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Fern Creek Alumni September 2026 Newsletter

Announcements

Another milestone in Fern Creek's 104 year history of educating our community - celebrating our 100th full 4-year class graduation, 1927-2027

Welcome from Melissa Roberts Tabor, Class of 1989, Executive Director

The older I get, the faster time seems to move! This summer seemed to fly by, and we are already back at school welcoming another group of Tigers to the Creek. This school year brings a lot of newness to Fern Creek—not only new students, but also new administrators and staff, newly renovated spaces, and exciting improvements throughout our school and athletic facilities. We had an extremely smooth start to the school year under the leadership of our new Principal, Mr. Jarrod Hunt. While Mr. Hunt is new to the principal's role at Fern Creek, he is certainly not new to the Creek. He has been a Creeker for many years, first serving as a History teacher, our Building Assessment Coordinator, and most recently as an Assistant Principal. We are truly blessed to have Mr. Hunt as our next leader and look forward to seeing him guide Fern Creek into the future. We also welcome a new member to our administrative team, Dr. Julie Chancellor, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from throughout the district. She is already settling in at the Creek, along with a host of enthusiastic and excited new teachers who are ready to make a difference for our students.

As many of you know, we were able to open our newly renovated football stadium near the end of last year's football season. This year, however, we get to begin the season with the completed Veteran's Stadium—including turf, a finished track and bleachers, a new concession stand, and a brand-new football coach! Fern Creek alum Justin Nichols is our new Head Football Coach and is eager to lead our young Tigers into this new era of Tiger Football. To help celebrate and support this new era, the Alumni Association has also invested in improving and beautifying the entrance to the stadium. We are building a new, larger, and more modern ticket booth and entrance area that we hope will enhance both the appearance and the experience for everyone who enters Veteran's Stadium. Our goal is to create a cohesive look across all three of our outdoor athletic spaces—football, baseball, and softball—using similar entrance designs so that when you enter any of these areas, you immediately know you are at a Fern Creek High School athletic facility.

Our investment has not been limited to athletics. We have also invested in the renovation of the Alumni Auditorium. This project is still in the process but when completed, our students will have an updated space with new paint, carpet, soundproofing, brand-new curtains, and a new projection system and screen. This renovation will benefit all of our students, but especially those involved in Theater, Choir, Orchestra, Band, Film, and Cinematography. They will have an improved space to share their performances, and future student film releases will also be showcased in the renovated auditorium.

Supporting Fern Creek students and programs is a major part of the Alumni Association's mission. We strive to provide funding for programs and activities that are not funded through JCPS, with the goal of enhancing the academic, cultural, and extracurricular experiences of our students, faculty, and administration. Most importantly, we want to make a lasting difference in the lives of our students while continuing to support the legacy of the Fern Creek Family Spirit. These are just a few examples of how the Alumni Association is supporting today's students. Your support of the Alumni Association allows us to continue investing in the Creek and making a meaningful impact. Remember, being a Creeker doesn't stop at graduation—and that is what makes Fern Creek different from all the rest!

I hope you all have an amazing rest of your summer, and I hope you will make plans now to come back to the Creek in September for our Hall of Fame Weekend, September 25–27, 2026, as we celebrate and honor this year's outstanding inductees.

Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger. 🧡🖤

From the Principal, Mr. Jarrod Hunt

Dear Fern Creek Alumni,

It is an honor to introduce myself as the new principal of Fern Creek High School. After more than fifteen years of working at Fern Creek, I know this school from the inside—its history, its people, and the pride that runs through every hallway. Fern Creek has been a community school since 1923, and that tradition of belonging still defines us. I am grateful for the foundation so many of you helped build, and I am excited to serve as we write the next chapter together.

Looking ahead, our work is clear and hopeful: we will remain a positive, purposeful learning community dedicated to ensuring learning for all. That means high expectations, strong systems that support teaching and students, and a stable environment where every Tiger can thrive. Fern Creek's future is bright because of our students, our staff, and the alumni who continue to invest in this place. I look forward to partnering with you as we carry our tradition of excellence forward.

