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!

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.

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"!

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!

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!

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.