Category: District News
Class of 2026 awarded honors, scholarships at Senior Assembly
The members of the Class of 2026 donned their caps and gowns for a second time Tuesday, June 16, for the annual Liberty High School Senior Assembly Program, held in the David E. Panebaker auditorium.
During the annual event, seniors are presented with scholarships and awards from faculty, staff and members of the community, and symbolically (and literally) pass the leadership gavels to members of the junior class.
The evening kicked off with the pledge of allegiance, led by Carmela Burgio and Lia Guillerme, and the national anthem and alma mater sung by the senior class and a performance by the LHS Honors Choir.
Following opening remarks by Principal Mr. Stephen Matuszak, the awards and scholarships were presented as follows:
- Worden Family Scholarship presented by Roy Worden: Carmela Burgio
- Beaverkill Foundation Awards presented by Maurice Gerry: Joseph Arias Jr., John Palacios Medrano and Isaiah Young
- Michelle Behrman Memorial Scholarships presented by Lois Behrman and Walter Behrman: Allison Monaghan, Amy Dworetsky, Reginald Williams, Markella Nikolis, Carmela Burgio, Kaley Klein, Cassandra Porter and Angela Wheeler
- “Storman Norman” Scholarship presented by Rachel Graves: Kamoren Connell and Makayla Morales
- “Double Portion” Scholarship presented by Rachel Graves: Amir George and Arianna Wilson
- Bethel Lions Club Scholarship presented by Chad Phillips: Cristian Argenal
- Ed Wolff Memorial Scholarship presented by Mary Grabowski: Kaley Klein
- Lorraine Carrington Memorial Scholarship presented by Mary Grabowski: Joseph DiBartolo
- STEAM Fund Music Achievement Awards in Memory of Lee and Marge Siegel presented by Gary Siegel: Genna DeFrank, Eli Desrochers and Jacob Kelly
Community Foundation for Orange & Sullivan County Award and Liberty Rotary Scholarships presented by Dan Hart, Elsie Kopcha and Gary Siegel- LRC Community Service Award in memory of Bob Blank: Shawn Bickham Jr.
- LRC Community Service Award: Brooke Bull
- LRC Community Service Award in memory of Anthony Sinacore: Marcus Curry
- LRC Richard H. Fosler Achievement Award in memory of Theresa Pann: Kaley Klein
- LRC Community Service Award in Memory of Richard H.Fosler: Brooke Porter
- LRC Community Service Award in Memory of Carmela Starpoli: Phillo Romero
- LRC Community Service Awards: Eli Desrochers, Cassandra Porter, Jose Rivera, Joshua Ross and Jaidon Simmons (2)
- White Sulphur Springs Department. & Ladies’ Auxiliary Award presented by Kasey Barber: Tayler Schwartz and Angela Wheeler
- Liberty Fire Department Ladies’ Auxiliary Scholarship presented by Sue Huggler: Kaley Klein
- PTA Scholarships presented by Cynthia Farrand, Serene Owens: Addison Bury, Angelina Magie and Tayler Schwartz
- Lowell Heffley Memorial Scholarship presented by Adam Bradley: Carmela Burgio and Kaley Klein
- IOOB Chapter 583 Nelson Durland Scholarship presented by Adam Bradley: Angela Wheeler
- LPA Alumni Scholarship (sponsored by the Clarke family) presented by Jennifer Clarke: Christopher DiBartolo
- LPA Scholarships presented by Emily McConnell: Eli Desrochers, Sydania Foster, Jacob Kelly and Cassandra Porter
- Liberty Elks Lodge Citizenship Awards presented by Maureen Crescitelli: Brooke Bull and Angela Wheeler.
