The Liberty Christian varsity girls soccer team is set to participate in round one of the playoffs this Saturday, Feb. 4 in Houston. The Lady Warriors will take on the St. Agnes Academy Tigers at their home field. The game will feature a very strong attacking team from Houston against our tenacious and committed defending. The district 3 champion, St. Agnes Academy, earned the home field advantage by going undefeated and un-scored on during district play this season. We earned the spot in the playoffs by winning three of our final four games in district play! Our team rallied around our four seniors, Karly Evans, Emily Vick, Courtney Butler, and Caitlin Essex, to ensure they got to the playoffs all four years of their high school career. 

To compete in the strongest district in TAPPS girls soccer, we had to shift to a very defensive system of play in the last half of the season. The most challenging role in soccer is to be a shut down defender. The task requires sustained mental focus, physical play, and a heart that never quits on any play. Emily Vick and Mackenzie Millican have demonstrated the ability to disable the best attacking soccer players in the state! Emily uses her quickness, stepping into the path of the player, and great anticipation to prevent great players from making plays. Mackenzie utilizes her excellent speed and ability to separate the ball from the player to stop attacks. Against Hebron, ranked in the top 25 in Texas, Mackenzie hung tough against a physical player. Mackenzie endured repeated take downs, elbows, and a busted lip. She ended up having to change jerseys with another teammate to continue to play. Our defense has held the No. 5 team in the country to three goals in the first meeting and only two in our most recent game against Ursuline. 

To be successful against a varsity of attacking styles, our girls are required to play multiple positions. Our defense requires a sweeper that anticipates play and demonstrates the ability to stop scoring chances. Karly Evans, Kat Keith, and Sophie Standifer do a great job at the sweeper position. Lauren Stone and Hannah Albert do a great job at the stopper position and take our goal kicks. Erin Hoffman, Taylor Erwin, and Emily Johnson are defenders that work hard to win the ball and transition the ball to midfielders. Katie Markham did a super job in our first scrimmage, but suffered a season-ending knee injury in the process. She will complete the physical therapy and recover fully in the next few weeks. Miranda Lehman played goalkeeper during every district game. Miranda is a fabulous goalkeeper! She has quick hands, positions herself well, and makes amazing saves. Miranda also played stopper and outside midfielder this season. She has a powerful shot as well. 

The focus all season in our attack is to develop our ability to possess the ball. Coach Val Lunday is outstanding! He leads the team possession and finishing drills all season. Coach Val demonstrates and develops the team’s ability to control play by possessing the ball. Direct play with the talented defenses we face in district 1 is not as successful as it was in 4A. We trained the midfielders and strikers to focus on receiving and controlling the ball well with the first touch. The ability to receive, hold, or turn in one to two touches under pressure is key to success in soccer. Our central midfielders possess this ability. Karly Evans, Madeline Cordell, and Sophie Standifer demonstrate great touch, passing ability, and patience on the ball under extreme pressure. They quickly show for the ball when defenders take control. The midfielders transition play into the attacking third with combination play and superb passing. Brooke Stoermer, Ashley Jenkins, Caitlin Essex, Taylor Erwin, and Kat Keith have served as outside midfielders well. Our strikers are Courtney Butler, Caitlin Essex, Ashley Jenkins, Micah Lawler, and Annaliese Balli. Caitlin was selected as a first team all state offensive player last season and has six goals with four assists this season. Maddie, Ashley, and Brooke are also leading goal scorers for the Lady Warriors. 

To our Liberty families: Please be in prayer for healing and strength in the playoffs. Taylor Erwin is to undergo an MRI this week to determine the source of pain and swelling in her lower leg. Karly Evans tweaked an ankle against Ryan. Ashley is still recovering from muscle strains and abrasions. We give the Lord praise for healing Emily Vick this week! Emily reported having pain all day at a seven out of ten before the Ryan match. Emily is the spiritual strength and encourager of our team. She led many prayers and team devotionals. During the pregame devotional, Emily told me to take her off the starting lineup because of the pain and weakness. We laid hands on Emily and prayed in the name of Jesus for full restoration. We called on the power of the Holy Spirit and the love of our God as Jehovah Rapha. Jesus is our great physician who secured not only our salvation but our healing at His wounding, crucifixion, and resurrection. Just before warm up ended, Emily jogged up to me and said with a sparkle in her eye, “Coach…I’m good to go!” Praise the Lord! Emily frustrated Ryan’s leading goal scorer and held her to just a few scoring chances all game. Emily reported she was sore from the game, but the abdominal pain never returned the following day. We give great glory to our savior for healing Emily! We continue to seek the Lord and we face a challenging team from St. Agnes on Saturday. Nothing is impossible with faith in our Lord and a team that is united! I am honored and blessed beyond measure as coach of this fantastic group of student athletes from Liberty Christian School.

Best of Fair Winners (l-r): Jayden White, third place; Hailey Costin, second place; and Henry Harshfield, first place

Congratulations to Liberty Christian’s Middle School Science Fair winners! 

“We had a wonderful science fair,” said Heather Lytle, Science Department Chair.  “All category ribbon winners will advance to the Fort Worth Regional Science and Engineering Fair at UT Arlington later in February!” 

Best in Fair first place winner Henry Harshfield with his 7th grade science teacher, Barbara Snowden

First place in “Best of Fair” was awarded to Henry Harshfield, who competed in Animal Science; second place to Hailey Costin in Mathematics; and third place to Jayden White in Computer Science. 

