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BASD ACADEMIC SIGNING ‘Don’t ignore the possibilities’

Published July 06. 2021 02:38PM
by DANA GRUBB Special to the Bethlehem Press

The eighth annual Bethlehem Area School District academic signing ceremony June 7 recognized the top Liberty and Freedom high schools’ class of 2021 academic scholars. Ten from each school were honored as they signed ceremonial commitment letters to the colleges and universities at which they’ll continue their educations. Family members joined in the celebration, which was held in Memorial Gymnasium.

Assistant Superintendent Jack Silva called it the “penultimate event, along with our graduations.”

Guest speaker Dr. Michele Moser Deegan outlined her three most important pieces of advice for the scholars. The first was, “do build upon what you’ve learned in the BASD.” Deegan’s second piece of advice was, “don’t ignore the possibilities, so you can expand yourself.” Finally, she recommended that they find their new network. “Who can help you?” Deegan is dean of academic life and a professor of political science at Muhlenberg College.

Due to the pandemic, the traditional luncheon held after the signing ceremony was canceled.

Liberty HS Class of 2021 Academic Scholars and the schools they will attend are: Anna Bergman, Catholic School of America-Conway School of Nursing; Gabrielle Buell, Tufts University; Blake George, U.S. Coast Guard Academy; Miles Lunger, Goeth Institute-Study Bridge Program; Barbara Perevalov, Lehigh University; Samuel Raineri, West Chester University; Angela Rhee, University of Pittsburgh; Charlotte Samuelson, Georgetown University; Matthew Schlegel, Penn State Schreyer Honors College; and Bridget White, Bard College.

Freedom HS Class of 2021 Academic Scholars and the schools they will attend are: Shivam Chand, University of Pittsburgh-University Honors College; Frank Cierech, Tufts University; Advay Deshmukh, Penn State Schreyer Honors College; Augusta Dunkwu, The University of Chicago; Katherine Harper, St. Joseph’s University; Sebastian Jaskowski, Georgia Institute of Technology; Jewel Levy, Duke University; Katherine Marakovits, Penn State Schreyer Honors College; Keri Saulino, Penn State Behrend Campus; and Belinda Yeung, Stanford University.

PRESS PHOTOS BY DANA GRUBB Referring to the 2021 academic scholars, Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy says, “It takes a community to make the best of the best...who will go on to make a difference in the world.”
Guest speaker Dr. Michele Moser Deegan tells the scholars to “build on all you've learned, don't ignore opportunities, and find your new network.” Deegan is dean of academic life and a professor of political science at Muhlenberg College.
Liberty scholar Miles Lunger introduces his family are were in attendance. He will attend the Goeth Institute in the Study Bridge Program to major in math.
Freedom scholar Katherine Marakovits signs her academic letter of intent. She will attend the Penn State Schreyer Honors College and major in industrial engineering.
Freedom scholars with retiring Principal Michael LaPorta Jr.
Principal Dr. Harrison Bailey III joins the Liberty scholars after the ceremonial signing.