Yours in Service,
Jarrod Hunt, Principal

Alumni Affairs

26th Annual Fern Creek High School Hall of Fame Ceremonies - September 25-27, 2026. Click to view the event calendar.

Reservations for Hall of Fame Weekend activities must be received no later than end of day Friday, September 18, 2026.

We are proud of the partnership between the school and the Alumni Association. The Alumni Association remains committed to supporting the needs of our students—academically, athletically, and in every activity that strengthens the Fern Creek experience.

We honor our legacy while opening new doors for today's Tigers. Our past guides us, and our future is full of promise. If you are an alum of Fern Creek High School and are willing to lend your time, voice, or support, we would be thrilled to have you join us. Please reach out — we would love to welcome you back home.

Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger!

Let us know what you are doing!

Be sure to JOIN THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION!
Take Action - Visit the website, join the Facebook Group to stay in touch with your fellow Alumni. Create or maintain your online profile at members.ferncreekalumni.com to keep your contact info up to date.
We would love to highlight you in the Newsletter with your accomplishments, please reach out and let us know. Contact us at info@ferncreekalumni.com
Leave a lasting Legacy - We have AUDITORIUM SEAT ADOPTIONS for sale for $100. See our dedicated page on the website for more information. This would make a great honorarium/memorial holiday gift for your family members and help our Performing Arts Program at FCHS at the same time. *** NOTE - PLEASE WAIT FOR 30 SECONDS AFTER SUBMISSION FOR DEDICATION FORM TO OPEN ***

Website Links

Alumni Highlights

Class Reunions and Events

The FCHS Classes of 1959 and 1960 meet EVERY MONTH for "Lunch Bunch". Follow the Fern Creek High School Alumni Group Facebook page for information on each month's date and location. You can also message Debby Murrell. The FCHS Classes of 1959 and 1960 will have a double Reunion Lunch together at Shriner's in Buechel on Monday, September 14th, 11:30 a.m. Room reserved for up to 30 persons. Please RSVP to Deborah Murrell at deborahmurrell83@gmail.com.

The Class of 1966 will celebrate their 60th Reunion on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 from 11am to 3pm at Mike Linnig's Restaurant (Handicap Accessible), 9308 Cane Run Rd, Louisville, KY 40258. Reconnect with classmates, share memories, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon with old friends. NO REGISTRATION FEE! You only pay for the food and beverages you order. A private room has been reserved for the group beginning at 11am. Please help spread the word to classmates and share the invitation/information. Friends from other FCHS classes are also welcome! PLEASE RSVP to austinbyers@bellsouth.net. Your response will help us plan for the reunion.

The Class of 1976 will have their 50th reunion September 26th at Churchill Downs and are hoping all classmates will decide to join. Gates and buffet open at 11:30am. Cost is $55 per person. For payment info, email us at fchsclass1976reunion@gmail.com. Please reach out to any classmates you know and spread the word. If the cost of this class gathering would prevent you from attending, please reach out to a member of the reunion committee. We have two very generous donations from classmates to help cover the costs of admission. Please reach out, we want to see as many classmates as possible.

The Class of 1996 will have its 30th reunion on September 12, 2026 at Bud's Tavern in JTown starting at 6pm. They welcome all former teachers, staff, and other classes from the 90's to join them!

The Class of 1986 will have their 40th reunion on October 3, 2026 at the Manhattan Project, 2101 Frankfort Ave at 6:30 pm. $25 per person. Please RSVP and pay by September 23rd – Venmo Jerry Avery at @Jerry-Avery-2. Questions or for more information, contact Connie Coury Campbell at 502-649-6208.

The Class of 2016 will have their 10 year reunion on October 17, 2026. Be sure to watch your class Facebook page.

