2022 News

Spring Dance Fun

A big thanks to student council and Mrs. Noah for a evening of memories

Class of 2026 meets its MCATs

FCMS inducts honor students during first live ceremony in three years


by Brenna Houchin


It was a very big day on May 5th, as FCMS proudly hosted the first Jr. High National Honor Society Induction since before Covid.

Inducted at 6:30 p.m. in the school’s gymnasium were twenty-three 8th-grade students, who were celebrated by family, friends, and faculty members.

These students were chosen for meeting the society’s requirements, which were maintaining at least a 3.75-grade point average, having community service hours, and writing an essay about three traits they thought best characterized them.

To remain a member, students had to sign a pledge stating that they would be the best version of themselves that they can be.

New members and those in attendance were treated to motivational speeches by Mr. Chad Gutzwiller, our charter sponsor; Mr. Jack Stirn, FCHS honor society president; and Mrs. Amy Lindsey, director of emergency services for Franklin County.

In addition, perhaps the most exciting part of the evening is that this is the first time the induction has been held in person in three years, due to the pandemic.

Speaking of the pandemic, Mr. Gutzwiller is very proud of the students who kept working hard, despite having to work from home for a number of months during Covid.

Let's give a big congratulations to the newly-inducted members of the FCMS Honor Society: Aubree Andre, Austin Andre, Brooklyn Bischoff, Audrey Bohman, Mackenzie Broshear, Bryce Bruns, Willa Bruns, Kendall Cox, Carter Dozier, Kailey Edmundson, Halle George, Jaelyn Grimmeissen, Isaac Johnson, Ava Reese, Isabella Riffle, Rachel Ruf, Livia Maddock, Avalon Schlosser, Ryleigh Schottelkotte, Serena Silas, Dorothy Wendel, Madalyn Wilson, and Mason Wewe!



photos by Laila Cornett

Students in Mrs. Brown's coloring activity enjoy the serenity and self-expression it provides on Fun Friday.

Fan favorite known as Fun Friday returns


by Laila Cornett


Finally after a month of hiatus, our favorite Friday activity is back! Welcome back, Fun Friday! Due to the Covid restrictions, students were unable to have fun Friday for much of 2nd semester.

Recent releases of restrictions, however, have given us back this fun activity for each grade level.

One popular choice for activities was Mrs. Beth Brown's arts and crafts class.

Mrs. Brown stated, “I wanted to do arts and crafts because I feel that it's calming, and right now the world isn't so calm. So I thought this would be very fun for the kids, since art is calming. It calms me down too.”

Mrs. Brown decided that for arts and crafts the thing she was going to do was finger print art.

All the students are very happy about all of the different activities that they can do. When asked, Kirstyn Caudill stated, “ I like to do art, not because I'm good at it, but because it's just fun to do.

“I was rock painting in Mrs. Bolser's class, I liked doing it, and it was calming!” exclaimed Cheyenne Jenkins. Rock painting seems to be a calming thing to do, since it's very relaxing and fun.

“I was in Mrs. Wade's 6th grade class for cards and board games. It was fun being there with friends. My adrenaline was so high while we were playing games! The rush of the games was too much fun!” expressed Cierra Perry.

Hopefully, for future generations of 8th and 7th graders, they can experience Fun Friday the way today’s 7th and 8th graders get the opportunity. A big thanks to Mr. Bundy and all the teachers for letting us have this Fun Friday activity!



Students and staff enjoy one of the largest ever D.C. trips

photos by Evan Ralph, Adriana Lunsford, Taylan Brewer, Madison Perleberg, and Anna Rotert


FCMS set to take off on largest-ever D.C. trip

by Anna Rotert


On March 16th, our 7th and 8th-grade students will be leaving on a trip to D.C., after waiting for the trip to return following our lengthy COVID-19 pandemic.


The field trips organizers, Mrs. Amy Mitchum and Mr. Chad Gutzwiller, are thrilled to be able to present this opportunity once again


Mrs. Mitchum explained what she liked best about past trips: “I really liked the Vietnam wall. It’s just a very humbling experience, seeing all the people who fought for our country.”

Mr. Gutzwiller also had a favorite highlight of the trip and stated, “Just seeing the students experience our nation’s history makes it worth it.”


Both students and chaperones worked hard to raise money for this memorable trip.

“Lots of fundraisers like popcorn, beef sticks, candles, and working at Canal Days were some of the many fundraisers the students did to fund for the trip” is what Mrs. Mitchum commented about the fundraisers for students.


For this year’s D.C. trip, the number of people going is substantial.


Mr. Gutzwiller expressed, ”Counting everyone, chaperones and kids, we have about 150 people, which is one of our larger groups we’ve had on this trip.”

