Ms. Laurie Sage
Principal
Dear Freedom Family,
As I begin my fifth year as Principal of Freedom High School, I continue to feel honored and inspired to lead such a vibrant and dedicated school community. Each new school year brings fresh energy and opportunities—and I’m excited for all that lies ahead in 2025–2026.
Summer offers a chance to pause and reflect, but it also reminds us how much we miss the energy of our students and staff. The empty halls are a quiet contrast to the excitement I know we’ll soon experience together—in classrooms, on the stage, on the field, and throughout our school.
Freedom’s newly-renovated auditorium is just about ready to officially open, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome our school community into the refreshed space. This long-anticipated project brings updated seating and flooring, improved lighting, and a more modern, comfortable environment for performances, assemblies, and events. The renovation reflects our commitment to the arts and to providing students with high-quality spaces to learn, perform, and celebrate their talents.
This fall, we’re thrilled to welcome our new staff members and 440 incoming 9th graders into our Freedom Family. Whether you’re new to Freedom or returning for another year, I hope you’re as excited as I am to create new memories and achieve great things together.
Let’s make this school year one of connection, growth, and success—for every student, every staff member, and our entire community.
With gratitude and anticipation,
Ms. Laurie Sage
Ms. Cooper x53901 – jcooper@basdschools.org
Ms. Nelson x53902 – cnelson@basdschools.org
Secretaries to the Principal
Mrs. Marissa Kvacky
Assistant Principal for Curriculum + Instruction
Hello Freedom Family,
My name is Marissa Kvacky, and I am the Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction at FHS. Previously, I was a member of the FHS Science Department for seven years, and this is my second year in this role. I have always been an active member of the Freedom Family by being an advisor of many extracurricular activities, such as Student Council, Dance Team and PATH (Patriot Athletes). I was inspired by my students and colleagues to pursue administration and am thrilled to continue impacting the lives of Freedom students.
As the building’s curriculum and instruction administrator, I focus on curriculum evaluation and implementation, course selection and scheduling, professional development and state testing coordination. Overall, I have a critical role in fostering a positive learning environment, improving instructional practices, and enhancing student achievement through curriculum development and instructional leadership. I am proud to work in the BASD, especially Freedom High School, where I know the teachers put a tremendous amount of effort into preparing our students to be productive citizens and lifelong learners.
Although I hope to be visible in classrooms and hallways as much as possible, I am located in Office 106. Looking forward to a wonderful school year!
Mrs. Hahalis x53971 – shahalis@basdschools.org
Assistant Principals
Mr. Michael DiBilio (A-E)
Hello Freedom High School! My name is Mr. DiBilio and I am the student services administrator for students with last name A-E. My office is in office 101 along with Ms. Aguilar, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Sawicki. This is my 33rd year in public education. I began my career as a Spanish teacher and basketball coach in the Pocono Mountain SD and then the Stroudsburg School district as a teacher and an administrator. And for the last 19 years I have been an assistant principal here at Freedom High School. I have loved calling Freedom my home because this truly is a special place. We have amazing teachers and guidance counselors, parents, academic programs, athletic programs, community partnerships, resources, and most importantly—students! We have great kids here at FHS. There are nearly endless opportunities for you to find your niche. And we have the resources to help support and guide you to your goals. Take advantage of what we have here– What YOU have here. Some of you will be leaving us very soon..less than a year. And some of you won’t be leaving us for another four years. But, know this… It may seem like a VERY long time away…but… it will fly by. Don’t regret taking advantage of every single opportunity Freedom has to offer.
I understand the importance and the value of getting to know students on a personal level, and not just by a name on a roster. I know many students have experienced adversity and trauma that some people may never be able to imagine. Please know that you have numerous options here to help assist you with your mental health….don’t be afraid to reach out to someone. We have internal and external resources available to help. One of your greatest resources is your teachers. Additionally, your guidance counselors, your assistant principal, and counselors from Pinebrook Family Answers, The Center for Humanistic Change, and Communities in Schools are in our building five days a week. We also have Occupational Health students from Moravian University assisting in the wellness center 3-5 days a week in addition to other personnel who can provide resources from a wide range of services that the Bethlehem Community has to offer.