They are creating a slideshow to play at the 10 year reunion! If you have cherished photos to share, please submit them via email to fchs2016alumni@yahoo.com to ensure your memories are part of this lasting legacy.
Follow the Fern Creek High School Alumni Group Facebook page for more updates about reunions, bingo, happenings at the Creek and more!

Visit the website, join the Facebook Group to stay in touch with your fellow Alumni.

Where Are They Now / Class Notes

Congrats to FCHS Grads Chris Stirneman ('18) and Hannah Abell Stirneman ('18) on their wedding, August 29th! Good luck to you both!

Huge congratulations are in order for the newest graduates of Fern Creek Fire & EMS! Fern Creek Fire & EMS recently held a ceremony to celebrate these dedicated individuals, who have spent months of rigorous training in both the classroom and the Fire Academy. Their hard work has prepared them to step into their vital new roles serving our community. We are especially thrilled to recognize one of our own, Parker Bowdy, Class of 2025, among this year's graduating class! We are bursting with pride for Parker and all the graduates as they embark on this meaningful professional journey. It was heartwarming to see Mr. LaMaster in attendance to support his former student. Mr. LaMaster served as Parker's Fire Academy instructor during his time at the Creek, modeling the excellence we strive for in our career pathways. We are honored to celebrate your achievement and wish you nothing but success in your new careers.

A massive round of applause for Fern Creek's very own Kyle Bruner, Class of 2025! We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate this Tiger as he marks a significant professional milestone. Kyle has successfully completed his training at the Mt. Washington Fire Department Recruit Academy and has officially joined the ranks of the Nelson County Fire Department! It is inspiring to see our alumni stepping into such vital roles dedicated to serving the community. Throughout his four-year journey at Fern Creek, Kyle was a standout student within our Fire Science pathway. His time at the Creek provided the foundation and hands-on preparation necessary to excel in the Fire Service, modeling the excellence we strive for in our career-focused programs. We are bursting with pride to witness our graduates translating the skills and specialized experiences they gained in our halls into impactful, successful careers. It is a true testament to the power of the Academy framework at work. Way to go, Kyle! The entire Tiger family is rooting for you, and we know your most brilliant chapters are yet to be written.

Major congratulations are in order for Class of 1973 FCHS Grad Janet Lomax, the Rochester Association of Black Journalists' 2026 Lifetime Achievement Honoree! Janet is an award-winning journalist with more than 40 years of experience. Throughout her career, she has covered a variety of stories and political events on a local and national level and led many "one-on-one" interviews with prominent newsmakers. Janet has also earned many honors for excellence in journalism, including the Regional Edward R Murrow Award and the New York State Associated Press Award. She was also named in the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. At age 21, Janet landed her first journalism job out of college at WAVE-TV in Louisville, which she remained at for about four years before she was offered a position in Rochester, NY. Janet made history in 1982 when she became the first African American to anchor weeknight news in Rochester, serving with distinction at Channel 10 for over thirty years. Her storied career has seen her covering national political conventions and securing a sit-down interview with former First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House. We are bursting with pride to celebrate her impactful legacy and professional journey. She will be honored at the RABJ Honors: A Night of Legacy & Leadership on Saturday, September 12, at the M&T Bank Ballroom in Rochester.

In Memoriam

Our Tiger community is built on generations of students, staff, and alumni who have shaped the spirit, traditions, and pride we cherish today. While we celebrate the accomplishments of our Tigers past and present, we also pause to remember members of our community who are no longer with us but will always remain part of the Tiger family. Their lives, contributions, and memories continue to be an important part of our school's story. Please visit our Memoriam Facebook page for the most up-to-date listing of our fellow Tigers who have passed away.

