With the commencement of the 2014-’15 first semesters, The Feather would like to recollect on the campus’ past events and accomplishments from the fall semester. From a handful of new teachers, new sports teams and a renovated bell schedule, FC kept busy with new additions.
The Feather has worked to inform readers on and off campus of the details of campus life along with community events. The Feather has used various outlets such as articles, slideshows, videos and podcasts.
After an overlook of the fall semesters, staffers have decided to breakdown the events into the following categories: academics, campus events, athletics, community and extracurriculars.
CAMPUS EVENTS
To kick off the 2014-’15 school year, the student body, parents and faculty members gathered for the annual morning convocation, Aug. 11. The school was welcomed by new Superintendent Jeremy Brown and continues with worship and prayer along with the announcement of this school year’s theme: Living our faith.
In hope to unite the class of 2015, seniors traveled to Calvin Crest for the annual senior retreat, Aug. 16-17. Divided into groups, the seniors participated trust building exercises, a variety of games, a skit and the traditional night walk.
To welcome new families to the campus community student leadership hosted annual New Family Dinner at Johns Incredible Pizza, Sept. 23. This tradition stand to reach out to new campus attendees and their families.
The 30th annual homecoming game was in full swing, Oct. 31. Student leadership brainstormed and decided upon A Walk Down Hollywood Blvd as this year’s theme. Each class was encouraged to create a float that represented a film genre.
To build up excitement for homecoming students participated in dress up days to earn points for their class. The dress up days, chosen by student leadership included: Merica Monday, Tacky Tourist Tuesday, Wake up Wednesday, Think Alike Thursday and Fly Together Friday. The homecoming court participate in numerous pageant and campus activities.
At half time the court was announced as follows: freshman princess Erin Wilson, sophomore princess Hannah Nale, junior princess Claire Kollenkark, senior princess Gabriela Siqueiros and homecoming king and queen was awarded to Ivette Ibarra and Jordan Castro.
ACADEMICS
Previous Superintendent Debbie Siebert stepped down and welcomed Jeremy Brown as new Superintendent. In place of Todd Bennett, Amy Deffenbacher stepped up from English teacher to Dean of Students.
ATHLETICS
This year The Eagles up kept the tradition of inviting multi school students to play amongst campus students on sports teams. Playing another year as an 8-man football team, The Eagles placed 4-1 in the Central Sierra League and 7-4 overall.
Girls volleyball ended the season 2-7 in the West Sequoia League, 12-5 in preseason play and 14-13 overall. The girls made it to the first seed of playoffs, but lost in the first match.
The FC Eagles cheer team attended the annual cheer clinic on the FC North Field, Oct. 6-10. Elementary students were invited to practice in order to learn new cheers and improve skills to be preformed at half time of the home game, Oct. 10.
Girls soccer traveled to the Garces Holiday Soccer Tournament in Bakersfield, Dec. 19-20. The team placed third in the Silver Division. The boys varsity team also attended the Garces tournament, and placed 4th in the Silver Division.
The varsity boys basketball team is currently 6-6 in preseason play. JV boys basketball are currently 1-2 in preseason play.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
The student body gathered for the annual See You at the Pole in the Student Ministry quad at 7 a.m., Sept. 24, for a time of worship and prayer. Since 2005 the event has grown to reach over 2 million attendees nationally, with students and faculty gathering all over the country to pray over their school, community and nation.
To reach a helping hand to neighboring citizens, FC enrolled in Pinedale Elementary’s Book Buddies Program. The student body also collected canned and boxed foods for the Yes We Can! Food drive, which were delivered to Pinedale Elementary as well.
As a school, FC also participated in Operation Christmas Child. Throughout the holiday season, students K-12 donated boxes with toys to send to children in various developing countries.
During the last week of school, student leadership hosted the Annual Christmas movie, Dec. 11. The film shown was the Grinch. Students were encouraged to donate a stuffed animal upon entry (to be donated to Central Valley Children’s Hospital), for which they would receive a free tri-tip lunch.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Under the direction of Susan Ainley, the high school drama department performed Gift of the Magi as their annual Christmas play. The class has also begun rehearsing their upcoming spring musical, The Music Man.
Susan Ainley also took the role of high school choir director this school year. The choir intermingled their songs with the Gift of the Magi performance.
VISUAL ARTS
As a project, many art students entered their pieces into competitions at the Fresno Fair. Art and Home Economics teacher, Sharon Scharf, had her students bake cookies to send to soldiers overseas.
CLUBS
California Scholarship Federation (CSF) is taking place under the leadership of Academic Advisor, Michelle Warkentin. Their projects thus far has included a fundraising luncheon and a trip to neighboring Carington Pointe to sing carols and offer company to its residents.
Two long upheld traditions at FC have continued to take place under Terry Richards and Hallie Rojeski: Brother to Brother and Sister to Sister. Upperclassmen are invited to act as mentors to junior high students who have signed up for the program. As a perk, the students involved are allowed to journey off campus every other week for lunch with their ‘brother’ or ‘sister’.
PUBLICATIONS
The Feather Online received the Columbia Scholastic Press Association critique, awarding the staff with a gold medalist and several All-American rankings. The Feather was graded upon three separate sections: essential, verbal, and visual, and received a combined score of 976 out of 1,000.
The staff is continuing to work to expand their reach beyond campus events, but also to community affairs. Their efforts have included trips to town hall and other schools with online publications.
Follow The Feather via Twitter @thefeather and Instagram @thefeatheronline. These writers can be reached via Twitter: @_sarapeterson and @_chloemueller.
For more features, read the Dec. 23 article, Trek to the Tree 2014.
