Alumni Stories that Inspire

Accomplished. Inspiring. Trailblazers. The many career paths our alumni have taken represent and celebrate the diversity of our community. We are happy to share some of their inspiring stories that make us all BASD proud!

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Christopher Payano

Freedom Class of 2005

Chrisopher is currently the Universal Brand Manager at Members Federal Credit Union. 

Proudly Built by Bethlehem, Christopher attended Governor Wolf Elementary School, East Hills Middle School, and Freedom High School. After high school, he went on to Brooklyn College.

Christopher proudly serves in the United States Airforce Reserve 2007-Present. 

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Shaun McNulty

Freedom Class of 2018

Shaun is the Development and Alumni Relations Assistant Director of Annual Giving at Lehigh University.

Proudly Built by Bethlehem, Shaun attended Spring Garden Elementary School, East Hills Middle School, and Freedom High School. After high school, he went on to Lehigh University to receive a Bachelor's degree in International Relations and Threatre, with a minor in Film. 

Read more

Builty by Bethlehem Celebrity - Jessica Jablonski

Liberty Class of 2018

Jessica is a German teacher at Stoney Creek High School. She also runs the German Club and the German National Honor Society at her school.

Proudly Built by Bethlehem, Jessica attended Northeast Middle School and Liberty High School. After high school, she went to Penn State University where she received her BA in German and BS in World Language Education. 

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Tim Unger

Freedom Class of 2010

Tim is the Co-Founder of Steel Pixel Studios, a content and digital marking studio, in Bethlehem. 

Proudly Built by Bethlehem, Tim attended Asa Packer Elementary School, East Hills Middle School, and Freedom High School. After high school, he went on to Northampton Community College and Temple University. 

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Tim Bream

Freedom Class of 1998

Tim is the Director of Sales and Marketing and the Owner of Global Expeditions and Lehigh Valley Printing. 

Proudly Built by Bethlehem, Tim attended East Hills Middle School and Freedom High School. After high school, he went on to Allentown Business School

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Mario Stuart

Liberty Class of 1999

Mario is currently the Director of Benefits for the Seltzer Group Partners. Formerly, he owned Stuart Benefits Consulting, LLC. before it was acquired by the Seltzer Group Partners. After high school, he received his Bachelor's in Psychology from Lehigh University. 

Mario is truly Built by Bethlehem and attended Clearview Elementary School, Nitschmann Middle School, Liberty High School, and Lehigh University. 

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Bill Safranek

Freedom Class of 1982

Bill is currently a realtor for eXp Realty.

Proudly Built by Bethlehem, Bill attended Farmersville Elementary School, Spring Garden Elementary School, East Hills Middle School, and graduated from Freedom High School. He went on to teach at Freedom High School for 30 years!

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Josh Young

Freedom Class of 2012

Our BASD highlighted Built by Bethlehem graduate is from Freedom High School and will be appearing on the next season of the Bachelorette. He is currently a football coach in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Click here to read the Lehigh Valley Live Article.

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Jack Fried

Freedom Class of 2015

Jack is a Clinical and Research Engineer at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Assistive Technology.

After high school, Jack attended the University of Pittsburgh where he earned a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Masters in Rehabilitation Technology.

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Josh Christiansen

Freedom Class of 2017

Josh is currently working as a Federal Government Consultant with Deloitte Consulting in Washington, D.C.

After high school, Josh attended Liberty University where he earned a Bachelors of Art Degree in International Relations and a Masters in International Legal Studies. 

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Megan Noble

Liberty Class of 2008

Megan is currently the Assistant Registrar at Moravian University. After high school, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Management from Moravian University. 

Megan is Built by Bethlehem and attended Calypso Elementary School, Nitschmann Middle School, Liberty High School, and Moravian University!

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Briannah Rivera

Liberty Class of 2018

Briannah is currently working at Seventeen Magazine as an Editorial Assistant. After high school, she attended Kutztown University with a Professional Writing Major and German Minor. 

Briannah is Built by Bethlehem and attended William Penn Elementary School, Northeast Middle School, and Liberty High School.

Read more

BASD Valentines Dr. Ralph Shields and Jean Soloi, Liberty High School Class of 1956

Dr. Ralph Shields and Jean Soloi didn't know each other that well as members of Liberty High School's Class of 1956. In fact, it wasn't until some 50 years later, at a Liberty Alumni picnic, where their love was finally sparked!

