Liberty teachers Ruthie Quam and Claire Batey began preparing students for this competition when fellow teacher Debra Cook, who has seen juniors place and win this competition in previous years, invited Quam and Batey to include Liberty’s younger students.

For Liberty to take nine out of the 10 places was an amazing feat. Quam said her students compete in three to four writing contests a year, but this one was unique because finalists must memorize and present their poems before an audience and a panel of judges.

“Speaking in front of a group is a great life skill and competing gives students confidence in their writing and speaking abilities,” she said.

Quam felt that one of the reasons Liberty did so well was an assignment her students complete every year.

“My students have a large poetry project due in the spring. They spend one day each week learning about a different type of poetry and then writing it,” she said. “At the end of the project, they put together an illustrated book of their own poetry. This poetry project offers students a chance to express themselves in a different way. I am always impressed by their creativity.”

This cowboy gathering and festival is named after Red Steagall, the Poet Laureate of Texas in 2006. Steagall said that he hoped everyone who attended the event would return home with a new perspective on true western living. 

“I loved hearing Red Steagall speak,” Quam said. “He has such a passion for our youth and our Texas heritage. At present date, he has awarded more than $500,000 to students through this contest and two others.”

The other Liberty finalists were Savannah Cothes , Braden Garoutte, Hugh Jeffery, Katie Smith, Grace Stinson, Taylor Thompson, and Brandon Wayman.

At the college fair, students meet and connect with many colleges and universities. Last year, juniors met with college representatives, and many were introduced to schools that they had not previously considered as college options. The excitement created through the college fair energized the junior class. As a result, 26 percent of these students have already received acceptance letters.

Toni King, academic advisor, said, “We are so proud of all of our students and their achievements. We are excited to see God opening doors and leading students to pursue their college dreams.”

Approximately 125 colleges and universities, as well as service academies like West Point, will be represented. Four other private high schools are also bringing more than 100 of their students to the fair.

Held each year in September, the LCS College Fair allows juniors and seniors time to discover colleges of interest, and ultimately, plan for their future. Sophomores can also attend the fair if accompanied by a parent.

King said “Without leaving school, students have the opportunity at the fair to meet with representatives from top colleges across the nation. It puts the colleges at their fingertips. Our goal is for Liberty students to find the college ‘fit’ for their future. The fair opens their eyes to the realm of possibilities,” she said.

Liberty’s National Merit Scholar for 2011, Ty Dunlap, was announced at Liberty’s convocation on May 18. Dunlap, the TAPPS 5A state champion in golf, received a full scholarship from Texas A&M, where he will be in A&M’s business honors program and play for its NCAA No. 1 ranked golf team. Out of the 1.5 million students who enter National Merit Scholarship Program, only approximately 8,400 are chosen as National Merit Scholars. Liberty is honored to have Dunlap as its fourth National Merit Scholar since Liberty was established in 1983. 

Additionally, congratulations to these outstanding students who received the following awards: 

Appointment to West Point: Madison Oliver

Boys State: Hunter Dansby, Colby Edson, Bryce Garoutte, Eric Anthony Heidelman, and Justin Woodall

Our God and Country Award: Savannah Ewing and Carson Lynch

The Daughters of the America Revolution Good Citizen Award: Jared Sutter

Argyle Chamber of Commerce Scholarship: Pres McKissack

Denton Charles Dickens Fellowship Essay Awards: Brooke Morrissy, Sarah Jaderlund, Amanda Doyle, and Tricia Tiedt

Distinguished Service Award: Max Merriman

Student of the Year: Hunter Dansby

The Joshua Award given for exemplary Christian character: Lizzy Cook and Justin Woodall

Principal’s Leadership Award: Tiffany Sheffield

Servant Heart Award: Lauren Lundblade

Outstanding Achievement in Bible: Lizzy Cook

Outstanding Achievement in Career and Technology: Justin Woodall

Outstanding Achievement in English: Marisa Rinkevich

Outstanding Achievement in Fine Arts: Tiffany Sheffield

Outstanding Achievement in Foreign Language: Ashley Summy

Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics: Hunter Dansby

Outstanding Achievement in Science: Austin Hudelson

Outstanding Achievement in Social Studies: Marisa Rinkevich 

Liberty honored ninth grade English teacher Ruthie Quam with the Golden Apple Award for excellence in teaching. 

For straight A grades for the first three quarters in the 2010–2011 school year, Liberty recognized five seniors, nine juniors, 20 sophomores, 20 freshmen, 16 eighth graders, 43 seventh graders, and 17 sixth graders. 

Congratulations to these students, as well as the top in class awards that were announced that evening. 

English teacher Nancy Perry said, “I asked the students to focus on teaching their classmates something new and meaningful about the culture of the times to enrich our understanding of the novel setting and characters. Their preparation paid off as they enthusiastically and confidently shared their knowledge.”  

Working with partners, students shared and documented research, developed an outline, and prepared a visual aide, culminating in a presentation for the class.  Some of the topics included were the Sea of Galilee, the Zealots and Essenes, common trades and occupations in the time of Jesus, clothing, food, Roman weapons, the lifestyle of a Roman soldier, the Passover, and the role of livestock.  

“The presentations were an enlightening, fun way to top off the novel,” added Perry.

In the essay/poetry writing portion of the contest, Liberty juniors Alexandra McMillan won first place, Josh McAlister won second, and Maile Curbo won third. 

Many literary works were created to humanize the history of the Holocaust and to deepen society’s understanding of this event. These creations included primary and secondary source writings, allowing people to consider the multitude of experiences during the Holocaust. Diaries, memoires, poetry, fiction, and non-fiction works were all created to develop understandings of the Holocaust. 

In their entries, students considered how a selected piece or pieces of Holocaust literature helped them understand Holocaust experiences more clearly. Whether selecting one piece or comparing several pieces, students depicted in their entries how the literature deepened their own and society’s understandings of the Holocaust and how the selection challenges society today.

Twenty-two Liberty students who advanced from district competition combined their talents and efforts and tied for second in state at the TAPPS Academic Competition held the first weekend in April. 

“Liberty students have done it again!” said Misty Baptiste, fine arts department chair. “This is a truly amazing feat in our first year in the largest division in TAPPS. 

“I could not be more proud and excited. A special thanks goes to teachers Debra Cook, Becky Shirley, Marshall Surratt, Missy Sharp, Kathy Hall, Steve Cook, Kirk Holland, and Rhonda Smith, who spent time and energy preparing these students and traveling to contests.”  

