Saturday, April 13, 2013

Nationals!

 As many people know, Scott Zockoll and I headed to BJU for Nationals this week. Though neither of us placed, I know the experience was exciting for us both! The campus was beautiful, my roommates were totally awesome and hilarious, and some of the pieces showcased were great! Just looking at the artwork presented gave me plenty of ideas for things to try next year. And possibly the best part of the trip were the sermons from Rand Hummle (I'm not sure if that's spelled right but he's awesome!), some of which focusing on the joy of salvation, loving others, and, i'm sure a favorite of the adults, proper dating. Altogether, the trip was amazing and I can't wait to see if I place at States again next year so I can go again!

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

So Much To Do!

 As we're nearing the end of the school year, things are getting busier and busier! The yearbook is just finishing up, Spirit Week is on the way, "An Evening of the Arts" is just around the corner, and best yet, there's only 35 days of school left! Spring is, despite the few "oopsies" of snow, finally showing it's true colors and i'm loving every second of it! Easter has just passed and the reminders of Christ's love and forgiveness are newly refreshed in our minds, and the beauties of the season warm our hearts. Even as we're rushing in this crazy time of year, remember to keep Christ on your mind and in your heart and thank Him for His blessings.
 Just one example of this craziness and thankfulness to me is my upcoming trip to Nationals at BJU! Scott will also be traveling and I know we'll be in people's prayers. I know the experience will definitely be great and show me even more possibilities, and I can't wait! The one thing i'm not too thankful for is reciting my poem(s) at the Evening of the Arts. I write so that I don't have to talk in front of people. But i'll get over it I guess.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

States!

 Just yesterday, all eligible participants went to States competition in Richmond, Virginia. Waking up at 2 am was just one of the many wonderful experiences we got to do, and i'm pretty sure there's still going to be some sleepy people on Monday! Through everything, it was a great day! Watching how other schools performed, getting to perform ourselves and just knowing we'd done our best was fantastic!
 Just a few of the things we Falcons managed was sending three people to Nationals and winning a couple first place trophies! Justin Kaspersky will be going to Bob Jones University with his 2nd place classical piano piece, along with Scott Zockoll with his 3rd place Still Life photograph! And i'll be making the trip to write yet another poem since I came in third! Faith has really represented well! Good job guys!
 A more complete list of winners can be found on the school Facebook page. I'll write again after Nationals. Just remember, "Do all to the glory of God"!

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Spring!

As you may know, today is the first day of spring! It may not feel like it, but I promise it is! Though it's a chilly 50 degree day, school has certainly welcomed the change of seasons and I've been shivering throughout the day, though enjoying the fresh air coming in the open windows. Clear skies, warmer weather, new growth... and spring cleaning. No matter what you love most about spring, it's always great when there's a new beginning! And, bonus: School's out in almost 2 months! I just love this time of year!

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Arts That Are Fine

As many people know, FBS has participated in the Fine Arts competition this year! After collecting several first place winners from the in-house competitions, we headed to Virginia for the AACS Regionals, and many of our students are headed on to States! Some of these students include Christina Sansone with her Oral Interpretation of Poetry, John Zockoll with his landscape photography, McKenzie George singing a solo, Lexy Ness and myself with our poetry, and quite a few more, along with our choirs and handbells! Also, good job to the elementary students who placed! Though you can't travel on to States, you all did great! Good job Falcons, way to represent!
Unlike last time, where the student body took two trips to VA, one for the musical groups and the other for academic testing and solos, when we travel to States in Richmond, we'll be going only one day (though an early, long day) and we will have the choirs and individuals all together. This takes place Friday, March 22nd, and we'll be leaving extremely early in the morning. Thankfully, we'll be going in comfort on a charter bus, but i'm still not looking forward to waking up at 2 am and going on a 5 or more hour long trip with loud, excited elementary kids. But that's just me.
 Whoever makes it in the top three at States also has the possibility of going to Nationals at BJU. If this happens (and with our amazing array of talented students, it very well may), i'll post a blog with information about that. Let's go Falcons, you're flying high!

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Let's Give Our Birds A Hand!

