Category: District News
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!”
Meeting offers info on Title1, ESSA at LMS
Liberty Middle School held a community meeting at 5:30 p.m. June 9 in the Middle School cafeteria to go over details of Title I and the ESSA designation of LMS as an Additional Target Support and Improvement/Potential TSI school for the 2025-26 school year.
Principal Heather Cheh led the presentation that explained what the designations mean, and how they have changed since last year.
She also explained how LMS uses Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) and reviewed the Middle School Program of Study.
Ms. Cheh offered an overview of the curriculum and programs used:.
- ELA: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) curriculum Into Reading is used in fifth grade, and Into Literature for sixth through eighth grades.
- Math: HMH Into Math is used for fifth though seventh grades, and EMath Instruction is used for eighth graders’ Algebra 1 classes.
- Science: Science 21 is used for fifth grade, and the Kesler Science program is used for sixth through eighth grades. The state has also implemented science investigations for third through eighth grades, with four specific investigations required before each state science test, in fifth and eighth grades
- Social Studies: Resources and technology used includes PNW BOCES Integrated SS/ELA Curriculum, Stanford History Education Group, Library of Congress , National Archives, BrainPOP, SMART Learning Suite, Google Suite (docs, forms, slides, jamboard, etc.) and Newsela. The Western Hemisphere is covered in fifth grade, with the Eastern hemisphere the topic in sixth grade. The history of the United States and New York is taught across seventh and eighth grades.
Ms. Cheh also highlighted the Seal of Civic Readiness program, which provides a distinction on the transcripts and diplomas of the students who complete the program. Students can begin the program in Middle School.
The Innovation Lab, in collaboration with Inventionland, has also had an impact on classes, allowing hands-on STEM based learning.
Social Emotional Learning is also very important at LMS. Leader in Me, Sweethearts and Heroes and DESSA (Devereux Student Strengths Assessment) are central to ensuring students receive the skills and knowledge they need to contribute and thrive in a diverse community while pursuing their potential. To help build leadership skills, student-led parent-teacher conferences were instituted this year. The school also celebrates leaders and accomplishments through various events through the year. Through Multi-Tiered System of Supports, LMS works to ensure every student gets the support they need, academically and socially, for the best education possible.
For more information, contact Ms. Cheh at hcheh@libertyk12.org, or call 845-292-2302.
11 Liberty students earn CTE awards at Sullivan BOCES
Sullivan BOCES held its Career & Technical Education Academic Awards Banquet earlier this month, honoring the accomplishments of their students, including 11 from Liberty.
Following a welcome from Executive Principal Jefferey Molusky, the awards and scholarships were presented by Mr. Molusky and Interim Assistant Principal Mrs. Janice Phillips.
Receiving awards from Liberty were:
- Brayan Abrego Medina: Callanan Industries Inc. Scholarship
- Sheyla Anguisaca-Llanos: Family Footcare Group Scholarship
- Brooke Bull: Antonia Keesler Memorial Award
- Jake Cross: Liberty Elks Lodge 1545 Citizen Service Award, Liberty Rotary Club Award
- Giada DeFrank: Kathleen Moran Memorial Scholarship
- Allisson Diaz Lopez: Liberty Elks Lodge 1545 Citizen Service Award
- Frederick Heins Jr.: Steven K. Sullivan Memorial Award for Construction
- Allyson Houser: Youngsville Veterinary Clinic Scholarship
- William Pennell: Knoellwood Equine Veterinarian Scholarship
- Olivia Tyler: Fallsburg Lumber Scholarship in Memory of Monroe and Charlotte Levine
- Jordan Unger: Daniel Thalman Memorial Scholarship
Little Free Library available at LHS
There is now a Little Free Library at Liberty High School.
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Liberty High School Interact Club, the Little Free Library is now available for students, staff, and community members to enjoy.
All are invited to borrow a book, donate a gently used book, exchange books with others and discover new stories and authors
The Little Free Library is part of a worldwide movement that promotes literacy, kindness and community connections through the simple act of sharing books.
Whether looking for their next favorite novel, a biography, a mystery, or a children’s book to share with a younger reader, residents can stop by and see what treasures they can find.
Liberty Interact Club members worked hard to create a space where books, ideas and opportunities can be shared with everyone.
Video: Superintendent’s end-of-year message
Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan talks about the end of the school year and offers updates on projects. Watch his video message below:
Sullivan BOCES honors top 4% of students
Seven Liberty students recognized
Sullivan BOCES recently hosted its 41st Annual Academic Achievement celebration that honors the top 4% of all students in schools throughout Sullivan County. Congratulations to Cassandra Porter, Lia Guillerme, Brooke Porter, Carmela Burgio, Sheyla Anguisaca-Llanos, William Pennell and Runxian Chen on their honor.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of June 8-14, 2026
This is the final week of the 2025-26 athletics season. We will close with the outdoor track and field state championships this weekend.
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-Friday, June 8-12
No events scheduled..
