It took 23 years, but it finally happened; the notorious bell has finally come home to Freedom HS.

For years, the Bethlehem Area School District's cross town rivals, Freedom and Liberty high schools, have competed to win the bell and all of the glory that comes with it.

In order to acquire the bell, one of the schools must win more varsity sport competitions that year. At the end of the year, the wins are totaled up in which and the school that receives the most wins gets to take home the bell.

"It is kind of exciting to know that girl's lacrosse helped. It meant a lot to have beat Liberty twice in one year," said senior Kirsten Bell.

The final bell count came down to the boy's volleyball May 9. Until then, the count was tied, and the year had been tottering back and forth between who would be victorious. The Freedom boy's team swept Liberty's team in a 3-0 victory securing the bell for the 2014-2015 school year.

"To win it for the school with all our students watching and counting on us was really amazing. For Freedom not having the bell for 23 years and winning it our senior year, that is something to be proud of," said senior and volleyball co-captain Mike Daly.

Although boy's volleyball may have been the last team to compete, it surely was not a solo effort. All year the varsity sports team have been working hard and creating dedicated athletes who have the skill to finally get Freedom out of this "bell-less" rut.

"As a varsity player, I am very happy for the seniors. This is such an awesome moment for the class of 2015 to be able to keep the bell in Freedom's house for next year," said junior Taylor Garza.

The entire school was filled with "patriot pride" as the bell was brought back to Freedom May 15 by Liberty senior captains of varsity sports. A small portion of the Liberty Grenadier Band processed behind the bell as it was carried in along with Freedom's Fife and Drum cord. Principal Michael LaPorta then proceeded through the halls ringing the bell for the all the students to here.

"I think it was a total team effort from all of the sports teams from the fall season to spring. Everyone contributed in their own way, and it is an awesome achievement for Freedom," Athletic Director Diane Jordan said.

A pep rally May 21 is planned to show appreciation for all varsity athletes.