Throughout this school year the high school has added new clubs and activities, in the process of construction on the new gym facility, introduced more real world learning opportunities for students, and has had success in student athletic and activity programs. However, students have noticed a lack of school spirit/pride and increased behavior issues such as vaping and skipping class. Students are also concerned about the absence of discipline being put in place. 

Female wrestler Haley Ward is a four time State Champion, football made it to state, four members of speech and debate are NCFL qualifiers, softball broke records, women’s soccer went undefeated in the regular season, and men’s soccer had one of its best seasons in recent memory. But these students have received little attention by their peers in the building. Student sections used to be packed at sporting events, students made posters for their activities, and were overall more involved in the school even though there were less clubs and activities than there are now. 

Less students are also attending assemblies where we recognize student achievement and play games to get the school spirit up. With a population of about 1,500, an average of 500 to 600 students are skipping these assemblies by choice. While some students have complications of being there, a majority of students are choosing to not participate in these assemblies. 

Freshman Principal Joe Bedard believes increasing interest at the assemblies, increasing the number of clubs and activities and encouraging more student leadership help to increase school spirit and support for students around the school.

As a whole, we as a student body should take more interest and initiative in the school to help make it more positive and fun for everyone. Some solutions we have from the areas listed by Mr. Bedard is having more games during assemblies instead of talking the whole assembly. We believe this will spark more interest in students. Getting teachers involved might also spark interest as well. For example, teacher lip sync battles and teachers participating in games in the assemblies will also help the interest. Also possibly coming up with an incentive day for students who meet certain requirements like having less than five tardies, no more than one F,  85 percent attendance and minimal behavior issues throughout this semester. We believe this day could get students involved and encourage good behavior throughout the semester.   

According to the 2020-21 FOHS Teacher Manual it states, “Ultimately, the effectiveness of an exemplary school is determined on the basis of the conduct, character and achievement of its students. In such a school, students maintain a positive outlook about school and challenge themselves to become actively involved in school activities.” Students should be willing to take more initiative to achieve a positive, fun, and supportive atmosphere for our school. Teachers and administration are only able to do so much, so it is overall up to the students to get to this culture.