LH Independent 5-20-21

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GRADUATION 2021

The Liberty Hill Independent

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May 20, 2021

GRADUATION 2021

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Page 4 GRADUATION 2021 The Liberty Hill Independent

Presenting the LHHS Class of 2021

Always a Panther!

AMELIA ADAMS

ZACHARY AIKEN

ENDI ALBA AVILEZ

ABDALLAH IMAD ALI

EMBER ALVARADO

BRYANT AMSLER

JESSIE ANAYA

JONAH ANDERSON

ALEXIS ANDREASEN

ERIC APPLEGATE

VIRGINIA AVALOS

SARAH BAKER

JAYEANA BARKER

MATTHEW BARNES

CRAIG BARRIENTOS

CADYN BELL

DOMINIQUE BERZIN

GABRIELLE BLACKMON

BREELEY BODINE

AUSTIN BOURGEOIS

BRYDEN BOURGEOIS

TANNIS BREWER

SAVANAH BRILLIANT

ATHENA BROWN

MADELYN BUCCELLI

KATHRYN BURDEN

KYLEE BUSH

KONNOR BYE

May 20, 2021

GRADUATION 2021

Page 5

JOCELYN BYRD

ABBEY BYRNS

CHARLES CALABRETTA

REAGAN CALDERON

FAITH CALDWELL

SAMANTHA CARTER

ANALYSA CASKEY

LAUREN CASTILLO

KATELYN CASTLEBERRY

ANDRES CAVAZOS

ANNIKA CHAVEZ

ELIZABETH CHONG

HANNAH CLARK

TAYLOR CLARKSON

HUNTER CLAYTON

MACKENZIE COLEMAN

ANDREA COLLINS

EDWARD CONNOR

KENDALL CONTRERAS

ABBEY CORTEZ

MACY COX

RILEY COX

TAYLOR COX

JASMINE CRUMP

MAKENNA CULP

DESTINEE DANIELS

WESTON DAVIS

ANNE DE AMARAL

JOHN DE LA CRUZ

MIGUEL DE LA CRUZ

ISAIAH DELAGARZA

DAVID DICKEN

VICTORIA DOHOGNE

ANTHONY DOMINGUEZ

AYANNA DONWERTH

Page 6

GRADUATION 2021

The Liberty Hill Independent

ASHLEIGH DUBBS

JARED DUMAS

SAMANTHA DUNN

ASHLEY EDIGER

ZACHARY ELLIS

KINDSEE ESCAMILLA

JORGE ESQUIVEL

MARISSA EZZO

ELIZABETH FARIA

JACKSON FARMER

MYNIA FARNSLEY

CHLOE FIGGINS

GARRETT FITZNER

ISABELLA FLORES

LHHS GRADUATION CEREMONY

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May 20, 2021

GRADUATION 2021

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DELANEY FOSTER

KLOE FOSTER

LOGAN FOUST

RILEY FRANK

KENT FRANKE

JOSHUA FRITZ

MADISON FULLER

VIKTOR FUSILIER

MCKENZIE GARNER

ALBERT GARZA

ABIGAIL GATES

FELICITY GENTRY

DYLAN GILPIN

ZANE GOODSON

Jayden Metcalf

Jayden Metcalf, son of Karen Richard, participated in baseball, track and football in high school.

He also was active in Discipleship with Fellowship Church.

Following graduation, Jayden plans to attend Firefighter Academy.

“My mom is my biggest inspiration. She has taught us a strong work ethic and to never give up,” he said.

Cade Johnson

Son of Chris and Heather Johnson, Cade Johnson plans to attend the University of texas to study Civil Engineering.

While in high school, Cade participated in varsity cross country all four years, played soccer on the junior varsity team in 9th and 10th grades and varsity his senior year, and was in varsity track his junior year. Cade was also a member of National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.

Since 8th grade, Cade has helped each summer with the Liberty Hill Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. He has also volunteered with Liberty Hill Angel Tree and Operation Liberty Hill. He helps teach Sunday School classes at The Grove Church.

“One of my most memorable experiences at LHHS was placing fourth at state for cross country my junior year,” he said.

Congratulations LHHS Class of 2021!

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GRADUATION 2021

The Liberty Hill Independent

SARAH GREENSPAN

GABRIELLA GUERRA

CATHERINE GUEVARA

TAYLOR GUTIERREZ

JACK HAMRICK

KARSYN HAMRICK

COLTON HARBOUR

AVERY HARRELL

WESLEY HARRISON

ALEXZANDER HERNANDEZ

ESMERALDA HERNANDEZ

MAKAYLA HERRINGTON

SARA HESSKEW

BRAEDEN HEWLETT

May 20, 2021

GRADUATION 2021

Page 9

NATHANIEL HILBRICH

RHETT HOFMANN

JESSICA HOLLIDAY

OLIVIA HOUSE

EVERET HUDDLESTON

LUKE HUDDLESTON

ANDREW HUNTER

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SYED HUSAIN

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Page 10 GRADUATION 2021 The Liberty Hill Independent

ALLISON JERNIGAN

CADE JOHNSON

HALEY JOHNSON

PRESTON JOHNSON-QUAIFE

IAN JOHNSTON

ASHTON JORDAN

KRISTOPHER KELLEY

KEEGAN KLAUS-RYAN

HANNAH KLINE

KADIN KNIGHT

MADISON KNISLEY

JACKSON KNOX

RACHEAL KOBLE

ETHAN KORITALA

GLORIA KOSTROUN

CAMILLA KOUAKOU

MCKINLEY KOUGH

COLBY KUHN

KAYLEE KYLBERG-NEHRING

DEVIN LAFOLETTE

BAYLEE LAIRD

JED LAPUSZYNSKI

RYAN LEARY

JACKSON LEVEE

SAMANTHA LEVINE

LEANNA LIMON

KAITLYN LOUNSBERRY

COLLIN LYONS

MIA MACIAS

EVAN MAGALLAN

MALLORY MAHAN

RUBEN MALDONADO-GARCIA

JOSE MARQUEZ

JAKOBE MARTINEZ

JARET MARTINEZ

May 20, 2021

GRADUATION 2021

Page 11

RAELEA MARTINEZ

DEREK MARTINS

SKYLAR MASON

JESSE MAYNARD

KAIA MCCLOUD JAUDON

CADE MCCOY

ANDREW MCKINNEY

JAYDEN METCALF

JOSHUA MILLIMAN

CLOEY MORRIS

ROBERT MUNDY

ESMERALDA MUNOZ

CORBEN MUNSINGER

DAVID MURILLO

CAITLYN MUTCHLER

NICHOLAS NAUGLE

GRAEME NELSON

LUCAS O’BRIEN

CAITLYNN O’DELL

SKYLER OATMAN

LYNNDAN OLIVER-DELAHOUSSAYE

JACOB OSHEL

SARAH OSWALT

JONAH PACE

ALYSIA PALLADINO

ETHAN PALMER

HUNTER PARISH

KAYLYNN PARTRIDGE

VICTORIA PENCHEVA

SIERRAH PEREZ

MICKEY PHILLIPS

ARMAND PIER

GABRIELLA PITRE

HANNAH PLESSALA

HALEY POLSER

Page 12

GRADUATION 2021

The Liberty Hill Independent

JOSEPH POLSER

LYDIA PORTER

ALLIE POTTS

ZACHARIAS PRATT

ARLETH PRESAS

KINDLE QUANSAH

Ashton,

You have been such a blessing to us and the LH community!

We can’t wait to see what mountains you will move!

Love, Mom, Dad, Brayden, Colton and Daelyn

EV E R E T G R A H A M H U D D L E S TO N

We love you and are so proud of you! Never stop being you.

Mom, Dad & Jaret

May 20, 2021

CYRUS RAHIMZADEH-LLAMAS

HAYDEN RAINSBARGER

GRAYSON RAMEY

ANYSSA RAMON

EMMETT RAMPY

DYLAN RATTRAY

GRADUATION 2021

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GRADUATION 2021

The Liberty Hill Independent

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GRADUATION 2021

Jack Hamrick

After graduation, Jack Hamrick plans to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, to study aerospace engineering.