 Last night was the awards game for the Falcons, and it was great! The girls started us off by playing their parents (Who knew old, or, well, aged people could run that fast?) and just watching was a blast! Of course the girls took the victory, with a score of 30 to 37, though it looked like quite the show-off between Lexy and Andrea Zockoll. After taking a short break, the guys went at it and with Mark Zockoll on the parents team, I wasn't sure how the turnout would be! In the last few nail-biting minutes, the guys yet again took and held the lead, winning by 5 points with a total score of 42 to 47. Good job boys, show the parents who's boss! Well, when it comes to sports anyway.
 Throughout the night, the concession stand was open and begging people to take their free food. This in itself would've been a good incentive to come. But the best and most waited for part of the night was probably the award ceremony. Mr. Price started us off and handed out appreciation awards to all who had helped, and then, after a brief message about the Falcon's tablecloth and how Mrs. Taylor had burned herself making it from Ben Gaul, Coach Kenny passed out awards, Lexy and Josiah taking the MVP awards, Brynn and KJ best defensive awards, and Chrissy and Jimmy "Most Improved Player" awards, the other players each getting their own certificate and thanks. I know we're all going to miss the seniors next year, but with how the teams have progressed, if they stick together next year i'm sure we'll take the victories! It's been an awesome season Falcons, i'm going to miss it.

Goodbye Basketball

 As the final game of the season, the Falcons took on Milford on the home court last Friday. After having been beaten on their court, we took the fight home and, though we were defeated again, we had   some fantastic last games!
 Our girls really strove for the victory, but it just slipped out of their grasp. Lexy took quite a few falls (Just so you know, you play basketball on your feet Lex!) but still managed to score 12 points on her own. Brynn really took the initiative and helped her out by putting up 16 points. Karen played well and managed to score 6 points, and Anastasia, after being out of the game almost the entire season, still managed to shoot a basket and added another 2 points to the score. Even though they fought hard, Milford still took the win with a score of 58 to 36. Good try girls, and it's been an awesome season with you all!
 The guys also took a loss, though they played hard. Taking an eleven point lead, Milford beat us 55 to 66. However, almost everyone on the team got to make a basket or two, and our guys played with a lot of energy. John scored two points along with Corey, KJ 4 points and Jimmy 8, barely beaten by Josiah who managed to get 9 points. Luke really took the game into his own hands though, and shot 24 points, an awesome total to end his last season with. However, Luke was pulled out in the last quarter due to a leg injury, and Josiah and Jimmy were pulled from the game too due to having too many fouls.
 Besides the losses, these games ended the season well and it's been awesome traveling with the team and getting to watch each and every game! I'm going to miss this, but there's always next year! Good season Falcons; you've played to the glory of God and you've played hard.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

The Conquerors... Well, Conquered.

 For the final away game of the season, the Faith Baptist Falcons traveled to Milford and played the Conquerors. And the Conquerors... well, they conquered us.
 The girls started us off, but with Lexy sick and wheezing our spirit just went out of the game. However, Brynn took over and scored a total of 30 points, her highest total this season. Lexy did manage to score 11 points, the same as Karen, and Kassie and Allie shot a basket apiece(Allie's first basket- Whoo!). But sadly, we lost, and the victory went to Milford, 55 to 70.
 The guys had an equally hard time, and there were quite a few sore people on the bus ride home. Luke slammed face-first into the wall (Good thing there was a mat.) in the first couple minutes, John taking his big brother's lead and jamming his finger a little later. Though Jimmy scored an impressive 20 points, Josiah very close behind with 19 and Luke with 9 (I'm sure he would've done better if he hadn't hurt himself.), the guys still took a defeat and lost 48 to 62.
 Our last game, besides the possibility of tournaments, is March 1st, and we will yet again be playing the Milford Christian Conquerors. Let's go Falcons, we're almost done!

We Beat the Birds!

 Yet again, another make-up blog. My apologies. But back on topic:
February 11th we took on the Holly Grove Eagles yet again, and crushed them on our home court! Ahh, revenge, you are truly sweet. The girls started us off as usual, and it was an intense game indeed! But after a harsh and exciting fourth quarter, our ladies took the win with a score of 26 to 22. Karen and Lexy each scored 10 points and Brynn followed with 6. Good job girls!
 Our Falcons, after an incredibly tough and hard-core game, defeated the Eagles with a 34 to 25 win! Our guys really took a beating, John taking two falls, but came out on top through it all (Even though it seemed with all the Holly Grove guys slipping on imaginary water no one was staying up.). Jimmy and Luke each scored 10 points, Josiah 8 and John 6. Considering Faith hardly ever takes a victory over Holly Grove, let's give them all a big cheer! GO, FIGHT, WIN!

