Fox Creek in the News

January 30, 2010 4:00pm

Fox Creek in The News

FCHS Hall of Fame

Lunch Menu

Teacher of the Year

Registration Information

Bell Schedules

Board of Directors

2012-2013 Academic Calendar

School Events Calendar

Computer Lab Calendar

Conference Room Calendar

Announcements/Upcoming Events

2013-2014 Academic Calendar

SAT Question of the Day

Honor Roll

Music Department

Annual Child Find Notice

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Information

Fox Creek in the News!

Fox Creek’s Silver Fox Academy Goes Chrome

Fox Creek High School’s Silver Fox Academy is a special program for gifted and talented students that allows them the option of taking multiple college courses on Fox Creek’s campus free of charge during their Junior and Senior years of high school. The program is in its second year and has grown by leaps and bounds. Incoming Freshmen of the Silver Fox Academy in August 2013 will have even more of an opportunity for academic success. Starting next year, all Silver Fox Freshmen will receive a Google Chromebook laptop free of charge. Each student will be required to take Google Apps implemented in the Fall of 2012, where students learn how to use these Google Chromebooks. Students will learn to use these new Chromebooks in their first semester of high school and have them to use over the next four years. Successful graduates of the Silver Fox Academy will then be given their Chromebooks to use in their post-secondary education opportunities.

Freshmen students Chandler Dunn, Constance Mays, Olivia Floyd, and Victoria Mock were recently part of a focus group created by Fox Creek Principal, Dr. Timothy Murph, to survey student receptiveness to this new program. Murph explained, “The students were ecstatic. Most of them were already very familiar with Chromebooks. I was most impressed by the logistical questions and academic inquiries that the students brought to me.” Chandler Dunn stated, “I’m excited about the option of Freshmen participants not having to carry textbooks next year as all of their textbooks will be on the Chromebook.” Classmate Constance Mays agreed stating, “I’m interested in the collaborative projects that we will be able to work on together in groups in real time. This will help us become much more efficient when trying to meet deadlines.”

The program has been on the mind of Fox Creek’s principal for several years. “This is something that we’ve discussed for some time. Our team of Mr. Bramhall, Mr. Trahan, Mr. Gibson and I have worked diligently this year to turn this dream for our students into a reality.” Fox Creek’s Director of Information Technology, Travis Gibson, believes, “Google Apps is the wave of the future for collaborative student learning. I am proud to work in an educational environment with an administration that supports and promotes technology in the classroom to the unsurpassed extent that Fox Creek does.”

Students are excited about this new technology as well. Freshman Olivia Floyd mentioned the usability of the Chromebook. “I think the size and weight of these Chromebooks is ideal for student use. They are easy to carry in our book bags and are lightweight. I think that the ability to work on projects across the curriculum will benefit both teachers and students.” Classmate Victoria Mock thinks that the Chromebook will be the next step for improving academic achievement at Fox Creek. “Though most of us have Wi-Fi at home, I think that its great that these Chromebooks sync automatically once we return to school, even if we don’t have Wi-Fi at home.”

Chromebooks will be issued to all Silver Fox Academy enrollees on July 31^st between 8:00am and 7:00pm at Fox Creek’s freshmen registration. Though Chromebooks will only be issued to incoming Freshmen, Dr. Murph hopes that within three years all Silver Fox students will have access to this important educational tool.

Mr. Champion and the Science Department would like to congratulate Elijah Moton for winning second prize at the 3rd Annual SC State Science Fair held last Friday, March 8, 2013, in Columbia, South Carolina. Elijah also won the Participants Award which is an award selected by over 80 of Elijah's fellow scientists at the Science Fair. Honorable mention also goes to Breanna Drew, Parker Allen, Sarah Chafin, and Houston Lewis of Fox Creek. Go Creek!

Congratulations to the Teacher of the Year, Professional of the Year, and student and volunteer of the year for 2013. Mr. Warnken, very deservedly, was honored for the second time as the FCHS Teacher of the Year. Ms. Sanders was honored as the FCHS Professional of the Year. Mrs. Joy Bryant and her daughter Haley Bryant were honored as our volunteer and student of the year. Each of these individuals have represented our school with the highest level of professionalism and it was obviously recognized by all of our staff.

FOX CREEK Collects Jeans for Teens!

The Predator Chapter of the National Honor Society and the National Beta Club got together in February to be a part of the Aerospostale sponsored program “Teens for Jeans.” As part of the program, our students collected over 60 pairs of clean, fashionable blue jeans. The students who are pictured are Jarius Byrd, Lara Campbell, Hannah Culpeper, Rachel Davis, and Sabrina Shutters. Thank you to all of the students who contributed to this worthy cause!

CONGRATS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR BEING FOR BEING SELECTED INTO THE SPANISH NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY:

Savannah Gosett
Mariela Muñiz
Eden Weidman
Morgan Bookstaver
Caroline Yano
Rachel Simmons
Lauren Plecha
Kali Wiggins
Mary Louis Pawlowski
Patsy Kilgore
M.K. Jenkins
Austin Turner
Temple Weidman
Erin Holley
Summer Engleberg
Chassidy Lusby
Devanté Curry
Morgan Williams
Holly Timblin
Kathryne Hollifield
Allison Lemmon
Haley Bryant

Ms. Gonzalez's 2012-2013 Science Fair Awards

9^th- 10^th graders

Name	Title	Category	Award
Catherine Powell	Don’t judge a pigment	Biology	1^st
Taylor Temple/Corey Walker	Effect of different liquids..	Biology	2^nd
Britton Campbell	Which dish soap..	Biology	3^rd
Katie Pfenning/Byan Hurt	Is smiling contagious	Biology	Honorable mention

Chandler Dunn	Lights, action, pickle	Physics	1^st
Ian Stocum	Bullseye	Physics	2^nd
Jarius Byrd	How far will a balloon..	Physics	Honorable mention


Graham Adams	How does salt affect..	Chem	1^st
Breanna Drew	Cleaning Pennies	Chem	2^nd
Lauren Plecha	Pain reliever	Chem	3^rd
Bryanna Johnson	Brands and slogans	Chem	Honorable mention
Makayla Kovalenske/Jordan Barrett	The effect of carbonation…	Chem	Honorable mention
Maggie Davis	Surface tentsion	tension	Hon.Mention

Mr. Champion's 7^th Annual Fox Creek Science Fair Winners

Feb 2013

Biology

#6 Elijah Moton 1^st Place

#26 Kelsey Kohler 2^nd Place

#5 Savannah Gossett 3^rd Place

Chemistry

#16 Brittany Cross 1^st Place

#9 Nick Hughey and Cheyenne Lord 2^nd Place

#10 Chassidy Lusby 3^rd Place

Physics

#21 Houston Lewis, Sarah Chafin, Parker Allen 1^st Place

#22 Erin Harrison and Hannah Culpepper 2^nd Place

#23 Marques Sumner and Terrance Hillary 3^rd Place

#18 Cody Bishop and Forrest Whitfield Honorable Mention

Congratulations to Savannah Gossett for winning the annual Optimist Club Essay Contest - that makes 5 years in a row that a Fox Creek student has won this contest to go onto the district contest! This year's topic was "How I can Help My Friends Realize Their Value."
Kelsey Kohler won third place.

