Model UN is an academic simulation of the United Nations. LHS students Kramer Carpenter, Jessica Keever, and Ashton Reeves participated in a Model UN Conference held on the Clemson University campus November 12-13. These students researched the country of Vietnam and took on roles as diplomats. Mr. Fred Connington, Social Studies teacher at LHS, serves as the sponsor for Model UN.

Teen Ink, a national publication and web site written by teens for teens, provides a forum in which teens can express themselves through poetry, essays, stories, reviews, art and photography. LHS Senior Haley Wilson recently submitted an article about LHS drama teacher, Mrs. Jean Toole, in the nonfiction “Educator of the Year” category and was notified this week that her article had been voted #2! Haley has had Mrs. Toole as her drama teacher throughout her high school career. She writes, “Mrs. Toole is the most amazing teacher I have ever (and most likely will ever) have. Words can only begin to describe how wonderful a teacher she is.” Click here to read Haley’s entire article. Congratulations, Haley and Mrs. Toole!

During the month of October, LHS Club One groups were encouraged to participate in “Make A Difference Day” – “America's largest day of doing good.” Mrs. Kelly's Club One sent 730 thank you cards to our soldiers and Mrs. Scott's Club One sent a care package to our marines overseas. There were other contributions from teachers as well as other Club One groups.  

Tai Simmons, a 10th grader, felt the need to “Make a Difference” for a fellow LHS Devil - freshman Jason Robison who is fighting Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Tai wanted to do something to raise money to offset his medical expenses. Toward that end, Tai designed a T-shirt that says “LHS Fighting Leukemia Together ‘Cause Caring Comes In Red & Black.”  She asked one of her teachers, Mrs. Kelly, and her classes to assist her in selling these shirts to students and faculty members at LHS. Mrs. Whitmire and her Club One students also donated money to this fund as their “Make a Difference” project. Seventy-one shirts were sold at LHS and in the community (Click here for a picture of some of those who supported the cause!) and a total of $729.55 was raised for this very worthy cause. LHS wishes to thank Graphic Cow for their donation to this fundraiser.  

LHS students and community members have really reached out and showed their caring spirit through this “Make a Difference” project and others! This makes us proud to be Liberty Red Devils!

On Wednesday, November 11, LHS students and teachers gathered for a Veteran’s Day assembly to honor local veterans and pay tribute to veterans, past and present. (Click here for pictures.) LHS JROTC student C/LTC Niki Cambell introduced guest speaker Mr. Chuck Lee, a graduate of The Citadel and veteran of the United States Army. Mr. Lee spoke about the history of Veteran’s Day and reminded those present that our veterans are “a treasure.” He reminded us that we know veterans; they are members of our families – grandfathers, fathers, mothers, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters. These brave men and women have served our country and defended the American way; they are responsible for the freedoms we enjoy. Mr. Lee concluded by sharing a message that the late Red Skelton shared years ago when he gave a definition of each of the words or phrases in our pledge. He challenged us to be mindful of what these words mean. 

Liberty High School appreciates our veterans and the sacrifices they and their families have made for us and for our great nation.

The 2010 Devilier, Liberty High School’s yearbook, is on sale RIGHT NOW! Yearbook staff members were on hand on Monday, November 9, in the Commons Area during all three lunches to take orders. They will be available again on Wednesday and Friday, November 11 and 13, to take orders and answer any questions students may have. Students and parents can also log on to www.jostensyearbooks.com to place an order online. Remember, “Yearbook is because of you, not about you!” Don’t miss out on having a yearbook on annual signing day in May! Order yours TODAY!!!

On Wednesday, November 4, members of Miss Trakas’ AP Biology class, Mr. Connington’s AP Psychology classes, and Mr. Kerwin’s Anatomy class traveled to Atlanta to experience two educational exhibits. Seventy-one students toured “BODIES… The Exhibition” – a “phenomenal exhibition about the amazing and complex machine we call the human body.” This exhibit features more than 250 real, whole and partial human body specimens providing an up-close look inside the skeletal, muscular, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory and other systems of the human body.  

Students also experienced “Dialog in the Dark – Your Senses Will Never Be The Same” – billed as the “greatest exhibit you will never see.” In this exhibit, visually impaired or blind tour guides led the students through different settings in absolute darkness. Students learned how to interact without sight by using their other senses. This experience is intended to change mindsets on disability and diversity, and increase tolerance.  

The students then ventured into downtown Atlanta to tour CNN’s global headquarters. (Click here for pictures!)

On Friday, November 6, a volunteer from the local United Christian Ministries food bank made a stop at Liberty High School to pick up over 500 pounds of donated non-perishable food items. These items were collected by the LHS Thespian Troupe as a part of the international community service project Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat: “Because hunger is a very scary thing.”  All those who donated five or more items “earned” the right to wear a costume on Friday, October 30. Pictured here are members of the LHS Thespian Troupe with the donated food. Click here for more pictures! 

The LHS Thespian Troupe and its sponsor Mrs. Toole would like to thank all those who participated in this project.

The School District of Pickens County is partnering with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to offer the H1N1 vaccine to students and employees at school-located clinics during the school day. The latest “Timely Topic for Parents” (Click here.) contains information is about these upcoming clinics.  Through this partnership between SDPC and DHEC, students will hopefully be able to take advantage of the vaccination campaign that is being encouraged across the nation in the effort to control the spread of the H1N1 virus.

Liberty High School’s Wendy’s High School Heisman Nominees for 2009 are Casey Reeves and Matt Whitworth.  They are recognized for their outstanding contributions in academics, athletics, and citizenship. Both are ranked near the top of their senior class and served as graduation marshals for the 2009 class.  Click here for more about Casey and Matt and their contributions to LHS and our community. 
 
We congratulate Casey and Matt on this honor!

This year the LHS Thespian Troupe is participating in the International Thespian Society’s community service project Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat: “Because hunger is a very scary thing.”  Non-perishable food items are being collected through Friday, October 30th, for United Christian Ministries’ food bank. To encourage participation by our students, any student who brings in five items to their Club One advisor by Wednesday, October 28th, will earn the opportunity to wear a costume to school on Friday, October 30. Costumes must follow dress code regulations; specific guidelines are included in the daily announcements. To view the video filmed by the LHS Thespian Troupe to publicize and promote this event, click here.

Beginning with decorating classroom doors, creating mini-floats, and making banners for Spirit Week and culminating with the crowning of the LHS Homecoming Queen and the homecoming game on Friday, October 16, Spirit Week at LHS was a great success.

Mr. Hiles’ Club One group placed first in the door-decorating contest; Mr. Kerwin’s Club One group, first in the banner contest; and Mrs. Hawkins’ Club One group, first in the mini-float contest. Torrey Lay was crowned Homecoming King at the Friday Pep Rally; Josh Seeton was crowned Homecoming Prince. Pictured are Amber Grayson, Homecoming Queen, and Samantha Crawford, Homecoming Maid of Honor. Click here for a look back at Homecoming Week at LHS. Thanks to everyone who made this week a great success! 

SGA welcomes your feedback on all the activities and festivities that took place last week. Feel free to log on to our web site and visit the SGA Homecoming Blog to offer your comments and suggestions!