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Liberty HS celebrates 100th

Published July 06. 2021 02:39PM
by Dana Grubb Special to the Bethlehem Press

The 2021-22 school year at Liberty HS will be a celebratory one, as the venerable Bethlehem school turns 100 years old. On June 2, school district and elected officials joined in announcing a calendar of activities that will mark the anniversary. Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy noted how the new high school helped to signal the Bethlehem area’s growth when it opened in 1923, expansion brought on by the unification of three Bethlehem boroughs, the conclusion of World War I and the industrial expansion of Bethlehem Steel during the war.

“The history of Liberty is the history of Bethlehem,” said Roy. Liberty Principal Dr. Harrison Bailey III observed that the timing was special because of the timing of emerging from the pandemic and affording an opportunity for celebration.

“We hope our alumni come back and join us,” Bailey said.

A series of community events was revealed, beginning with an August preview night in BASD Stadium featuring the Liberty HS Grenadier Band. Athletic and arts related events, the school’s 100th commencement in June 2021 and an Oct. 9 community walk-a-thon around the perimeter of the school campus are among many commemorative events scheduled. Information on all events will be available at BASDnation.org.

The BASD Foundation is also soliciting community support to purchase a Steinway piano as an anniversary gift for Liberty musical and choral performances. Foundation president Jennifer Ceneviva announced the fundraising drive. Information on how to support the initiative is also available at BASDnation.org.

The Grenadier pipes and drums, school chorus and barbershop quartet provided music for the announcement event.

PRESS PHOTO BY DANA GRUBB The Pipes & Drums of the Liberty HS Grenadier Band welcomed those attending the announcement event.
press photos by dana grubb Liberty HS “has served as as an anchor to our community, a cornerstone to Bethlehem,” said Mayor Robert Donchez, a 1968 graduate of Liberty.
Dr. Harrison Bailey III is the 14th principal at Liberty HS. “This is an opportunity to participate in something that so few people get to do,” Harrison said about the planned 100th anniversary celebration.
Athletic Director Fred Harris reviews the celebration activities, which kick off with a preview night Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. in the BASD Stadium.
“The history of Liberty is the history of Bethlehem,” says Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy. He noted how the school's opening welcomed the growing population of the unified city.
Jennifer Ceneviva, president of the BASD Foundation and a 1990 Liberty grad, announces the 100th anniversary dedication gift, a Steinway piano. For more information, visit Foundation@basdschools.org.
The Liberty HS Chorus performs the school's Alma Mater.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jack Silva, who is a 1982 Liberty graduate, represented alumni. “As a grad I am part of a large, deeply proud family,” Silva said.