News – Page 2

Cheers!

JHS cheerleaders signal the kickoff to the homecoming game against Kokomo earlier this season. Photo by Malachi Conrad.

Junior Reese Dobson displays leadership on the mat and in the classroom

by Eliza Wooden

As cheerleader and junior Reese Dobson steps onto the mat, she yells out to her teammates, “You’ve got this! Let’s go, Jeff,” and steps into position.

The music begins, and Dobson is prepared. She is tight, supportive, and ready to do whatever it takes to end this routine on a high note.

“I make sure I come to practice with a good attitude and a good work ethic, and make sure that I am here to be positive, happy, help others, and work as hard as I can,” said Dobson.

Dobson is a leader and a strong representative for JHS, often friendly, extroverted, and compassionate, especially toward underclassmen.

Freshman Jamie Hatton said, “Reese is very kind, outgoing, smart, and positive. I have known Reese for about one year, and she has helped me be more confident in myself.”

Dobson is not just involved in cheerleading; she is also a student ambassador. That’s where she gets most of her leadership experience.

Senior Averi Burdette said, “Reese improves the cheer team by always having an outstanding attitude and being a great team leader. She encourages everyone and helps keep the team motivated, even when things get stressful or difficult.”

Dobson cares a lot about her school work, which is why she works to balance her student ambassador work, classes, and cheerleading with her roles as Junior Class president and Student Council.

Dobson said, “The most important thing is remembering to take a break sometimes and relax. Something that I struggle with is doing too many things at a time and letting it affect how I do those things and letting it get in my head.”

Adding to her busy schedule, Dobson takes Advanced Placement classes, which can be very hard for a student-athlete.

“My AP classes require a lot of studying, and I make sure to set off time aside each night to go over what I learned or what I need to prepare for a test,” she said.

That discipline shows up everywhere. Whether she’s in class, at a student ambassador event, or leading a Student Council meeting, teachers and teammates say Dobson brings the same energy she brings to the mat.

While some athletes focus only on the routine, Dobson checks in on teammates and runs through the cheer again with anyone who might have missed a count.

That mindset has made her a role model and leader. For underclassmen, she isn’t just the upperclassman who can hit a stunt; she’s the person who will help with homework or hype them up before their next varsity game.

Dobson said, “Something that I do is take a second and remember that everything is going to work out and that it’s okay if things get stressful or hard. I always want to do everything with my best intent, so sometimes the best thing for you to do is to take breaks and come back to it.”

When the music stops and Dobson steps off the mat, her job as a leader isn’t over. She immediately high-fives her teammates and tells them how well they did. Tight, ready, and positive, just like she started.

Freshman Cora Holt brings positive work ethic to cheerleading

by Evelyn Speedy

Freshman cheerleader Cora Holt walks in to practice, adjusts her backpack on her shoulder, and then sits down to warm up, preparing herself for a successful, productive practice.

On first thought, you might think that she is just there to cheer on the football and basketball players.

However, what some people don’t know is that she is much more than that.

Not only does Holt cheer on the sidelines, but she also competes with her team and puts in the work to get better everyday, all while being on four separate teams at JHS.

“Cheerleading is not just a club; it’s way harder than it looks,” said Holt.

Even when Holt was a little kid joining Jeff High’s cheer kiddie clinic, she has seen herself being a cheerleader in the future.

“High school cheer is something I’ve looked forward to for years, and now I finally get to be a part of it,” she said.

Even though this is Holt’s first time cheering for JHS, she still feels like she is where she should be and that she belongs both in and out of the gym.

“I enjoy being a cheerleader because it feels like my environment, it’s what I’m good at, and I truly feel like I belong there and it’s what I’m meant to do.”

Not only do her coaches feel as if she is a good teammate and cheerleader, but so do her teammates.

“She is a very good athlete with an amazing work ethic. She is always trying to get help from people and do what she can for her team,” said freshman cheerleader Adeline Bainbridge. “She brings a positive attitude everyday, even on hard practices she is always there and trying to uplift everyone.”

