This summer, Liberty Central School District students are turning hard work into meaningful community impact. For students Christian Curry and Shea-Leigh Kristiansen, the Sullivan 180 internship has provided more than a summer job. Through hands-on experiences in community beautification, mentoring younger students, and community engagement, both students are developing professional skills that can support their academic and future career pathways.

From a Liberty Teacher’s Recommendation to a Summer of Learning

Kristiansen, who is entering her junior year at Liberty High School, is completing her first year with Sullivan 180. Her path to the internship began with a recommendation from her seventh-grade teacher, who encouraged her to consider the program once she turned 16. The teacher recognized Kristiansen’s interest in being outdoors and involved in the community. 

Once she turned 16, Kristiansen researched the program, applied, and participated in an interview. She was ultimately selected for the internship.

The experience has given Kristiansen the opportunity to develop new skills while working alongside Curry, who has helped mentor her throughout the summer.

From Intern to Leader

Curry, a 12th-grade student at Liberty High School, is completing his second year with Sullivan 180. His path to the internship began when his mother came across a flyer about the program at her workplace and brought it home. After completing the application and participating in an interview, Curry was selected for the internship.

The opportunity also had a personal connection for Curry. His sister participated in the Sullivan 180 internship approximately three years ago, and her experience encouraged him to consider the program for himself.

“I thought she enjoyed it, and I thought I would enjoy it too,” Curry said.

During his first year, Curry worked at several locations, including Swan Lake, LaPolt Park , and the Parksville Rail Trail. His responsibilities included maintaining public spaces, removing litter and weeds, caring for gardens, and helping keep the areas welcoming for the community.

This year, Curry’s responsibilities have expanded. Working primarily at Laporte, he has taken on a leadership role and has been able to share the knowledge and routines he developed during his first year with Kristiansen.

“I definitely got more of a leadership role,” Curry said. “I’m really mentoring Shea-Leigh about how things are around here.”

Curry has also gained confidence through the experience. He described becoming more comfortable communicating with coworkers and members of the public and taking on greater responsibility than he did during his first year.

 

Learning by Teaching

One of the most meaningful aspects of the internship for both students has been the opportunity to work with younger children in the community. As part of the program, the interns lead educational activities for campers at Hanofee Park, teaching children about horticulture, plant identification, and environmental responsibility.

The interns work with campers on activities such as planting flowers, identifying weeds and perennials, spreading mulch, and watering and maintaining gardens. They recently helped plant a red maple tree at the park, creating an opportunity for the children to watch it grow over time.

“Just yesterday, we planted a tree at Hanofee. We planted a red maple,” Curry said. “It’s something that they could see grow and come back to, and they’re always going to value that experience.”

The campers have responded enthusiastically, becoming increasingly involved as they see their peers participating. For the interns, encouraging younger students to become interested in gardening has become another important part of their experience.

For Kristiansen, the experience has also provided an opportunity to turn what she has learned into lessons for younger students.

“I think it’s been pretty cool to see how I’m learning these skills and then I get to turn around and teach them to the younger kids,” Kristiansen said.

Skills That Extend Beyond the Internship

The lessons Curry and Kristiansen have learned through Sullivan 180 extend beyond gardening and community maintenance. Through their work, both students are developing communication, leadership, networking, and professional skills that can be applied to their education and future careers.

Kristiansen said the professional connections she has made through the internship have been especially valuable. Through those connections, she has learned about programs and opportunities that could benefit Liberty students and the broader school community.

“One of the most important parts of this internship was gaining professional skills and networking,” Kristiansen said. “I’ve met so many great people. I notice that some programs Liberty doesn’t have, but now I know who to reach out to, to bring programs to Liberty, to get grants to make Liberty a better school.”

At school, Kristiansen is active in student leadership, including the Building Leadership Team and Student Lighthouse Team. She hopes to use the communication, networking, and advocacy skills she has developed to help bring new opportunities to her school and community.

Kristiansen’s internship will conclude as she prepares to travel to Florida to tour colleges. The experience she gained through Sullivan 180 will be another accomplishment she can carry with her as she considers her future education and career.

As Curry prepares for his senior year, he plans to apply the leadership skills he has developed through Sullivan 180 to his work at BOCES, where he studies automotive technology. He also plans to highlight his internship experience as he explores college opportunities.

“I’d say Sullivan 180 and SkillsUSA look great on college applications,” Curry said. “I’m actually looking into SUNY Delaware for their Auto Tech program. I actually went around and toured, and it looks great there.”

What began as a flyer brought home by a parent or a recommendation from a teacher has become an experience that has helped both students develop skills, confidence, and a stronger connection to their community.

As their internships come to an end, Curry and Kristiansen leave with experiences they can carry into their next chapters and a greater understanding of what they can accomplish when given the opportunity to lead, learn, and serve.

The Liberty Central School District Board of Education Audit Committee will meet on Thursday, Aug. 20, at 4:00 p.m. in the District Office at 115 Buckley Street.

A Special Meeting of the Board of Education will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 6:00 p.m. in the District Office. The meeting is open to the public and will focus on a brief agenda with no standard regular business. The full agenda will be available on BoardDocs starting Monday, Aug. 24.

The next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 6:00 p.m.

Capital Project Update: July 2026 Progress

July marked another important step forward in the Liberty Central School District’s capital project. Throughout the month, crews focused on safely clearing and preparing the cafeteria and 300 Wing for the next stages of construction.

The work began with the removal of identified asbestos-containing materials. The project’s subcontractor completed asbestos abatement, safely removing floor tile, adhesive, and pipe insulation from the designated areas.

