Message from the President
Message from the President
Embedded Files
As we step into a new year, I want to begin by extending my heartfelt thanks to our community for the incredible effort that made the Nutcracker on Ice a success. I invited friends to the evening performance this year and a first-time guest absolutely raved after the show about the modern music twist, the outstanding performances, and just how fun it was to experience. From months of planning and rehearsals to countless volunteer hours behind the scenes, the tradition showcased dedication, talent, and generosity of our skaters, coaches, families, and volunteers. Whether you helped with costumes, props, backstage supervision, fundraising, digital program, or simply lent an extra hand wherever needed—this show would not have been possible without you. Thank you for helping make Nutcracker on Ice such a magical experience.
January also brings exciting moments on the national stage, as the U.S. Figure Skating Championships head to St. Louis, Missouri. This premier event is always a source of inspiration for skaters of all ages and levels, and a reminder of the excellence, artistry, and athleticism that define our sport. Whether you’re attending in person or cheering from home, I encourage you to take in the performances and celebrate the achievements of our nation’s best.
Closer to home, we are pleased to offer an in-person test session on Saturday, January 25, and registration is now open. Test sessions are an important milestone in every skater’s journey, and we look forward to supporting our members as they continue to set goals and progress in the new year.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our club and to one another. I look forward to all that 2026 has in store for Memorial FSC of Houston and wish everyone a happy, healthy, and successful start to the year.
Warm regards,
Wendy Barnard
President, Memorial Figure Skating Club of Houston
👋 Meet the Board Spotlight:
👋 Meet the Board Spotlight:
April Sharr, Hospitality Chair
April Sharr, Hospitality Chair
April has 9+ years of experience leading volunteer Boards including her neighborhood HOA, The Women's Energy Network, and Pink Petro. She has worked in IT consulting, brand merchandising, business development and corporate strategy.
As the mother of Chloe G., a 3-year HITS member and 5+ years skater, April is passionate about skating. She also loves international travel, event planning, gluten-free baking, and family. Fun fact: April has dabbled in adult skating!
April is responsible for MFSCH event hospitality & support. She organizes refreshments and meals for test sessions, competitions, exhibitions, and club parties. She recruits team members and plans menus and supplies, taking into account dietary restrictions for skaters, coaches, officials, judges, referees, technical panels, and accountants within budget.
Please reach out to April to help with events! April.Sharr@aprilsharr.com
⛸️Testing
⛸️Testing
MFSCH In-person Test Session - January 25th
MFSCH In-person Test Session - January 25th
Mark your calendars as the date has changed! Our next in-person test session is January 25th 6 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Ice Skate Memorial City. Registration is open in EntryEeze. Please reach out to Triniti Brown with questions. Test@memorialfsch.org
Test credit with IJS Protocol through MFSCH from non-qualifying events
Test credit with IJS Protocol through MFSCH from non-qualifying events
USFS only accepts protocol submissions for test credit within 14 days of the event. Skaters must be registered for test credit through MFSCH, and all required paperwork must be submitted before that deadline.
The Test Chair will make every effort to process your request promptly. Skaters are strongly encouraged to notify the Test Chair at test@memorialfsch.org in advance of the event when you plan to request test credit using an IJS protocol.
Submit your request as soon as possible after the event and allow at least 72 hours for processing. Do not wait until the last day. If the information is not processed within the 14-day window, skaters will need to participate in another event and resubmit for test credit, as USFS strictly enforces this policy. Please see the testing info sheet on the Club website: Testing-IJS-Protocol
⛸️Did you see the Digital Program from the Nutcracker on Ice?
⛸️Did you see the Digital Program from the Nutcracker on Ice?
If you missed the QR codes around the rink, it's not too late. The Program can be downloaded from the Club website or accessed here: Google Drive - 2025 Digital Program
🏆Competition News
🏆Competition News
2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships Jan 2 - 11, St. Louis, MO
2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships Jan 2 - 11, St. Louis, MO
IMPORTANT LINKS
IMPORTANT LINKS
U.S. champions will be crowned in the women’s, men’s, pairs and ice dance disciplines at the championship and junior levels, as well as novice pairs and ice dance. The U.S. Championships also will serve as the final qualifying event prior to the selection of the U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team that will represent Team USA at the Olympic Winter Games Milano-Cortina 2026.
HOW TO WATCH
HOW TO WATCH
Television Schedule
All times Central; subject to change
Wednesday, Jan. 7 - 7 p.m. | USA
Thursday, Jan. 8 - 7 p.m. | USA
Friday, Jan. 9 - 7 p.m. | NBC
Saturday, Jan. 10 - 7 p.m. | NBC
Sunday, Jan. 11 (Making the Team: Presented by Xfinity) - 1 p.m. | NBC
Competition Streaming
All championship and junior-level events will be livestreamed on Peacock. Events can be accessed on Peacock for 72 hours following their conclusion.