Saturday, June 13
10 a.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Track and Field State championships vs. Multiple Schools at Webster Schroeder High School in Webster. (Brooke Bull is competing in Pole Vault)
Result: Brooke Bull finished 11th
Sunday, June 14
No events scheduled.
Students help preserve local history at Walnut Mountain
Throughout the spring, students at Liberty Middle School have been learning about the rich history of Walnut Mountain during Flex Period. As part of this educational experience, students explored the story of the historic Walnut Mountain House, a five-story mountain hotel built in 1887 at the summit of Walnut Mountain. The hotel welcomed visitors from near and far, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Catskill region. Although the hotel no longer stands, its foundation remains as an important reminder of Liberty’s past.
Taking their learning beyond the classroom, Liberty Middle School hosted a community service project on Sunday, May 31. Students, staff, families, and community members came together to help clear and improve the trail surrounding the original Walnut Mountain House foundation.
The project was a success, with 34 volunteers participating in the cleanup effort. Volunteers worked to remove brush, clear debris, and create a safe, walkable path around the historic site. Their hard work will allow visitors to better experience and appreciate this important piece of local history.
The project is part of the ongoing Walnut Mountain House History Trail initiative, which will officially celebrate its grand opening on June 6. The self-guided trail features six interpretive panels that share the history of Walnut Mountain, the Walnut Mountain House, and the people who helped shape Liberty’s heritage.
Liberty Middle School students have also played an important role in the project through the Interact Club. Club members designed and built benches that will be placed along the trail, providing visitors with opportunities to rest and enjoy the scenic views that have attracted visitors to Walnut Mountain for generations.
This project highlights the power of community partnerships and hands-on learning. By helping preserve a local landmark, students gained a deeper appreciation for Liberty’s history while making a lasting contribution that will benefit residents and visitors for years to come.
LHS students create video about LES Leader in Me program
Leader in Me is a program used throughout the district to help teach life skills and empower students to thrive.
Liberty High School students Jose Rivera, Kamoren Connell and Teodulo Banegas, who are in the Media Program at Sullivan BOCES, partnered with Liberty Elementary to create a video highlighting the eight habits of Leader in Me and how they are used at LES and in real life. Watch the video below:
Redhawks honored during annual Academic Block ‘L’ Awards
Liberty High School celebrated its students on May 28 during the annual Academic Block ‘L’ Awards.
High School Principal Mr. Stephen Mauszak welcomed students, staff, faculty, family and friends and led the Pledge of Allegiance before the following awards were presented
Music Director Mr. Eric Aweh presented the following awards:
- Fred Waring Director’s Award for Chorus: Eli Desrochers, Jacob Kelly
- John Philip Sousa Band Award: Joseph DiBartolo, Cassandra Porter
- Patrick Gilmore Award for Band: Phillo Romero
- National School Orchestra Award: Genna DeFrank
- National School Chorus Award: Lia Guillerme
- Louis Armstrong Jazz Award: Gustavo Leon
- Leonard Bernstein Musicianship Awards: Genna DeFrank
- All County: Colten Jay Allen, Zackary Alvord, Sheyla Anguisaca-Llanos,
- Alyessia Avellino, Jill Baumander, Zachariah Bickham, Carmela Burgio, Genna DeFrank, Joseph DiBartolo, Sophia Duarte, Sydania Foster, Belle Gandulla, Aubreigh Green, Nevaeh Jones, Tyler Juron, Alexandra Kelly, Gustavo Leon, Sara Liddle, Roger Lynker III, Olivia Matuszak, Jeremiah McLeod, Mariely Medina Orellana, Selkir Molina Gonzalez, Mckinzie Paterson, Giselle Perez Sanchez, William Pennell, Adriana Ponce Agredano, Brooke Porter, Cassandra Porter, Phillo Romero, Sophia Vasko
- Area All-State: Genna DeFrank, Eli Desrochers, Jacob Kelly
Mrs. Erin Alvord presented the following Outstanding Physical Education Awards and Outstanding Health Students:
- 9th Grade: Nazarah Heglar, Damien Keating
- 10th Grade: Alyvia Sampson-Payne, Justin Lima Cordero
- 11th Grade: Bridget Mateo Cruz, Jose Moreno Reyes
- 12th Grade: Sarai Miranda, Rene Bernal Huezo
- Personal Fitness Grade 9: Sophia Vasko, Carlos Portillo Larios
- Personal Fitness Grade 10: Starriah Harris, Peyton Rivera
- Personal Fitness Grade 11: Riley Cox, Audrey Krum