Congratulations to the following students for being selected to participate in the University of South Carolina Band Clinic. This is an honor to be selected among thousands of student musicians around the southeast:

Morgan Bookstaver, Flute
Erin Harrison, Trumpet
Alex Cain, French Horn

Congratulations to Ms. Ewing, Mr. Martinez, and Mrs. Lepard for a great North Augusta Christmas Parade! This year was our greatest showing. The floats were among the best in the parade, our kids gave out the most candy ever, and our band looked and sounded the best in school history. I also appreciate everyone else "behind the scenes" that worked so hard to make this such a great showing for Fox Creek. Mr. Warnken as the mascot, Mr. Trahan as the driver, Mrs. Mayson for securing the vehicle, Mrs. Smiley for printing the advertisements, etc. etc. etc. Fox Creek came together to put on a great show! Thank you all for your hard work!!! Check out this clip from WRDW.

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Every October, Fox Creek High School is awash in pink—pink bracelets, pink t-shirts, even pink hair. This is not the result of some sort of bizarre fashion trend. Rather, it is in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year, the senior girls, under the guidance of Mrs. Smith (head of the Senior Advisory), are raising funds to go towards breast cancer research. They are selling t-shirts, cupcakes, bracelets, key chains, sunglasses, and just about anything else that can be painted pink. Their goal is $2,500. On October 19, the students paid to miss three classes and walk for a cure. As always, the walk was a huge success and fun was had by all. October 26th was the school-wide Pink Out Day, during which students were encouraged to wear pink to show their support. Students who did received a piece of candy.
On October 31st, there was an assembly for all female students to increase breast cancer awareness. The theme this year was “Tackle Breast Cancer”, and the senior girls made a football huddle and threw out pink footballs to get the assembly started! The cheerleaders cheered, the girls sang and they danced. A very special breast cancer survivor spoke – our very own former guidance counselor – Mrs. Michelle Burns. We were also taught how to do self breast exams by a representative from Trinity Hospital – Ms. Jenny Scott. The traditional walk around the campus and releasing of the balloons finished the assembly. Afterwards, there were delicious, pink refreshments provided by the senior girls. This month of October was filled with pink and “green” was the result! Congratulations Senior Girls and Fox Creek High School for another successful campaign for breast cancer awareness!

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CONGRATULATIONS TO TREY MOCK & BRITTANY HURT

2012 FCHS HOMECOMING KING & QUEEN

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Fox Creek High School "chalked the walks" for breast cancer and homecoming this past Friday, October 5, 2012. Over 120 students participated in teams of two to create art on our sidewalks using chalk. The themes ranged from breast cancer pink ribbons to Cocky the Gamecock to "Welcome to the Zoo." There were sports figures like Sammy Watkins from Clemson and Chipper Jones of the Braves. We had beach scenes and just plain old graffiti. Whatever the theme, fun was had by all creating the colorful vistas.

Since it was ultimately a competition, the students voted for their favorite art. The winning sidewalks are attached. The 3rd place team with a mosaic background and a large pink ribbon was Heather Bowden and Kennedy Tesch. There was a tie for 2nd place between "Cocky" the Gamecock mascot and a work entitled "Sublime" of a smiling sun. The artists were Rachel Simmons and Kaley Turner, who drew "Cocky", and Alivia Bryan and Brittany Stevens who drew "Sublime." The 1st place team, who received a cash prize of $25, was Kaylyn Drew and Kyle Lanham. Kaylyn drew the awesome tiger in the shrubs whose tail was in the shape of a pink ribbon and Kyle supplied the elbow work of coloring with chalk. It won unanimously!!

FOX CREEK HIGH SCHOOL'S PRINCIPAL TALKS ABOUT BRAZIL TRIP

Fox Creek 400 is a Success!

When I arrived at Fox Creek High School in June of 2006, I discovered a school of hard working parents and community leaders trying to build a school to provide a quality education for their children. During a community interview, a group of parents asked me what size school would provide the optimal education for young people. I explained that this was a complex question, as large schools have financial advantages and can offer a broader array of extracurricular and academic programs. On the other hand, smaller schools are able to provide more individualized attention to their students and can more easily maintain a common vision for success. I replied that I felt that approximately 600 students would give Fox Creek the resources it needs to be a comprehensive high school, but maintain its focus on the individual student. Fox Creek High School set out to increase student enrollment to approximately 400 students for the 2012-2013 school year. I am proud to announce that on our first day of school, we accomplished that goal. Due in large part to our unprecedented success, our communities’ parents have chosen Fox Creek as their school of choice. Today, our enrollment has attracted over 430 students. The new freshmen class is composed of the best and brightest students from Aiken and Edgefield Counties. Our school has continued to improve each year and this year’s Class of 2013 is among our strongest ever.

This success is also due in large part to our school’s continual drive for excellence. This drive for excellence permeates our school culture. From the pioneering parents that started our school to the awarding winning faculty that now grace our hallways; everyone at Fox Creek continues to give their all. I often tell our constituents that we are not running a high school, we are building one. This construction is multifaceted. It is not just a building, but an award winning staff consisting of 8 WJBF Golden Apple Award winners and 2 WRDW Time to Care award winners. Our academic programs have expanded to include a vast array of 4 year college courses being taught on our campus during normal school hours free of charge to our students. These 3 credit hour Piedmont Technical College classes include English 101, English 102, Algebra 110, Trigonometry 111, Western Civilization to1689 101, and Western Civilization 1689-Present 102. This past May, I was blessed to be able to attract Williston-Elko High School’s 2012 Teacher of the Year to come to our school. As a result, we are now offering college Biology 101 and Biology 102. We already have in place a plan to expand our college course offerings next school year with the additions of American Literature 201, English Literature 205, Analytical Geometry/Calculus 140, Probability & Statistics 120, American History to 1877 201, and American History 1877-Present 202. All of these classes will transfer to any South Carolina public four year university. That will bring our college course offerings while at Fox Creek High School to 45 hours of college credit.

In addition, we have partnered with Aiken Technical College to offer certification programs in Welding, HVAC, and Health Sciences. Students will attend Fox Creek in the mornings and Aiken Technical College in the afternoons. This programs leads to certification in these fields upon graduation from Fox Creek. If these students choose to continue their studies at Aiken Technical College after high school, they will only need one year of college to attain an associates degree in these fields.

I am often asked by the media to explain my educational philosophy. Early in my career I felt that I had to share the latest educational catch phrase. I now understand that there is no magic program to make a school successful. The key to success is hiring the best teachers and support staff, putting them in classrooms with extremely small student to teacher ratios, supplying them with whatever materials they request, and giving them the freedom from supervision to teach our state standards in the manner they feel is best. I am proud that our Fox Creek High School Board of Directors shares this educational philosophy and has allocated our school’s resources to ensure that once again this year we have a remarkably low student to teacher ratio of nearly 18:1. I feel that this is the primary reason for our unprecedented success. I am also proud of our staff. I can say without reservation that Fox Creek High School has the finest employees of any school I have ever been associated with. I am also pleased that our teacher turnover rate is minuscule. All eight teachers of the year we have had in our Fox Creek history still all work at Fox Creek. Our administrative team has worked together for six years now. This is likely the longest tenured administrative team in the tri-county area. This long lasting relationship has allowed our team to excel collaboratively. We have been fortunate to add many new educators that bring with them a wealth of experience. These include Dianne Smiley and Pam Meier, who together have 45 years of experience with Aiken County School District, one of the finest school district’s in our state.

