Seventeen of the highest achieving Liberty Freedom high school seniors attended an academic signing ceremony with their families and BASD officials at Moravian University’s Haupert Union Building June 2. It was the 13th annual academic signing event.

The ceremonial signing tied each student to the colleges an universities they will be attending to advance their educations in pursuit of their degrees and future careers.

Now-retired Superintendent Dr. Jack Silva noted that their academic success was due to both the students and their families. “You are learning to your potential,” as a result, said Silva.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Maureen Leeson drew historical parallels between Bethlehem’s history and the class of 2026. “The story of Bethlehem is about its hard working citizens. That legacy belongs to all of us and now it belongs to all of you.”

Parent Jeffrey Bays, whose son Andrew was among those recognized, said, “I have always thought there should be something like this.”

Families and students enjoyed a buffet luncheon before the signing ceremony.

Freedom HS academic scholars from the class of 2026 and the schools they will attend are: Kate Assad - King’s College, Rilee Behar - Penn State University, Gianna Gerould Penn State University, Eliza Moore - Cornell University, Mia Napolitano - Cornell University, Benjamin Rader - American University, Cody Smith - Arizona State University, and Joseph Volkert - Lehigh University.

Liberty HS academic scholars from the class of 2026 and the schools they will attend are: Andrew Bays - University of Syracuse, Owen Fraboni - Lafayette University, Morgan Hughes - Penn State University, Farida Ismail - University of Virginia, Anni Li - Villanova University, Lilah McClarin - Penn State Schreyer Honors College, Adrianna O’Neill - Penn State Schreyer Honors College, Melissa Okumus Northeastern University, and Patrick Zhang - Tufts University.