Newsletters

Alumni Affairs

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
• Be sure to NOMINATE a fellow Alum for the Alumni Association Hall of Fame. We have made it even easier to nominate someone via the Alumni Website with our new online form. Nominations are due each year by June 30 to be considered. Areas considered are: Overall career success, Creative and Artistic Accomplishment, Civic and Community Involvement, Public Service for the Common Good, and Athletic achievement while a student or beyond. See the Hall of Fame area of the website for more information.
• 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

• Class Reunion and Event Calendar
• Board Bios
• Thank You Notes
• Alumni Funding Support Categories
• Alumni Band Pics
• Football and Event Pics

Alumni Highlights

Class Reunions and Events

Class of 2006 is having their 20th Reunion. If you are from the Class of 2006 they are looking for you!! The reunion will be July 18th at Captain's Quarters on the River Deck, 5700 Captain's Quarters Rd, Prospect, KY 40059. For more information, you can contact: Branden Nicheols, 502-714-8749, Branden11287@gmail.com

If you graduated in 1980, 1981, and 1982 mark your calendars now for Saturday, June 20, 2026 — the three classes are invited to attend the Class of 1981's 45th reunion gathering at TK's Pub. Cost will be $5 in the beer garden or the reunion group to cover the rental. If you get there before 8pm, the cover is free, but after 8pm the cover is $5 at the door. If you have questions, call 502-777-0689.

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

The Class of 2016 is planning their 10 year reunion. The reunion will most likely be in the fall! Be sure to watch your class Facebook page! They are also planning to create a slideshow to play at the 10 year reunion and would love to include any photos you have of your class from senior year or before. You can send them through email at fchs2016alumni@yahoo.com

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.

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

Where Are They Now / Class Notes

We were thrilled to welcome back Travis Moten, a proud FC alum and current standout for Michigan football! Travis hosted a football camp right here at FCHS at the end of May. Young athletes had an incredible opportunity to learn from one of our own.

Richard Hess, from the Class of 1955, went on to Baylor University after graduation and then went on to become a banker. After 46 years in the banking industry he retired and at 67 started his second career as a real estate appraiser. He retired a second time in July of 2019. He has 4 children, 7 grandchildren, and says he has been truly blessed in so many ways in his 88 years!

Russell Smith, Class of 1967, is a legacy graduate whose father graduated from Fern Creek in the Class of 1940. His father, Jesse Smith, was almost 103 when he passed away February 21, 2026 (birthday March 1923). He was one of, if not the last, living graduate from the Class of 1940.

Deborah "Debby" Murrell, Class of 1960, and Alumni Board Member was named the March Highlands Hero! There are people in our community who don't just live in a neighborhood—they help shape its spirit, sustain its history, and carry it forward. Deborah "Debby" Murrell is one of those people. Debby's commitment to community isn't new. In 2007, she was recognized as Mayor Jerry Abramson's "Good Neighbor of the Year," an honor that reflects something her neighbors already knew well. She shows up, she connects people, and she makes her neighborhood stronger. As President of the Bon Air Estates Neighborhood Association, one of the oldest in the area, Debby plays an important role in keeping neighbors informed, engaged, and connected.

Her roots there run deep. She's one of several second-generation residents, and among them, she's the longest-tenured—her family has called the neighborhood home since 1954. That kind of continuity brings not just memories, but stewardship. Her story is also woven into the fabric of local institutions. Her aunt, May Alyce Stinger, was the first head librarian of the Bon Air Library. As a college student studying music, Debby spent her breaks helping build the library's music collection, ordering records and books that would serve generations of residents.

Debby has also helped strengthen that sense of safety and connection through a strong Block Watch, working closely with LMPD's 6th Division to stay proactive and engaged. And she continues to connect new residents with long-time neighbors and ensures everyone feels part of the community. Debby reminds us that strong neighborhoods don't happen by accident. They're built over time—through care, connection, and people willing to invest in one another. Thank you, Debby, for everything you do to make Louisville AND FERN CREEK a place we're proud to call home. We are so proud of you Debby and lucky to call you a fellow Creeker!

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.

FCHS School Highlights

School Events & Updates

WE DID IT! 97% Post Secondary Ready! (Top 3 in JCPS) — #3 in Academic Readiness and #5 in Career Readiness.

WE DID IT! NCAC National Accreditation! Our Tech and Trades Academy is complete, and we couldn't be prouder of our Tiger team! Our faculty, students, and business partners demonstrated incredible vision and professionalism throughout their interview panels. This remarkable group has spent months with unwavering dedication gathering artifacts, analyzing data, and preparing every detail to ensure a successful model review. Seeing their hard work and determination come together was a truly rewarding milestone for the Creek. We waited anxiously for the official results until finally hearing the AWESOME news that we did receive accreditation, and are now celebrating the incredible growth and tenacity that defined this process. It was a true team effort that proves exactly what it means to do things "The Tiger Way." We are so proud of our Tech and Trades Academy!