Upper School student, sophomore Ben Menard, voluntarily entered the Middle School fair, as he did last year. He is a published researcher who will see his work in “Materials Research Innovations,” a journal for academic and industrial professionals that work in the areas of chemistry, physics, material science, and engineering.

Menard’s interest in science began at a young age. 

“My father always talks to me about how things work and why they work,” he said. “When I was little, he began taking me on frequent trips to his lab. 

Sophomore Ben Menard

“The excellent teaching I receive from Liberty’s entire science department has also continued my interest in science.” 

Menard wants to attend a college that has an excellent science program and pursue a doctorate. 

“I am very interested in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, and nuclear chemistry and engineering,” he said. “Long-term, I want to research things that will improve people’s lives and make the world a better place.” 

In addition to his project titled, “The Effects of Filler on Epoxy,” other science fair winners and the names of their projects include: 

Sixth Grade Projects 

First Place: Noah Goodwin, Corby Nitsch, and Matthew Reneau – “Power Balance: For Real or Fraud”

Second Place: Caroline Currin, Lizzy Shuey, and Anna Sitzes – “Music in Your Mind – Which Kind?”

Third Place: Grant Sawyer, Connor Stephens, and Noah Villarreal – “Magic Ball of Truth” 

Animal Science 

First Place: Kimber Reed – “Fish at Work”

Second Place: Lizzie Paulos – “Will Household Items Kill Ants?”

Third Place: Hannah Donald – “Shock of Hearts” 

Behavioral and Social Science 

First Place: Sydney Duininck – “Yellow, Green, Violet, or Red? Which One Stays in Your Head?”

Second Place: Sarai Harding – “Deadly Driving”

Third Place: McKenzie Manning – “What’s the Difference?” 

Biochemistry 

First Place: Kirie Psaromatis – “A Wrinkle in Time”

Second Place: Ryan Marko – “Gold to White Without Light”

Third Place: Jessica Taylor – “Pancakes! It’s What’s for Breakfast” 

Cellular and Molecular Biology 

First Place: Raegan Cole – “Meet Me Under the Fingerprint Tree”

Second Place: Brianna Lentz – “What’s With That Fingerprint?”

Third Place: Reagan Liddell – “Is Going Green Just as Clean?” 

Chemistry 

First Place: Lily Gresham – “Fingerprints in Temperature”

Second Place: Madeleine McMillan – “Get a Glove on It’

Third Place: Matthew Hulke – “Sweaty or Sweat-Free” 

Computer Science 

First Place: Elijah Parr – “RAM or Sham?”

Second Place: Rebekah Hand – “iPhone vs. iPod”

Third Place: Ben Lamont – “Video Games for Studying?” 

Earth Science 

First Place: Dane Currin – “Heated Up”

Second Place: Gracie Meek – “Gone with the Wind”

Third Place: Paul Barbaro – “Pool is Cool” 

Energy and Transportation 

First Place: Kennedy Collins – “Lubrication Nation”

Second Place: Blake Stoermer – “Wash It Out”

Third Place: Tyler Dondrea – “Stay Cool” 

Engineering: Electrical and Mechanical 

First Place: Ian Long – “Life or Death: You Choose”

Second Place: Luke Millican – “Portable Proficiency”

Third Place: Katelyne Halovanic – “Do You Have Dirty Carpet?” 

Engineering: Materials and Bioengineering 

First Place: Cameron Meath – “Domes for Homes”

Second Place: Brayden Dragoo – “That Was Slick!”

Third Place: Caleb Allison – “Molten Metals”

Environmental Management 

First Place: Dara Fuller – “Environmental Friendly Fire Retardant

Second Place: Ashleigh Clock – “Soil Erosion”

Third Place: Meagan Dealy – “Raidster” 

Environmental Science

First Place: Ben Pierce – “From Frog to Pollywog”

Second Place: Maddie Willet – “Butterfly Blossoms”

Third Place: Caleb Bridges – “Soil Organisms” 

Mathematics

First Place: Joey Marinello – “The Winning Combination”

Second Place: Connor Price – “Money, Money, Money”

Third Place: Coleman Fish – “Step-On” 

Medicine and Health 

First Place: Bella Manrique – “Vitamin, I ‘C’ You”

Second Place: Gracie Hundley – “Do You See What I See?”

Third Place: Jack Newland – “The Human Eye’s Best Friend” 

Microbiology 

First Place: Ashley Good – “Double-Dipping Danger”

Second Place: Sydney Goodson – “Stinky Locker”

Third Place: Elijah Elliott – “Want Germs Gone?” 

Physics and Astronomy  

First Place: Kylie Trost – “Splatter, Splatter, Does It Matter?”

Second Place: Simon Meek – “Smash, Crash, and Splash”

Third Place: Michael Becker – “Does the Temperature of the Zone Affect the Pitch of a Trombone?” 

Plant Science

First Place: Kaylee Tompkins – “Does Color Matter?”

Second Place: Shannon Russell – “What’s Your Favorite Color, Baby?”

Third Place: Caroline Sullivan – “Flower Power”

“I am so proud of Haylee!” said Key Club sponsor and teacher Kathy Hall. “Haylee has been an exemplary Key Club president, one of the best we have had in the 10 years I have sponsored the club.”   

Haylee will be responsible for supervising Key Clubs at 12 high schools in the Metroplex including Liberty Christian, Denton, Ryan, Guyer, Carroll, Grapevine, Krum, Colleyville Heritage, Sam Houston, Arlington, Lamar, and Martin. Her term begins in April and continues to April 2013.

Her duties will include visiting clubs, holding monthly President’s Council meetings with club officers for communication and training, attending district board meetings, serving on district committees, encouraging service through planning and implementing a divisional project, publishing monthly newsletters, and serving as a liaison between the local clubs and the district. 

