Feather annual recap highlights FC programs

The Feather has covered nearly everything that has happened on the campus of Fresno Christian. With the help of the photojournalism and video staff, The Feather was able to publish videos, photos, slideshows, podcasts, comics and articles. The Feather would like to take a minute to recognize all of the amazing things that happened around the campus throughout the 2015-16 year.

Organizations/clubs

Academic club for excellence, CSF (California Scholarship Federation), continued its role under Advisor, Michelle Warkentin. Over the course of the year, members volunteered for a fundraiser for Freedom Rides, local animal shelters and retirement home, Brookdale.

The start of FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) began towards the end of the year and was offered during most mornings on Friday. A few students along with teacher Robert Foshee, joined the students for a bible study and breakfast.

On Tuesdays or Thursdays CSF members along with other high school students hopped in a van and carpooled over to Break the Barriers for an hour to help out in their afternoon Buddy Program. Students bonded with children of younger grades through several interactive exercising activities.

Student run Bible clubs, Passion Bible and Tea Talks, began last year and participated in meetings during lunches. Mentoring clubs, Sister to Sister overseen by Hallie Rojeski and Brother to Brother advised by Terry Richards continued their Bible devotions and off campus lunch gatherings on Tuesdays.

Publications

Beginning last year, The Feather took on a new level of publishing with its brand new layout and design. With a brand new website, members were enthusiastic about reaching new heights and pushing for the National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker award.

In the Spring, The Feather traveled to New York for the Columbia Scholastic Press Association awards. The website was awarded the 2016 Gold Crown Winner, the CSPA’s highest honor to high school papers. This Gold Crown stands as it’s sixth Gold Crown that The Feather has received in seven years.

The Feather was also nominated for the NSPA’s Pacemaker award. Traveling down to Los Angeles in April, staffers were awarded a Pacemaker for their outstanding dedication and work. Only five online newspapers in the United States hold both a Gold Crown and Pacemaker award for the 2015-2016 school year.

Renovations

Starting last year, modern renovations were underway across the campus. Lining hallways of both Building five and six was a set of colorful yet neutral carpet. Walls and hallways along with the offices were repainted bright colors.

Academics

The 2015-16 school year was the second under new Superintendent Jeremy Brown and Principal Amy Deffenbacher. The administration was not shy make additions to the FC staff as they hired four new teachers.

The math department said farewell to long time teacher and Director of K-12 Academics, Michael Fenton, as he accepted a job for an online company, Desmos.To replace Fenton, the FC community welcomed three new math teachers. Rob VanBindsbergen taught Algebra 2 and Precalculus. Kristina Breshears was brought in to help teach JH mathematics alongside second year teacher, Katie Reneau. Scott Bucher was also brought onto the math team to teach AP Calculus.

After her 27th year, art and home economics teacher, Sharon Scharf, wraps up her career. Many tasty cookies and pajama pants later it is time for Scharf to set down the brush and kitchen spoon at FC.

The science department also gained additions with the hiring of Bucher and Vanbindsbergen. The two took over chemistry and physics classes. The previous year FC only had one science teacher, Karen Walters. With the addition of Bucher and Vanbindsbergen, Walters was able to teach biology, zoology, and AP biology.

The Spanish department hired Rachel Rodriguez to replace Karen Alamaraz, who had stepped in for long time teacher, Beatriz Foth. Rodriguez took on the challenge of teaching Spanish I, II, and III classes.

Sports

The FC football team entered their third year in the West Sequoia eight-man division. The Eagles finished the year going 9-2 overall and 5-0 in league. The Eagles outscored all their league opponents 309-12 and capped off the season winning the 8-man Valley Championship.

The volleyball team jumped into the 2015-16 season with a new coach, Katie Reneau. Despite having lots of experience from upperclassmen, the team finished the season 5-19 overall and 1-9 in league.

FC welcomed back a girl’s tennis team in the fall. Under coach, Lori Mascarenas, the girls finished the season 4-10 overall and in league play.

The boys basketball team added nine players to the roster who had never played a varsity game. After finishing 1-9 in league play, the Eagles entered the playoffs as the last place 14th seed. Game after game the boys shocked fans as they beat the 3rd, 6th, and 10th seeds in playoffs, only to lose in the Division V Valley Championship by 3 to the No. 1 seed, Kern Valley. The Eagles concluded their season with a 83-47 loss to Saint Bernard in the first round of the Division 5 State playoffs. They finished their season with an overall record of 8-23.

In the second year back, the girls basketball team consisted of nine players that were all underclassmen. Despite being inexperienced, the girls made the playoffs where their season was ended in the first round to the eventual Valley Champions, Caruthers Blue Raiders. The team finished their season with a record of 4-18 overall and 1-9 in league.

The boys soccer team had a successful year going 9-10 overall and 5-5 in league play. They finished 3rd place in the West Sequoia league and got to host a playoff game in the first round. The Eagles season ended in the second round of the playoffs after suffering a 2-0 loss to Mendota.

The girls soccer team also welcomed a new coach, Archie Ochoa, as they headed into their season. The girls finished the year 3-16 and 1-9 in the league.

In the spring, the softball team competed with a new coach, Kent Donis. They finished the year 2-14 and 0-10 in league play.

The baseball team opened the year with a 9-4 win over Roosevelt but finished the year 8-18 overall and 1-9 in league play. The Eagles got the chance to go to playoffs winning their first round game against Orosi. The season ended in the second round, when the boys played at Sierra where they lost 11-6.

The boys tennis team came back hoping to repeat the success they had the previous year, going undefeated in overall and league play. Although they did not accomplish this goal, they still experience much success over the course of the season. They finished the year going 11-4 overall and 9-3 in league.

The golf team experienced success as they had expected to. The Eagles won league for the 9th season in a row under coach, Jeff Hoper. They decided to end their season after league play rather than going onto compete in the valley playoffs.

Performing Arts

Led by Susan Ainley, ensemble had the opportunity to travel to Carnegie Hall to perform. After singing a total of seven songs in the Hall, the team traveled the city of New York. Carnegie Hall is arguably the biggest stage in the performing world.

The drama department, led by Kyle Dodson, performed two, one acts for their first semester production. One act was directed by Dodson while the other was directed by student, Kiaya Hargis. During the second semester, the team performed, Hello Dolly, which starred, Nicole Hudecek.

Graduation
The class of 2016 said their final goodbyes as new chapters of their lives were about to start. Three valedictorians, Morgan Miller, Andrew Moore, and Olivia Tandajaja, all gave speeches. Alexis Kalugin was awarded the faculty/staff scholarship due to her hard work and excellent character on campus.  

Please let The Feather know your highlight of last school year in the comment section below or write a short column for the editors to publish in the days ahead. In preparing brand new members on the staff, The Feather will not have consistent publishing until after Labor Day.

For more news articles read, Presidential candidate comes to Fresno, sparks turmoil.

To read about last year’s highlights check out, Piecing together the 2014-’15.