Author: Denielle.Cazzolla
A message from the LMS administration
Dear LMS Families,
We want to make you aware of a situation that occurred today, May 1, involving a student who brought cake pops to school and shared them with peers. Some of the cake pops were made using a mold that included a design resembling a marijuana leaf, which led to concern among students that the items may have contained an illicit substance.
We want to clearly communicate that the cake pops did not contain any illegal or harmful substances. As a precaution, all students involved were evaluated by the school nurse, and no concerns were identified.
The LMS Administration, in collaboration with our School Resource Officer (SRO), conducted a thorough investigation. All families of students directly involved have been contacted individually.
We understand that situations like this can cause concern, and we appreciate your understanding as we work through matters like these with care and diligence. The safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the main office.
Sincerely,
LMS Administration
A message from the superintendent on ongoing construction
Dear Liberty families,
As you are aware, construction is underway at our middle and high school campus, with the construction of the new maintenance building off Winthrop Avenue near the softball field, as well as work continuing on the new athletic field..
Please remember that those areas are closed to the public while work is being completed. The Winthrop parking lot is closed, as is the lower part of the walkway between Winthrop and the high school behind the district office. Students and spectators should not enter that area. Also, the campus is surrounded by private property that should not be crossed to access our fields. Access to the softball field should be done via the parking lot between the high school and district office.
If spectators need accommodations, they should contact Athletic Director Thomas Zehner at tzehner@libertyk12.org or call 845-292-5400, ext. 2012.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Liberty students’ artwork to be on display starting May 12
Liberty Central School District’s annual K-12 District-Wide Art Show opening will take place 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, in the lobby at Liberty High School, at 125 Buckley St. The show will remain on display through the budget vote on May 19.
The event is a free evening of art, crafts, raffles, student portfolio, presentations and refreshment among displays of student artwork from across the district.
“Creating art gives students a chance to find their voice in a variety of forms,” said art teacher Kath Johansen, who is organizing the event. “Putting that artwork on display provides students the opportunity to see and experience their work being valued and looking closely at the work of others. This evening of celebrating our emerging artists offers our community the opportunity to take part in that.”
The show opening will be followed by the National Art Honor Society induction at 6 p.m.
For more information, email kjohansen@libertyk12.org.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of April 27-May 3, 2026
Spring sports is in swing with baseball, golf, softball, tennis and track.
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 27
11 a.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs. Multiple Schools at Villa Roma Country Club
4:15 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Rockland Central School District at Rockland MS/HS
Result: Liberty 19, Rockland 4
The Liberty Varsity softball team left little room for doubt on Monday afternoon, dismantling the Rockland Wolves 19-4 in a mercy-rule shortened five-inning contest. Combining surgical precision in the circle with a relentless offensive barrage, the Redhawks broke their 4 game losing streak.
The story of the day began on the rubber, where Angie Wheeler delivered a masterclass in efficiency. Wheeler silenced the Wolves’ bats for four shutout innings, surrendering only two hits while racking up seven strikeouts. Most impressive, however, was her command; Wheeler threw a staggering 87% of her pitches for strikes, consistently ahead in the count and forcing Rockland into defensive swings all afternoon.
While Angie kept the Wolves at bay, the Redhawk offense went to work, pounding out 10 hits and showing elite plate discipline to work the count for 14 walks. Maddy Stewart once again served as the catalyst out of the leadoff spot, putting on a clinic by finishing 4-for-4 with a walk, two RBI, and four runs scored.
The middle of the lineup proved just as lethal. Giuliana Wagner finished 2-for-3 with a double and two walks, accounting for three runs scored and three RBI. Angie helped her own cause at the plate, mirroring those numbers with a 2-for-3 performance of her own, including a double, two walks, and two RBI.
The depth of the Liberty roster was on full display as Amy Szuba drove in three runs, while Arianna Wilson reached base three times and crossed the plate twice. Brooke Porter was equally vital to the scoring effort, reaching base four times and scoring two runs to keep the pressure on the Rockland defense.
Despite the lopsided score, the Rockland Wolves never surrendered, competing with a grit that served as a credit to their school and coaching staff. The Wolves’ offense found some rhythm late, led by Allison Froehlich, who collected two hits, and Alex Potosek, who connected for a solid double.
The Redhawks look to carry this momentum into their next matchup vs Seward at home Thursday.
4:30 p.m.: JV Softball vs. S.S. Seward Institute at S.S. Seward Institute
Result: Liberty 18, Seward 2
The Liberty Redhawks JV squad showed no signs of road weariness on Monday afternoon, dismantling S.S. Seward 18-2 to secure their fourth consecutive victory. In a game defined by relentless offensive pressure and elite pitching, the Redhawks proved why they are currently so hot and a team to be reckoned with.
