Malcolm started playing the trumpet while he was in the first grade under the instruction of Mr. Larry Wright. He is currently in fifth grade at Miller Heights Elementary School. At the urging of his sister, Charlotte, he tried out for the COVID-version of East Hills Jazz Band on trumpet and has been playing with East Hills Jazz and Concert Band for the last three years. Last year, he joined the East Hills MS Orchestra. Over the summer, Malcolm had the opportunity to attend the week-long Moravian University Summer Jazz Camp and looks forward to attending again next summer. Malcolm enjoys fishing, reading, and video games in his free time, as well as woodworking.

Jing-Chun (Wendy) is a fifth grade student at Clearview Elementary School. Wendy is a leader at school in so many ways. She is a part of Safety Patrol and Student Leader. Wendy also is very artistic and creative by playing the flute and being a writer. She enjoys being with friends at Board and Brush. 

“I’m always told that I'm very mature for my age, and I believe that it's because I am a CODA (Child of Deaf Adult). Having to be the interpreter for my parents while I was young taught me a lot of things and having to be mature was one of them. Whenever my mom would take me to her friends’ house there was always an age gap between me and their child(ren)...

The first two weeks of the season weren’t what 13-year-old Owen Fink had in mind. His hope was to bump his average from last year’s 175 to 190.

He needed a shot in the arm to rejuvenate his game. Refocused, he executed his plan perfectly.

The Bethlehem resident found the lanes at Steel City Bowl a bit more forgiving and made a statement by opening with a 300 game. But he didn’t rest on his laurels; he tacked on 237 and 248 for a 785.

Christian is an amazing 8th grader from the Greyhound team and a terrific part of the East Hills family! He has played the trombone for 5 years and is an outstanding leader in the band. He is super kind to everyone no matter the grade, and he helps when anyone asks. He is a very consistent and reliable ensemble member. He is super positive and a great role model for the younger members of the band. Teachers say Christian is a great kid, hard worker, and enjoys his time in the classroom and with his friends. He is a terrific, creative student that we loving having in class!

“I never stayed in a place for more than a year or two. I was born in Bethlehem, but I grew up all over, from Allentown, Easton, Ohio, and Chicago. I've lived with many family members and friends, as well as been homeless for quite a while. Throughout my life, I have been through many traumatic experiences.Growing up, I have had to be an adult and take care of things a child shouldn’t have to do. I was bullied and judged for many things that were out of my control. This included how I dressed, looked, and even where I lived...

Jackson is a fourth grade student at Asa Packer Elementary School who has shown growth and leadership while in BASD. He assists others in his class and has become a role model for younger students. He puts effort into everything he does. Outside of school, Jackson is involved with football, wrestling, and baseball.

"My first day of second grade, I was terrified to go inside. I cried with my mom until a student teacher took my hand and walked me inside. I became more comfortable at school over the years but it never got easier. Middle school started off well. I joined the volleyball team and played the French horn. Going to school was fine, but when I was there I would always be nervous. I remember sitting in class fine one minute and I’d be crying the next with no idea why...

Olivia is a wonderful student who works hard in her classes at Farmersville Elementary School and has a very positive attitude. Outside of class, Olivia is a very talented ice skater who competes and has won some super trophies and awards!

“Some of my biggest passions have been discovered through being a student in the BASD. I went to Freemansburg Elementary School, where I had met some of my greatest friends that I consider family. I joined Boy Scouts in 1st grade led by someone who I consider to be my second mother and who took care of me and also taught at the school, Mrs. Diaspe. I am still currently in Scouts and I am currently working on my Eagle Scout...

“I have lived in Bethlehem my whole life; however, I attended a small private school until 9th grade. My school provided me with a great education, however, I began to feel trapped by the school’s stagnant environment starting in 6th grade. I have always been an extroverted person. I used to get in trouble a lot for talking too much or expressing myself. Making a mistake was severely looked down upon. Back then, mistakes were not something to learn from; they were something to be punished for. Constantly getting in trouble but not knowing how to improve left my middle school mental health in the dumpster...

Dahlia is in kindergarten at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. She loves art and singing. She enjoys TJ's cafeteria with the "yummy" snacks, especially the emoji waffles!

"When I went to Northeast Middle School and would drive past Liberty, I always talked about playing football there and how one day I’d make a name for myself on that field. My freshman year at Liberty, I got to play on the Freshman football team. Then, in August before my sophomore year, I faced the biggest obstacle so far in my life...

Introducing our new #BuiltByBethlehem series highlighting those within the Bethlehem Area School District community!

Our first video features Freedom High School brothers Kyle and Owen Johnson; who excel on the field and in the classroom.

