The Student News Site of Fauquier High School

The Falconer
The Student News Site of Fauquier High School

The Falconer
The Student News Site of Fauquier High School

The Falconer

Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith, Editor-in-Chief

Hey everyone, my name is Catherine Smith! I’m a senior, and the Editor-in-Chief of the paper this year! I joined The Falconer as a freshman and have continued ever since. I have held various positions in the past including Managing Editor, Social Media Director and Advertising Manager. I have loved seeing the paper grow over the years and having the ability to work with so many people. Outside of school I play tennis and work as Junior Staff at the Boys & Girls Club of Fauquier. I'm also an officer in DECA and NHS. I’m so glad to be back in person, and I can't wait to see how this year goes!

Everything by Catherine Smith

War Looms Near Home Country

Catherine Smith, Executive Editor
March 24, 2022

War Begins in Europe as Russia Invades and Attacks Ukraine

Catherine Smith, Editor-in-Chief
February 24, 2022
In a Twitter post announcing her acceptance to Shippensburg to play basketball at the collegiate level, Foddrell thanks her family as well as her coaches for all they have done for her.

Makayla Foddrell

Catherine Smith, Editor-in-Chief
January 27, 2022
In an Instragram post announcing her acceptance to Gardner-Webb to play softball at the collegiate level, Wayland thanks her family, friends and coaches for helping her along the way.

Meredith Wayland

Catherine Smith, Editor-in-Chief
January 27, 2022
Two of the captains, Kingsley (left) and Bryce (right), wrestle one another at practice to prepare for their season events.

Wrestlers tackle their way into the season

Izzy Breakiron, Madelynne Martin, Rueaa Ebrahim, and Catherine Smith
November 19, 2021
Graves works regularly on his music to release songs to the public on a variety of platforms.

Musician Spotlight: Justin Graves

Catherine Smith, Editor-in-Chief
November 19, 2021
Discharged on October 30, Josue (left) enjoys recovery time with his sisters Elizabet (center) and Jocelyn (right).

Family seeking support for student’s expenses

Catherine Smith, Editor-in-Chief
November 19, 2021

Falcons versus Eagles, playing for school pride

Catherine Smith, Editor-in-Chief
November 5, 2021

Spotlight Susan Hilleary

Catherine Smith, Editor-in-Chief
September 27, 2021
Preparing to release new songs, Jackson Irvine spends his day in the studio recording.

Humans of Fauquier: Jackson Irvine

Catherine Smith, Editor-in-Chief
September 27, 2021
Students complete assignments in class using their individual Chromebooks.

FHS: One Student One Chromebook

Catherine Smith, Editor-in-Chief
September 27, 2021
The bathrooms on the second, third and fourth floors in the main building are shut off to students.

Students Vandalize School

Catherine Smith, Editor-in-Chief
September 27, 2021
The bathrooms on the second, third and fourth floors in the main building are shut off to students.

“Devious Licks” TikTok Trend Shuts Down Bathrooms

September 16, 2021
The original post from the FHS Zoo on Instagram gathering over 200 comments and likes.

FHS Zoo Instagram Wars

Catherine Smith, Editor-in-Chief
September 8, 2021

Homecoming Week Information

Maddy Smith and Catherine Smith
August 30, 2021

Boys Football Teams Cancel Practice

Catherine Smith, Editor-in-Chief
August 18, 2021
The Falcon Cafe has many updates for the new school year including free lunch for all students ages 2-18.

The Falcon Cafe Releases New Information for this School Year

Catherine Smith, Editor-in-Chief
August 15, 2021

Meet the Athletic Department Night

Catherine Smith, Editor-in-Chief
August 13, 2021
The August 12 Public Health Order announced by Virginia Governor Ralph Northam mandates universal masking in K-12 schools.

August 12 Public Health Order

Catherine Smith, Editor-in-Chief
August 13, 2021
In her retirement Meyer looks forward to traveling. In 2019, she visited Fallingwater in Pennsylvania with her husband Dave.

Ann Meyer

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
June 4, 2021
A current picture of Holmes outside on the Falcon field, where many gym activities have taken place over the years.

