Year in Review: The Biggest Headlines of the 2023-2024 School Year
Before the school year even began, beloved SSO Sal Torelli passed away, leaving a gaping hole in the community. Torelli was known to always love interacting with students and was loved by the students. His loss was devastating the school, but his smile and positive energy are carried on by those who remember him.
Only adding to Fauquier’s despair, principal Kraig Kelican ultimately passed away from his injuries sustained in a vehicle accident on I-66 following a two-week battle in intensive care. The loss of this man, who was loved by essentially all who met him, created an uproar in the community and left a gaping hole in the school.
Under the administration of Republican Governor Glenn Younkin, new rules from the Virginia Department of Education require educators to inform parents of changes to a student’s name, pronouns, or gender identity. The move was hailed by state officials as a measure of transparency, though criticized by some students, who claimed the measure would ultimately hurt students.
The sudden rise of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, have allowed FHS teachers to plan lessons better, improve their assignments, and have created new learning opportunities. But concerns about how students may use it to cheat have cast a negative light on the software, and ultimately caused it to be banned on student devices.
The 2023-2024 year saw an impressive showing from FHS’ sports teams, as multiple ended up competing in state competitions. Nail-biting games dominated the season – one game saw FHS losing 1-2 with 14 seconds left on the clock, though incredibly the team persevered and won the game through overtime.
In one of The Falconer’s most impactful staff editorials ever, the Editorial Board denounces FHS teachers who use AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to grade assignments. The powerful article rebukes those who use the tools, and the content went on to be presented at multiple high-level faculty meetings and ultimately saw these tools restricted in the grading process for English teachers.
This award-winning article explores the proposal from a local environmental group to add solar panels to the FHS roof – something done before. Pictured are solar panels at FHS when they participated in a Department of Energy study in the 1970s. Now, what was considered futuristic back then may soon become a reality at the county’s oldest high school.
Librarian Rebecca Webster ran in the Boston Marathon, an inspiration to students in a school where running remains the de facto official sport. The marathon is the culmination of an extremely impressive running career, and is among the biggest milestones one can achieve in long-distance running.
Sophomore Xavier Hill, known professionally as Swagdollasign, has performed at nearly every school event to thunderous applause. But who is he really? In this Falconer exclusive, we sit down with him and talk about his goals & aspirations in the music business.
Following the passing of principal Kelican, Dr. Ferguson was selected to succeed him as principal for the 2024-2025 school year. His presence creates complex feelings for students, who are excited about a change while still grieving from Kelican’s loss.
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