May 5th, we gathered for an incredibly inspiring Senior Honors Night to celebrate the remarkable Class of 2026! We are beyond proud of the accomplishments, hard work, and dedication these students have demonstrated throughout their high school journey. Earlier, we proudly shared the incredible news that the Class of 2026 earned a record-setting $30.8 million in scholarships. The Alumni Association was also honored to be part of this special evening by recognizing and awarding more than $25,000 in alumni-sponsored scholarships and awards to outstanding seniors. These included seven Alumni Scholarships and five Alumni Legacy Scholarships, each valued at $2,000, along with the David Stickler Young Filmmaker Scholarship ($1,000), the Joey Bailey Award ($500), the Dr. Barbara Bailey Scholarship ($10,250), and the John L. and Margaret E. Gatton Scholarship ($2,000). Congratulations to all of our scholarship recipients and to the entire Class of 2026 on an extraordinary year of achievement!

May 1 we were absolutely thrilled and honored to welcome a surprise guest to the Creek—Amanda Christine, star of HBO's IT: Welcome To Derry (aka: Ronnie)! Our students enjoyed an incredible opportunity to engage in a thoughtful Q&A session regarding the filmmaking industry and even meet Amanda personally. A huge Tiger thank you to Dr. Wilson for her dedication and tenacity in coordinating such a unique and impactful real-world experience for our young Tigers!

Our very own Fern Creek High School is a vibrant home to students representing 34 different languages! Those diverse voices took center stage as the Creek transformed into a global runway to celebrate International Mother Language Day. In a meaningful dedication and partnership with the Mayor's Office for Immigrant Affairs, our students moved with purpose and strength as they proudly showcased their traditional clothing and vibrant heritages, proving once again that their unique stories make our community stronger. The evening was an inspiring celebration filled with poetry, dance, and storytelling that highlighted the beautiful tapestry of our student body. These multilingual learners are showing incredible vision and professionalism by preserving their culture while enriching our school and making the Creek a truly special place to learn and grow. Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger. Watch Mother Language Day at Fern Creek.

What an incredible conclusion to the academic year! Our community gathered to celebrate the remarkable Class of 2026 through a day filled with cherished traditions. From the Senior Breakfast and alumni presentations to the distribution and signing of senior t-shirts, the spirit of the Creek was on full display. The passing of leadership during the Senior Torch Ceremony to our incoming Student Council and the emotional Farewell Walk through our halls served as powerful reminders of our shared heritage and Tiger pride. The finish line is officially in sight! Seniors, you have left an indelible mark on Fern Creek High School. Watch the reel.

March 20th we were able to celebrate our monthly Tiger Way Challenge—and it was worth the wait! Each month, students who earn all A's and B's while staying on track with no tardies, referrals, or cell phone violations are invited to join in. This time, they enjoyed games and snacks in the gym, plus some March Madness action while we held prize drawings. Students had the chance to win some awesome prizes, including Amazon and McDonald's gift cards, a 3D pen, Bluetooth speaker, and even a 24" Smart TV! At FCHS, we believe in celebrating students who consistently show what it means to do things "The Tiger Way." A huge thank you to our Alumni Association, business partners, and administration for helping make these celebrations possible!

May 15th, we were thrilled to wrap up the school year by celebrating our final Tiger Way Challenge reward celebration! For our final celebration, students gathered in the cafeteria for an afternoon filled with board games, music, and prize drawings. They even enjoyed a special treat of ice cream provided by The Bird's Nest. A huge thank you to our Alumni Association and our Culture & Climate Committee for their unwavering dedication to recognizing and rewarding our remarkable students. We are so proud of our Tigers and all they have accomplished this year! Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger.

We concluded the school year with an incredibly inspiring final Club Day for our Libros Book Club! A huge Tiger thank you to Jason Frakes of the Courier Journal and our very own FCHS alum, Kendrick Haskins of WAVE 3, for serving as guest panelists and sharing their invaluable insights with our students. Libros was founded by our interventionist, Dr. Susannah Kilbourne, and librarian, Ms. Megan Smith, to challenge the stigma surrounding male athletes and to emphasize that they are so much more than the sports they play. Through bi-weekly meetings and thoughtful discussions led by Coach Abell, these students have fostered meaningful conversations and developed new perspectives throughout the year. This semester, the group delved into Shoe Dog by Phil Knight—a candid and powerful memoir detailing the gritty, chaotic, and unforgettable journey behind the creation of Nike and his "big, crazy idea." We are so proud of these young men for proving that leadership, growth, and character extend far beyond the athletic arena.

The energy was electric on May 19th at our Academy Reveal Ceremony! Our Freshman Academy students reached a pivotal milestone as they officially discovered which Career Academy will be their home for the next three years at the Creek. This exciting tradition marks the true beginning of their journey into specialized pathways and future planning. In addition to the reveal, we were honored to celebrate the exceptional accomplishments, achievements, and awards earned by our freshman class this year. The future of the Creek is undeniably bright, and we are so proud to watch these young men and women grow.

May 8th, we officially closed the book on our FIRST annual Reading Rumble—and what an incredible story it was! A heartfelt thank you to our amazing Fern Creek High School Alumni Association for sponsoring this exciting event. Eleven teams battled it out in a quick recall showdown featuring FIVE unique books, proving that reading can be competitive, collaborative, and seriously fun! A huge Tiger congratulations to our Reading Rumble Champions—Team "THE Tigers": Mackenzie Riggs, Jericho Sagum, and Dr. Nicolas. We also want to give a HUGE shoutout to our incredible librarian, Ms. Smith, the mastermind and master organizer behind this initiative. We're already excited for Chapter 2 next year!