We are saddened to share the passing of a beloved member of the Fern Creek family, Mrs. Delphia Roberts. Mrs. Roberts took great pride in her years at Fern Creek High School and, above all, in her students. She loved teaching and cared deeply about the young people she taught. Her daughter shared that she heard countless stories throughout the years from former students whose lives Mrs. Roberts had touched. She truly cherished the opportunity to teach so many wonderful young people and to watch them learn, grow, and find their way. Mrs. Roberts had a true love of academics and took great pride in being part of the Fern Creek Family. For 32 years, she was a familiar and cherished presence at the Creek, teaching from 1976 through 2008. Her impact reached far beyond the classroom. Generations of Creekers remember her as a teacher who cared about her students and took great pride in the school and community she served. We extend our deepest condolences to Mrs. Roberts' family, friends, former colleagues, and the countless students whose lives she touched throughout her years at Fern Creek.

Read Mrs. Roberts' obituary

Mrs. Delphia Roberts

FCHS School Highlights

School Events & Updates

Major congratulations to Aliete Yanes Medina, Class of 2026, who represented the Tiger family on June 4 as a featured emcee at the Academies of Louisville End-of-Year Celebration! Aliete delivered an incredible performance, captivating the audience with her personal journey. We are bursting with pride and wish her nothing but success as she heads to Davidson College this fall! The student emcees at our Academies of Louisville End-of-Year Celebration were simply phenomenal, illustrating that providing focused opportunities allows our students' futures to truly flourish! The Academies of Louisville celebrated both Aliete and the other emcee stating that Aliete Yanes Medina (our FCHS valedictorian headed to Davidson College) and Jerrel Thompson (Academy at Shawnee graduate bound for KSU) were impeccable ambassadors for the Class of 2026, showcasing the excellence of the Academies. Utilizing hands-on projects and professional pathways, alongside the mentorship of our dedicated faculty and community partners, these scholars discovered their unique voices and passions. "Regardless of the path I take, I am certain my future will be dedicated to excellence and community service." – Aliete. We are bursting with pride for Aliete, Jerrel, and all our 2026 graduates! Your most brilliant chapters are yet to be written.

July 14 at the annual Academies of Louisville Leadership Conference, our administrative team demonstrated something we ask our students to do every single day: take on a challenge, step outside your comfort zone, and give it your absolute best. What Is an NCAC Model Academy Review? An NCAC Model Academy represents the gold standard for high school education. Earning this distinction requires schools to open their doors to national reviewers and demonstrate excellence in key areas, including: Student Belonging, Rigorous Career Pathways, and Strong Business Partnerships. Putting a school through the review process is an intense, transparent deep dive into every aspect of the academy experience. It provides an opportunity to celebrate what is working well while also identifying areas where we can grow and improve to better serve our students. Our Fern Creek team, along with several other schools across the Academies of Louisville network, was recognized for stepping up to the national review challenge and embracing the rigorous process. This is more than an award—it is a reflection of our school leaders' willingness to model the growth mindset we encourage in our students. They are showing our students that excellence isn't about being perfect; it's about being willing to learn, grow, reflect, and continually raise the bar. We are incredibly proud of this powerhouse network of administrators who lead by example and continue to push one another toward higher standards for our students, our schools, and our community. When we ask our students to step up, our leaders are willing to step up right alongside them.

July 30 we hosted our Freshman Orientation and are beyond thrilled to officially welcome the Fern Creek High School Class of 2030 to the Creek! Our newest Tigers gathered for Freshman Orientation, an exciting day where they explored the building, met our dedicated staff, and began building connections with fellow classmates. From team-building exercises and a building-wide scavenger hunt to games and schedule pickups, it was a wonderful way to kick off their high school journey. Here's to a fantastic first day and an unforgettable experience for the Class of 2030!

Building Partnerships, Creating Opportunities and Preparing Tigers for the Future. June 13th we launched another promising year alongside our dedicated Academies of Louisville business partners! Our gratitude runs deep for the mentorship, professional insight, and unwavering dedication these community leaders provide to our students at the Creek. Through the Academy framework, these collaborations allow us to bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical industry experience, ensuring our scholars discover their passions and are ready for life beyond our halls. We want to share a special note of appreciation for Firehouse Subs, who graciously provided refreshments to keep our team energized! We look forward to a year defined by synergy, shared goals, and the creation of transformative opportunities for every Tiger! One Creek. One Family. One Community.

