As we close another outstanding school year at Liberty-Benton Local Schools, I want to take a moment to reflect with gratitude, pride, and optimism on all that we have accomplished together as a school community.

At Liberty-Benton, we believe education is about much more than academics alone. Through our Portrait of a Graduate, we strive to prepare students not only for success in college, careers, and life, but also to become individuals of character, purpose, and service. This school year, I have seen those values come to life in classrooms, on athletic fields, on stages, in service projects, and in the everyday interactions that make Liberty-Benton such a special place.

Our students demonstrated Positive Character by doing the right thing and showing compassion for others. Whether supporting classmates, encouraging teammates, serving younger students, or contributing to our community, they consistently modeled kindness, integrity, and respect.

I have also been inspired by the Critical Thinking skills displayed across our district. Students tackled challenges, solved problems, analyzed information, and learned to think deeply and discern truth in a world filled with complexity and competing perspectives. Our educators continue to create meaningful opportunities for students to ask questions, explore ideas, and grow as thoughtful decision-makers.

This year required Resilience, and our students and staff rose to the challenge. Success is not defined by avoiding setbacks but by how we respond to them. I witnessed students persevere through academic rigor, athletic competition, performances, and personal challenges with determination and grit. Our staff demonstrated that same perseverance every day, working tirelessly to support student success and continuous improvement.

The importance of Emotional Intelligence was evident throughout our schools as students and staff built meaningful relationships grounded in empathy, communication, and self-awareness. Strong schools are built on strong relationships, and Liberty-Benton continues to be a place where people care deeply for one another and work together to foster a positive culture for learning.

Our students also embraced Leadership, understanding that leadership is not about titles but about influence, trust, and purpose. Across classrooms, extracurricular activities, athletics, student organizations, and community events, students empowered one another, modeled expected behaviors, and demonstrated what it means to lead with integrity.

Finally, we continued to strengthen our commitment to Service by connecting with and giving back to one another and the broader community. From volunteer efforts to acts of kindness both large and small, our students and staff exemplified what it means to recognize and meet the needs of others.

None of these accomplishments happen by accident. They occur because of the dedication and partnership of our outstanding staff, supportive parents and families, committed Board of Education, and an incredibly supportive Liberty-Benton community. Together, we create an environment where students can thrive, grow, and pursue excellence.

This school year was filled with achievements worth celebrating. Our students excelled academically, athletically, artistically, and through service and leadership opportunities. Our staff continued to inspire excellence, innovation, and care each day. The success of Liberty-Benton is a reflection of what happens when talented educators, dedicated families, hardworking students, and a supportive community work together toward a common purpose.

To the Liberty-Benton Class of 2026, congratulations. You have left your mark on our schools and community, and we are incredibly proud of your accomplishments. As you take your next steps—whether entering college, the workforce, military service, or other opportunities—carry forward the values that have helped shape your journey. Lead with character, think critically, persevere through adversity, care for others, and serve with purpose. We are excited to see all that you will accomplish.

As we conclude this school year, I want to thank our students, staff, and families for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. I hope each of you enjoys a safe, wonderful, and restful summer filled with time to recharge, reconnect, and make lasting memories.

Thank you for another exceptional year at Liberty-Benton. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the fall, refreshed and ready for another year of learning, growth, and opportunity.

Enjoy your summer vacation!  Go Eagles!

Bruce Otley, 

Superintendent 

May 22, 2026

Dear Liberty-Benton Parents and Guardians,

Liberty-Benton High School is excited to introduce a meaningful new opportunity for students beginning in Fall 2026 with the launch of our Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program. At its heart, JROTC is a leadership development program designed to help students grow in confidence, character, responsibility and service.

This elective course will give students the opportunity to build skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Through JROTC, students will focus on citizenship, teamwork, communication, personal wellness, respect, accountability and integrity. These are qualities that help students become stronger leaders, better classmates and more engaged members of their school and community.

We understand families may have questions about what JROTC is and what students can expect from the program. Participation in JROTC does not require students to join the military or commit to military service in any way. The program is not a military recruitment program, disciplinary program or requirement for students interested in military careers. Instead, it is designed to help students develop leadership and life skills that can benefit them in college, careers and everyday life. 

Students involved in athletics, music, FFA and other extracurricular activities can still participate in JROTC during the school day as part of their schedule. Depending on student interest and enrollment, opportunities may also include activities such as Color Guard, Raider Challenge fitness competitions, Robotics Team and Drone Team experiences.

The program will be led by Major Joel Sabella, who brings 20 years of service in the United States Army and a strong background in education, leadership, communications and technology. Major Sabella holds a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration and Leadership, a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Special Education and has taught at the collegiate level as an Assistant Professor of Military Science. His experience and commitment to student growth will help create a program rooted in high expectations, encouragement and support.

We believe this program has the potential to make a lasting impact on students by helping them discover their strengths, serve others and develop the leadership skills they will carry with them well beyond high school.

Families interested in learning more about JROTC are encouraged to contact Mr. Gerken ([email protected]) or Mrs. Vaughn ([email protected]).  It is not too late to schedule the class as an elective course.  

We are excited for this new chapter and the opportunities it will bring for Liberty-Benton students.

Bruce Otley

Superintendent

JROTC Program Information -Parent Letter.pdf