BASD Communications Coordinator, Barbara Clymer, speaks with Kyle and Owen about their experiences within the Bethlehem Area School District, their favorite teachers, subjects, and an Ivy League plan for the future.

Liberty high school senior Aileigh Mulligan was selected in May to attend the Keystone Girls State Honors Program, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary of Pennsylvania during the week of June 19.

The Canes fall 6-4 to Warwick. There was a ton of effort to come back and fell a little short. But the community is proud of each and every one of these kids. Not many get to say they made it to a state final. It wasn’t the outcome we were looking for, but a great run nonetheless.

Liberty High School held its 100th commencement ceremony Wednesday night for the class of 2022 at the BASD Stadium. Photographer Saed Hindash was there to capture moments of the students on their big day. Lehighvalleylive.com will send photographers to graduations throughout the Lehigh Valley and Warren County this season. Our full coverage of graduations across the region can be found at lehighvalleylive.com/graduation.

Freedom High School held its commencement ceremony Tuesday night at Lehigh University’s Stabler Arena. Photographer Saed Hindash was there to capture moments of the students on their big day. Lehighvalleylive.com will send photographers to graduations throughout the Lehigh Valley and Warren County this season. Our full coverage of graduations across the region can be found at lehighvalleylive.com/graduation.

The Bethlehem Area School District held its 9th annual signing ceremony to recognize top graduating seniors for their academic achievements in the classroom and to spotlight their college selection.

Bethlehem area students signed their national letters of intent Friday and will be heading off to the college of their choice this fall.

Olivia Rose is a first grade student at Marvine Elementary School. She is a hardworking student who is kind to her peers and very polite to her teachers!

Congrats to the Liberty Baseball team on winning the District XI 6A Championship!

Congratulations to Patrick and Brylee for male & female Athlete of the Year at Freedom High School! Two gifted individuals- athletically, academically & personally!

Congratulations to Alex and Kailey for male & female Athlete of the Year at Freedom High School! Two gifted individuals- athletically, academically & personally!

Congrats to the Freedom Boys Lacrosse team on winning the District XI 3A Championship

Outstanding Use of Scenery goes to Liberty High School | The Sound of Music

Outstanding Use of Lighting goes to Freedom High School | Curtains

Outstanding Choreography goes to Liberty High School | The Sound of Music

Outstanding Stage Crew In honor of Capt. Christopher Seifert goes to Liberty High School | The Sound of Music

Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role goes to Rebekah “Bex” Vermuelen as Maria Rainer | Liberty High School | The Sound of Music

We wish all of our seniors the best in their future endeavors, and a big thank you for being such a positive influence on the Bethlehem Area School District!

Kali is a fourth grade student at Fountain Hill Elementary School. Intelligent, charismatic, and talented are just three words one could use to describe Kali Drayton. In the classroom, she is hardworking, a leader, and strives to be the best that she can be! This year, Kali has played a vital role with the Student Lighthouse Team, started her own after-school program to clean up local parks, and was recognized by artist, Bart Cooper, for her inspiring piece of artwork. 

Thank you to our LHS seniors who will joining the military after graduation. Bottom Left to Right Gabriel Nieves: United States Marine Corps Andrew Getz: PA Army National Guard Erick Aparicio-Alvarez: PA Army National Guard Cesar Acosta: United States Army Top Left to Right Joseph Castro: United States Marine Corps Landon Foster: United States Army Gavin Evans Gartley: United States Army Gentry LaMartin: United States Navy Vangelo Martinez, Jr.: United States Army Not present Angel Bonilla: PA Army National Guard Luis Santiago: United States Marine Corps.

Congratulations to the 2022 BASD School-2-Work Class, who presented individual reports on their own stories during an event this morning... With more than 20 years of student academic achievement and success in their second language, the ESOL School-2-Work Program celebrates a partnership unlike any other between the St. Luke’s Health Network and the Bethlehem Area School District!

Julia is a sophomore at Freedom high School. She is in the Patriot band, drum and fife corps, jazz band, plays the piano in the choir, FHS theatre and is one of the theatre dance captains. Julia has been nominated for the 2022 Freddy Awards as Outstanding Performance by a Female Ensemble Member and Outstanding Performance by a Featured Dancer. Outside of school, Julia enjoys dance class.

Congratulations to Northeast Middle School on placing Second at What's So Cool About Manufacturing STATES!

Congratulations Anna for being named Artist of the Month by PBS39! Anna is a 4th grader at Spring Garden ES. At school, she is a reading buddy (peer tutor) for her first grade buddy. She is an exceptional student who puts full effort into everything that she does! Outside of school, Anna is involved with the Young Playwrights Lab and will be having her own original play performed at Zoellner Arts Center. 