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Dior Mariano

Liberty Class of 2011

Dior is currently the Associate Director of Human Resources at Moravian University. After high school, she received her Bachelor's in Business Management and Master's in Human Resource Management, both from Moravian University. 

She attended James Buchanan Elementary School, Nitschmann Middle School, and Liberty High School. Dior is truly Built by Bethlehem

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Alexa Reich

Freedom Class of 2016

Alexa is currently a Pediatric Registered Nurse at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital. This year, Alexa will begin travel nursing throughout the country, continuing her work in pediatrics. 

After high school, Alexa received her nursing degree from Quinnipiac University. She attended Miller Heights Elementary School, East Hills Middle School, and Freedom High School. Alexa is truly Built by Bethlehem!

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Angela Malpedo

Liberty Class of 1999

After high school, Angela attended Temple University and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was a small business owner for 12 years of a bakery and appeared on the Food Network twice, and on the shows Baker's Dozen and Chopped Sweets. 

Angela is currently the Relationship Manager at the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Gracie Riess

Liberty Class of 2008

After high school, Gracie attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and received a Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Merchandising. Gracie is currently the Shop Manager at Violet Reserve, a vintage/secondhand boutique in Beacon, New York. 

While in Bethlehem Area School District, Maris attended Lincoln Elementary School, Northeast Middle School, and Liberty High School. Maris is truly built by Bethlehem!

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Glenn Milositz

Freedom Class of 1988

Glenn is currently the Dean of Students at Bethlehem Area Vocational Tech School. After high school, Glenn received his AAS Applied Science Degree from Northampton Community College and a Technical Certification I and II from Temple University.

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Maris DeLuca

Liberty Class of 2016

After high school, Maris attended La Salle University where she received her graduate and undergraduate degrees. Maris is currently a Speech Language Pathologist and a Barista in Brooklyn, NY. 

While in Bethlehem Area School District, Maris attended Clearview Elementary School, Nitschmann Middle School, and Liberty High School. Maris is truly built by Bethlehem!

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Paige Gross

Liberty Class of 2013

After high school, Paige attended Temple University and Fox School of Business where she received a Bachelor's in Business Administration. Paige went on to Villanova where she received her Juris Doctor Degree. Paige is currently an attorney at KingSpry, LLC in Bethlehem.

Paige attended Hanover Elementary School, Nitschmann Middle School, and Liberty High School and is currently working in Bethlehem. She is truly built by Bethlehem!

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Kelly M. Smith

Liberty Class of 1990

Kelly is a 1990 graduate of Liberty High School. She is currently the manager of the Downtown Bethlehem Association of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Jakob Klo

Freedom Class of 2016

Student Naval Aviator in the US Navy

After high school, Jakob attended Penn State University and received his Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Military Studies. He received the National Navy ROTC Scholarship. Jakob recently completed Primary Flight School in Pensacola, Florida. He was selected by the US Navy to be a Fighter Pilot. He is continuing his training in Meridian, Mississippi. He rank is Lieutenant (junior grade) LTJG. 

Jakob attended Governor Wolf, East Hills, and Freedom, and is truly built by Bethlehem! Thank you for your service Jakob!

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Kevin McNulty

Freedom Class of 2018

After high school, Kevin studied at Lehigh University and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree. His major was Political Science. He is currently pursuing a Master's in Public Policy at Lehigh University. Kevin is currently working on his Community Fellowship in the Mayor of Bethlehem office. 

Kevin attended Spring Garden Elementary School, East Hills Middle School, and Freedom High School. He is truly built by Bethlehem!

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Ryan Lawrence

Freedom Class of 2015

After high school, Ryan studied at Penn State University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree. His major was Labor and Employment Relations with a Psychology minor. Ryan is currently a Senior Human Relations Generalist at myHR Partner, Inc. 

Ryan attended Governor Wolf Elementary School, East Hills Middle School, and Freedom High School. He is truly built by Bethlehem!

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Katie McNulty

Freedom Class of 2018

After high school, Katie studied at Lehigh University and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree. Her major was Journalism. 

Katie is currently the Assistant Director of Sports Communications at Lehigh University. 

Katie attended Spring Garden Elementary School, East Hills Middle School, and Freedom High School. She is truly Built by Bethlehem!