Son of Gina Giachetti and William Hamrick, Jack has played LHHS men’s soccer and was active in Liberty Hill Youth Soccer and Liberty Hill 4H. He enjoyed volunteering at Operation Liberty Hill and the National Take Back Initiative.

Jack says he admires Elon Musk.

“Elon Musk is someone I as-

Daughter of Brandy and Travis Tabor, Piper Tabor plans to attend Blinn College and transfer to Texas A&M University to study Biology.

“One of my most memorable experiences at LHHS has been being a part of the Girls Varsity Soccer Team for the past four years,” she said. “I always felt so welcome every year and being on the team truly felt like being a part of a family. Some of my favorite memories with all of the girls have been the bus rides, especially those on our way to Regionals, and getting to be a part of a State contending team,” she said.

“I will always cherish those memories we have made to-

pire to be like, look up to and be inspired by. He is a Chief designer at SpaceX (among other amazing jobs) which is also my dream job. He came from humble beginnings in South Africa and made his dreams come true right here in America! Elon Musk says it best himself: “You want to wake up in the morning and think the future is going to be great - and that’s what being a spacefaring civilization is all about. It’s about believing in the future and thinking that the future will be better than the

Piper Tabor

gether throughout the past four years.”

Piper was a member of the varsity soccer team. In her spare time, did volunteer

Konnor Bye

Konnor Bye has received an appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy where he plans on majoring in marine engineering.

Konnor is the son of Mario and Deanna Bye. In high school, Konnor was active in National Honor Society, Band, football, track, Key Club, Engineering Club and the youth group at Santa Rosa de Lima.

He volunteered his time at Santa Rosa de Lima and Oper-

past. And I cant think of anything more exciting than going out there and being among the stars.

ation Liberty Hill.

“My most memorable experience is winning district and area championships in triple jump, and advancing to regionals,” he said. “I started triple jump my junior year and didn’t get a full track season in. I started again this year and improved. I was so excited when I jumped a P.R. at district on my last jump, and then was able to do the same at the area meet. I also earned third place at the regional track meet.”

work in the Liberty Hill Youth League concession stand, and assisted with the LHHS Girls Soccer Summer Camp.

Page 15

Page 16

GRADUATION 2021

The Liberty Hill Independent

LANDON SHARP

STEPHEN SHEFFIELD

THOMAS SHEFFIELD

OLIVIA SHELTON

PRESTON SHEPHARD

TAYLOR SIMONS

BLAKE SIMPSON

TANNER SIMS

TAYLOR SIMS

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CHRISTOPHER SORENSON

ABIGAIL SOTO-GONZALEZ

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Haley Johnson

Haley Johnson, daughter of Denise Johnson and Time Johnson, plans to study pre-nursing at Texas Tech University. She plans to become a NICU nurse.

In high school, she volunteered at community festivals and at various elementary schools. She has participated in cross country, track, student council and PALS.

“My most memorable experience at Liberty Hill High School would be going to every home football game. I enjoyed getting painted up, and getting excited with all the students in the student section every game. You know it was a great game when you came home soaking wet from water, with glitter stuck in your hair,” she said.

Mackenzie Coleman

Daughter of Todd and Laura Coleman, Mackenzie Coleman has been involved in many extracurricular activities during high school.

Among those are varsity cross country, varsity track, varsity team tennis, varsity spring tennis, National Honor Society, and UIL Writing. In 202021, she served as editor of the yearbook.

Outside of school, she volunteered with Rotary Club of Austin, Operation Liberty Hill and assisted with many af-

ter-school tennis programs.

Mackenzie plans to attend the University of Texas in the fall.

“My most memorable experiences were the multiple post-season tennis matches during my last four years of both team and spring varsity tennis; running with my sister, my freshman year, on the varsity cross country team, ending at the state meet; and my experience as the 2020-2021 yearbook editor, as crazy as that has been during this most unusual year,” she said.

May 20, 2021

SOPHIA STAFFORD

GRADUATION 2021

JOSIE STEAPLES

CASSIDY SUDEKUM

Page 17

Cade William McCoy LHHS CLASS OF 2021

MADISON SUDEKUM

JOSEPH SULLIVAN

TAYLOR SWIECZKOWSKI

Cade has attended Liberty Hill schools since kinder.

Cade is the son of David and Christa McCoy and has been on the LH Baseball team for 4 years.

PIPER TABOR

RYLEY TANNER

TAYLOR TERREBONNE

CATHERINE TOLBERT

SAMUEL TRYTHALL

HANNA TURMAN

EVAN TURNER

HIRA UMER

HADLEIGH VANDERROEST

He is graduating in the top 10% of his class and was selected First Team Academic All State in Baseball. Cade has worked at Cat Trax Rental and Higginbotham Brothers in Liberty Hill.

He enjoys everything outdoors: fishing, hunting, wakeboarding and wake surfing. Cade will be attending Texas A&M College of Engineering in the Fall. GIG ‘EM!

Page 18 GRADUATION 2021 The Liberty Hill Independent

ARIANA VIERA

JOSEPH WAMEGO

LOGAN WALL

ETHAN WARRINGTON

ZANE WALLS

MAKENZY WEBB

TYLER WELLS

PRESLEY WHITE

LILLIANNA WILKINS

AMBER WILLIAMS

BLAKE WILSON

KALLI WITT

ALEXANDRA WOOD

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Ethan Watson, Eli Shelton and Tim Hannaman are graduating from LHJH and moving on to High School. The trio is set to meet with their new teachers before the year ends and begin the acclimation process.

FAC students advancing to LHHS, growing independence

By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer Walking down the halls of Liberty Hill Junior High, the chances of running into Eli Shelton, Tim Hannaman, or Ethan Watson are high. As the school year comes to an end, so does this trio’s time on campus. Their next adventure begins in August when they officially become high schoolers.

Shelton, Hannaman, and Watson are part of Liberty Hill ISD’s Special Education FAC (Functional Academic Class).

“I love teaching them,” said LHJH Special Education FAC teacher Angel Noble. “They’re a great group of students, they brighten my day, and I think they brighten many people’s days. We have a lot of fun.

Our goal is to have fun, even if some of our tasks are hard. It can be hard sometimes.

“We meet them where they’re at while we’re following IEP goals and also TEKS, so that way we’re touching base with everything that other students are doing but in different

ways,” she said.

As the boys prepare to move on to high school, Noble can’t help but look at the moment through a bittersweet lens.

“It’s sad because I’ll miss them very much, but they said they would visit me,” said Noble. “It’s really nice because you see the growth, and you see them growing before your very eyes. It’s nice to see the young men they’re growing into.”

For Ethan’s grandmother and guardian, Sharon Watson, his move to high school is a momentous occasion.

“We were told at the very beginning that with his diagnosis to make arrangements for him because he’s not going to make it his first year,” said Watson.

“That was not an answer that my husband and I accepted.”

The growth of the trio is evident, Noble said, adding that independence is key.

“It’s more about independence for them. It’s huge,” said Noble. “Even knowing to get from one class to another is

an improvement. They have to know addresses and manners and things that some people take for granted. I’ve seen so much growth in that. We give them, but we also challenge them.”

Developing social skills is a big part of their education. Noble presents them with mock situations to help them learn basic social queues.

“When we start, we’re hovering, and we detach as time goes so that they can be more successful in high school and growing up,” she said. “That’s why the pandemic made things hard. I wish we could have gone to restaurants so they could get more experience with ordering, but we practice and look at examples.”

Like any other student their age, each boy has their own interests and hobbies.

Eli Shelton’s family owns a farm that he says has chickens, ducks, pigs, sheep and quail.

Shelton, on occasion, visits

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LHISD balancing budget needs

Page 20 GRADUATION 2021 The Liberty Hill Independent

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Staff Writer Growth – in taxable values – means additional revenues for Liberty Hill ISD, but student population growth means increasing expenses.

Keeping those two totals aligned can be more of a challenge as the district grows and leadership promises to hold the line on high expectations.

During the school board’s first budget workshop for the 2021-2022 budget, revenue estimates showed LHISD is expected to gain $10.3 million in revenues, primarily in property taxes. Projected expenditure estimates show a surplus of $393,382, but that is without one important aspect of each year’s budget – raises for staff.