Mark Holmes

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
June 4, 2021
Retiring this year, Sears will leave a mark on the FHS library and all who have gotten to know her.

Mary Jo Sears

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
June 4, 2021
Looking up for a quick photo, Lantz is busy preparing students for their future math classes.

Rosanna Lantz

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
June 4, 2021
After much contemplation, Photography teacher Falkowski will be retiring this year.

Tom Falkowski

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
June 4, 2021
Monseur is retiring this year after teaching a variety of history courses and levels.

Liz Monseur

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
June 4, 2021

We Say Farewell to Our 2020-2021 Senior Staff Members

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
June 3, 2021
Students from Mr. Funks class bringing the plastic film/bags to collect for the recycling project.

From Tenth Place to Eighth Place, the Recycling Bag Team Finishes Strong

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
June 3, 2021
Clarks electricity classes attended a job fair in the auditorium on April 30, resulting in two students receiving job offers.

Electricity Job Fair Provides Insight into Local Employment

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
June 3, 2021
The boys lacrosse team is very committed to their season performance with practices even taking place on some Saturdays.

A Successful Season Continues for the Boys Lacrosse Team

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
June 3, 2021
Cassidy Scott takes the lead in the Regional cross country meet at Morven Park.

Cassidy Scott

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
June 1, 2021
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May as a federal holiday.

On This Day

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
May 31, 2021
FFA (left to right) Lauren, Alana and Mckenzie practicing for their cattle working event before the competition. (Pictured: John Shiflett)

FHS FFA Represents at Competition

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
May 24, 2021
Junior, Caitlin Killian

Creating Art from Inspirations

Sofia Minera and Catherine Smith
May 10, 2021
Players stand socially distant in masks before their game begins.

Playing Sports Despite the COVID-19 Pandemic

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
May 10, 2021
Anna Wright

Anna Wright

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
May 10, 2021
Athletic Trainer Bryan Grimleys virtual, in-person set up for Sports Medicine class.

Bryan Grimley Adjusts to COVID-19

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
May 10, 2021
Competing in All Virginia Chorus, Jake Miller is ready to sing.

Singers Audition for Zoom Choir

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
May 10, 2021
A cumulative array of awards fills senior Rachel Singletons shelf, bringing back memories of past FBLA competitions.

FBLA Competitors Advance to the National Compeition

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
May 10, 2021
27 students in quarantine and zero active COVID-19 cases. May 5 made one month since reopening to four-day in-person instruction in Fauquier County Public Schools.

Quarantines on the Rise

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
May 10, 2021
The flyer circulated via SnapChat to gather attention to the event.

Prom Party Organized by Senior Students

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
May 9, 2021
Examining the bees, ECO Club Vice President Cameron Morris prepares to place them in their new hives.

Introducing Apiculture to FHS

Catherine Smith and Chaz Woodson
May 9, 2021
Carmen Hayden, Food Service Worker

Carmen Hayden

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
May 7, 2021
Maria Vasquez, Food Service Worker

Maria Vasquez

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
May 7, 2021
Cynthia Ennis, Food Service Worker

Cynthia Ennis

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
May 7, 2021
Mary Bragg, Food Service Worker

Mary Bragg

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
May 7, 2021
Tina Lewis, Food Service Worker

Tina Lewis

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
May 7, 2021
Karen Cottrell, Food Service Worker

Karen Cottrell

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
May 7, 2021
Sheneka Clinkscal, Food Service Worker

Sheneka Clinkscal

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
May 7, 2021
Stacy Allen, Assistant Manager

Stacy Allen

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
May 7, 2021
Lindsey Stewart, Cafe Manager

Lindsey Stewart

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
May 7, 2021
The FHS Falcon Cafe staff pose for a group picture on School Lunch Hero Day.

¨Just Your Average, Ordinary, Everyday¨ School Lunch Superheroes

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
May 7, 2021
Nurse Teresa Tate works in the clinic reviewing and update paperwork and tending to student needs.

Recognizing Our School Nurse on National Nurses Day

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
May 6, 2021
Throughout the month, FHS Guidance Counselors will work with students to identify and understand mental health issues and illnesses.