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Mitchell Hendricks

Freedom Class of 2018

After high school, Mitchell studied at Monmouth University and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree. His major was Political Science with a concentration in Legal Studies and Music with a concentration in Musical Theatre.

Mitchell is currently a Community Fellow in the BASD Office of Student Services while working on his Master's in Public Policy at Lehigh University.

Mitchell attended Miller Heights Elementary School, East Hills Middle School, and Freedom High School and is truly Built by Bethlehem.

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Christopher Statile

Freedom Class of 1998

After high school, Christopher studied at the University of Pittsburgh and received a B.S. in Biological Sciences after attending the Eastern Virginia Medical School. He completed his Pediatric Residency at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and his Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and his Fetal Cardiology Sub Fellowship at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. 

Christopher is currently the Medical Director of Outpatient Services, Medical Director of the Consult Service at The Heart Institute and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. 

Christopher is pictured above with his wife, Angela Statile (Fragnito) who is also a Freedom High School graduate. 

Read more

Justin Amann

Liberty Class of 2011

Justin Amann is a 2011 graduate of Liberty High School where he served as Class President and Pipe Major for the Grenadier Band's Pipe Corps. He attributes much of his early career successes on his incredible experiences in the arts - namely band, choir, and theatre. He currently serves as the Assistant to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs at East Stroudsburg University as well as the Director of Theatre at Freedom High School where he is committed to providing students with high quality arts experiences. 

Justin was recently appointed as the Executive Director for The Foundation for the Bethlehem Area School District. He lives in Bethlehem with his wife, Lauren (LHS 2011) and son, Hunter. 

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Sgt. Christian Negron

Liberty Class of 2015

After graduation, SGT. Christian Negron went on to serve in the Army. He did his basic training in Fort Leonard, Missouri to become a military police officer. He has served in Hawaii, Kansas, and Colorado. He was deployed to Kuwait and did training in Guam, South Korea. Thank you for your service SGT. Negron! 

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Karanda Erdman

Liberty Class of 2009

In high school, Kara was a photographer for the school newspaper. She earned her BS in chemistry from Penn State University, her nursing degree from DeSales University, and her Master's in Nursing from Western Governors University. Kara is the director of Patient Care at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Hecktown Oaks. She is also a certified emergency nurse. Recently, she has traveled to Haiti with LVH to teach best nursing practices and sustainability related to emergency medicine and she continues the effort through tele-education. 

Read more

J. William Reynolds

Teacher & Bethlehem Councilman, Liberty Class of 1999

Mr. J. William Reynolds is a teacher in the Allentown School District and has served on the Bethlehem City Council since 2008.  After graduating from Liberty in 1999, he attended Moravian College and received a B.A. with a major in Political Science and a minor in History.

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Gina Martens

Freedom Class of 1986

In high school, Gina was a majorette and in her senior year, she became the head majorette of the FHS Patriot Band. She was also the manager for the soccer team and a member of the ski club. After high school, Gina went to Indiana University of Pennsylvania and received a Bachelor's of Science in Hotel Restaurant Management. Gina is the Senior Vice President of Member Relations and Sales for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. 

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Sheetal Sheth

Liberty Class of 1994

Sheetal is a 1994 graduate of Liberty High School. While at Liberty, Sheetal was a member of the National Honor Society, Drama Club, and Speech and Debate Team. She was chosen by the faculty to be the speaker at graduation. After high school, Sheetal received her Bachelor's of Fine Arts Degree from New York University (Tish School of the Arts). Sheetal is an actress, producer, children's book author, and activist.

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Rob Baker

Freedom Class of 2000

Rob is a 2000 graduate of Freedom High School. He also attended East Hills, Spring Garden, and Governor Wolf. After high school, Rob went on to receive his Bachelor's of Arts Degree from Temple University. Rob is the Co-Owner, President, and CEO of Christmas City Studio.

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Tammy Wendling

Freedom Class of 1998

In high school, Tammy was in the FHS Concert Choir, Les Chanteurs, FHS Theatre Company, Cheerleader, and Cheerleader Captain during her senior year. After high school, Tammy went on to study criminal justice at Northampton Community College and then to East Stroudsburg University. Tammy is the Senior Vice President of Bethlehem Initiatives for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - TJ Chillot

Freedom Class of 2006

While in BASD, TJ was involved in the choir, yearbook club, newspaper club, and played baseball and hockey. After high school, TJ attended Northampton Community College and Penn State University. TJ is currently the Director of Broadcasting and Corporate Servicing for the Charlotte Checkers in North Carolina.