“As Haylee assumes the duties of lieutenant governor, I am confident she will continue to lead with excellence,” Hall said.

“This year, by a margin of 500 points, Encore students were unstoppable in their talents throughout the entire weekend,” said Misty Baptiste, Fine Arts Department Chair.  

“This group of students is incredibly talented, dedicated, hardworking, and creative,” she said. “They deserve this honor more than words can say.” 

Liberty Christian students have competed in this tournament for more than a decade, and Baptiste said each year students develop their public speaking skills, as well as learn time and stress management. 

“These skills will be so beneficial to them throughout their lives,” she said. “They also see firsthand how much the Lord blesses hard work that is put into every activity.” 

Students will compete next at the TAPPS District Speech/Academic Contest hosted by Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas on Feb. 17 and 20.  Those that place in the top five at district will advance to the state tournament on March 30-31 at Concordia University in Austin. 

Individual Stone Gate winners include: 

Children’s Literature

Tournament Champion – Malyn Porter
Third place – Gabby Marye 

Duet Acting

Tournament Champion – Catherine Harrington and Benn Hawkins
Second place – Austin Mann and Emmy Edwards 

Group Improvisation

Tournament Champion – Ian Harber, Cole Carrick, Connor Devlin, and Bryan Gray
Second place – Ross Earley, Austin Mann, and Benn Hawkins 

Original Oratory

Tournament Champion – Ian Harber
Second place – Connor Devlin

 Persuasive Speaking

Tournament Champion – Cole Carrick 

Poetry Interpretation

Second place – Alexandra Stewart
Third place – Hannah Johnson 

Prose Interpretation

Tournament Champion – Emmy Edwards
Third place – Katelynn Pearson 

Reader’s Theatre

Tournament Champion – Cole Carrick, Hailey Vittrup, and Hannah Johnson 

Solo Acting

Tournament Champion – Catherine Harrington
Second place – Malyn Porter
Third place – Ross Earley

At the museum, students focused on the artistic movement from medieval art to Renaissance art, including techniques, tools, subject matter, and symbolism. Students then compared other modern day events that brought about changes in technology, literature, art, education, and entertainment that impacted their own lives. 

“Students learned how the Renaissance influenced education and the arts and sciences, and how that influence affected people politically, socially, and economically from the growing middle class of the 15^th century to modern times,” said Missy Sharp, history teacher. 

“Every year, the staff at the museum comment on how Liberty students are so engaged in the learning process through their questions, and the answers they provide to the docents’ questions. 

“I also have had students tell me that they’ll never see a museum the same way again.”

Part of preparation includes its Advanced Placement (AP) college-level courses that are offered at Liberty. 

“The Pre-AP and AP standards and rigor keep the academic expectations high for all students at Liberty,” said Ed Cook, Upper School principal. 

More than a fourth of the eligible student body is taking AP classes, and the benefits of taking AP classes far outweighs the extra workload. 

AP classes at Liberty are offered in English, U.S. History, Government, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer, and Art.

Choosing AP classes can set students apart, giving them a head start on their future. 

“AP classes allow students to learn at a higher level,” said Academic Advisor Toni King. “Most AP classes are taught like a college course. Students like to take AP classes to receive credit for the advanced work they have been doing by taking AP exams and receiving a successful grade of three or higher.” 

Each AP course concludes with a standardized exam scored by college professors and AP teachers, giving students an opportunity to receive credit for college courses and advanced placement upon entering college. 

By entering college with AP credits, students have the opportunity to move into upper-level courses in their field of interest more quickly, pursue a double major, or study abroad. 

Liberty’s academic counselors recommend students take one or two AP classes per semester based on the students’ aptitude, passion, and interest.

“AP classes challenge us in the subjects where we already excel,” said Austin Hudelson, senior and National Merit Commended Scholar. 

“After dedicating myself to an AP class and studying for the exam, I gained college credit, so I already have a head start in college,” he said. “It was worth taking the AP classes even when I did not score as well on the AP exams. When I take these classes in college, I will already know much of the material.” 

AP classes are hard work, but it is work that pays off. 

“I recommend AP classes because it provides challenging coursework and gives us a taste of what college classes will be like,” said Mitchell Heffington, senior.

Hudelson added, “In AP we go more in depth so that I can understand how these lessons apply to our world. Most importantly, I have gained insight into what career path I will choose for my future.” 

In addition to helping students find their career interests, the courses help improve students’ writing skills, sharpen their problem-solving abilities, and develop better study habits – skills that are vital to their success in college.

Senior Josh McAlister said, “AP classes have taught me to think critically through a variety of papers and other AP exercises. I’ve learned how to dig for information, detect and interpret an author’s points, and present ideas and thoughts clearly. AP courses have also taught me to communicate effectively.” 

Senior Lindsey Grigg added, “I have learned how to think on a deeper level in my AP classes. I have also improved my reading comprehension and time management skills. In addition, AP classes have taught me how to be a good writer and learn more effective ways to study.” 

The College Board wants students to notice the difference as soon as they walk into an AP classroom – in the teacher’s approach to the subject, in the attitude of their classmates, and in the way they begin to think. The board wants these AP classes to be a community of students and educators who are passionate, curious, and committed to academic excellence. 

AP teachers at Liberty receive additional training and attend AP conferences, and their classes are audited yearly to ensure the classes are meeting the guidelines set forth by the College Board. 

