Senior of the Month
May’s senior of the month is Nathan May. Nathan is the son of Jerry and Stephanie May. He is a two year member of the school’s choir, and a one year member of Drama Club. Nathan recently performed at Shrek in the school’s presentation of Shrek the Musical. He is involved in his church’s youth group and interns for the teen group as well. After graduation Nathan plans to attend Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee. He plans to double major in Religious Studies and Music Composition. When asked what advice he would like to give, he said, “If you have an interest in any clubs, take the plunge and join. It’s totally worth meeting people who have the same interests as you.”
Fairbanks Waves Farewell to Mr. Dellinger
By: Grace Keideling
At the conclusion of the 2022-2023 school year, Fairbanks will say farewell to Bill Dellinger, the head custodian and a stalwart in the Fairbanks community. Mr. Dellinger has worked at Fairbanks for thirty-six years, starting as a custodian, then holding the position of maintenance supervisor for six years and finally becoming head custodian for the remainder of his time at Fairbanks. He previously was employed at a machine shop for two years which later became the Fairbanks bus garage. In addition to his current job, Mr. Dellinger also works as a custodian at St. Paul’s Lutheran School (serving there since 1998). A jack of all trades, he has done about everything that is in and out of the traditional custodial job description. From getting the football field ready for games to jumping students’ cars in the parking lot, he was never one to shy away from a tough job. Some of his favorite tasks included working outdoors on the school grounds and simply helping out the students. A very selfless person, Mr. Dellinger performed these tasks and took much pride and joy in doing so. In his time at Fairbanks, he has enjoyed getting to know the students and staff as well as seeing multiple generations of families go through the same school. Since he has been employed at Fairbanks, Mr. Dellinger has worked at every graduation event. This year he was asked by a couple of graduating seniors to give them their diplomas, which he recognizes as one of the greatest honors he has ever received. In addition, at the Class of 2023’s senior awards, Mr. Dellinger was acknowledged as one of the two people who were most influential and appreciated in that class’s time at Fairbanks. As he transitions into retirement, Mr. Dellinger plans to continue to work for St. Paul’s Lutheran School and Fairbanks for a couple days a week, slowly decreasing his time over the next few months. He is also preparing to send his own daughter off to college this summer. The community of Fairbanks has become very special to Mr. Dellinger and when asked if he had anything he would like to say before he left, he responded, “As a long time employee of the Fairbanks Local School District, my co-workers, the students and their parents have become part of my family and I will miss them all. Thank you to all.” We all wish you the best of luck and thank you for many years of hard work and dedication to Fairbanks Schools!
Panther Pause Says Goodbye to Seniors
By Sienna Dingledine
Panther Pause is a club that allows students to hone and perfect their interviewing and writing abilities. This year’s two senior members were surveyed for their opinions on this group. Senior Callie Kitchen, who has been involved for three years, stated that Panther Pause allows her to write and have conversations with other people. She said it also helps students gain skills that they will use after graduation. In Callie’s case, she wishes to take courses that involve short memoirs or anecdotes. In the end, Panther Pause has benefited her by helping her be able to properly write articles and interviews. After she graduates she plans to go to Ohio University. Callie would like to thank the advisor, Mrs. Reed for being one of the brightest and one of the most helpful people she has come across during her time at Fairbanks. She said, “I could not have made it to a sufficient place where I am now if I and the school did not have her.” New to Panther Pause this year is senior, Reese McCain. Reese decided to join Panther Pause due to her interest in writing and to sharpen the journalistic skills she has already obtained. Reese was mainly interested in interviewing peers and teachers to create well-written articles. During college, Reese hopes to pursue writing and journalism on her own time. Panther Pause was able to help her improve her writing and interviewing skills and allowed her to interact with both the student body and faculty. After graduation, Reese will attend Ohio Wesleyan University and pursue a double major in studio art and art education.
FFA News
By Caitlin Hayes
On May 4th and 5th, Fairbanks FFA members arrived in Columbus at the Celeste Center to celebrate all FFA members’ achievements in the state. Fairbanks members Evan Blumenschein and Elaina Lahmers were recognized for their state accomplishments. Evan was placed in the top 4 in the state for Beef Production Placement. Elaina Lahmers received her award for placing 1st in the state for the Dairy Judging CDE. The Fairbanks FFA Banquet was held at Der Dutchman on May 10th. The 2022-2023 Ohio FFA State Vice President, Hannah Saum, students and their families watched many individuals in the chapter and school be honored by the FFA. Hannah gave a speech to the FFA members to push them to continue their agriculture involvement beyond their school years.
The FFA hosted a Petting Zoo for all ages at Fairbanks High School. Planning the event took a few weeks and the chapter gives great thanks to the Union County Fair for donating the pens to hold the animals. Members Aubrey Burns, Kara Boerger, Hailey Dee, Jenna Dee, Anna Lynch, Christian Miller, Hannah Sullivan, and Evie Reidman donated their time and animals to the Petting Zoo. The animals that were brought were cows, ducks, goats, lambs, pigs, and a rabbit. A John Deere sprayer was brought to give the elementary-aged students a chance to sit in a tractor. The FFA also hosted a petting zoo at the Gables on May 16 for the senior residents that live there.