Two Schools One Cause

The 5th Annual Gray Out was held at Fairbury Public Schools on December 4th during the Fairbury vs Superior boys and girls basketball games. This was the 3rd year that Fairbury has teamed up with Superior to raise awareness for Type 1 Diabetes.

The IN Group, a Type 1 Diabetic support group for students, parents and community members, kicks off the event by collecting sponsors. This year the group had 53 sponsors with a total of $1525 raised. The sponsor money will be used for diabetes camp scholarships and left over funds will be given to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) One Walk next September.

The group also sells gray t-shirts for the event. The proceeds from the t-shirt sales goes directly to JDRF. This year a check for $681 was presented to Laura Eberly, JDRF representative during halftime of the boys basketball game.

“JDRF is so grateful for the support of Fairbury and Superior’s students and communities that come together to raise awareness and funds for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) research,” stated Eberly. “The Annual Gray Out is an event that has been paving the way for other schools and communities in Nebraska and across the country getting them involved to make a difference in T1D’s lives.”

Eberly explained, “T1D is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone our bodies require to stay alive. T1D can strike at any age and causes a lifelong dependence on injected or infused insulin. The disease carries the constant worry of life-threatening complications and requires intensive, ongoing supervision. There is no reprieve, there are no days off, and there is no cure.”  

Check presentation during halftime of the Varsity Boys game.

This year the Fairbury FCCLA tried something new, a 50/50 raffle with a twist. Two tickets were drawn during each varsity game halftime and each winner was given two chances to make a half court shot. During the boys halftime none of the 4 ticket holders were able to make the half court shot so they played a fast and furious game of knock-out. Austin Novotny won the game and generously gave his share to JDRF for them to receive 100% of the raffle.

“Because of Fairbury and Superior’s success with the Annual Gray Out we are getting closer to living in a world without T1D.  Thank you so much for all your support!” added Eberly.

Jeffs and Wildcats team up for a group photo before the Varsity Boys basketball game.

 

State qualifiers surface after successful first swim meet of season

Two FHS swimmers qualified for State with automatic qualifying times at the first meet of the year in a dual at Lincoln Northeast on Thursday, November 29. Mikwena Lierman ’21 qualified in the 50 Free and 200 Medley Relay while Mikasa Lierman ’19 also qualified in the 200 Medley Relay.

Mikasa, among these races, finished first in the 100 Fly, 200 Free, and 200 Free Relay. Additionally, Mikwena finished first in the 100 Free and 200 Free Relay. Mikwena credits her success to the time put in practice prior to the meet.

“I felt very confident going into the meet,” Mikwena said. “We’ve [the swim team] worked hard at practice in preparation for meets.”

This is the sophomore’s second year qualifying for the State swim meet at the end of the season. Knowing that she’s going this early in the season is a definite perk, according to Mikwena.

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Camryn Wisnieski ’21 celebrates a new personal best in diving. Wisnieski improved 26.45 points from her previous best. Photo contributed by @fbyswim on Twitter

 

 

“[Qualifying] feels great,” she said. “Now there is less pressure on me for upcoming meets to qualify. I can focus on bettering my time and not be worried about qualifying.”

Other FHS swimmers that competed include RJ Suey ’19 (50 Free-6th, 500 Free-4th, 200 Free Relay-2nd, 200 Medley Relay-2nd), Colton Starck ’19 (100 Fly-2nd, 200 Individual Medley-2nd, 200 Free Relay-2nd, 200 Medley Relay-2nd), Josi Mans ’21 (50 Free-2nd, 200 Free Relay-1st, 400 Free Relay-1st), and Briaunna Knothe ’21 (200 Free Relay-3rd). Camryn Wisnieski ’21 placed 2nd in One-Meter Diving with a personal record of 135.45, improving from her previous best of 109.

“I could’ve done a little better, but it is something to build off of for the season,” Knothe said. “I hope we improve as a whole, whether that be more people going to State or times dropping for a personal best.”