Last year, the Board voted to approve a one-percent increase for staff from the market midpoint. The across the board raise increased the district’s payroll by $345,235 before any additional positions were added throughout the year.

“This year a one percent increase will be higher than that, and if the Board so chooses to do two percent or any additional, then we’re already looking at possibly doubling that and looking at around $700,000 for salary increases,” said LHISD Chief Financial Officer Rosanna R. Guerrero.

The same raise of one percent would cost the district even more this year due to the addition of staff to cover increased enrollment and a new middle school campus, eclipsing the projected budget surplus.

“This (budget projection) does not include increases for our staff as of yet,” Guerrero said. “We are working with TASB (Texas Association of School Boards) to create a salary study and give us some recommendations for one percent, two percent increases and what impact that will have on the budget.”

That study is expected to be completed in June for presentation to and consideration by the Board.

Superintendent Steve Snell knows there are many factors in attracting and retaining quality teachers and staff, but competitive salary is a big one.

“I want Liberty Hill to be the best place to work, not just the best district,” said Snell.

“While salary isn’t all of that, at some point you’ve got to pay the bills. We’re way behind.

We need to get our teacher salaries up and competitive.”

In addition to the one and two percent raise options, Snell said the district may look at a two to three year plan to be financially competitive to Leander and Georgetown ISDs, plugging in those districts’ salaries into LHISD’s staffing to see the financial impact.

“This year will be tough because we’ve added a lot of staff,” Snell said. “Hopefully we can hold tight on those campuses for two years and we won’t have to add a ton of new staff.”

The district’s budget surplus and fund balance could play a key role in a decision on staff raises, but brings an uncomfortable word into the discussion – deficit.

The term does not bring with it the reality of future debt, though, for a school district.

Instead, it means calculating beyond the initial revenue projections and relying on the increases throughout the year that come with additional enrollment to balance the budget at the end.

Between the 2015-2016 and most recent budget year, LHISD has passed a proposed budget with anywhere from $56,135 to $349,484 in budget surplus. At year end, though, the surplus for each of those budgets was considerably higher, coming in at $1.89 million after the 2018-2019 bud-

get year as an example.

“Had at any point in these years the board adopted a deficit budget, it would not have been realized because your actuals are that much higher than your projected budget at that time,” Guerrero said.

The fund balance – or total surplus for the district – has grown from $4.49 million in 2016 to $7.78 million last September.

The state suggests districts have 90 days of operating expenses in the fund balance, but it is not a requirement.

That fund balance, and surplus that is expected to be realized in a current year, can be used to bridge the gap at year end if a deficit budget is passed. It is not something Snell would consider lightly.

Snell said he has never presented a deficit budget. He recently called on other superintendents and several said they do pass a deficit budget each year, telling Snell they do so because they know they will have additional revenues with growth.

“If we by chance bring a deficit budget to you this summer, it is because we are very, very certain of the data,” he said.

The Board was largely silent on the issue last week, but wanted to emphasize considering such an option did not compromise the importance of a balanced budget.

“Teacher salaries are very important to us,” said Board President Megan Parsons. “We know we’re behind and it is very expensive to try and catch up all at once. It is good to see as a board that if we adopt a deficit budget it does not mean we’re being financially irresponsible and we want to make sure we’re being clear about that because if we’re going to get those teacher salaries and benefits up more substantially then it looks like that’s what we’re going to be doing.”

Nuts and Bolts The annual budget breakdown shows that about 85 percent of expenditures is on personnel – salaries and benefits – with the remaining 15 percent in allocations for campuses and departments.

“It is no surprise by any means that the majority of our expenditures are for salary and benefits,” Guerrero said. “That is a priority we have as a district to make sure we have the staff in place for our projected growth.”

To determine those staffing costs for a school year that has a moving target for student enrollment and doesn’t begin for another five months, Guerrero and her staff must dive deep into staffing and enrollment data.

“We look at all currently filled positions, take their actual salaries, we look at vacant positions and look at the midpoint for each of those positions to estimate what the cost

of those positions would be, and we also look at positions for growth,” she said.

Potentially higher health insurance costs are another concern, and the district is waiting to hear back from Teacher Retirement System (TRS) what those costs will be for next year.

Campuses and department expenses are expected to increase about half a million dollars next year based on the number of students on each campus.

“Number one, we look at our projected enrollment,” Guerrero said. “For our budget we will use the moderate growth projections.”

Last year, the Board approved a fine arts allotment that the district intends to keep in the budget for next year.

All these numbers are based on the projected increase in enrollment, but that is likely to change.

“We are anticipating, even

though we know it’s 890 projected as of October, we may surpass that by the end of next year,” Guerrero said. “As we go through the school year and as we add students we adjust revenues and adjust expenses.”

The addition of one new campus, and adjustment in grade levels on the five elementary and two middle school campuses have also created some allotment changes that are still being finalized.

“How does that impact each of the campuses, because again there is more instructional need when it comes to science, when it comes to these fifth-grade level courses, at every elementary school,” Guerrero said. “We want to make sure we are addressing those instructional needs on every campus for our new instructional model for elementary and middle schools.”

The Board is expected to approve its final budget in August.

Shin Oak Ridge Bulletin Board Send news to: News@LHIndependent.com

OTHG annual meeting is June 3

Liberty Hill Over the Hill Gang will hold its annual meeting Thursday, June 3, for the purpose of voting on new members.

Garden Club offers service hours

The Liberty Hill Garden Club is helping Operation Liberty Hill get its raised gardens refreshed, planted with vegetables, and maintained, to assist the Food Pantry with fresh vegetables for local citizens in need.

Students looking to gain community service hours should contact the club.

So often students wait until the last minute and then do not have time to get community service hours in that make a real difference when filling out scholarship applications, the club stated. Volunteer service is not restricted to youth.

Interested volunteers, all ages, middle school to senior citizens, are welcome. This is an ongoing project.

Volunteers are needed starting Wednesday, June 2nd, from 9-11 a.m. Operation Liberty Hill is located at 1401 North US Hwy 183. The raised gardens are on the right side of the property behind the two-story building. Dress appropriately for gardening and wear closed toed shoes. No sandals.

For more information, please contact Jeanette Roache, President of the Liberty Hill Garden Club, cell 619-993-1400.

The Liberty Hill Garden Club is dark over the summer months, but will resume its normal meeting schedule the second Tuesday of each month starting Sept. 14, at 9:30 a.m.

Check website for location.

Public welcome.

Free seeds available

Free seeds for planting are available at the Liberty Hill Public Library, courtesy of the Liberty Hill Garden Club.

The Garden Club encourages residents to stop by and take advantage of these donated seeds for their gardens.

May 20, 2021

GRADUATION 2021

Page 21

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Henderson honored at Rancho Sienna Elementary

By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer Lindsay Henderson remembers growing up making her brother play teacher with her.

She knew from a young age she was destined to be an educator.

“I always knew that teaching was for me. It was my thirdgrade teacher that was inspiring to me,” said Henderson. “I just knew. I played teacher as a little kid. I made my brother play with me. It was something I always knew I wanted to do. So, I went to Texas State University and majored in education.”

Henderson was recently named Rancho Sienna Elementary’s Teacher of the Year.

The ESL coordinator was surprised when her husband and son, James and Hudson Henderson, and her mother, Diana Stanesic, showed up on campus for the award announcement.

“My husband and son knew before me. They had gotten a call from the school a week earlier. I’m surprised my son kept the secret. It makes me wonder,” she laughed.

Though she is proud of her award, Henderson stressed the deservedness of the rest of her coworkers.

“Every teacher that steps foot into a school this year is deserving of this award,” she said. “Everything we have had to overcome and do in a year unlike no other. I feel so blessed to be a part of this school every day and this community that feels like family. I am extremely grateful for everyone at Rancho and honored to represent our school as Teacher of the Year.”

In her 13th year as an educator, Henderson took on the role of ESL coordinator. A bold move in the middle of a pandemic, Henderson admits. She says that her success in the role is thanks to her support system and partner, Leticia Langford.