- Christopher Pekny Memorial Scholarship presented by Paul Minton: Jordan Unger
- Brian Ingber Memorial Scholarship presented by Paul Minton: Kaley Klein
- Federation of Sportsmen’s Club of Sullivan County Scholarship presented by Paul Minton: Carmela Burgio
- Music Department Scholarships presented by .Eric Aweh: Sheyla Anguisaca-Llanos, Genna DeFrank and Cassandra Porter
- Ron Francisco Memorial Scholarship Sponsored by the Liberty Central School Physical Education Department presented by Erin Alvord: Brooke Bull and John Palacios Medrano
- SADD Presentation of Cords by Erin Alvord: Sheyla Anguisaca-Llanos, Shawn Bickham, Jr., Brandon Buschmann, Lia Guillerme, Emma Stonick and Isaiah Young
- Liberty Booster Club Scholarships presented by Karen McPhillips: Shawn Bickham Jr., Brooke Bull, Addison Bury, Carmela Burgio, Tayler Schwartz, Justin Simon and Angela Wheeler
- Liberty Faculty Association Scholarships in Memory of George Hutchinson: Celia Golden, Lindsey Murphy Addison Bury, Carmela Burgio, Brooke Bull, Zane Kip, Kaley Klein, Angelina Magie, William Pennell, Cassandra Porter, Jose Rivera, Tayler Schwartz, Angela Wheeler and Isaiah Young
Following the award and scholarship presentation, the top 10 students were invited on state by Mr. Matuszak, in descending order Jacob Kelly, Kaley Klein, Genna DeFrank, Runxian Chen, William Pennell, Sheyla Anguisaca-Llanos, Carmela Burgio, Brooke Porter, Salutatorian Lia Guillerme and Valedictorian Cassandra Porter.
The seniors then ceremoniously passed the leadership roles to the junior class:
- Senior Class Gavel to the Class of 2027 from Shawn Bickham Jr. to Peyton Hadjstylianos
- Student Council Presentation/Gavel from Carmela Burgio and Kaley Klein to Mariely Medina Orellanos
- 2027 Hawkmeister Wand (for school spirit) from Brandon Buschmann to Peyton Hadjstylianos
It wasn’t only the students who were honored during the event, as the senior class presented numerous gifts to faculty, staff and administrators who had a positive impact throughout their high school years.
The ceremony concluded with a slideshow of photos and videos created by Class of 2026 President Shawn Bickham Jr.
The next time the students will be wearing their caps and gowns, it will be for the graduation ceremony, which will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, June 26, in the high school gymnasium.
BOE to have special meeting June 26
There will be a Special Meeting of the Liberty CSD Board of Education at 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 26, in the District Office at 115 Buckley Street. The board anticipates to enter into executive session immediately and will adjourn the meeting at the executive session’s conclusion. There will be no regular business and the meeting is not open to the public.
The agenda will be available at Board Docs on Thursday, June 25
AYSO seeks players, coaches, refs; adds EPIC program
Registration for AYSO Region 1514 Soccer is underway through June 30.
Co-ed programs are available for kickstart (3-6-year-olds) 6U, 8U, 10U and 12U. To register, visit www.ayso1514.org/region1514.
New this year is the EPIC Special Needs Program for players age 4 and older with development disabilities. EPIC Buddies assist in the program and volunteers are needed
Coaches, referees and board members are also wanted. Those 14 and older can become a referee or coach’s assistant. Training is available.
For more information on any of the above items, email libertyAYSO1514@gmail.com
Liberty seeks volunteers for title grant review
As a requirement for receiving ESSA Title Grant funds, Liberty Central School District must hold an annual meeting to review its title grant funding. Volunteers are needed. The attendees for this meeting must be from various roles (parents, teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, support personnel, researchers, community members, etc.) within the district and school community. Each attendee can only fill one role.
The meeting will take place from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m. Thursday, June 25, in the High School Library with a virtual option via Google Meet.
Those interested should contact Brittany Caruso at bcaruso@libertyk12.org or 845-292-6171). Once confirmed, a calendar invite will be shared.
Asbestos abatement to begin June 29 at Liberty High School
Starting June 29, asbestos abatement work will begin at the 300 wing of the high school as part of the capital project. The high school gymnasium, library media center classroom and high school office will also not be accessible during the process.
The area will be sealed off as the abatement process takes place, and the work will be conducted with all safety protocols in place. Out of an abundance of caution the district will not be using the areas stated above as well as the auditorium.The work is expected to last at least through the end of July.
As part of the process, the high school office and high school guidance office will be located in the middle school during July, with clerical staff at the greeters desk and guidance staff in the library.
Those with questions, may email questions@libertyk12.org.
Listen: Podcast Club interview with Dr. Sullivan and Dr. Adams
This year, the Podcast Club did a series of interviews with students, staff and administrators on topics such as history, geography, government and more. Recently, club members Lena Lagatuttta and Damien Keating interviewed Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Derek Adams for the series. Check it out:
Liberty pole vaulter to compete in states
Good luck to Brooke Bull tomorrow as she competes in the state outdoor track and field championship in the pole vault. The event starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 13, at Webster Schroeder High School in Webster.
