Next year, five standout student-athletes from Liberty will be taking their talents to the colleges of their choice to continue their athletic pursuits.

On Monday, June 8, Shawn Bickham, Isabella Wagner, Angie Wheeler, Justin Simons and Brooke Bull signed their letters of intent to play sports at the college level during a ceremony held in the Liberty High School auditorium.

There are certain days in a high school career that feel like a finish line, but today is unique. Today is a starting line,” Athletic Director Thomas Zehner said “We are here to celebrate a select group of young men and women who have earned the right to extend their athletic journeys into the college arena.”

Each athlete was introduced with a speech from their coach.

Shawn Bickham

Shawn, who will attend Utica University and major in nursing, will compete on the indoor and outdoor track and field teams as well as wrestle for the Pioneers. He was introduced by his track and field coach Roothland Medina.

Shawn competed in multiple events—hurdles, triple jump, javelin, hammer, discus and shot put—this year. He ranked in the top 10 in the javelin in Section IX and earned fifth place at OCCIA. Shawn plans to continue to hone his skills at the Kutztown jumps camp for pole vault and triple jump this summer..

“His leadership and willingness to step up to the challenge is what makes Shawn stand out above everyone else,” Mr. Medina said. ”This is the kind of work ethic that will make Shawn successful as he continues his journey in the track world at college.”

Isabella Wagner

Isabella, who will attend Eastern University and major in health sciences, will wrestle for the Eagles. She was introduced by Mr. Zehner, who read a speech by wrestling coach Brian Vaughn who was unable to attend.

Isabella wrestled for Liberty for two years, and finished 31-26, with 20 of those wins coming in this season. Her record also puts her at second all time for Liberty girls wrestling and she had the third best record between the boys and girls teams this season).

“She’s always been one of the hardest working in the room and I’m sure she’ll keep that up when she gets to Eastern,” Mr. Vaughn wrote in his speech.

Angie Wheeler

Angie, who will attend SUNY Delhi and major in criminal justice, will play softball for the Broncos. She was introduced by varsity softball coach Dave Philips.

Over her four and a half years on the varsity softball team, she started 56 games as a pitcher, racking up more than 350 strikeouts and earning the pitching decision in every single Redhawk victory over the last four seasons. She also started 67 times in the field, and had more than 50 hits and 80 runs scored or driven in. Angie was a mult-year team MVP, a three-time Sullivan Democrat selection, and earned a Times-Herald Record Class A All-Star selection two years ago. She has also played in dozens of tournaments with the NEPA Phantoms Travel Ball Organization.

“Angie is the definition of a fierce competitor and a tireless worker,” Mr. Philips said. “What truly sets her apart as an athlete is her constant drive to elevate her game—she doesn’t just welcome constructive criticism, she actively seeks out advice and pushes herself to be better every single day.”

Justin Simon

Justin, who will attend Western Connecticut State University and major in elementary education, will play baseball for the wolves. He was introduced by varsity baseball coach Andrew Philips

Justin played for the varsity team for three years, but had his best year this past year. He batted .536 with a .836 slugging percentage. He set the single season doubles record and also added a home run on the year. His clutch bat helped the team score runs with 14 RBIs on the year.

“His work ethic and passion for the game is evident in his preparation,” Mr. Philips said. “With his hard work he has had one of the best seasons you could have this year.”

Brooke Bull

Brooke, who will attend the University of Lynchburg and major in criminology, will compete on the track and field team for the Hornets. She was introduced by track and field coach Rich Feeney.

She has been a member of the indoor and outdoor track and field teams at Liberty for the past three years.

She set school records in the pole vault for indoor and outdoor track, was a member of the 4×200 relay team that set a school record this past indoor season, and helped lead Liberty to an indoor Division 3 championship as well. She represented Liberty at the Indoor State Championships in both the pole vault, the 4×200 relay and qualified for Nationals this year. During the outdoor season, Brooke qualified for the state championships and earned invitations to the Penn Relays and the Loucks Games, two prestigious track and field meets in the Northeast. She has also won, placed and medaled at countless invitationals throughout her career here at Liberty, including being a division and section champion.

“Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Brooke has been a tremendous leader and role model for her teammates,” Mr. Feeney said. “Her positive attitude, work ethic, and leadership have left a lasting impact on our program and will be greatly missed.”

Mr. Zehner offered well wishes to all of the athletes.

“We cannot wait to watch you compete, watch you grow, and watch you succeed. You will always have a home here, and we will always be your biggest fans,” he said. “Congratulations to our seniors. Go make Liberty proud!”