Category: High School News
LHS Art Honor Society Students share love of art, art kits with community
Students in Liberty High School’s National Art Honor Society held a Family Holiday Photo Shoot for two days in November to raise funds for Art Kits for children at the Liberty House Children’s Home.
The students used their advanced photography skills to pose and light the families in one of two settings with props, holiday backgrounds and a whole lot of spirit.
The students took the funds raised from the 20 families who participated and designed art kits, including bags, sketchbooks, journals and supplies, and assembled them with the hopes that other children would have a way to express themselves.
The Holiday Photo shoot was just one of the ways students raised money to complete this project. They designed bookmarks from their original artworks, laminated, decorated and sold them as well.
In December, the NAHS was able to hand over 30 completed kits to Anissa Avery, a representative of the home just in time for the holidays.
The members of the NAHS are President Jhosmery Jadan Pangolo, Vice President Savannah Pagan, Treasurer Sebastian Yupanqui, Secretary Cassandra Porter and members Giuliana Wagner and Lucio Ponce Vasquez.
In the past year, these students have volunteered for the Liberty Elk’s Holiday Photo shoots, worked to create a foods mural at the Liberty Elementary School as part of the Liberty Wellness Committee Grant projects, painted birdhouses as part of the Sullivan 180 White Sulphur Springs Beautification grant, painted the White Sulphur Springs Lending Library and made Valentine’s for the Sunset Care Center.
“They are truly sharing their passion for the arts with those around them,” club adviser Kath Johansen said.Photo: Giuliana Wagner, Cassandra Porter, Children’s Home representative Anissa Avery, Sebastian Yupanqui and Lucio Ponce.
Liberty BOE to meet Jan. 13
The next Board of Education meeting will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, in the HS Media Center at 125 Buckley St. in Liberty. The Board anticipates to enter into executive session (not open to the public) immediately. The regular portion of the meeting, open to the public, is expected to resume at 6 p.m. The agenda will be available on Monday, Jan. 12, at Board Docs.
A post-winter break message from the superintendent
Dear Liberty,
I want to welcome you back from what I hope was a restful and relaxing winter break. As we enter 2026, I would like to reshare the district’s chain of command calling guide, along with some reminders and updates as school is back in session.
DASA and Safety
As previously mentioned, safety is always of utmost importance, and we are committed to providing a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors. Please take a moment to review the district’s safety measures and visitor procedures.
I would also like to remind you about our Anonymous Alerts system, which allows students and families to report concerns regarding safety or bullying. Furthermore, we continue to utilize the Gaggle platform to monitor student internet usage and alert officials to concerning searches or messages. Ultimately, both programs support our commitment to the Dignity for All Students Act and overall safety
Looking Back and Moving Forward
As we move forward, I want to look back at the start of the school year. We have visited classrooms throughout the district and seen some amazing things. Our building administrators, teachers and staff have been working diligently to create engaging learning opportunities aligned with the district’s curriculum.
In addition, we have seen our students enhance their leadership skills by leveraging our Leader In Me program and taking part in extracurricular activities. Moreover, students have taken steps to impact the Liberty school community and beyond by working with A Single Bite and Sullivan 180, planting daffodils with our Liberty Middle School FFA, performing at our winter concerts and the Sullivan County Government Center, taking part in the LPA’s production of All Shook Up, competing in interscholastic sports, and more.
As the school year continues, we look forward to ongoing learning opportunities for our students. We continue to work towards our yearly and long-term goals, helping our students innovate and persevere for the remainder of this year and beyond.
Finally, I invite you to revisit our Strategic Plan page, which details our pillars of Coherence, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Curriculum, and Culture. We are also sharing this year’s District Comprehensive Improvement Plan outlining our goals for the 2025-2026 school year, along with the presentation from the opening day forum regarding our latest educational programs.
We sincerely appreciate your ongoing commitment to our schools and the entire Liberty Central School District community.
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Jan. 5-11, 2026
With school back in session, our athletics events are back in full force with, basketball, indoor track and wrestling scheduled.
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, Jan. 5
5 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. John S. Burke Catholic at Burke Catholic High School.
6:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball vs. John S. Burke Catholic at Burke Catholic High School
Tuesday, Jan. 6
Events canceled or postponed because of inclement weather.
Wednesday, Jan. 7
Events canceled or postponed because of inclement weather.
Thursday, Jan. 8
4:15 p.m.: Boys Modified Wrestling vs. Multiple Schools at Sullivan West – Lake Huntington
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. John S. Burke Catholic at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Basketball vs. Tuxedo at Tuxedo High School
6 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. Tuxedo at Tuxedo High School
Friday, Jan. 9
5 p.m.: Girls JV Basketball vs. Chester Academy at Chester Academy
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Wrestling vs. Multiple Schools at Kingston High School
6:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Chester Academy at Chester Academy
Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 10-11
No events scheduled.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Dec 29, 2025,-Jan. 4, 2026
With winter break underway, our sports schedule is light again this week
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, Dec. 29
1 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball Tournament vs. Multiple Schools at Cornwall High School
5:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball Tournament vs. Multiple School at Cornwall High School
Tuesday, Dec. 30
11 a.m.: Boys JV Basketball Tournament Consolation at Cornwall High School
12:30 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball Tournament Championship at Cornwall High School
2 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball Tournament Consolation at Cornwall High School
Wednesday-Sunday, Dec. 31, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026
No events scheduled.