I strongly believe that the Merriwether Community will see the next great economic growth in our area. The North Augusta community is growing and is heading toward Merriwether. Fox Creek High School now provides these new residents a local option for a quality public education. I feel that Fox Creek High School has been and will continue to be instrumental in the growth of the Merriwether Community. New residential communities are sprouting up regularly in Merriwether. Now that North Augusta and Midland Valley residents can attend Fox Creek, a bridging of these communities will continue to take place. We are fortunate to live and work in such a wonderful area. I have lived in many parts of our state, but the North Augusta and Merriwether communities are by far the best communities in our state. We have a lot to be thankful for. We have good schools, good churches, and good neighbors. I am proud of the progress that Fox Creek has made and the impact that it has had on so many lives. I commend the many parents and Board members that have worked countless hours over the past 9 years to build Fox Creek into the success that it has become. Let’s continue to come together and work hard for our communities, for together we are Fox Creek.

Dr. Timothy L. Murph

Principal

Fox Creek Teacher of the Year Announced
The North Augusta Optimist Club recently sponsored its 8thAnnual Teacher of the Year Banquet for Fox Creek High School. The Optimist Club presented Fox Creek’s Teacher of the Year and Education Support Professional of the Year with an award and treated all of the school’s faculty, staff and spouses to a wonderful meal. John Nichol, Secretary/Treasurer of the Club explained to the staff that the motto of Optimists is “Friend of Youth” and that he was proud to have the opportunity to work with Fox Creek on so many projects. These include the Optimist Club judging the school’s science fair, sponsoring an essay contest for both Fox Creek and North Augusta High School, presenting college scholarships to both Fox Creek and North Augusta High School students, and sponsoring an annual Teacher of the Year Banquet. Principal, Dr. Tim Murph, presented the 2012-2013 Education Support Professional of the Year award to Mrs. Terri Mayson, Fox Creek’s Director of Finance. Dr. Murph explained to the audience that Mrs. Mayson conducts all financial transactions in the amount of nearly two million dollars. She also makes sure that all payroll is correct and timely, taxes are paid, and personnel paperwork is correct. Murph explained that these are huge responsibilities and that Mrs. Mayson has excelled in her position. Fox Creek’s 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Cindy Smith, announced Ms. Meredith Harris as the 2012-2013 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Smith presented Ms. Harris with the coveted Red Jacket. Fox Creek presents its Teacher of the Year each year with a red sport coat with the school’s academic seal and Teacher of the Year embroidered on the left breast. The Red Jacket is obviously inspired by other local traditions of acknowledging excellence. Each year the teachers of the year wear their jackets to the Teacher of the Year Banquet. Ms. Harris is an English teacher at the school and has worked at Fox Creek for three years. Ms. Harris is also the school yearbook advisor and school news coordinator. She is a graduate of Anderson College. Fox Creek Principal, Dr. Tim Murph explained, “We are proud to have 8 Teacher’s of the Year in our school’s eight year history. All of these teachers still work at our school. To be nominated Teacher of the Year at Fox Creek given the level of talent we have here is quite an honor. Ms. Harris is the perfect recipient to earn this honor. I congratulate both Ms. Harris and Mrs. Mayson on a job well done.” Ms. Harris will represent Fox Creek as its nominee for District Teacher of the Year for the South Carolina Public Charter School District.

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Chayanne Stevens (left) and MK Jenkins (right) are the second and first place winners--respectively-- in the Nancy Carson Poetry Competition held this month. Both girls read their poetry before a live audience on April 19 in the library. Chayanne's win was her first and she said she is so excited to have such a positive story for her family. MK is a two-year first place winner for this competition, yet she remains humble. Congratulations to both girls whose exemplary writing skills and style have been recognized.

Side Walk Art Winners

1st place.jpg

1st place - Daniel Franks

2nd place.jpg

2nd place - Marty Williams & Victoria Raymond

3rd place.jpg

3rd place - Taylor Cooper & Jerrica Tyler

Please congratulate (and announce) that two of our band students, Sam Alexander and Alex Cain, were both selected to participate in the Conservatory Wind Symphony at Augusta State University. After more than six months of practices, the concert was held on Monday, March 26th, in the Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theater on the ASU campus.

The symphony was directed by Richard Brasco, and he led this symphony of over 50 students from local CSRA high schools. Brasco commented several times that the level of difficulty of the music played was higher than what most college students play, so Sam and Alex were challenged with level 6 music. They represented FCHS wonderfully, and we should be proud of their accomplishment. The symphony was awesome! I especially loved the number entitled "VOODOO."

The second announcement is to congratulate the students who participated in the ASU Math Competition on Friday, March 2. FCHS had two teams of 8 and 2 alternates. The average score on the written exam for the entire competition was a 7, and 6 of our 10 competitors scored a 7 or higher. Our highest score was from Forrest Whitfield, so be sure to congratulate his efforts when you see him. The teams consisted of: Blase Mancine, Patsy Kilgore, Andrew Buist, MK Jenkins, Justin Anderson, Haley Bryant, Forrest Whitfield, Stefanie Bloedel, Lainie Hollifield, and Caroline Yano (a freshman who scored a 6!)

These scores seem low, but this is not a regular math test. The questions are hard and take time to answer. The students had to think "outside the box" on several of the problems. FCHS was represented well, and as the sponsor, I am truly PROUD of the hard work these students did. GO MATH TEAM! :)

Attached are some pictures of our teams competing. Look at them calculate!!

The North Augusta and Aiken Rotary Club’s recently hosted several Rotarian’s from Brazil. During their visit to the area they had to chance to tour Fox Creek High School. Fox Creek has a student led Interact Club sponsored by the North Augusta Rotary Club. Each year Fox Creek’s Interact Club and North Augusta’s Rotary Clubs partner in a number of civic events. Fox Creek Principal, Dr. Tim Murph led the group of visitors through various classrooms and labs and assisted the Brazilian guests as they interacted with teachers and students. Dr. Murph explained the American education system and received feedback from his guests on the Brazilian educational system. Dr. Murph explained that he will be traveling to Brazil in the summer of 2012 as part of a U.S. Department of State principal exchange program. Murph commented, “I commend Mr. Rickabaugh and Mr. Stack for including our American schools as part of their tour of our area. I feel if was very informative to his Brazilian colleagues as well as a terrific educational opportunity for our students. I appreciate very much the continued support of the North Augusta and Aiken Rotary Clubs in our public schools. Their motto of ‘Service above self’ continues to be proven with their support of scholarships for our students.” Each year the North Augusta Rotary Club sponsors 1-2 college scholarships for Fox Creek Seniors.

Photo in Front of Blue Interact Club Banner
Left to Right Front Row Females
Wanena Baum dos Santos; Celina Brod; Roseli Wegner; Lindy Tickerhoof, Fox Creek Math Teacher and Interact Club Sponsor
Left to Right Back Row Males
Dan Rickabaugh, President Elect of North Augusta Rotary Club; Luciano Abel; Robert Stack, Aiken Rotary Club; Alexandre Menna; Dr. Tim Murph, Principal of Fox Creek High School

In a recent Senior Class Assembly, Fox Creek High School Principal Dr. Tim Murph announced Jeremy Weeks as the Valedictorian and Virginia Simmons as the Salutatorian of the Class of 2012. Dr. Murph explained, “These two students exemplify academic excellence. Both have nearly a perfect academic record. The Class of 2012 is very gifted and to be valedictorian or salutatorian is quite an accomplishment.”

