Month: May 2026
Interact Club spearheads bench-building effort
The Liberty Interact Club recently completed a community service project in partnership with community volunteers, Interact advisers, and Liberty Middle School students to construct benches for the town of Liberty. Through the efforts of 23 volunteers, six benches were successfully built during the project. Three benches will be placed along the Walnut Mountain House History Trail, while the remaining three benches will be installed throughout the community for residents and visitors to enjoy.
This project provided students with valuable hands-on experience in teamwork, woodworking, problem solving, and community service. Students had the opportunity to work alongside community members while learning practical construction skills and the importance of giving back to their community.
A special thank you goes to the Liberty High School Woodworking Class for engraving the boards used for the benches. Their craftsmanship and attention to detail added a personalized and lasting touch to the project that will be appreciated for years to come.
The Liberty Interact Club also funded the purchase of the wood and materials needed to complete the benches, demonstrating the club’s continued commitment to service and community improvement initiatives within the town of Liberty.
“This project reflects the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for youth to become involved in their community, build pride in where they live, and experience the impact of volunteerism firsthand,” adviser Alyssa Thalmann said.
The completed benches and trail improvements will officially be showcased during the Grand Opening of the Walnut Mountain House History Trail starting at 10 a.m. June 6.
LMS to host cleanup at Walnut Mountain Park
Liberty Middle School will host a park cleanup from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 31, at the Walnut Mountain Park.
Those who wish to take part are asked to register by emailing athalmann@libertyk12.org or dcummins@libertyk12.org.
Those who are taking part are asked to meet at main entrance of the park at 73 Walnut Mountain Road in Liberty. It is suggested that participants bring a water bottle, comfortable clothes, sunscreen and a hat.
Trash bags, litter pickers, rakes, shovels and gloves will be provided, as will light refreshments and snacks.
This will be done in part for preparation for the Walnut Mountain House Trail grand opening on June 6
LCSD District-wide Safety Plan available for review
The Liberty Central School District’s District-wide Safety Plan is available for review on our website and at the district office at 115 Buckley St. in Liberty. It will be available for public comment through June 26, 2026.
Comments may be submitted to questions@libertyk12.org or to the Liberty Central School Office, 115 Buckley St, Liberty, NY 12754.
Liberty helps celebrate 10 years of Creating Healthier Schools and Communities
Liberty Central School District Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan recently attended the Creating Healthier Schools and Community Awards & Recognition Celebration at Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan. The celebration showcased the culmination of 10 years of successful collaboration and projects that have been implemented to improve physical activity and nutrition for individuals of all ages in Sullivan County. As part of the celebration, Liberty Central School District received a $2,500 celebratory check. We thank CCE Sullivan for their partnership over the past decade and look forward to more in the future.
Redhawks earn second place in division, clinch sectional berth
In a dramatic turn of events, the Liberty Varsity Softball team officially clinched second place in the OCIAA Division 3 Wednesday afternoon. The division victory was awarded to the Redhawks via forfeit by the Beacon Bulldogs, who were forced to withdraw due to a depleted roster after losing their starting pitcher to an injury. While it wasn’t the traditional battle on the diamond, the win solidifies a milestone achievement for the Liberty program—one that has catapulted them into the postseason.
With the victory officially in the books, the Redhawks have secured their best finish since New York State implemented its new divisional format during the 2023-2024 school year. More importantly, this second-place Class A Division 3 finish has earned Liberty the No. 6 seed in the upcoming Sectional tournament. This marks the program’s first trip to the Sectionals since 2019, a monumental climax to a season defined by perseverance against all imaginable odds. They will play at Port Jervis at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 26.
To truly appreciate the magnitude of this achievement, one has to look back to the first week of tryouts, when low turnout left the athletic department uncertain if Liberty could even field a Varsity squad this spring. When the program stood on the brink of cancellation, a group of resilient student-athletes stepped up to save the season. Despite having little to no prior softball experience, Danielia Ponce Flores, Analeah Ocasio, Katterin Reyes Guardado, Aimee Sherwood, and Tianna Wilson dove headfirst into the sport. More than half of the entire roster took the field this year completely new to the game, learning on the fly with enthusiasm. As their skills grew, these newcomers became the essential pieces of the team’s success within the division.
