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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Spotlight on the Pats

January marks the beginning of a new year, and it is a month of wishful thinking. Young and old alike set goals for themselves, while schools hope to improve upon the previous year for their students. In Bethlehem, the new year marks a new opportunity for success at Freedom HS.

The new year is just one cause of the inspiration that sweeps across Freedom HS in January. Because of the block scheduling, the first semester is drawing to a close. Eager students prepare for their exams and their new classes, while administrators hit the drawing board to brainstorm new ideas for the second semester.

One such idea is a dance for students known as “winter formal.” After its successful turnout last year, members of Freedom’s student council hope to follow up with another enjoyable dance. However, scheduling conflicts have limited possible dates for the dance.

“The only available date for the dance is Feb. 10. The student council has tossed around the idea of combining Freedom and Liberty for the winter formal,” said Deanna Webb, student council adviser.

According to Webb, Freedom Principal Michael LaPorta had plans to attend a meeting this week regarding the dance. Even though the student council works tirelessly on planning school dances, there is much more in the works.

The Winter Special Olympics is a tradition at Freedom. During the competition, students in special education classes compete in winter sports such as basketball. The event is planned by the student council, but any student can sign up to volunteer.

“Organizing and participating in community activities is my favorite part of being in student council,” said Rachel Black, senior class president.

No matter who is competing, sports remain a huge hit among the Freedom community. The winter sports include basketball, swimming, wrestling, and rifle. Of the four, basketball is most popular with the students, especially the girls’ varsity team.

The girls’ basketball team is led by seniors Hailey Silfies and Kyra Jefferson. This season, Silfies hopes to score her 1,000th point as a Patriot before continuing her career at Long Island University. Jefferson, another standout player, hopes to play basketball at West Chester next year. The entire school looks forward to watching the girls play against other local schools.

“Games against Liberty and Bethlehem Catholic are big for our community. Hopefully Freedom is city champs in all sports,” said Nathan Stannard, athletic director.

Whatever happens in the coming months at Freedom, students will surely have a lot to look forward to. Check back in the spring for another update on the Patriots.

Swick