The individual results from the state meet are as follows: 

Prose Interpretation – Catherine Harrington – Fifth Place
Persuasive Speaking – Colby Edson – Fourth Place, and Nick Edwards – Sixth Place
Yearbook – Third Place
Current Events – Logan McDivitt – Third Place
Solo Acting – Catherine Harrington – State Champion, and Malyn Porter – Fifth Place
Social Studies – Chris Svatik – Third Place
Spanish – Maria Manrique – Tied for Second Place
Duet Acting – Catherine Harrington and Austin Mann – Fifth Place, and Malyn Porter and Ryan Wilkerson – Sixth Place
Original Oratory – Tiffany Sheffield – Second Place, and Colby Edson – Fourth Place

“Liberty students competed extremely well and had their best results ever,” said Misty Baptiste, fine arts department chair. 

Overall, Liberty students finished second in the elementary division and third in the middle school division.  

Liberty’s Lower School Vice Principal Marcy Nicklas said, “I am so pleased with the wonderful results of Liberty’s PSIA competition and so proud of all of the students who participated in events ranging from storytelling and creative writing to number sense and maps, graphs, and charts! 

“This great outcome is a beautiful result of hard work combined with the talents of these excellent students, as well as the support of their parents and teachers. Well done!” 

Overall, Liberty students placed first in 10 contests, and 18 qualified for state, which will be held at TCU on April 30. 

Baptiste added, “Congratulations again to all of our students. God has brought so much talent to Liberty in so many ways.” 

The following is a list of the individual results from the contest.

Art Memory – Fourth and Fifth Grades
Third Place (First alternate) – Sabrina Simms
Fourth Place – Chris Howells

Calculator Applications – Sixth – Eighth Grades
Fifth Place – Savannah  Cothes

Creative Writing – First Grade
Third Place (Second alternate) – Addy Baker

Creative Writing – Second Grade
First Place – Kate Duininck*
Sixth Place – Isabella Whitmore

Dictionary Skills – Fourth and Fifth Grades
Third Place (First alternate) – Hannah Johnson
Fourth Place – Saylor Snowden
Sixth Place – Kate Stidham

Dictionary Skills – Sixth – Eighth Grades
First Place – Marissa Finch*
Second Place – Abbie Fowler*
Third Place (First alternate) – Breann Smith

Impromptu Speaking – Seventh and Eighth Grades
Third Place (First alternate) – Connor Price 

Listening Skills – Fourth and Fifth Grades
First Place – Grant Widyn*
Fourth Place – Sammie Wuensche
Fifth Place – Matthew Reneau

Listening Skills – Sixth – Eighth Grades
First Place – Andrew Fleming*
Sixth Place – Abbie Fowler

Maps, Graphs, and Charts – Fourth Grade
Third Place (First alternate) – Ashley Howard
Fifth Place – Gabriel Graves

Maps, Graphs, and Charts – Fifth Grade
First Place – Cole Shiflet*
Second Place – Braedon Gunn*

Maps, Graphs, and Charts – Seventh Grade
Sixth Place – Kirie Psaromatis 

Mathematics – Fourth Grade
Fourth Place – Halle Duininck
Fifth Place – Rebekah Fife

Mathematics – Fifth Grade
Second Place – Cole Collins*
Third Place (First alternate) – Rugby Scruggs
Fifth Place – Carlton Briscoe

Mathematics – Seventh Grade
First Place – Kirie Psaromatis*
Second Place – Joe Marinello*

Mathematics – Eighth Grade
Fifth Place – Hunter Snowden 

Music Memory – Fourth Grade
Third Place – Clarissa Robison
Fifth Place – Olivia Donegan

Music Memory – Fifth Grade
Third Place – Ana Sitzes
Fourth Place – Saylor Snowden

Music Memory – Sixth Grade
Second Place (First alternate) – Dillon Lewis 

Number Sense – Fourth Grade
Fifth Place – Braedon Lindsey 

Number Sense – Fifth Grade
Fifth Place – Addison Heaton
Sixth Place – Kennedy Irwin

Number Sense – Seventh Grade
Fourth Place – Emily Earley
Sixth Place – Madeleine McMillan

Number Sense – Eighth Grade
Fourth Place – Marissa Finch

On-Site Drawing – Sixth Grade
Fifth Place – Maddie Willet
Sixth Place – Reagan Liddell

On-Site Drawing – Seventh Grade
Third Place (First alternate) – Grace Sitzes 

On-Site Drawing – Eighth Grade
Second Place – Ashton Hutcherson*

Prose Interpretation – Fourth Grade
Fourth Place – Alex Papalexis
Fifth Place – Peyton Downey

Prose Interpretation – Fifth Grade
Third Place (First alternate) – Audrey Earley
Fourth Place – Reya Snyder

Prose Interpretation – Sixth Grade
Fifth Place – Cole Porter 

Prose Interpretation – Seventh and Eighth Grades
Third Place (First alternate) – Breann Smith
Fifth Place – Grace Stinson

Ready Writing – Third Grade
Fourth Place – Aubrie Baker

Ready Writing – Fourth Grade
First Place – Ashley Howard*
Fifth Place – Sammie Wuensche

Ready Writing – Fifth Grade
First Place – Elizabeth Shuey*
Fourth Place – Victoria Crump
Fifth Place – Kalli Psaromatis

Ready Writing – Seventh Grade
Second Place – Mary Jane Stidham*

 Ready Writing – Eighth Grade
Fourth Place – Marissa Finch

Science – Sixth Grade
Fourth Place – Michael Becker
Fifth Place – Sydney Duininck

Science – Seventh Grade
Third Place (First alternate) – Kirie Psaromatis
Fifth Place – Mary Jane Stidham

Science – Eighth Grade
Second Place – Tiffany Lu*
Fifth Place – Hunter Snowden

Spelling – Second Grade
Fourth Place – Hayden Black
Fifth Place – Ryan Hulke
Sixth Place – Parker Ford

Spelling – Third Grade
Third Place (First alternate) – Anthony Goss
Fifth Place – Hadley Stephenson

Spelling – Fourth Grade
Fourth Place – April Smith

Spelling – Fifth Grade
First Place – Madison Sanford*
Second Place – Jason O’Connor*
Third Place (First alternate) – Reya Snyder

Spelling – Seventh and Eighth Grades
Fifth Place – Kennedy Collins
Sixth Place – Kirie Psaromatis 

Storytelling – First Grade
Sixth Place – Harrison Holland 

Storytelling – Second Grade
First Place – Gracie Rowland*
Second Place (First alternate) – Reagan Widyn
Fourth Place – Matthew Kevlin

Storytelling – Third Grade
Sixth Place – Carly Howard

Vocabulary – Fifth Grade
Fourth Place – Matthew Reneau

Vocabulary – Seventh and Eighth Grades
Fifth Place – Marissa Finch

*Advance to state

Vogelzang said her students come up with questions on her classroom ‘I Wonder Wall,” through questions asked in class, and during her weekly current event presentations. 

Questions on the biology blog range from “Where are the most bacteria found?” “Why did I get the chickenpox when I was vaccinated?” “How does a cell become cancerous?” “What causes an itch,” and “Can foods cause ADHD or make it worse?” 

Vogelzang then began a Warrior Nutrition blog last summer at the request of coach Alicia Insinna to provide nutrition advice for her girls cross country team. 