Big thank you to our amazing business partners who gave their time the last week of March to support our students! Over two days, we hosted mock interviews, providing a truly valuable real-world experience. Our partners were so impressed with our students' professionalism and preparation that some even extended job and internship opportunities—proving just how impactful this experience was, even as a practice! We are incredibly grateful for the support of: Academies of Louisville Alliance, Baird, BBB, Jones Plastic/Rev-A-Shelf, Kentucky Restaurant Association, Mary Henry State Farm, Omni Louisville Hotel, Spalding University, St. Gabriel Preschool, Sullivan University, and UofL College of Education and Human Development. Your partnership is making a difference in preparing our students for their futures!

Don't forget to check out our School Snapshot. To keep families and interested parties informed, JCPS has added a new report to each school's website titled ACADEMIC AND CULTURE SNAPSHOT. This report will provide monthly updates around the district's attendance, achievement, and behavioral goals for each school. At FCHS, we are committed to transparency and continuous improvement. We believe that by sharing our data openly, we can work together as a community to ensure every student succeeds. View our current School Snapshot.

On April 25th, we were inspired to see over 100 freshmen gather at the Creek to help beautify our campus! From clearing debris to revitalizing our grounds, these young Tigers moved with purpose and strength, demonstrating true pride in their school and community. This impactful effort was part of a community service project coordinated by our dedicated Freshman Civics Team! A huge Tiger thank you to our incredible partners—the Alumni Association, Brightside, and the Fern Creek Community Center—for their dedication and partnership in making this event such a meaningful success for our students!

Our SkillsUSA students truly made the Creek proud at the state conference! Among the 25 students who competed, our Tiger team returned home with 10 medals, demonstrating incredible vision and professionalism. These Fern Creek High School pathway students really shined through their hard work and determination!

FCHS Staff Highlights

Congrats Mr. Jarrod Hunt on being named the new Principal of FCHS!

A familiar and trusted face at Fern Creek High School, Jarrod Hunt has been named the school's new principal. Mr. Hunt joined Fern Creek's staff in 2010 as a classroom teacher and became the building assessment coordinator in 2014. After two years in that role, Hunt was promoted to an assistant principal in 2016, a position he has held for the last decade. His comprehensive leadership has touched nearly every facet of the school's operations, from designing the master schedule and managing budgets to directing systemic student interventions and expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways. "Mr. Hunt brings a clear vision for student success and a strong belief that all students can learn at high levels when they are supported by a positive school culture and strong academic systems," said Dr. Joseph Ellison, assistant superintendent of High Schools. "His deep understanding of Fern Creek's transformational journey positions him well to lead with purpose and build on the momentum that has been collaboratively created." Hunt holds an Educational Specialist degree in Leadership & Administration from Bellarmine University and is currently a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at the University of Louisville. A national presenter on data-informed Professional Learning Community (PLC) systems, Hunt said he is fully prepared to lead the Tigers into a new era of academic excellence. "I am incredibly humbled by the opportunity to serve our Fern Creek students, staff, and community in this new capacity, and I am excited to lead Fern Creek into its next chapter," Hunt said. "We will continue our collective work of ensuring high-level learning is a guaranteed reality for every single student."

Ms. Nicole Sheffer, one of our health and physical education teachers at FCHS, who won the SHAPE America Southern District Teacher of the Year, presented various sessions at the National SHAPE Conference in Kansas City this March and was presented with her SHAPE America Southern District Teacher of the Year award! She will present at the KY Conference in June. Congrats again Ms. Sheffer! We are so proud of you.

FCHS Assistant Principal, Dr. Jai Wilson, has been officially announced by Superintendent Dr. Yearwood as the next principal of the Hudson 6th Grade Academy! This exciting news marks a significant milestone in her career, and we are thrilled to celebrate this achievement with her. While we will miss her tremendously at the Creek, we are so excited for her as she begins this next chapter in leadership. Her passion for students, dedication to education, and commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on our community, and we know she will continue to inspire in her new role. Congratulations, Dr. Wilson! Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger.

As we reached Day 5 of Faculty Appreciation Week on Friday, May 8, Fern Creek High School was once again overflowing with "Tiger Pride" for our remarkable teachers and staff! To bring this meaningful week to a close, our Alumni Association joined forces with the Culture & Climate Committee to host an old-fashioned cookout in the newly opened Fire Science garage—featuring our signature "Tiger" seasoning and dips! A huge Tiger thank you to our expert grill masters, Josh Abell and Brian Shermershein, for their dedication in preparing such a fantastic lunch. We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible list of companies and community partners who donated special prizes for our raffle winners throughout the week. See the celebration.

From the Heart: In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, JCPS invited our seniors to write letters to the educators who have made the greatest impact on their lives. JCPS shared one of these amazing stories on their website recognizing one of our very own teachers and students. We were touched to see this heartfelt tribute that demonstrates the deep connection and Tiger Pride shared between our students and staff. Ms. Laine Lopez is an amazing teacher and has meant so much to so many of our students over the years. Thank you, Itzel, for your beautiful tribute. A blurb from her letter: "There were days when I needed more than just a teacher, and somehow, you always knew."

Congrats Teacher Abby Riley!! We are proud to celebrate Abby Riley on achieving National Board Certification—one of the highest and most respected professional credentials in education! This accomplishment reflects Abby's exceptional dedication to her students, commitment to lifelong learning, and pursuit of excellence in the classroom. National Board Certification is a rigorous process that recognizes educators who demonstrate the highest standards of teaching and student achievement. Fern Creek is fortunate to have such a passionate and talented educator making a difference in the lives of our students every day. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!