However, Holt did not get to where she is without putting in a massive amount of effort.

“Cora gives 110% effort in everything she does. She always makes sure she is doing her best, giving it her all, and she is always the first person to be willing to try something new,” said freshman cheerleader Jamie Hatton.

The work that she puts into her sport does not go unnoticed.

“I have seen her become a much stronger athlete this season and a lot more confident in herself and her skills,” said Bainbridge.

Holt also has many qualities and features that help her in the sport she loves.

“I feel as if my very loud and deep voice helps me cheer because we have to be very sharp with our voices and I think that it is something I have naturally, so it helps me be the best cheerleader I can be.”

She provided an “inside look” at the unique cheerleading experience.

“You can describe what cheer is, but you can’t describe what it feels like. That’s something you have to experience for yourself.”

At A Glance

Birthday: Feb. 11, 2012

Hometown: Jeffersonville, Indiana

Favorite Food: Caesar salad

Favorite Color: Baby blue

Favorite Movie: “Tangled“

Cheerleading provides opportunity and friendships to freshman Chloe Wyatt

by Gabriella Linares

Freshman Chloe Wyatt has just started her first year as a JHS cheerleader, but she has already begun to make an impact on all the people around her.

She may seem like just an ordinary girl who wants to cheer for the players of the school. However, there is more to her cheerleading story than it seems.

Most people wouldn’t think that she has been cheering almost all her life.

“When I was little, my mom put me into the kiddie clinic at JHS in 2018, and ever since then I fell in love with it,” stated Wyatt.

Cheer has been different for her almost everywhere she goes, but so far at JHS, it has treated her well.

“It has been fun and has helped me get to know the people and the school.”

JHS cheer has helped her in so many ways other than just getting out of her comfort zone. She has learned a lot about herself during the time she has been a cheerleader.

The Red Devils cheer at the cheer competition at Providence High School, on Sept. 26. “I love cheering with this team because they express themselves so well and are always there for me,” stated freshman cheerleader Chloe Wyatt. Photo by Trinity Broadway.

“Cheer helps me be myself and express my feelings and emotions. It has helped me become a better person and it’s also taught me about myself.”

Wyatt has a dream after she leaves high school, and this dream of hers still involves cheerleading.

“My dream after high school is to be a cheerleader at the University of Kentucky, be a pediatrician, and or to be on a Worlds cheerleading team.”

Outside of cheer, she is a role model to others and in general a genuine person. She strives to be understanding and helpful for others, even if she isn’t in that situation.

“I try to always be there for my friends and understand what they’re going through.”

Wyatt’s friends have learned a lot from her, like learning to be better people. They say she brings out the best in the people she is around and makes whatever room she walks in brighter.

“Chloe has taught me to just be myself no matter what others think. She brings out a different side of me. Being around Chloe makes me feel happy and safe. Every time I’m with her, I feel like I can be myself,” freshman Lailah Miller stated.

She brings a passionate smile to everyone she is around, in and out of cheer. She is filled with a bright and bubbly personality, according to her friends.

“She is a very passionate person in anything she believes. She carries a smile through everything and is confident in what she does. When I’m around her, it is constant laughter and smiles,” said freshman Willow Williams.

Cheer is always seen as an extracurricular activity, but to Wyatt, it has given her lifelong friends and mentors.

“My coaches and teammates are always there for me and show up when I need them.”

At A Glance

Birthday: Feb. 9, 2012

Favorite Color: Pink

Dream College: IU

Favorite Drink: Cotton Candy Alani

Favorite Subject: Math

14 Oct 2026 by jhshyphen

Seniors decorate their parking spots during fall break

Photos by Gabrielle Watkins and Shelby Keesee.

Senior Kylie Parsons works on her Disney-themed parking spot over fall break. Photo by Gabrielle Watkins.

14 Oct 2026 by jhshyphen

Deep Dive

Junior Clara Theriault uses discipline to balance swimming and academics

by Lorelei Bingham

With each stroke, junior Clara Theriault makes her way across the pool.

Students might see Theriault in the hallway and assume she’s just like any other student. However, that’s not quite the full picture.