In one month alone, the blogs together had a total of more than 4,000 hits. 

“I try to update both of the blogs at least weekly,” Vogelzang said. “They are archived by date and can also be accessed by topic. 

“If students want to check all of the information I had posted on fish or carbohydrates, for example, they would just search the archives. It also serves as a point of information to answer any science or nutrition related question students might want to know.” 

The nutrition blog contains cutting-edge research for athletes interested in fueling top performance. Some topics include “Processed food can affect IQ,” “Females react differently to caffeine,” “Mindful eating,” and “Health kids food – really?” 

Vogelzang has also launched a Field Methods blog open for students who will travel to Costa Rica on a science trip with her in May.

These blogs Vogelzang has created utilize technology in which students can relate while actively involving them in the learning process, either through creating questions or finding the answers.

To read more of the insightful information on Vogelzang’s biology and nutrition blogs, visit http://biologysnippets.blogspot.com and http://warriornutrition.blogspot.com.

For more information about Liberty, visit www.LibertyChristian.com or call 940-294-2000.

Heather Lytle, science department chair, said, “We’re proud to announce the following students who were recognized by fair sponsors and judges. 

“The seven students from Liberty who won the judges’ category awards will advance to the Texas Science and Engineering Fair in San Antonio in April. 

“The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the best of fair. Liberty eighth grader Megan McDivitt won first place and eighth grader Cameron Brasher won second. 

“This is the first time in Liberty history that we have brought home these awards. Students not only were recognized for their great research, but also brought home more than $1,000 in cash prizes.” 

Liberty award winners, their projects, and their awards include: 

• Eighth grader Cameron Brasher – Environmental Science Project: “Oil Drill! Oil Spill!” First place from the American Society for Quality, second place from the American Meteorological Society, first place from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Leadership, first place environmental science, second place best of fair, and a master nomination 
• Seventh grader Dalton Pyle – Energy and Transportation Project: “Will Air Get You There?” Delbert Lowry Award 
• Eighth grader Cole Irwin – Behavioral and Social Project: “Xbox or Wii? Will They Make You Pain Free?” First place from the Forth Worth Psychological Society 
• Seventh grader Dara Fuller – Environmental Management Project: “Birdie Bubble Bath.” Fort Worth Audubon Conservation Award 
• Eighth grader Tiffany Lu – Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Project: “iShield.” First place from Lockheed Martin 
• Eighth grader Megan McDivitt – Chemistry Project: “Minerals of a Lifetime.” Water Environment Association of Texas, first place best of fair, and a master nomination 
• Eighth grader Hunter Snowden – Medicine and Health Project: “Video Game Player: Couch Potato or Athlete?” First place medicine and health, and a master nomination 
• Eighth grader Camille Trimble – Animal Science Project: “Birdseed vs. Birdseed.” Second place animal science 
• Eighth grader Coleton Vick – Biochemistry Project: “You’d Be Floored.” Second place biochemistry 
• Seventh grader Dakota Sanchez – Microbiology Project: “Be Careful What You Touch!” Second place microbiology 
• Seventh grader Meghan Rosprim – Materials and Bioengineering Project: “Filtration Anticipation.” Third place engineering, and the medical and biomechanical award

“Liberty students worked extremely hard for this success,” said Misty Baptiste, fine arts chair. “On top of their class work, athletic responsibilities, fine arts commitments, and other extra-curricular activities, students committed time to this success and realized their goal at the contest.” 

These competitions also speak well when students apply for college. The top five places in each contest advance to the state contest in Austin at Concordia University on April 1–2. 

Baptiste added, “Liberty teachers could not be more proud of these students and look forward to their continued success at the state level.” 

Individual results are as follows: 

Science “Top Chemistry”: Third place – Austin Hudelson, junior

Prose: District champion – Alexandra Stewart, sophomore; fourth place – Catherine Harrington, junior; and fifth place – Malyn Porter, sophomore

Persuasive: District champion – Colby Edson, senior; sixth place – Nick Edwards, senior

Number Sense: Fourth place – KJ Lee, junior

Advanced Math: Fourth place – KJ Lee, junior

Solo Acting: District champion – Catherine Harrington, junior; second place – Malyn Porter, sophomore; and third place – Gabby Marye, junior

Spelling: Fifth place – Alexandra McMillan, junior

Current Events: Fourth place – Logan McDivitt, sophomore; and sixth place – Marisa Rinkevich, senior

Duet Acting: District champions – Austin Mann, freshman, and Catherine Harrington, junior; second place – Malyn Porter, sophomore, and Ryan Wilkerson, junior; and third place – Alexandra Stewart, sophomore, and Ross Earley, freshman

Social Studies: Fourth place – Chris Svatik, sophomore; and sixth place – Joe Gorman, junior

Spanish: Third place – Maria Manrique, senior

Poetry: Third place – Tricia Tiedt, senior; fifth place – Katelynn Pearson, sophomore; and sixth place – Connor Devlin, junior

Oratory: District champion – Colby Edson, senior; and fifth place – Tiffany Sheffield, senior

Yearbook – District champion

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program (AP) provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP exams. 

The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performance on AP exams. 

At Liberty, 2010 graduates Mary Beth Holland, Noah Menard, and Courtney Zanetti qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. 

2010 graduates John Kornet, Cardin Menkemeller, and Luke Smith, and 2011 graduate Patricia Tiedt qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP exams with scores of 3 or higher. 

Liberty is pleased to recognize these students who have earned AP Scholar Awards on the basis of their outstanding academic performance on AP exams. 

More than 3,800 colleges and universities annually receive AP scores. Most four-year colleges in the United States provide credit and/or advanced placement for qualifying exam scores. Research consistently shows that AP students who score a 3 or higher on AP exams (based on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest) typically experience greater academic success in college. 

The College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board annually serves seven million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,800 colleges through major programs and services in college readiness, college admission, guidance, assessment, financial aid, and enrollment. Among its widely recognized programs are the SAT, the PSAT/NMSQT, the Advanced Placement Program (AP), SpringBoard, and ACCUPLACER. 

Congratulations to these Liberty students for their exceptional academic achievement!

Arlien is a certified trainer for 4MAT and participated in a 4MAT lesson writing collegial group. For Arlien, the 4MAT Cycle of Learning just made sense. “The 4MAT model has made me more intentional in how units are organized as I recognize the diversity of my students’ learning styles on a consistent basis,” Arlien said. 

Once Arlien began using 4MAT, students began to see the relevance of math and no longer asked, “When am I ever going to use this?” Arlien is the author of 4MAT 4 Algebra and 4MAT 4 Geometry, two full-scale courses for creating more dynamic and engaging math instruction. 