“We regularly send our Pre-AP and AP teachers to conferences to receive fresh ideas, learn preparation strategies for the AP exams, and get reinvigorated in their subject matter,” said Cook. “Some of the best high school and college instructors present on a wide variety of topics at these conferences. It is a very rewarding time for our teachers. 

“Since our Pre-AP and AP teachers also instruct our regular classes, they are sharing their ideas and inspiration with all students at Liberty, which helps keep the rigor in all of our classes.”

Teacher Kathi Melo said that in just the first week of school, students were already using what they had learned to communicate with people of the Spanish culture. 

“The joy this brought to the students was precious, that they were speaking in another language and were being understood,” she said. 

Melo said that it is a documented fact that beginning foreign language instruction at an earlier age also helps develop advanced levels of proficiencies in other languages and acceptance of other cultures. 

Her hope is that this class prepares them for missions someday as well.

“We are created specifically for a purpose, to share the Word of God and be a light of Jesus,” she said. “When students are equipped with the knowledge of God’s Word and are able to speak to a person in their language, imagine the lives we can change!  

“We are finding out that we do not have to travel very far to be a missionary; sometimes the opportunity is right in our own front yard.” 

She added that starting Spanish in the 8^th grade allows students to complete their language requirement early, which opens the door to take a variety of the new electives offered in the Upper School.

Third grade teacher Karina Smith said, “The most special part of creation is man. God made us in His image. People can think, love, and worship.” 

When the students were learning about the eye and its parts, Super Science teacher Jennifer Shoopman brought in real sheep eyes for the children to dissect and explore. Students were allowed to cut the eyeball, which was much harder than they expected it to be, and felt the hard lens and sifted through the rods and cones. Students saw that some of these sheep had poor eyesight, as their lenses were covered with cataract tissue. 

“It was a great hands-on extension of what we were exploring in our classroom,” Smith said. “It was so great to see the inner parts of the eye and how it helped the children grasp what was really inside their own eyes. The scripture in Psalm 139:14 came to life that says, ‘I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.’”  

Third grader Claudia Robinson added, “My favorite part of the dissection of the sheep eye was holding it. I saw the lens, pupil, clear jelly, and a pretty blue color that were the rods and cones. I learned a lot of things. It was fun and gross all at the same time!”

Third grader Parker Ford said, “It was so much fun. Some girls might think it’s gross, but not me! I love eyeballs. I want to do it again. My favorite part was taking it apart.”

Third grader Wyatt Chappel said, “This experiment was awesome! I love Super Science!”

“I love that cheerleading brings the school together,” Strickland said. “We support all sports and plan fun activities like pep rallies, fundraisers, spirit days, and contests to create a sense of excitement and energy within the school. 

“As a squad, we are always here for one another,” she said. “We are truly wonderful friends and love each other beyond cheerleading.” 

At camp this summer, the squad became award-winning as the girls won individual and team competitions. Strickland noted that the sport of cheerleading is unique in that it never has an offseason. 

“It requires a lot from the girls to juggle their school work and multiple activities outside of cheerleading,” Strickland said. 

Liberty’s cheerleaders have been very active over the years in philanthropy, and this year is no different. The girls are raising support for Hearts for Homes in Denton County that provides no-cost home repairs to low-income elderly homeowners. 

Strickland, who was a cheerleader for Southlake Carroll in high school, also coached at Trinity High School. 

“Coaching at Liberty is different because of the community and the support it receives from other coaches, faculty, staff, and parents. The cheerleaders themselves are incredibly responsible, creative, and talented.” 

Strickland and her husband, Todd, brought their three boys to Liberty five years ago.

“Because I have been a part of other school programs, I truly believe Liberty is as close to perfect as it gets. My family and I love it here.” 

One way the girls bond on the squad is through their team-led devotions. 

“Our devotions help us grow and support each other as we realize the true purpose in our lives is to walk with the Lord. 

“We rally around each other,” she said. “Liberty has a challenging academic curriculum, and all of the coaches have high standards set for all of the athletes here. Our girls are surrounded by incredible leaders, and they are destined for success!”

Students researched all of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and wrote research papers on each one. They then created a model of one of the wonders and presented to the class what they learned from the project. 

“Students learned about the development of civilization as they studied these structures,” said teacher Missy Sharp. Students also learned how bravery and imaginations are necessary for great accomplishments.” 

This year, one student wrote 791 lines of computer code to create a program model of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus; other students made wooden or ceramic Lighthouses of Alexandria; and another made an edible version of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. 

Students focused on how modern structures have been influenced by the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. For instance, the glass pyramid at the Paris Louvre Art Museum was influenced by the Pyramids of Giza; the Masonic Lodge in Washington, D.C., from the influence of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus; the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., from the influence of the Statue of Zeus at Olympia; the Statue of Liberty in New York from the influence of the Colossus of Rhodes; and lighthouses around the world from the influence of the Lighthouse of Alexandria.

“Students get very excited about this annual project,” said Sharp. “It never fails that I will have students from previous years ask when the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World projects are going to be due.”

“I want my students to experience the joy that playing a musical instrument provides,” he said.

Racina teaches in the music lab, where students are provided a piano keyboard that is connected to a computer filled with exceptional music software. Each student is guided through the “Children’s Music Journey” and “Piano Suite.”

The Mozart Effect asserts, “In an instant, music can uplift our soul. It awakens within us the spirit of prayer, compassion, and love. It clears our minds and has been known to make us smarter.” 

Music is a valued part of culture; it is a birthright of every child. In addition, learning music in school contributes to student achievement in four important categories: 

• Success in society
• Success in school and learning   
• Success in developing intelligence
• Success in life 

Recently one of Racina’s first grade students, Julia Howell, asked if she could play “Heart and Soul” in class.  