Peacock Premium is your all-access pass to the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series, U.S. Figure Skating
Qualifying Season, ISU Championship events and more.
Novice events will be available on the U.S. Figure Skating YouTube channel.
Practice Streaming
Practices will be live streamed on Peacock.
Tuesday, Jan. 6
Women | 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Men | 1:15-3:30 p.m.
Ice Dance | 3:45-6 p.m.
Pairs | 7:15-9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 7
Ice Dance | 8-10 a.m.
Men | 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 8
Pairs | 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Women | 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Friday, Jan. 9
Ice Dance | 7:30-8:55 a.m.
Men | 9:25-11:25 a.m.
2026 Memorial Trophy - May 8-10, 2026
2026 Memorial Trophy - May 8-10, 2026
We are part of the Excel Series this year! Mark your calendar for the event. Participants in the Excel Series must compete in at least two (2) approved Excel Series Competitions for scores to count toward the Series Standings. Memorial Trophy can be one of them!
🚨 We need a Competition Chair or Co-Chair! Are you interested in learning about what goes into planning and execution? Please reach out to MemorialFSCH@gmail.com or talk to a Board Member!
👏 Notes of Appreciation - Thank you!
👏 Notes of Appreciation - Thank you!
Thank you to Annabelle Helin and Shanyn Vallon for managing music and announcing at the Holiday Exhibitions!
Thank you Courtney Nicholas and April Sharr for exhibition bundt cakes!
📰 Community Connection
📰 Community Connection
We are approaching the anniversary of the tragedy of flight 5342. We pause to remember the 67 lives lost and the 28 skaters, parents and coaches our community lost on January 29, 2025.
📷 In Case You Missed It - Recent Communications on Social Media
📷 In Case You Missed It - Recent Communications on Social Media
👕Looking for Spirit Wear?
👕Looking for Spirit Wear?
Shop Memorial FSC of Houston branded merchandise at our website. Personaliteez is the vendor included under Membership and Club.
ℹ️ Volunteer at the Club Info Table!
ℹ️ Volunteer at the Club Info Table!
Love figure skating? Want to meet your fellow skaters? We host an Info Table to tell others about MFSCH. All ages are welcome to volunteer at the table (volunteers under 14 need a parent/guardian present).
📅 Thursdays: 4:30–6:30 PM
📅 Saturdays: 11:30 AM–1:30 PM
Contact: Courtney Nicholas (Board member)
The info table benefits:
✅ You meet fellow skaters
✅ You learn more about the club when people ask questions!
✅ You help make our community fun & welcoming
ℹ️ Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
ℹ️ Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
Q: When did U.S. Figure Skating stop using the name U.S. Figure Skating Association (USFSA)?
A: U.S. Figure Skating stopped using the name U.S. Figure Skating Association (USFSA) and formally rebranded to U.S. Figure Skating in 2008. U.S. Figure Skating is the official and public-facing name (since 2008). USFSA will still be seen in historical documents, old test records, and longtime club references.
Why the change?
Why the change?
To modernize the brand and make it more accessible to the public
To emphasize skating as a sport and experience, not just an association
To align more closely with marketing, media, and athlete-focused outreach
Q: Qualifying vs. Nonqualifying (NQ) Competitions — What’s the Difference?
A: In U.S. Figure Skating, competitions are designated as either Qualifying (Qual) or Nonqualifying (NQ) based on whether they are part of the official championship advancement pathway. Both types of competitions play an important role in supporting skaters at every age, level, and goal.
Qualifying competitions—such as National Qualifying Series (NQS) events—count toward advancement to Sectionals and ultimately the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
Nonqualifying (NQ) competitions do not advance skaters toward championships; instead, they provide valuable opportunities for development, experience, and fun, and include Excel, Adult, Showcase, and Compete USA events. Some competitions are part of a series that lead to a national final, such as Excel and solo dance, but they are independent of the qualifying structure and don’t lead to any qualifying competitions.
📸 Showcase your skater!
📸 Showcase your skater!
Got great skating pics or videos? Share them with us and you might see them on our club Instagram or Facebook! We love it all—fun on-ice clips, learning a new skill, practicing a program, milestone moments, and more!
Send as many as you like! We do our best to recognize everyone equally, but not all submissions are guaranteed to be posted.
Questions? Contact Catherine Ridley at socials.mfsch@gmail.com.
Upcoming Events & Important Dates
Upcoming Events & Important Dates
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