This week, our teachers spent two days together preparing to welcome students back for the 2026–27 school year. Monday's meeting opened with the rollout of this year's theme, and with it, a special message from someone many of us know well: Melvin.
If you've driven down Calloway in the morning, across from Fruitvale Junior High, you've likely seen Melvin. He's a familiar, steady presence. The kind of person you notice not because he asks for attention, but because he simply shows up, day after day, with the same warmth and consistency. The theme was then rolled out campuswide with a video spotlighting Melvin, along with a video of students sharing their commitment and challenge to others to Be a Light this year.
We live in a world that can feel full of division and negativity. It would be easy to look at that and feel small, or to wonder what difference one person can really make. But here's the truth we want to build this year around: we all have the opportunity to be a light for others. The darker it is, the brighter our light shines.
Melvin captured this perfectly in his message to our staff: "Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Every day is a blessing, and we choose our attitude."
That's the heart of it. We don't get to control everything that happens to us. But we do get to choose how we show up.
Following his message, Melvin was presented with the very first Be a Light recognition of the year, the first of many to come throughout 2026–27.
Being a light isn't about one big, monumental act. It's about the small, consistent ways we show up for one another every single day. Those little things are not insignificant; they add up. Consistency compounds.
Being a light means carrying ourselves and treating others well not just when things are easy, but especially when things are hard. Anyone can be kind on a good day. The real measure of character is how we treat one another in the difficult moments: the hard conversations, the tense situations, the days that test our patience.
We're not walking away from the tough conversations this year. Difficult situations still need to be addressed directly and honestly. But alongside that, we're committing to actively look for the wins and to notice and name the people around us who make Liberty, and our community, a better place.
What we focus on, we get more of.
Throughout the year, students and staff will have the chance to nominate members of our campus and community who exemplify what it means to Be a Light by shining through their consistency, their kindness, and their character.
Each person recognized will receive a Be a Light challenge coin, a small but meaningful reminder that their light has been seen and appreciated.
Watch for more details soon on how to submit a nomination. This year, let's make it a habit to notice the light in the people around us and to be that light ourselves, one small, consistent choice at a time.
Be a Light — The Patriot Way.