Year: 2025
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.
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.
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.
Lead in water testing results reported at Liberty
State law requires school districts to sample all water outlets currently or potentially used for drinking or cooking purposes in buildings that may be occupied by students and to submit those samples to a state-approved lab for analysis. Testing must be completed every three years, unless the state Commissioner of Health requires testing sooner.
The state established an action level of 5 micrograms per liter or 5 parts per billion (ppb). If a sample from a water outlet exceeds this level, schools must take steps to prevent the use of the outlet for drinking or cooking purposes until it is remediated and follow-up testing confirms it is no longer above the action level.
School districts are required to report the results of all water testing to the state Department of Health, the state Education Department and the local health department, and to post the results — along with remediation plans, if required — on the official district website.
Testing took place at the middle and high school on April 8, the elementary school on April 9 and the White Sulphur Springs building on April 10.
- At the high school, a hand washing sink in the Nurse’s Office returned a 10.1 parts per billion level.
- At the middle school, a second-floor pass-through storage hand washing sink returned a 175 parts per billion level.
- At the elementary school, eight sinks were found to be above 5 ppb
- Between 16 & 17 Teacher space hand sink: 20.6 ppb
- Room 30 class sink: 14.7 ppb
- Room 42 class sink: 9.5 ppb
- Room 43 class sink: 25.6 ppb
- Room 45 class sink: 59.1 ppb
- Room 46 class sink: 6.3 ppb
- Room 48 class sink: 67.6 ppb
- Room 53 class sink: 9.1 ppb
- All outlets at the White Sulphur Springs building returned levels below 5 ppb.
Signs have been posted at all impacted sinks that water is not to be consumed from that outlet. Remedial actions will be taken and the outlets will be retested.
More information and links to the full reports are available here.
Liberty BOE OKs $68.5M budget proposal; info sessions planned
On Tuesday, April 22, Liberty Central School District Board of Education approved a $68.5 million budget proposal for the 2025-26 school year that maintains programs while enhancing goals and procedure alignment as well as efficiencies district-wide without increasing the tax levy.
This is the seventh consecutive year there is no proposed tax levy increase.
The vote will take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, in the high school media center.
There will be a series of budget information sessions, to which the public is encouraged to attend:
- May 5: Budget presentation to the Liberty Town Board, 6:30 p.m., the Senior Citizens Center at 119 N. Main St.
- May 6: Budget hearing, 6 p.m., High School Auditorium
- May 8: Budget, Dinner and a Concert, 5:30 p.m., HS Media Center
- May 9: Budget talk, 8:30-11:30 a.m., New Munson Diner, 12 Lake St.
The proposed $68,508,362 budget increases spending 0.70%, or $474,068 and would fund all current student programs and services.
Based on the governor’s budget proposal’s state aid projections, the district expects an overall slight decrease in state aid, with the tax lex levy remaining at $17,760,162, the same as the 2024-25 budget.
Also on the ballot is a nearly $7.5 million capital project proposal that would 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. There is no expected tax levy impact, as fund balances would be used to offset the costs not covered by state reimbursements. More information is available at the district’s 2025 capital project webpage.
There also will be three board of education seats on the ballot. On the ballot, in the order they will appear, are Miriam Rivka Singer, incumbents John L. Nichols and Timothy Hamblin, Miriam Heimlich and incumbent Matthew DeWitt.
The elected candidates will serve three-year terms running July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028.
For more information on the budget, including voter information, visit the district budget information page on the website.
LMS hears anti-bullying message from Sweethearts & Heroes
A mixed martial arts professional and a retired Army sergeant severely injured in Iraq recently presented a message of hope, empathy, compassion and action at Liberty Middle School.
Sweethearts & Heroes Director and Co-Founder Tom Murphy and Rick Yarosh, a Purple Heart recipient and motivational speaker, used role playing, facts, small-group exercises and real-life experiences to help teach students they can be heroes by helping stop bullying and offering hope.
“Many communities in this region grapple with socioeconomic hardships, further complicating the educational landscape,” Murphy said. “The struggles these students endure are heartbreaking, yet Liberty Middle School has paved the way for resilience and success.”