The Liberty offense was set to go from the first pitch, punishing the Spartans’ pitching staff for 17 total hits and showing disciplined eyes to draw five walks. The scoring was a complete team effort, highlighted by the feat of every single Liberty starter recording at least one hit in the contest.
Harper Matuszak led the power surge, smashing two doubles and collecting three RBIs. Corinne Lake continued her torrid stretch at the plate, swinging a “hot bat” to the tune of two hits and a game-high five RBIs. Mya Davis was equally lethal, contributing three hits—including a double—and scoring three times, while Montgomery Allen’s speed on the basepaths resulted in another three runs for the visitors.
While the stars at the top of the order grabbed the headlines, the bottom of the lineup proved pivotal in the blowout. Emma Tacti, Mady Rielly, Alex Kelly, and Myla Rielly contributed to the Redhawk scoring machine, with each player crossing the plate twice to keep the pressure mounting in every frame.
As dominant as the offense was, Matuszak was equally spectacular in the circle. Delivering a masterful complete-game performance, she stifled the Seward hitters over five innings of work. Matuszak surrendered just a single hit to finish with a one-hitter, giving up only two runs while racking up nine strikeouts.
With four straight road wins under their belt, the Redhawks return home with a massive wave of momentum and a lineup that appears nearly impossible to quiet.
4:45 p.m.: Boys Tennis vs. Middletown at Middletown High School
7 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Beacon City at Heritage Financial Park
Tuesday, April 28
4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs. Tri-Valley at Sullivan County Golf and Country Club
4 p.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. Rockland Central School District at Roscoe Mountain Club
4:15 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Tri-Valley at Liberty Middle School
4:15 p.m.: Modified Softball vs. Tri-Valley at Tri-Valley Secondary School
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Port Jervis at Liberty High School
Wednesday, April 29
4:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Track and Field vs. Multiple Schools at Cornwall High School
Thursday, April 30
4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs. Monticello at The Monster at Resort World Catskill
4 p.m.: Boys and Girls Modified Track and Field vs. Multiple Schools at Sullivan West – Jeffersonville
4:15 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Eldred at Eldred High School
Friday, May 1
4:15 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Tri-Valley at Tri-Valley Central School
4:15 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Eldred at Eldred High School
Result: Liberty 6, Eldred 11
In a back-and-forth contest that lived up to the hype, the Eldred Yellowjackets surged from behind, scoring seven runs in the final two innings to defeat the Liberty Redhawks 11-6. The game was a tightly contested matchup from the very first pitch, setting an electric tone for the afternoon between the two local rivals.
Liberty wasted no time getting their offense rolling, jumping out to an early 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning. However, the Yellowjackets showed they were not going to back down, immediately responding with four runs in the bottom of the frame to take a brief 4-3 advantage. The lead changed hands again in the top of the third when Liberty rallied to score three runs, aided by a clutch two-run double by Giuliana Wagner, putting the Redhawks back on top 6-4.
That advantage held strong for Liberty behind the impressive pitching of Angie Wheeler. Angie stifled the Eldred offense through the middle innings and recorded 15 strikeouts on the afternoon, officially passing the 350 career strikeout milestone.
The turning point of the game arrived in the bottom of the fifth inning. After a leadoff single by Sydney Furler and a runner reaching on a dropped third strike, Eldred’s Olivia Gonzalez blasted a home run over the center-field fence. The decisive shot gave the Yellowjackets a 7-6 lead, one they would never relinquish. Eldred tacked on four more insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth to pull away. Liberty’s offense showed fight but was ultimately thwarted by a stellar defensive effort from the Yellowjackets, who turned three double plays on the afternoon to prevent Liberty rallies.
For the Redhawks, the top of the lineup once again led the charge. Giuliana finished the day with a double, two singles, three RBI, and a run scored. Maddy Stewart had a hit and scored twice, while Angie helped her own cause with a single and a run scored. Corinne Lake also made an impact in her first varsity start, crossing the plate for a run.
Liberty and Eldred will battle once again on Monday as the two teams prepare for a quick rematch.
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Eldred at Liberty High School
Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and 3
No events scheduled
More than 165 Liberty Middle Schoolers named to third marking period honor rolls
The following students were named to the third marking period honor rolls at Liberty Middle School. Honor Roll students have an overall average of 90-96. The Principal’s Honor Roll requires an average of 97-10.
Eighth Grade
Principal’s Honor: Madison Allen, Hailey Conkling, Mya Davis, Claire Ferguson, Michael Garzon Valle, Antoni Klys, Harper Matuszak, Americus Newhall, Angelick Rivera, Brycen Smith, Angel Terraza Raymundo and Erick Torres Garcia.