“She played so well that I asked her to play for the entire class,” he explained. “Her sense of rhythm was so awesome that I couldn’t wait to pick up my flute and jam along with her.” 

Racina is grateful to those who made the music lab a reality. In his lab, students have fun learning the fundamentals of music while moving through the material at their own rate of speed. 

“Every so often, students hear me perform for them on my clarinet, saxophone, or flute. Students who take piano lessons are also encouraged to play for their classmates,” he said.  

At Liberty, we are interested in the whole child. Our Fine Arts program will continue to be strong because it develops our students intellectually, spiritually, and relationally so that they will succeed at Liberty and beyond.

After the students listened to these selections, they answered questions like, “What song lit a fire in my heart?” and “What song touched my feelings and made me happy or sad?” 

Students then had time to listen to worship music and write a prayer request or a prayer of thanksgiving to God for what He has done in their lives. 

“The students’ reactions were priceless,” said Lower School Fine Arts teacher Christy Besett. “The creativity shown from their artwork and the sincerity and depth of their letters to God glorified Him.”

Student responses included: 

• “Dear God, thank you for giving your only Son and all He went through for us all. I love you so much.”
• “Dear God, we all lift you up and praise you. Thank you for everything you have done for us. I hope everyone follows your path. We love you, Lord. Thank you for a roof over my head, food on our table, a house, a bed, and clothes.”
• “Dear God, I love you so much! Thank you for loving and helping me through all of the tough times. When I’m said, I pray and think of you, Lord! You are my Savior. I trust in you! Thank you for loving me and blessing me. Thank you for my family. Thank you for my school where I can pray to you. You are my everything.”
• “I’m sorry for my sins. I thank you for dying on the cross for me. I love you.” 

Besett said this exercise was a powerful lesson in music. 

She said, “Music penetrates our soul, mind, and spirit on every level. An increased awareness of this fact adds so much to the richness of life, recognizing the blessing of music as a gift in our own lives and in our relationship with God. Every perfect gift is from Him. 

“This was a memorable lesson, and another testimony of the power of music. To God be the glory.”

She said, “Conversely, Liberty has made a commitment to grow its fine arts program. LCS graduates will continue to be very competitive in university applications and future job markets that put a premium on creative and resourceful thinking.” 

That creative and resourceful thinking is what Villarreal wants to ensure her students gain from her class. 

“There is well-established evidence that art improves critical thinking skills,” she said. “Students are encouraged to think outside the box, take risks, and evaluate unsuccessful attempts as foundations for future successes. Art fosters persistence and strengthens a student’s time management and planning skills. Art makes students more aware of the value of craftsmanship, caring enough to go slowly and do it right. 

“These are all skills that transfer into more successful and enriched living.” 

In Art I, her goal is to provide a firm foundation on the basics, like elements and principle of design, drawing, and painting, with a sprinkle of art history. 

“I believe that virtually anyone can learn to draw,” Villarreal said. “The key is for students to develop their observation skills and truly see what they are attempting to draw. In some of my early discussions with fellow teacher Joanna Mann, I learned of a book written about this concept – ‘Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain’ by Betty Edwards. I find using this book very effective in helping students to overturn their own preconceived ideas about their artistic abilities.” 

Last fall, Villarreal’s students concentrated on drawing, and at Christmas, studied art history. In the spring, students will continue with color theory and water color, and conclude the year with a 3D project. 

Villarreal graduated from Texas Women’s University with more than 70 hours in art and a degree in interior design. She realized as early as elementary school that art was something she loved. She said she was lucky enough to have wonderful teachers in Middle and Upper School who grounded her in drawing and painting. 

The teachers she had growing up, along with her degree and experience, will help her in this current endeavor, to create masterpieces in the students she teaches, giving them a fundamental understanding of art that will serve them for the rest of their lives.

“This year marks the seventh for the program, but it was Liberty’s first year to participate,” said Mandy Welton, Lower School art teacher. 

“We spent two class days working on four- and five-pointed pinwheels, and on the International Day of Peace, students chose where to display their pinwheels in the Lower School hallway as a symbol of peace.” 

Welton talked to her class about how to find ultimate peace, which is through Jesus. 

“In John 14:27, the Bible says, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid,’ and this verse of Jesus’ is a great verse to learn and apply early in our lives,” she said. 

Interesting to note is that the symbol for the International Day of Peace is a dove. When Christians think of a dove, they are reminded of Mark 1:9–11 that says, “At the time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’” 

Students received individual certificates to show their participation in the event.

Pinwheels for Peace is an art installation project started in 2005 by two art teachers from Coconut Creek, Fla., as a way for their students to express their feelings about the events in the world and in their lives. The project was quickly embraced by their students and the entire school community and by millions of art teachers, teachers, parents, children and adults who desire peace in the world. 

Welton said, “I plan to make this project a yearly tradition with my fifth grade students.”

“In junior high, I built my own ski sharpening system. I was ecstatic to take classes that taught me how to draft my ideas, as well as how to construct my ‘mad scientist’ projects. I am excited to have the opportunity to start a new generation on the road to being the next engineers.” 

Middle School Robotics was created to give students hands-on experience building things using their science background, with the specific intent to spark an interest for science, technology, and engineering. 

“We wanted to create a class that would be fun, project based, and allow for maximum interaction between students and their own creative ingenuity,” said Dragoo. “I want them to think outside the box. Of course there is something to be said for following the instructions, but it is even more exciting when a student makes a project better by using the same parts differently than the instructions described.” 