Arlien said that by using 4MAT, students perform at or above those students who are taught in traditional classrooms, and they enjoy class more. Teachers also spend less time reteaching. 4MAT asserts that all individuals can learn, that there is no one right way to teach, and that learning begins when the meaning of the lesson connects with its usefulness. With thanks to a generous gift of $50,000 from a Liberty family who is passionate about and dedicated to fostering academic excitement and excellence, 4MAT and this style of teaching was brought to Liberty this year. 

Arlien described to teachers how the founder of 4MAT has 30 years of research that shows how reaching all of the student learning styles significantly impacts student achievement. Arlien, who has a master’s degree in mathematics, is now a vice principal and is working to improve instruction throughout his entire school. 

The 4MAT system is based on the four major learning styles – Imaginative, Analytic, Common Sense, and Dynamic. The fact that students may have a preferred, most comfortable mode does not mean they cannot function effectively in others. In fact, the goal of 4MAT is for students to have the flexibility to move easily from one mode to another to fit the requirements of a situation. They will be at a definite advantage over those who limit themselves to only one style of thinking and learning. 

The benefits of using such a progressive teaching construct at Liberty are many, but most importantly include creating an exciting, challenging, and confidence-building academic environment. 

4MAT provides teachers with the tools necessary to present material to students regardless of the students’ specific learning styles. Liberty’s curriculum isn’t changing, but the way it is presented is being taken to the next level. 4MAT asks the question, “How are you smart?” versus “How smart are you?” 

Arlien encouraged teachers that implementing 4MAT is a marathon, not a sprint. In the in-services, he provided helpful insight for teachers who are currently implementing 4MAT in their classrooms, and Liberty students will reap the benefit.

The early stages of the master teacher program began almost 20 years ago when Liberty President Rodney Haire asked Dr. Lloyd Campbell, professor emeritus in the College of Education at UNT, to observe and evaluate the entire faculty of Liberty. 

Dr. Campbell’s credentials included consulting with more than 30 school districts and education agencies, publishing numerous articles, and giving multiple presentations on issues of classroom management, motivation, and instruction. 

The purpose of Dr. Campbell’s visits was to assess the quality of Liberty’s teachers, offer proven ways Liberty could improve its methods of instruction, and better serve the needs of its students in all grades. 

After several years of these evaluations, Dr. Haire revealed that four teachers had been reported as being “master” teachers in their classrooms. The original four were Patrice Bowles, Sarah Lippe, Martin Noto, and Marcy Nicklas, who are all still at Liberty. Two teachers who were quickly added afterward were Karen Watts and Dee Quick, who currently help lead the Lower School today. 

Patrice Bowles, math department chair and algebra teacher, said, “It has been a great experience for me professionally to be a master teacher. Dr. Campbell came to my classroom several years in a row, and I learned so much from our visits together. He encouraged me and pushed me to do my very best for the students. I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today without his influence and guidance.” 

Dr. Sarah Lippe, English department chair and English IV teacher, said, “I am very humble to be considered as one of the elite master teachers. This program encourages teachers to strive for excellence. 

“Proverbs teaches, ‘iron sharpens iron’; everyone, therefore, benefits from this program—teachers and students alike. The teachers feel honored and encouraged to work more diligently, and the students have teachers that strive daily for excellence. 

“Liberty Christian truly has the best faculty in Texas, and I am honored and fortunate to be a part. This is my 22^nd year; each year our school is better, stronger, and more professionally challenging than the year before.” 

Lower School counselor Dee Quick added, “I am incredibly humbled to be considered a master teacher at Liberty. The master teacher program promotes excellence. 

“Jesus, the ultimate master teacher, engaged His disciples in the learning experience. He connected with them, inspired them, challenged them, and promoted accountability. As a former classroom teacher and current counselor, my continuing desire is to follow His example.” 

After Liberty moved to the Argyle campus in 2005, current world history and German teacher Missy Sharp inquired about becoming a master teacher, which spurred the idea to begin a formal master teacher program. Current Upper School Vice Principal Mark Bowles got behind this idea and proposed a formal program to encourage continuing professional development.

 Dr. Martin Noto, Middle School principal, developed a list of principles and guidelines for a master teacher program, and it was announced to teachers in 2008. All members of the faculty, ECE through 12^th grade, are eligible for nomination from an administrator as a master teacher inductee. 

Noto said, “Liberty continues to nurture its staff with a rigorous professional development program instituted by Principal Ed Cook and Vice Principal Mark Bowles. This program features continuing education through advanced degree courses, attendance of discipline-oriented seminars, regular classroom observation, and annual reading of print material pertinent to general education and subject matter.” 

Additional evidence of Liberty’s dedication to continuously develop the talent of its teachers can be found in the new 4MAT instruction philosophy that was adopted this year. 

Since the master teacher program was inaugurated in 2008, Dr. Haire and Dr. Campbell recognized the first six teachers as master teachers. Joining them in subsequent years were Rhonda Smith, Kathy Hall, Becky Shirley, Heather Lytle, Debra Cook, Nancy Perry, and Yvonne Lacy. 

Science Department Chair Heather Lytle said, “Being included among the ranks of teachers I admire and respect is a huge privilege and responsibility. I know that God has made me to be a teacher. To be able to effectively use the gifts and talents that He has given me is a wonderful blessing. Colossians 3:23 has always been one of my favorite verses and motivations – to work with all of my heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. 

“Teachers and students both benefit by the master teacher program. Each of us needs goals to keep us motivated toward excellence and remember that we’re not ‘there yet’; there is always something new to be learned that can sharpen us and challenge us as we grow and mature. A master teacher is never satisfied with the current program, but is always looking for ways to improve the learning experience for the student.  

“I have seen part of my role in the science department as the instigator for ‘extracurricular’ science experiences that help build into the entire Upper School education package for students, like the Science Bowl, Science Olympiad, Science Fair, academic enrichment programs, etc. Not only do I get to know the students better through these programs, but they are given another positive experience to stretch, grow, and represent Liberty through competition.” 

English and Bible teacher Nancy Perry said, “I am humbled that anyone would give me the label of ‘master’ teacher, but it is extremely gratifying because I have strived in all of my years of teaching to give my students the best I have to offer. I want every minute in the classroom to be meaningful and useful to my students.  

“The irony of the master teacher program is that true master teachers do what they do regardless of a master teacher program or the motive to be recognized. True teachers are always critiquing themselves, asking, ‘How could I have made this lesson better?’ LCS is loaded with teachers who have that master teacher mentality and passion.  

“Liberty gives teachers clear standards of performance, expectations, and opportunities for teacher training and enrichment. The awareness that I am accountable and responsible to more than 100 fresh-faced, bright-eyed students in class each day, and all of the families they represent, is a constant reminder of how blessed I am to stand in front of a classroom that has my name on the door. 