Friday Fun at the Creek! Fridays at Fern Creek just got even more exciting because BINGO is back! With Mr. Sermersheim leading the way as our number caller, students are facing off to earn Creek Cash. These rewards can be used for special items at the Creek Cart, adding an extra layer of incentive to the game. There is truly nothing like a bit of friendly competition to enhance the lunchtime experience for our Tigers! See our Fun Friday in action.

Our Black Student Union at Fern Creek High School is currently curating an inspiring speaker series to engage our students throughout the coming academic year. Our mission is to bridge the gap between classroom aspirations and reality by introducing our Tigers to Black professionals who are leading the way in their respective fields. We want our students to see firsthand that excellence is happening right here in our community, allowing them to envision their own future successes through the stories of those already making a profound impact. Each featured guest will spend roughly 20 minutes with our scholars, detailing their professional path, navigating obstacles, celebrating milestones, and offering invaluable mentorship to the next generation of leaders. If you are interested in sharing your journey or can recommend someone who embodies the excellence we strive for at the Creek, we would be honored to connect with you. Please reach out to Tshombi Basemore at tshombi.basemore@jefferson.kyschools.us to help make a lasting difference for our students. We have developed a preliminary calendar centered on monthly themes, featuring a distinguished guest each month:

September: Educator
October: Historian/Community Leader
November: Lawyer/Leader
December: Filmmaker/Artist
January: Activist/Journalist
February: Doctor/Engineer/Business Owner
March: HBCU Professional
April: College Graduate
May: Entrepreneur/Executive

August 28th we held our Open House and it was a pleasure to welcome so many Tiger families. We enjoyed seeing the families and their students in the building and watching families connect with our teachers. We thank our students and their parents for taking the time to come—their presence meant a great deal to our staff. It was a joy to watch our families immerse themselves in our CTE pathways, core curriculum, and diverse electives while participating in the engaging games and interactive showcases designed by our faculty. Following the open house, we hosted a fantastic faculty tailgate at the Fire Science Garage to fuel our school spirit before heading over to cheer on our Tiger football team! We are profoundly appreciative of everyone who helped make it such a memorable evening at the Creek! Watch the reel.

Ivy Plus Information Session

Interested 9th grade students and families are invited to the Ivy Plus Information Session on Thursday, September 17th at 6:00 PM in the FCHS Auditorium. This session will outline the Ivy Plus Academy and the application process. Learn more at www.ivyplusacademy.org.

MCJROTC cadets at an information table in the Fern Creek High School hallway

FCHS Staff Highlights

Our communications department has begun creating some amazing videos of Teacher Profiles, curated by the gifted scholars in Mr. Basemore's Cinematography program! Be sure to view this inaugural edition as we bridge the gap between classroom theory and creative storytelling. This first spotlight features our very own Alum Coach Kohl Dodd! We are bursting with pride to highlight the exceptional individuals who continue to model excellence at the Creek. Keep a lookout for future releases as we celebrate the legacy of our dedicated faculty! Watch the first Teacher Profile.

Our communications department is back with even more Teacher Profiles, once again curated by the gifted scholars in Mr. Basemore's Cinematography program! This latest edition is shining the spotlight on Mrs. Sydney Becker, Mr. Rob Redies, and Coach Zach Beckmann. We are thrilled to give our community a chance to better know these amazing educators who truly model the excellence that makes the Creek so special! Be sure to view these profiles and stay tuned as we continue to celebrate our dedicated faculty! Watch the Teacher Profiles.

Our latest faculty highlight is shining the spotlight on Mrs. Lauren Ison! We are profoundly appreciative of the commitment and enthusiasm she models every day for our scholars and the entire Tiger family. We are bursting with pride to have Mrs. Ison as part of our dedicated faculty. Her contributions help make the Creek truly exceptional, and her most brilliant chapters are yet to be written! Watch the spotlight.