“This is my first year in this role as the ESL Campus Coordinator,” said Henderson.

“I was in the classroom for 12 years. So, I took on this new position, and it’s been amazing. I’ve had her show me the ropes and show me the way. I could not have done it without her and the staff being so supportive of me. Now I have to be all over the campus instead of in just one classroom like before.”

Henderson’s role as ESL Campus Coordinator revolves around testing kids to see if they qualify for the ESL program.

“You’re testing kiddos that have a first language that is a language besides English,” said Henderson. “When they come to us, we test and see if they qualify for the program. The kids that qualify are those that aren’t fluent English speakers. We provide support for them. We’re Pre-K through fourth.”

With a pandemic in full force through the majority of the school year, Henderson says she was constantly on a swivel to the point that the stress of the situation would often get ignored.

“There were so many unknowns, I didn’t have time to figure out what to be stressed about,” said Henderson. “I just wanted to be as positive as possible and kind of take things and push through.”

Just as important as the kids, Henderson had to accommodate parents who were navigating blindly through the unprecedented situation.

“This year, we had remote kids so, we’d be on via Zoom, and we’d talk with parents,” she said. “Letting them know that we’re there was so important. Reaching out to them however we could. For the parents, it was hard, and we felt that disconnect so we would find ways to connect.”

After the way things ended in May 2020, Henderson had one hope for the year. Getting back into the classroom.

“We got through last March.

No one had ever done what we did, and we made it work,” said Henderson. “We did it all from home as best we could.

Being back in the building and with everyone was the best part of the year. Just seeing the kids was enough. I wanted to be back in the classroom. I’m Lindsay Henderson is Rancho Sienna Elementary’s Teacher of the Year. Henderson, the ESL ready for things to go back to Campus Coordinator, was surprised with flowers from her husband James, her son Hudson, and normal. We realize the little her mother Diana Stanesic when the announcement was made. (Courtesy Photo) things that we take for granted in life. I missed those connections with the students and parents.”

Walk to restaurants, salons, corner grocery and more! Just minutes to highly acclaimed Liberty Hill Schools.

With the current academic year at an end, Henderson is focusing on the family to decompress.

“My son made all-stars for baseball. I’ll be spending a lot of time at the baseball field,” said Henderson. “My husband and daughter will be right there with me. We don’t have any big plans, and I think that’s okay. We just want to 304 Stubblefield Lane | StubblefieldPark.com take some time and relax with each other since the year has New 2BR 1BA apartments | Porches + balconies | Privacy + gorgeous scenery | Washer/dryer hookups | Green space for kids + pets to play been so busy.”

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Page 22 GRADUATION 2021 The Liberty Hill Independent

WCCHD updates phased guidelines for CDC announcement

The WCCHD COVID-19 Phased Gating Stages Chart mitigation recommendations have been updated to reflect the recent changes to the CDC Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People.

Fully vaccinated people (in non-healthcare settings) can now resume activities without wearing masks or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. Quarantining following a known exposure if asymptomatic is now not necessary, however, fully vacci-

nated people should continue to get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

WCCHD recommends that schools continue masking and using other coronavirus prevention strategies for at least the rest of this school year.

The Food and Drug Administration expanded the emergency use authorization for Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine last week to include people 12 to 15 years old. Children under the age of 12 are not yet eligible to receive a Covid-19 vaccine in the US. “The data has shown us that the vaccines are working in the real world, including against the variants that are current-

ly circulating in Texas,” said Derrick Neal, WCCHD Executive Director. “While this is an important leap towards moving back to normalcy, we must stay vigilant and take those smaller steps to continue to protect those among us that cannot get vaccinated yet – children younger than 12 and those immunocompromised.

We cannot truly celebrate until we reach herd immunity.”

According to the WCCHD COVID-19 Phased Gating Stages Chart, to move from Orange (High Community Spread) to Yellow (Moderate Community Spread) phase, all three indicators below need to be met to move to Yellow

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MISSING PROPERTY Furniture, kids clothes, shoes, If you believe the police detoys, sports equip, housewares, partment may have a found bikes and more. 275 Buckskin item that belongs to you, you Blvd. can call the Property Division directly at 512-548-5530 or SERVICES COMPUTER TUTOR At your place, at your pace, I can help you with your computer, iPhone, iPad, or tablet.

Helpful tips and tricks. Reasonable rates. Call Karen, 432553-2468.

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I recommend The Roofer Plus Co. owned by Michael Duncan, (512) 430-0086. He and his crew are very knowledgeable and great to work with.

LEGAL NOTICE An application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Wine & Beer Retailer’s Permit & Food and Beverage Certificate by Quach Inc., Limited Liability Company dba Happy Wok Asian Diner, to be located at 14125 West State Highway 29 Suite B206, Liberty Hill, Williamson County, Texas. Officers of said corporation are Daniel Quach, owner.

email at ekrause@libertyhilltx.gov. When contacting the Property Division, describe the item(s) you are looking for, in detail, and we will let you know if we have it. If we do, we will make arrangements to get it back to you.

(5/27)

LEGAL NOTICE Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Mixed Beverage (MB) permit and a Food and Beverage (FB) permit by TAKE THE CANNOLI LLC dba Sabino’s Pizza Pub, to be located at 2082 US Hwy 183, Suite 110, Leander, Williamson County, Texas. Officers of said corporation are David and Amber Sabino, Members.

phase: the incidence rate needs to be below 7.0 for 14 consecutive days. Since 5/13/21, the incidence rate has dropped below 7.0. The rate needs to stay below 7.0 until 5/27/21.

The positive test rate needs to be below 10% for 14 consecutive days. Since 2/27/21, the positive test rate has been below 10%.

The GA-34 Total TSA rate for

Region O needs to be decreasing for 14 consecutive days.

The TSA rate has been below 15% since 1/23/2021 and continues to decline.

By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer When LHISD Student Support Services Coordinator Angela Meade started her new position in 2020, the last thing she expected was the world shut down nine days later.

“We had to come up with brand new protocols. It’s easy to look back and say we could have done this better or that better, but so much has gone right because we know this is about kids. You can get that buy-in from your staff because they know that ultimately, it’s about the kids.”

Each campus has around five special education teachers, with more at the high school level (7-8). Along with the teachers themselves, there are 30 members of the evaluation staff and five to seven paraprofessionals.

“I think we have some amazing teachers,” said Director of Student Support Services Kimberly De La Houssaye.

“We told them that we were going to do virtual and in-per-

son, and they stepped up. Our special education teachers do dual roles. Some are in classrooms and are instructing students at home and in person at the same time. They’re doing synchronous and asynchronous learning to support their kids.”

Pandemic regulations forced outside of the box thinking from staff members, a challenge they gladly accepted.

The difficulty for the program was being able to provide something close to the classroom experience.

“We had to figure out how to create things that the student at home could see and hear just as well as the students in the classroom,” said De La Houssaye. “That was the first biggest challenge. Then we had to be prepared for students to go remote at any moment. That’s something we had to work through this year. We’ve had entire classrooms that had to go home, and they don’t necessarily have the same tools at home that they have in the

classroom.”

A silver lining of the changes applied to the program was a greater involvement from parents.

“We have great parents in our community, and now they’re involved to an extent they’ve never been before,” said Meade. “They can see the growth their kid has made. They get to see what it’s like for them to be in the classroom. Talking to my teachers, they’ve said that it’s been nice to have interaction with the parent a lot more.

Now when we have them in IEP meetings, they know what we’re talking about now.”

Despite adapting to the new way of doing things, Meade and De La Houssaye are eager for their program to return to normalcy.

“It’s been a wild ride, but it’s been a fun ride, too, at times,” said Meade. “We’ve learned a lot. We’ve learned simpler ways to do processes, but we can’t wait to get back to normal.

Coping during the pandemic

FAC

Continued from Page 18

Hannaman to go swimming and jump on his friend’s trampoline.

Tim Hannaman has a variety of hobbies. He enjoys singing and dancing. Hannaman stops to listen to the school choir and enjoys his art elective.

The soon-to-be high schooler is a fan of the movie “Elf” and quotes it often. Hannaman says his favorite quote is, “You sit on a throne of lies.”