Although she was the only Redhawk who qualified for the state meet, our student athletes had a great showing in the qualifiers last week:
- Starriah Harris placed sixth in the 100m hurdles.
- Sydania Foster placed fourth in the 100m and sixth in the 400m.
- Victoria Henry placed fifth in long jump.
- Audrey Krum placed fourth in pentathlon.
- The girls 4x100m relay team (Victoria, Starriah, Brooke, Sydania) placed third
- The girls 4x400m relay team (Quinn, Starriah, Brooke, Sydania) placed fourth
- Dylan Romero placed fourth in the 400m.
- The boys 4x400m relay team (Tyleal, Joe, Colten, Dylan) placed fourth and set a new school record.
Congratulations on a great season, Redhawks!
Update: Brooke ended up placing 11th at the state meet.
Liberty Middle School students complete Sweethearts & Heroes BRAVE program
Nineteen seventh and eighth grade students recently completed the six-week Sweethearts & Heroes BRAVE Program, an initiative focused on developing leadership skills, mentoring younger students, and leading by example.
Throughout the program, the middle school students worked closely with fifth grade students, building meaningful connections while reinforcing positive character traits, empathy, and leadership. Through lessons, discussions, and activities, students learned the importance of courage, kindness, accountability, and creating a positive school culture.
Eighth-grader Zalaina Nash reflected on the experience, noting the unique impact of peer mentorship. “It was fun to see how students related better to us than if it was teachers sharing the information,” she said.
Fellow eighth-grader Luna Hulse emphasized the lasting impact of the program. “The BRAVE Program is the start of a new experience that can go on a long time, even after us,” she said..
The program also left a positive impression on staff members. Fifth-grade teacher Levar Hamilton praised the student leaders, saying, “It’s really cool to see students going in and working with other students.”
The impact of the program will continue beyond the middle school. On June 12, several of the student leaders will visit Liberty Elementary School, witnessing founders Tom Murphy and Rick Yarosh present to the students, and then will work with younger students in their classrooms, helping to expand the Sweethearts & Heroes initiative across the district and strengthen connections between students of all grade levels.
The BRAVE Program aligns closely with the Liberty Central School District’s mission, vision and beliefs. By empowering students to serve as mentors and role models, the program helps fulfill the district’s mission of empowering each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community while pursuing their potential. Through opportunities to lead, collaborate, and support others, students cultivate the trust and courage highlighted in the district’s vision. The initiative also reflects the district’s commitment to innovation, forward-thinking practices, and a steadfast focus on the success and well-being of all students.
As Sweethearts & Heroes continues to grow throughout the district, students are helping to create a culture where empathy, connection, and leadership are not simply taught but actively lived each day. The BRAVE Program demonstrates that when students are given opportunities to lead and support one another, they can have a lasting and meaningful impact on their school community.
District takes steps to manage heat
Dear Liberty Families,
Good afternoon. Meteorological summer is here, and the forecast certainly reflects that. As temperatures have been in the 80s, the district is closely monitoring the forecast. Please know that we are actively tracking the temperatures in our classrooms and are following all of our procedures to keep students and staff comfortable and safe.
We want to remind students and staff to take proactive steps to help combat the heat. Most importantly, please stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeinated beverages. Water bottle filling stations are located throughout all school buildings, so we encourage everyone to bring a reusable water bottle and fill it often. Additionally, dressing in lightweight, light-colored, and breathable fabrics, such as cotton, can make a big difference.
Inside our buildings, we are taking several steps to manage the heat. The middle school has air conditioning, which will be utilized as needed. At the elementary and high schools, which do not have air conditioning, we are providing additional cooling by utilizing air movers in the hallways, pulling down shades, and opening windows to promote air circulation. We are also turning off overhead lights and unused electronics that produce excess heat, as well as facilitating frequent water breaks.
Per district policy, if temperatures in occupiable classrooms and support services spaces reach the 88-degree threshold, students and staff may be removed from those locations. When practicable, they will be moved to cooler areas; if that is not possible, school may be dismissed early. Furthermore, on days when outside temperatures are expected to be high enough that indoor spaces will likely reach 88 degrees despite our mitigation measures, the district may choose to hold classes remotely or close school entirely.
Any changes to the daily schedule will be communicated promptly via our standard emergency closure channels, which include ParentSquare, our website at www.libertyk12.org, and local media outlets. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at questions@libertyk12.org. Thank you for your cooperation and support in keeping our school community safe.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent
Five Redhawks officially commit to college athletics
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!”