Congratulations to Our 2025–2026 Joey Bailey Award Winners! Fern Creek is proud to recognize two outstanding members of our Tiger family as this year's Joey Bailey Award recipients: alumna and teacher Jenny Hibbs and alumnus and Safety Administrator Rob Robinson. Both Jenny and Rob exemplify the dedication, leadership, and commitment to students that the Joey Bailey Award represents. As proud Fern Creek alumni who have returned to serve our school community, they continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of our students and staff each day. Congratulations to Jenny and Rob on this well-deserved honor, and thank you for your continued service to Fern Creek High School.

Congratulations and Thank You, Mr. Don Fowler! As you begin your retirement, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the incredible impact you have made at Fern Creek over the past nine years. Your knowledge, experience, and dedication have transformed our Business Management and Entrepreneurship program into one of excellence. Through your leadership and passion for teaching, countless students have gained valuable skills, confidence, and real-world experiences that will benefit them for years to come. Congratulations on this well-earned next chapter, and best wishes for a retirement filled with happiness, health, and new adventures!

FCHS Student Highlights

Student Leadership & Academics

May 9th, Councilman Kevin Bratcher visited the Creek to spend time with Ms. Lauren Kovacs and her Civics class. They had a thoughtful and engaging discussion regarding the ongoing challenges of underage vaping within our schools and community. It was truly inspiring to witness the uniquely self-aware perspectives shared by our bright young freshmen. These students offered incredible insights and meaningful ideas regarding the JUUL LABS' settlement, proving once again that our Tigers are passionate advocates and leaders in the making!

May 13th Fern Creek High School celebrated a momentous occasion as eleven outstanding student-athletes officially formalized their commitment to continue their athletic and academic journeys at the collegiate level! This remarkable achievement is a true testament to their hard work, unwavering dedication, and perseverance both in the classroom and in competition. Congratulations to:

• Baseball's Landen Breedlove and Jace Wilbert
• Football's JJ Jackson, Daylen Burton
• Track's Ibrahim Soumare, Melany Ramirez, Rohey Sallah
• Cross Country's Carmen Guerrero
• Volleyball's Jenna Hayden, Chaya Tylutke
• Basketball's Rick Mata
• And to all our athletes that signed previously in the year.

Congratulations to our very own GSA 2026 Finalists:

• Kaylie Monroy – Photography
• Chelsea Anthony – Drama
• Pratisa Nepal – Drama
• Mackenzie Riggs – Creative Writing
• Andrew Smith – Creative Writing
• Andrea Armenta – Architecture Design

Individual Recognition

April 24th, our Becoming Club recently embarked on an inspiring journey to their district-wide conference! The girls engaged in thoughtful sessions focused on identity, future planning, and healthy relationships, gaining invaluable perspectives for their paths ahead. We are thrilled to share that they had a remarkable experience, and a special Tiger congratulations goes to early graduate Ashlynn Jennings, who was honored with a scholarship from the conference sponsors!

Congrats to Essence Smith, recipient of the Vogt Educational Scholarship Award for 2026! Essence was one of 12 JCPS students awarded a $12,000 scholarship at the annual Vogt Education and Leadership Scholarship luncheon. This event continues to demonstrate how philanthropy and community commitment can open doors for our students.

A huge Tiger congratulations to Marilyn Diaz Ojeda, a remarkable senior from the Class of 2026! Marilyn has been officially named the winner of the Fern Creek Chamber of Commerce and Community Center Scholarship. This highly competitive award is open to students from FCHS, Mercy Academy, and the 40291 zip code, and Marilyn's application truly stood out among 22 impressive candidates. At this month's FCCACC luncheon, she had the incredible honor of reading her winning essay to an audience of 115 local business leaders and professionals. We are so proud of Marilyn for representing the Creek with such excellence. Your Tiger family celebrates you!

In March, students from Fern Creek participated in the Kentucky United Nations Assembly (KUNA) — a three-day experiential learning conference where students engage in simulated international diplomacy. Through KUNA, students explore global cultures, develop empathy, and strengthen their critical thinking skills while debating real-world issues from diverse perspectives. Representing Fern Creek for the first time at KUNA were:

• Emma Bailey
• Shana Naik
• Florence Uwizeye
• Adam Laatabi

Emma Bailey and Florence Uwizeye served as Resolution Sponsors representing the country of Morocco. Their resolution achieved several impressive honors:

• Voted out of committee
• Endorsed by the Secretary General
• Selected as 1 of only 5 Sustainable Resolutions, highlighting alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Shana Naik participated in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and advanced to the ICJ Showcase Round — winning the showcase! Adam Laatabi represented Fern Creek in Media Corps, helping document and share the conference experience. What makes these accomplishments even more impressive? Every student was a first-time KUNA participant! A special thank you to sponsor Ms. Kovacs for providing this incredible opportunity and supporting our students as they grow into globally minded leaders.

May 15th, Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood came to FCHS to present one of our remarkable students with a scholarship generously sponsored by JCPS employees and dedicated community members. A huge Tiger congratulations to Ronik Sam, who received $8,750 in surprise merit-based funds.