Left to Right
Dr. Tim Murph, Principal
Jeremy Weeks, Valedictorian
Virginia Simmons, Salutatorian
Nancy Cowart, Senior Class Advisor
Josh Trahan, Assistant Principal

Fox Creek opens up admissions to students in surrounding counties
News 12 This Morning at 6 o'clock// Tuesday, February 14th, 2011

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. --- Beginning next school year Fox Creek high school will join the South Carolina Public Charter Schools and open up their admissions to students across the Palmetto state. The move gives parents in the state of South Carolina more school choice for their children

The majority of students at Fox Creek high school are dropped off by a parents to attend one of the area's few charter schools. Starting next fall, students who are zoned for other schools in South Carolina can choose to come here.

"For the past 8 years we've had to turn away a large number of Aiken county students who wanted to come here," said Dr. Tim Murph, principal of Fox Creek High School.

Last year Dr. Murph waived the fee for out of county students who wanted to attend his high school.

"The problem though, currently 20% of the population can be from out of the county," Dr. Murph explained.

That 20% has been maxed out. "Just having another option for their education is very important for me," said Ian Bramhall, a parents concerned about his daughters' future education.

That's why Dr. Murph transferred the school to the South Carolina Public Charter School District, with no attendance lines, the move gives Fox Creek the ability to enroll students from surrounding counties.

"Having Fox Creek open to Aiken county will make both North Augusta and Fox Creek better because it increases competition," Bramhall added.

Dr. Murph said, "With this new charter, all of our funds will come from the state level."

Which is an added benefit for nearby school districts like Aiken and Edgefield who get to keep their local funds even when parents decide they want their children to move to schools.

"Under our new contract all of the money will come from the state so Edgefield county will keep $3301," Dr Murph explained.

That's more than $3,000 for every student, and with more than 300 students from the Edgfield district attending Fox Creek that amounts to $900,000 the Edgefield county school district gets to keep. Murph said, "They are getting money for students they are not educating. We are taking on the responsibility of educating those kids."

With a construction plan in hand, now more than ever Fox Creek is hoping to expand with the hope more students from different geographical areas will attend.

South Carolina parent who are interested in send your children to Fox Creek high school you can start registering online through this link http://www.foxcreekhighschool.org/CM/V23/Default.aspx?PageId=71

Students will be able to start classes in the fall of 2012.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

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Miss Freshman - Paige Fowler

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Miss Sophomore - Kristen Chamberlain

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Miss Junior - Brittany Hurt

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Miss Senior - Shelby Simmons
Most Photogenic - Shelby Simmons

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Miss Congeniality - Gracelyn Byrd
Miss FCHS 2012 - Gracelyn Byrd

South Carolina House Representatives Bill Hixon and Bill Clyburn recently visited Fox Creek High School as part of their efforts to continue to improve public education for all students in South Carolina. During the visit the Representatives visited classrooms and spoke with teachers and students. Both representatives vowed to continue to work diligently to improve public education. Principal Dr. Tim Murph explained, “It is refreshing to know that these influential members of our General Assembly are fighting for our schools. I appreciate that they came to Fox Creek to ask the questions that need to be asked from the people on the front lines of education. I commend them for their efforts.”

Photos
Left to Right
Bill Hixon, House Representative for District 83
Dr. Tim Murph, Principal of Fox Creek High School
Bill Clyburn, House Representative for District 82

The North Augusta Optimist Club recently held its annual awards banquet to honor the winners of its annual essay contest. The topic of this year’s 700 word essay was “How My Positive Outlook Benefits My Community”. The winner, Brittany Cross of Fox Creek High School, will compete for a $2,500 scholarship at the state level. Recognition and awards were given to the winners. Fox Creek Principal, Dr. Tim Murph explained, “We are truly blessed to have the North Augusta Optimist Club in our community. They live up to their motto of ‘Friend of Youth’ each year by continuing to support our local students. I commend Stacy Timmerman and all of the members of the North Augusta Optimist Club for their time and efforts for this very important opportunity for our students.” Pictured above from left to right are Optimist Club Essay Chairman Stacey Timmerman, first place winner Brittany Cross of Fox Creek High School, second place winner Mary-Louise Pawlowski of Fox Creek High School, and third place winner Ramsey Whitley of North Augusta High School.

Fox Creek High School recently hosted the U.S. Army Program Executive Office Soldier Semi. The Semi is a mobile interactive exhibit. Throughout the day, students were able to enter into the display and learn more about the history, technology, and career opportunities provided by the U.S. Army. Students received hands-on experiences with many different forms of warfare technology including night-vision sensors and lasers, body armor, laser shot, and simulating the new XM-25 weaponry. The program was coordinated through Staff Sergeant Wade and Staff Sergeant Cooley of the US Army Recruiting Station in North Augusta. Ian Bramhall, Guidance Counselor at Fox Creek, said “This was a great experience for our students and our school. It allowed them to explore a small bit of what our brave soldiers experience on a day-to-day basis. It also allowed them to investigate career opportunities offered by the U.S. Army. We are honored that they came to Fox Creek High School and look forward to our next opportunity to work with the Army.”

Christina Fowler 11th grade student

Brittany Hurt 11th grade student

The Art 2 & 3 classes have completed the Baseball dugout mural. Miss. Woodruff and the students in Art 2 & 3 worked on the mural, featuring the Predator's baseball logo alongside the school name, during the months of November and December. Students painted the mural on the backside of the home team's dugout, so that when spectators drive up to the games on the back fields they are greeted by the image. The mural shows a baseball breaking through the dugout wall, bearing the Predator's "P" on it's leather. Visitors can see the names of the students that participated with the mural project alongside the image.
Particpants included:
Dane Adams, Kyle Attaway, Walt Bagshaw, Cody Brown, Ashlyn Carpenter, Danielle Davis, Kaylyn Drew, Abbie Ergle, Caroline Foss, Amber Hair, Daniel Hickson, Savannah Jones, Justin Jury, Nolan Koon, Justin Lanham, Anna Logan, Morgan Manly, Dominique Moore, Justin Moulton, Mariela Muniz, Josh Noble, Shayne Owens, Zach Owens, Summer Payne, Christine Pierce, Bryce Rutland, Trisha Shea, Roland Sullivan, and Josh Wearn

Paul Greenway, History Teacher and Assistant Football Coach at Fox Creek High School, recently won the school’s annual faculty Chili Cook-off. The school has had this contest for the past four years and Coach Greenway is the school’s first two-time winner. Coach Greenway stated, “It is always a blessing to fellowship with my colleagues and this contest gives us the opportunity to come together and spend quality time with one another outside of the classroom.” Past winners of the contest include Josh Trahan and Mindy Jeffers.

Paul Greenway holding the contest’s perpetual plaque. Each year the winner’s name is added.

Fox Creek High School’s Morgan Bookstaver recently found out that she had scored perfect on her PASS test last spring. PASS is the Palmetto Assessment of State Standards test that all South Carolina students take each year between grades 3-8. Fox Creek Principal Dr. Tim Murph explained, “This is one of the most impressive displays of academic excellence that I have seen in a long time. Morgan is a great student, but to show mastery of every South Carolina state standard is almost unheard of. She is truly one of a kind and we are blessed to have students like her at Fox Creek.”