“The master teacher program distinguishes what is considered balanced and excellent teaching. It serves to motivate teachers to press toward a high level of professionalism while accomplishing the mission of LCS in ‘ … providing a college preparatory education based on God’s Holy Word.’ The master teacher award also validates to teachers that the school not only acknowledges, but appreciates and values teachers’ efforts and sacrifices to bring the best to the classroom. ” 

Chemistry teacher Kathy Hall added, “My favorite aspect of the master teacher program at Liberty is the emphasis on peer mentoring. Each teacher in the program is mentored through the process of validating his or her qualifications and experience. I was blessed to have Patrice Bowles walk through the process with me, and I look forward to mentoring many future master teachers in the years to come.” 

The following are several aspects of observation for those teachers qualifying for the master teacher program: 

1. Classroom teaching experience – a minimum of five years or 10 semesters teaching at last one subject or a combination of subjects in an allied field at Liberty.
2. Documented and appraised lesson plan evaluation.
3. Documented mentoring by a colleague or in-service training during the tenure at Liberty.
4. Documented evaluation of classroom management that is of exemplary quality.
5. Documented participation in continuing education for professional enrichment.
6. Demonstrated flexibility or “stepping outside of the box,” which is documented by at least one creative teaching project in each year.
7. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with other professionals within the subject area and/or in interdisciplinary approaches to instruction.
8. Demonstrated support of the vision and purpose of Liberty Christian School and its policies, beliefs, and administration in all communication with students, peers, and parents. 

As of a few weeks ago, the newest addition to the master teacher group is head librarian Yvonne Lacy. She said, “It is an honor to receive the master teacher designation from the administration of a school I have loved serving for a number of years. God’s grace has upheld and empowered me in my work here, encouraging me to develop professionally and adapt to new tools and techniques within the library field. He has helped me to enjoy my work with children and to enjoy seeing them expand their horizons, permitting me to learn alongside them. 

“To be recognized in the award as a ‘teacher’ is something of a privilege since I participate in teaching on a different basis from other educators; knowing that others see in me the quality of a teaching professional encourages me to continue striving for excellence. I will now have an additional inspiration to be prepared, discerning, and focused both in those aspects of library work which require formal teaching, and in those which are less formal. 

“I believe that the master teacher program has benefited our school community on all levels. It has done so in recognizing individuals for the contributions they have made to teaching and to the students’ overall lives, and for the private efforts they have made to push themselves to be more than ‘good’ in their profession.” 

Noto added, “The underlying purpose of the program is to continuously encourage our teachers to diligently pursue and achieve a program of excellence in all phases of classroom instruction.” 

Liberty is continually striving to provide the finest education it can to its students, and one way is by hiring great teachers and encouraging their professional growth with its own Liberty master teacher program.

Duke’s talent program has become a global leader in identifying academically gifted students and providing them with innovative programming to support their development. 

Duke’s program, a non-profit educational organization, conducts two annual talent searches and offers summer programs, online courses, and independent learning resources. Since 1980, Duke’s talent program has served more than 2 million students. 

The Duke TIP was originally for seventh graders who qualified in sixth grade. It wasn’t until recent years that it created a program for fourth and fifth graders who qualify as a result from tests taken in the third or fourth grade year. Students in those grades who score at the 95^th percentile or higher on certain categories on the Stanford Achievement Test in April receive an invitation from Liberty to join Duke TIP in the following year. 

“We are so pleased that the highly respected Duke University Talent Identification Program’s original Seventh Grade Talent Search has recently been extended by introducing a new Duke TIP Fourth/Fifth Grade Talent Search,” said Lower School Vice Principal Marcy Nicklas. 

Vice Principal Marcy Nicklas

“Liberty’s first students to be eligible for this new program are our 2009-2010 fifth grade students, who are now sixth graders, and 43 out of 80 outstanding Liberty students from that class earned the honor of this recognition!  

“Recognition for these excellent students is also a great honor for Liberty and reflects the strength and diligence of the exceptional teachers, outstanding academic curriculum, and very supportive parents.” 

In addition to recognition, students in Lower School who are invited and join Duke TIP receive advanced testing, online enrichment, and exclusive publications. There is even a writing contest. 

Students in the fourth and fifth grade Duke TIP are also eligible to take EXPLORE and learn more about their academic talents. EXPLORE is a measure developed by ACT for eighth graders to evaluate their academic development. Students who take the EXPLORE test and achieve a composite score in the 99^th percentile or above are honored for their outstanding achievement with an invitation to attend a recognition ceremony held in their state and receive a medallion, as well as receive recognition on the Duke TIP website. 

Students in Middle School who are eligible and join Duke TIP are able to take the ACT or SAT in the seventh grade, which gives students greater insight into their academic abilities. Students also receive an e-newsletter that helps students understand their potential, get tips on planning for high school, and have access to resources that will assist them in achieving their goals. 

Liberty Head Librarian and parent Yvonne Lacy said her daughters joined the Duke TIP while students at Liberty. 

Yvonne Lacy

Lacy said, “Both of my daughters took advantage of the full range of advanced placement and honors classes in Middle and Upper School.

“Their participation in the Duke TIP allowed them the experience of taking the pre-college tests long before they were required, which gave my daughters a taste of the kind of challenging subject matter they were to study in later years. This, I believe, helped their self-confidence when it came to the ‘real thing.’ I can see only advantages in having a son or daughter participate in the Duke TIP.”     

Duke TIP students also have access to an Educational Opportunity Guide Online (EOGO) that contains listings from more than 400 schools, summer programs, and academic competitions across the US and abroad. 

In addition, the staff at Duke TIP have valuable educational experience in the field of gifted education and are available to answer questions and offer parents assistance in finding the information needed to meet their children’s needs. 

The Duke TIP is a great way to reward and provide incentives to those students who are academically gifted. Liberty is proud to participate in Duke’s talent search and have so many students from Liberty who qualify.

Mrs. Cynthia Vick

The Middle and Upper School math students will be the first at Liberty to experience learning via the electronic interactive whiteboard that is already enhancing student learning. 

“The SMART Board immediately engages the students, which allows them to be more involved in the learning process,” said Cynthia Vick, Upper School math teacher. 

SMART Board research shows positive impacts on student learning by raising the level of student engagement. Students are highly motivated to participate in the learning process because the SMART Board speaks their language of technology. 

“One of the many benefits of SMART Boards is that it puts new tools into the teacher’s hands and encourages ‘out of the box’ teaching, which enables more students to be reached through interactive learning,” said Vick. “It breaks down the barriers of traditional teaching and gets more into the technological world of our students.” 

SMART Boards have also helped Vick connect lessons to the real world, which also helps students retain learning. 

Mrs. Kenalea Hailey

Geometry teacher Kenalea Hailey added, “The Smartboard can do so many great things that are interactive and in full color – my lessons have taken on new life! 

“As we teach with the SMART Board, we can easily insert interactive drawings, games, videos, and more, which helps maintain the attention of the students. Students now like coming up to the board to answer questions or label geometric shapes using all of the different pen options.   