My Bad

I have yet again been neglecting the library. My bad. But back to what everyone actually reads this blog for: Basketball!
 Almost two weeks ago on February 7th, the Falcons took on the Salisbury Christian Jaguars and took home (figuratively, since they were already on the home court) another victory, making it their third win of the season! Being an only boys game, it progressed quickly, and by half-time the score was 23 to 11, Falcons in the lead. With a win of 44 to 32, the guys did a great job and played an awesome game. Luke led  the score with 14 points, which I found quite ironic seeing that his jersey number is also 14. Josiah was right on his heels with 13, John with 9 and Jimmy with 8. Good job guys, and sorry for the late praise!

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Falcons FTW!

 Our second double victory for Faith just went down yesterday! Let's give a huge cheer for our Falcons! As our first time playing a public school, this time being the S. Dorchester "Jacks", we won both our games and played like pros! Show 'em how to do it, Falcons!
 Our girls started us off as usual and played hard, winning with a score of 27 to 19 like it was nothing! Our Lady Falcon's captain, Miss Lexy Ness, shot over half the points herself, making quite a few baskets and adding 15 points to our total all by herself! After we were sure the score was up and we were staying there, Lexy shared the glory and fed some shots to Kassie, Ally and Chrissy, and though Ally gave a few good tries she didn't manage to sink one. Good job girls!
 Now here's the exciting news: Our Falcons finally won, and they won it right! With a score of 59 to 37, our guys finally showed up and played their all, showing what they're made of. Jimmy and John each scored 10 points, but Josiah showed them that was nothing and scored 13. Luke, always the over-achieving athletic Zockoll, shot Josiah down with a total of 16. As we can tell from his best total of 29 points in one game, Josiah was simply letting Luke have the glory. (All in speculation my friends.) That's how you play it guys!

Monday, February 4, 2013

Failure Friday

 As the final make-up blog, i'm sad to admit that Friday's games were both losses. The Cross took us down on their home court, and they decided that a couple of our Lady Falcons should get their feathers plucked!
Our Falcons took another loss, 24 to 72, though at the end of the game I couldn't stop laughing at the insane throws and fun plays they decided to chance, considering a comeback would've been nearly impossible. Luke scored a total of 9 points as the highest point total for the game. 
The girl's game ended with a score of 16 to 26, ending the girl's high-flying streak. Karen and Lexy pulled a twins act and scored 6 points each. I can't really blame the Lady Falcons for their loss though, considering all the injuries they received. Kassie C. took a hard shot to the hand and ended up with a jammed finger, having to sit out the rest of the game. Brynn, always the over-achiever, managed to foul herself AND received the slam to the floor that normally the player you fouled would end up taking. Lexy took a couple of falls too, although she seems to do that in every game, so nothing new there.

Tuesday Trouble

 As of January 29th, the Faith Baptist Falcons took on the Holly Grove Eagles in an intense battle of the birds! You may have even heard some screeching if you listened close enough to the girl's game!
 Sadly, being the bearer of bad news, the Falcons yet again took a loss. With Josiah out of the game, the fight went out too, and the Falcons fell, taking a loss of 29 to 53. Luke and Jimmy seemed to have a twin plan going however, and managed to shoot 9 points a piece. Though not the best game to watch from my perch at the scorekeepers table, I have to admit the Eagles have an amazing court. Random, yes, but also true.
 Our Lady Falcons, however, took the victory again! Brynn and Lexy decided to play twinsies too, and scored 8 points each, the rest of the girls helping out for a win of 22 to 12. Be loud and proud girls, you deserve it! 

Monday Makeup

 As everybody has probably noticed, I haven't been able to update my blog in almost two weeks. So, sorry about that. I plan on going to the library much more often now. But anyway, what everybody has been waiting for: BASKETBALL!
 Exactly one week ago, January 28th, the FBS Falcons played The Cross Crusaders on our home court, and our Lady Falcons dominated yet again! Though the guys put up a fight, they lost their game 35 to 66, though Luke managed to score a total of 14 points, Jimmy 8, and Josiah 7. The girls, on the other hand, took the lead and kept going! Taking their third win with a total of 36 to 20, the Lady Falcons scored and soared. Brynn, like Luke, scored a whopping 14 points total, Lexy close behind with 12 and Karen on her heels with 10 points. Let's Go Girls!

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

VICTORY!

