Liberty Leo Club Receives Charter (With Video)

The Liberty Leo Club held their Inaugural Charter Night on Thursday, Feb. 17 in the Media Center at Liberty High School.

Lions District 22W representatives including Lions from several Lions Clubs, and Leos from the Catoctin High School and Century High School were all in attendance.

Led by master of ceremonies Freedom District Lions First Vice President Jim Mullen, the event focused on “Service for the Sake of Service.” Mullen spoke from the heart about the importance of community service for everyone.

“It’s so important that youth begin to understand what service can well beyond just service among their group or service to themselves but service to people who just with a little bit of a lift can do so much more with their life,” said Mullen.  He went on to explain that the goal of youth outreach is “to gain a better understanding of the community around them so they too can begin to see the opportunities that surround them and then these opportunities grow.”

Nick Pezza, President of the Century High School LEO Club, and Becca Bihl of the Catoctin High School Leo Club gave speeches including words of encouragement and praise to the new Liberty Leos.

Liberty High School Principal Tom Clowes is the Liberty Leo Club’s Advisor and with the help of Liberty Faculty Member Jeff Canon as Liaison, the two provide advice and guidance to the students as needed.

Clowes spoke about the many success this small group of young men and women have accomplished so far this year and the importance of helping others and giving back to the community.

“I’ve been very lucky since I’ve been here and one of the thing’s I’ve noticed since I’ve been here over the years the service that our kids do to our community has been wonderful,” said Clowes. “My parents always taught me if you can give something back then you’ve done your job. These folks that are here tonight from all of the different schools are doing that and I’m just lucky to be associated with them.”

The framed Charter was presented by Lions District LEO Chairman George Bolling who spoke about building a bridge for the nation’s youth.

Following the presentation of the Charter, Bolling presented awards to several of the Liberty Leos, their Advisor Tom Clowes, their Liaison Jeff Canon and the Freedom District Lions Club Youth Outreach Committee for their efforts getting the Leo Club Started.

The final speaker of the evening was Liberty Leo President Emily Livesay who thanked Principal Tom Clowes, Jeff Canon and the Freedom District Lions for their support. Livesay offered special thanks to Tom Clowes for having the confidence in the young men and women of the Liberty Leo Club.

“We have seen first hand that young people can make a difference right here in our community,” said Livesay. “This is possible because our club works together and because we have had the good fortune to experience the generosity and support of the Freedom District Lion’s Club who have enabled us to succeed.”

Freedom District Lion Carl Livesay contributed to this report.