- Personal Fitness Grade 12: Allison Diaz Lopez, Elmer Son Vincente
- Advanced Personal Fitness: Ryan Romero Bello, Brooke Bull
- Health: Michael Feijo, Colten Jay Allen, Tyler Juron, Shea-Leigh Kristiansen, Evelyn Molia Ax, Adriana Ponce
Mrs. Jennifer Bull and Mrs. Kath Johansen presented awards for Outstanding Art Students:
- Studio Art: Orchid Langlois, Alex Olivares-Reyes
- Advanced Studio: Jhosmery Jadan Pangolo
- Ceramics: Makayla Morales
- Drawing & Painting: Madelynn Stewart
- Photo I : Evelyn Molina Ax, Cassandra Porter
- Photo II: Sebastian Yupanqui
Assistant Principal Mrs. Lacy Jones presented the awards for Outstand Social Studies Students:
- Global History & Geography 9: Olivia Matuszak
- Global History & Geography 10: Shea-Leigh Kristiansen
- US History & Government: Riley Santiago
- College US History & Government: Jhosmery Jadan Pangolo
- Government: Lia Guillerme
- Economics: Allison Diaz Lopez
- College Political Science: Cassandra Porter
Mr. Kevin Ferguson presented the Outstanding Science Students awards:
- Life Science/Biology: Anthony Gavidia Reyes
- Environmental Science: Peyton Rivera
- Earth Science: Olivia Matuszak
- Forensics: Genna DeFrank, Lucas McCarthy
- Physics of Toys: Jacob Kelly
- Physics: Shea-Leigh Kristiansen
- Regents Chemistry: Giada DeFrank
- SUPA Biology: Jill Baumander
Awards for Outstanding World Language Students were presented by Mr. Aaron Salvadge:
- Spanish Exploratory: Tristan Maloney
- Spanish Language Arts: Stephanie Amaya Bonilla
- Spanish II: Anthony Gavidia Reyes
- Spanish III: Shea-Leigh Kristiansen
- Spanish IV/V SCCC: Misael Juarez Perez
- Mandarin 1: Dung Duong
- Mandarin II: Sara Liddle
- Mandarin III: Gabriella Sheridan
Mrs. Jones presented awards for Outstanding Math Students
- Math with Financial Application: Phillo Romero
- Algebra I: Phoenix Johnson, Madysen Reilly
- Algebra II: Shea-Leigh Kristiansen
- College Algebra: Belen Leon Martinez
- Informal Geometry: Bryan Maradiaga-Marin
- Regents Geometry: Amelia Cole, Olivia Matuszak
- College Statistics: Lia Guillerme
- College Pre-Calculus: Sebastian Yupanqui
- College Calculus: Lia Guillerme
- Siena College Computer Science: Zackary Alvord
Ms. Chiara VanValkenburg and Mrs. Ashley Maher presented the Outstanding English Students
- 9th Grade: Anthony Gavidia Reyes
- 9th Grade Honors: Olivia Matuszak
- 10th Grade: Anai Perez Sanchez
- 10th Grade Honors:Shea-Leigh Kristiansen
- 11th Grade: Angel Figueroa
- 11th Grade Advanced Placement: Jhosmery Jadan Pangolo
- 12th Grade: Makayla Morales, Joseph Sarney
- Composition: Cassandra Porter
Mr. Matuszak then presented the non-classroom based awards and scholarship opportunities:
- Office of the NYS Attorney General Triple “C” Award: Jeffery Cobbs, Ruth Sellers
- Office of the NYS Attorney General Civic Ambassador Award: Derick Aliers Amparo
- Awards and Scholarship opportunities
- Elmira College Key Award: Roger Lynker III, Amy Szuba
- Rensselaer Medal Program: Sebastian Yupanqui
- Clarkson University Achievement Award: Jhosmery Jadan Pangolo
- Clarkson University Leadership Award: Giselle Perez Sanchez
- Rochester Institute of Technology Awards
- Computing Award: Bartlomiej Klys
- Science and Math Award: Mariely Medina Orellana
- Humanities and Social Sciences Award: Zackary Alvord
- Business and Leadership Award: Peyton Hadjstylianos
- Engineering and Technology Award: Misael Juarez Perez
- Art and Design Award: Allison Vasko
- University of Rochester Frederick Douglass & Susan B. Anthony Award for Humanities: Liliana Crespo
University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award: Jill Baumander - University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award: Austin Frunzi
- University of Rochester Xerox Award for Innovation and Information: Peyton Klein
- Student Sage Award: Olivia Corrigan, Jordan Smith
- Saint Michael’s College Book Award for Community Engagement: Jeremiah McLeod, Katherine Panama Guaillazaca
- Keuka College George H. Ball Community Achievement Award: Gianino Amendola, Audrey Krum, Angele Osorio Ramirez, Lucio Ponce Vazquez, Riley Santiago
- Alfred State Promoting Pioneer Leaders Award, 2 Year Degree: Mariah Edwards
- Alfred State Promoting Pioneer Leaders Award, 4 Year Degree: Dakota Avellino
- Alfred Outside of Ordinary Award: Angel Figueroa, Jeronimo Velez Osorio
The evening concluded with the presentation of the top 10 students of the Class of 2026:
- 10. Jacob Kelly
- 9. Kaley Klein
- 8. Genna DeFrank
- 7. Runxian Chen
- 6. William Pennell
- 5. Sheyla Anguisaca-Llanos
- 4. Carmela Burgio
- 3. Brooke Porter
- 2. Lia Guillerme
- 1. Cassandra Porter
Congratulations, Liberty Redhawks, on a job well done!