Ethan Watson is the most expressive of the group. He enjoys writing notes to himself.

Unbeknownst to Mrs. Noble, he also loves sending a flurry of emails to Principal Travis

Motal throughout the day. At home, Ethan enjoys riding his go-kart.

“I think it’s great having them here,” said Motal. “They always bring a smile to everyone, and they have tons of energy. Eli always wants to tell me how new I am. I get to see Tim every day at dismissal. That’s always great to get to see him. Ethan emails me all the time what he’s doing in school. You can see that they’ve been adopted by the kids in this school.”

Watson, Shelton, and Hannaman have received caps and gowns and are looking forward

to a graduation ceremony.

Motal echoes Noble’s belief that the situation is bittersweet but stresses the importance of the step they are taking.

“It’s exciting and sad at the same time. They’re great kids, and I love having them. I’ve only been with them for a couple of years, but they’re wonderful. I think it’s great that they’re moving on. They’re growing young men. I think that’s bittersweet for principals. I hope we stay in touch, and I hope Eli still thinks I’m new.”

May 20, 2021

GRADUATION 2021

Liberty Hill Police Blotter

Week of May 10-16, 2021 The Liberty Hill Police Department responded to or self-initiated a total of 715 incidents resulting in nine cases, 78 citations, 146 warnings and one arrest.

Weekly Highlights: - On May 10 at approximately 10:36 AM, officers responded to Hillcrest Lane for a criminal mischief complaint.

- On May 10 at approximately 3:24 PM, officers responded to the 1000 block of Loop 332 for an accident.

- On May 10 at approximately 7:00 PM, officers responded to the 10000 block of W. SH 29 for a prior accident.

- On May 10 at approximately 8:07 PM, officers responded to Brown Bridge for suspicious

activity.

- On May 11 at approximately 11:38 AM, officers responded to the intersection of US 183and W. SH 29, for a traffic hazard.

- On May 11 at approximately 4:08 PM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 20 for a disturbance.

- On May 11 at approximately 4:18 PM, officers responded to Bell St. for suspicious activity.

- On May 11 at approximately 7:07 PM, officers responded to the 11000 block of W. SH 29 for a traffic hazard.

- On May 11 at approximately 10:33 PM, officers responded to the 12000 block of W. SH 29 for an assault in progress.

- On May 12 at approximately 7:50 AM, officers responded to Brown Bridge for a traffic

hazard.

- On May 12 at approximately 1:31 PM, officers responded to Continental Ave for an accident.

- On May 12 at approximately 4:18 PM, officers responded to Christiane Lane to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

- On May 12 at approximately 4:58 PM, officers responded to the 2000 block of RM 1869 for a 911 silent call.

- On May 13 at approximately 12:33 AM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for a disturbance.

- On May 13 at approximately 10:00 AM, officers responded to the 10000 block of W. SH 29 for a theft complaint.

- On May 13 at approximately 12:08 PM, officers issued a

Page 23

Prepared by Liberty Hill Police Department citation for possession of drug paraphernalia, as the result of a traffic stop.

- On May 13 at approximately 6:12 PM, officers responded to the intersection of W SH 29 and Holmes Rd. for an accident.

- On May 13 at approximately 6:34 PM, officers responded to Continental Ave for a disturbance.

- On May 14 at approximately 8:43AM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for a criminal mischief complaint.

- On May 14 at approximately 10:00 AM, officers responded to Liberty Meadows for a welfare concern.

- On May 14 at approximately 1:39 PM, officers responded to the 3000 block of RM 1869 for

a citizen assist.

- On May 14 at approximately 7:16 PM, officers responded to Matthews Circle for a disturbance.

- On May 14 at approximately 11:57 PM, officers responded to the 3000 block of RM 1869 for suspicious activity.

- On May 15 at approximately 1:13 AM, officers responded to Trellis Blvd. for suspicious activity.

- On May 15 at approximately 11:28 AM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for a livestock complaint.

- On May 15 at approximately 5:25 PM, officers responded to Championship Dr. for a welfare concern.

- On May 15 at approximately 10:32 PM, officers arrested a male adult with an outstand-

ing warrant and possession of a controlled substance, as the result of a traffic stop.

- On May 16 at approximately 11:40 AM, officers responded to Brown Bridge for an accident.

- On May 16 at approximately 6:34 PM, officers responded to the 200 block of CR 200, for suspicious activity.

- On May 16 at approximately 8:48 PM, officers responded to Montrose Dr. to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

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SPORTS

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, May 20, 2021 Page 24

Panther football schedule set Liberty Hill will open with three of first four games at home

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Liberty Hill’s football team will be largely back to normal this season with a full slate of action after a year that was scaled back after last fall’s late start due to the pandemic.

Included in this autumn’s lineup are four non-district contests – as opposed to only two last year – which will give Panthers head coach Kent Walker more of an opportunity to evaluate his squad in the run-up to league play.

“We’re replacing all 11 starters on offense, along with four on defense,” said Walker. “So, we’ll need those first four games to find out who we are.”

The season opener will is scheduled for Aug. 27 at home against Killeen Ellison, followed by another home game with Del Valle on Sept. 3, an away contest against Georgetown on Sept. 10 and a visit from LBJ on Sept. 16.

Ellison and Del Valle – both coming off losing seasons last year, including defeats against Liberty Hill – are both Class 6A teams, while nearby neighbors Georgetown is 5A and LBJ is 4A, with both the Eagles and Jaguars posting winning records last fall.

Following the opening quartet of contests, the rest of the schedule is comprised of the Panthers’ six district opponents in Crockett (Sept. 24, away), Travis (Oct. 1, home), McCallum (Oct. 7, away), Marble Falls (Oct. 15, home), Navarro (Oct. 28, away) and Northeast (Nov. 5, home).

According to Walker, playing

three of the first four games of the season – and seven of 10 for the year – at home is something the players appreciate.

“I think our kids are more comfortable playing at home,” said Walker. “Especially in front of all their family and friends.”

Another beneficial aspect of the new season is the ability for the Purple-and-Gold to be able to once again take advantage of a full offseason, after last year’s slate was scuppered due to health restrictions.

“For our players, it’s huge to be able to get back to normal,” said Walker. “We have such a routine around here – even our water breaks are done a certain way. Last season was especially difficult for the coaches in that regard.”

So far, Walker said his entire roster is fully committed to the cause – including an extra hour per day the UIL has allowed for offseason workouts until school ends, which the Panthers have used for weight training in the morning before classes.

“All of our players have shown a sheer desire to be here,” he said. “Of course, it’s strictly voluntary, but rarely have we missed somebody.”

With the first day of official practice on Aug. 9, the Panthers will now take the ball and run with it as far as getting a jump on things, said Walker.

“The beauty of it is we need to take advantage of these next two months,” he said. “We need to outwork everybody in the entire state of Texas.”

Work ethic is what the Lib-

erty Hill football program has been built on for the past two decades, said Walker.

“Ever since 2001, when (former Liberty Hill head) Coach (Jerry) Vance arrived,” he said.

“It’s been our mantra and demeanor.”

Despite the fact the Panthers won all five district games that were played last season by a combined score of 3307, Walker believes his squad won’t have quite as easy a path this time around.

“I think the Austin schools will be a bit tougher this year because they’ll be more ready with the health restrictions liftALEX RUBIO FILE PHOTO ed,” he said. “McCallum will have a stronger team and so Liberty Hill head coach Kent Walker will have a full slate on non-district games to evaluate a team which is replacing all 11 starters on offense. will Marble Falls.”

After last season’s district run proved to provide no more of a challenge for the Panthers than a walk in the park, there was much concern on the part of the coaches as to how the players would react when facing much more rugged competition once the playoffs began.

However, that fear was quickly dispelled as the Panthers’ marched all the way to the state semifinals – which means this season there won’t be the same unknown factor hanging over the team regardless of how the district campaign plays out, said Walker.

“Last season, I was concerned about it,” he said. “But, moving forward we know we’re going to be ready because we always know what we’re going to get out of our kids – if we focus on them, everything else will take care of itself.”

