When it comes to athletics and school spirit, tradition is key. As young students, some kids dream of following in the footsteps of athletes at their high schools and taking part in school traditions like pep rallies, parades, donning a school jersey, or running out of a tunnel on a Friday night.

Thanks to a recent campaign by the Liberty Local School District Alumni Association, football players at Liberty High School will have the opportunity to partake in a revived school tradition after they recently purchased a new victory bell for the football team.

Elaine Jacobs started the campaign to raise funds for a new bell, which is rumored to have been stolen by students from Girard in the mid-1980s, and recently purchased one for $1,600.

With how important tradition is for schools throughout the Mahoning Valley, this is a big step in the right direction for the Leopards and it’s something that we must celebrate as it’s part of a bigger initiative at Liberty.

Liberty High School Principal Brian Knight stated that a goal of the school has been to recognize its rich history. Bringing back a valued tradition that was heavily regarded in the 1970s and early 80s accomplishes that goal in a big way as ringing the bell gives players something to look forward to after victories and is a way to celebrate their accomplishments. But, according to Knight, the school also dedicated an area of its trophy case with artifacts going back to the early 1920s.

This type of initiative gives current and future students a look into the past of Liberty High School and what it has been like at different points throughout its history. It allows students to see what they are a part of and what they can be proud of and we believe that has enormous value for students of all ages in today’s society.

Being able to ring the victory bell after a win is also something that can instill a sense of pride in players and it is a tradition that isn’t just given to the players, but it’s earned as they are only allowed to ring the bell after wins. So when the 2024 Liberty Leopards football team takes to the field this season and secures a win at home, they’ll have the chance to be a part of the tradition that was started so many years ago.

We ask that the Leopards take advantage of their new victory bell, keep honoring the school’s tradition and keep adding to it as well.