Sweethearts and Heroes’ message and approach aligns with the LMS Comprehensive Education Plan and the District Comprehensive Improvement Plan, said Behavioral Specialist Sheila Wormuth, who brought the program to LMS.
“Their unique approach focuses on actionable steps, rather than just awareness, making a real impact,” she said.
For more than 16 years, Sweethearts & Heroes has presented what Murphy calls “the ‘stop, drop and roll’ of bullying” to more than 2.5 million students across the Northeast and Canada.
The target for the lessons isn’t the bullies or their targets, he said, but those who see it happening and can step in and help.
Over two days, Murphy and Yarosh presented two assemblies—tailored to fifth and sixth grade students in the first and seventh and eighth in the second—visited classes and led small group activities, called circles.
“It was real, it was honest, it was relatable and it will help me see ways to be a better person in school,” seventh-grader Greyson Torres said.
While the message was primarily geared toward students, it also heavily involved staff, who were directly addressed in the presentation and participated in the circles, Wormuth said.
“These were two of the most positive and productive days toward our SEL (social emotional learning) effort,” sixth-grade teacher Justin Golden said.
That is something Murphy said is needed.
“While their environment may not be perfect, in just two days, we witnessed not only students thriving but also a dedicated staff that genuinely loves and cares for the children in their community,” Murphy said. “Bravo, Liberty—bravo!”
A recording of the assemblies can be found at https://events.locallive.tv/events/172824
A message regarding high school graduation dress code
Dear Liberty families,
On Feb. 27, the district held a forum to discuss the current dress code for our high school graduation ceremony. The dress code is in place to maintain the formality of the event while keeping the focus on our students’ academic and civic achievements.
Along with their caps and gowns, the district has, in the past, allowed students to wear regalia from certain outside organizations/entities. Students will continue to be permitted to wear regalia from those previously approved organizations/entities, which are listed below. The district will not permit students to wear regalia provided by any other outside organization, entity, group or otherwise that are not included on the list below. Students are also permitted to decorate the tops of their graduation caps to reflect their heritage, families, personalities and journeys, provided that such decorations comply with the district’s Code of Conduct and Student Dress Code policy.
During the forum, about 15 attendees requested a change to the existing dress code. They noted that some surrounding districts have implemented changes; however, upon further review, we found that the districts in Sullivan County follow a graduation dress code similar to ours.
We appreciate our students, alumni and families for sharing their perspectives.
After careful consideration, the current graduation dress code will be as follows:
- School-issued: Valedictorian sash; salutatorian sash; LHS Class Officer cord.
- Other approved regalia: National Honor Society stole; United States Armed Forces stole or sash; New York State Public High School Athletic Association medal; New York State Seal of Biliteracy medal; National Art Honor Society cord; National Technical Honor Society cord; HOBY Youth Leadership cord; NY Blood Center Donor cord; New York State Seal of Civic Readiness medal; and Sullivan County BOCES SkillsUSA.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan, Superintendent
Dr. Derek Adams, High School Principal
Liberty announces 2025 Wall of Fame honorees
The Liberty Central School District Wall of Fame Committee is pleased to announce its two honorees for the 2025 Wall of Fame: Samuel Sanders Jr. and Albert Van Dyke.
Samuel Sanders Jr.
Sanders, a graduate of Liberty High School’s Class of 1979, has dedicated his life to uplifting his community through mentorship, athletics and service. As a standout multi-sport athlete, he was a four-year varsity basketball player, team captain and two-time recipient of the Ivan Richards MVP Award. His athletic talents led him to play at Mansfield College, earn all-star status in a semi-pro league, and receive a tryout with the New Jersey Nets. However, his greatest legacy extends beyond the basketball court.
Choosing service over a professional career in Australia, Sanders returned to Liberty to invest in the next generation. As the founder of Rising Stars Basketball, he has mentored and coached countless young athletes, organizing free clinics and tournaments to unite and inspire the community. His work as a coach at LHS, as well as with the Hudson Valley Hawks and Hudson Valley Rivermen, has shaped the lives of many aspiring athletes.