“Being a student-athlete is more challenging mentally than physically. You have to balance everything. You have to have time to swim and time to work. If you can’t find the time, you have to make it,” said Theriault

Despite the challenges of being a student-athlete, Theriault continues to stay motivated.

“Just knowing how hard the practice is on paper, I know I’m going to get something out of it. We can always laugh about it later,” she shared. “The girls on the swim team also help me stay motivated. The environment the team has is just so positive.”

Beyond her dedication to swimming, Theriault is also known for her personality.

Theriault’s former teammate and 2026 graduate Adelaide Bingham describes her as “encouraging, cheerful, inclusive, and always looking out for others.”

Her kindness also has a positive impact on those around her.

“Clara makes me feel like I don’t have to worry about anything. She also taught me to look out for others,” stated freshman Bristol Cain.

Outside of the pool, Theriault faces another important responsibility being a student ambassador.

“I’m a student ambassador because I believe every school should have representation. Having students who are considered some of the best at Jeff shows that we aren’t just a fight school. Yes, there are fights, but having a group of leaders to really show what JHS stands for is important.”

Theriault uses her leadership skills in and out of school. She positively impacts all of her teammates’ lives.

Bingham stated, “Clara has taught me to look out for others and show empathy. She also taught me to be selfless and help others when they are in need. When you are kind to Clara, she never fails to pass it on to another person. She’s like a bubble of joy.”

Theriault’s dedication to her team reflects the life lessons she has learned through swimming, which extend far beyond the pool.

“Swimming has taught me lots of discipline,” said Theriault. “No matter how hard something looks, you can always beat the challenge. It’s just a mental game and stepping out of your comfort zone.”

Through swimming, leadership, and her relationship with others, Theriault is someone who strives to make a positive difference both in and out of the pool.

Graphic by Lorelei Bingham.

Persistence and personality helps freshman swimmer Lily Eaves adjust to high school

by Evangeline Hertweck

As the buzzer goes off, freshman Lily Eaves dives into the pool confidently.

“I love swimming because of how weightless I feel in the water,” Eaves said.

Eaves is ready to jump from the diving board. She looks persistent. She looks excited. She looks ready. She is used to this; however, there are new swimmers at the pool.

“Start slow and practice a lot. You need practice to perfect your moves,” she advised.

Eaves swims through the water effortlessly, making it look easy to beginners. Everyone cheers, but the swimmer’s mother’s voice cuts through the crowd.

“My mom is my biggest supporter because I can talk to her about anything, and she cheers me on the most,” Eaves stated.

Even though Eaves isn’t new to swimming, she is definitely new to JHS. Freshmen must get used to a drastically new schedule, making new friends, and showing up to class on time. For Eaves, this is a change.

“There is definitely a difference in maturity, as people connect in unique ways at different life stages. Maturity influences how we communicate and support one another, affecting the quality of our relationships,” she said.

As the school days go by, Eaves starts to see that JHS isn’t all that different from Parkview Middle School. The familiar dynamics of friendships and social groups make her feel more at ease as she adjusts to this new environment.

“High school made me realize that no one really cares what you do. Be your own person; a good one,” she said.

Graphic by Evangeline Hertweck.

Eaves enjoys high school, especially social studies. The subject’s focus on history and cultures makes learning exciting and fun.

“I love social studies because if you have a good teacher, they make learning more interesting and more fun.”

Freshman Carlee Solomon is one of Eaves’ closest and best friends.

“Lily has always been an amazing friend to me; we’ve been close since we met in first grade,” Solomon said, looking back on their long friendship.

Even on her tough days, Eaves has a special way of making everyone smile. Her cheerful laugh and friendly personality brighten the mood in any room, making people feel welcome.

“Lily is a really good person and a sweet friend. She knows how to make me happy, especially when I’m feeling sad,” Solomon said.

The two friends have shared many laughs and great times together, both at school and outside of it.

“I remember one night I went to her house. We baked a big batch of cookies, and afterward, we danced and sang our favorite songs in her kitchen. It was such a fun night, and it’s a memory I’ll always hold dear,” Solomon recalled.