May 20, 2021

GRADUATION 2021

Winter season full of ups and downs for the LHHS Panthers

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor As we moved into the winter season, that meant it was time to hit the hardwood as the girls’ and boys’ basketball squads took to the court to experience life as Class 5A teams for the first time.

No longer would Liberty Hill be up against the likes of Burnet, Lampasas or Salado, but would be across the court from nearby neighbors like Georgetown, Cedar Park and the Leander schools.

Like we witnessed during the fall season, there were certainly ups and downs, as after years of relatively easy district play was replaced by an atmosphere where blowout victories were few and far between – if they even occurred at all.

Beginning with the Lady Panthers under head coach Chris Lange, Liberty Hill’s female basketballers endured early-season woes in the form of quarantines that forced the call-up of junior varsity players to fill the bench for some contests before the league slate got started.

Despite the obstacles, the Lady Panthers embarked on district play with a 4-4 record following the much-abbreviated non-district schedule that was devoid of the usual tournaments teams travel to in providing a proper warm-up for when the games really count.

To offer some perspective on how much of a seismic shift this was due to the pandemic, Liberty Hill had already played 25 games before district play began the previous season, which means Lange only had a brief sample of contests to evaluate his club and work out any kinks or chinks in the armor.

Not an easy task, but rather a

tall order.

Add in the fact they happened to be in a very competitive league, which featured Class 5A’s No. 1-ranked team – and eventual state champions – in Cedar Park and it was never going to be easy by any means at all.

The problem with being up against bigger schools was there was little or no room for error.

In other words, sloppy passages of play against weaker opposition could be gotten away with and even rewarded with wins, as opposed to being punished with losses.

After a 2-2 start to the campaign, the Lady Panthers posted only two more wins the rest of the way to finish a distant sixth in the standings at 4-10 – three games out of the fourth and final playoff spot.

Make no mistake.

The effort, heart and desire Panthers sports has built itself on over the years was still there – the results simply weren’t – and that’s nobody’s fault.

We can only hope with a full season of 5A under its collective belt the program will rebound next year.

Only time will tell.

As far as the boys go, the result was quite a bit rosier, as head coach Barry Boren was able to coax a third-place district finish of 8-5 from his side after also enduring quarantine issues of his own – although certainly not to the extent of what the girls’ team had to deal with.

Still, though, at times it was a real struggle once the gleam of a perfect 9-0 start to the season had faded and league play began.

However, much like to Slot-T offense still worked its magic against higher-classification competition on the football field in the autumn, the Panthers’ style of hoops featuring suffocating defense and op-

portunistic offense was just as effective, only not quite to the extent as against the lesser teams of years past.

But, Liberty Hill did well in putting up an overall record of 19-8 on the season, despite a first-round playoff loss to Dripping Springs, much of the heavy lifting over the course of the campaign being done by underclassmen, which bodes well for the future.

So, we were 1-for-2 on the court as far as Purple-andGold postseason hoops were concerned.

Anyone for a swim?

Well, Liberty Hill’s aquatic athletes still need to go all the way to Burnet to host their “home” meets and never get to practice together due to the absence of their own pool – which is an entirely different issue we’ve addressed before – and with all the money that will be pouring into the ISD after the recent bond was passed is something that needs to be addressed.

Despite all this, a pair of Panthers – one each on the girls’ and boys’ side – advanced to the regional meet before their season ended, so there’s definitely some talent moving forward, but there’s no way Liberty Hill can hope to be really competitive without a place to call home.

Swimming is akin to a sport like cross country in which those involved build bonds by spending so much time together engaging in a rather grueling activity – but it’s impossible to do so when the only time they’re in each other’s company is at meets.

In any event, we were 2-for-3 in postseason berths during the winter season, which brings our aggregate for fall and winter to 6-for-7.

Not bad at all as we head into the spring, which we’ll examine next week.

Page 25

Panthers senior athletic trainer signs with Blinn College

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Being an athletic trainer wasn’t something Ariana Viera ever planned on – it just kind of happened to her one day in junior high school.

“We were doing a running drill,” said Viera. “I collided with somebody and ended up with a concussion.”

After being cared for by an athletic trainer, she realized her mind had been opened to a whole new world of possibilities in the sports spectrum without actually being an athlete herself.

“Just the relationship I had with the trainer who helped me and the trust I had,” she said. “I decided I wanted to do that myself.”

So, after four years of being an athletic trainer upon reaching high school, the Liberty Hill senior recently signed a national letter of intent to continue her career at Blinn College, where Viera will find herself tending to Buccaneers instead of Panthers – although she said she doesn’t believe helping college athletes prevent and deal with injuries will be any different than her time in Purple-and-Gold.

“I feel like a lot more will be expected of me,” said Viera. “But, as long as I keep the same mindset I’ve always had and give 110 percent, I’ll be fine.”

Viera said she chose Blinn because of the atmosphere she experienced when she visited the campus.

“For me, it had a Liberty Hill feel,” she said. “It really felt like home.”

According to Liberty Hill head athletic trainer Melissa Harrington, Viera will be just what the doctor ordered – so to speak – when she arrives at her new home in

Senior Ariana Viera has signed a national letter of intent to be an athletic trainer at Blinn College. (Courtesy Photo) Brenham, due to the nature of how she goes about her business.

“Ariana is very selfless – she cares about the program more than herself,” said Harrington.

“She always wants the program to be better and has a servant’s heart.”

Just how selfless is she?

Harrington said Viera is always willing to do even the dirtiest of dirty work.

“She’ll do some of the worst jobs without complaint,” she said.

Such as?

“Out of all my not-so-favorite things to do is to clean out the coolers,” said Viera. “Especially, when people forget and the water sits in them for a long time.”

Much like players often speak

of having more responsibilities on the field or the court during their senior seasons, Viera said the same pressure exists in the training arena.

“We had a lot of mistakes this football season, like things not being packed correctly in the trunks, for example,” she said.

“As a senior, I felt like it was up to me to fix those things.”

Akin perhaps to a lineman helping a teammate with an adjustment that just might spring a running back free for a touchdown – which is a feeling of elation she would share from her station on the sidelines.

“When a player who I taped or helped would score, I felt like I did, too,” said Viera.

See VIERA, Page 32

Page 26

GRADUATION 2021

The Liberty Hill Independent

Liberty Hill Public Library District Summer Reading Calendar

2021 Summer Reading Program May 17-July 30, 2021 Be a Superhero...Read!

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Friday

Thursday

Saturday

Programs for Children, Teens, and Adults – Kids, what superhero team will you be on?

Pick-up a packet and begin reading May 17 & join us beginning June 1 for the first day of in-person programming!

In-person programming will all be outdoors & the number of attendees at programs will be limited, more details to come.

All summer reading programing, in-person attendance, and library availability is dependent on CDC and WCHD guidelines.

30

June 1

31

All-Ages Storytime 9:00-9:45am

Library Closed for the Memorial Day Holiday 7 2GoKit Pick-Up

6

9:00am-Until Gonee

8

13

14

2GoKit Pick-Up 15 9:00am-Until Gone

A Among Us Puppets

All-Ages Storytime 9:00-9:45am

Sponsored by

16

Black Panther Kimoyo Bead Bracelet & Coding Superhero Necklace 9:00-10:30am Sponsored by

21 Flying Disc Dogs of Austin 9:00-10:00am am

Bring chairs or blankets. bl k

Team Spiderman

Sponsored by

Super STEM!

5

Alka Seltzer Rockets & More 9:00-10:30am 9:00 am

Sponsored by Cedar Park Pediatric Dentistry

22

23 The Singingg All-Ages Zoologist Lucas Miller Storytime 9:00-9:45am Two Shows 9:00am & 10:15am am Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Team Wonder Woman

11 Super STEM & Craft! 12 Edible Geology & ““Dirt”” Mosaics 9:00-10:30am 9:00 Sponsored by

Team Black Panther

19 17 Zoom with Author 18 Super STEM! Dori Hillstead Butler Superhero Slime & Author of the Haunted Make a Bouncing Ball Library & Other Series!

