Freedom Gym to Be Named for First Principal

gymnasium will be known as the “Joseph J. McIntyre Gymnasium,” the Bethlehem Area School Board agreed unanimously Monday evening.

Joseph J. McIntyre, who worked for the district for a total of 43 years, first as a history teacher and assistant principal at Liberty High School, became Freedom's first principal when it opened in 1967. He retired in 1982.

“He served on the District XI Committee for many years and fought to bring about Title IX legislation, which provided equal opportunities for female athletes. He embraced the philosophy that sports and extra-curricular activities played a large part in a student’s total educational experience, and the lessons learned on the playing field are as important as those in the classroom,” notes the board resolution.

Present were family and friends, who applauded the decision and expressed appreciation.

McIntyre's son, Andrew, said the naming decision has his mother, 94, “over the moon.”

“Freedom was my dad's life,” he said.

Mark Sigmon, president of Freedom's first graduating class, appealed to the board a number of times for the naming.

“The naming of the gym after Mr. McIntyre is well deserved,” Sigmon said.

The final signage and placement will be decided at a later date with the cooperation of the McIntyre family and presented for board approval, officials said.