FCHS Student Highlights

Student Leadership & Academics

Class of 2028 student Lillie Marshall is completing an internship within the school with Coach Josh Abell, the school's Community Liaison. Lillie is working with Coach Abell in various capacities but one of her projects is creating a FCHS Newsletter to place in our local business partners' stores and offices to help keep the community informed of what is happening at Fern Creek High School. Lillie has created her first newsletter to be printed and distributed to our local business partners in September. We are so proud of Lillie and look forward to future newsletters! View the FCHS Newsletter - September 2026 (PDF).

On August 11, our Academies gathered for their annual Expectations Meetings, launching the school year with a focused vision and a commitment to excellence. Students in the Tech & Trades, Communications, Education, and Freshman Academies were led by their dedicated Academy Principals and Counselors, alongside our new Principal, Mr. Jarrod Hunt. We are truly excited for the journey ahead and look forward to seeing our Tigers flourish during this GREAT year at the Creek! We are setting the tone for a phenomenal year at the Creek!

Early Childhood

We are thrilled to see our Early Childhood Education scholars gaining a head start on their professional journeys! To simulate an authentic childcare facility environment, students officially clock in and out for every class session. This practice helps them cultivate vital workplace habits and professional expectations, providing the hands-on experience necessary for success in their future careers. At the Creek, we are preparing our Tigers for the real world today!

Fire Science

We are thrilled to announce that our Fire Science pathway recently received a substantial contribution from the Taylorsville-Spencer County Fire Protection District! Chief Nathan Nation personally visited our facility to deliver several sets of personal protective equipment. Although this gear has finished its official service life for active structural calls, it serves as an invaluable resource for immersive, hands-on training. It provides our students with authentic tools as they work toward becoming the next generation of fire service professionals. Our hearts are full of gratitude for the generosity of the Spencer County community and Chief Nation. We truly appreciate your investment in our future firefighters! Thank you for helping our students prepare for the real world and modeling the excellence we strive for at the Creek!

Fine Arts & Performing Arts

Theatre

Our Fall Theatre performances are currently scheduled for December 4-5; be on the lookout for more information.

Band

Our Fall Band performance is currently scheduled for December 17; be on the lookout for more information.

Choir

Our Fall Choir concert is currently scheduled for December 10; be on the lookout for more information.

July 15 a group of six phenomenal Fern Creek students recently traveled to Lexington to represent our Tiger family at the prestigious KYACDA Choral Conservatory! Following a highly selective application process, these gifted students were chosen for an immersive weekend focused on those aspiring to a career in Music Education. Through collaboration with fellow vocalists and inspiring workshops, they gathered invaluable skills and mentorship that will undoubtedly flourish as they continue their artistic journeys. We are bursting with pride for the way you modeled excellence at the state level. Your most brilliant chapters are yet to be written!

Please join us in celebrating these exceptional Tigers:

Ysabella Ababat, Class of 2026
Aiko Berry, Class of 2026
Ameena Reece, Class of 2027
Kendall Gates, Class of 2027
Andrew Smith, Class of 2027
Vivian Ising, Class of 2027

Orchestra

Our Fall Orchestra concert is currently scheduled for December 8; be on the lookout for more information.

MCJROTC & Drill Team

Amazing news from our MCJROTC program! On August 21, we received the thrilling news that Fern Creek has once again secured national recognition as a U.S. Naval HONOR School for the 2025-2026 academic year! This marks an incredible 28th consecutive year and our 42nd total designation, placing our MCJROTC program within the top 20 percent in the country. This prestigious honor is a testament to the discipline and dedication modeled by our cadets every day. We also want to highlight the exceptional leadership of LtCol Angel and 1stSgt Foote, whose commitment ensures the Creek remains a national standard-bearer. We are profoundly appreciative of our cadet families and supporters for their investment in this legacy of excellence. Our entire Tiger family should be bursting with pride for this monumental achievement!

