Liberty High and Middle School Launch FFA and Esports Clubs

Liberty High and Middle School students now have two new clubs offering different paths to leadership and competition.

The FFA chapter, in its second year, has grown quickly enough that its founding story will be featured at the state conference this month. The organization focuses on agricultural education and develops students' leadership skills and career readiness. The esports teams launched in January and compete in online games against other schools through the Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation.

About a dozen students gather daily from January through April for esports competition. The teams posted multiple victories in their inaugural season and made playoff appearances in Super Smash Bros solo competition, Marvel Rivals and Rocket League team events.

"It's important to offer a variety of extracurricular activities," High School Principal Stephen Matuszak said. "They help students gain new skills, find their voices and build camaraderie."

The FFA chapter operates year-round. Esports runs during the spring semester.