As 2021 comes to a close, Freedom has had an amazingly low number of COVID cases, thanks to proper sanitation and mask-wearing practices by our students, teachers and staff.

All throughout December, the Freedom family has maintained a busy and productive month leading up to the anticipated winter break. On Dec. 1 the boys basketball team held its poinsettia fundraiser successfully, thanks to the support of the community and the players. The following day, senior football player Deante Crawford was named athlete of the week by the Morning Call.

Thanks to hard work and dedication, Freedom’s National Honor Society assembled and collected Angels to Adorn donations Dec. 7, which reached their way to three Freedom families.

Special congratulations are due to volleyball player seniors Alaina Roman, Sam Simmers and Elizabeth Barnes for being named All-State. On another side of sports, senior Alex Heidemann was selected the Morning Call’s area’s boys runner of the year.

The month also brought some happy endings. On Dec. 11 the boys wrestling team closed out its final two matches with a win over Honesdale (48-22) and a loss in the finals to Faith Christian Academy (49-22), resulting in a 4-1 day in the battle at Bethlehem.

From the loud cheers heard at the matches, we move on to more angelic voices. Our choir spread some holiday cheer at the Bethlehem police stables event Dec. 12, singing beautifully to dedicated community members.

New beginnings also came out of the month. On Dec. 14 the girls opened their first basketball game of the season against Bethlehem Catholic. Meanwhile, the swim team opened its season against Easton HS.

Not only do our athletes excel in sports, but also in kindness. Freedom’s girls softball and lacrosse team joined forces to create 500 holiday cards in a community service project for New Bethany Ministries and the girls donated two large gift-wrapped boxes with food items to our Freedom family ESOL food drive.

Freedom’s orchestra and choir graced the ears of those who attended “The Spirit is Alive” Dec. 15. The band held a spectacular Holiday Pops concert Dec. 17. Shortly after, on Dec. 19, we had another success story, with the girls varsity cheerleading team placing first place, small squad.

The following day, we had a special visitor, recent graduate Spencer Smith, who talked about his experiences at the Global Climate Summit in Scotland. A nice segue to the choir which offered jolly sounds of the holidays when they greeted the students Dec. 22 before the start of the break.

Students resumed in-person learning Jan. 3, and we are all ready to hear the tales of how they enjoyed their breaks. Special recognition goes to all teachers, parents and students working hard to ensure a safe and productive start to the new year.