A heartfelt thank you to the Marine Corps League for graciously hosting our Fern Creek High School MCJROTC cadets during their latest monthly gathering on August 19th! This was an incredible opportunity for our young leaders to engage with Marine veterans, listening to powerful stories and firsthand experiences while strengthening the bond between past and future generations of service members. We are profoundly appreciative of the generous financial contribution made to our program. This investment directly fuels transformative experiences for our cadets, ranging from community service projects and high-level competitions to vital leadership and educational growth. Thank you again to the Marine Corps League for your exceptional hospitality and your unwavering investment in our future leaders. We are bursting with pride for these lasting community connections!

It was truly a remarkable day as our community gathered for the 4th Annual Fern Creek High School MCJROTC Car & Bike Show! We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to every person who attended, showcased a vehicle, or visited our wonderful vendors. Your presence helped support our cadets and truly made this day possible. Our gratitude runs deep for the sponsors, community partners, and families who demonstrated incredible patience and flexibility following our recent location change. We know the summer heat was intense, and we are profoundly appreciative of everyone who braved the temperatures to model excellence alongside our cadets. Special thanks are also in order for those who contributed unwrapped gifts to the Marine Toys For Tots - Louisville program. Your generosity is helping bring joy to local children, and we are bursting with pride for our community's spirit of service. It was amazing to see the array of custom builds, bikes, Jeeps, and classic cars that arrived. There is nothing like seeing the Tiger family come together for such a worthy cause. Please remember that all proceeds directly fuel transformative experiences for our Fern Creek MCJROTC cadets, supporting everything from leadership training and competitions to vital community service projects. Thank you again for investing in our future leaders and helping us build a legacy that will flourish for years to come. One Creek. One Family.

Individual Recognition

Major Nathan Hankins, our esteemed MCJROTC Cadet Commander and Drill Captain, recently returned from a rigorous Summer Leaders Experience in June at the United States Military Academy at West Point. The immersion began immediately upon his arrival, as upperclassmen Cadets greeted the new arrivals with the intensity and discipline that defines the West Point tradition. Throughout this transformative week, Major Hankins engaged in specialized coursework including:

Leadership and Ethics
Squad Tactics in Combat
Mechanical Engineering
Chemistry and Rocket Fuel/Explosives

He also gained practical experience with military hardware, participating in familiarization and live-fire exercises with the M16 rifle and 240B MG.

Physical excellence remained a core focus of the experience, featuring:

Daily Physical Training sessions
Competitive PT challenges against fellow Cadets

Major Hankins successfully navigated his first Graded Physical Fitness Test, demonstrating his athletic prowess across several disciplines:

The Mile Run
Push-ups and Sit-ups
Pull-ups
The Basketball Throw

The week concluded with his initial formal interview, a critical step in his ongoing journey toward military leadership. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to LtCol Angel and 1st Sgt Foote for their invaluable mentorship and support in facilitating this opportunity. The lessons Nathan gathered will undoubtedly strengthen our program this year as he continues his application process.

Major kudos to Fern Creek MCJROTC Cadet SgtMaj Ashlynn Elmore, who was honored June 11 as the Distinguished Alpha Company Cadet at Camp Crooked Creek! This prestigious recognition was presented by Colonel Sikorsky and CSM Hooper of the U.S. Army ROTC. We are incredibly proud of SgtMaj Elmore for this outstanding achievement; it is yet another example of how our cadets continue to set the standard for leadership!

Drill Team Highlights

August 17th marked the official start of a new season as our cadets returned for the first day of practice. After a refreshing summer, our team is ready to put in the work as we begin our journey toward the National Championships in Daytona Beach! We are anticipating a phenomenal and rewarding year for all FCHS MCJROTC drill participants. We look forward to welcoming our Freshman Drill Cadets when they report on August 24. Additionally, our dedicated Color Guard is training intensely for the National Color Guard competition, which will be held right here in Louisville at the Convention Center on August 28.

