Thanks to the initiative of a Liberty Middle School student, dozens of students, staff and community volunteers came together earlier this month to construct a variety of wooden projects.

Montgomery Allen, president of the National Junior Honor Society, spearheaded the initiative by drafting a proposal, which she presented to NJHS members and their advisor for approval. She also presented to the Liberty Rotary Club, securing a $500 donation, wrote a formal request to the Liberty PTA, which resulted in a $300 contribution, and pitched the project to Fallsburg Lumber, who donated all the lumber, screws, wood glue, and sandpaper.

To further support the project, the Lighthouse Team hosted a onesie fundraiser, raising an additional $94.

The end result was 53 students, six staff members, and seven community volunteers building 35 birdhouses, two picnic tables, two modern benches, and two raised garden beds.

Ms. Alyssa Thalmann helped organize and preplan, including getting the plans together for all the stations and pre-cutting all the wood.

On build day, students had the opportunity to read plans, measure wood and use hand tools to bring their projects to life. They were fully immersed in the hands-on experience—learning new skills, collaborating with peers, problem-solving and sharing plenty of laughter along the way. For four hours, they worked with focus and determination.. Though they ended the day with sore hands and a few blisters, they were beyond proud.

A longtime Liberty Middle School teacher is among the best in New York.

Melissa Murphy was one of only seven educators statewide to make it to the third round in the New York State Teacher of the Year Award program.

“Her passion for education inspires all of us to aim higher, and her impact on our school community is immeasurable,” Liberty Central School Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said in his nomination letter.

The third round, which included a site visit and interviews by members of the TOTY committee, took place on May 22. Although she was not included in the top three, the committee was appreciative of her work. “In no way does this diminish the remarkable work you have done inside and outside the classroom,” wrote TOTY Program Coordinator Lisa Pingelski.

From bank teller to teacher

The journey to the classroom was not straightforward for Mrs. Murphy. She started her career as a bank teller, with a degree in business. She said she enjoyed the customer service, but when it turned more to sales, she knew it wasn’t her dream job. She also had two young children, ages 3 and 6, at the time. Education was where she wanted to be, as she loved “playing school” as a kid.

That is something friend and former LCSD parent Rachel Reeves-Graves can attest to.

“Even as a student herself, she demonstrated the natural instincts of an instructor,” she wrote in her support letter. “When we studied together for tests, finals and the SATs, it was often Melissa who we turned to for guidance.”

So with the support of her husband and family, Mrs. Murphy enrolled in SUNY New Paltz to get her teaching degree. She also began subbing at St. Peter’s Regional School in Liberty. She eventually earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as her certificate of advanced studies in educational leadership from the college.

A Liberty High School graduate, Mrs. Murphy returned to her alma mater, serving as a leave replacement at Liberty Middle School in February 2004, becoming full time that September, teaching science and ELA, She has also taught social studies, and from 2013 to 2022, she was a reading intervention specialist. But she wanted to get back into the classroom, so she returned to teaching social studies and ELA as well as English as a New Language students.

A difference maker in ENL

Mrs. Murphy’s work has helped change the ENL program at the district for the better, according to Community School Administrator Stacy Feasel. “Her commitment has led to significant improvements in the support systems for ENL students, making her an essential advocate for change and progress.”

But her connection with her students, especially her ENL students, is what set her apart.

“They are drawn to her not only for her expertise in teaching English but also for the genuine care and compassion she extends to each and every one of them,” fellow teacher Catherine Clifford wrote in her letter of support.

Mrs. Murphy is an advocate for equity and inclusion, especially of ENL learners.

“As teachers, we must take the time to learn about our students’ backgrounds, traditions and experiences,” Mrs. Murphy wrote her initial nomination letter. “This knowledge enables us to design lessons that connect with their lives, fostering both engagement and understanding. Additionally, we must recognize the assets that multilingual learners bring to the classroom: resilience, adaptability, and a global perspective that enriches the learning environment for everyone.”

And when she says everyone, that includes herself.

She is not bilingual, but began learning Spanish when she started working with her ENL students.

“She is so dedicated that she is learning a whole other language so she can help us even more,” wrote student Mariana Joya Reyes in her letter of support

Mrs. Murphy’s students now correct her (and sometimes poke fun at her) if she pronounces something incorrectly.

Teacher of the Year process

The road to becoming teacher of the year isn’t an easy one. Upon her nomination by Mrs. Feasel and Dr. Sullivan, Mrs. Murphy completed a resume, biography and message, and gathered letters of support from colleagues, students and community members, which were submitted by Feb. 7.

She was informed she made the second round on March 14, and was asked to respond to four questions on lessons, leadership initiatives, the role of an educator, and public education issues within two weeks. In her answers, she highlighted her book-tasting lesson and READBowl competition, her work as a co-advisor for Student Council in leading Cross-Cultural Day and Career Day, her efforts to recognize  ENL students who have achieved commanding level on the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test and her commitment to equity and access.

A month later, she was informed she was one of seven teachers from across the state who made it to the third round..

On June 3, she was informed she did not advance to the final interviews with the full committee, which would determine the three finalists. Although she didn’t advance, “I’m proud of how far I got and the work that got me there,” Mrs. Murphy said.

The Teacher of the Year process was a challenge, she said. “You have to look at yourself, and really look at what you do and what its impact is.”

An impactful teacher and colleague

From her work with ENL students to her adviser roles with Student Council and National Junior Honor Society, and beyond, her impact can be seen across the middle school. Her ability to build connections is apparent. Her colleagues and students created a banner in advance of the TOTY site visit with encouraging messages and saying why she should be New York State Teacher of the Year, and ensured it was hung in her classroom before the visit.

Her students often let her know what she means to them, whether it is a daily hug or a personal note.

For her birthday, a student wrote her a note expressing appreciation for all she has done.

“All of my teachers teach me how to read books and help me to understand the sentence of that book. But there are really very few teachers like you who can teach students how to improve real life by implementing that book’s sentence. …. You always inspire me to try my best. How can I ever forget the woman who never forgot to make me smile.”

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.