Give Me Liberty chronicles the first years of Patrick Henry’s existence (1968-73), when it was one of only seven institutions in the nation to participate in the Model Schools Program. Patrick Henry’s innovative modular scheduling became a laboratory of experimental education, providing students with unprecedented freedom to make choices that shaped their academic goals. An open campus, flexible elective studies, enhanced tutoring and cutting-edge teaching approaches in traditional core courses were all part of an initiative that encouraged students to take more responsibility and think independently.
The story of Give Me Liberty is told through interviews with 52 former students and faculty who were “present at the creation.” Their eyewitness accounts are paired with archival photos, campus memorabilia, news accounts and never-before seen film footage. Together they weave a vivid narrative that connects school origin stories to the turbulent sociopolitical issues of the late 1960s and early 70s.
Give Me Liberty is an immersive production, utilizing the talents of Patrick Henry
students as location crew, camera/sound operators and editors. The film’s original soundtrack was composed and performed by Patrick Henry music students. Patrick Henry alumni were instrumental in gathering archival materials, conducting interviews and providing many services essential to the filmmaking experience. We hope you enjoy tonight’s world premiere event.
Producer/Director: David Plaut
Executive Producer: Mark Krasner
Supervising Producer: Scott Aveldson
Associate Producer: Leslie Peariso
Patrick Henry High Director of Video Production: Mark Abbott
Patrick Henry High Student Producers: Franco Cachay, Ricky Moore, Cameron Payne, Parker Rainey, Georgia Taylor
Patrick Henry High Alumni Location Crew: Willy Holt, Angela Nolting, Patti Ross, Ann Stice
Talent Coordinator: Laura DeGrazier
Technical Adviser: Willie O’Bryan
Graphics: David Mortlock
Stills Editor: Nicholas Furer
Colorists: Tosh Carr, Sebastian Hrisanthopoulos
Patrick Henry High Music Director: Matt Kalal
Patrick Henry High Choir Director: Hanabi Ito
Original Soundtrack Composer: Noah Plank
Studio Musicians: Josie Alvarado, Harper Bagley, Kaitlin Chou, Matt Kalal, Lola Marcantonio, Leia Mikesell, Alison Pritchett, Daniel Ruck
Alma Mater and Fight Song Performances: Patrick Henry High Choir, Patrick Henry High Marching Band
Recording Supervisor/Sound Design: Kurt Kohnen
Studio Engineers: Emery Jackson, Sepehr Azari, Bernard Clark, Jordan Reyes
Financial Officer: Bonni Cogan
Legal Services: Blanchard, Krasner and French
Patrick Henry High Support Staff: Zoy Grijalva, Rosa Lee Hernandez, Michelle Irwin, Alexandra Moncayo, Cathy Murphy, Jeff Russell
Special Thanks: Scott Miller Aveldson, Victoria Bryson, Kevin Carlson, Dawna Chuss, Trevor Crippen, Colleen James, Zander Kobold, Angela Manzano, Amanda Mitchell, Kevin Oberlies, Mike Rinehart
Premiere Event Committee: Scott Aveldson, Antoinette Chartier, Leslie Peariso, Patti Ross, Ann Stice