Dragoo said that earlier last semester, students completed a remote control boat project. Their next project is a solar boiler that will provide enough steam to run a 1 horsepower steam engine. 

“With the solar boiler, we are learning about thermodynamics, surface area, Celsius temperature scale, and most importantly the astronomy of the sun,” he said. “Our next project will be learning how to fly small scale indoor planes.” 

Dragoo said robotics is the most fun he has ever had teaching a class. 

“I love seeing students’ eyes light up when they understand why their car works as it does,” he said. “It’s the simple everyday things I try to use as examples. I am trying to convey to students that science is everywhere. It surrounds us even when we don’t think about it. All we have to do is understand some basic rules of physics to use it to our benefit.”

Topics in the class include: 

• Critical thinking
• Effectively using planners
• Cornell method of note taking
• Listening skills
• Goal setting and the importance of having a vision for the future
• Personal finance, budgets, credit cards, staying out of debt, and compound interest
• Healthy choices, healthy food, and exercise
• The pros and cons of social networking, Facebook, texting, and e-mails
• Etiquette, first impressions, clear speech, and reputation 

Recently, students focused on their future and talked about how important it was to have a plan. 

“We discussed how right now is the time to start that plan,” Rames said. 

The students identified a goal they had for their future, whether it was in sports, college, or career, and they created a representation of that goal. 

“The students amazed me with their ideas. They were so creative and did such a great job portraying what they see for their future,” Rames said.

Students then studied personal finance for two weeks, which included how to balance a checkbook, what a credit score was, what compound interest was, and how it related to the time value of money. 

“In this unit, students were given a career card with a set income and participated in an exercise where they created a budget, chose housing and a vehicle, as well as have many other choices about how to spend their money wisely,” she said.

Rames recently moved from Arizona and is in her first year at Liberty. She brings with her 15 years of teaching experience, with a break in the middle to stay at home with her daughters, who are now seventh and ninth graders at Liberty. 

“I love the curriculum I’m teaching, and I feel so incredibly blessed to teach here,” she said. 

With the topics she covers in class, Liberty sixth graders will be equipped with many skills necessary for success in the classroom and in life.

English teacher Claire Batey said she is teaching her Pre-AP students to “think outside the box” as she exposes them to an accelerated curriculum and workload, while creating an environment that enhances higher level thinking skills. 

Batey, in her 29^th year of teaching, attended an AP English conference at TCU with other English teachers from Liberty last summer, and was encouraged that many of the things she learned there were already in place at Liberty. 

“The conference was extremely helpful and insightful,” Batey said. “Many of the ideas shared there challenged me to stretch our Pre-AP students beyond the regular classroom expectations. The conference was resplendent with innovative ideas to use in the classroom. I believe in holding the bar high so that students can reach their full potential.” 

She added that 4MAT at Liberty has also been a great addition to enhance lessons in Pre-AP. 

“In Pre-AP English, my goal is to challenge students and encourage them to be great thinkers for our Lord,” she said. “The future will demand this of them.” 

Zak Bowles teaches Pre-AP history with the goal of preparing students for the courses they will take in Upper School and college. 

“I want my Pre-AP students to understand historical concepts and not just historical trivia answers,” he said. 

He is also incorporating more essays on homework assignments and tests. 

“The essay portion of the class and our discussions are taking it to the next level because we are getting past the memorization of facts and into critical thinking,” he said. 

Bowles, a 2003 graduate of Liberty, said, “As a freshman in college, I realized how prepared I was because of Liberty. I was way ahead of many of the students in my college classrooms. 

“In my college history classes, all of our tests were essays. Our students at Liberty will know how to write essays and form their own opinions in an intelligent manner.” 

The Pre-AP math class in eighth grade counts as an Upper School credit. Pre-AP math teacher Patrice Bowles said, “Pre-AP math is a wonderful opportunity for the gifted eighth grade students. It moves at a faster pace and goes more in depth with concepts. It also challenges these students with a greater level of difficulty and provides an important foundation for all other future math classes these students will take.”

“In preparing our students for a college environment, we felt it was very important to have students exposed to Macs,” said Tom Shiflet, director of Technology. “It is critical for students to have hands-on experience with as many different computer types as possible to make them more comfortable in any work or study environment.” 

Any teacher at Liberty can reserve the Mac lab. It is most often used for research papers in English or history classes. Science classes also use the lab as an additional resource for specific software relating to a lab they are completing in science. 

Shiflet said all of the projects in the technology department are aimed at one of two goals. 

“Primarily, we want to enhance student learning in the subjects they are studying now and help teachers be more effective in their missions,” he said. 

“If a project fulfills that primary objective, our secondary objective is to provide exposure to a variety of hardware and software that will prepare students for anything they may run into in college or in the workplace.”

The Spirit Team in Liberty's early days in Argyle

A Liberty dad more than a decade ago had an idea for a cheer and dance team for Middle School girls that had no tryouts. He met with Dr. Haire, and the Spirit Team became reality. 

This year’s team is a group of 27 girls who have complementary skills and are committed to a common purpose of cheering and dancing in support of various Middle School athletic teams. 

“To be successful, the girls are developing determination, strength, friendship, and trust,” said Julie Price, director. 

During the year, the girls work on team building by: 

• Sharing common goals
• Giving their best effort
• Respecting each other’s differences
• Trusting each member’s skills 

“It is a wonderful year full of hard work and lots of fun,” said Price. “We have a wonderful sisterhood program that allows the girls to get to know each other. Through this program, the girls build bonds and encourage each other through exchanging letters and notes, favorite scriptures, and small gifts. 