Behind this transformation was a dedicated core of returning players and varsity mainstays who refused to let their season slide away. Wanting a season so desperately, these veterans stepped into vital leadership roles to guide, mentor, and inspire their new teammates. This milestone is, above all, an accomplishment earned by their heart and leadership.
These newcomers helped complete a team anchored by a trio of standout seniors: star starting pitcher Angie Wheeler, Brooke Porter at third base, and Arianna Wilson, who selflessly took on the grueling role of catcher for her first year behind the plate. Juniors Maddy Stewart in center field, Amy Szuba at first base, and utility threat Giuliana Wagner at shortstop and on the rubber filled out the core of returning starters. Not to be outdone, sophomores Lilli Black and Charlotte Horton De Morla stepped up to the varsity level without any prior JV experience, locking down starting roles in the outfield and at second base, respectively. Together, this collective unit held the squad together, making this milestone all the more rewarding.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of May 25-31, 2026
Spring sports is starting to wind down with only softball and track in action 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, May 25
No events scheduled.
Tuesday, May 26
4:15 p.m.: Modified Softball vs. Fallsburg at Liberty Elementary School
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Softball prelims vs. Port Jervis:
Results: Liberty 0, Port Jervis 28
The historic, barrier-breaking season for the Liberty Varsity Softball team came to a close yesterday afternoon, as the No. 6 Redhawks ran into an absolute powerhouse in the quarterfinals of the Sectional tournament, falling 28-0 to the No. 3 Port Jervis Raiders.
The Redhawks knew they faced a monumental task heading into the postseason matchup. Port Jervis, a perennial OCIAA jugger-naut, had already defeated Liberty by a combined score of 43-0 in two games during the regular season. Yet, despite the lopsided scoreboard, the Redhawks left the diamond with their heads held high, representing themselves and their school with immense pride, grit, and sportsmanship.
For a brief moment at the start of the game, the Redhawks went toe-to-toe with the Raiders . Liberty put together a brilliantly clean first inning, retiring three of the first four Raiders batters they faced. However, the wheels came off in the bottom of the second. Port Jervis exploded for 16 runs in the frame, capitalizing on five hits—all singles—along with seven walks, four hit batters, and two costly Liberty errors. From there, the Raiders never looked back.
Port Jervis was led by senior ace Madison Dobbs, who was clicking on all cylinders in the circle. The perennial All-Star was flawless, retiring all 15 batters she faced to throw a perfect game. Dobbs racked up nine strikeouts while throwing a whopping 77% of her pitches for strikes. She also led the Raiders at the plate with three hits, including a double. Teammates Savannah Mioglionico and Alabama Stankewicz chipped in two hits apiece, while Charlotte Rivera tripled and singled as part of a 15-hit Port Jervis onslaught. With the victory, Port Jervis advances to face Marlboro in the Class A semifinals.
Despite the heavy pressure, several Liberty players shined in the field. Junior center fielder Maddy Stewart put her elite athleticism on full display, tracking down and ranging deep for three spectacular flyouts. Meanwhile, sophomore Charlotte Horton De Morla proved her versatility, making clutch putouts in her first-ever varsity start at shortstop.
While the final score was tough, it does nothing to diminish an unforgettable season of overachievement for Liberty. Just over 11 weeks ago, low turnout left the athletic department completely uncertain if a varsity squad could even be formed. It was then that a resilient group of student-athletes, more than half of whom had little to no prior softball experience, stepped up just to save the program.
What followed was a season of unprecedented milestones. This inexperienced squad shocked the league by winning at James I. O’Neill on April 10th for the first time in years, followed by capturing the program’s first-ever Class A Divisional win on April 15th. Even when disaster struck on May 1st with a season-ending injury to standout ace pitcher and captain Angie Wheeler—forcing a depleted roster to play completely out of position—the Redhawks refused to quit.
Adopting the rallying cry of “us against the world,” this team fought its way to the program’s first Sectional tournament appearance since 2019. The 2026 Redhawks are a squad to be remembered. They left it all on the field, had fun, and proved that heart and dedication can write history.