Read more

Eashwar Rangarajan

Vice President at Goldman Sachs, Freedom Class of 2009

Hello! My name is Eashwar, and I am a Vice President in the Consumer Wealth Management Division at Goldman Sachs in New York City. I focus on the design, architecture, and implementation of Marcus Invest, which is Goldman Sachs' automated managed investment solution. I am a Miller Heights Husky, an East Hills Charger, and a Freedom Patriot ('09)

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Tammy Nickens

Liberty Class of 1992

Tammy is a 1992 graduate of Liberty High School. While at Liberty, Tammy participated in Chorus all 4 years. After high school, Tammy received her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from DeSales University. Tammy is currently employed as a Case Manager for Doylestown Hospital. 

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Jay Losagio

Freedom Class of 1998

Jay is a 1998 graduate of Freedom High School. While at Freedom, Jay was involved in the Patriot band and wrestled. After high school, Jay received his Associates Degree from Northampton Community College and his Bachelor of Arts Degree from East Stroudsburg University. Jay is currently the Founder and President of ISEA Media and the Owner of Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in Hellertown, PA. 

Read more

Congratulations to Virginia Klotz Gall - LHS Theater Alumnus

We wish Liberty Theater Alumnus Virginia Klotz Gall a very happy 102nd birthday wish...and some current theater company members give her a very special gift.

She would have been the class of 1938 but she never made it to graduation. Those were different times and families did what they had to do.

Well, Liberty High School thought Virginia had earned the right to graduate, so this birthday bash turned into a high school graduation ceremony.

At the end there Virginia said, "Took me a long time but I did it."

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Tomacene Nickens

Liberty Class of 1969

Tomacene is a 1969 graduate of Liberty High School. While at Liberty, Tomacene participated in the Christmas Vespers, Liberty Life Talent Show, Library Club, Leaders Club, and Intramurals. Tomacene was also in the BAVTS Health Assistant Program. After high school, Tomacene attended Cheyney (State) University. Prior to Tomacene's retirement, she worked in the Bethlehem Area School District for 38 years. At the time of her retirement, she was employed as an After School Site Coordinator at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School.

Read more

‘Where you can’t go wrong’: Freedom Grad Serving up Pizza the ‘Wright’ way at new Bethlehem Eatery

Shane Wright, a 2011 graduate of Freedom High School, poses with a southwest chicken pizza outside of his new eatery, Wright's Pizza, at 835 N. New St. in Bethlehem.

The pizzeria, which opened March 18 at 835 N. New St. (former Johnnie Lustig’s Frankfurters spot), features nearly two dozen specialty pizzas, including buffet (chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, French fries, onion rings, marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese), Mac Attack (ground beef, 1,000 Island dressing, red onion, pickles and mozzarella) and Italian hoagie (ham, salami, capicola, provolone and mozzarella).

Read more

Journey from Member to Director of the Bethlehem Boys and Girls Club

Program Director of the Bethlehem Boys and Girls Club and Bethlehem Native Scott Perry. Perry's became involved in the club in the early 80s, and has worked his way up from a member. 

When Scott Perry began attending the Bethlehem Boys and Girls Club in the early 80s at the age of 10, he was unaware of the ongoing impact this organization would have on his life.

Since his graduation from Freedom High School, he has been offered various positions within the Bethlehem Boys and Girls Club and is now their Program Director, organizing programs for kids similar to those he once enjoyed.

Read more

Actress, producer, author, and activist Sheetal Sheth was recently hosted by the Liberty Psychology Club.

Actress, producer, author, and activist Sheetal Sheth was recently hosted by the Liberty Psychology Club. The Club, with Sheetal’s help, are donating a copy of each of her new series books “Always Anjali” and “Bravo Anjali” to all BASD elementary schools!

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Casandra Ortiz

Liberty Class of 2011

Casandra is a 2011 graduate of Liberty High School. While at Liberty, Casandra was a member of the School to Work Program. After high school, Casandra attended Northampton Community College and will soon be graduating from St. Luke's School of Nursing. Casandra is employed at St. Luke's University Health Network and coordinates a grant through the CDC Foundation. Casandra also runs/manages the WIC Clinic in Bethlehem. 

