The Spirit of Liberty

hank you, students and teachers, at Liberty High School. You’re making a difference.
    Anyone who has driven or walked through the Centertown Park area of Bedford the past few months has been able to enjoy the efforts of a number of students from the high school who have spruced up the Park with decorations.
    The effort shows initiative, hard work and community spirit. That’s something that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
    Back before Christmas, a group of students from the art and FFA classes decorated the Park for the holidays, getting them up just before the Christmas Parade through Centertown. Those decorations stayed up through Christmas, adding to the festive atmosphere in Bedford.
    And it all began with a question from some students at the school: “What can we do to give back to the Bedford community?”
    They also wanted to show the true “Spirit of Liberty” to the residents and businesses.
    Those students have certainly succeeded in doing that. Noted LHS art teacher Leslie Padgett at that time: “We wanted a feel-good project. We have good kids who do good things on a regular basis.”
    We concur.
    Sometimes, it’s the negative that gets a lot of the attention. But the fact is most of the students work hard and want to make a positive difference.
    They’re certainly doing that around here.
    Last week, another set of LHS students were back at it again. This time a group of special education students from the school worked in collaboration with the art department to spruce up the Park for Valentine’s Day.
    Their efforts look great!
    The best part about it all is that it’s pulling the community together. After decorating the Park, the teens visited a number of Centertown businesses and many of the merchants showed their support by giving away items or creating a special promotion for the students.
    The Spirit of Liberty is making a difference. And that’s some good news.