Continuing on from this first meet, Mikwena has specific goals in mind she hopes to accomplish this season. With a guaranteed State run, she can focus her attention on other matters. The sophomore says she wants to break the school record in the 50 Free, which currently stands at a time of 24.89 and primary qualify in the 200 and 400 Free Relays
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Mr. Nicholas Kroon – Outstanding “New” Principal of the Year

The Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals has selected Nicholas Kroon as the 2019 Outstanding New Principal of the Year.  This award is presented annually to a Principal who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in their school, region, and at the state level.  The winner will have demonstrated their enthusiasm for the Principalship by support from students, parents, teachers and peers.

Mr. Kroon has been in education since 2006 and has been the Principal at Fairbury Jr./Sr. High School since 2016 after serving as the Assistant Principal/Activities Director for 1 year at Fairbury.  Mr. Kroon has been a member of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA), the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals (NSASSP), and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) for four years.

Stephen Grizzle, Superintendent of Fairbury Public Schools, praised Mr. Kroon, noting, “As a young administrator, Nick combines many great qualities such as enthusiastic creativity, empathy, and effective personnel management along with a desire to stay abreast of best-practice pedagogy, and, does this with an infectious passion for work.”

Fairbury American Lutheran Church Pastor Brian Julin-McCleary commented, “Nick is open and responsive to members of the community.  This availability is vital in a field of work that flourishes when leaders are transparent and accessible. Our community is greatly enhanced having a principal that can be approached and who welcomes feedback and thoughts from the wider community.”

Abigail Jones, an English teacher at Fairbury Community Schools states, “When Mr. Kroon was hired as principal, he did more than merely maintain the structures and systems that were handed to him.  Before the end of the school year, he sought input from staff on what they felt were the biggest challenges and problems facing the school, and came back for the new school year with specific solutions targeting those issues.”

Mr. Kroon states, “While I serve as the leader of the school, I feel most effective as a servant and cheerleader for our students!  Each day, I work to stay super-positive, listen, and support the students at teachers at Fairbury.” Mr. Kroon continues: “I am super proud of what WE have done at FHS!  We have a magnificent administrative team that works hard and is encouraging. We have many students each day who overcome mountains of obstacles and move on to succeed and contribute.  We have many outstanding teachers who are positive and driven to help our students. Teachers will always be the real heroes! They inspire me everyday to work harder, smile more, and remember that it is always about the kids!”

Mr. Kroon received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics/Secondary Education in 2006 from Dana College and earned Master of Educational Administration from the University of Nebraska-Kearney in 2010.  During his college career he played basketball at Dana College and was honored as an NAIA Academic All-American twice and was honored as the “Best Teammate” in 2003.

Nick Kroon’s teaching career began at West Point Public Schools, teaching 7th-12th grade Math and serving on the School Improvement and Technology teams.  Kroon was the head boys basketball coach at West Point from 2009-2015 prior to becoming the Assistant Principal/AD at Fairbury High School.

Congratulations to Nicholas Kroon for his outstanding performance as a Secondary School Principal at Fairbury Public Schools. NSASSP appreciates the contributions to the profession and are proud to name him Nicholas Kroon of Fairbury Jr/Sr. High School the 2019 New Principal of the Year!

Fairbury Jr. Sr. High School Honors Our Veterans

On Monday, November 12th, students and staff were blessed to be part of the 2018 Fairbury Jr./Sr. High School Veterans’ Day Convocation. During the program, they were treated to performances from the band and chorus. There were also great speeches from Mark Schoenrock and Lyle Bartles. Mark discussed the importance of being committed to the future and continuing to serve the community, state, and nation. Lyle discussed how our soldiers were the true heroes of the country. This day is always a very moving and influential day, and it was made even more special by the veterans who attended the program. Each present veteran was introduced to the student body with his or her years of service, branch, duties, and tours. There were 21 Veterans present, and they all received a standing ovation from our student body. It was a great moment in the program.

A special thanks to all those that made this possible: Jayson Klaumann, Taylea Mills, and Rusti Bassett had major speaking parts during the program. Jaelle Johnson was our tech person and made the numerous transitions required with slides, documents, and videos. Isaac Robertson and Konnor Hasselbring rounded out the program by playing the Taps.