Read more

Abhinaw Rangarajan

Quantitative Researcher, Freedom Class of 2012

Hello, my name is Abhinav Rangarajan.  I am a quantitative researcher at GTS Technologies, a leading market maker at New York Stock Exchange.  I develop algorithms for automated trading and analysis of data. I attended Miller Heights, East Hills, and Freedom High School ('12). 

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Justin Keiper

Liberty Class of 2013

Justin is a 2013 graduate of Liberty High School. While at Liberty, Justin was on Track and Field, Wrestling, Football, and Student Government. After high school, Justin received his Associate's Degree from Northampton Community College, Class of 2015 in Applied Science: Funeral Services. Justin is currently a Funeral Director and Supervisor at Cantelmi Funeral Home & Cantelmi Long Funeral Home. 

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Jeff Hartney

Liberty Class of 1998

Jeff is a 1998 graduate of Liberty High School. While at Liberty, Jeff was on the soccer team, in the theatre, student government, and chorus. After high school, Jeff went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts Degree from DeSales University. Jeff is currently the Owner and Founder of the Emmy Award Winning Production Pocketknife LLC "The Survival Knife of Film and Video Production."

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Diana Hernandez Martinez

Liberty Class of 2005

Diana is a 2005 graduate of Liberty High School. While at Liberty, Diana was a member of the Latino Leadership Club, National Honor Society, and was nominated as the faculty class speaker. After high school, Diana received her Associates Degree from Northampton Community College and her Bachelor of Science Degree from Kutztown University. Diana is currently employed by St. Luke's University Health Network as the Coordinator for Adolescent Career Mentoring Programs.

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Edward Broczkowski

Liberty Class of 1985

Ed is truly Built by Bethlehem. Ed attended Edgeboro Elementary School, Northeast Middle School, and graduated from Liberty High School, Northampton Community College, and Lehigh University. At Liberty, Ed was a proud member of the LHS Grenadier Band. He was also a member of the orchestra and jazz band. Ed met his wide in middle school and they later started dating. They raised two amazing children who are both graduates of Freedom High School. Ed is currently the Vice President of Strategy Realization at Just Born, Inc.

Read more

Tomacene Lipscomb Nickens

Vice President of the Bethlehem NAACP, Liberty Class of 1969

Mrs. Tomacene Lipscomb Nickens is a prominent member of the class of 1969. She is extremely proud of her family's four generation legacy of BASD graduates. In fact, one of her grandchildren is a member of Liberty’s 100th class. 

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Christopher Gonzalez

Liberty High School Class of 1994

Chris is a 1994 graduate of Liberty High School. While at Liberty, he was in the Grenadier Band and on the Varsity Football Team. He received his Associates Degree from Strayer University and is currently working on his Bachelor's Degree. Chris is currently employed by PPL Electrics Utilities as the Manager of Operations.

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Jessica Lee

Liberty High School Class of 1976

Jessica is a 1976 graduate of Liberty High School. While at Liberty, Jessica played the baritone in the Grenadier Band and the viola in the orchestra, stage band, and string quartet. She was a member of Liberty Life, Homeroom Secretary, and was an EPA All-Star on the girls volleyball team. Jessica received her BFA in Communication Design from Kutztown University. She is currently employed by PBS39 as the Director of Broadcast Design.

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Luis Vasquez

Liberty High School Class of 1991

Luis is currently employed by St. Luke's University Health network as a Family Development Specialist at Donegan Elementary School in the Bethlehem Area School District. Luis is a 1991 graduate of Liberty high School. While at Liberty, Luis wrestled and was in the Latino Leadership Club. After high school, he attended Northampton Community College.

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Laura Collins

Freedom High School Class of 2006

At Freedom, Laura was on Student Council, the Superintendent's Advisory Committee, and the National Honor Society, and she was the student representative to the School Board. Laura was also on the Field Hockey, Basketball, and Softball Teams (captain of the field hockey and basketball teams). Laura is currently the Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development for the City of Bethlehem. Prior to her current position in the city, Laura was a practicing attorney, working first as a Litigation Associate at Covington & Burling LLP in Washington D.C., and then as a Judicial Law Clerk on the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. 