Eaves has plenty of friends, in and outside of school. She participates in several different activities like Girl Scouts, swimming, and just being outside in general, helping her connect with others who share the same interests, including with freshman Lorelei Bingham.

“I know Lily from school and swim. I don’t have any classes with her, but I would still consider her a good friend,” said Bingham.

Reflecting on Eaves’ influence, Bingham said she has the ability to uplift everyone around her. It’s like she carries a little sunshine with her wherever she goes.

“Lily brings positivity. She will always make you feel better if you’re sad. She will always be your little cheerleader.”

11 Oct 202615 Oct 2026 by jhshyphen

Rivalry Win

Red Devils defeat New Albany 41-22 in fall break football victory

All photos by Mason Ridge.

Senior Ke’mari Smith celebrates with sophomore Quincy Greene after he scores a touchdown against New Albany. The Red Devils won the Saturday morning game 41-22. Photo by Mason Ridge.

11 Oct 202611 Oct 2026 by jhshyphen

Digital Dispatch Oct. 2, 2026

Photos by Gabriella Kraft and Isaiah Stewart.

Ashleigh Bacon works to register JHS students to vote on Oct. 2. Bacon said, “I think young people should realize they have a voice. Having a voice is important. Stuff needs to change.” Photo by Isaiah Stewart.

2 Oct 2026 by jhshyphen

Red Devils defeat Salem 5-1 last night

Photos by Shelby Keesee.

Senior Abi Lemon attempts to gain possession of the ball against her Salem opponents. Photo by Shelby Keesee.

2 Oct 20262 Oct 2026 by jhshyphen

Policewoman turned scientist inspires lives beyond the classroom

by Noah Keserovic

Birthday: May 6, 1999
Hometown: Corydon, Indiana
Favorite sport: Softball
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite movie: “Iron Man“
Favorite music genre: Pop music
Hobbies: Reading, arts and crafts
Time spent teaching: Two years.

Biology and PLTW Human Body Systems teacher Karson Cecil sits at her desk, checking emails and grading assignments as the students in her seventh period Human Body Systems class work, constructing an origami diagram of a bone. A Louisville Police badge sits on her desk in a case.

One may walk past Cecil’s classroom without a second thought, just thinking that she is any ordinary science teacher; however, that isn’t the case here.

At a first glance, no one would know that she once worked as a crime scene technician for the Louisville Police.

“My experience as a crime scene technician was fantastic; it was a fulfilling job and it was always something new each day. I left that position due to the schedule being too chaotic,” Cecil said.

However, one may wonder why she would take up such a job, with so much danger and unpredictability.

“I just applied and showed up. But the biggest influence is ‘Criminal Minds’, the show,” Cecil stated.

After quitting her job as a crime scene technician she took her career in a completely different direction.

“I chose science because my degree is in science, and it’s my favorite subject,” she answered.

Despite the troubles and annoyances of being a teacher, she has still decided to stick with this career as a science teacher.

“I like getting to help students find something that’s interesting to them and discover that science can be pretty fun.”

Cecil had to take various different classes in high school and then college in order to be able to pursue her career in teaching, biology, and human anatomy.

“In high school I took Advanced Science classes and then in college I took a lot of biology and chemistry classes. I also took an education class, not with interest in teaching, just to fill a space, but then I went to grad school and took anatomy classes,” Cecil said.

Cecil is still a new teacher, at least compared to others, having chosen to teach at JHS for a simple reason.

“Yeah, because it’s close to my home and they were looking to hire a science teacher,” Cecil stated.

Her students have had many positive impacts on her life.

“My students impact my life by brightening my day and they always keep me learning too, they teach me new things which are important. They teach me slang, and I’ve learned some TikTok dances,” she said.

However, Cecil has also had impacts on the lives of her students as well.

“I say she’s taught me a lot and helped me learn a lot of information I need to know for my career,” said sophomore Haylee Schwarz, a student in Cecil’s PLTW Human Body Systems class.

