The Bethlehem Area School District honored 14 senior scholars at the district's first academic signing ceremony held in the district's education center June 2. Liberty and Freedom high schools were each represented by seven of their top academic students.

In brief remarks, Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy thanked the students and their families calling them "the best of the best."

After the ceremony Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jack Silva said that the success of similar athletic signings gave movement to replicating the signing experience for academic achievers.

Scott Friedman attended to watch his son, Freedom senior Joshua Friedman, sign his commitment.

"It was wonderful recognition for students who commit so much time and effort on their academics," the senior Friedman said.

Freedom HS Class of 2014 academic scholars and the schools they will be attending are:

Joshua Friedman, Fordham University;

Connor Harrigan, Stevens Institute of Technology;

Joshua Kapcsos, Lehigh University;

Velisa Li, Carnegie Mellon University;

James Rusack, Penn State University (Schreyer Honors College);

Michael Samuelson, University of Pennsylvania; and

John Weigand, University of Florida.

Liberty HS Class of 2014 academic scholars and the schools they will be attending are:

Emily Cecchini, U.S. Naval Academy;

Emily Collins, Boston University;

Nicholas Gaspar, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute;

Apoorva Mathur, Penn State University (Schreyer Honors College);

Brenna McCornac, Penn State University (Schreyer Honors College);

Victoria Ricles, Lehigh University; and

Sarah Rivera, Gettysburg College.