Read more

Eileen Seitz

BASD Teacher, Freedom Class of 2013

Eileen Seitz graduated from Freedom in 2013.  While at Freedom High School, Eileen co-founded the BASD Mini-THON.  She completed her undergrad work at Penn State University, University Park, with a degree in Elementary Education.  While there, she received the Student Teacher of the Year award.  Eileen was very involved with THON all four of her years at Penn State.  In her senior year, she served on the Executive Committee. 

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Doris Correll

Freedom High School Class of 1977

While at Freedom, Doris was a "Wrestlerette" - cheering at all of the wrestling meets. She was also a manager for the wrestling team at FHS. Doris attended Kutztown University, Marywood University, Penn State University, and Turabo University in Puerto Rico. Doris is currently the Director of Field Experience at Moravian University and prior was an administrator in the Bethlehem Area School District.

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Brian Gates

Freedom High School Class of 1996

Brian has many memorable moments at Freedom High School including playing on the basketball team. After graduation, Brian went on to receive his undergraduate degree from Lehigh University and his MBA from Villanova University. Brian is currently Director of Financial Planning, Analysis, and Economics for Air Products.

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Calvin Virgilio

Liberty High School Class of 2006

Calvin attended Liberty High School and was a proud member of the Track and Cross Country Teans. Calvin is currently the Director of Operations for The Granola Factory, a family run business started by his parents at The Bethlehem Inn. 

The BASD e-News is designed to inform BASD staff, parents, students, and the Bethlehem Community with updated information weekly. We hope you find it informative. If you would like to highlight a student, staff member, or a BASD graduate or an activity at your school please email, Barbara Clymer at [email protected].

Read more

Charles Marcon

CEO & Philanthropist, Liberty Class of 1961

Charles Marcon is a graduate of Liberty High School, class of 1961 where he was a student council officer and a graduation speaker. Mr. Marcon is an inductee of Liberty High School’s Hall of Fame and of the Lehigh Valley Basketball Hall of Fame. He graduated from Davidson College in 1965 and served as an officer in the U.S. Army from July 1965 through July 1967. 

Read more

Find out about Freedom Grad Daniel Dae Kim’s Most Important Role Yet

Actor/producer and Freedom High School graduate Daniel Dae Kim — who spent much of his career as a leading voice for diversity in Hollywood — now has an even bigger role.

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Mike Walbert

Freedom High School Class of 2000

At Freedom High School, Mike was on the Basketball Team and was the captain in his senior year. Mike was also a member of the National Honor Society. Mike is the Manager of Marketing and Communications at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network.

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Anthony Villani

Liberty High School Class of 1973

At Liberty High School, Tony was on the Football and Wrestling teams, the Sophomore Choir, JR. and SR. Glee Club, and Choraliers. Tony is a Moravian College Class of 1977 Graduate and went on to receive his Masters Degree and Post Masters Administrative Certifications from Lehigh University. Tony worked in BASD as an assistant principal, Director of Secondary Education, East Hills Middle School principal, and Freedom High School, completing his BASD service as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. Tony is currently an adjunct Professor at Moravian University.

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Emily Betley

Liberty High School Class of 2003

Emily is currently the Director of Marketing at Northampton Community College. During high school, Emily was involved in softball, volleyball, and theater. Emily attended Liberty High School, Nitschmann Middle School, and Clearview Elementary School. Emily's grandparents and parents are BASD graduates and her children now attend BASD.

Read more

Built by Bethlehem Celebrity - Ted Deutch

Liberty High School Class of 1984

BASD eNews' Built by Bethlehem Celebrity is Ted Deutch, a 1984 Graduate of Liberty High School. Ted is currently serving as Congressman in Florida's 22nd District. Prior to holding public office, Ted enjoyed a successful career as a commercial real estate attorney. Ted Deutch attended Liberty High School, Northeast Middle School, and Spring Garden Elementary School. While at Liberty, Ted was the class president.

Ashanti Littlejohn

Freedom Grad and Geisinger Medical School Student 

Ashanti is a first generation undergraduate and graduate student currently pursuing her medical degree at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton, PA. She identifies as a Black, cis-gendered woman from a low socio-economic status background who wouldn't have been as successful in her career thus far without mentorship and support.

Read more

For one BASD Alum, a Chance to Make a Difference for the Planet

The evidence of climate change is clear: Our exponentially warming planet is careening toward a global catastrophe.