Fairbury FFA Attends the 91st National FFA Convention

By Kennedy DeBoer

Eighteen students traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana for the 91st FFA National Convention and Expo. Students left Tuesday, October 24 at midnight from a Walmart parking lot in Lincoln, Nebraska on a charter bus. We traveled all night and arrived in Indianapolis around 1:30 Wednesday afternoon.

As a chapter we attended the opening session Wednesday night at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse where the Indiana Pacers play basketball. Kyle Scheele was the keynote speaker for that session. He gave a very inspiring message about leadership.

On Thursday, we got to start the day by going to the Indianapolis Speedway. We took a lap around the track and then got to “kiss the bricks” at the finish line. After we took the lap around the track we got to go into the museum and look at old cars and trophies. After that, we went downtown to eat. There is a food court in the mall and many different restaurants in walking distance in the area.  We ended the night by attending the Nebraska only FFA Dance in the hotel.

We started our Friday off by going to the FFA Convention Store and Expo. Members got to look at FFA gear that they could purchase and talk to different companies who gave away free things. Also, we watched FFA Creed and Parliamentary Procedure finals. That night we ended by going out to eat and then going to another session and listening to a keynote speaker. We also had the Nebraska dance at our hotel with the other Nebraska FFA Chapters.

Saturday morning, we went to Lucas Oil Stadium, and watched Carson Bohlmeyer get presented his American FFA Degree.  Fairbury FFA had four other members receive their American FFA Degrees but were not able to attend. Those members were Blake Bauer, Tyler Heidemann, Trevin Likens, and Patrick Ondrak.  We drove all day, arriving in Fairbury around 11:30 pm. All in all, we had a great trip to Indianapolis and a great learning opportunity for all of the members who went.

FCCLA members attend the FCCLA District #2 Leadership Conference

Centennial, NE – Friday, October 19, 2018  – The Fairbury Chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and nearly 150 FCCLA youth members and adult advisers from FCCLA District 2 gathered at Centennial High School on October 19  for the annual District Leadership Conference (DLC). FCCLA District 2 membership includes students from the following schools: Centennial, Fairbury, Friend, Lincoln Northeast, Lincoln Southwest, Milford , Seward, and Waverly.  These meetings provided FCCLA members with opportunities to gain leadership skill experience and learn how to become a better leader by exploring what FCCLA is all about and attending sessions aligned with FCCLA’s National Programs.  At DLC our goal is to have all of our members increase their leadership skills and have personal growth. Fairbury also had 5 members participate in the first ever District #2 choir presentation of The Star Spangled Banner.  Those participating included:  Dakota Gladson, Josi Mans, Taylea Mills, Claire Shumard, and Izze Schwab.

Christine Brungardt from Jana’s Campaign, Inc. was the Keynote speaker and brought a message of education and violence prevention. The organizations single mission is to reduce gender and relationship violence. In honor of the late Jana Mackey and other victims and survivors of gender and relationship violence, Jana’s Campaign delivers educational programs that prevent domestic and dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking.  Other breakout sessions included Self Defense, a message from a Public School Resource Officer, Knowledge Bowl competition information, York College-Competing for STAR presentation, State Officer, SPOT, and Power of One presentations by current and former FCCLA members, and a Plating and Food demonstration by Chef Sarah Anderson, Ashland Golf Course. The District Leadership Conference provided a positive outlook for youth today and inspiration for what tomorrow holds for our future.

About FCCLA

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a dynamic and effective national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education.  FCCLA has more than 164,000 members and more than 5,300 chapters from 49 state associations, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. www.fcclainc.org

PTA Fundraiser Kick Off

Central and Jefferson Intermediate School Kick off for the PTA fundraiser will run now until Nov. 6th.  Watch the video for more information.

Parent Pyramid Model Series

There has been an extension on the registration deadline for the Parent Pyramid Model series in Fairbury due to low registration. Registration is open until this Friday, October 19th with the first class starting on Monday, October 22.

This parenting series is free to register and dinner and childcare are provided at no cost each night. This is a wonderful opportunity being offered to parents in Jefferson County and feedback from last year’s class was very positive.

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