How did Liberty Pines Academy get its name?
School Board Members Beverly Slough and Bill Mignon met with Principal Randy Kelley and his Principal’s Advisory Group in January 2008 to ask them to consider honoring veterans in the naming of the new K-8 School which would open its doors in August. Although the group had considered other proposals and were prepared to submit their request to the School Board, Mr. Mignon ask the group for re-examination. A recent death during the Iraq war of a soldier from St. Augustine became the impetus to name the new school in honor of any soldier from St. Johns County who had given his or her life in defense of the country.
Although earlier names included the word “pines” which were so prevalent in the area, the group embraced the opportunity to recognize soldiers who had helped to keep our country free. After much discussion the word “liberty” was proposed. The word “academy” was added in order to differentiate the unique school from elementary and middle grades buildings. The decision to name the new K-8 campus Liberty Pines Academy was unanimously accepted by the St. Johns County School Board in March 2008. Liberty Pines Academy commemorates the St. Johns County soldiers from all generations who sacrificed their lives for freedom.