“It is a second family for most of the girls – a place to call home at Liberty.”

“Warriors in the Zone” was held during a big district football game win in the fall and was sponsored by Frost Bank. More than 325 Liberty parents and community members enjoyed festivities that included a catered dinner, access to the end zone, Frost Bank giveaways, and tons of family, fun, and friends. 

See you next year at the “Warriors in the Zone” tailgate!

Volunteering is a great way to stay connected with the school, meet other families, and get to know students and teachers. Liberty is grateful for its many volunteers who assist in making the school the best it can be. 

Partners Through Faith (PTF) hosts volunteer days when Liberty parents and grandparents come to school and select a project they are interested in tackling. These days are full of fun and fellowship! 

On these days, volunteers provide helpful support for teachers and coaches in academics, fine arts, and athletics. These volunteer days are a huge blessing to the Liberty community. 

At Liberty, all staff, parents, alumni, and grandparents are considered members of PTF. The PTF mission is “to serve students, staff, and parents by promoting fellowship and volunteerism.” PTF strives to build strong partnerships and serve the Liberty community, supporting each other through faith.

To see the PTF calendar events for the year and get involved, click here.

 “Soon Dr. Haire acquired a field next to the school building, and we went to work clearing it,” said Patrice Bowles, teacher and former cheer sponsor. 

“We worked tirelessly all summer to get it smooth and level enough to seed it with grass,” Bowles said. “When the field actually became a football field, the cheerleaders got busy, and the pep rallies began.” 

In those early years of the school, the student body gathered at the end of the school day on three sides of the old gym tile floor. 

“We didn’t have bleachers back then, so students sat on the stage, on the floor, or in the folding chairs at the back,” she said. “The cheerleaders performed, and our youth pastor, Lance White, created the funniest skits. There was no band or dance team yet … they were coming.” 

Bowles said that the year before she took over as cheerleader sponsor in 1999, Julie Price was hired and led both the cheerleaders and the dance team, which had been called the LaBelles.

 “The LaBelles went from a military style drill team to a totally different style of dance team that still exists in the DanzTeam today,” Bowles said. 

The spirit stick contest soon began and continued for many years. Videos also became a part of the rallies. 

“Our first video themed pep rally was also the very first black light homecoming pep rally, where the cheerleaders and DanzTeam dress in glow-in-the-dark costumes and perform,” she said. “It was a huge hit with everybody. After that, Matt Habern, who was a student at the time, began taking film of the team and making a highlight video. The football team loved to watch these, and it has continued ever since.” 

The fight song came about in the early 1990s when school administrator Dr. Martin Noto composed the original lyrics and suggested the melody along with another teacher.   

“We had a CD that played the alma mater until Liberty built a band program,” Bowles said. “Having a band play the song was a really big deal back then.” 

She said the alma mater got its own banner for the old gymnasium so students could learn the words and sing along at the conclusion of every pep rally. The tradition of hands waving in the shape of an “L” for Liberty began around 2001. 

Other traditions that have stayed over the years include decorating the halls for homecoming, beginning the pep rally with the fight song, having the football team walk into a screaming crowd, announcing other sports and their important highlights, and hanging up the “run through” sign on the wall of the gym for the pep rally. In the early years, the cheerleaders always spent the night at the school the Thursday night before Friday’s homecoming, and they still do that today. 

Two pep rallies from the Denton campus were televised and became known as the infamous “Alarm Clock Pep Rallies” on Channel 8. 

 “We were selected to do one of the 12 area pep rallies that were featured on TV for the year … at 6 a.m.,” Bowles said. “The gym at the old campus was absolutely packed to the brim with students and fans who were yelling and screaming at 6 a.m. for about 45 minutes!  

“The next year we were asked to do it again by Channel 8 because we had the very best, most spirited school the station had ever seen.” 

Because of Fox 4’s visit to Liberty this past October, the school can now boast of three televised pep rallies. 

In the midst of all of the festivity, tradition, and memories, Bowles said her favorite thing about Liberty pep rallies is praying together as a school at the conclusion of every one. 

“I love how students, faculty, and parents in the crowd put their arms around the people standing next to them to pray at the end of the pep rally,” she said. “That’s a tradition you don’t see at every school. To me this shows how Liberty is like a big, loving family.”

In addition to offering a networking breakfast, all Liberty families may register their business or search for a Liberty family who provides a service in the online business directory. This program allows Liberty families to utilize other Liberty families for services such as real estate, construction, roofing, legal services, health care, pest control, insurance, retail, and so much more. 

The next meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 8:30 a.m.  

Additional information and registration for the next meeting are located at www.LibertyChristian.com/LBC.

The “Advantage” began this year, and students who are a part of this rowdy crowd sit together at games, wear their best navy and gray attire, and travel to away games together on a bus. The Advantage is another way students are building friendships and having fun cheering for the Warriors. 

Students also compete for the loudest fan and best spirit wear in hopes of winning a free gift card to one of their favorite stores.

Students built rockets, explored reptiles, and saw gravity in action through zip lines. They were challenged in ropes courses and encouraged spiritually through devotionals and praise and worship.

When alumna Stephani Sterrett was president of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) last year, she wanted to create a place to meet outside and pray for students and their concerns. The officers embraced the idea and wanted it to be lighted at night so that when students leave a Liberty event, they would see the tree and be reminded to pray for their peers and their school. 

“Max Merriman, now a junior, took on the landscaping around the tree as his Eagle Scout project. We are so pleased with the end result,” said Vickie Morgan, teacher and SADD sponsor. 