Cecil has also been an inspiration for her students.

“She inspires me to be a better person because of the way she teaches,” stated sophomore Layla Dizdar, another PLTW Human Body Systems student.

Cecil thinks that science is a very important subject, especially in today’s world.

“Science explains the world and how it’s always changing. It is also important that people are able to keep up with new information,” she stated.

Some may find biology and human anatomy to be boring, so one may wonder how Cecil keeps her class fun and interesting.

“I try to incorporate different styles of learning and different games,” she said.

But, do her methods really work at all?

“I find it fun because I like learning the stuff but I find it interesting because of the people,” said Schwarz.

Cecil also has a way to motivate her students to work efficiently.

“Knowing we can have fun after our work is done is a big motivator for everyone,” said Dizdar.

Many people seem to have a positive opinion of Cecil as well.

“I think she’s a very funny and kind individual,” stated Dizdar.

Despite Cecil having a rather chaotic history, and teaching such an important and complicated subject, she has one, very simple goal in her life.

“My biggest goal in life is to have a small hobby farm with miniature cows.”

1 Oct 2026 by jhshyphen

Charles Patton transfers love for science to his students

by Akiya Flynn

Principles of Biomedical Science and Biomedical Innovations instructor Charles Patton works hard to teach a wide range of scientific material in his classroom. Patton uses his genuine persona to engage his students.

“The way he teaches is understandable, and he goes into detail and makes things make sense,” said freshman Gem’maica Hunter-Lawrence.

No one would have guessed that Patton had prior work experience in science before teaching it.

“I worked in various healthcare systems in the Atlanta healthcare market for about 15 years, and four years prior to teaching, I was with a healthcare startup system called VillageMD,” said Patton.

Patton has been teaching for two years; he is currently in his third year.

“You kind of grow and learn and make changes in real time. Changes as needed,” he stated.

Patton keeps a healthy classroom environment and uses patience.

“I try to be as approachable and honest as possible.”

Patton actively works to build a relationship with each student. He uses the students’ work as a way to learn, understand, and even help them.

“There’s a lot of depending on how the day goes; there is no set schedule,” he stated. “Some days are more controlled than others.”

Patton conducts his classroom based on the behavior of the students in it. He prefers to work with the students rather than against them.

“He’s nice and seems like a genuine person,” according to freshman Elise McCormack.

“I love science. I think that science is something that brings us tons of experiments and some sort of truth at the end.”
Principles of Biomedical Science and Biomedical Innovations Teacher Charles Patton

Patton sees his students as more than just students; he sees them for far more than what they write down on a paper.

“I like that he is bubbly and lights up a room. He listens and tries to put his feet in your shoes,” said freshman Harmoni Staton.

Because Patton cares so deeply for his students, he intends to welcome them with the same warm, welcoming personality every day.

“Everyday is what you make it, and the positive feedback from the kids keeps me going,” he stated.

Seeing the impact he makes on the students during the duration of teaching keeps Patton eager and ready to come back and work. He has a deep love for science and hopes to share a little of that scientific truth with his students.

“I love science. I think that science is something that brings us tons of experiments and some sort of truth at the end.”

1 Oct 2026 by jhshyphen

JHS defeats Silver Creek 2-0 during Monday’s Senior Night

Photos by Isaiah Stewart and Parker McCloskey.

Sophomore Joao Beya warms up before Monday’s game against Silver Creek. JHS won 2-0. Photo by Isaiah Stewart.

30 Sep 20262 Oct 2026 by jhshyphen

Floyd Central defeats JHS soccer 9-0 last night

Photos by Malachi Conrad.

Senior Laela Rudicel fist pumps as her name is called during the starter callout in last night’s game against Floyd Central. Photo by Malachi Conrad.

30 Sep 2026 by jhshyphen

New Pace

Cross country team adjusts to recent coaching change

by Isaiah Gatton and Elijah Lahrman

The foundation of the cross country team was established as a strong program, but the team has had to adjust to recent coaching changes.