But Spencer Smith offers a glimmer of hope.

“I look at it more positively,” said Smith, a senior York College civil engineering major from Bethlehem Township. “It’s the engineer in me. Engineers are problem-solvers. If there’s a problem, I have work to do.”

Read more

Kate Kieres

Principal of Emmaus High School, Liberty Class of 1994

Dr. Kate Kieres has served as the Principal of Emmaus High School for the past four years. She is BASD proud, having attended Calypso Elementary and Nitschmann Middle School.

Read more

Family of Alumni Donate Hammond Organ to Nitschmann Middle School

Fred M. Hageter, Liberty graduate of 1939, and Beatrice Hageter, Liberty graduate of 1941 owned a beautiful Hammond organ throughout their family life. Their daughter, Connie Raidline, Liberty graduate 1965, has fond memories of her dad playing the organ as a kid and was delighted that the organ found a new home at Nitschmann Middle School. Both her parents attended Nitshcmann Middle School! Connie, and her husband Rich, graciously donated the organ. Now at Nitschmann, the organ will be used by students and staff members for musical performances throughout the year. The theater group has already put it to use!

Read more

Liberty Alum has been a Crossing Guard for 50 Years

The Lehigh University Police Department partnered with Bethlehem Police along with an anonymous donor to provide winter coats, hats, and gloves to the crossing guards throughout the Bethlehem area.

The departments also recognized Bethlehem resident Susan Schmidlie, who has been working as a crossing guard near Thomas Jefferson Elementary School on East North and Linden Street since 1972.

Read more

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Surprises Freedom Football Team

Dwayne Johnson, alongside Under Armour on behalf of his Project Rock clothing line, put together an incredible surprise for the football players at his former high school, Freedom High in Pennsylvania. Before their Homecoming game, Dwayne gifted each player with brand new Project Rock performance gear along with customized programming for athletes and coaches - all delivered with a special message from The Rock himself, hyping them up to go play their hearts out on the field. Stay tuned for part two...

Read more

Liberty Welcomes Alumni Cheerleaders at BASD Stadium

.
Liberty High School welcomed back its Alumni Cheerleaders on October 2 at BASD Stadium.
Here is the video that played on the scoreboard during the game, listing the alumni who attended the event.
Thank you to all school district cheerleaders for their work and effort!!
Read more

Helen Hsu

Management Consultant, Freedom Class of 2015

I graduated from Freedom High School in 2015 where I was a part of the golf and swim teams. I ended up continuing my swimming career at Cornell University. 

Read more

Michael Harris

NFL Coach, Liberty Class of 2012

Mr. Mike Harris is a proud Hurricane from the class of 2012. He believes that the diverse student body at Liberty is a tremendous attribute and impacted him as a person.

Read more

Matt Holt

NBA Senior Vice President, Liberty Class of 1999

Matt Holt Headshot

Matt Holt graduated from Liberty High School in 1999. He attended The George Washington University and majored in Business. After college Matt went in search of his passion in politics, the music industry, and then landed at the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) in Washington DC. 

Read more

Kathryn McDermott, Ph.D.

Professor, Freedom Class of 1986

Kathryn McDermott Headshot

Dr. Kathryn (Katie) McDermott is Professor of Education and Public Policy and Chair of the Department of Educational Policy, Research, and Administration at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMASS).

Read more

Robert McClarin

Developer of Five Star Heart Project, Liberty Class of 1999

Robert McClarin Headshot

Bobby McClarin was an outstanding student athlete, graduating from Liberty High School in 1999. He attended the United States Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering. 

Read more

A Conversation with Recently Retired Liberty High School Band Director, Kevin Long

Dr. Joseph Roy, Superintendent of Bethlehem Area School District has a conversation with Kevin Long, Liberty High School alum and Grenadier Band Director, who retired in June. 

Benjamin Hedrick

Mathematician, PhD Stanford, Freedom Class of 1995

Benjamin Hedrick Headshot

After graduating from Freedom High School in 1995, Ben attended Penn State University, graduating with honors with a BS in mathematics and statistics and a minor in Spanish. 

Read more

Krista Evans

Director of Admissions at Kutztown University, Liberty Class of 1995

Krista Evans Headshot

Krista (Roche) Evans graduated from Liberty High School in 1995. She attended Penn State University, where she received a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Business. 