Business Management & Entrepreneurship

Our Academies of Louisville Business Pathway hosted their annual Tiger Shark Tank Presentations April 22 and to say the judges were impressed would be a massive understatement! These young entrepreneurs displayed incredible vision and professionalism, proving once again that our Tigers are ready to lead. Garry Settle, who served as a guest judge, said he was so impressed by the presentations and knowledge displayed by the amazing group of young people. He stated that FCHS is teaching business at a level typically not seen until junior or senior year of college. Doug Schneider and the business department should be incredibly proud of the invaluable real-world tools they are providing to ensure our students are successful in life!

Congratulations to our senior media arts students! We are incredibly proud of our Tigers for earning 3rd place in the AAF High School marketing challenge. A huge Tiger shoutout to Team Inclusivo (Ajaya Dickerson, Andrew Moody, Emily Chavez, Linkoln Sterling, Prescious Bokoyo, & Jena Hayden) for their winning performance! We also want to recognize the Goop Group (Jesse Cleaves, Brayden Richardson, & Matthew Morgan), who received a special award for Best Promotional Concept. Thank you to Mr. TShombi Basemore for his mentorship and dedication to these talented young Tigers!

Early Childhood

April 16th our Early Childhood Pathway Child Development students recently embarked on an inspiring field trip to our dedicated business partner, St. Gabriel Preschool! This meaningful experience provided our young Tigers with invaluable real-world experience and deep insight into the professional world of early childhood education. Through hands-on interaction, they successfully applied their classroom knowledge in a professional setting, demonstrating true vision and professionalism as they worked with preschool-aged children.

April 24th our Early Childhood seniors recently embarked on an inspiring final field trip to Robbins Preschool Playhouse & Learning Center! After studying the critical role of developmental assessments, our students designed their own tools and gained invaluable real-world experience by putting them into practice within a professional childcare setting. Drawing on their observations, they are designing traveling backpacks for local families, curated with activities specifically targeted to support essential developmental milestones.

Culinary Arts

We are proud of our ProStart Culinary Pathway team! Our team stood out in so many ways during the competition:

• The only team competing without a manager
• The only team that did not exceed the allotted time
• The only team made up entirely of first-time competitors
• And the only team that Chef Danielson said "put a spin on a Derby classic that I've never seen."

It didn't add up to a win this year, but what it did bring was valuable experience, lessons learned, and plenty of motivation for next year. What everyone agreed on—from judges to organizers to other coaches—was what an incredible team we had. No bickering, no panic… just focus, teamwork, and collaboration from start to finish. We're so proud of how they represented our program and can't wait to see what they do next!

Leading up to Spring Break, our Culinary pathway students were hard at work, gaining inspiration and learning directly from industry experts! Our underclassmen visited the downtown campus of Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) for an immersive look at the culinary world, engaging in a hands-on lesson alongside JCTC students and discovering future pathways through Evolve502. Our Culinary 2 students stepped into the fast-paced world of catering with Marigold Catering at the Speed Art Museum, providing essential support for the prestigious Grawemeyer Awards and gaining invaluable real-world experience in executing high-level banquet events.

Cinematography

Lights, camera, teamwork! Filmmaking takes discipline, creativity, and a lot of focus. In Mr. Basemore's Intro to Media Arts class, students are learning just how important it is to stay focused and work together as a team. The class has just completed the first half of their Public Service Announcement (PSA) projects, and students are already gaining valuable experience in planning, filming, and working effectively in groups. We can't wait to see the finished productions!

The energy was incredible as we celebrated our FIRST annual Tiger Film Festival—and what a massive success it was! A huge Tiger congratulations to all of our talented young filmmakers, and a HUGE shoutout to Mr. Basemore and Mr. Skrodenis for their tireless tenacity and dedication in bringing this vision to life and making the event so impactful for our students!

Take an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at our latest partnership with Mary Henry State Farm! Our Cinematography students took the lead with incredible vision and professionalism—writing, filming, and producing these commercials from start to finish. We are beyond proud of the creativity and talent they've poured into this project. Watch the behind-the-scenes.

Fire Science

On April 14 the bagpipes were calling at the Creek as we celebrated a significant milestone with our official Ribbon Cutting ceremony! We are absolutely thrilled to announce the grand opening of our brand-new Fire Science Garage at Fern Creek High School—a true game-changer for the 175+ students currently thriving in this specialized pathway. A special shoutout to Jeff's Donuts for their generosity in providing 9 dozen donuts to help our Tiger family celebrate! It was a pleasure to welcome back 2025 graduate Parker Bowdy, who is currently putting his skills to work training with the Fern Creek Fire Department. A huge Tiger special shoutout to Mr. Mark LaMaster, our 2024 Kentucky CTE Teacher of the Year, for his unwavering dedication and tenacity in making this program a source of pride for our school. "This new facility is a giant step toward providing real world hands on experience for our students," shared our fire science instructor, Mark LaMaster. "Career and Technical Education is thriving at Fern Creek High School!" A huge Tiger special shoutout to our Cinematography pathway for capturing the ribbon cutting ceremony. Watch the ribbon cutting.

April 30 marked an incredibly inspiring hands-on learning experience for our Fire Science Seniors and history was once again set! First, we are thrilled to extend a special shoutout to Melany Ramirez for conquering the agility test as the first female in the program to finish in under 11 minutes — she crushed it at 9:57:52! A huge thank you to the Louisville Fire Department, who graciously welcomed our Tigers to their Fire Academy and Arson Bureau, where they tackled the physical agility course and delved into the complex world of fire investigations. The Louisville Fire Department will be accepting applications for Fire Recruit from June 1 through July 12—an amazing chance for our seniors to pursue their dreams in the fire service! A huge Tiger thank you to Captain Stewart, Sgt. McNulty, and the entire staff at the Louisville Fire Academy and Louisville Metro Arson Bureau.