Spreading Mental Health Awareness Throughout the Month of May

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
May 1, 2021
Return overdue library books for a goodie from the FHS Library in honor of National Library Week, April 19-25.

FHS Library Celebrating National Library Week

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
April 19, 2021
Grant writer and SCA sponsor Michelle Green received the check for the funds, in the mail, last week.

FHS Student Council Awarded Microgrant

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
April 19, 2021
FHS Weight Lifting I Lift-a-thon is accepting donations to reach $10,000.

FHS Weight Room I Lift-a-thon Fundraiser

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
April 19, 2021
FHS will not be hosting a prom or After Prom event but plans to expand the senior class picnic to include some of the activities.

Prom Cancelled; Plans to Expand the Senior Class Picnic Are Underway

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
April 16, 2021
On April 16, Fauquier County Public Schools sent a letter home to families revising the contact-traced quarantine period for students.

Quarantine Policy Revision for Fauquier County Public Schools

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
April 16, 2021
After a reported positive COVID-19 case on Monday, the entire FHS varsity football team was sent home and asked to quarantine on Tuesday, April 13.

FHS Varsity Football Team Placed in Quarantine

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
April 15, 2021
The FHS girls volleyball team will play Loudoun Valley High School tomorrow, at home, in the Region 4C semifinals.

FHS Girl’s Volleyball Headed to the Region 4C Semifinals

Catherine Smith and Erika Harrington
April 12, 2021
Before returning to school in August 2021, rising 12 graders must receive at least one dose of the meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) due to changes in the state immunization requirements.

New Statewide Immunization Requirement for Rising Seniors

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
April 12, 2021
Class of 2021 Update Brief

Class of 2021 Update Brief

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
April 9, 2021
The FHS Girls Volleyball team is Northwestern District Champion.

FHS Volleyball Team Named Northwestern District Champions

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
April 8, 2021
The FHS Falcon Cafe will be offering curb-side to-go lunches on asynchronous days.

FHS Falcon Café Update

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
April 8, 2021
NoVA Vaccine Hunter and FHS Librarian Mary Jo Sears uses her resources to help others make vaccination appointments.

A NoVA Vaccine Hunter Making a Difference

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
April 7, 2021
FHS National Art Honor Society members painted a mural in the main lobby for other students to enjoy.

National Art Honor Society Celebrated Youth Art Month in March

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
April 1, 2021
Virginia COVID-19 Vaccination Plans Update

Virginia COVID-19 Vaccination Plans Update

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
April 1, 2021
There will be an informational meeting for the FHS girls tennis team in room 831, in the Annex, on Wednesday, April 7 from 3:00 p.m. to 3:20 p.m

Girls Tennis Interest Meeting

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
March 31, 2021
English teacher Traci Mellor hopes to spark curiousness in her students and bring success to her classroom this year.

Falcon Fresh Face: Traci Mellor

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
March 24, 2021
The FHS Falcon Cafe will be distributing meal bundles for Spring Break next week.

Spring Break Meal Bundles provided by the FHS Falcon Café

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
March 17, 2021
The current grading scale requires students to receive a zero for missing assignments, the no-zero or minimum grading initiative at FHS allows students to receive a score no lower than 50 percent.

FHS Implements No-Zero Initiative for the Remainder of the School Year

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
March 16, 2021
Seventeen FHS students competed in the FBLA districts competition and all qualified for States.

Seventeen FBLA Chapter Members Advance onto States

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
March 15, 2021
The Varsity Girls Volleyball team breaks to discuss strategy and regroup before set two against Kettle Run High School.

Serving Up a Season of Wins: Varsity Girls Volleyball Update

Jeremy Burnett and Catherine Smith
March 15, 2021
FHS sent out a letter containing information about 2021 Prom and After Prom Party.

2021 Prom and After Prom Party Update

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
March 11, 2021
Spending time in the library, Freshman Nick Warren uses his advisory time to ride the new study bike.

