It’s May, and while the 2022-23 school year may be nearing its end, it is not going out without a bang.

School was dismissed early March 22 for a teacher in-service.

The third marking period ended March 30, with report cards sent out April 14. The fourth and final marking period would begin March 31.

Easter grams were sold outside the cafeteria March 27 to March 31 with each Easter gram costing $1. Easter grams that were bought and filled out were sent to Buddies Helping Buddies and given to a child with autism or other disabilities.

School was closed during spring break April 6 to April 10, with school resuming April 11.

The Gender & Sexuality Alliance held a Day of Silence in support of the LGBTQ+ community. All participants were to take a vow of silence for the entire school day. A table was set up by the Gender & Sexuality Alliance at all lunches April 13 and 14 to meet anyone who was interested in participating, and all who did participate were awarded with a sticker for showing their support.

Tickets for prom began to be sold April 17 with sales ending May 4. Students who wanted to buy tickets had to have their class dues paid prior to buying a ticket. Tickets were $90 per person. Guest forms were also handed out in the Cannon Lobby for students bringing guests from other schools besides Freedom.

Eighth-grade students from Broughal and East Hills middle schools, as well as students from schools outside the BASD, made a visit to Freedom April 17 as part of Move Up Day as they toured the school in preparation for their freshman year. An activity fair was also held in the gymnasium for clubs and sports.

Students who had expressed interest in entering the Arts & Communications pathway were treated to a guest speaker Q&A during second period April 18, where they could speak with Kate Hughes from Figs Magazine. Some of the students who were present during the Q&A were also selected to take a trip to the Fox & Finch studio in Fountain Hill April 20, where they could see the studio at work.

The Freedom HS Theater Company held its spring play, “Beauty and the Beast,” April 20 to 23. The play was a massive success, with the auditorium filled to the brim to see the classic Disney story unfold.

Angel 34, a foundation supporting finding a cure for childhood cancer, held a dodgeball tournament against Liberty April 21 with each team consisting of six people with an entry fee of $30; $5 per person. All proceeds were donated to the Angel 34 foundation.

A Hoops for Hope fundraiser was also held during fourth block April 21, to raise money for pediatric cancer. The grades also held a T-shirt sale for a different type of pediatric cancer. A basketball tournament was held during fourth period, with the seniors coming out victorious both against the other classes and in the final game against the teachers in a 26-11 win. Three-point and dunking contests were also held between games. The combined sales of both T-shirts and tickets helped to reach Freedom’s goal of $6,500, with the money being donated to the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley.

Several local colleges and universities made a visit to Freedom April 26 as part of a college fair, where current juniors were able to ask questions and weigh their options for continuing their education.

The National Honor Society (NHS) held its officer elections for junior members with all current members hearing pre-recorded speeches from the candidates prior to voting. A photoshoot was also held for the Cancer Care Package program, with photos posted on the Lehigh Valley Health Network’s media outlets.

The Special Olympics were held April 27, where students from Freedom were once again given the opportunity to volunteer and help those with disabilities.

The NHS held its final blood drive for the 2022-2023 school year April 28 in conjunction with the American Red Cross. Several shifts were available for current NHS members to volunteer for during the school day. Members who wanted to volunteer had to receive permission from their teachers beforehand to miss class and work their shifts. Appointments were also available for anyone who, upon meeting the necessary requirements, wanted to donate blood.

Elections for student council and class officers were held May 3 for underclassmen to choose their council officers for the upcoming school year. Candidates for student council gave speeches to their respective classes, with students voting afterward on who they wanted on their student council.

Freedom held an art show May 5 to show off the works made by students in the art department. The spring choral concert was also held later that night courtesy of the Freedom chorus.

Prom was held May 12 at the SteelStacks, with the theme being “Enchanted Garden.” A buffet was available for prom-goers which included penne vodka, Caesar salad, and more. A games room and 360 photo booth were also available.

Current seniors were given the opportunity to skip school as part of their skip day May 15.

An academic awards ceremony May 17 celebrated student achievements during the 2022-2023 school year.

Keystone exams for algebra, literature and biology took place May 17 to 19, with one exam per day. Students who did not need to take the exams had the day off.