Congrats to Liberty High Schools' PJAS team for a First Place finish at the State-level competition! The Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science State Level competition was held at Penn State University, University Park, PA.

Congratulations Northeast Middle School Marching Band for winning 1st Place with an excellent rating in the Music in the Parks competition at Hershey Park!

Young Bethlehem students are being honored for their leadership and life skills.

Calypso Elementary School received a Lighthouse Milestone Achievement Award Wednesday.

It became certified and named as the "Leader in Me" Lighthouse School by Franklin Covey Education.

The school is one of 600 from around the country to receive the special honor.

BASD is proud of FHS senior, Adam Walker, who recently completed his Eagle Scout Project and submitted it to the Boy Scout Council. His project was to build a ramp on the snack stand at the BTAA Athletic Complex of Meyer Lane to make the stand accessible to all. Adam found donors to fund his $3,400 project and built a generous ramp that will benefit many years to come. At Freedom, Adam is the President of the FHS Theatre Company, Vice President of the Choir in which he is the men's section leader, a member of Les Chanteurs and Chorale, Captain of the Honor Guard in the FHS Marching Band, Captain of BASD Mini-THON, and National Honor Society member. Adam plans to attend Bucknell University and earn dual degrees in Civil Engineering and Management. Adam currently works part-time at Willow Park Pools. 

Easton is a fifth grader at Governor Wolf Elementary School who is a hardworking student and athlete inside and outside the classroom. He works hard in the classroom in all academic areas and helps his peers. Outside the classroom, you can find Easton knitting, playing Ice Hockey on multiple teams, and playing the bagpipes. 

The following Freedom High students were selected to participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s Festivals and were honored at Monday's BASD Board Meeting: Alex Rubery, MaryJo Rutkoski, and Sophia Trembler. 

The following Liberty High School students were selected to participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s Festivals and were honored at Monday's BASD Board Meeting: David Broczkowski, Christopher Giannaras, Casey Huie, Jack Huie, Anna Lazewski, Emma Lisson, Michelle Loaiza, Benjamin Pfefer, and Erineah Quan.

Marcus arrived to BASD from Brazil in 2018. He has shown a great deal of leadership in welcoming all the new students that have arrived from Brazil this year. He has communicated with parents, met students as they got off the bus, gave them tours of the school, and made sure they met all the other Portuguese speakers. He has also been tutoring other students in their native language of Portuguese. He had made plans to escort and translate for a group of Brazilian soccer players to meet the new coach after school. As of today, we have enrolled 10 new Brazilian students this year, bringing the enrollment to 16. 

Kevin Rivera is a fourth grader at James Buchanan Elementary School. Kevin is an incredibly hard worker who takes pride in all of his work. He often demonstrates the 7 Habits and is always willing to lend a helping hand towards others. He is very kind and considerate towards others and is someone everyone can count on. Kevin consistently has a smile on his face and brightens everyone's day with his infectious laugh and jokes. Kevin also participates in the instrumental program; he plays the clarinet and trumpet. 

Liberty High School student Fallon Ingram is taking matters into her own hands this year as she and her friends prepare for their senior prom. But after tickets went on sale, she says the prices were higher than she expected.

Avery's teachers report that he's been a rock star all year in the Coffee Shop and has been doing amazing at Second Harvest Food Bank where he's been working with his class. Avery always has a positive attitude and an encouraging word for other students. Avery has been a great mentor for Mrs. Weeks' students as well. 

Freedom High School senior Julianna Lepardo and her mom, Jannine Lepardo, celebrate her scholarship to East Stroudsburg University.

Genesis Hernandez, a Freedom High senior, and Shayaan Farhad, a senior from Liberty High School, are this year's BASD Superintendent Scholarship Winners. The scholarship will cover tuition for the two students for all four years.

Kylee is a 5th grade student at Freemansburg Elementary School. She does Gymnastics outside of school as well as plays the keyboard, recorder, and violin. Kylee helps her younger brother with his homework and reading. During her free time, she enjoys playing outside with her friends. Kylee's 5th grade teacher says that she is an amazing student and works really hard while she is in school!

Chelsey is a prime example of what leadership should look like in middle school. She is outgoing, reflective, and always positive.. even when faced with day-to-day adversity. Chelsey is a member of Theatre, Volleyball, and the Basketball team.

Anna's watercolor landscape painting entitled "A Wide Open Place" was submitted to the Hope and Healing Juried Art Show, sponsored by the nonprofit Healing Through The Arts. Her artwork was selected to receive a community cash prize in honor of all the caregivers as a thank you for what the give, selflessly and tirelessly, to help others heal. 