“The SMART Board has challenged me as a teacher to make changes in my lessons and search for new ways to explain geometric concepts.  I believe it is growing me as an educator and making learning more interesting for the students – it is win-win situation!” 

Upper School math teacher Stephen Cook is also using the SMART Board in his classroom. 

Mr. Stephen Cook

“The SMART Boards have been an awesome resource. We hope to use them to draw students into our everyday mathematics lesson. I have had numerous volunteers coming to the front of the classroom to aid in presenting the lesson. I have always felt that I needed to get the students more involved in the lesson, and I think that SMART technology is helping with that! This technology is forcing me to think of new ways of presenting material and helping me to stay on my toes as a teacher!” he said. 

Vick concluded by saying, “The teachers in the math department are very excited about having Smart Boards in their classrooms this year. We are committed to building a strong math foundation for our students and preparing them to experience success each step of the way, including SAT and ACT scores. With Smart Boards and the new 4MAT, our goal is to reach, motivate, and inspire all students in the learning process.”

Congratulations to the following students for their success in the 2009-2010 academic year:

2009-2010–Special Awards 

Outstanding Academic Achievement – Bible
Audrey Deaver 

Outstanding Academic Achievement – Career & Technology
Chris Hughes 

Outstanding Academic Achievement – English
Melissa Lacy 

Outstanding Academic Achievement – Fine Arts
Courtney Zanetti 

Outstanding Academic Achievement – Foreign Language
Jamie Gray 

Outstanding Academic Achievement – Mathematics
Luke Smith 

Outstanding Academic Achievement – Science
Melissa Lacy 

Outstanding Academic Achievement – Social Studies
Melissa Lacy 

Servant Heart Award
Audrey Deaver 

Principal’s Leadership Award
Cardin Menkemeller 

Joshua Award
Sarah Dulin 

Joshua Award
Luke Jenkins 

Student of the Year
Courtney Zanetti 

The Woody & Sheri Kern Scholarship Award
Sarah Dulin, Luke Jenkins, & Courtney Zanetti  (recipients of Joshua Award & Student of the Year)

Distinguished Service Award
Taylor McCullough 

The Golden Apple Award
Lisa Deaver

Seventh grader and PSIA State Champion Tiffany Lu

Fine Arts Director Misty Baptiste

Approximately 2,500 students from across Texas qualified for the 2010 Private Schools Interscholastic Association (PSIA) Academic State Meet held Saturday, April 24, at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. Students qualified for the PSIA State Meet by placing first or second individually in one or more contests at the PSIA District Meet held at 24 area tournaments. 

Science and Bible Teacher Sue Gallo

“Congratulations to the following students for all of their work,” said Misty Baptiste, Fine Arts director. 

The Liberty winners are:
First grader Drennan Ryan – fifth place – Creative Writing
Fifth grader Brianna Lentz – second place – Listening Skills
Seventh grader Tiffany Lu – state champion – Music Memory
Seventh grader Blair Croce – third place – Ready Writing 

Seventh Grader Blair Croce

“These students are to be recognized for using the gifts God gave them,” said Sue Gallo, science and Bible teacher. 

First Grader Drennan Ryan

“I know we are all proud of them, but most especially their Lord God is proud of their obedience to Him.” 

PSIA serves 247 member schools this year and continues to provide the most comprehensive academic extracurricular program in the nation for privately-schooled students in first through eighth grades, offering 19 contests and 55 grade-level event awards. 

Contests include a wide spectrum of advanced curricula in mathematics, science, social studies, listening, reading, vocabulary, speaking, writing, art, music, and drama. 

The purpose of the PSIA academic program is to use competition to further develop students’ higher order thinking skills. 

“Inspiring student achievement through academic competition remains our primary goal,” said Dr. Patricia Walters, PSIA executive director. 

Walters also said that PSIA serves to honor and reward academic achievements, while using competition as a tool to prepare students for citizenship and successful adulthood, and to provide them an incentive to excel in academics. 

Fifth Grader Brianna Lentz

Science and Bible teacher Barbara Snowden praised Liberty students for their achievements. “Yea for these students … I know they have worked hard for this. 

Science and Bible teacher Barbara Snowden

“I am so proud of them.”

Twenty-seven Liberty sophomores, almost a quarter of their class, have been recognized by the Texas ACT Council as being on target to meet or exceed ACT’s College Readiness Benchmarks by graduation in English, mathematics, reading, and science. 

President Dr. Rodney Haire

“Congratulations to the faithful and hardworking students who have displayed this academic rigor,” said Dr. Rodney Haire, president of Liberty Christian School. 

He added, “And they haven’t even had senior English teacher Dr. Lippe yet.” 

According to ACT, those students meeting all of the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks by high school graduation are more likely to have a successful college experience. 

Upper School Principal Ed Cook said, “We are so proud to have such a large group of students receive this recognition from ACT. 

Upper School Principal Ed Cook

“I also thank our great Liberty teachers for preparing our students well for collegiate success.” 

According to Karen Pennell, ACT assistant vice president and southwest regional manager, “The Texas ACT Council recognizes those students who are making significant strides to prepare themselves for college by taking rigorous courses and meeting the PLAN (Pre-ACT) College Readiness Benchmarks.” 

Upper School Academic Advisor Toni King said, “As an academic counselor, I realize the impact of this award. 

Upper School Academic Advisor Toni King

“Colleges will pursue our students because of their academic success and potential.” 

The Liberty sophomores who have received the Texas Student Achievement Award by the Texas ACT Council are:

Andrew Bergen
Katelyn Brady
Courtney Butler
Maile Curbo
Hannah Ellison
Daniel Elsom
Joe Gorman
Lindsey Grigg
John Hamel
Mitchell Heffington
Austin Hudelson
Josh King
Ryan Leaverton
Ben Lytle
Gabby Marye
Alexandra McMillan
Cal McMillan
Lanette Miley
Marcy Morgan
Steven Murphy
Blake Nickelson
Austin Pritchett
Lizzy Robinson
Austin Schmidt
Hailey Vittrup
Kara Vogelzang
Chris Wells 

The Texas ACT Council is made up of secondary and postsecondary educators who advise ACT, Inc., on the utilization of ACT programs and services in Texas schools and colleges. The ACT Assessment is the college admissions test that is accepted by all colleges nationwide. 

The American College Testing (ACT) program was founded in 1959 and served two purposes: to help students make better decisions about which colleges to attend and which programs to study, and to provide information helpful to colleges both in the process of admitting students and in ensuring their success after enrollment. 

Last year, ACT celebrated 50 years of helping people achieve education and workplace success. 

Today, ACT continues to be an independent, not-for-profit organization, dedicated to helping individuals attain their educational and career goals through assessment programs with solid research foundations.

Liberty teachers with the 4MAT creators and trainers

Liberty attributes much of its success to a firm spiritual foundation and a balanced focus on academics, the arts, and athletics. 