 Last night's games were the best yet! The intensity, last-minute baskets and eardrum-piercing cheering and yelling (most of which from Coach Kenny) certainly hyped everyone up, and the bus ride home was insane! Let's give a big cheer to our high-flying Falcons!
 The Lady Falcons started us off, and from the beginning Lexy Ness and Brynn Binkley tore up the court, scoring basket after basket like nobody's business. But even though our girls were pushing Smyrna to their limits, after half time the tide changed. Smyrna started pressuring us and the points slipped, letting them pull back up, and by the final quarter, the girls were going back and forth, basket to basket. The ladies managed to shoot one last basket in the final few minutes and held their defense, letting them keep their victory of 32 to 30.
 Our Falcon men were hard at work through their entire game, being pressured and letting a few baskets slip, the points rising and flowing with the cheers in the air. Smyrna definitely kept them busy, and by the end of the game i'm pretty sure it's the foul shots and Jimmy DeWeerdt's new spot on defense that kept our one point victory from slipping away. Thanks to these boys' tiring effort and Josiah Sansone's total of 33 points, his record of the year, we just managed to pull our victory of 66 to 65.
 That, is how you "Go, Fight, Win!".

Friday, January 18, 2013

Senior Spotlights

 After Tuesday's and Thursday's games were canceled, I really got to thinking: What am I going to write about after the basketball season is over? One thing that I've always enjoyed and specialized in is writing, mainly short stories or essays. When I was editor of the school newspaper last year, this talent was really put to the test, writing and formatting interesting, attention-grabbing, factual articles. Seeing that now I have many outlets for my writing, including this blog, my guest articles on the youth website (faithbaptistproteens.com), and an online website called Figment for interested young writers, I'm able to spread my audience viewing. Now the question is: What am I going to write for my audience?
 My plan right now is to write on school happenings. And since this year is already halfway through, I want to write on something that will soon be gone, and that leads me to this: Senior Spotlights. I believe this was an article idea for the Falcon Frenzy last year that we never delved into, so I plan on bringing it back. On the days when there are no basketball games to write about, I'll be taking one senior and focusing on them. Let's see how this goes!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Let's Go Girls!

 Thanks to the hard work of out Falcon ladies this past Friday night, we won our first victory! In an intense, hard-pounding fourth quarter, the girls managed to pull a tie and that gave us just enough time in overtime to pull ahead! If you were there, you know this was probably the most exciting game yet! With a score of 32 to 27, the girls pulled our first victory in overtime right on our home court. The guys lost by about 20 points, but it was probably their best game of the season so far with the Zockoll brothers to back the team up, causing the score to soar. 
Monday's night's games followed in the footsteps of the guy's Friday night game, with the scores about 20 points below the opponents. Even though we lost, you can tell that the teams are just getting better and better! I can't wait to be writing down score-sheet after score-sheet of victories for our soaring Falcons!  

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Tiring Days

 As far as the school day goes, I'd say there were a few tiring items on the agenda today. Starting off in Bible class with Extreme Ping-Pong, a crazy fast-paced match set up by Pastor Binkley(who else?), followed by the always-dreaded class of physical education to finish off the day, I feel so sorry for those students who, after two hours of running and generally exercising, had to go right back out at kill themselves in basketball practice.
 I just noticed my trend of focusing on basketball happenings. Well, I guess we all know now what my blog is about. At least until basketball season is over, anyway. But, to wrap up my point, even when we have these tiring and hard days, always remember to go to the Lord at the end of the day and thank him for all He has done.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Birds vs. Men

Well, it looks like practice really does make perfect! This last game, the Falcons took on the CCS Crusaders, and though FBS didn't win, they're certainly doing better! The guys managed to pull their points up into the 30's, quite a bit of them thanks to Josiah S. being back in the game again now that his eye is healed. The girls got into the double digits too, Lexy N. leading them like an old pro, which I guess she is now. By the end of the season, I believe these athletes will be playing together like well-oiled machines. As scorekeeper, I can't wait for the days when i'll be writing down the points leading to victories for the Falcons. Go, Fight, Win!

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Blogging for Credit?

 A new year, a new blog. So at Faith Baptist School, the high school English classes have been encouraged to start some blogs. Hence, blogging. Seeing as i'm not a very interesting person, this may be difficult. So bare with me.
 Some interesting things that have been going on at the school lately, besides dating drama and the like, are the new sports teams: It's time for basketball, people! Being this year's score keeper for the Falcons, i've gotten to see first hand the first three games. And sadly, i've gotten to write down the exact points to show how much we've lost. Yippee, right? But as the saying goes, "Practice makes perfect!", and there's still about a month of practices left. Let's hope these players can keep up their confidence and strength! The next game will be Monday against one of the tougher schools, but as long as these athletes can play their best to the glory of God, nothing else really matters.