Sanders has also been a steadfast role model as a deacon at Friendship Baptist Church. His commitment to youth development extends to his career as a recreation director at Delaware Job Corps and St. Christopher’s Inc., where he creates enrichment programs for young people with diverse needs.
Sanders’ leadership has also been evident in organizing community events such as the “Pursuing Your Dreams” workshop and the “Fathers and Men’s Unity Event.
Through decades of selfless dedication, he has left an enduring mark on Liberty, mentoring youth, strengthening community ties and serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration.
Albert Van Dyke
Albert Van Dyke was a trailblazer in special education, a devoted community leader, and a champion for students with special needs. A 1948 graduate of Liberty High School, Van Dyke dedicated his life to ensuring all children had access to quality education. He began as a social studies teacher at Liberty, but soon recognized the need for specialized programs to support students who struggled in traditional academic settings. He established the district’s first special education class, which later expanded into a countywide program under Sullivan County BOCES. The organization’s first director of special education, Van Dyke created and expanded programs at a time when special education was often overlooked.
Van Dyke was also an Eagle Scout, a member and Sunday School superintendent of the Liberty United Methodist Church, and a participant in civic organizations such as the Liberty Lions Club and the Sullivan County Mental Health Board. A historian and collector of local artifacts, he donated more than 2,000 cataloged postcards to the Sullivan County Museum.
Whether helping a Liberty graduate become a police officer by arranging for a civil service test to be read aloud or even rescuing two small children from a burning building, Van Dyke’s selflessness knew no bounds.
Van Dyke continued to serve his community after his 20-year career at BOCES by designing and implementing the county’s preschool special education program.
Van Dyke, who died on April 30, 2012, was a man of integrity, vision and boundless dedication to the Liberty community and has left an indelible mark on Sullivan County.
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 were inducted during the Liberty Central School District Wall of Fame ceremony in June 2025. Former inductees’ information can be found on the district’s Wall of Fame webpage.
LES ballfield to be closed for repairs
Starting Monday, April 14, the ballfield at Liberty Elementary School will be closed for use to allow for the Liberty Central School District maintenance crew to make repairs.
The field will be filled, raked and reseeded. The dugout closest to the cafeteria, which is used for storage, will also be removed.
The entire field will be shut down and blocked off during the closure. The length of the closure will depend on how long it takes the grass to grow and the field to recoup from the wear and tear.
For more information, please email Director of Facilities Randy Kleingardner at rkleingardner@libertyk12.org.
Capital project to address cooling at LES set to go before voters May 20
On Monday, March 31, the Liberty Central School District Board of Education approved a capital project to go before voters during the annual budget vote and school board election on May 20.
The nearly $7.5 million project would add cooling units to portions of the elementary school to address recent state legislation that sets a maximum temperature of 88 degrees for educational and support services spaces.
The district is working with architecture and engineering firm LAN Associates and construction management firm Schoolhouse Construction on the project.
The capital project is not expected to have a tax impact as $1,125,000 would be used from available fund balance and the remaining amount reimbursed through state capital project aid.
The project would be done in conjunction with HVAC work approved by voters in a capital project vote in January 2024.
Rather than adding just heating units to 38 classroom spaces, a counseling and AIS space, if approved on May 20, the units would be heating and cooling units in the original section of the building. The main office, faculty area and nurses office will also be upgraded.
“It is more cost effective to build this into an ongoing project, rather than retrofitting units at a later date,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said.
Studies have shown that students who have a comfortable learning environment have more success. If classroom temperatures cannot be kept to below 88 degrees, it could cause disruptions, including possible school closures.
“We are aware that portions of the Elementary School can get hot during extreme heat days,” Sullivan said. “While this project would not be completed until after the law goes into effect on Sept. 1, this would help us in the future.”
If approved, the project, which also includes electrical and boiler upgrades at LES as well as ancillary work, would be scheduled for possible completion before the 2026-27 school year. More details on the project will be shared later on the district’s website, www.libertyk12.org.
Voting will take place between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, in the Liberty High School media center. For more details on voting, visit https://www.libertyk12.org/department-services/business-office/.