The passing of keystones - although they are state examinations for underclassmen and not an illness - was admittedly less painful this year without weather extending our first semester. It signaled the emergence of a new semester with opportunities for improvement, the distant glimmer of spring in the groundhog's eye and for those involved in Liberty's multitude of clubs and organizations: the hope of slowing schedules.

The orchestra and choir put on another impressive holiday concert, touting the hard work and talent of their students. The annual combined opening with a candlelit 'Silent Night' could only be described as a powerful performance that is not to be missed. At the time of the concert not only was the flu starting to appear, but musicians involved in brass-woodwind-string ensembles and the a-cappella had done quite a few caroling events around town - making the concert even more of a feat. The choir and orchestra are now preparing for their combined and 'pops' concerts in the spring. Seating auditions for the Grenadier Band began before keystones, and now they are well on their way to the spring concert at the end of March. This year's spring musical is Elton John and Tim Rice's "Aida" and sophomore Brielle Rivera is thrilled to be taking on the role of Aida.

This year, two new advocacy groups grew roots at LHS: Girls Learn International and Power of 10. GLI is an organization with chapters in many schools across the country. Sophomores Emma Kautz, Rachel Newman and Elizabeth Escott decided to establish a chapter at LHS so girls and guys would have a place to learn and talk about access to education for girls around the world.

The Power of 10 is a program from Tobacco Free Northeast PA. Brought to LHS by SADD adviser Jane Prodes, the group of underclassmen runs an anti-smoking campaign with posters around the school discouraging smoking. Another new and popular afterschool group at Liberty is the Ping Pong Club; students have been meeting on Fridays to engage in three levels of tournaments based on experience.

There are many places for students to find themselves at Liberty High and be successful. Our American Cancer Society Relay for Life team recently donated a large number of teddy bears to a children's hospital, while our MiniThon committees are working to make this year's collaboration with Freedom the biggest and best yet.

Two groups from LHS recently took on state competitions: our varsity cheering team and our robotics club. The girls cheered their way to eighth place and Robotics took home second overall. Physics teacher Mark Hoffman, who runs the robotics club, is also preparing his Science Olympiad team for two upcoming competitions at NCC and Kutztown University.

After sponsoring some needy local families, and hosting some senior citizens for lunch after they listened to the sounds of Liberty's musicians, LHS Student Government hosted a sold-out winter formal dance this past weekend. A well-deserved way for students to let loose. With many different clubs and organizations specializing in a wide range of areas, Liberty students are staying busy and doing big things.