The team is now under the guidance of Coach Carlis Phillips, who has a background in sprinting and hurdles, bringing a new perspective to the program and enhancing it with the experience he has accumulated throughout the six years he has worked at Jeff High.

“I’ve been coaching for some time. I have been at Jeff for the last six years, working as the sprint coach for 4-5 years. I have a sprint background, hurdle background; I’m up for the challenge to try and build our little distance and cross country team to be as competitive as our sprinters,” he said.

Cross country coach Carlis Phillips gathers the team at the Silver Creek Invitational on Sept. 22 to discuss times that they need to hit to get into the running mindset. “If you see someone, pass them,” said Coach Phillips. Photo by Isaiah Gatton.

His goal for the rest of the season is to get the cross country team in a competitive mindset, having the hunger to push past limits and barriers.

Phillips has also introduced new expectations for the team, including recommending runners purchase watches to track their mileage and implementing mile warm-ups and cool-downs. He views the season as an educational journey as he continues to guide the team.

“It is an educational thing, what a high performing cross country team looks like,” he said. “Just recently I recommended that they should invest in a running watch. Tracking is a big part of running. There are some foundation pieces that I’m implementing as well. Giving them information and knowledge about what a successful cross country runner looks like. I’m going to coach everyone in here like a champion. I do want them to be challenged, feel the tug and pull of what a successful runner looks like.”

With the change in coaching has come a change in training. Compared to previous seasons, runners have noticed more intervals, sprinting, and strength-focused workouts.

“We do a lot more intervals instead of just long-distance runs,” sophomore varsity runner Micah Nef said. “A lot of it is just focusing on speed work instead of distance.”

For some runners, the new training has been challenging but has provided an opportunity to develop different skills. Senior varsity runner Nathan Scovanner said he likes the balance between speed and endurance.

“I like that part, because we do need to build up some speed,” Scovanner said. “If we mix in both speed and endurance, we’ll become better runners overall, because we’ll have that speed and still be able to keep our speed going through our races.”

Junior Marcus Baker has also started to enjoy the new sprint-focused workouts. Having previously run sprints in middle school, Baker said the new practices have brought back something he enjoyed.

“I feel like every day when we’re on that track, he pushes us,” Baker said. “It feels good running sprints.”

However, not every runner has found the transition easy. Some athletes said they preferred aspects of former Coach Sam Mull’s approach, particularly his emphasis on endurance and the mental side of running. They are adjusting, though.

“I think it’s weird having a different coach, but it’s good to learn different things from multiple people,” Nef said.

Nef said her times felt faster when the team focused more on endurance training, although she acknowledged the new training has been more challenging.

Senior runner Lizeth Gonzalez said she sees value in both coaching styles.

“I like both of them,” Gonzalez said. “Whenever you do compete in a 5k, you do need the strength to push yourself. But at the same time, when you do long mileage, the three miles start becoming easier in a way.”

For Gonzalez, one of the biggest differences between Mull and Phillips is how they approach athletes mentally.

“Coach Mull taught us in more of a mental type of way, but also physical, and Coach Phillips is more of a physical type of coach,” Gonzalez said.

She said she would like to see the strengths of both coaches combined.

“I would enjoy having, of course, Coach Mull back, and have both of them as coaches,” Gonzalez said. “I know both of them could allow us to become better athletes because they both can focus on our weaknesses and strengths.”

The coaching change has also affected some of the traditions and activities that helped bring the team together. Nef said Mull was known for organizing additional activities that were not necessarily required but helped create connections among teammates.

“He was really good at getting things done and doing extra things that weren’t necessary,” Nef said, referring to activities such as a 24-hour relay that has been recently canceled.

Despite the changes, Nef said the team has remained close, with the team captain helping maintain that connection.

“We still have a good team captain, so we’re still close,” Nef said.

Other runners are looking toward what Phillips’s experience could bring to the program. Phillips’ background in track has given him experience working with athletes who specialize in speed, something that some runners believe could help the cross-country team develop.

“I do think so,” Scovanner said when asked if Phillips’s reputation would help the program. “I think it will bring some more people to the team, possibly. He also does have some experience, but cross country is a new thing to him, I’m sure that’s not going to affect him.”

