait to try some of those experiments on the plants in our greenhouse, or maybe come up with experiments for them to try,” said sixth-grader Owen Brust.
The FFA plans to continue growing the partnership, with hopes of offering more opportunities to connect with scientists and inspire innovative solutions to agricultural issues—on Earth and beyond.
“It was really awesome. Everyone thinks FFA is all about farmers,’ eighth-grader Amelia Cole said. “I’ve always been interested in being an astronaut or maybe aeronautical engineering, and never thought that could be a part of FFA too.”
Sweethearts and Heroes returns to LMS
Sweethearts and Heroes, a nationally recognized organization specializing in social-emotional learning and anti-bullying education, returned to Liberty Middle School for a two-day event aimed at strengthening school culture. More than 250 students and 25 staff members participated in impactful circle sessions and group conversations designed to build a supportive environment rooted in connection, belonging and peer-led support.
Social studies teacher Kort Wheeler reflected on the experience with his class, noting that the circles created a valuable space for students to engage in face-to-face conversations and practice patience as they listened to one another. Eighth-grade student Wilton Mata said that speaking in a small group with a single speaker at a time made it easier for him to open up, adding that the welcoming atmosphere and supportive facilitator gave him the confidence to share personal stories.
Skills such as empathy, communication and attentive listening—often challenged in a tech-driven world—were brought to the forefront through these sessions. The event encouraged students to form meaningful relationships and contributed to a stronger sense of school community. By highlighting student voice and promoting emotional connection, Sweethearts and Heroes continues to help foster a safe, inclusive and empowered school climate at Liberty Middle School.
LHS junior to perform solo with Sullivan County Chamber Orchestra
Liberty High School junior Genna DeFrank will be a featured soloist during the Sullivan County Chamber Orchestra’s family concert, “Peter and the Wolf,” at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at St. John’s Episcopal Church.
A cellist, Genna played in the pit for the LHS school musical and is a regular guest artist with the Sullivan County Community Chorus. She became involved with Nesin Cultural Arts, based in Monticello, last summer and plans to continue pursuing cello in college, with a minor in music.
Genna is one of four students in the Aspiring Young Musicians program, an SCCO Educates initiative, who auditioned and were selected to perform in one of the two final concerts of the season.
St. John’s Episcopal Church is at 15 St. John St. in Monticello. The concert is free with a $25 suggested donation at the door.
LCSD music education honored for sixth consecutive year by NAMM Foundation
For the sixth year in a row, Liberty Central School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Liberty answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
“Music education is essential to the development of the whole child. It nurtures creativity, builds discipline, strengthens cognitive and motor skills, and promotes emotional expression,” LCSD Director of Music Eric Aweh said. “Participation in music fosters collaboration, boosts confidence and cultivates a sense of community. Through music, students learn not only how to create and perform, but also how to listen, lead and connect. A well-rounded education is incomplete without the inclusion of the arts, and music is a vital part of that foundation.”
Liberty musicians and vocalists take part in a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, ensembles, parades, all-county and all-state events, and the Liberty Jazz Festival. On Wednesday, June 11, the LCSD Music Department will host its annual Liberty Music and Community Festival at 4:30 p.m. in Lapolt Park. The rain date is Friday, June 13.
“The educational experience would not be complete without music,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “We appreciate the NAMM Foundation’s continued recognition of our dedication to providing a quality music education for our students.”
Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, visit www.nammfoundation.org.
Real Food Rules for LMS sixth-graders
Students create songs, posters during healthy eating program
The Liberty Middle School Wellness Committee once again hosted the STEAM FUND for The Real Food Rules Program—an innovative initiative designed to educate students about the origins and importance of food, and to inspire healthy, informed choices.
This year, sixth-grade students participated in dynamic sessions with musicians and educators Scott and Beth Bierko. Through engaging discussions and interactive songwriting activities, students explored the concept of “real food,” where it comes from, and how it impacts their health and well-being.
These creative workshops encouraged students to reflect on their eating habits and think critically about nutrition. The program culminated in a unique musical collaboration, with students composing original songs focused on wellness, healthy eating and nutrition. These student-created songs will be proudly featured during the school’s morning announcements, as well as in radio spots and on the STEAM Fund’s YouTube Page.
The following songs, with their links, were produced:
- Find Balance – Mrs. Klein’s Class
- Eat More Real Food – Mrs. Clifford’s Class
- My Heart Is Important (Mi Corazón es Importante) – Ms. Murphy’s Class
- Know Your Facts – Mr. Jones’ Class
- Sharpen The Saw – Ms. Abplanalp’s Class
- Junk Food – Ms. Cummins’ Class
- Sodium Blues – Mr. Golden’s Class
The classes also took part in a poster contest with four students earning top honors for their awards. The winning posters were created by Dia D’Agata, Genesis Harrison, Raegan Wagner and Stephani Smith.
