As the 2015-2016 school year welcomes student back, Patriots are finding their home different than they left it. Under the new administration of Kevin Stephenson, the outdoor school, built in 2002, boasts flag murals covering the inside walls of the central courtyard. In the spring, Freedom’s newest club Faces of Freedom birthed the idea of displaying the diversity of its student body and, in effect, uniting the students. Faces of Freedom, created by former Assistant Principal Mick Boddie and former Principal  Sharon Morris, is itself proof of the school’s diversity with members representing each major ethnic group attending Freedom. The students examine certain aspects of the school from different perspectives, in efforts to find relevant solutions. Mr. Boddie’s biggest vision for the project was to see beautification and an increase in school spirit for the campus, and so far feedback from the student population has been reflective to that extent.

Through the course of the project, the club found support and supplies from the neighborhood Home Depot and was able to begin the project before the 2014-2015 school year ended. A group of 14 artists and Faces of Freedom members gathered in May after school and painted flags of their national identity, leaving their mark on Freedom. The project continued over the summer and upon students return in August. The courtyard has 35 countries represented by students at Freedom, per the data processor. The club opened the painting to any artist wanting to represent their country or contribute to the beautification. Club president and senior Emma Ernst is excited the club was able to positively contribute to Freedom’s environment. Ernst is also thankful for the continued support from 2015-2016 administration, Principal  Stephenson and Assistant Principal Thomas Duncan. As the year goes on, Faces of Freedom is expecting that behind the school’s central face of Patriots, the individual faces that make Freedom what it is, will further unite making this year one to remember.