FHUHS Administration

When high school athletics are at their best, they allow for individual excellence, team success, and opportunities for extending oneself beyond what had been previously been accomplished. A sport that often lends itself well for having all three combined is track and field. Certainly that was the case at Norwich University this past Saturday during the Vermont State Indoor Track and Field Championship. Many of our athletes earned personal bests, such as Andrew Patch in the shot, Morgan Childs in the high jump, as well as several others. Ashley Brown and Nick Montello ended their indoor careers on amazingly similar notes, during amazingly similar outstanding performances. Both became State champions in the long jump and 55 meter hurdles, with Ashley also repeating as the 55 meter sprint champion. Their efforts earned each the title of Outstanding Vermont Indoor Track Athlete of the Year. I know Coach Dave Heitkamp, who also was voted the Outstanding Coach of the Year, is immensely proud of not only these two, but of all his athletes who attended, for each sought to excel regardless of the competition.

Periods 4 and 5 (English 10) have been reading The Contender. This book is based on a seventeen-year-old male who looks to boxing as a way out of his current lifestyle. He has dropped out of high school, and this provides his life with some structure and lasting friendships. To expose her students to healthy alternatives, Ms. Trish Doran will be traveling to Fair Haven Fitness on February 14th for an overview of health, fitness, and boxing techniques, led by owner, Jamie Matta. She is confident that this will be a fun and worthwhile experience for all!

Fair Haven Union High School has had a Peer Mediation program for about four years. Each year new members become a part of the team in January or February. This allows for continuity when the seniors graduate. We are currently recruiting new members. Our goal is to have all the applications in by vacation (just one week away). Students are encouraged to pick up an application from Mrs. Genier in the office. The job of mediators is to support students in resolving their own conflicts. They must be neutral, non-judgmental, and we have a strict policy of confidentiality. For more information you may speak to Mrs. Genier, Mr. Eaton, Mrs. Sheldon or any student mediator. We are looking forward to a strong team who will be involved now and next year.

This Friday, the 15th, the rock bands are taking over the FHUHS band room. Kevlar Tuxedo, Salad Daze, and the FHUHS Rock Ensemble will all go head to head against last year’s reigning champion Sin Aspect as they blast and blare through their favorite covers and original compositions. The battle is free and open to the public. The rocking will commence at from 5:30 p.m. Ear plugs are strongly encouraged.

Congratulations are in order to Carly Schneider for being declared the Fair Haven Union Poetry Out Loud winner. She faced tough competition from Emily Rampone (Runner-up), Matthew Couture (third place winner), Brittany Griffis, Jon Murrary, Gwynneth Roberts, and Adam Cecil. Carly Schneider will represent Fair Haven Union High School on March 11th in Montpelier, Vermont, for the State competition. There she will perform three poems and face contestants from schools across the State!

Last week two of our students returned after working in Honduras to assist those in need. Katie Stickney and Caitlin Morse traveled as representatives of Rotary Interact. Both told me how interesting, educational and worthwhile the experience was. Their brief takes are included below.

FHUHS Students’ Honduras Trip

Katie Stickney – Arriving in Honduras resulted in an extreme culture shock. I had previously imagined the impoverished landscape quite similar to its reality. However, the demeanor of the people dwelling within this environment was a complete contrast to my assumption. One would presume that inhabitants of extreme poverty would behold an incredibly solemn view upon life. However, each and every citizen living in the barrios of Los Robles, Barcelona, Arauli, or a place known as “The Dump,” were filled with complete happiness. For example, I held a woman’s hand while she had twelve teeth removed. She didn’t make a sound during the entire procedure. The first thing she did, once the procedure had finalized, was smile.

The people are content living in a poor and simplistic lifestyle, rather than residing in materialism. They live in houses constructed of cardboard, scraps of lumber, and bedsprings. There are many instances in which the house is no larger than a shed in our backyard. Yet, a family of four to six finds a home in one of these miniscule abodes. Surprisingly, this habitat doesn’t break their pride. They were openly enthusiastic to show us their homes and the beautiful flowers they were able to decorate them with. I wish the stories and pictures I’ve shared with family and friends could express the reality of Honduras. However, they don’t do the actual experience justice. There is such a vibrancy to the people and culture of Honduras that is impossible to capture on film or in a story. It’s a completely different world in which everyone should visit. I guarantee that our previous notions of what we “need” would dramatically alter.

Caitlin Morris – It was the most eye-opening experience I’ve ever had, and I wouldn’t hesitate to go again. I had the wonderful opportunity to work with a number of professionals on the dental team during the week. I also met many inspiring people including Honduran-American Billy, who feeds the kids in his neighborhood twice a week. I also made a valuable connection with one of the kids whom I have just sent a football and a Vermont tee-shirt, and hope to sponsor him to go to high school when he is ready. I also was happy with the chance to try out my Spanish and share what I learned with Mr. Herren and my class.

On Wednesday, February 13th, at 6pm, the Guidance Department will be hosting an informational evening for parents of 11th grade students, in the high school library. The evening will focus on graduation requirements; post-secondary planning; the college selection/application process. Interested parents should call Doreen Anderson at 265-3636 for more information or to RSVP.

Mr. Ollie Allen informed me that “The Scholars Bowl playoffs were held on Sunday February 10, at Montpelier High School. Our first game was against Fairfax. We took an early lead and at one point had a 50 point lead. Then Fairfax took the lead by 15 points. Both teams seesawed back and forth. With the score 140 to120, Fairfax leading Jon Russell answered a string of questions, and put us on top to stay. With help from Jon Murray, Adam Cecil, Matt Couture, Mike Wayne, Mitchell Dundon, and Gwen Roberts, Fair Haven prevailed 190-180.

In our second game against Spaulding, we had some trouble with toss up questions. Spaulding took an early lead and kept it. The final score was Spaulding 260-120 for Fair Haven. There is one more tournament this season on March 21. That will be a NAQT tournament at Spaulding High School. If you are interested in attending please see Mr. Allen, the Scholars Bowl coach. Once again, my thanks to all those who participated in this weekends playoffs.”

Have a great winter break,

Brett C. Blanchard, Fair Haven Union High School Principal