Mrs. Mitchum and Mr. Gutzwiller both had packing tips for chaperones and students. Mr. Gutzwiller advised, “Always pack a poncho and comfortable shoes, and dress in layers.”


Mrs. Mitchum included, “ Pack for multiple weather conditions, it could be really cold, or really rainy. You also want to have some type of camera.”


This trip seems like a very unforgettable trip that students might remember for a lifetime! We hope you have a fun trip and don’t get soaked in rain!




FCMS celebrates Miley Day to benefit shelter dogs

Miley turns 1

From hardcore fans to skeptical naysayers, students have plenty to say ahead of this Sunday's Super Bowl.

Bengals prowl their way to Super Bowl LVI

by Tyler Bolser


The Bengals made it to the Super Bowl! Who will win? FCMS students and staff shared their opinions on the topic. Let’s see what they had to say about this historic game.


Even Ralph, 8th grader, stated, ‘’I think the Bengals will win because they can’t

come this far for nothing.’’


Lisa Robinson, secretary, expressed, ‘’They will win because the third times a charm.’’


Mr. Chad Gutzwiller, social studies teacher, claimed, “I’m cautiously optimistic that the Bengals

will win because of their balanced skill, drive, motivation, and sense of teamwork.’’


Other students are in agreement about the Bengals’ chance to win. Wyatt bowling, 8th grader, declared, ‘’Definitely the Bengals because they have Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr

Chase as the dynamic duo of the Bengals.


Brandon Willis, 8th grader, felt the Bengals don’t have much of a chance. ‘’No way the Bengals win because the Rams have better players than the Bengals,’’ he proclaimed.


7th grader Cayden Perleberg exclaimed, ‘’The Bengals have a 50/50 chance of winning because the teams are both very evenly matched in the skilled positions!’’


Caleb Robinson, 7th grader, exclaimed, “The Bengals are not going to win the Super Bowl because Joe Burrow doesn’t have what it takes to win a Super Bowl.’’


Mr. Gregg Sells stated, “Bengals gon’ bangle.”

Very wise words from Mr. Greg Sells.


It’s game time! The Bengals and Rams are going to the Super Bowl to face off in a battle of a life

time. It’s David V.S. Goliath, and this is the game Bengals’ fans have waited too long for, so WHO DEY!




Beloved Bengals advance to AFC Championship

Wildcats rep for a fan favorite

by Cheyenne Jenkins


WHO DEY!!! The Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs go head to head in the AFC Championship this Sunday. Here is what some of our Bengals fans think will happen.

Eighth grader Bailey Harrison stated, “I think they are going to win because they already beat the Chiefs once.”

On January 2, the Bengals beat the Chiefs 34-31.

Eighth grader Jocelyn Wilson commented, “I think they are going to be good because they know each other and how to work well with each other.”

Let's hope Joe Burrow doesn't get as many sacks this game.

“It is going to be a close game, but the Bengals have the tools to win,” explained 8th grader Mason Wewe.

“I think they are going to do well against the Chiefs. Joe is a pretty good quarterback,” 6th grader Jacob Schnitker shared. Joe Burrow has 34 passing touchdowns and 14 interceptions this season.

Social studies teacher Mr. Chad Gutzwiller stated, “Even though the Chiefs are favored, the Bengals seem to work well and communicate with each other while keeping a level head.”

“I think it will be a close game, so I hope the Bengals come out on top,” 8th grader Isaac Johnson declared.

We do too, Isaac. Let's go, Bengals!



Help us celebrate Miley, our therapy dog, on Miley Day, next Thursday afternoon in the FCMS Media Center! (Psst. Feb. 10th is her birthday. But don't tell her. It's a surprise. ;-)

To honor Miley, we're asking for donations to the FC Animal Shelter. Peanut butter, trash bags, toys, and treats are all helpful!

Any student with a donation of any kind will get to spend a few minutes with sweet Miley and take a selfie with her.

She'll match any kindness extended with her boundless energy and affection.

photos by Jordon King

Bengals fans have much to say about the upcoming playoff game and enjoy repping for their team on Fridays. Top left to right: Mrs. Amy Mitchum, Mrs. Stacey Nobbe, and Jacob Schnitker. Below: Mason Wewe, Bridget Harrison, and Mr. Chad Gutzwiller. Bottom row: Jocelyn Wilson, Bailey Harrison, Isaac Johnson, and Beth Kaiser.

Above: Libby Hoskins, Lydia Taylor (right), and Maelyn Thalheimer (far right) show their Bengal pride, the morning after the Bengals clinched the championship and are Super Bowl bound.

Fun at the FCMS gym

Wildcats of all ages enjoy the last basketball game of the season

photos by Tyler Bolser

Although the 8th grade blue team lost to Connersville in the final game of the season, student athletes, musicians, and parents alike enjoyed the competitive yet festive atmosphere in the FCMS gymnasium.