May 8th, our Fire Science students tackled a major milestone by participating in the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). This rigorous assessment includes 8 distinct events designed to test the strength and stamina required for essential firefighting tasks. A huge Tiger thank you to Fairdale High School Fire Science for hosting this invaluable real-world experience! We are thrilled to extend a special shoutout to the following Tigers who successfully conquered the challenge and passed the test:

• Eduardo Ortiz Martinez
• Dylan Lopez Gonzalez
• Jase Sowders

Plumbing

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the newest students in our Plumbing Pathway for earning their Kentucky Journeyman Plumbing Certificate! This certification is a major milestone, transitioning into a full plumbing license after just two years of field experience. Congrats to students:

• Carrick Swearingen
• Eric Nsanzumuhire
• Quavion Bright
• Jacob Valle
• Thatcher Cobb
• Justin Gomez Ramirez
• Crystal Holland
• Jonas Nduwayesu

Fine Arts & Performing Arts

Advanced Visual Arts

April 4 our Advanced Visual Arts students demonstrated their dedication and partnership as they visited various galleries to support the work of their classmates at the JCPS All-City Art Show. These Tigers also gained invaluable real-world experience by engaging with the masterpieces showcased by their peers in the Scholastic Art Show. It is inspiring to see our young artists celebrating creativity and talent across the district!

Musical Theatre

Our Musical Theatre Program wowed audiences this spring with four outstanding performances of Into the Woods—including three public performances and a special show for the student body. These talented students showcased incredible dedication, creativity, and skill both on stage and behind the scenes. Congratulations to our cast, crew, directors, and volunteers on a fantastic production. Bravo on a wonderful spring performance season!

Band

A huge Tiger congratulations to Mr. Willison and our remarkable Creek band students for earning straight PROFICIENT ratings at the KMEA assessment! We are so proud of the hard work and determination displayed by these talented musicians as they continue to represent Fern Creek with excellence!

Music

Congratulations to these 7 fine musicians on being selected to represent FCHS at the UofL Honor Choir event! They spent two very long days singing and learning, which culminated in a truly outstanding performance. We are so #FCProud of these Tigers!

• Ysabella Ababat
• Kendall Gates
• Austyn Daugherty
• Hadley Singleton
• Aiko Berry
• Braylon Briscoe
• Andrew Smith

Choir

A huge Tiger congratulations to Ms. Byrd and our remarkable Fern Creek Choirs on their outstanding performance at the KMEA assessment March 18th! Our Freshman Choir received many compliments from the judges, while both Concert Choir and SSA Choir earned DISTINGUISHED ratings. Additionally, Concert Choir scored so well that they have officially qualified for State! We are beyond proud of the hard work and determination displayed by these talented musicians.

Orchestra

Congrats to Mr. May and our combined orchestra for earning another DISTINGUISHED rating at the March KMEA Festival!

MCJROTC & Drill Team

A huge thank you to the Louisville Kings and the UFL for welcoming our Fern Creek High School MCJROTC to present the colors at the May 24th home game at Lynn Family Stadium. It was an absolute honor for our cadets to participate in such a significant game-day tradition. Congratulations to the Kings on their victory over the Dallas Renegades! Rain can't stop the reign—Let's Go Tigers! Our Promotion and Awards ceremony was on Thursday, May 14, where our cadets earned an amazing number of awards in leadership, academics, and community service.

National Recognition

Cadet Isabella Rincon Romero was selected as the Military Officers Association of America Distinguished Cadet. This is an extraordinary achievement reflecting great credit on herself, Fern Creek, and the MCJROTC. She received her award at the Armed Forces Committee of Louisville Dinner on May 15.

Drill Team Highlights

The 2026 National High School Drill Team Championships was held in Daytona Beach and once again our Leathernecks showed up! FCHS placed 2nd in the Armed Exhibition Masters Division—a major accomplishment! This category specifically focuses on complex, highly choreographed rifle routines, where precision, creativity, and difficulty all matter. We already have a reputation as one of the most decorated in the country with multiple national titles and consistent top finishes, so another podium finish fits right into the Fern Creek legacy!

At the last meet before Nationals the last weekend in February, the Leatherneck Drill Team finished as the Ohio Valley Drill Champions with a clean sweep of all divisions:

• LE-1 Division Champions: Fern Creek
• Unarmed Division Champions: Fern Creek
• Armed Division Champions: Fern Creek
• Overall Ohio Valley Drill Champions: Fern Creek
• Individual Armed Knockout: Sophomore Cadet Maraam Soliman, Fern Creek

2026 Blackjacks results — Congratulations cadets! Overall 2nd Place!

• Solo – 3rd Place: Cadet Estes, Emerson
• Squad Exhibition – 1st Place
• CG #1 – 2nd Place
• CG #2 – 3rd Place
• Squad Regulation – 1st Place
• Dual – 1st Place: Cadets Hankins, Clayton & Estes, Emerson
• Platoon Inspection – 2nd Place
• Platoon Regulation – 2nd Place
• Platoon Exhibition – 2nd Place

Rifle Team

The Tiger Rifles finished in second place in the Kentucky State Air Rifle Championships.

