FHUHS Administration

Fair Haven Union High School is proud to announce the Herff Jones 2007 Principal?Äôs Leadership Award nominee Brendyn Luther. All nominee?Äôs are able to compete in the national Principal?Äôs Leadership Award (PLA) scholarship program, sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). Nominees are selected based on their leadership skills, participation in service organizations and clubs, achievements in the arts and sciences, employment experience and academic record. Brendyn is one of those students who, through his involvement in a host of FHU activities, benefits all of us at school. This fall Brendyn?Äôs talents and efforts were used to improve the boys?Äô soccer team (as one of the captains), Student Council (as Class President), yearbook (as editor and contributor), and perhaps most importantly as academician (member of National Honor Society and student tutor). I could take up a great deal more of this newsletter detailing his volunteer service, athletic accomplishments and peer/faculty/administration accolades but will simply say he is one of many students at FHU excelling in a variety of endeavors. Brendyn is the son of Lisa Bushey of Fair Haven and Troy Luther, Sr. of West Haven.

The fall sports season is mostly wrapped up, and what a weekend it was for our student athletes. The cross country teams continued to compete fiercely despite the lack of public accolades that seem to come with the sport. I personally know the effort and mental determination that is needed to run in relative obscurity and look forward to competing none-the-less. I look forward to seeing many of these athletes during indoor and outdoor track and field events. For years as an ?Äòoutsider looking in?Äô and now fortunately being in the opposite position, I can attest to the state-wide view that Fair Haven Union High School?Äôs various track programs are seen as some of the finest examples of positive athletics at the high school level. Without question Coach David Heitkamp deserves much of that praise.

The football team played inspired ball against a talented and determined Blue Devil squad, emerging with a 27-10 home victory. The night had its normal electric atmosphere with good sportsmanship exhibited by both teams, positive fan interaction throughout the game, and terrific student support. Our Slater boys capped off their season with an amazing last month, earning four straight victories and never losing faith no matter the opposition. Congratulations to Coach Don Hubert, his staff and, of course, our boys for their conduct and positive attitudes.

The field hockey team fought valiantly throughout the driving rain during the state championship game at UVM Saturday but met one of those rare overwhelming teams in Stowe (whose senior girls never lost a game throughout their high school career). I try not to write up too much individual athlete praise in my newsletter due to the simple fact that most of our athletes are well covered in the local papers, as well as the obvious observation that most are team sports where success hinges on team effort, but need to make one brief comment. The many FHU fans in attendance should support my comment that the ?Äònon-goal?Äô that junior Lisa Ramusckat scored showed an amazing combination of athletic prowess and determination. It was a pleasure to watch the girls reach a level of success no other FHU team had previously attained. They were upset after the game but should now be holding their heads up high after all they accomplished this year. A standing ovation also goes to Coach Tosh Stickney, her staff.

The Pep Band played under the lights during Friday?Äôs game under the leadership of seniors Nick Montello, David Brown, Michelle Park, and Jon Kuehne. The FHUHS Rock Ensemble rocked out the pre-game before being rained out at half time. The Rock Ensemble features Josh Jakab on guitar and vocals, Josh Ferguson on lead guitar, Aron Hutchins on guitar and bass guitar, Julia Alexander on guitar, David brown on bass guitar and drums, James Loso on guitar, bass guitar, and drums, and Jon russel on keys and vocals. The FHUHS band will march in the Rutland Halloween Parade Wednesday the 29th under the direction of drum majors Carly Schnieder and Krista Bird. The band will be in Indiana Jones costumes as they play his theme music “Raiders March.”?Ä®?Ä®Adam Courcelle, a sophomore, as well as FHU?Äôs own Pauline Apjohn (and her husband Tom) participated in the Rotary Club?Äôs ?ÄúBenches of Bomoseen?Äù to raise money for replacing the fountain in the Fair Haven Park. All three benches sold well above the $100 starting bid. What a great community effort for those involved.

The Human Services students from Stafford Technical Center, including Karen Ferguson, went to The Shriner’s Hospital in Springfield, MA last week. They went to visit the patients and bring them games that they created to help them pass the time while they heal.

Some quick club news for all those interested:

• NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY: Meets every FRIDAY @ 3 p.m. in Mrs. Bruce?Äôs room.
• PEER MEDIATION: Meets every TUESDAY morning @ 8:00 a.m. in Mrs. Sheldon?Äôs Room
• YEARBOOK: Meets every MONDAY @ 3 p.m. in Mrs. Valenti?Äôs Room.

The Chess Team at Fair Haven Union High School has been exceptionally consistent at mentoring the Grade School students at FHGS. We are especially proud that Maitland Pike has attended our monthly Chess Nights for the past year. Also attending October’s meeting was Reggie Schulman and Jon Kuehne (who also has been in regular attendance last year). Thanks for continuing to provide the positive leadership for our students of tomorrow! One individual accomplishment needing mention is Peter Lane, who attended a Chess Tournament in NYC last week and placed 2nd! I was told there were over a thousand participants. As a former chess club advisor, I am pleasantly amazed at Peter?Äôs feat. Thanks also to Natalie Houde (SAP Counselor at FHGS, and FHU School-Based Clinician) for organizing the Chess Activity for the 3-8th graders there.

Please welcome (back) Dylan Demasi as the second part-time Technology Assistant! Dylan graduated from FHUHS in 2006 and has been taking a break from his studies at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Dylan will be working Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, so please say hello if you see him. Eric Snay informed us that Dylan is no longer required to carry a hall pass.

Brett C. Blanchard, Fair Haven Union High School Principal