Senior of the Month
November’s Senior of the Month is Danielle Hoover. Danielle is the daughter of Bill and Sandy Hoover of Plain City. She is a member of National Honor Society, Interact Club, and Drama Club. She has also been involved in Softball, Student Council, and Mock Trial. She has an interest in visual arts and her extraordinary artwork can often be seen on display around the school. After graduation, she plans to attend college and major in illustration. When asked what advice she has for underclassmen, she replied, “Find something you love and stick with it. Also, learn to love yourself. I promise you, it makes everything a lot easier.”
(Photo submitted)
FHS welcomes new band director
By Ally Gerty
This month FHS highlights new band director, Mr. Austin Ahlborn. Before coming to Fairbanks he was the band director at Lincolnview Local Schools in Van Wert, Ohio. After attending The Ohio State University, he is happy to be back near central Ohio. During the school day, he teaches sixth grade through high school band, while also teaching sixth and seventh grade music classes. After regular school hours, he’s in charge of marching band and pep band, while simultaneously advocating for an extracurricular jazz band! All the students involved in the music program are incredibly fortunate to have a passionate teacher to lead them. While working in Hilliard, Mr. Ahlborn had heard wonderful things about Fairbanks, so when the position for band director opened up, he jumped at the opportunity. With any new job there is a set of challenges. Covid-19 made it difficult for new musicians to learn but Mr. Ahlborn is dedicated to meeting students where they are and working with them to improve. While at Fairbanks, he hopes to take the music program and make it more successful, fulfilling and accessible to all students. Under his direction, the marching band had a phenomenally successful season at their competitions. In the future, he hopes to see greater accomplishments in all branches of the music program. Not only is Fairbanks equipped with a devoted teacher, but he is quite qualified as well. He is a member of the Heisey Wind Ensemble and occasionally plays in central Ohio orchestras as well. He is grateful to be welcomed into the community and wants to thank everyone who has supported and encouraged the music program. Welcome Mr. Ahlborn!
District hosts exchange student
By Pierce Powell
After a year off because of Covid, Fairbanks once again has the chance to host foreign exchange students. One of those students, Marie Veit, a junior from Hamburg Germany, talks about her experience in America. Marie is having a great time learning something new every day along with fellow exchange student Kathrine Eskilden as both girls are staying with the same host family. One thing Marie misses from home is being able to walk and bike everywhere. She says everything here is much bigger, such as cars, stores, food portions and land. Education in America is very different from her type of learning in Germany. She is used to having less strict rules back home such as no dress code and being able to go outside during the day to get some fresh air. Marie participated in the girls soccer team this past year and is currently enjoying how friendly and open Fairbanks is as well as the school spirit.
FFA successful in competition
By Brynne Stanley
The Fairbanks FFA chapter has been in full swing this month. The advanced and novice Parliamentary Procedure teams have been working hard and it shows. The novice team placed third in the district competition just 9 points away from qualifying for the state competition. The advanced team will be moving onto state competition, which means a lot of work ahead for the team. The fruit sale came to a close with amazing sales resulting in a lot of fruit and cheeses headed their way. The holiday spirit is upon the chapter as they collected items to provide a family with a Thanksgiving. They are looking forward to the Christmas season as they will help a few more families in need. Happy holidays and keep an eye out for more updates on the chapter!
Choir students perform for Veterans Day
By Destiny Hurban
On November 12, 2021, Fairbanks Middle School celebrated Veteran’s Day with a drive-thru parade for veterans. The middle school students lined the driveway in front of the high school and middle school cheering and waving signs. As the veterans drove through, Mrs. Bartow announced their name, their branch of service, how many tours they served, and who invited them or who they were related to. The high school choir contributed to the event by preforming at the entrance awning of the high school. The choir performed God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood and also recorded The National Anthem which was used for the slideshow the middle school students watched before the parade. Since the choir was busy preparing for their holiday concert, Ms. Cooper asked for volunteers to perform for the parade. Eight students volunteered and spent their own time outside of class learning the music. They had rehearsals every couple of weeks where they fine-tuned areas that needed it. In addition to the choir’s vocal performance, senior, Brayden Wilson and sophomore, Caroline Wilson, played a patriotic medley on the piano. Since this year’s program was outside the performers weren’t quite prepared for the cool temperatures and high wind. The wind caused problems with the microphones and the cold temperatures did not fare well for those who played the piano. However, students quickly found perspective that these cool temperatures were nothing compared to what the Veterans have done for our country.
Día de los Muertos celebrated
By Callie Kitchen
On November 4th the Spanish Club celebrated Día de los Muertos. Known as the Day of the Dead, it is a holiday celebrated by Mexican and Latin cultures from November 1st to 2nd. Latin families join together and celebrate the journey of their loved ones to the afterlife. Instead of mourning, the families tell stories about those who have passed, visit the altars with flowers, enjoy food and say prayers in the hope remembrance will guide the spirits to the afterlife.
Club members joined into a circle and shared stories of cherished loved ones. A picture of the loved one was placed on a homemade altar full of color and candy skulls. The members also celebrated by eating a sugary bread called ‘Pan de Muertos’ and drinking fruit juice. Though talking about passed loved ones is a somber moment, Día de los Muertos celebrates their life and their achievements in smiles and memories.
Mock Trial begins
By Grace Koenig
November marks the start of the Mock Trial season. The Fairbanks team is advised by Mr. Carter and led by returning students Emma Kelly, Jacob Willer, Kennedy Knurek and Alice Ruff. Currently the team is composed of 12 students who are working hard to strengthen their argument and dive more in depth into the case and the amendments surrounding it. The case specifically entails the events of a man, Hollis Fitzpatrick, who is suing the Buckeye State government for lost compensation due to COVID-19 restrictions and shutdowns. Students’ main focus is the “Taking Clause” from the United States Constitution. Students’ efforts will be on display at the first competition in January of 2022, via Zoom.
Panther Pause Day hosted
By Elise Gerstenberger
Throughout the school year Fairbanks High School makes an effort to reward students for their good work and dedication. Recently, the school decided to hold a “Panther Pause Day” at the end of each nine weeks as a reward for the students. The Panther Pause Day revolves around the students providing them with treats and fun activities to partake in with their friends. The first reward day for the year took place on October 22nd. Students had the option to participate in Volleyball, gaga ball, ping pong, a music jam session, inflatables and more. The next Panther Pause Day is scheduled for January 28th. Many students had a fun time including freshman Zoe Schmidt who said, “It was a fun idea and a good way for students to de-stress.” Her favorite activity was coloring. Sophomore Hannah Standley’s favorite activity was volleyball and she said, “It was enjoyable.” Junior Cadence Eger also had a favorite activity of volleyball and enjoyed the Panther Pause Day. Senior Andy Higinbotham said, “I felt like it really brought together people and grades that don’t get to socialize in a normal school setting.” Students had a blast and are looking forward to the next one.
NHS members draft new definitions, bylaws
By Kate Ruff
After spending the previous meeting brainstorming, the Fairbank’s chapter of the National Honor Society is beginning to make some headway! The group at large had a meeting on Nov. 16. The four committee groups of service, leadership, character, and scholarship began to draft and polish an official definition of the value they represent. These definitions will appear in the new National Honor Society bylaws. These bylaws will be finalized by the leadership committee and gradually introduced into NHS policies. The officers met on Nov. 18 to review these definitions and begin planning a service project for December. After a period of discussion, the officers have decided that they would like to give faculty and students a special surprise before the week of exams. Although the planning is still in its preliminary stages, the event should be a fun occasion for the high school students, teachers, and other staff.