The administration and teachers are always looking for improvements and ways to bring excitement to learning to ensure students are prepared for the challenges of a fast-paced and ever-changing world. 

With thanks to a generous gift of $50,000 from a Liberty family who is passionate about and dedicated to fostering academic excitement and excellence, 4MAT is coming to Liberty. 

4MAT is an instructional method that provides teachers with the tools necessary to present material to students regardless of the students’ specific learning styles – ways in which students prefer to learn. Liberty’s curriculum isn’t changing, but the way it is presented is being taken to the next level. 

The 4MAT system is based on the four major learning styles – Imaginative, Analytic, Common Sense, and Dynamic. The fact that students may have a preferred, most comfortable mode does not mean they cannot function effectively in others. In fact, the goal of 4MAT is for students to have the flexibility to move easily from one mode to another to fit the requirements of a situation. They will be at a definite advantage over those who limit themselves to only one style of thinking and learning. 

The benefits of using such a progressive teaching construct are many, but most importantly include creating an exciting, challenging, and confidence-building academic environment. 

Liberty’s administration immediately saw the value of the 4MAT system for students and teachers and is committed 100 percent to the project. 

Upper School Principal Ed Cook

Upper School Principal Ed Cook said, “4MAT provides a structure and framework that shows teachers how to present the curriculum to the different learning styles.” 

Lower School Principal Karen Watts

Lower School Principal Karen Watts added, “I am excited about using the 4MAT cycle of learning with the ABeka curriculum in the Lower School. 

“It will certainly be a benefit to all of our students.”

 4MAT was created more than 35 years ago and is used in many independent school districts across the nation, as well as in private schools, universities, and corporations, and has a large research base from leading theorists and neurologists. 

Vice Principal of Lower School and ECE Director Marcy Nicklas said, “4MAT will be a beautiful addition to our strong academic program at Liberty. 

“Our students will be stretched to think and learn using both right and left sides of the brain, increasing creativity as well as critical thinking skills.” 

Nicklas added, “The 4MAT technique will provide challenging experiences for our students and will enhance learning in wonderful ways. 

Vice Principal Marcy Nicklas

“We are thrilled to be able to add this outstanding program.” 

The initial funding included paying for seven teachers from Liberty to attend training in Chicago last month, and as 4MAT trainers, they are now actively instructing and coaching teachers to use 4MAT in their classrooms. 

Latin and Bible teacher Sharon Ramsey said, “I came away from the 4MAT training with a renewed sense of purpose as a teacher.” 

Sharon Ramsey

The seven teachers who attended the training have already met with faculty from the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools. Training is underway and will continue later this month. These seven teachers will return for another week in Chicago in June to finish their certification and will bring intensive training back to the Liberty staff to officially launch 4MAT before school starts next year. 

Barbara Snowden

Science teacher Barbara Snowden said, “4MAT will allow me as a teacher to stretch my students to a higher level of thinking, while allowing them to relate to the practicalities of everyday life as they learn in the classroom. 

“The 4MAT methodology is not just about the learning process – it is a learning environment that brings excitement, energy, and creativity that caters to all learning levels. 

“As teachers we want to work smarter and not harder, and 4MAT allows us to do that, as it gives our students the power of creating and visioning, preparing them for real life in the business world or in whatever field they may be interested.”

4MAT strives to provide every student the opportunity to thrive academically. It offers students a platform to display and develop their specific gifts and talents to develop into confident Christian leaders. 

ATS Coordinator Lisa May said, “I love this program because it recognizes and honors each of the learning styles and gives students a platform to display their God-given talents. 

Lisa May

“4MAT uses the best educational practices and puts it into one program that can be used as a template in any curriculum.” 

In 4MAT, students are challenged to use different ways of processing and perceiving information. 4MAT triggers motivation and a love of learning in the teachers and the students that creates a successful learning environment. 

Amy Funderburk

Fifth grade teacher Amy Funderburk said, “It is my desire that all of my students feel like active participants in their own learning. 

“As I approach learning in my classroom using the 4MAT method, I anticipate students will make real connections to their own lives, and become confident and active learners.” 

Funderburk continued, “4MAT-based instruction challenges children to make meaning of their learning – to organize, manage, lead, communicate, and problem solve. 

“As a result, more learners will learn and make lasting memories.” 

With 4MAT, students develop and increase creativity and innovation that enables them to become global thinkers who are ready to take on the challenges of serving their communities. 

Seventh grade English teacher Nancy Perry said, “I am awed by the logic of the 4MAT system – 4MAT is a method that all teachers can use to maximize their purpose in the classroom. 

Nancy Perry

“The 4MAT system ensures that teachers are providing each learner in the classroom the opportunity to truly connect with the material in a meaningful, thorough fashion. 

“As lessons come alive with the 4MAT method, students in the classroom will be compelled to be fully engaged with the material, connecting what they learn to their own lives.” 

Perry continued, “As students connect meaningfully with what they learn, they will develop confidence in what they know – confident learners will ask more questions, seeking to learn beyond the lesson. 

“In our fast-paced, competitive world, those young people who are innovators and initiators will be our future leaders.” 

4MAT equips students with the necessary skills to identify their learning styles to become self-sufficient learners who know how to capitalize on their strengths and strengthen their weaknesses. 

Missy Sharp

4MAT came about at Liberty from a conversation between two of its great teachers, Lisa May and Missy Sharp, world history and German III teacher. 

As May and Sharp discussed better ways and methods to continually build upon the solid foundation of Liberty’s academics, Sharp shared with May how she had successfully used 4MAT before, and after much discuss and research, both thought that this system would be a good fit for Liberty. With the initial funding in place, 4MAT is becoming a reality here. 

Sharp said, “4MAT helps me as a teacher have a better understanding of how to construct my lessons to offer a learning opportunity for every student. 

“I look forward to using this method in my class because it gets me excited about what I am teaching and gets the kids enthralled in their learning. 

“God has created such an incredible, complex, unique, and exciting creature that is man, and it is an honor to be able to train and encourage my students to be everything God has created them to be.” 

Some of the benefits of using 4MAT are: 

• It provides a template for designing more effective instruction. 
• It engages every learner and helps students think creatively. 
• It increases student retention and comprehension. 
• It keeps student attention and keeps them on task. 
• It raises the quality of student participation. 
• It facilitates more students to enjoy learning. 
• It encourages students to take ownership of their learning by helping them all become active participants. 

Third grade teacher Julie Davis said that the training she received from 4MAT tied into her Bible verse for the year, Philippians 2:13, which says in The Message, “Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, energy deep within you, God Himself willing and working at what will give Him the most pleasure.” 

Julie Davis

Davis said, “I believe that God is using 4MAT for Him (4HIM), as a tool to help me understand the meaning of His energy – the freedom to see His potential, share His passion, and continue to bring Him glory here at Liberty Christian School.” 

Snowden also has a vision for what 4MAT will do for Liberty. 