Caption: High School Guidance Suite 

Cafeteria High School

Once the abatement work was complete, Quest Environmental monitored the area and conducted the required testing. All testing results were negative for contamination, and the affected spaces were cleared for occupancy. 

With the areas cleared, demolition continued. Butler Construction removed ceiling tiles, ceiling grids, walls, and other existing materials to make way for the renovations ahead. Demolition and preparation work will continue through August and September 

 

Caption: High school Cafeteria and Senior Lounge Area 

300 Wing Classroom High School 

Crews also began addressing the building’s existing electrical, heating, and plumbing systems. Electrical contractors removed outdated wiring, conduits, and electrical devices, while materials identified for reuse or preservation were carefully stored for future use. 

300 Wing Hallway – Liberty High School

Heating and plumbing work also progressed. MDS disconnected heating units and sections of piping to prepare the spaces for the next stages of construction. TM Brennan removed and replaced hot and cold water lines, and sinks and toilets were removed as part of the ongoing renovation. 

Looking Ahead

Cafeteria

Students will have access to the cafeteria at the start of the 2026–27 school year. Construction will continue throughout the semester; however, it is not expected to interrupt daily school operations. Work areas will be separated from occupied spaces to help ensure the safety of students and staff.

The cafeteria is currently targeted for completion in summer 2027, in part due to the window replacement work.

300 Wing

Work in the 300 Wing has started and will be ongoing. A temporary door will separate the construction area from occupied school spaces.

Contractors will access the construction area through the courtyards. A new entrance will be used specifically for construction access and will not serve as an entrance for students or staff.

Continuing Work

Construction will continue throughout August and September as contractors prepare the spaces for the next phases of the project. Some room assignments may change as the District adjusts spaces to meet school needs.

The District will continue to provide updates as the project progresses.

For more information about the Capital Project please visit our Capital Project webpage

The next Liberty Central School District Board of Education meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 4:45 p.m.

The Board anticipates entering Executive Session immediately. This portion of the meeting will be held in the District Office and is not open to the public.

The regular meeting, which is open to the public, is expected to resume at 6:00 p.m. and will be held in the High School Media Center, located at 125 Buckley Street, Liberty.

The meeting agenda will be available on Monday, August 17, 2026, through BoardDocs.

Important Building Access Information

Due to the ongoing High School building project, entry to the meeting will be through Door H3, located to the left of the High School breezeway.

We look forward to welcoming members of the community.

Join Liberty Central School District for a Community Forum on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 from 5:00–5:45 p.m. outside Liberty Elementary School.

This is an opportunity for families and community members to learn about district priorities, initiatives, and updates for the 2026–2027 school year and to share questions and feedback.

Date: Tuesday, August 25

Time : 5:00–5:45 p.m.

Location: Outside Liberty Elementary School

We look forward to connecting with our Liberty community!

Summer Farm Stand

Liberty Central School District is helping students and families get ready for the new school year! Stop by to receive essential items such as backpacks, school supplies, winter coats, clothing, and fresh produce while supplies last. First come, first served.

Need information about SNAP benefits? A SNAP advocate will be on-site to answer questions and provide resources.

Date: Friday, August 14, 2026
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Liberty Elementary School

Would you like to volunteer or have questions? Contact krusin@libertyk12.org.

Fall Festival at Walnut Mountain

Join the Town of Liberty Parks and Recreation, Liberty Central School District, and Liberty’s Interact Club for this year’s Fall Festival at Walnut Mountain!

Saturday, September 19, 2026
Rain Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026

9 a.m. | 2nd Annual 5K Hike
Kick off the morning with a beautiful hike through Walnut Mountain and explore the new historical panels installed this past June. This hike honors beloved guidance counselor Michelle Behrman, who bravely fought breast cancer.

11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Festival & Games
Enjoy local vendors, games, and activities for the entire family.

Interested in becoming a vendor? Visit the vendor sign-up form for details. REGISTER HERE 

Have questions? Contact krusin@libertyk12.org.

Community Collaborations 

Sullivan 180 Speaker Series Featuring Chef Ann Cooper

Sullivan 180 invites families, staff, and community members to the kickoff of the Sullivan 180 Speaker Series featuring nationally recognized school nutrition advocate Chef Ann Cooper, also known as the “Renegade Lunch Lady.”

Join us for a free community conversation focused on healthy school meals, scratch cooking, and creating lasting change for children and communities.

Date/Time: 5:30–7 p.m.
Location: The Michael Ritchie Big Barn at The Center for Discovery
54 Discovery Ridge Road
Hurleyville, NY 12747

This event is free, but registration is required.

For questions, contact Meghan at (845) 295-2441 or meghan@sullivan180.org.

Register here and join this exciting conversation!

Step Into Wellness Walking Challenge

Celebrate National Wellness Month with Sullivan 180’s Step Into Wellness Walking Challenge!

August 1–31, 2026

Teams of at least two individuals can participate and may represent businesses, nonprofits, schools, healthcare organizations, municipalities, emergency services, libraries, civic groups, families, friends, or other community groups.

To register or learn more, visit http://sullivan180.org/step-into-wellness

Participating teams will be recognized during Sullivan 180’s Autumn Celebration on September 23 at Bethel Woods.

Liberty Elks Free Soccer Shoot Event

Liberty Elks Soccer is hosting a FREE Soccer Shoot Event at the Liberty Elementary School Soccer Field for children ages 4–15.

Saturday, August 29, 2026
Registration: 9–9:30 a.m.

Please note: A copy of the participant’s birth certificate is required at registration for age verification.