Liberty Strong: Making a Difference Together

At Liberty, we believe deeply in our core value, the Power of One. The idea that one person, one choice, one act of kindness can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. This week’s stories are a powerful reminder that when individuals act with heart and purpose, their impact ripples far beyond a single moment or place. They also reflect the E in our PRIDE core values, Everyone, because at Liberty, every person matters. We want all to feel blessed, loved, and seen, and our students and staff consistently go above and beyond to make that a reality. Whether through service, compassion, or stepping up when someone is in need, the Power of One is alive and well across our campus and community.
Principal Leandrea Slayton said, “I am incredibly grateful to the staff and students who reached out with amazing acts of service across our campus and beyond. These moments remind us that Liberty is more than a school, it’s a community.

Service On Our Campus

Cram for Finals

This past Monday after school, our library was buzzing with energy as Link Crew hosted Cram for Finals, a special study support event designed just for our freshmen. Students chose the content areas they wanted to focus on, and Link Crew leaders circulated throughout the room, offering guidance, answering questions, and encouraging productive collaboration.

With over 100 freshmen in attendance, the room was packed with focused learners working together, supporting one another, and staying engaged. Warm cups of hot chocolate added to the welcoming atmosphere, making the experience both comforting and motivating. Beyond reviewing content, students were introduced to positive study habits, most importantly, the idea that studying doesn’t have to be stressful and can actually be fun. It was a powerful example of peers supporting peers and helping one another finish the semester strong.

Service Beyond Our Campus

Turning Point students visited residents at Seven Oaks Ivy Park Senior Citizen Residence, delivering gifts and spreading joy. During the visit, one resident shared that he had named his dog Liberty, a small but meaningful moment that captured the warmth of the experience.

Our schoolwide Adopt‑a‑Patriot effort, along with Brooke’s senior leadership class, delivered gifts to 49 students at Munsey Elementary, helping make the season brighter for them.

Students created more than 20 blankets, made by close to 50 students, which were delivered to a local homeless shelter, offering warmth and compassion.

Last weekend, our Ag students visited the National Cemetery to participate in Wreaths Across America, honoring those who served our country.

Just Serve officers presented the Salvation Army at an awards ceremony and Giving Machine Launch, attended by Mayor Karen Goh and several local and state representatives, including Kristal Pollock, Christine Diaz (Senator Shannon Grove’s office), Matt Bauer (Congressman Vince Fong’s office), and Michelle Lord. The Mayor even shared photos from the event on her Facebook page.

The Just Serve Club donated $750 worth of canned goods to CAPK and an additional $800 to Golden Empire Gleaners to help restock shelves following the government shutdown. Funds were raised through a chocolate sale, and students also went “Caroling for Cans” in the neighborhoods around Liberty Square.

Partnering with the Listos Club, students collected two and a half bins of toys for the Toys for Tots campaign, which concluded on December 16.

Just Serve officers delivered seven assemblies at Almondale and American Elementary Schools to inspire participation. Two additional Kern High Schools, Centennial and Highland,joined Liberty in this effort.

Mrs. Lord, advisor of Liberty’s Just Serve Club, shared: “Our students are making a real difference in Bakersfield. They are aware of current needs in our community, like the government shutdown, and voted to act during a critical time, helping feed the 110,000 residents who needed food. I am so proud of our students.”

These moments, big and small, define our culture. Thank you to the Patriot family for supporting one another, for serving our community, and for modeling compassion, leadership, and heart every single day.