On Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, students, families and staff gathered at Liberty Middle School to dedicate a memorial tree and plaque in honor of Michelle Behrman, a beloved guidance counselor whose compassion, dedication and advocacy left a lasting impact on the school community.

About Michelle Behrman

Michelle completed her early education in the Arlington School District before earning a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh. She later received a master’s degree in school counseling from Radford University, where she was honored with the School Counselor Award.

For more than 20 years, Michelle served as a guidance counselor at Liberty Middle School, beginning her career in the district in 2001. She embodied the qualities the district strives to instill in its students, including intelligence, perseverance and resilience. Throughout her tenure, she was a dedicated mentor, led PBIS initiatives for many years and built meaningful relationships with students, families and colleagues.

Outside of school, Michelle enjoyed traveling with loved ones. She was known for her generous spirit, compassionate heart and unwavering commitment to advocating for her students.

Supporting Students Through Michelle’s Legacy

The Michelle Behrman Memorial Awards honor Michelle’s more than 20 years of service as a Liberty Middle School guidance counselor and the values she modeled: intelligence, perseverance, integrity and courage.

Liberty CSD offers two award opportunities for students. The Middle School Memorial Award recognizes a student who consistently demonstrates integrity and stands up for others, even when doing so is difficult. The High School Memorial Scholarship awards one or two scholarships annually to students who reflect on their future goals and share a time they chose to do what was right.

Supported by donations from Michelle’s colleagues, friends and family, along with significant contributions from Walter Behrman and Lois Behrman, these awards ensure her legacy continues to positively impact Liberty students for years to come.

Honoring Michelle

Located near the front entrance of Liberty Middle School, the memorial features a commemorative tree donated by Deb of Liberty Home and Garden and an engraved plaque made possible through community support. The project was completed through the collaborative efforts of community and staff members and the Liberty Central School District Buildings and Grounds Department. Jaime Black, Joe Davis and Tony Lescynski prepared the site and oversaw the installation, helping create a lasting tribute to Michelle Behrman and her enduring impact on the school community.

During the dedication ceremony, attendees reflected on the lasting impact Michelle Behrman had on the students, families and colleagues whose lives she touched. Liberty Middle School Principal Heather Cheh shared heartfelt remarks, remembering Michelle as a cherished colleague, mentor and friend whose kindness, compassion and dedication continue to inspire the school community.

“Thank you all for being here as we remember and celebrate our friend and colleague Michelle.

For more than 20 years, Michelle’s kindness, compassion, and dedication touched the lives of countless students, families, and coworkers. This plaque reminds us that although we miss her deeply, her light continues to shine through the many lives she touched and the memories we carry with us.

Today is simply a time to be together, share our stories and memories of Michelle, and celebrate the very special person she was. 

Anyone who would like to say a few words aloud can do so first, then everyone can share amongst yourselves and enjoy each other’s company.”

The memorial was created to ensure that her legacy remains a visible and meaningful part of the school community for future generations. The tree will continue to grow alongside the students who pass it each day, serving as a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and the lasting connections that shape the Liberty Middle School community.