Left to Right
Dr. Tim Murph, Principal of Fox Creek High School
Morgan Bookstaver, Freshman Student
Josh Trahan, Assistant Principal of Fox Creek High School

DR. TIMOTHY L. MURPH OF FOX CREEK HIGH SCHOOL
AWARDED DEPARTMENT OF STATE FELLOWSHIP

Brazilian Principals to visit FCHS

Tentative Agenda

Photo Left to Right: Wesley Brown, Head Baseball Coach, Bill Bishop, American Legion Post 71, Dr. Tim Murph, Principal. Russ Schneider, Athletic Director

Fox Creek High School was proud to receive a new 5'*8' American flag presented by Bill Bishop of the North Augusta American Legion Post 71. The flag was especially meaningful to the school as it was presented on Friday, September 9th as Fox Creek was remembering the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. The flag will be flown over Fox Creek's new baseball facility. Principal Tim Murph explained, "This event was quite touching for me. To have an American veteran present our school with a flag to be flown during America's great pastime (baseball) on the school's observance of 9/11 was an incredible feeling." The American Legion contributes to North Augusta's many schools through sponsoring Palmetto Boys and Palmetto Girls State, as well as activities such as flag presentations. Murph further commented, "Fox Creek appreciates our veterans and our North Augusta Post 71 for all that they
continue to do for our school and our communities."

Fox Creek High School opens its 8th year of school having won its second Palmetto Gold School Award from the South Carolina Department of Education. Fox Creek is the only high school in the CSRA to be ranked "Excellent" in academics two of the last three years on its school report card. Dr. Murph explained, "It is a privilege to work with such a fine group of teachers. There tireless efforts each day and the support of our parents are the secret to our unprecedented success. I feel blessed to be able to share in the joy of our teachers and students' success." To find more information on this award, please log on to http://ed.sc.gov/agency/ac/Data-Management-and-Analysis/SchoolReportCardsByYear.html

Photo Left to Right in front of the Palmetto Gold School Awards

Dr. Timothy L. Murph, Principal

Josh Trahan, Assistant Principal

2011 Awards Ceremony
6:00 pm – May 19th Sweetwater Baptist Church
Sanctuary

Photo:Mr. Josh Trahan, Assistant Principal, Chris Bass, Senior, Mrs. Nancy Cowart, Senior Advisor

Honor Graduates

Robert Herring Stetson Turner  April Baker
Jessica Horton  Alisha Simpson Amanda Jones
Jonathan LaLonde Kelsi Henderson Amber Baker
Claire Parks  Haley Gobat  Carlene Barron
Ansley Chamberlain Brianna Lovett Owen Jacobs
Jessica Robinson Christopher Bass Shelby Smith

Junior Marshalls
Jeremy Weeks Virginia Simmons
Kristen Anderson Samuel Alexander
Micaela Bell Shelby Simmons

National Honor Society

Sam Alexander Kristen Anderson Micaela Bell  Chandricka Bussey
Kayla Clem  Casey Fulmer  Max Hall  Brianna Ryan
Shelby Simmons Virginia Simmons Amanda Trobough Jeremy Weeks
Amber Baker  April Baker  Carlene Barron Christopher Bass
Ansley Chamberlain Haley Gobat  Kelsi Henderson Robert Herring
Jessica Horton  Owen Jacobs  Amanda Jones  Brianna Lovett
Claire Parks  Alisha Simpson Shelby Smith  Stetson Turner

Beta Club

Kaylee Bryant  Brittany Cross  Roby Gillespie Dominique Riley
Forrest Whitfield Justin Anderson Lindsey Barron Cody Brown
Haley Bryant   Alexander Cain Abbie Ergle   Cody Erwin
Christina Fowler Corrie Hall  Samantha Hodges Katheryne Hollifield
Brittany Hurt  Mary Kate Jenkins Patsy Kilgore  Brent Lacey
Allison Lemmon Cortlyn Maner  Cody Miller  Mary Louis Pawlowski
Summer Payne Morgan Pierce  Austin Poston  Raymond Swearingen
Austin Turner  Sam Alexander Matthew Beeler Micaela Bell
Chandricka Bussey Brianna Carpenter Kayla Clem  Casey Fulmer
Max Hall  Amberlyn Harper Edward Howard Brianna Ryan
Shelby Simmons Virginia Simmons Lindsey Smith  Amanda Trobough
Joshua Wearn  Jeremy Weeks  Courtney Anderson Kristen Anderson
Amber Baker  April Baker  Carlene Barron Christopher Bass
Paul Blevins  Sam Boyd  Ansley Chamberlain Haley Gobat
Kelsi Henderson Robert Herring Jessica Horton  Owen Jacobs
Amanda Jones  Brianna Lovett Alysa Moon  Rebecca O’Shea
Claire Parks  Jessica Robinson Alisha Simpson Shelby Smith
Paul Thomas  Stetson Turner

Departmental Awards:

Foreign Language –
Spanish 1 - Morgan Williams
Spanish 2 - Mary-Katherine Jenkins
Spanish 3 - Jeremy Weeks
Spanish Departmental Award – Robert Herring

Social Studies –
World History - Forrest Whitfield
World Geography - Patsy Kilgore
Government -  Mary Katherine Jenkins
Economics -  Austin Turner
Psychology -  Brianna Lovett
Sociology -  Haley Gobat
U.S. History -  Chandricka Bussey
A.P. US History - Sam Alexander

English –
English 1 -  Madison Stoll
English 2 -  Dominique Riley
English 3 -  Mary Katherine Jenkins
English 4 -  Kristen Anderson
A.P. English -   Alisha Simpson
Drama -  Mary Katherine Jenkins

Science –
Physical Science - Dominique Riley
Biology 1 -  Mary Katherine Jenkins
Biology 2 -  Brianna Ryan
Chemistry -  Ginny Simmons

Math –
Algebra 1A -  Sabrina Ladousier
Algebra 1B -  Michael Hill
Algebra 1 -  Tyra Kinney
Geometry -  Andrew Buist
Algebra 2 -  Mary Katherine Jenkins
Pre-Calculus -  Jeremy Weeks
Prob & Stats -  Cecilia Krakeel
AP Claculus -  Stetson Turner
AP Prob & Stats - Bobby Herring
HSAP Recovery - Brett Barnhill

Physical Education –
PE - Tommy Joe Carroll

Fine Arts –
Music Appreciation - Casey Fulmer
Chorus -  Helen Wright
Band -   Sam Alexander
Art 1 -   Amanda Trobough
Art 2 -   Noland Koon

Business –
Business Law - Austin Turner
Entrepreneurship - Sherrod Castleberry
Sports Marketing - Shelby Smith
Integrated Bus. Apps- Austin Turner

Science Club Medal

Gracelyn Byrd

FFE

Edward Howard

Teacher Cadet

Amber Baker April Baker Kristen Anderson
Carly Barron Breanna Carpenter Haley Gobat
Amberlyn Harper Simbia Thomas Amanda Trobough

Teacher Cadet 2

Danielle Cooper Kelsi Henderson Elizabeth Lemacks
Jesse Robinson

FCA Leadership

April Baker Edward Howard Jessica Robinson

FCA Scholarship

April Baker

Senior Advisory Awards

Alisha Simpson Claire Parks  Rick Hickson
Elizabeth Lemacks Amanda Jones  Jessica Horton
Amber Baker  Chris Bass  Shelby Smith

Senior Project Writing Award

Brandon Huff
Alisha Simpson

Delta Kappa Gamma Cadet

Elizabeth Lemacks

Math Team

Chris Bass  Bobby Herring Kelsi Henderson Alisha Simpson
Stetson Turner  Sam Alexander Kristen Anderson Micaela Bell
Kevin Cloy  Max Hall  Brianna Ryan  Jeremy Weeks
Patsy Kilgore  Andrew Buist  Chassidy Lusby Jonathan Stephens
Forrest Whitfield