FHS Library Study Bike to Exercise the Mind and Body

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
March 11, 2021

March 10: Jeck’s Informational Video Update Summary

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
March 11, 2021
Career Coach Belinda Knudson is holding a virtual event for FHS students on March 17.

Virtual Career Panel Event for FHS Students

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
March 9, 2021
The 2021 daily theme schedule to celebrate Spirit Week for Homecoming.

2021 FHS homecoming and spirit week update

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
March 4, 2021
The FHS Falcon Cafe is recognizing National Nutrition Month by offering a prize for stopping by for breakfast and lunch.

The Falcon Café is Celebrating National Nutrition Month

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
March 3, 2021

Celebrate National Read Across America Day

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
March 2, 2021
The FHS Falcon Cafe will be implementing a new, universal, Point of Sale System throughout the upcoming weeks.

FHS Falcon Café Update

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
January 28, 2021
Va Governor Ralph Northam called in the Va National Guard and 200 Va State Troopers to respond to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowsers request in Washington, D.C.

Virginia’s State of Emergency

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
January 6, 2021
Gathering on Zoom, students meet with their exchange partner, and other students, once a week for whole group discussions and activities.

French Classes Go Virtual for this Year’s Exchange Program

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
December 3, 2020
To gain more attraction to the winter gear drive, FHS has also decorated a Christmas tree with example items being collected.

The Season of Giving is Starting at the FHS Library

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
November 30, 2020
Thanksgiving a day for family, food and for, Chris and his family, politics, but this is only the beginning of a wild adventure.

“The Oath”, a Disastrous Thanksgiving Driven by Politics

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
November 26, 2020
With the season of giving coming up, students recognize the importance of being grateful.

Gratefulness, a Gift From the Heart

Natalie Philips and Catherine Smith
November 26, 2020
For students, Thanksgiving is a holiday to give thanks but also a time to bond with the family while helping to make the feast.

Helping Out with the Thanksgiving Meal

Vanessa Gutierrez and Catherine Smith
November 26, 2020
Similar to flu swabs, COVID-19 testing uses packaged items like this to detect the virus.

COVID-19 Testing Around Fauquier County

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
November 23, 2020
The Eva Walker Park Master Plans include a variety of options for the public.

Eva Walker Park to Undergo Renovations

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
November 12, 2020
Morgans Message Ambassadors Marley Oare (right) and Ellie Solms (left) have big plans for FHS students to spread mental health awareness.

Morgan’s Message Ambassadors Start a Chapter at FHS

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
November 6, 2020
The Witches arrive at the hotel to attend the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, a ruse to cover their meeting.

A Worthy Remake With A Disappointing End

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
November 3, 2020

Approval from Governor Northam Allows VHSL to Begin in December

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
November 1, 2020
FHS UCA All-American Team Qualifiers: (top row; left to right) Seniors Nicole Ball, Eliza Haight and Allyson Good. (middle row; left to right) Junior Ellie Bunch, Freshmen Ashley Marin-Barrera, Emmelea Czolba and Junior Izzy Kendrick. (last row; left to right) Sophomore Zara Atcheson, Senior Jada Legget and Sophomore Regan Gastley.

The chosen 10: FHS cheerleaders qualify for the UCA All American team

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
September 28, 2020
Plan for FCPS Return

Plan for FCPS Return

Rachel Singleton, Catherine Smith, Margaret McGee, and Sarita Portillo
September 25, 2020
Spending time outside, especially near the garden, is where Potecuk can be found. He shows his love for landscaping and agriculture at FHS.

Stephen Potucek

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
September 22, 2020
Last summer, Grace and her daughter visited Lake of the Woods in Locust Grove, Orange County VA, to go kayaking.

Tahirah Grace

Tom Cloud and Catherine Smith
September 22, 2020
During Fueschels time in Zumbai, she worked with an organization called Special Hope Network and made many lasting friendships.

Martha Fuechsel

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
September 22, 2020
Notorious RBG passing

“Notorious RBG” passing

Catherine Smith and Helene Burch
September 18, 2020

2nd FHS “Falcon Flyer” Summary

Catherine Smith, Managing Editor
September 18, 2020
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