Congratulations to Liberty Swimming on bringing home 5 medals from the PIAA Championships!

Liberty’s Patrick Gilhool swims in the 100-yard butterfly on Wednesday, March 17, 2022, during the PIAA Swimming and Diving Championships at Bucknell University in Lewisburg. Gilhool finished in first place with a time of 47.69.

Spencer is an 11th grade student at Liberty High School. He is involved in THON and hallway decorating for Homecoming. In addition, he has been a part of the Special Olympics since 2008 and Miracle League Baseball since 2014. Spencer loves art and has various pieces of his artwork showcased at the Visions Art Show at the Art Establishment in Bethlehem, the Great Awakenings Café in Philadelphia, and the LHS Art Shows. He is involved in the Best Buddies Program at FHS as well. Spencer is a very outgoing, friendly, and hardworking student who consistently makes Honor Roll, and always has a smile on his face!

Congratulations to Liberty High School senior Abigael Omwega on winning the YWCA Bethlehem Teen Educational Empowerment Award!

Freedom High School Senior Ana Reis won the Teen Educational Empowerment Award from YWCA Bethlehem!

Congratulations to Freedom High School Senior Ciana Feliciano on winning the Teen Educational Empowerment Award from YWCA Bethlehem!

Congratulations to Freedom High School Senior Kailey Turpening on her YWCA Bethlehem Teen Educational Empowerment Award!

The YWCA Bethlehem A Path Forward Award goes to Minerva Ochoa of Freedom High School!

The YWCA Bethlehem is excited and proud to give the Mission award to Liberty High School senior Irampaye Clarisse!

Layla is the Vice President of Student Government, Captain of the Liberty High School Girls Basketball Team, member of the National Honor Society, and member of the Social Justice Club. She hopes to pursue a Physician's Assistant Program in college as well as play collegiate basketball. Layla truly leads by example, and she looks for every opportunity to learn and grow as both a student and person. Layla attended James Buchanan Elementary, Nitschmann Middle School, and now Liberty High School.

Freedom Girls Basketball players Kailey Turpening and Ciana Feliciano were 2 of 4 FHS girls honored this week with YWCA Bethlehem's Educational Empowerment Scholarship Awards! YWCA - eliminating racism and empowering women!

Muhammod is a 4th grader at Freemansburg Elementary School. Muhammod is one of the most conscientious, hard working students in the BASD/ He diligently walks his kindergarten and first grade siblings to school, making sure they arrive in time for the bell. He is eagerly engaged with his studies and a happy contributor to class discussions, a frequent occurrence with his award winning teacher, Mrs. Gilrain.

Muhammod is featured in the picture with his all time favorite teacher, first grade teacher, Mrs. Posch. We are lucky to share in Muhammod's educational journey (and he has really cool shirts).

Congratulations to Liberty's Girl's Soccer Player, Irampaye Clarisse, for being selected as one of two Liberty High School students for the YWCA of Lewiston-Clarkston's Teen of the Year scholarship award!

Arianna is a 6th grader at Broughal Middle School. She is involved in the Theatre (Nala in the Lion King Jr.), Southside Singers, Majorettes, Broughal Summer Academy - Urban Farming and Gardening. Arianna shows up to school everyday with a contagious enthusiasm for learning. She is eager to lend a hand, try new things, and is so supportive of her classmates.

Freedom High School’s football team captured its second District 11 title in program history this past fall.

More than two months after that victory over Emmaus, the Patriots kept their success going as three standouts penned their letters of intent to play college football on National Signing Day.

BASD is proud to announce that Liberty High School Junior Christopher Giannaras earned a perfect score on the ACT test. Christopher participates in many activities at Liberty including Band, Orchestra, Tennis, Chess Team, Math Team, and Scholastic Scrimmage.

Josh is a senior leader on the basketball team who is very involved in athletics and in the community. He is a tri-sport athlete while being an active participant in the Mini-Thon. Most importantly, he is a very good student in the classroom.

Members of the Freedom High School Choir, under the direction of FHS Vocal Music Director Jennifer Volpato-Huntsberger, performed "God Bless America" at the Lehigh Valley Phantoms game on January 15 as guests of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Air Products.

Malachi Alleyne is a third grade student at Marvine Elementary School. During the fall semester, Malachi was a self-motivator and achieved Grand Champion status in First in Math, earning 10,000+ stickers. Malachi is a respective participant during classroom discussions. He is able to defend his thoughts. Malachi is considerate of his classmates' views and opinions during all times. He practices Leader-in-Me habit #4: Think-Win-Win. Malachi is a participant in Marvine's After-School programs. He has joined the soccer program and plans to join the STEAM club too!