Honor: Conner Baum, Keily Dominguez-Chabla, Khloe Erceg, Makayla Fuentes Serapio, Chase Golzak, Gavin Grant, Jacob Grossman, Jordan Guardiola, Luna Pixie Hulse, Lilly Kehrley, Oakley Kelder, Brody Kelly, Sidra Koen James, Matthew Kolarik, Corinne Lake, Madison LaMantia, Ixchel Marin Gonzalez, Adner Mejia Aguilar, Valeria Ponce Vazquez, Myla Rielly, Aiden Satz, Namarpreet Singh, Meily Valencia Bamac and Ethan Zheng.
Seventh Grade
Principal’s Honor: Elisa Barragan, Owen Brust, Farrah Conklin-Degraw, Dia D’Agata, Mia Grant, Aubrie Keating, Milsi Ramirez Martinez, Scarlett Ratner, Katherine Valdez Calle and Sophie Zayas.
Honor: Riley Church-Bradley, Avery Decker, Delilah Flores Serapio, Madelyn Garcia Cuellar, Genesis Harrison, Isabella Intranuovo, Dylan Joya Reyes, Tyler Kavleski, Mateusz Klys, Alexandria Lyden, Karen Mosso, Denali Owens, Randy Panchana, Sherlene Romero, Caleb Rusin, Sarah Steingart, Marjorie Tejada Servellon, Raegan Wagner, Delanie Yupanqui and Zahra Zia.
Sixth grade
Principal’s Honor: Parker Gissentaner, Anastasia Kelly, Caleb McNett, Henry Vogler and Audrey Yaun.
Honor: Chase Blume, Annabella Buryiak, Paul Cando, Gisselle Colon, Maciah Costello-Acevedo, Madeliz Cubero-Vargas, Darius Dawkins, Carter Funcheon, Willis Gamble, Joseph Geoghan, Savannah Gonzalez, Heidy Guambi Aules, Dean Harte, Ana Hernandez, Nayeli Hernandez Soperanez, Damaris Jadan Pangolo, Ryleigh LaMantia, Josslynn Letohic, Keylin Lopez Nunez, Helen Lucero Bonilla, Elvis Lucero Guzman, Lilith Lynker, Ivanna Malaga Ventura, Nicholas McPhillips, Tierney Meddaugh, Nyjha Miranda, Logan Moore, Isabella Puente, Josemiguel Ramirez-Alvarez, Yarixa Reyes Cardenas, Camila Reyes Cortez, Esmeralda Santiago Sharpe, Isabel Thomas, Joseph Wilson Jr. and Ivan Zheng,
Fifth grade
Principal’s Honor: Christiana Allen, Iker Amador, Jewelacie Castro, Ava Diehl, Kate Dworetsky, Viviana Frasier, Amelia Gerwer, Rylin Henry, Elizabeth Klein, Camden Lake, Indigo Love, Aarit Patel, Aarohi Patel, Jordana Ratner, Shaleigh Santiago, Katelyn Vasko and Jordan White.
Honor: Yandriel Aliers Amparo, Marc Alvarez, Adriana Ayala Ochoa, Brody Beach, Zaynab Benadim, Blake Beseth, Graciela Birkett, Caleb Blume, Elisa Brust, Greydis Bustillo Martinez, Oscar Carreto, Alexander Castillo Ramiro, Daniel Crespo Jr, Braeden Danzilo, Michael Davis Jr, Riley Edwards, Emmy Galeas Aguilar, Wil’akai Gamble, Jozalin Garcia, Ashton Golzak, Alejandra Gomez Lopez, Jayden Green, Alex Ines Leon, Isaiah Jackson, Alayna Kearney, Henry Krum, Eva Lara Garcia, Lennox Lyons, Alicia Maldonado Paz, Scarlett Manamon, Keily Martinez Zelaya, Cora McConnell, Romina Morales Romero, Brantley Olivo, Carilyce Perez, Juan Rodriguez, Jackson Schwartz, Joseph Skinner, Aizah Suleman, Jayden Thomas, Eliab Torres Garcia, Laura Velez, Mattisyn Walker and Liam Warren.
A message from the MS principal
Good afternoon,
Today, April 24, at around 2:15 p.m., a student accidentally activated our automated Lockdown System. The system was reset and activities returned to normal around 2:23 p.m.
At no time was any student or staff member in any danger. We want to thank our students, staff, and School Resource Officer for their cooperation.
Sincerely,
Heather Cheh
Principal
Clubs help students find their voices
Liberty students have many options to find their “people” through a variety of clubs at the middle and high school levels.
From arts to academics or chess to yearbook, students get together throughout the school year.
“It’s important to offer a variety of extra-curricular activities,” High School Principal Stephen Matuszak said. “They help students gain new skills, find their voices and build camaraderie.”
