Freedom HS has wasted no time making its mark this year, even though school started just over a month ago. From athletics to music and school spirit, everything is paving the way for a fantastic year.

Freedom’s fall sports teams are dominating the season with seven sports competing and several making headlines. The girls tennis team fought its way to an impressive 8-0 streak, cruising to EPCs and now on its way to districts. Both the boys and girls soccer teams have also qualified for district championships and are destined to add more trophies to the case.

Then there’s the football team. In a spectacular start to the season, they traveled to New York City to face Torrey Pines, a team from California, and secured a decisive win. Since then, the Patriots have gone an incredible 7-0. The undefeated streak includes a crucial victory over Nazareth, the second-ranked team, officially making Freedom the top seed.

Riding alongside the football team’s success are the Freedom cheerleaders, who have been showcasing new stunts and skills, keeping the sidelines and student section fired up. Their performance is just another reminder of why they won the District XI championship last year.

Though the year has just started, the music department is already hitting its stride. The cast and crew of the fall musical, “The 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” have been hard at work for over five weeks, with voice lessons, line rehearsals and stage crew set-building well underway. Find more information on the theater company’s social media pages. But most importantly, make sure to grab your tickets for the show, running from Nov. 22 to 24.

Meanwhile, the renowned Freedom Patriot Marching Band has been energizing football games with its Bruno Mars-inspired performances. Led by drum majors Rosemary Regj (junior) and John Jabbour (senior), the band’s hard work and dedication, dating back to summer rehearsals, are evident in every show. Don’t miss the chance to see them perform at the next game; you can’t miss’em.

At the heart of Freedom High is its unmatched school spirit. This year, the school was one of the first in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas to hold a homecoming dance, setting the tone for an exciting year ahead. The dance, themed “Under the New York Skyline,” celebrated the football team’s unforgettable trip to NYC. The energy and dance moves displayed by students made for a memorable night that promises to carry good vibes into the rest of the school year.

Speaking of traditions, Freedom has revived one of its most beloved: the return of the school mascot after several years’ absence. The Patriot mascot made its first appearance at the youth night football game against Allentown Central Catholic, interacting with the crowd and boosting the team’s energy. One of the night’s highlights was the mascot’s fun chemistry with the cheerleaders, even joining them in a stunt to hype the crowd. The Patriot also made a visit at the homecoming pep rally, showing off dance moves to the band’s tunes and rocking a new chain featuring a giant “F” to showcase his school pride. His interactions with students, faculty and staff added to the spirit of the event.

From their athletic dominance to their musical talents and unmatched school pride, Freedom has started the year with an undeniable sense of energy and achievement. With such a strong beginning, it’s clear that this year will be filled with even more success, memories and pride for all who walk Freedom’s halls. I can’t wait to see where this year goes.