• The lead shooter for the Tiger Rifles was Diene Nabou, who also took home an Individual Silver Medal.
• Isabella Rincon finished just off the podium in fifth place.
• Cadets Salina Rai and Swyta Gurung rounded out the team.
• The Freshman Team, led by Cadet Samuel Gocke, finished in third place.
• The Freshman team shooters Samuel Gocke, Michael LaRosa, and Liane Padilla all earned their expert badge.
• Freshman Yrene Wase was the team's fourth shooter.

Drone Team

Saturday, March 28, the Flying Tiger Drone team took First place in the Team and Single Pilot event. It was a great day to be a Flying Tiger! Individual Pilot Finishers:

• 1st – Jayden Humbles
• 4th – Kyler Smith
• 5th – Addyson Puckett
• 6th – Ryder Chozu
• 7th – Isabella Rincon

Jayden Humbles and Ryder Chozu were First in the Team Pilot Division; Isabella Rincon and Addyson Puckett finished Second in the Team Pilot Division.

FCHS Athletics

Athletes of the Year

Congratulations to the JCPS/FCHS Male and Female Athletes of the Year for 2026:

• FCHS Female Athlete of the Year – Carmen Guerrero
• FCHS Male Athlete of the Year – Riley Burton

Athletes of the Month

• February:
  Wrestling's Aaliyah Bronger (3.8036 GPA)
  Wrestling's Robbie Ellis (4.0 GPA)
• March:
  Softball's Trinity Neal (14 hits, 7 RBIs, .368 AVG, 12 IP and 13 Ks, 4.0 GPA)
  Baseball's Tim Gentry (12 hits, 10 RBI, .532 AVG, 3.58 GPA)
• April:
  Track and Field's Ariana Martin (4.0 GPA, 8th in Pole Vault)
  Boy's Volleyball's Rodney Moorman (143 kills, 83 blocks – 13th in State, 4.39 GPA)

Boys Basketball

Congratulations to Senior KhaHeem Bryant on being named to the 24th District All-District Team.

Girls Basketball

Congratulations to the Girl's Basketball Team and Alumni Coach Joni Bray Brown on finishing Runners-up in the 24th District Tournament and advancing to the Regional tournament for the first time since 2011! Congratulations to Sophomore Adeline Parrino and Freshman Destiny Davis on being named to the 24th District All-District Team.

Wrestling

The wrestling team finished 5th in the Regional Tournament.

Region Champion and State Qualifier:

• Senior Riley Burton – 190 weight class

Region Finishers and State Qualifiers:

• Senior Aydin Kadirov – 2nd, 138
• Junior Alan Rivera – 2nd, 175
• Senior Connor Holmes – 4th, 126

Region Finishers and State Alternates:

• Junior Robbie Ellis – 5th, 150
• Senior Trent Woodford – 5th, 285

Congrats to Senior Riley Burton (190 weight class) finishing 4th place at STATE, and to Sophomore Aaliyah Bronger (107 weight class) finishing 6th place at STATE!

Indoor Track & Field

Congratulations to the following Indoor Track Tigers for qualifying for the Indoor State Championships on March 4th:

• Senior Ibrahim Soumare: 3rd 55m, 2nd Triple Jump, 5th Long Jump
• Senior Riley Burton: 4th 55m
• KyeShon Young: 22nd 55m, 4x200m
• Nii Ayikwei Adamah: 4x200m
• Antwan McClain: 4x200m
• Mehki McDaniels: 4x200m
• Senior Rohey Sallah: 20th Long Jump, 16th Pole Vault, 4x200m
• Carmen Guerrero: 16th 1600m, 24th 800m
• Arianna Martin: #8 Pole Vault
• Amy Hoff: 4x200m
• Melany Ramirez: 4x200m
• Destyn Allen: 4x200m
• Alternates 4x200m: Samurai Riley, Djamil Muradov, Kion Bokoyo, NaLina Reid

Indoor / Outdoor Track & Field School Records

As of March 30, it is official that the FERN CREEK TIGERS are now the Indoor AND Outdoor Track and Field School Record Holders for the following:

• KyeShon Young: 55m, 60m, 100m, 200m
• Ibrahim Soumare: Triple Jump
• Carmen Guerrero: 800m, 1600m, 1 Mile, 3200m
• Freshman Arianna Martin: Pole Vault

CONGRATULATIONS to these amazing Tigers! Keep on reaching for the stars and pushing your potential even further!

Outdoor Track & Field

Congratulations to the following track/field Tigers at their first outdoor meet of the season: KyeShon Young ran his first 10.80 in the 100m and a new school record in the 200m of 22.20; Riley Burton dominated the 110mh and 300mh by 15 meters and 3 seconds over the field; and Antwan McClain beat the field in his first ever triple jump with a 42'6.25" jump.