The LMS Wellness Committee is grateful for the continued support of the STEAM FUND and look forward to inspiring more students to make smart, healthy choices through the power of music and education.
Liberty CSD voters approve $68.5M school budget proposal, $7.5M capital project
On Tuesday, May 20, voters in the Liberty Central School District approved, 658-131, the district’s $68.5 million budget proposal for the 2025-26 school year.
“We thank the residents of Liberty Central School District for their continued support so we can empower our students to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “We are also happy we could present a budget that, for the seventh year in a row, did not increase the tax levy.”
The $68,508,362 budget funds all current student programs and services as the district continues its vertical and horizontal alignment of curriculum, adding the curriculum management platform Eduplanet to aid in curriculum mapping. The district is also expanding partnerships with colleges and universities to offer additional credit-bearing classes for high school students.
Voters also approved a nearly $7.5 million capital project, 616-167. The project will add air conditioning to the elementary school to address recent state legislation that sets 88 degrees as the maximum temperature in educational and support services spaces. The project also includes related boiler and electrical upgrades. There is no expected tax levy impact, as fund balances will be used to offset the costs not covered by state reimbursements.
“We are glad that this project was approved so that we can help keep our students cool in a more cost-effective manner by working this into our ongoing project,” Dr. Sullivan said.
Three board of education members were elected to three-year terms on the board. John L. Nichols with 761 votes, Timothy Hamblin with 759 votes and Matthew DeWitt with 762 votes Also on the ballot were: Miriam Rivka Singer who received 28 votes, and Miriam Heimlich who received 27 votes. Six write-in votes were also cast: four for Richard Ienuso and one each for Mike Grosman and Pamela Hamlin.
Groundbreaking set for Phase 1 of capital project
Dirt will soon be moved for the Liberty Central School District capital project that was approved by voters in January 2024. Following final approval by the state Education Department earlier this month, Phase 1 of the project is set to begin on June 16.
A ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony will take place at the football field at 9 a.m. Friday, June 13, featuring officials from the district as well as project partners construction management firm Schoolhouse Construction, design and architecture firm LAN Associates, and construction firm Clark Companies, who is contracted to complete the work for the athletic field improvements..
Phase1 of the project includes construction of the maintenance building; athletic facility improvements, including the installation of a new synthetic turf field, track and field improvements, installation of a grandstand and press box, and installation of new athletic field lighting; upgrades to the HVAC controls at the middle and high school; upgrades to the carbon monoxide alarm system and replacement of exterior stairs at the high school; and replacements of some interior doors at the middle school.
Retesting shows lead levels in water below action level at Liberty schools
On May 2, Liberty Central School District completed follow up testing on 10 sinks that were found to have lead levels above action level during lead in water testing in April.
Following remediation, water from all 10 sinks was retested and all locations were found to have levels below the action level of 5 parts per billion.
More information and links to the full first and second round reports are available here.
Dozens earn Stellar Student honors at LHS
The following students earned Stellar Student status for the third marking period at Liberty High School.
Students earn Stellar Student honors for being referral free have five or fewer excused lates and no unexcused lates, two or fewer excused absences and no unexcused absences, a 75 or above quarter average and no failures or incompletes.
12th grade: Christian Aucaquizhpi Perez, Yordy Benitez, Alexia Caiza Viracocha, Noah Call, Eugene Davis-Andino, Faith Fitzgerald, Gianna Lewis, Brenna Mangan, Sierra Norris and Rita Zheng.
11th grade: Jake Cross, Genna DeFrank, Giada DeFrank, Eli Desrochers, Allison Diaz Lopez, Jacob Kelly, Zane Kip, DaShaun Loyce, Arwyn Lucero-Bonilla, Angelina Magie, Quelin Molina Gavilan, William Pennell, Brooke Porter, Randy Romero-Bello, Jaidon Simmons, Justin Simon and Angela Wheeler.
10th grade: Derrick Aliers Amparo, Olivia Corrigan, Riley Cox, Liliana Crespo, Mariah Edwards, Angel Figueroa, Yamilet Garcia Gonzalez, Peyton Hadjstylianos, Jhosmery Jadan Pangolo, Misael Juarez Perez, Bartlomiej Klys, Audrey Krum, Kevin Leon Gavilan, Jeremiah McLeod, Katherine Panama Guaillazaca, Lucio Ponce Vazquez, Jordan Smith, Allison Vasko and Jireth Zambrano Laines.
Ninth grade: Brandon Amador, Keven Cordero Lima, Jayden Diaz, Sophia Duarte, McKayla Figueroa, Hunter Kavleski, Radek Klys, Shea-Leigh Kristiansen, Justin Lima Cedeno, Danna Lopez Ojeda, Evelyn Molina Ax, Baileigh Steinberg, William Vargas-Martin and Jackson Wilson.
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.