The Fresno Christian Leadership Team navigates many changes this year, but is already ahead of schedule, creating posters, making decisions, and planning events such as Homecoming that are on the horizon.
A fresh but familiar face excitedly takes on his permanent position on the FC campus after subbing last year. Although new to teaching, Tyler Gianakopulos is diving headfirst, bringing a positive attitude and a passion for Christ to the leadership classroom. Surrounded by a support team, including Amy Deffenbacher, Scott Falk, James Garcia, and Hope Villines, to assist in decision making and guidance.
Before joining the FC community, Gianakopulos was working through school, completing his bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry and leadership while simultaneously working as a swim coach at Break the Barriers and interning at Trinity Community Church. Now, as he is teaching leadership, Tyler is balancing finishing his master’s in divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, while working hard in the classroom.
Middle school Bible teacher Thomas McEntee bumped into Gianakopulos during a seminary worship at Grace Church of the Valley in Kingsburg, sparking his interest and leading him to our campus. After subbing for the first time last year, Gianakopulos fell in love with the FC community. He had always considered teaching, so this opened a door and he couldn’t say no.
“At the end of last year, I talked with Deffenbacher and told her how much I loved being at the school, and told her that if any position opens up to be a teacher I would be willing to do what I need to do for that opportunity,” Gianakopulos said. “Fortunately, the opportunity came up for leadership, so I took a day to pray about it and came back with an easy yes. It seemed like a perfect fit for me!”
Overflowing with leadership and the Lord’s goodness, Gianakopulos wants nothing more than an amazing year for the student body.
“So far, I have absolutely loved my position. The students make it easy to want to be there,” Gianakopulos said. “I am hoping to cultivate biblical principles of leadership in all the students, with the goal of each leadership student using their gifts and talents given by God to serve and lead the school. I want students to be excited for class, and excited to serve Fresno Christian.”
Long time leadership teacher Robert Foshee after 15 years adds a new title to his legacy at FCS. As the new alumni and community connections director he will focus on rebuilding an alumni program keeping FC connected with past students as well as organizing volunteer service options for the student body besides the annual Serve Day.
Last year, leadership adopted a collaborative approach for the ASB cabinet, not having designated positions, but rather allowing senior students to lead together. Reflecting on that experience, the decision was made to reinstate an official team of officers. After the voting process occurred last spring, followed by an interview and pastoral recommendation, results were announced in early July.
ASB Cabinet:
President: Natalie Garcia
Vice President: Hailey Higton
Senior Class President: Benson Elbert
Treasurer: Caleb Tuck
Secretary: Ethan Klassen
Chaplains: Caleb Eldridge, Anne Madelyn Morgan
Activities Directors: Georgia Karlson, Jacob Christensen
Senior Natalie Garcia is excited to serve her classmates and community as elected ASB president this year.
“This year with the help of the entire ASB team I am hoping to create a fun, interactive, and unifying school year with a variety of different events to bond relationships throughout the whole student body,” Garcia said. “Bringing back powderpuff after a three-year hiatus, getting the student body more involved and creating a space and opportunity where the student body can kindly voice their opinions and ideas to the leadership class as a whole are some of my main goals.”
The year has barely begun but things are already happening all around campus. Senior sunrise concluded Thursday Aug. 21 bright and early welcoming seniors to food, worship, prayer, devotion, and a time to connect with peers. Football season kicked off Friday Aug. 22 taking students, parents and staff back to the 80’s during the fight against Avalon. The usual fall homecoming surprised the community with its daunting date. Fresno Christian’s 40th annual homecoming will be on Sept. 26 inviting everyone on a trip around the world at Destination: Homecoming.
With the theme of international cities, classes hope to encapsulate the vibrant cityscapes and enchanting culture of places across the globe.
Although working through many changes and still getting their footing, the Fresno Christian high school leadership team is nevertheless anticipating an amazing action-packed year!
To read more from the Feather visit Anticipated phone policy surprises student body or PROMO: Girls Volleyball sets up for success