4:30 p.m.: JV Softball vs. Sullivan West Central at Liberty High School
Wednesday, May 27
4:30 p.m.: JV Softball vs. Fallsburg at Liberty Elementary School
Thursday, May 28
No events scheduled.
Friday, May 29
2 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Track and Field Sectionals vs. Multiple Schools at Rondout Valley Central School
Saturday and Sunday, May 30-31
No events scheduled
Congratulations, senior spring athletes
Earlier this month, Liberty honored its senior spring athletes during a series of celebrations. We thank all of our seniors who worked hard and showed dedication to help our Redhawks soar.
The following were recognized:
- Baseball: Josh Decker, Joe DiBartolo, Tayler Schwartz and Justin Simon
- Softball: Brooke Porter, Aimee Sherwood, Angie Wheeler and Arianna Wilson
- Boys Track and Field: Shawn Bickham, Amir George, Michael Reyes, Ryan Romero Bello and Joe Sarney
- Girls Track and Field: Sheyla Anguisaca Llanos, Brooke Bull, Naima Canady Byam, Valeria Cruz, Elizabeth Cruz Cruz, Sydania Foster and Makayla Morales
- Boys and girls golf: Cristian Argenal, Jake Cross and Elizabeth Cruz Cruz
- Boys Tennis: Miguel Guzman, Gustavo Leon, Arwyn Lucero, John Palacios Medrano, Phillo Romero and Elmer Son Vicente
Congratulations, Redhawks, and best of luck in your future endeavors.
Track and field teams gear up for Sectionals, State Qualifiers and States
The varsity boys and girls track teams have been working hard this season and have been quite busy as the regular season starts winding down. Here is a recap of some season highlights.
School records: Girls DMR team of Audrey Krum, Sheyla Anguisaca Llanos, Quinn Santiago & Adriana Ponce Agredano, Brooke Bull in pole vault, Mixed 4x200m relay team of Sydania Foster, Colten Allen, Brooke Bull & Joe Sarney, Mixed 4x100m relay team of Adriana Ponce Agredano, Dylan Romero, Audrey Krum and Joe Sarney.
Gander Invitational: Starriah Harris 1st place in 100m hurdles, Sydania Foster 3rd place in 400m hurdles, Brooke Bull 2nd place in pole vault. The girls team placed 7th overall
Tri Valley Invitational: Sydania Foster 3rd place in the 100m and 400m, Starriah Harris 2nd place in the 100m hurdles, Joe Sarney 1st place in the 200m, Dylan Romero 1st place in the 400m, Boys 4x100m relay team of Joe Sarney, Dylan Romero, Samuel Blandon & Colten Allen 3rd place, Boys 4x400m relay team of Michael Reyes, Dylan Romero, Joe Sarney & Alan Cruz 2nd place, Girls 4x400m relay team of Quinn Santiago, Starriah Harris, Brooke Bull & Sydania Foster 1st place, Victoria Henry 1st place in long jump, Brooke Bull 1st place in pole vault. The boys finished 4th overall and the girls finished 5th overall.
Steinhoff Cup: Boys DMR team of Alan Cruz, Kevin Leon Gavilan, Ryan Romero Bello & Samuel Blandon 2nd place, Sydania Foster 3rd place in the 100m & 200m, Dylan Romero 1st place in the 400m, Joe Sarney 3rd place in the 200m, Boys 4x100m relay team of Aaden Woolard, Tyleal Aubain, Dylan Romero & Colten Allen 3rd place, Girls 4x100m relay team of Makayla Morales, Starriah Harris, Brooke Bull & Sydania Foster 1st place, Girls 4x800m relay team of Casity DiBartolo, Sheyla Anguisaca Llanos, Audrey Krum & Adriana Ponce Agredano 2nd place, Boys 4x400m relay team of Colten Allen, Dylan Romero, Tyleal Aubain & Joe Sarney 1st place, Mixed 4x200m relay team of Sydania Foster, Colten Allen, Brooke Bull & Joe Sarney 1st place and a school record, Brooke Bull 1st place in pole vault. The boys team finished 5th overall and the girls team finished 4th overall.