Alec is a junior at Freedom High School. He is a trumpet player and a section leader in the marching band and s in District Band for the 3rd consecutive year. He is also in Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, on the Rifle Team, and a member of National Honor Society. Outside of school, Alex is a member of the Marine Band of Allentown and a member of St. Mark's Youth Group. 

Congratulations to Geraldine, First in Math Grand Champion in Mr. Drey’s 5th grade class! Inspired by principal, Courtney Stambaugh - Girls rock in mathematics at Fountain Hill Elementary School!

Unique Small joined the Life Skills program at Donegan Elementary School last year as an instructional assistance. She truly takes the role of being a strong, stable adult for her students to heart. Working with students with intellectual disabilities requires an individual who can treat students with respect, care, and dignity and Unique has all of those qualities and more. The students adore her fun and loving personality but also thrive due to her calm strength and structure. Unique is studying to become a special education teacher and looks forward to a career working with students who need someone to see their unique and inherent worth!

At a National Pageant in Orlando, Savannah placed 4th runner up in the country for the main national title and 15th in the world for talent! At Hanover, Savannah is an awesome student who recently organized a school-wide Backpack Pals food drive for local families in need. She was even able to deliver all the items collected to the donation center and sort everything on the shelves. In addition, Savannah is also an amazing dancer!

Congrats to our amazing Lincoln, Miller Heights, and Marvine students! They did an incredible job in the Girls on the Run Lehigh Valley 5K!

Carl Fair is an 8th grade student at Northeast Middle School and is the Band Student President. Carl is a member of the Concert and Marching Band, the Jazz Ensemble, and the World Percussion Ensemble. Carl is involved with Cross-Country at Northeast and has been a member of the Proud Society for the past two years. Outside of school, Carl plays baseball with Lehigh Little League. Carl is looking forward to becoming a member of the Liberty High School's Grenadier Band next year. 

Rick Kintzel/Morning Call

Freedom senior Alex Heidemann, like a lot of runners who end up as cross country standouts, started off his athletic career focused on another sport.

Congrats to Hanover Elementary School's fourth grader, Fikayo for winning the Tales of the Towpath art contest! We are very proud of you!

There was a wonderful visit to Freemansburg Elementary School to present new Grand Champion and Mathematician awards. Center is Cole Frey with his parents, along with principal Alogna, PA State Rep. Bob Freeman, Superintendent Dr. Roy, First in Math Inventor Robert Sun and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Silva. 

Click here to watch the YouTube video!

"I'm always rooting for the underdog, and First in Math really allows for every kid to have success."

Congratulations to the students, faculty, staff, Cesar Cordova, and Eric Fontanez on Marvine Elementary School being designated as a National Blue Ribbon School!

When something touches your heart, it can lead to great things. That’s what happened when Abby Thompson, a sophomore at Liberty HS, saw the need for necessities by many in the local area. That concern was the springboard for her spearheading a project with the Bethlehem YMCA to establish a Hygiene Box at its facilities for those who cannot afford basic hygienic necessities.

Get ready for the two minute drill, as we give a very quick look at each school at the 2021 Bethlehem Halloween Parade. Enjoy and thank you very much for all the effort by our students, families and staff who represented the BASD community.

Lehigh Valley schools are teaching students that wheelchairs, disabilities are nothing unusual, with help from ‘Laughing at My Nightmare’ author Shane Burcaw.

East Hills Middle School - Northeast Middle School - Broughal Middle School - Nitschmann Middle School - Freedom High School - Liberty High School

Freedom’s Blaine MacIlroy, left, celebrates with his teammate Michael Krents who scored against Parkland during an Eastern Pennsylvania Conference game October 23, 2021. Freedom won 5-0.

The Liberty High School Girls Volleyball team announced that it has made a donation in the amount of $2,000 to Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

Congrats to Anna Lazewski! She qualified for the Pennsylvania Music Educator Association's All-State Wind Ensemble 2021. Anna recorded her part in the spring and the video was released last night. You can find her performance on YouTube under "2021 PMEA All-State". Anna was selected as a member of the 2021 All-National Concert Band!

Broughal Rockets representing today at the Nazareth Halloween Parade! The Parade is sponsored by the Vigilance Hose Company No. 1. 

Congrats to Hanover Elementary School's kindergarten student, Polette for being selected to display her artwork on the Southside Greenway!

Kevin Conklin, 17, received the Robert P. Connelly Medal of Heroism during this year’s Kiwanis PA District Convention in Harrisburg.