“My hope is that everyone will join me in the excitement that I believe 4MAT is going to bring to our school.

“Liberty is already leading the way in so many areas, and I know 4MAT is going to take teachers, as well as students, to the forefront of education, but even more so, to be the new Christian leaders of tomorrow’s world.” 

Perry summarized it well. “LCS already has the finest facility, the best staff in the world, and incredible miracles called students in our hands. 

“Our students deserve the best we can give them, and I believe that as we enhance our teaching with 4MAT, the best is yet to come.”

“These students worked very hard and have a lot to be proud of,” said Misty Baptiste, fine arts departments chair. “Please take a moment to congratulate them when you see them.” 

Individual results are as follows: 

Ready Writing

Fifth place – Marissa Marrs 

Prose Interpretation

Second place – Courtney Zanetti
Sixth place – Gabby Marye 

Persuasive Speaking

Second place – Colby Edson
Sixth place – Tricia Tiedt

Yearbook

Third place 

Newspaper

Second place 

Spelling

Fifth place – Amanda Doyle 

Current Events

Fourth place – Colby Edson 

Number Sense

1^st place – KJ Lee 

Advanced Math

Third place – Jay Byun
Fifth place – Chris Hughes 

Solo Acting

Second place – Catherine Harrington
Fifth place – Courtney Zanetti

Literary Criticism

Third place – Melissa Lacy
Fourth place – Mary Beth Holland 

Spanish

Second place – Avianna Oz 

Duet Acting

Second place – Colby Edson and Nick Edwards
Fifth place – Courtney Zanetti and Catherine Harrington 

Poetry Interpretation

First place – Tricia Tiedt
Fifth place – Courtney Zanetti 

Original Oratory

Fourth place – Tiffany Sheffield
Sixth place – Colby Edson 

TAPPS Math

Fourth place – KJ Lee
Fifth place – Won Jeong 

Computer Science

Fifth place – Ryan Graybill
Sixth place – Cardin Menkemeller

After months of brainstorming problem questions, designing experiments, and gathering data, Liberty’s sixth, seventh, and eighth graders presented their research at the recent Liberty Science Fair. Participating in the science fair allowed each student the opportunity to “do science,” knowing that the answer to the question may not always be what the student expected. Questions like “How does temperature affect solubility?” “How much bacteria grows on chicken breasts?” and “How do different surfaces affect friction?” were challenged by this year’s fair. Seventh and eighth grade winners in each category of science will advance their projects to the Fort Worth Regional Science and Engineering Fair Feb. 28 and March 1. Congratulations to the winners who are listed below:

Sixth Grade Winners
Third Place - Cameron Meath, Ben Lamont, Davian Ewing, and Jonathan Palmer – “The Bursting Beverages”
Second Place - Peyton Brown, Garrett Sawyer, and Kyleb Howell – “Bouncy, Bouncy Balls”
First Place - Todd Deetjen, Colton Liggett, and Matthew Hulke –  “The Mold Rush”

Category Awards
ANIMAL SCIENCE
Third Place –  Sydney Goodson – “Do Cats Have a Dominant Paw?”
Second Place –  Olivia Asprey - “Jump for Science”
First Place –  Carley Barnett - “Toby Keith vs. Mozart”

BEHAVIORAL and SOCIAL SCIENCE
Third Place - Hannah Liszewski - “How Do I Look?”
Second Place - Spencer Mackenzie - “Are Energy Drinks All They Are Hyped Up to Be?”
First Place - Lissie Kevlin - “Does the Color Wheel Make Your Head Spin?”

BIOCHEMISTRY
Third Place - Lindsey Lotze - “The Pain of Stain”
Second Place - Jack Lytle - “Cheese3 ”
First Place - Erin Selby - “You are What You Drink”

CELLULAR and MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Second Place - Grant Lanza - “Got Mold?”
First Place - Brenna Nelson - “Pop, Pop, Popping Corn”

CHEMISTRY
Third Place - Russell Vittrup - “Hot Sauce Makes Clean Cents”
Second Place - Matt Thompson - “Changing pH”
First Place - Paige Jeary - “It’s not Paper. It’s not Plastic. It’s Fantastic Elastic”

COMPUTER SCIENCE
Third Place - Chris Schiebout - “Win Vista 64 bit vs. 32 bit”
Second Place - Luiz Venzor - “Faster SMS”
First Place - Christian Bailey - “A Greener PC”

EARTH SCIENCE
Third Place - Hugh Jeffery - “Working Water”
Second Place - Harry Asprey - “Solar Cell”
First Place - Adam Helsten - “Wormalicious Works”

ENERGY and TRANSPORTATION
Third Place - Jordan Parker - “Wood vs. Aluminum”
Second Place - Ian Harrington - “Paper Flight”
First Place - Mickey Grebe - “Projectiles and Angles”

ENGINEERING: ELECTRICAL and MECHANICAL
Third Place - Hunter West - “Conductivity of Electricity Through Certain Metals”
Second Place - Alex Wolski - “Fire from Water”
First Place - Tiffany Lu - “Runaway Electricity”

ENGINEERING: MATERIALS and BIOENGINEERING
Third Place - Neiman Walker - “Super Shapes”
Second Place - Matt Marrs - “What Glue Truly is Super”
First Place - Ian Brown - “Absorbing Wood”

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Third Place - Tanner Moseley - “How Clean is the Air in Your Home?”
Second Place - Matt Metlock - “One Man’s Garbage”
First Place - Liz Adams - “Burn, Baby, Burn”

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Third Place - Jarius White - “Paper Towel Absorption Rates”
Second Place - Maggie Latona - “How Does the Color of Water Affect Evaporation Rate”
First Place - Jody May - “Earthworms Go Green”

MATHEMATICS
First Place - Nic Valenzuela - “Boom, Boom, Pow”

MEDICINE and HEALTH
Third Place - Hannah Cullum - “Drug Racing”
Second Place - Jessica Lanyon - “What’s Eating Your Teeth”
First Place - Brooke Hadley - “Standing Up for Comfort”

MICROBIOLOGY
Third Place - Ali Eager - “Kentucky Spoiled Chicken”
Second Place - Michael King - “Bacteria in the Bathroom”
First Place - Shawn Graybill - “Ewww! Don’t Eat Off That!”

PHYSICS
Third Place - Caleb Bishop - “Longer Shaft…Longer Drive?”
Second Place - Ashley Jenkins - “Bend It Like Beckham”
First Place - Brandon Allison - “Frigid Zone”

PLANT SCIENCE
Third Place - Aly Schoeve - “Extracting DNA from an Onion”
Second Place - Kenah Smith - “Sunlight vs. Artificial Light”
First Place - Sarah Jaderlund - “Nature’s Ratios”

BEST OF FAIR
Third Place - Brian Ogden - “Freezin’”
Second Place - Sidney Watts - “Forces of Friction”
First Place - Cameron Brasher -

 “The Incredible Shrinking Apple”