Math Tutors

Sam Alexander Amber Baker Chris Bass Kelsi Henderson
Jessica Horton Patsy Kilgore Chassidy Lusby Brianna Ryan
Alisha Simpson Jeremy Weeks

West Point Leadership Award

Kayla Clem

Gardner-Webb University Scholar
Jeremy Weeks

Presbyterian College Scholars
Samuel Alexander

Lander University Junior Fellows
Jeremy Weeks
Samuel Alexander

USC Aiken Scholars

Jeremy Weeks
Samuel Alexander
Virginia Simmons

Erskine College Junior Scholars

Samuel Alexander
Jeremy Weeks

Furman University Scholars
Samuel Alexander
Jeremy Weeks

North Augusta Optimist Club Scholarship

Robert Herring

North Augusta Rotary Club Scholarship

Chris Bass

Individual Scholarships

Robert Herring - USC-Aiken Bookstore Chancellor Scholarship $28,000/4 years
   USC-Aiken Valedictorian Scholarship   $20,000/4 years
   USC Valedictorian Scholars Award   $12,000/4 years
   Palmetto Fellows      $26,800/4 years
   Optimist Club Scholarship    $500.00 – one time

April Baker -  Trustee Scholarship Columbia College  $48,000/4 years
   Charleston Southern University Scholar  $44,000/4 years
   FCA Scholarship     $100.00 – one time

Amber Baker -  Barry University Scholarship    $61,000/4 years
   Miss Senior 2nd Runner Up    $100.00 – one time
   Miss Freshman     $100.00 – one time
   Aiken Technical College Presidential Scholarship $3,000 – one time

Alisha Simpson - USC-Aiken Recruiter Scholarship   $10,000/4 years
   USC – University Scholars Award   $8,000/4 years
   Toccoa Falls College Scholarship   $44,000/4 years
   Charleston Southern University   $52,000/4 years
   Jairy C. Hunter, Jr. Scholarship
   S.C. Tuition Grant      $10,400/4 years
   Palmetto Fellows     $26,800/4 years

Sherrod Castleberry - Charleston Southern University Student Success $36,000/4 years
Award

Owen Jacobs -  Newberry College Men’s Basketball    $40,000/4 years
   Newberry Support Grant     $32,000/4 years
   Berry College Academic Scholarship   $22,000/4 years
   Berry College Out of State Grant   $8,000/4 years
   Southern Wesleyan University Scholarship  $26,000/4 years
   Erskine College Towers Scholarship   $48,000/4 years
   Milligan College Presidential Scholarship  $28,000/4 years

Jessica Horton - Presbyterian College Belk Scholarship  $48,000/4 years
   Presbyterian College PC Grant   $29,600/4 years
   PC Presidential Leadership Scholarship  $4,000/4 years
   USC-Aiken Recruiter Scholarship   $10,000/4 years
   Columbia College Trustee Scholarship  $48,000/4 years

Alysa Moon - University Scholar at Charleston Southern $44,000/4 year
University

Shelby Smith - Charleston Southern University Student Success $36,000/4 years
Award

Ashley Ergle - Charleston Southern University Student Success $36,000/4 years
Award

Brianna Lovett - Anderson University AU Grant   $20,000/4 years
   Federal Pell Grant      $22,200/4 years
   SC Tuition Grant      $10, 400/4 years

Terrence Hood - University Scholar at Charleston Southern $44,000/4 years
University

Brianna Ryan - Palmetto Fellows $26,800/4 years
Anderson University Fellows Scholarship $114,540/4 years

Patrick Hickson - Paine College Baseball $20,000/4 years
Paine College Academic Scholarship $12,000/4 years

Claire Parks - Miss FCHS $500.00 – one time

Elizabeth Lemacks - Miss Senior $300.00 – one time
Delta Kappa Gamma $100.00 – one time

Amber Trautman – Miss Senior first runner up $200.00 – one time

Christopher Bass - North Greenville College SC Tuition Grant  $10,600/4 years
   NGC Dean’s Academic Scholarship   $10,000/4 years
   Trevecca Nazarene University Nixon Scholarship $20,000/4 years
   Trevecca Nazarene University Dean Scholarship $28,000/4 years
   Campbell University Scholarship   $12,000/4 years

Total: $1,102, 440.00

Life Qualifiers

Must meet 2 of 3 criteria – 1) have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale 2) score at least an 1100 on the SAT or a 24 on the ACT 3) graduate in the top 30% of their class:

Amber Baker
April Baker
Carlene Barron
Christopher Bass
Sam Boyd
Ansley Chamberlain
Haley Gobat
Kelsi Henderson
Jessica Horton
Owen Jacobs
Amanda Jones
Jonathan Lalonde
Brianna Lovett
Alyssa Moon
Claire Parks
Jessica Robinson
Shelby Smith
Paul Thomas
Stetson Turner

Life scholarships are worth up to $5,000 per year for four years. This would indicate that these students qualified for $380,000 in Life Scholarship money.

Applying this amount to all other scholarships our senior class has qualified for:
$1,482,440.00 or almost 1.5 million

The North Augusta Optimist Club recently held its 7th Annual Fox Creek High
School Teacher of the Year and Education Support Professional (ESP) of the
Year Banquet to honor the employees of Fox Creek High School for their
service to the community. The highlight of the banquet included announcing
the 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year and ESP of the Year. After a great meal
provided by the Optimist Club, their President Joanna Arnold, asked
Principal Dr. Tim Murph to come forward and present Mrs. Cindy Smith with
the Teacher of the Year Award. Mrs. Smith is the first person in school
history to win the award twice. Mrs. Smith was also the 2007-2008 winner.
She is the Math Department Chair and has worked at Fox Creek for 4 years.
Mrs. Smith is also a past recipient of the WRDW Time to Care Award and the
WJBF Golden Apple Award. Fox Creek is proud that all 7 of its Teacher of the
Year recipients over the years are all still working at Fox Creek. Dr. Murph
then presented its first ever ESP of the Year Award to Mr. Jimmy Glover. Mr.
Glover is the Director of Facilities and Grounds for Fox Creek and has been
employed by the school for 4 years. Both winners will now be in the running
for their respective district level awards. When asked about the winners,
Dr. Murph stated, "Both of these fine individuals exemplify the spirit of
education. They give their all each and every day for the students of our
school. There is no one more deserving of these awards than Mrs. Smith and
Mr. Glover."

On Friday, May 6, 2011, forty-five math and science students from Fox Creek High School attended the Math & Science Day at Six Flags Over Georgia. Fun was had by all as they experienced not only the thrill of riding a roller coaster - such as the fearsome Goliath - but also the physics and dynamics of how they work. "It was a gorgeous day, and the students had the opportunity to 'see' math in action," said Mrs. Cynthia Smith, the math sponsor of the trip. Mrs. Lynn Johnson, science teacher, and Dr. Tim Murph, Principal, assisted by chaperoning the event.

Six20Flags[1].jpg

Huge News! Sam Alexander placed 2nd in

Wolf's NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST!

The staff did it again! Two students from yearbook staff placed in the 2011 Spring Photography Contest for the South Carolina Scholastic Press Association.