Two of the newest clubs are FFA and esports.
Through agricultural education, FFA (formerly known as Future Farmers of America) gives students the opportunity to develop leadership skills, personal growth and career success. In only its second year, the story of the club’s founding will be featured at the state conference this month.
At the other end of the spectrum are the esports teams, which started in January. About a dozen students gather daily from January to April to play popular online games against others in the state in the Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation (ESSEF). The teams had strong starts to the year, with multiple victories. Students made playoff appearances in three games: Super Smash Bros solo as well as Marvel Rivals and Rocket League Teams.
Varied arts experiences available
Musical, visual and performing arts are thriving at all levels in Liberty.
“Beyond being a creative outlet, the arts are vital to a well-rounded education,” Middle School Principal Heather Cheh said. “Numerous studies have linked strong arts programs to better academic outcomes for students.”
For seven years in a row, Liberty has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education, highlighting the array of musical opportunities for students, from starting musical instrument lessons in fourth grade to honors ensembles at the high school level. Each year, the students’ musical talents are highlighted during winter and spring concerts, as well as special events including the annual Jazz Festival, parades and the Liberty Music and Community Festival. This year, Liberty was honored to host the annual All-County Music Festival.
Liberty student visual artists showcase their work annually at the PK-12 countywide art show and districtwide show. And high schoolers’ literary works, including poetry, creative work and literary arts, are highlighted in the annual Allusions magazine and during the Allusions Cafe. This year, high school student photographers earned a record-breaking number of awards (65 total) during the Mid-Hudson Regional Scholastic competition.
The district is also seeing more student thespians, starting at a younger age. A few years ago, Liberty High School’s Liberty Performing Arts (LPA) invited middle and elementary students to participate in their shows, which helped spark the formation of drama clubs at each of those buildings last year. Now the Liberty community can enjoy shows four times each year, with musicals by the elementary and middle school clubs and two shows per year by LPA.
Redhawk spirit, skills and participation growing in athletics
Last year, Liberty Central School District Athletic Department instituted its Champion Plan, which aims to bring championships back to Liberty and cultivate athletes who thrive on and off the field.
The department has built upon existing programs, including Athletes Helping Athletes and youth sports, to help foster opportunities, offer mentorships and build skills to improve the sports culture across the district.
Earlier this year, Liberty hosted Coach Kevin Metcalf, a longtime teacher and coach at North Rockland now at St. Joseph Regional, for Coaching the Coaches sessions. The goal was to offer professional development for Redhawk coaches at all levels through sharing thought processes and approaches and to provide coaches with a place to collaborate and share experiences.
Additionally, the district is expanding opportunities for older athletes to interact with and help younger students through team-to-team skills development, assisting youth sports teams, and, most recently, the institution of intramurals at the elementary level.
“Interest in sports at Liberty is growing,” Athletic Director Thomas Zehner said, citing an increase in participation at all levels across seasons. “I look forward to what the future holds.”
And the teams are seeing success, highlighted by alpine skiing and girls indoor track and field athletes competing in states this year, as well as multiple league and sectional play off appearances and all star honors for the Redhawk athletes.
Learning is a collaborative effort
Collaboration is key when it comes to learning at Liberty.
Whether it is in the classroom or across departments, buildings or even institutions, students tend to learn better when they and their educators work together, the district has found.
“Collaboration fosters growth, innovation, problem-solving skills, trust and so much more,” Liberty Elementary Principal Robert England said.
Examples of that collaboration can be seen throughout the district.
Building and subject-level Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) were
instituted several years ago, allowing teachers to examine data and learn from
one another.
The elementary school has built upon the PLCs with Lesson Structure Study, which allows teachers to examine how lessons are taught and adjust them to better meet the needs of students. The lesson-building process was created by Liberty Elementary School Assistant Principal Paul Voigtland and piloted last year in the math department. More details on Lesson Structure Study can be found here.
Collaboration is common at the middle school and can often be seen across classes. One example is a project that brought together fifth and sixth grade social studies and math students with lessons centered on the 2026 Winter Olympics. In their math classes, students made predictions and charted medal counts, and in social studies, they learned about different countries and cultures while also earning authentic Olympic pins.
At the high school level, the variety of classes offered to students has grown
thanks to the district’s long-standing partnerships with Sullivan BOCES for Career and Technical Education and SUNY Sullivan for college-level and credit-bearing classes. The options have grown in recent years with the addition of Syracuse University Project Advance science courses (which will be expanded this year) and last year’s introduction of a Siena College computer science course.
Partnerships with the community are also important, as can be seen with numerous clubs volunteering in the community, the annual All Things Liberty Winterfest as well as district-sponsored activities at community events.