Final 2023-24 Seniors of the Month recognized
Senior of the Month: Cole Gillespie
By Cole Eger
Editor’s note: A photo was not submitted for Cole.
Cole Gillespie was nominated as senior of the month by Mr. Austin Ahlborn, who said, “Since joining us at Fairbanks [from Texas] two years ago, Cole has been a fantastic student and member of our band program. He has developed significantly as a musician, comes to class fully prepared and enthusiastic each day, strives to make sure that the people in his section feel supported, and is always willing to help a teacher or classmate when asked.” Cole’s plan for after graduation is to go to Lone Star College in Houston, Texas. One of Cole’s greatest memories is participating in the Fairbanks Marching Band and playing at The Ohio State University football field (Ohio Stadium or The Shoe). In the future, Cole wants to complete college, live in Houston or Dallas, and work as a computer engineer or radiologist. Here at Fairbanks High School, he has participated in the Fairbanks Marching Band, Fairbanks Drama Club, and Fairbanks Concert Band. In his own words, Cole says, ”I want to thank my parents, who try to encourage me to work my hardest in every subject as much as possible.” He is really Honored to be chosen as senior of the month because it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Congratulations Cole Gillespie!
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Senior of the Month: Grace Gorton
By Wyatt Stice
April’s second senior of the month is Grace Gorton. She was nominated by Mrs. Karla Wygle, who said, “Grace has shown Panther Heart in how she has handled adversity through her family’s loss. Her ability to show up to school every day has been inspiring.” Her Panther heart is also shown in all of the activities she participates in. Grace is involved in volleyball, National Honor Society, and club volleyball. After graduation, she plans to attend The University of Dayton to study nursing, with hopes of eventually becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist or nurse practitioner. She’s looking forward to finishing college and living on a lake with her children and family near her hometown. One of Grace’s favorite memories of attending Fairbanks was her Junior season of volleyball, in which the team finished with a record of 23-2 as district runner-up and Grace received First-Team All-Conference Honors. Grace was very excited to be thought of for senior of the month. She would like to thank her family and friends for being a light in her life and would like to honor her best friend and brother, Blake.
Mr. John Finney leaving a legacy at FHS
By Wyatt Stice
Mr. John Finney is another 2024 retiree. Prior to teaching, Mr. Finney spent time in the Air Force teaching flight crews lessons related to Aerospace Physiology, and fifteen years in the bank industry; he believes both have really helped him in the classroom. After moving to education, he spent twenty-five years teaching at Fairbanks. When asked what helped him decide to become a teacher he said, “I have always enjoyed learning and being in a school environment. This feeling goes back to probably 5th and 6th grade when I had teachers who showed that they cared about their students.” At the end of every school year, he would spend the first day of summer helping his teachers clean their classrooms. Mr. Finney’s most memorable part of teaching has been the daily experience of interacting with students and helping them form their own opinions. There are many challenges when it comes to serving as a teacher, but the hardest part has been balancing family and career. Mr. Finney is planning to spend his retirement years with his family, which includes five married kids and ten grandkids, with one more on the way. He is also looking forward to spending time with his friends on fishing trips. Mr. Finney is very thankful for the staff, students, and administration at Fairbanks and would like to stay connected by substituting!
Ann Arthur to retire after 44 years of service
By Noah Rhea
This school year will be a few staff members’ last time serving the Fairbanks School District before retirement. One of the retirees, Ann Arthur, has been serving Fairbanks for forty-four years, making her the longest-serving current employee of the district. At Fairbanks, Mrs. Arthur served as an Intervention Specialist for twenty-eight years before becoming the Director of Special Services where she has served the last sixteen years. Before becoming an employee at Fairbanks, she served at Springfield City Schools and the Ashland County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Altogether, Mrs. Arthur will retire with fifty years of service in education! When asked about what she enjoys about her job, Mrs. Arthur says, “My favorite part of my job is the students that I have been fortunate enough to serve,” and she hopes that her work has made a difference in many of their lives. After retiring, she plans to spend more time with her family. Mrs. Arthur has her first grandchild due at the end of May and she is excited to spend lots of time with him. Along with spending time with her family, she plans on birdwatching, a hobby that she looks forward to now that she has more time on her hands. Mrs. Arthur has made a great impression on this school district and its students, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and compassion that will be cherished for years to come.
Mr. Rob Riddle is saying goodbye after many years
By Aubrey Burns
After thirty-four years of serving the Fairbanks FFA, Mr. Rob Riddle is retiring. This wonderful man has served and touched the hearts of so many. Among his accomplishments, he has helped kids achieve their Greenhand Degrees, Chapter Degrees, State Degrees, and American Degrees and with being part of the state and national bands and choirs at FFA conventions. He has had many officer teams to help him plan everything and anything. He has hosted thirty-four banquets and this year’s banquet will be one for the books. He has also been a part of countless fundraisers to help students. All of the outstanding woodshop projects his past kids have made are very memorable to him, along with leading many judging teams to victories and even state titles. He has made many people laugh and smile and helped his students through hard times. He has helped many kids with authentic learning skills, such as filling out official paperwork on paper and on the computer. This man has been a saint to our community; he is passionate about getting to know his students and making them feel welcome. Mr. Riddle is now passing down his job to a former student. Not only did Mr. Riddle teach Mr. Keagan Nicol, the new FFA teacher, but he also taught his father! Congratulations on a fantastic career Mr. Riddle!
Mrs. Kristi Payne closing a chapter
By Noah Endicott
Mrs. Payne’s teaching journey began thirty years ago in Ohio. She started in the Marysville School District, spending a decade helping students with disabilities. Then, she took on a new position as Director of Special Education at Tolles Career and Technical Center for two years. In 2006, she found the school from which she would end up retiring, Fairbanks, where she has been an intervention specialist working with all grade levels ever since. At both Marysville and Fairbanks, Mrs. Payne loved the tight-knit community and staff; they looked out for each other like family. It is what she will miss most when she retires. But retirement will not slow her down. She is also a pastor, and she plans to keep spreading her message of faith and love. Plus, she will help out with the family business and, most importantly, spend more time with her kids and grandkids. Mrs. Payne has been really caring and dedicated. She helped a lot of people and made Fairbanks better. Even if she is not here every day, her influence and hard work will stick around for a long time, pushing young students to do the right thing and have integrity.