A message from the superintendent on the winter break
Dear Liberty,
As we enter our winter break, I want to take a moment to thank everyone in our Redhawk family for what they do to build our school community to be one in which we cultivate trust and courage in our students to be innovative and to persevere.
I wish everyone a very happy holiday season and hope you can take time during break to relax, recharge and enjoy the time off.
I can’t wait to see everyone back on Jan. 5, 2026, to continue our mission to empower each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Dec 22-28, 2025
With winter break starting Dec. 24, our sports schedule is light this week
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, Dec. 22
4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. Wallkill Central at Liberty High School.
6 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Wallkill Central at Liberty High School.
Tuesday-Sunday, Dec. 23-28
No events scheduled.
Library to host family movie afternoon, Minute to Win It game day and Bookworm Clubs
The Liberty Public Library will offer a series of activities open to Liberty students and families.
On Saturday, Jan. 3, the library will host a family movie afternoon starting at 1 p.m. featuring the live-action movie “How to Train Your Dragon.” Popcorn will be provided. an adult must stay with children younger than 12.
On Tuesday, Jan. 13, students in grades 5-12 are invited to a Minute to Win It game day, starting at 3:15 p.m. Students will be able to test their skills in Stack Attack, ping pong challenges and more. There will be small, fun (and funny) prizes to win. Snacks will be provided.
For elementary students, the library will host its winter Bookworm Clubs for elementary students in February and March.
The club will be offered Mondays, Feb. 23-March 23, or Tuesdays, Feb. 24-March 24, for children in first and second grades. The club for third and fourth graders will be Wednesdays, Feb. 25-March 25, or Thursdays, Feb. 26-March 26.
They will be held from 2:30 to 4 p.m. afterschool. Library staff will pick children from Liberty Elementary to escort them to the library.
Participating children will read books, play games, have snacks, do crafts and more.
Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, by calling 845-292-6070. Those who call earlier will be asked to call back. Permission slips will be sent home with all children who are registered. Slips must be returned to the library or the child’s teacher indicating pickup preference. Children may be picked up at the library by 4 or they can be escorted to the LES Boys & Girls Club, if they are signed up. Students in third and fourth grade also have the option to take the late bus home from the elementary school.
For more information, call 845-292-6070 or visit the library’s website. The library is at 189 N. Main St. in Liberty.
Liberty bus involved in accident in White Sulphur Springs
The bus carrying Liberty Central School District students on the purple duck route was involved in an accident this morning, Dec. 18, in White Sulphur Springs.
Three students were on the bus at the time of the accident. Emergency services responded to the scene and two students were transported to the hospital for evaluation.
Another bus was dispatched to complete the route.
Liberty works closely with our transportation partner Rolling V to ensure the safety of our students. The district appreciates their work, as well as the efforts of the first responders who helped our students on the scene.
SUNY Sullivan offering ‘free’ programs as part of SUNY Reconnect
SUNY Sullivan taking part a new program for New York residents ages 25–55 who do not have a college degree. The purpose of SUNY Reconnect is to provide individuals with the opportunity to earn an associate degree and expand their career opportunities. One of the available degrees is an Associate of Arts degree in Childhood Education, which offers aides a pathway to become certified teaching assistants and may inspire them to pursue teaching careers in the future.
The program covers tuition, fees, books and supplies, making it essentially free for eligible participants.
Who is eligible?
- New York Residents ages 25-55 without a high school diploma or with a diploma but no college degree.
- Those who enroll full- or part-time in an eligible associate degree at SUNY Sullivan:
- Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counseling, Associate of Applied Science
- Childhood Education, Associate of Arts
- Green Building Technology, Associate of Applied Science
- Computer Information Systems, Associate of Applied Science
- Computer Programming, Associate of Applied Science
- Respiratory Care, Associate of Applied Science
- Medical Assistant, Associate of Applied Science
- Nursing, Associate of Applied Science
What does “free” mean?
The SUNY Reconnect program covers the cost of tuition, fees, books and supplies after all other financial aid is applied. Housing is not covered.
How do I get started?
Visit https://sunysullivan.edu/and select APPLY to complete a free application. Choose one of the programs listed above and start your free journey with SUNY Sullivan.
How do I enroll?
After you’ve submitted your application, SUNY Sullivan will send you a letter and an email with details on the next steps.
- Submit final high school or GED transcript
- Please contact the high school guidance office of the high school you graduated from and request that they send your official transcript to admissions@sunysullivan.edu.
- If you have earned a GED, please email photos of your certificate and transcript to admissions@sunysullivan.edu.
- Submit official Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), CLEP, and/or college transcripts
- If you’ve earned credits at another institution or through AP, IB, and/or CLEP, please request that your official transcript(s) be sent to admissions@sunysullivan.edu. The Registrar will review your transcript(s) and transfer any equivalent credits earned with a grade of “C” or higher that are required for your program of study.
- Apply for financial aid and scholarships
- Be sure to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), and Excelsior Scholarship Program (if applicable) applications. Links are available at studentaid.gov.
- If you’re unable to complete the FAFSA, don’t worry—you can still apply for TAP and the Senator Jose A. Peralta application at hesc.ny.gov/.
- SUNY Sullivan’s Federal School Code is 002879 and New York State School Code is 2225.
Need more information?
- Call 845-434-5750, ext. 4287 or email admissions@sunysullivan.edu.
- Visit 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, with extended hours until 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.