Giraffe by Kylene Hill
2nd place
SCSPA Spring Contest

Luna Moth by Edward Howard
3rd place SCSPA Spring Contest

The South Carolina Optimist District held an awards luncheon on April 30, 2011 in Columbia, South Carolina to present MK Jenkins of Fox Creek High School with a $2,500 scholarship for her first place entry in the annual essay contest. The topic of this year's 700 word essay was "How My Education is the Key to a Successful Future". Her winning essay has been submitted to compete in the finals of the Optimist International Essay Contest. MK Jenkins is shown receiving her award from South Carolina Optimist Govenor Charles Robinson and Stacey Timmerman, Essay Chairman of the North Augusta Optimist Club. The essay contest is sponsored annually by the North Augusta Optimist Club.

Article By: Stacey Timmerman - North Augusta Optimist Club

Were you spotted at the Prom?????

Congratulations to Sam Alexander, Alexis Barnes,
Danielle Cooper and MK Jenkins for being the winners
for Nancy Carson’s Young Poets’ Contest.
Fox Creek took all four winning spots!!

Fox Creek High School physical education classes have recently began
offering units in archery sponsored by the National Archery in Schools
Program (NASP). This is a joint venture between the State Department of
Education and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The program
promotes student education, physical education and participation in the
life-long sport of Archery. The program's focus is to provide international
style target archery training in physical education classes grades 4-12.
Currently, 46 states and 4 countries have implemented the program. In South
Carolina the archery program has grown from 10 pilot schools to more than
200 public and private schools in just a few years. The equipment cost
approximately $4800, but Fox Creek was able to get the equipment through
grants. The grant allowed the school to receive 12 Genesis bows, 60 arrows,
5 targets, a repair kit, and a safety net. Physical Education Teacher, Coach
Richard Brady explained, "The Archery in Schools program is a great addition to our Physical Education curriculum. Our students are really enjoying target shooting. Not everybody can run a football, throw a baseball, or shoot a basketball, but this activity/sport will allow us to incorporate a lot of children that may not be as excited about PE as others and now they are successful at it." Our plan is to start an Archery Team next year and begin competing in the State Archery in Schools Competition.

In a survey conducted by Responsive ManagementR the teachers say:

. NASP improves student self-confidence (84%)

. NASP improves student motivation (78%)

. NASP improves student behavior (73%)

. NASP improves student attitudes (74%)

. NASP improves student focus (66%)

. NASP improves teacher/student relationship (70%)

. NASP improves student performance in PE (43%)

. NASP improves student learning skills (43%)

South Carolina Superintendent of Education, Dr. Mick Zais, recently visited
Fox Creek High School to inquire about the school's academic successes.
While at the school, Fox Creek Principal Dr. Tim Murph, discussed with Dr.
Zais that Fox Creek has been rated an Excellent School by the Department of
Education and has been a Palmetto Gold School for two of the last three
years. Dr. Zais asked a number of questions about the school and it career
assessment and development programs, as well as teacher quality initiatives.
Dr Murph explained, "It was quite a treat for our teachers and students to
see our state superintendent walking the halls of our school. I was most
impressed with Dr. Zais' insightful questions. He asked the tough questions
that will empower him to made strong, positive changes for the students of
South Carolina."

Side Walk Art Winners:

samboydsidewalk1st place.jpg

"Palmetto Gold School - "Excellent" School Report Card Again!"

palmetto gold.jpg

Six anxious faces of beloved faculty members preparing themselves for a pie to be thrust onto them is the sort of fundraiser any student would love to partake in. In fact, Fox Creek High School students paid approximately $75 collectively to cast their votes for which faculty member would receive the pie in the face. In honor of pi day, March 14th, Principal Dr. Tim Murph, Vice Principal Josh Trahan, and teachers Meghan Woodruff, Nancy Cowart, and Lynn Johnson were spirited enough to volunteer to be a part of this fundraiser for the school's science club. The top vote-earner was Dr. Murph, who was delivered a pie in the face after school Thursday in front of a crowd of students. The event was filmed and was aired Friday morning over the school news for all students and teachers to watch. The money raised will help send the science club members to Charleston to visit the South Carolina Aquarium.

By Brianna Ryan

Sam Alexander and Alex Cain, members of the Fox Creek High School Band, recently participated in the USC band clinic. Over 400 high school students from throughout the Southeast attended master classes with USC School of Music faculty and performed under the batons of some of the leading conductors in the nation. Sam also represented Fox Creek High School as a member of the South Carolina Region Two Senior Band.

Photo Left to Right

Sam Alexander and Alex Cain

Please congratulate M K Jenkins for winning the State Essay Contest sponsored by the Optimist Club. Her essay titled "What Education Means to Me," won in the NA Optimist club contest earlier this year. At the state level she won $2500 scholarship and is eligible to compete at the National Level! Way to go MK!

MATH TEAM TRAVELS TO CHARLESTON

On Friday, February 25, eight members of the FCHS Math Team traveled to Charleston, South Carolina, to compete at the College of Charleston Math Meet on Saturday, Feb. 26. On Friday, since it was raining, we visited the Charleston Aquarium. Fun was had by all viewing the exhibits.

After a wonderful lunch at a local deli, we visited The Citadel, where we were given a guided tour around campus and told all about Nobs (freshmen) and the traditions at The Citadel. Our guys were really impressed by the strict code expected from freshmen and some "unfair" treatment of freshmen. They didn't understand the importance of discipline, did they???

At the end of our tour, we were lucky enough to see the traditional Friday parade of cadets - over 2100 cadets performing military traditions to music and on a former field of battle. The parade and its components dates back to the Civil War. It was inspiring! One of our former classmates, Ty Keefe, was in the parade for his Romeo Company.
That night, we had a blast walking around the historic district of Charleston and eating at Bubba Gumps. We were the kings of trivia!!!

Saturday, we competed at the College of Charleston. It is a beautiful campus located in downtown Charleston. Even though we did not agree with some of the administration of the competition, our students represented FCHS wonderfully. Our top scorers were Jeremy Weeks and Alisha Simpson on the level II exam and Brianna Ryan on the level III exam. It was a wonderful experience for the math team, and we are looking forward to competing at Augusta State University on Friday, March 11. Wish us luck!

The eight who attended this competition were Chris Bass, Amber Baker, Kelsi Henderson, Jessica Horton, Brianna Ryan, Alisha Simpson, Max Hall, and Jeremy Weeks.

FOX CREEK GETS SOCIAL

Fox Creek High School is proud to announce a new addition to its technology
program. The school has integrated itself with the largest social networks
of today's times. You can now find and follow Fox Creek High School on
Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. The addition of Facebook and Twitter will
allow the school to reach a much broader audience, bringing such information
as news, academic events, athletic scores and results, and more. Using
YouTube, Fox Creek is now broadcasting videos to the public. State of the
School addresses, student projects, and recruiting videos for student
athletes are just a few of the types of information that the school will
share via the largest online video site in the world. Mr. Travis Gibson,
Technology Director for Fox Creek High School, had this to say, "Integrating
Fox Creek High School with social networking is a great way to reach out to
the community. Social networking is the fastest way to deliver information
to people, and that is our goal, to provide information to the people that
need it in the most convenient way possible. We have done a great job with
our state-of-the-art website over the past year, but we are always searching
for new ways to better reach out to the public. This integration with
Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube will take us to the next level."