Read more

Broughal Alum, Ms. Kari Bennett to join the Broughal Middle School Family

A huge Welcome (and welcome back) to Ms. Kari Bennett to the Broughal Family as the new Broughal Technology Education Teacher! Ms. Bennett attended Broughal 20 years ago and is even replacing Mr. Neveling who was her Tech Ed Teacher! 🚀💫

Liberty’s 1961 Baseball Team Remembers it's Finest Season

60 years later, Liberty’s 1961 baseball team remembers school’s finest season! Nat “Junior” Gencarelli insists the record was 18-0. Several of his teammates argue it was 17-0, a fact backed up by Liberty High School’s yearbook.

17-0, 18-0, it doesn’t matter.

Read more

L. Ryan Storms

Author, Freedom Class of 1997

L. Ryan Storms Headshot

Young Adult Fantasy author L. Ryan Storms graduated from Freedom High School in 1997 as Lorraine Longo. Writing was always a passion of hers all throughout her college experience. 

Read more

Brendan Van Ackeren

Associate Director of Athletics at Princeton University, Liberty Class of 2005

Brendan Van Ackeren Headshot

A native of Bethlehem, Brendan Van Ackeren graduated from Liberty High School in 2005 where he participated in football, basketball and baseball and was President of the National Honors Society. 

Read more

"Built by Bethlehem" Freedom High School Teachers and Staff

The Freedom staff knows about hard work, loyalty, cooperation and lots of other "building blocks".  We ask a few of them what it means to be #BuiltbyBethlehem, and this is what they showed us.

 

 

 

"Built by Bethlehem" Liberty High School Teachers and Staff

There are more than 70 teachers or staff at Liberty High School who attended Bethlehem Area School District schools in their lifetime. We asked a few of them what #BuiltbyBethlehem means to them.

 

 

 

Samantha Stever, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor at Okayama University, Liberty Class of 2005

Samantha Stever Headshot

Dr. Samantha Stever graduated from Liberty High School in 2005, and spent her entire childhood in Bethlehem. Five years after graduation, she moved to the UK to study physics at Cardiff University, eventually obtaining a Masters degree. 

Read more

Dean E. Murphy

New York Times Journalist, Freedom Class of 1976

Dean Murphy Headshot

Dean E. Murphy is an award-winning journalist at The New York Times, where he is currently the newspaper’s associate masthead editor for investigations. 

Read more

Lisa M. Boscola

Pennsylvania State Senator from the 18th District, Freedom Class of 1980

Lisa Boscola Headshot

State Senator Lisa M. Boscola has spent the majority of her professional career working to improve the lives of Lehigh Valley residents. Born in Bethlehem, Senator Boscola is the proud daughter of a steel worker and life-long resident of the Lehigh Valley.

Read more

Michael Benitez Jr., Ph.D.

VP for Diversity and Inclusion at Metropolitan State University, Liberty Class of 1995

Michael Benitez

Dr. Michael Benitez is employed by Metropolitan State University of Denver as vice president for Diversity and Inclusion. 

Read more

Rebecca Shiner, Ph.D.

Clinical Psychologist and Professor in New York, Freedom Class of 1986

Rebecca Shiner Headshot

Rebecca Shiner (Becky Mitchell during her time in the BASD) is Professor of Psychological Science at Colgate University in Hamilton, NY. She is a clinical psychologist. 

Read more

Rev. Kevin Lamár Peterman

PhD Candidate Howard University, Liberty Class of 2011

Kevin Lamar Headshot

Rev. Kevin Lamár Peterman is an outstanding alumni of the class of 2011. Although he has attended numerous universities since leaving high school, Kevin sees Liberty as a truly unique place. 

Read more

Michele Moser Deegan, Ph.D.

Dean of Academic Life at Muhlenberg College, Liberty Class of 1984

Michele Moser Deegan

Michele Moser Deegan is the Dean of Academic Life at Muhlenberg College and Professor of Political Science. She is a 1984 graduate of Liberty High School. 

Read more

Don Cunningham

CEO of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp and former Mayor of Bethlehem, Freedom Class of 1983

Don Cunningham Headshot

Don Cunningham has been president and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation since July 2012. He was twice-elected Mayor of Bethlehem, twice-elected Lehigh County Executive, and the appointed Pennsylvania Secretary of the Department of General Services in Governor Ed Rendell's administration. 

Read more