9:00-10:30am 1:00-1:45pm Sponsored by Sponsored by

Team Ironman 20

4

Sponsored by

9 Design a Superhero 10 “Camping” All-Ages Costume - Logo! Mask!

Sleepytimee Cape!

Cap pe Shield! Cuffs!

Storytime Storytime 99:00-11:00am 9:00-9:45am 9:00 6:45-7:30pm

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

S

9:00am-

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

3

Sponsored by 12:00pm while supplies last

Sponsored by

Write Your Own Comic & Drawing Game

Team Captian Marvel

2 Decorate Your our Own O Summer Reading Book Bag

Team Hulk

24 Zoom with Author 26 255 Superhero Rock Jeffery Brown Author P Painting & More & Illustrator of the Jedi Me Messy Painting Fun! un!

Academy Series 9:00-10:30am 1:00 -1:45pm Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Team Groot

May 20, 2021

GRADUATION 2021

Page 27

Liberty Hill Public Library District Summer Reading Calendar

2021 Summer Reading Program May 17-July 30, 2021 Be a Superhero...Read!

Sunday 27

Monday 28

2GoKit Pick-Up 9:00am-Until Gone Baby Groot & Spiderman p Crafts fts

Tuesday

Fun with 29 All-Ages Storytime 30 Silly Sparkles 9:00-9:45am 9:00 Sponsored by

Sponsored by

4

5

11

122

2GoKit Pick-Up 9:00am-Until Gone 9:0

C Creatures & CCritters Craft

Thursday JULY 1

Clown & Storyteller Two Shows 9am & 10:15am

Friday 4th of July Crafts 3 9:00-11:00am

2

Sponsored by

7

All-Ages Storytime 9:00-9:45am

CCaptain t in Sponsored by Underpants & Dog Man Craft Day 9:00-10:30am

8 “Camping” 9 Bubbles STEM! 10 Sleepytime Storytime Super Strong, npoppable, & Flubber Bubbles 6:45-7:30pm

13 All-Ages Storytime 14 Magic Show with 15 Mr. Mark! Two Shows!

9:00-9:45am

9:00-10:30am

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

16

T Tissue Paper Collage Create Col reate & Paint aint 9:00-10:30am 9:00-1 30am

9:00am & 10:15am

Sponsored by

19 2GoKit Pick-Up

9:00am-Until Gone

Make an Infinity Gl Glove & Design Your Own Superhero Duck Ow Sponsored by

25

26

20

21 Make & Eat Superhero 22 Treats 9:00-10:30am Tre m

2GoKit Pick-Up 27 9:00am-Until Until Gone All-Ages

Storytime 9:00-9:45am 9:45am

Sponsored by

Sponsored by Book Page Collage Art

Ca Captain Underpants Hynpno Cookies & H Thor’’s Hammer Cupcakes

All-Ages Storytime 9:00 9:00-9:45am

Sponsored by

28

Austin 29 Reptile Shows 9:00am & 10:15am Sponsored by

17

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

18

Saturday

Sponsored by

6

The Library is Closed for the 4th of July

Wednesday

23

Fizzy & Messy Science Fun!

24

Evil Super Villian Volcanic Eruptions!

9:00-10:30am 9:0 m Sponsored by

30

Summer Reading Ends!

Last Day to Turn in Reading Logs & Rafflee Tickets

31

Page 28

GRADUATION 2021

Homes for Sale Georgetown 2611 Sunrise Valley 3BR/2BA 2 car garage East Lake Forest - Round Rock 1264 Pine Forest Circle 4BR/3.5BA - Pool Coming Soon! Kempner Ranch - 40 acres 820 Panther Creek 6BR/5BA Far Vela Estates - Lakeway 101 Far Vela Ln 7BR/7.5BA Acreage/Property for Sale Florence Tract 4B N Hwy 195 No restrictions, Ag exempt Under Contract / Pending

Rio Ancho - 1 acre Eagles Ridge - Round Rock Cole Drive Estates The Park at Blackhawk - Pflugerville Florence Central Park - Liberty Hill Bryson San Gabriel River Ranch Purser Estate Live Oak - Granite Shoals John Loupy - Marble Falls Carrington Ranch - Liberty Hill San Gabriel River - 3/4 acres Liberty Hill Liberty Hill Liberty Hill Rosemont - Liberty Hill San Gabriel River Ranch Flores Whitewater Springs Sundance Ranch - Liberty Hill Liberty Hill - No restrictions - Ag exempt Liberty Hill 10.1 acres - Ag exempt Downtown Liberty Hill Iron Oak - 2 acres

108 Green Branch Ct 3623 Hawk Ridge 601 Cole Dr 20809 Catwalk Ct Tract 3A N Hwy 195 216 Munro 712 Judge Fisk Dr 107 Lariat 214 Barrington 113 W Cedar Dr 1900 Timber Ridge 300 Dillo Trail 121 River Rd 2170 CR 282 2190 CR 282 2210 CR 282 112 Charli Circle 330 Remuda 550 Stadium Dr 00 N Creek Ct 101 Shetland Ct 257 CR 278 301 CR 278 107 Forrest St 232 Oak Hill

Country Living Estates - 5 acres Sundance Estates - Liberty Hill Summerlyn - Liberty Hill Block House Creek McShepherd Ranches - 4.6 acres Carrington Ranch - Liberty Hill Bryson - Leander Lago Vista

1220 CR 282 108 Stallion Way 424 Moorhen Cv 802 Luke Ln 2750 CR 282 231 Dillo Tr 709 Judge Fisk Dr 20603 Falcon

Congratulations 2021 LHHS Graduates!

Never stop dreaming!

Sundance Estates - Liberty Hill Orchard Ridge Bertram - Res/Commercial Georgetown - River Lot 1.32 acres Ranch/Florence - 4.3 acres Silver Creek Ranch - 2 acres Downtown Liberty Hill Georgetown - No restrictions Driftwood - Running Rope Estates Liberty Hill Crystal Falls - Leander Vista Ridge - Leander Stonewall Ranch Stonewall Ranch Downtown Liberty Hill Berry Creek - Georgetown Sonterra - Jarrell Georgetown - 15 acres

5BR/5.5BA - Main house + casita 4BR/2.5BA 4BR/4.5BA 4BR/3BA No restrictions, Ag exempt 3BR/ 2.5BA 4BR/3BA 4BR/2BA 3BR/2B 2BR/2BA 3BR/ 2.5BA - 8.92 acres 4BR/3.5BA 3BR/2BA Build to suit home site Build to suit home site Build to suit home site 5BR/3BA Lot 177 - Heavily treed Cleared & level Hill Country views 4BR/4BA Can adjoin to 301 CR 278 4BR/2.5BA 3BR/2BA + 1BR/1BA 4BR/4BA Sold!

4BR/2BA 5BR/2.5BA 3BR/2BA 3BR/2BA 3BR/2BA 4BR/3.5BA 4BR/3BA 3BR/2.5BA 3BR/2BA - 1 acre 3BR/2.5BA 3BR/1BA 3BR/2BA 3BR/2BA 5BR/3.5BA/4 car garage + casita, pool 2BR/2BA Fully fenced/wet weather creek Lot 16 100% fenced, light restrictions 4BR/2.5BA 3BR/2BA 3BR/2.5BA 3BR/2BA 1BR/1BA 3BR/2.5BA/1 office 3BR/2BA 4BR/4BA

The Liberty Hill Independent $ 380,000 $ 800,000 $ 990,000 $1,950,000

1566 3819 4483 8280

$

20.9 acres

Dax Oglesby Amy Gandy

550,000 45,000 750,000 58,900 925,000 500,000 650,000 525,000 765,000

4473 sq ft 2741 sq ft 3611 sq ft 2921 sq ft 11.3 acres 1825 sq ft 3002 sq ft 2307 sq ft 1683 sq ft 1686 sq ft 3320 sq ft 3441 sq ft 1440 sq ft 2.883 acres 2.883 acres 2.883 acres 2673 sq ft 1.98 acres 1.337 acre Side-Pad 1.2 acres 3034 sq ft 10.1 acres 2800 sq ft 1654 sq ft 2800 sq ft