I am looking forward to this school year because I always find that a new school year offers an opportunity for something new–something different–something potentially great; an opportunity to thrive in an environment that is aligned with what you would like to pursue as a career. Those opportunities extend far beyond the typical classroom walls. In the last few years, I have built a strong partnership with Job Corps, an educational program for students to find success in a career and technical education that provides them with an excellent living wage, along with skills that they can utilize anywhere. If you think this is something that may be of interest to you, stop by 101 to make an appointment to see me. Over the last few years I have had the opportunity to get to know so many students through phone conversations and back and forth emails regarding schedules; I’ve become even more knowledgeable of our struggling students, and how to connect them to resources that best fit their needs. And I am always excited to meet a student I have never met before, no matter what the reason for that encounter. I pride myself on being a strong advocate for our students, and nine times out of ten, my office door is open.
In closing, I wish everyone a very productive, successful school year. And the best way to be successful in school is by getting involved in clubs and sports, seeking assistance if you need it, whether with your academics or your mental health, and most importantly: BEING PRESENT. Your attendance in school is one of the most important gifts you can give to yourself to help you strive toward, reach, and then exceed your goals. One district-wide goal for this year is to improve attendance at all grade levels. Meeting that goal, and exceeding it, starts with you!
Have a safe and prosperous school year,
Mr. DiBilio
Mr. Mark Sawicki (F-Mam)
Hello Freedom Family! My name is Mr. Mark Sawicki and I am one of the four Student Service Center (SSC) administrators at Freedom High School. I started my career in 2004 as a Social Studies teacher at Broughal Middle School and then went on to Administration as an Assistant Principal at East Hills Middle School, Northeast Middle School, and now currently at Freedom High School. I work with students & families with the last names beginning with the letters F through Mam. Some of my responsibilities include working with students in regards to scheduling, discipline, and community building. I focus my work on students & families with an eye on equity and restorative practices to help students reach their full potential. I am also a member of our school wide SAP team as well as the lead administrator that focuses on safety procedures & protocols for our building. I also work closely with our guidance staff, specifically Mr. Lynde & Mrs. Werkheiser.
I am located in Office 101 and please reach out if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child/children at 610-867-5843. I wish nothing but the best for all our students & families for this upcoming school year!
Go Pates!
Mr. Sawicki
Ms. Charmaine Aguilar (Man-Rod)
My name is Charmaine Aguilar, this is my 9th year in the Bethlehem School District. Prior to being on the administrative team, I also taught Spanish here at Freedom High School for five years. As much as I enjoyed my time working with students in the classroom, I am excited to continue to develop in my role as an Assistant Principal. This year, I will be working alongside our staff and students with dual enrollment, restorative practices, and the Wellness Center while continuing to work alongside our other Student Service Center (SSC) Assistant Principals for student development and success. I oversee grades 9th – 12th with the last names of Man – Rodriguez.
Feel free to contact me at my extension 53909 with any questions, stop by office 101, or by email: caguilar@basdschools.org.
Mr. Charles Johnson (Roe-Z)
Hello Freedom Family!
My name is Mr. Charles Johnson and I am one of the four Student Service Center (SSC) administrators at Freedom High School. I started my career in 1998 as a Special Education teacher in New Jersey. Before I came to Freedom, as an administrator, I was already a part of the “Freedom Family” as a parent. I have a daughter who graduated from Freedom and another presently attending, so my efforts, attitude and dedication is special because my perspective is unique. I will work with students & families with the last names beginning with the letters Roe through Z. Some of my responsibilities include working with students in regards to scheduling, discipline, and community building. As a member of our SAP team, I work closely with our guidance staff, specifically Mr. Kaczmarek & Mrs. Oquendo. My goal is to help guide you with the necessary skills, supports and resources to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
As we approach this upcoming school year, I want you to know that I will work hard to gain your trust, confidence and support! All I ask from students is to approach each day as a new opportunity to grow and achieve in some small way! You can find me somewhere in the hallways or in a classroom, but my office is located in Room 101. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child/children at 610-867-5843.
Go Pates!
Mr. Johnson
Athletic Director
Mr. Nathan Stannard
“It’s a great day to be a Patriot!”
Those are the words I repeat, with enthusiasm, each morning I walk into the building here at Freedom High School.
Hello. I’m Nate Stannard and I’m the Athletic Director at Freedom. I’m now in my 28th year in the Bethlehem Area School District, including previous stints as the building Principal at Fountain Hill and William Penn Elementary.
For the 2024-25 school year, we are excited to take the big leap into the technology age with online ticketing for BASD sporting events (football, basketball and wrestling), as well as online physicals for student-athletes who participate on our 23 PIAA-sanctioned sports.
I want to wish all of our athletes, coaches and teams at Freedom good luck in the upcoming year. I hope to see you out at a game.
All the best.
Mr. Blouse x53951- mblouse@basdschools.org
Athletic Clerk