Merriman designed a circle of flagstone around the prayer tree to symbolize unity in Christ. There are several select stones engraved with scriptures that were chosen by SADD. One stone includes a quote from a beloved Liberty coach and teacher, Richard Scofield. Four stone benches completed the prayer garden, donated by the 2011 graduating class. 

“I hope the Tree of Light will offer a place to reflect and pray,” Merriman said. 

Some Bible classes have met at the tree, and SADD meets there on the first and third Wednesday of each month before school. 

“Our hope is for students to realize the power of prayer and faith in our Mighty God,” said Morgan. “Through prayer, we hope our students will continually develop a more intimate relationship with Christ and have a heart for their peers.”

In the academy, students are gaining valuable life skills and tools that will be applicable in college.  

As the year progresses, each student in the academy will complete the guided journal, “Leading from the Lockers” by John C. Maxwell, and in the book, topics include the importance of integrity, how to develop a vision and set goals, ways to prioritize and organize, why attitude is crucial, tips on relationship-building, ways to solve problems, and how to make personal changes and take control in life. 

Academy sponsors include Liberty teachers Sarah Burke, Lance Burroughs, Steve Cook, and Rhonda Smith.

Cook said, “Our goal is to impress upon these freshmen and sophomores the importance of being a leader in our country today. We hope to pass along important leadership skills and reveal ways to serve in many arenas.”  

The organization meets once a month, at which time students discuss the book, practice leadership skills in various ways, and glean valuable information from guest speakers. Burke said, “Using their natural abilities and talents, students will become effective leaders for any club, team, and ultimately for the kingdom of God.” 

Students also perform service hours each quarter. These opportunities place the students in situations to give them practice in stepping up to the challenge of becoming leaders. 

Burroughs said, “To be leaders, we are commanded to be a follower of the greatest leader to ever walk this earth, our Lord Jesus Christ. Over the next few months, faculty and students alike will follow Christ’s example of leadership, and take that truth to people at Liberty and to the communities in which we live.” 

Within two weeks after the Leadership Academy held its first meeting, more than 20 students at Liberty joined with eight other Christian schools in the area to participate in Dallas Baptist University’s Christian Leadership Institute. 

“Students were part of a great experience in becoming leaders of tomorrow,” Smith said.

The topic of the DBU institute was “Servant Leadership: Leading with your Heart, Head, and Hands.” 

Students learned about vision, courage, perseverance, and love, which were four components taught at the institute.

Toni King, Upper School academic advisor, said, “It was truly an amazing day filled with biblical references to support leadership. Liberty students will become great servant leaders by attending events like DBU’s Christian Leadership Institute.” 

Developing Christian leaders in today’s society is of utmost importance. Proverbs 29:2 states, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.” The goal of Liberty’s Leadership Academy is to prepare young people to follow the Lord and step up to the challenges placed before them in leading their schools, churches, and nation.

The Special Warrior Assistant Team consists of only six members, and this group of five men and one woman are busy every day helping to make sure every student’s experience at Liberty is a spectacular one. 

The team is led by Maintenance Supervisor Roy Robertson, who worked for the contractor that built the Argyle campus in 2005 and was offered a permanent position at Liberty after the construction was completed. He knows this campus inside and out and saw it being built from the ground up. 

“I love my job, and I thank God for making a home for me here,” he said. 

The SWAT team consists of Rick Adams, Kristi Ibarra, Andrew Robinson, Ricardo Sanchez, Avery Smith, and Luke Zimmerman. 

Rick Adams, who also teaches Bible and is the drummer for the Lower School chapel praise band, said he finds it rewarding to work at Liberty. 

“I get to be involved in something bigger than me and something that will outlast me,” he said. “Having the opportunity to sow into young lives for eternity and help further the kingdom of God are the only things that matter, and it thrills and humbles me that God has allowed me the chance to be a part of His plan.” 

Andy Robinson, a carpenter, remodeler, and home builder, said, “I feel like I am doing the Lord’s work here for His children.”

Avery Smith added, “Serving others is my focus here. This is the only job I have had where I have been able to pray with others when there is a need.” 

Robertson said his favorite thing about Liberty is the feeling of family. “God’s love radiates through every part of this campus,” he said. “I’m reminded daily of how very blessed I am to be a part of it.”

“I absolutely love teaching science to our youngest generation,” said Shepherd. “In my class, we explore our world and enjoy hands-on experiments to inspire our students to love science.” 

In this new class to ECE, Super Science seeks to expand students’ understanding of science and provide them with a solid foundation. 

“I pray Super Science will be a fun and interesting time that the children will look forward to throughout the year,” she said. “I want them to begin to look at all of God’s creations as intricate and beautiful aspects of life.”   

Some of the science concepts she is teaching to preschoolers and pre-kindergartners include: 

• Magnets – exhibit items that are attracted and not attracted to magnets, which helps children learn characteristics of magnetic items.
• Blow the Man Down – show students how air is real and takes up space, even though it cannot be seen or touched.
• Egg in a Bottle – display to students how air pressure works
• Dancing Raisins – demonstrate what carbon dioxide is and what happens when it is created
• Volcano Creations – show how different substances react when added together
• Sink and Float – describe the properties of flotation and absorption
• Swirling Colors – reveal how colors mix together to make new colors, which helps children learn their primary and secondary colors
• Plants and Animals – demonstrate what plants need to grow, plant properties, and animals and their characteristics 

Shepherd said, “I want all of my students to learn that God is one with science. I also want them to begin to ask questions about how things work and the reasoning behind it. Asking questions and finding answers is what science is all about!”