515,000 560,000 325,000 275,000 410,000 650,000 540,000 449,900

2305 3516 1716 1407 1584 3521 2738 2251

Amy Gandy Shane T. White Shane T. White Shane T. White Shane T. White Tammy Wise Kristen Childers Kristen Childers

564,300

$1,200,000 $

399,000

$

599,000

$

325,000

$1,100,000 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

338,168 635,000 398,000 325,000 329,000 799,000 635,000 230,000 245,000 245,000 245,000

sq sq sq sq

sq sq sq sq sq sq sq sq

ft ft ft ft

ft ft ft ft ft ft ft ft

Amy Gandy Amy Gandy Cheryl Stephens Kristen Childers

Amy Gandy

Shane T. White Amy Gandy

Dax Oglesby

Kristen Childers Kristen Childers Shane T. White Shane T. White

Kristen Childers Kristen Childers Tammy Wise

Cheryl Stephens Sabrina Jordan Sabrina Jordan Sabrina Jordan

Adrienne Hughes Shane T. White Shane T. White Kristen Childers Amy Gandy Dax Oglesby Dax Oglesby Adrienne Hughes Dax Oglesby

HOMES AROUND THE HILL

229 Hobby Horse 157 Fire Wheel Pass 1340 W State Hwy 29 20501 McShepherd Cv 905 CR 222 620 Silver Creek Dr 111 Grange St 2462 CR 255 184 Vista Sierra Ln 807A Oak Lane 2808 Courageous 625 Cerezo Dr 204 Drystone Trail 309 Drystone Trail 109 Grange St 31404 Kingsway Rd 444 Druse Lane 3040 CR 255

Amy Gandy, Broker/Owner | MCNE, CLHMS 512-589-9005 | amy@agandyandco.com www.agandyandco.com

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

399,000 450,000 299,000 399,000 235,000 925,000 399,000 499,900 240,000 232,000 425,000 295,000 1795/mo 240,000 135,000 379,000 205,000 899,000

1645 sq ft 2339 sq ft 1468 sq ft 1588 sq ft 1664 sq ft 3825 sq ft 1588 sq ft 10 acres 3.34 acres 7.9 acres 2862 sq ft 1822 sq ft 1785 sq ft 1632 sq ft 812 sq ft 2933 sq ft 1625 sq ft 3100 sq ft

Tammy Wise Dax Oglesby Cheryl Stephens Adrienne Hughes Shane T. White Amy Gandy Adrienne Hughes Dax Oglesby Dax Oglesby Dax Oglesby Adrienne Hughes Adrienne Hughes Adrienne Hughes Cheryl Stephens Adrienne Hughes Adrienne Hughes Cheryl Stephens Dax Oglesby

RE/MAX Town & Country 13561 W. Hwy 29, Liberty Hill shanetwhite@remax.com www.ShaneTWhiteTeam.com

512.515.5263

May 20, 2021

GRADUATION 2021

Page 29

Orchard Ridge welcomes builder Ashton Woods

Orchard Ridge, the award-winning masterplan developed by Freehold Communities in Liberty Hill, announced recently that Ashton Woods is the newest builder in the popular Texas Hill Country community.

Ashton Woods, one of the nation’s largest private homebuilders, will offer seven new

SABRINA JORDAN REALTOR®

512.680.0375 cell sabrinajordan.kwrealty.com RESIDENTIAL, LAND, FARM & RANCH HOMETOWN ROOTS - HOMETOWN VALUES

Congratulations 2021 Graduates!

Real Life. Real People. Real Estate.

Kristen Childers REALTOR®

home plans and elevations ranging from 1,525 to 2,382 square feet that feature modern farmhouse designs, an abundance of natural light, spacious owner’s suite and flexible spaces for studying or working from home. Ashton Woods will soon release its first phase of homesites.

“We could not imagine a better community to launch our latest home plan series, with an array of thoughtful designs, than in Orchard Ridge,” said Lindsay Motley, Ashton Woods Division President, Austin. “Our homes are designed so our homeowners are inspired by everyday living, and this community matches that on every level.”

With 248 acres, Orchard Ridge is an amenity-rich community that emphasizes healthy, abundant living. Orchard Ridge residents benefit from being part of the Leander Independent School District, which continues to be one of the top-ranking and fastest-growing school districts in Texas, with award-winning athletic and fine arts programs.

Ashton Woods is the final builder in the current phase at Orchard Ridge, joining CastleRock Communities, Dream Finders Homes, GFO Home, Lennar and Pacesetter Homes, which are all actively selling.

The final phase of Orchard Ridge is currently under construction and is planned

to open this summer with homesites for Dream Finders Homes, GFO Home and Pacesetter Homes.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Ashton Woods, a highly respected national builder, to Orchard Ridge this summer,” said Matt. D. Matthews, Freehold Communities Texas Division President. “Our community offers unique design across every level including the expansive amenities and award-winning landscape architecture, to the modern-farmhouse home designs. The designs and floorplans to be offered by Ashton Woods will complement the vision of the community.”

Tammy Wise REALTOR®

(512) 501 501-0777 AustinAndHillCountryRealEstate.com

900 Quest Parkway Cedar Park, TX 78613

Ashton Woods will offer seven new home plans at Orchard Ridge. (Courtesy Photo)

A special congratulations TO THE 2021 seniors from the San Gabriel Realty Group of Liberty Hill.

May God bless you and keep you all now and into the future!

Residential • Farm and Ranch • Minerals • Land and Leasing

Dax Oglesby, REALTOR®, RPL 3103 Ranch Road 1869, Liberty Hill daxoglesbysgrhomes@gmail.com

(512) 635-7529

WWW.DAXSELLSTEXAS.COM

Page 30

GRADUATION 2021

The City of Liberty Hill turned downtown Liberty Hill into a wonderland of art, music and food for the annual Whimsy & Wonder festival on May 15.

PHOTOS BY ALEX RUBIO

The Liberty Hill Independent

May 20, 2021

GRADUATION 2021

Page 31

Page 32

GRADUATION 2021

The Liberty Hill Independent

ALEX RUBIO PHOTOS

VIERA

Continued from Page 25

“Which is the best part of being an athletic trainer – you feel like you’re a part of the team.”

Stepping forward when others step back is a strength which will serve Viera well at the next level, said Harrington.

“As far as I know, Ariana never missed a game or a practice,” she said.

It’s that kind of undying dedication that came in handy when Viera was on duty at the regional soccer championships – and in less-than-desir-

able conditions.

“We were in McAllen about five steps from the sun,” said Harrington. “Both the girls’ and boys’ teams were there, so she never got a break even when one of the teams would get to go back to the hotel to rest after their games.”

Despite the passion she now has for her craft, it wasn’t something she ever thought she would pursue upon reaching college, said Viera.

“Honestly, not until my junior year,” she said. “Then, I real-

ized it was something I wanted to continue to do.”

Along the way, Viera developed the ability to mesh well with her fellow trainers, but especially with the Panthers she would treat – a critical aspect of the job – and one of her biggest strengths, she said.

“Along with my work ethic, I think,” said Viera. “But, you really need to be able to work well with the athletes.”

Of course, working with those athletes creates bonds – much like teammates do with

one another – only in a different way, as her relationship with the Lady Panthers’ soccer squad would suggest.

“I’ve been with girls’ soccer for all four years,” she said.

“Some teams you work with don’t really include you, but the girls on that team and (Liberty Hill head) Coach (Darren) Bauer made this season very special for me.”

Viera said she also immensely enjoyed her time with Liberty Hill’s football team, especially when they advanced

to the state championship game her sophomore year – although she said some of the Panthers’ players can be quite high-maintenance when it comes to particular things.

“Oh, yeah, there are some players who need to have their wrists taped up a certain way,” she said. “Also, it seems like they’re always complaining about something – whether it’s they want the Gatorade stronger or a different flavor.”

As opposed to the female footballers she dealt with, that

is.

“I just think the girls are tougher,” said Viera.

Although she plans to major in kinesiology in college, Viera said she’s not absolutely sure whether or not she’ll pursue a career as an athletic trainer, but she’ll simply let fate decide.

“I’ll just see wherever the world takes me,” she said.

Sounds like a plan.

After all, it worked once before.