Fauquier High School (FHS) is a school filled with tradition and pride. School spirit is a highly honored tradition that many FHS families take part in. Principal of FHS, Dr. David Ferguson, is doing his part in upholding the honor in which it is to be a Falcon.
Increasing the spirit schoolwide is a challenging feat. Part of this process is “getting [the word] out that we are the Falcons, and slowly trying to improve items around the building,” Ferguson explained. Because the school building is so old, decorations and structures are up to decades old.
Recently, FHS has gained permission from the National Football League (NFL) to use the signature “Atlanta Falcon” logo. The rights are granted to FHS for five years from the access date. So far, Ferguson has committed the design to various decorations such as posters and decals that he plans to put up around the FHS campus.
Ferguson finds the opinion and ideas of students to be a crucial part in the decoration of the school. He says he is “listening to some of the things [students] are talking about,” and taking them into account. The ability for seniors to be able to paint their parking spots was initially suggested by FHS students.
The feeling of belonging is something that many teenagers, including those at FHS, struggle with. Finding a community in which you feel appreciated, whether it be through sports, classes or clubs is an experience that creates a positive impact on any adolescent’s high school experience. Dr. Ferguson feels as though “it is our job [as administrators] to make everyone feel like a falcon when they’re [at FHS].”
Currently, the school is still in the beginning stages of decorating. There are a total of sixteen decals around FHS. Ferguson is challenging students to find all of the decorations, telling the teens that they “have to walk in different parts of the building.” Ferguson wants to continue this challenge by creating more fun and creative ways to engage FHS students with their campus.
Ferguson finds FHS particularly unique in the way that “[FHS] really has a community and a group of students who love our school.” Many families that live in Fauquier County have roots here that are decades old. “FHS has such a deep tradition of families that have been here… and their students are here now,” explained Ferguson.
“The Zoo” is the designated student section at FHS athletic events. It provides support and hype to the players of the various sports teams of FHS. Ferguson is very supportive of this student-run cheering section, saying: “our students bring that energy that gives us the opportunity to build.”
From making sure of the building’s cleanliness, to increasing school spirit, Ferguson is making a positive impact on not only the high school, but the community of Fauquier County as well. FHS is excited to welcome the improvements that administrators are bringing to the school.