Congrats to our track and field individual Regional Champions:

• Arianna Martin (Freshman): Pole Vault Champion
• Riley Burton (Senior): 110m Hurdles & 300m Hurdles Champion
• Ibrahim Soumare (Senior): Long Jump & Triple Jump Champion
• KyeShon Young (Junior): 200m Champion

Congrats to the following track and field team members who competed at the STATE tournament:

• Ibrahim Soumare – Triple Jump STATE CHAMPION
• Riley Burton – 300m Hurdles STATE CHAMPION
• Riley Burton – 110m Hurdles State Runner-Up
• KyeShon Young – 100m Dash State 3rd Place
• Carmen Guerrero – 110m Hurdles State 7th Place
• Boys Track 4x200 – State 7th Place
• Boys Track 4x100 – State 9th Place

Boys Volleyball

Only in its second year as a sanctioned sport (third year overall), our Tigers are already making history. Last season, FCHS was the only JCPS team to advance to the State Tournament, and this year we earned another berth at STATE. As part of our preparation, the team competed in the Bluegrass State Games in Lexington on March 14, taking on some of the top programs in Kentucky, including last year's state runner-up, Henry Clay. While we did not come away with the win in that matchup, we competed fiercely and proved that we have the heart, grit, and determination to play with anyone in the state. Even more meaningful than the competition were the compliments we received throughout the day — multiple coaches, officials, parents, and opposing teams praised our players for their character, camaraderie, sportsmanship, and team spirit.

• Congrats to the Boy's Volleyball team on being Region 4 Runner-Up!
• Congratulations on being Back-to-Back State tournament qualifiers!
• Congrats to Senior Rodney Moorman, our 1st Boy's Volleyball Player in school history to be named All-State Honorable Mention!
• Congrats to Carrick Swearingen, Alicent Ndizeye, and Fernando Dominguez on being named All-Region.
• The team took home the Championship at the Southend Bash! Congrats to All-Tournament Team members: Carrick Swearingen, Aaron Krausen, Murad Badwan, Yess Subba, Rodney Moorman, and Seth Frank.

Baseball

• Congrats to our newest Coach at the Creek, Zach Beckmann, on his first Fern Creek win over Cornerstone Christian, 8-2.
• Baseball went 1-0 in district play, beating rivals J-Town 12-0! Way to go Creek!
• Congrats to the District Champs!
• Congrats to Jace Wilbert and Tim Gentry on being named to the All-District Team.
• Congrats to Timmy Gentry – 24th District Player of the Year!

Softball

Congrats to Trinity Neal and Lakelyn Maloney on being named to the All-Region team!

From the FCHS Director of Athletics and Activities, Troy Johnson

The Creeker Tradition

The Official Alumni Athletics Update from Fern Creek High School — From the Desk of Troy Johnson, CAA — Athletic Director. Go Tigers!

Dear Tiger Alumni, Fans, and Family,

As the Athletic Director here at Fern Creek High School, it is always a privilege to connect with the generations of "Creekers" who built the foundation of our rich sports history. Walking the halls and looking at our trophy cases, I am constantly reminded that the passion, work ethic, and Tiger pride we see on our fields and courts today started with you.

We have had an incredibly thrilling and historic spring on the reservation! Our student-athletes continue to compete with the grit and sportsmanship that defines Fern Creek. I am absolutely thrilled to share these major updates regarding our spring sports success and how our Tigers are representing us on the local, regional, and state stages.

🏆 Spring Athletic Highlights

🏐 Boys Volleyball — Our Boys Volleyball program had a truly historic run this year, coached by a fantastic crew of our very own alumni: Melissa Roberts Tabor, Elizabeth DiChiara Cox, and Courtney Heaton. The Tigers fought their way to the top, finishing the season ranked in the top 15 in the state! Along the way, they captured the JCPS Championship, finished as the Regional Runner-Up, and advanced as a State Qualifier. A special congratulations to Rodney Moorman, who was selected to the All-State team for his outstanding performance on the court!

⚾ Baseball — The Tiger Baseball team, led by Coach Zachary Beckmann, has put together a phenomenal season. The boys captured the District Title and are gearing up to battle it out in the Regional Tournament in the middle of May. Kudos to our two Tigers who have secured All-District team honors so far this year: Junior Tim Gentry and Senior Jace Wilbert.

🏃‍♂️ Track & Field — It has been a tremendous season on the track, capped off by an incredible showing at the regionals. We are proud to announce our individual Regional Champions:

• Arianna Martin (Freshman): Pole Vault Champion
• Riley Burton (Senior): 110m Hurdles & 300m Hurdles Champion
• Ibrahim Soumare (Senior): Long Jump & Triple Jump Champion
• KyeShon Young (Junior): 200m Champion

Next Stop: State! We have over 15 track members who officially qualified for the State Finals, held in Lexington on May 23. Let's wish them the best of luck as they run, jump, and vault for a state title!

🎓 Next Level Tigers: Spring Signing Day — While winning championships is a massive achievement, our ultimate goal is to prepare our student-athletes for the future. This spring, we celebrated 11 incredible Tigers who officially signed athletic scholarships to play at the collegiate level! Our athletes will be taking their talents to some fantastic institutions across the region and the country, including Bellarmine University, Bucknell University, Lindsey Wilson College, Hanover College, Midway University, and more! They will always have a home on the reservation.

🗓️ "Once a Creeker, always a Creeker. Seeing our alumni return to coach, and watching our current students reach both the state level and the collegiate stage, is what keeps our traditions alive."

🤝 We want to see you back in the stands! Follow the Creek by visiting our official athletics page or following us on X at @fcthsathletics. Maintaining championship-level programs requires a team effort — if you are looking for ways to give back, whether through the Fern Creek Alumni Association, sponsoring a specific sport, or volunteering at events, please don't hesitate to reach out to my office. Thank you for your unwavering loyalty, your loud cheers from the stands, and for continuing to carry the torch for Fern Creek High School.

Go Tigers! 🐯

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