Editor’s Be aware I : This story was subitted to us by the coed listed beneath with the assitance of Hannah Edwards a social research trainer and Scholar Council Advisor on the faculty. The varsity will maintain commencement contained in the LHS gymnasium Thursday at 7 p.m.
By Liberty Excessive College Senior
Khynzli Randolph
Liberty Excessive College first opened its doorways in 1973. Now, after 51 years, it’s going to shut on the finish of this faculty 12 months. As college students put together to stroll throughout the stage one final time, it’s onerous not to consider all of the recollections made inside these halls.
The Liberty college students take nice pleasure of their faculty, so the choice to shut it was devastating for them. For years, it had simply been a rumor, one thing nobody thought would occur anytime quickly. Nonetheless, final 12 months, the Harrison County Board of Schooling made the choice to shut the highschool to chop spending and enhance the protection and studying atmosphere for college students.

Diana Randolph, a member of the primary graduating class in 1973, recalled how tough it was to be a part of a brand new faculty with new folks
“None of us wanted to leave our schools,” she mentioned. “It was terrifying, and we were all anxious as I’m sure the kids now are.”
Randolph spoke about how college students slowly adjusted, regardless of their background variations. One of many lasting traditions that started with Liberty’s first graduating class was the yearbook, The Liberté, which might be revealed one ultimate time this 12 months.

She mentioned that the trouble the school put in, particularly their principal Mr. Wilson Currey, performed an enormous function in serving to college students adapt.
“It wasn’t easy, but it got better, as it will get better for this new generation, too,” Randolph mentioned.
The considered transferring to a brand new faculty, particularly throughout their senior 12 months, was scary for a lot of. However additionally it is believed by man that with the change come extra alternatives.
“The change was hard, but with more students came more opportunities, more classes, and more activities,” Randolph mentioned. “No one likes change, but sometimes it’s better in the long run.”
As one period ends, one other begins. The legacy of Liberty Excessive College will stay on, not simply in yearbooks and recollections, however within the spirit its college students carry ahead. For a lot of, Liberty was greater than only a faculty, it was dwelling. Friendships and recollections had been made. Now, college students are being requested to go away behind acquainted hallways, shut friendships, and the consolation of what they’ve at all times recognized.
But, there’s hope that, in time, Robert C. Byrd Excessive College will turn out to be a brand new dwelling for in the present day’s college students, simply as Liberty did for the previous 50 years. Whereas not everybody was completely happy in regards to the transition, then or now, historical past exhibits that, with time, college students discover a option to make a brand new faculty their very own.
Editor’s Be aware II: Prime picture of Liberty Excessive College is courtesy of the Liberty Excessive College Yearbook Workers. Second photograph exhibits 1973 graduate Diane Randolph. Backside picture is of the creator, and senior, Khynzli Randolph.