Donna Deppa Invitational: Girls F/S SMR team of Quinn Santiago, Victoria Henry, Starriah Harris & Adriana Ponce Agredano – 1st place, Girls 4x800m relay team of Casity DiBartolo, Sheyla Anguisaca Llanos, Audrey Krum & Adriana Ponce Agredano – 1st place, Girls 4x400m relay team of Quinn Santiago, Starriah Harris, Brooke Bull & Sydania Foster – 1st place, Girls 4x100m relay team of Victoria Henry, Starriah Harris, Brooke Bull & Sydania Foster – 1st place, Sydania Foster 1st place in 400m hurdles and 3rd place in the 100m (Girls Track Athlete of the meet), Brooke Bull 1st place in pole vault, Starriah Harris 2nd place in 100m hurdles, Adriana Ponce Agredano 2nd place in triple jump. Boys F/S SMR team of Colten Allen, Samuel Blandon, Mason Williams & Peyton Rivera 3rd place, Gianino Amendola 3rd place in the 3,200m, Alan Cruz 2nd place in the 3,000m steeplechase, Dylan Romero 2nd place in the 400m, Joe Sarney 2nd place in the 200m, Boys 4x800m relay team of Keven Cordero Lima, Alan Cruz, Michael Reyes & Ryan Romero Bello 2nd place, Boys 4x100m relay team of Tyleal Aubain, Colten Allen, Dylan Romero & Joe Sarney 1st place, Shawn Bickham 3rd place in javelin
OCIAA Championships: Shawn Bickham 5th place in javelin, Starriah Harris 5th place in 100m hurdles, Brooke Bull 3rd place in pole vault, Girls 4x100m relay team of Victoria Henry, Starriah Harris, Brooke Bull & Sydania Foster 2nd place. The girls team placed 11th overall.
The team is now preparing for Sectionals, State qualifiers and States.
Friends of Liberty Library to host plant sale
The Friends of Liberty Library will host its plant sale on Thursday, May 28, until sold out.
Flowers, vegetable plants and house plants will be available for sale for the home and garden. Proceeds will benefit Liberty Public Library.
It will take place at the library at 189 N. Main St. in Liberty.
For more information, visit www.libertypubliclibrary.org or call 845-292-6070.
Show celebrates student artists, Art Society inductions
Tuesday, May 12, was a celebration of arts and artists at Liberty High School lobby.
The annual PreK-12 Districtwide Art Show opened, with art, crafts, raffles, student portfolio, presentations and refreshment among displays of student artwork from across the district. “Being able to collaborate PreK-12 brings our art educators, our staff, our students, parents and community together as a whole,” said art teacher Kath Johansen. “It is great to see the walls covered in art, creativity and feeling alive! It changes the feeling of the whole school and is uplifting. We have great art students and this show has room for all!”
The evening concluded with the induction of four members into the National Art Honor Society, which was founded in 1978 by the National Art Education Association to inspire and recognize students who have shown outstanding ability and interest in the arts. The program supports members in their efforts to attain the highest standards in art scholarship, character and service and to bring their art and passion to the school and community.
“Our students have completed a mural for the windows of the Liberty Museum, held a photoshoot for families to raise funds to donate 30 art kits to our local Children’s Home, created bookmarks for our Interact club to put in their lending library, created bee baths for White Sulphur Springs’s beautification grant and created a Leader in Me Mural for our elementary students,” said Mrs. Johansen, adviser of NAHS, during her opening remarks. “They are the movers and shakers of the school and creative to boot!”
The ceremony, which included the lighting of the ceremonial candles for leadership, scholarship, character and service, was led by President Jhosmery Jadan Pangolo.
Current members formerly introduced the new members: Treasurer Sebastian Yupanqui introduced Cassandra Porter; Jhosemery introduced Evelyn Molina Ax, Vice President Savannah Pagan introduced Giselle Perez Sanchez and Cassandra, who had been serving as secretary of the club before being formally inducted, introduced Kourtney Perry.
The inductees then took the NAHS pledge and signed the book to officially become members of the Liberty Chapter of the National Art Honor Society.