by Haley Sheriff |

Century after century, time never fails to show that the smallest, seemingly most insignificant things eventually become the greatest and grandest of their kind. From sprawling empires or modern world powers, Liberty High School also stands as living proof of this age-old cycle.

The beginnings of the high school could not have been more modest. The first school, a log cabin, was established in 1823 and was presided over by Judge Sebron Sneed. A typical one room schoolhouse, there was no indoor plumbing, no electricity except for a barrel stove and simple wooden furniture, according to The Story of Liberty, Missouri. It would not be until two decades later when the spark for a desire of true academics caught on.

From the early 1840’s to 1890’s, universities and higher education institutions were a common trend. However, most of these schools were private and therefore accessible only to the prominent and well-to-do families. A movement demanding the need for public education erupted in 1869 and in April of 1870 the city approved a tax for the first public school, which was to be built on the campus of current day Franklin Elementary on Mill Street. Though many different grades were in session there, the first ‘high school’ commencement was in 1891 at the late Corbin Opera House on the Liberty Square. It was not until 1924 when the very first high school was built, according to Liberty For All.

Originally named E.H. Miller School, the first high school still stands today as the current Liberty Junior High. Unlike today, a strict conservative dress code was instilled; it was mandatory that all students wear socks and that girls wear skirts. No sandals or tight pants were allowed to be worn by either sex. However, the difference in the amount of athletics programs is probably the most striking contrast.

“I played football, basketball, and ran track,” Ed Bland, member of the class of 1969, said. “There was no basketball team, or any girls’ sports teams like track, softball, or basketball.”

The current Liberty High School on Blue Jay Drive was opened in 1972 under superintendent Robert Black. Because of Black’s persistence on “professional staff development” the Liberty School District formed its reputation of being one of the most phenomenal districts in the state, according to Liberty For All.

“I decided to teach here for two reasons, one being because of the Missouri Scholar Academic Academy,” English teacher Vicki Jones said. Jones has taught at the high school for 18 years. “They said that this was the Mecca [of education] in the state. My children went to school in Liberty too, so it was good to be in the same district as them.”

As its reputation for academics and athletics continued to flourish, Liberty also became known for its fine and performing arts, especially band.

“First off, there is good basic teaching in the middle schools where the band program starts,” band teacher Paul Warnex said. Warnex has taught at the high school for 22 years. “We have a good staff and top professionals who care about the students. Not only band, but the school and community has pride in itself.”

Recently, the new Liberty North High School was opened in the fall of 2010. Just beginning its infancy, it is for now a filler school, sharing both students and teachers. Despite its close ties to the original high school, it truly is a separate and completely different school altogether.

“It is an extension, not an entity. The intent is great, like we’re this big school family. But eventually they’re going to be two separate schools,” Jones said. “It’s going to be more divided once the seniors come next year. It had to happen, but it is good.”