Rifle Team

The FCHS MCJROTC Rifle Team is already back in action, dedicating themselves to a rigorous Monday through Thursday practice schedule in anticipation of the upcoming season. We are excited to announce that their first match will take place right here at the Creek on September 3! We hope you will come out to Veteran's Stadium and our other facilities to support these dedicated cadets as they kick off a new year of competition and continue to model the excellence we strive for at Fern Creek.

Fern Creek students gathered in the gymnasium bleachers for an assembly Tiger-striped Jeep on display at the MCJROTC Car and Bike Show MCJROTC cadets practicing with drill rifles MCJROTC Rifle Team member on the firing line

FCHS Athletics

Fall sports are in full swing! Be sure to check out the Athletic Director's message as well as the schedules for the Varsity teams below. Come on out and support our current Tigers! They would love to see you there.

Stay connected with our Tiger student-athletes through these essential links! You can easily secure your game tickets via GoFan.com. Additionally, starting next week, we are thrilled to offer live streaming for all FCHS home events on the NFHS Network. We look forward to seeing your support as we model excellence on the field—Let's Go Creek! Watch the reel.

Girls Volleyball

Our Girls Freshman Volleyball team competed at the "Battle in the Nest" freshman tournament at North Bullitt HS on Saturday, August 29th. They had their first wins of the season, beating Bullitt Central and Fairdale! Also, congrats to setter Hannah Veeder on her All-tournament team selection!

From the FCHS Director of Athletics and Activities, Troy Johnson

Dear Fern Creek Alumni,

What an exciting time it is to be a Fern Creek Tiger! As we enter the fall season, participation numbers across our athletic programs could reach a record high, and our student-athletes are already showing that the Creek is off to a winning start.

Our football program, led by first-year Head Coach and Fern Creek alum Justin Nichols, will officially open its season on August 21 against Seneca at our brand-new turf stadium. We are excited to see the Tigers take the field and begin a new chapter for Fern Creek football.

Our Girls Soccer team, led by Coach Tripp Davis, has already picked up a win over Central this season and continues to work toward growing the program and increasing participation. Our Boys Soccer team is also off to an impressive start, defeating regional power Moore 4–0 on the new turf under the leadership of Coach Dillon Patterson.

Our Volleyball program, led by one of our favorite Fern Creek alumni, Coach Melissa Tabor, has also gotten off to a great start with a straight-set home victory over Valley.

As you can see, we are off to winning ways here at the Creek!

We are also excited to announce the addition of a new sport—Girls Flag Football. While Girls Flag Football will officially become a sanctioned sport in the spring of 2028, we are getting started now. Our goal is to develop our athletes early, build the program from the ground up, and have our players ready to compete when the inaugural season arrives.

There are also some exciting improvements happening around our athletic facilities. We are putting the finishing touches on a major construction project made possible through the tremendous support of our Fern Creek Alumni Association. Once completed, we will have brand-new matching entrances at our baseball and softball facilities, along with an enormous new ticketing and entrance area at Fern Creek Veterans Stadium. These improvements will make a tremendous difference for our student-athletes, families, alumni and fans for years to come.

Thank you to our incredible Alumni Association for continuing to invest in Fern Creek Athletics and our students. Your support allows us to provide better facilities and better opportunities for our student-athletes, while helping preserve the pride and tradition that make Fern Creek special.

We look forward to an exciting fall season and to seeing our alumni back at the Creek cheering on the Tigers! Go Tigers!

We appreciate the continued support of our alumni and community and hope to see you back on campus this fall.

Stay up to date with all of our athletic events at arbiterlive.com. See schedules, rosters, scores, etc.

Go Tigers!

In Sportsmanship and Pride,
Troy Johnson, CAA
Athletic Director
Fern Creek High School
troy.johnson@jefferson.kyschools.us