Seniors of the month recognized
Fairbanks High School recently named two outstanding students as the December and January seniors of the month. At left is December’s senior of the month, Liz Nicol. At right is January’s senior of the month, Brooklynn Bosworth.
December’s senior of the month is Liz Nicol. Liz is the daughter of Derek and Brigit Nicol. She has been a four-year member of the soccer team and has been involved in FCCLA, Interact Club, and National Honor Society. She has volunteered for the summer and winter “Get Your Kicks” soccer camps with Elite and helped coach the 10U girls last spring. She attends Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Marysville. After graduation, she plans to attend a four-year university to major in speech pathology. When asked what advice she has for the underclassmen, she replied, “Work hard consistently, even if it is challenging, and make the most of the opportunities given each day!”
January’s senior of the month is Brooklynn Bosworth. Brooklynn is the daughter of Kurt and Kayla Bosworth. She has participated in competition cheer, football cheer and basketball cheer. She is a member of FCCLA, National Honor Society, International Club, Spanish Club, Interact Club, and Drama Club. She interns in the children’s ministry at Hilliard Church of the Nazarene and is a youth leader in the youth group. After graduation she plans to attend Grace College in Indiana to study Elementary education with the hopes of doing ministry work internationally. When asked what advice she has for the underclassmen, Brooklynn replied, “Take every moment you can to enjoy high school and don’t let yourself get caught up in reaching for the highest grades or GPA. Stay motivated, but don’t give yourself too much pressure.”
NHS hosts Five Days of Giving
By Brogan Green
The National Honor Society organized “Five Days of Giving” to collect items to donate to community organizations. The student body donated items and worked to assemble projects during Thoughtful Thursdays in December. During “Five Days of Giving,” classrooms competed to donate items to be used in the projects. Ms. Maggie Espada, Spanish teacher and ELL teacher, oversaw the whole project. The project’s purpose was to give FHS students a chance to give back to the community, and give back they did!
Students assembled and created 30 Personal Care Kits for those entering the homeless shelter at LLS in Downtown Columbus. Students also collected six large garbage bags of sweaters and coats and 10 boxes filled with canned goods which were all donated to our local Hope Center. Additionally, students also collected more than 10 large containers of blankets and towels for the Union County Humane Society. Through the Seeds of Caring program, our caring students put together 40 bagged lunches for the food-insecure and 80 ornaments and Christmas cards for the elderly in the Columbus area who have no family. As if all of this was not impressive enough, students also took the time to make Christmas cards for area nursing homes. It is safe to say that when it comes to giving, FHS students know no bounds.
Students help those in local foster care system
By Reese McCain
Fairbanks for Fosters, a project organized by junior Haley Julian, was put together with the goal to give back to the foster care system. “I came up with the idea because I myself came from foster care and I wanted to give back to the system, so I figured this was a great way to do so,” Haley says. The money that was fundraised by Julian, both inside and outside of school, will go to putting together personal care kits. The kits will be given to foster care children in Union County when they are placed in a new home. The original goal was to make twenty-four gift bags for the project, but with the funds received through a coffee shop held at the school and personal donations, Haley says, “We will definitely be going above and beyond on that goal.”
Haley, who is involved in FCCLA at Fairbanks, will use this project for FCCLA Regionals, which will take place March 11, 2023.
Puerto Rican traditions discussed at Spanish Club
By Haley Julian
The Fairbanks Spanish Club met after school in Mrs. Espada’s room on January 19th to discuss New Year’s activities that take place in Puerto Rico. There were discussions about the parade that occurs and other popular festivities. In an incredibly enriching experience, club members learned a popular dance that is often done during the celebration.
Therapy dog welcomed
By Callie Kitchen
Fairbanks High School has welcomed a new furry friend, Ava. A two-year-old labradoodle, Ava is at Fairbanks to help students feel more comfortable and confident. Dr. Diane Smeenk, an English teacher for the high school, enrolled Ava in a dog training program when she was six months old. The lovable labradoodle achieved certifications of “Good Canine Citizen” and “therapy dog.” After passing the program, Ava was brought into the 2023 school year.
At first, the lovable labradoodle was overwhelmed by the number of people and attention. Dr. Smeenk was initially worried about her shyness and how she would adapt. Eventually, she grew more comfortable every week and figured out who wanted to be near her and who didn’t. In preparation for Ava’s arrival, an email was sent to parents and students alerting them that a dog would be in the building. The email asked about allergies and any other experiences or concerns parents or students would have with having a dog around. There were some concerns, but the school has successfully accommodated students’ needs and concerns. A lovable pup, Ava certainly has been welcomed and has cheered many students.
Internships available at Memorial Health
By Caleb Wenger
Memorial Health has provided an opportunity for area students interested in the healthcare profession to intern at the hospital. The program allows students to intern every Tuesday and Thursday for 10 weeks (January 17th through March 21st) from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. There are two juniors and two seniors attending from Fairbanks and two seniors from Marysville. The internship provides the opportunity for students to explore the medical field firsthand by shadowing different employees and asking questions. Some fields they will observe are surgery, ER, obstetrics, physical therapy, imaging, pharmacy, nursing and much more. This is an exciting new program that has started at Fairbanks for the first time this year. Students from Marysville have attended this program for a few years. Juniors and seniors are eligible to participate. The students who have attended have increased their interest in medicine since the program’s advent and are excited for the events to come.
Tabletop Gamers enjoy new club
By Zach Koenig
The Tabletop Gaming Club at Fairbanks offers students a chance to hang out with friends and enjoy card games, board games and role playing games. At Tabletop Gaming Club members put fun first. The club was first started to get to know others who enjoy tabletop games and play with them, as well as learn new games. At the weekly meetings members enjoy a wide array of card games, strategy games and even role playing games. Through these board games students learn the importance of teamwork, leadership and communication – all of which can help to improve daily life, leading to a brighter future.