Gonzalez also believes Phillips’s experience could bring more recognition to the program.

“I believe we are going to get more support,” Gonzalez said. “I feel like Coach Phillips has a good history with training athletes, sending them to state, and being able to train them. And I believe it will allow us to get a little bit more recognition as a team.”

For Scovanner, the transition has been a process. As a senior running cross-country for his second year, he said he initially had concerns about what the coaching change would mean for the team.

“At first, I was a little skeptical,” Scovanner said. “I didn’t know how everything was going to play out. I had a lot of doubts in my mind.”

As the season has progressed, however, Scovanner said he has become more comfortable with Phillips’s approach.

“I had faith, and so far, everything’s turned out really well,” Scovanner said. “I really like everything that’s been going on.”

While athletes have different opinions about the new direction, the team is continuing to adjust as the season progresses. Phillips’s emphasis on speed, strength, and competitiveness has created a different training environment, while runners continue to carry lessons from previous seasons.

Cross country head coach Carlis Phillips and coach Kim Zink team up during the Silver Creek Invitational on Sept. 22. “We’re here to be competitive, start off strong and finish stronger,” said Phillips. Photo by Elijah Lahrman.

30 Sep 2026 by jhshyphen

FCA allows students to strengthen their faith

by Lorelei Bingham

As Friday morning begins, students gather before school, ready to start their day off with breakfast, games, and conversations about their faith.

For members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), these Friday mornings are more than just a way to start the school day. They are an opportunity to connect with their peers and grow closer to God.

“FCA means quite a lot to me. It’s a time for me to connect with my peers, play games, eat breakfast, but it is also so much more. I’m able to grow closer to God even at school, and I look forward to every Friday morning for this exact reason,” stated senior Macyn Jackson.

Through games and discussions, FCA gives students opportunities to grow both as athletes and in their faith.

Main sponsor Pamela McCoy shared, “FCA is about athletes being able to come together to practice teamwork and commitment. Being able to have a space to gather together, pray, and learn about Jesus is important. We meet as a group for FCA, but the hope is that it will go out to the teams. FCA’s goal is to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.”

On Sept. 4, 2026, sophomore Alyssa Anderson talks about loving one another and putting differences aside to come together at a morning meeting of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in the library. Photo by Lorelei Bingham.

Although FCA centers around sports and faith, every student has a different reason for being involved.

Freshman Eli Smith said that joining FCA has helped strengthen his relationship with God while helping him become a better person.

Jackson shares a similar reason for joining FCA. “I joined FCA because this is a community of people I can always have for support, and I’m there to support them too. I also knew joining would help me grow to be a better person all around.”

Student leaders play a big role in FCA. They grow in their faith while helping others grow theirs.

“Being a student leader is challenging, but I love it,” said junior Clara Theriault. “I go through my Bible, make devotionals, and questions from scratch, so it really tests my knowledge, but I get to share that with my fellow peers who may not know what I’m talking about. That part makes it all extremely rewarding.”

The student leaders contribute to making FCA meaningful for its members.

“My favorite part of FCA is getting to hear our high school leaders talk about my religion and what it means to be Christian. It’s so meaningful to hear people my age or younger speak about the Bible and the connections we can make to our high school life. It shows me that even at school, I can be living through Christ,” Jackson shared.

Members also encourage their peers to attend, saying they can experience the community and learn about their faith.

McCoy explained, “At FCA we want to try and invite others to come to know more about Jesus and to form a community of peers that can join together and share their faith with each other.”

For some members, Friday mornings have become a meaningful part of their week.

Theriault said, “My favorite part about FCA is being able to devote every Friday morning to God and spreading the gospel.”

FCA allows students to strengthen their own faith while encouraging them to share it with others.

McCoy hopes that message continues beyond the Friday morning meetings.

“I hope that they come away knowing that Jesus loves them and that they can take that and share it with other students,” shared McCoy. “I also hope that they invite others so they can know more about Jesus as well.”

29 Sep 2026 by jhshyphen