You can find Fox Creek High School at:

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fox-Creek-High-School/132548170147821

Twitter
http://twitter.com/foxcreekhs

Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/foxcreekhsmedia

Mr. Travis Gibson, Director of Technology

PRESS RELEASE

From: Margaret Carlisle
South Carolina Athletic Administrators Association
113 Muddy Ford Road
Greenville, SC 29615
864-230-6002
jpcarlisle@charter.net
www.scaaa.org

The South Carolina Athletic Administrators Association (SCAAA) announces Dr. Timothy L. Murph, Principal of Fox Creek High School, as its Class A Principal of the Year. Dr. Murph was selected by the SCAAA’s Board of Directors from principals across South Carolina. The award will be presented on Sunday, March 13 at the SCAAA 18th Annual Spring Conference for Athletics. This conference includes high school athletic directors, principals, the SC High School League, SC Athletic Coaches Association and SC Association of School Administrators. These groups come together for professional development courses, information, discussions of current issues facing high school athletics and conducting business for the upcoming school year.

Dr. Murph is the only principal in the state of South Carolina to become a Certified Athletic Administrator through the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. He is also one of only 11 certified Leadership Training Course teachers in South Carolina. Dr. Murph was also President of Class A athletics from 2008-2010. While President he created a state-wide contact list, changed election procedures for Class A Executive Officers and was the interim Class A Representative for the Executive Committee of the SC High School League. Dr. Murph also served on the League’s2010-2012 Realignment Committee.

He has also implemented the University of Georgia’s “Winning with Character” program school wide at Fox Creek and requires every student to participate each year. Dr. Murph personifies the spirit of this award. While representing Fox Creek and Class A, he has worked on the part of all student-athletes in the state. When the announcement was made Murph responded, “I am very honored and humbled. Athletics has always been a very important part of my education and the education of hundreds of my students. I commend the SCAAA for its diligent work for all of our states over 350,000 student-athletes.”

SILVER FOX ACADEMY

Fox Creek High School is pleased to announce the induction of its new Silver Fox Academy for the 2011-2012 school year. This new program of study will entail rigorous academic course work which will culminate in the students achieving a minimum of 12 hours of college credit. Students will be required to apply to the program through the guidance department. To be accepted into the program students would have to have completed English 1 and Algebra 1 prior to entering high school. Students transferring from other school systems can be accepted to the Silver Fox Academy pending evidence that the students have completed all the necessary pre-requisites.
“We are genuinely excited to be able to provide students an opportunity to begin college course work prior to exiting high school,” was the statement made by Assistant Principal Josh Trahan. Mr. Trahan explained that a conversation between Mrs. Ashley Stallings, Fox Creek guidance counselor, and Ms. Shelby Dominick, director of dual enrollment for Piedmont Technical College, generated the creation of this new program. This new program will require students to agree to enroll in the most difficult courses that Fox Creek has to offer. In addition the students will be required to keep their grade point averages above a 3.75. Students will be required to participate in various programs and they must enroll in a minimum of 12 hours of college credit through Piedmont Tech. These courses will be offered at Fox Creek High School during the regular school day.
The rewards for successfully completing this new program of study will be receiving a Silver Fox Diploma, and being able to carry enough credit to college to allow the student to be considered a second semester freshman.
This is being made possible by PTC’s dual enrollment program, and the fact that Fox Creek High School has teachers qualified to provide instruction on this level. During the development of this program Ms. Dominick expressed how impressed she was that FCHS had so many qualified teachers. She explained that many schools have only one or two individuals who may meet the qualifications. Fox Creek has enough qualified teachers to be able to offer 18 hours of college credit to these rising seniors and candidates for the Silver Fox Academy.
“We are now at a point where we are employing the best educators that our colleges and universities have to offer,” was the statement made by Dr. Tim Murph, Principal of Fox Creek High School. Fox Creek High School encourages anyone with questions about our new Silver Fox Academy to contact our guidance department at (803) 613-9435.

Every school year Fox Creek High Teacher Cadets study the teaching methods of Ron Clark through his film, The Ron Clark Story, and they read for discussion, The 55 Essentials by Mr. Clark. Friday, February 11, 2011,
thirteen junior and senior Cadets had the privilege and pleasure of spending an entire school day at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta. From the first moment the group all walked in the door and were greeted by the students and hugged by Mr. Clark until the last moments of hilarious fun sliding down the blue slide, the girls learned so many lessons to take home and try during their internships (with the permission of the co-op teachers, of course.)
The energy in the teachers and the students at RCA was phenomenal and the education with an emphasis on higher and higher expectations from students made a lasting impression. The day was worth more than any of the Fox Creek group can express in words.

North Augusta Mayor Visits Fox Creek
North Augusta Mayor Lark Jones recently joined Fox Creek Board members for a tour of its new facility on Shortcut Road. Fox Creek's leaders discussed North Augusta and the Merriwether Community's impacts upon one another and the benefits that Fox Creek brings to each community. Fox Creek Principal Dr. Tim Murph explained to Mayor Jones that for the first time, Aiken County students will be able to attend Fox Creek free of charge and furthering the options of school choice for the communities' students. Mayor Jones toured the school's technology labs, biology and chemistry labs, band room, art room, instructional rooms and administrative offices. Mayor Jones also viewed Fox Creek's plans for future expansion. Board member Sherolyn Bishop and Chairman Kevin Baker explained to Mayor Jones that Fox Creek is continuing to excel and with academic success in the classroom comes the need for expansion. Phase II of the school's construction process will include a performing arts center and a gymnasium.

Right to left

Board Members Sherolyn Bishop, Becky Alexander, Principal Tim Murph, Mayor
Lark Jones, Kevin Baker, Phillip Napier

Congratulations to the winners of the Miss Fox Creek Pageant!!!

(L to R): Brittany Hurt - Ms. Sophomore, Claire Parks - Miss Fox Creek, Elizaeth Lemacks - Ms. Senior, Kristen Chamberlain - Ms. Freshman, and Sulina Martin - Ms. Junior.

For Immediate Release, 2/7/11
Contact: Chris Martinez, Director of Bands
Phone: 803.613.9435 Ext 146

Music Honor Society Launched at Fox Creek High School

The Tri-M® Music Honor Society, the honor society for secondary school music students, announces the chartering of a new chapter at Fox Creek High School in North Augusta, South Carolina, under the leadership of Mr. Chris Martinez.

The formation of this chapter signifies the school’s recognition of the importance of the arts in the development of a comprehensive educational program. The Tri-M Music Honor Society provides a means of recognizing the efforts and achievements of music students who volunteer their time and share their musical talent with others. Since 1952, almost 5,000 Tri-M chapters have been chattered in the United States and abroad, and current membership exceeds 50,000.

The goal of the Tri-M Music Honor Society is to foster greater interest in band, orchestra, and choral performance and to provide more opportunities for personal musical expression. Students are selected for membership in the honor society on the basis of musicianship, scholarship, character, leadership, and service to their school and community. The organization’s high standards serve to challenge students to greater effort and achievement and to encourage them in the pursuit of excellence.

In 1983, the Tri-M Music Honor Society became a program of MENC: The National Association for Music Education. MENC, among the world’s largest arts education organizations, is the only association that addresses all aspect of music education. Through membership of more than 75,000 active, retired, and pre-service music teachers, and with 60,000 honor students and supporters, MENC serves millions of students nationwide through activities at all teaching levels, from preschool to graduate school. Since 1907, MENC has worked to ensure that every student has access to a well-balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction taught by qualified teachers. MENC’s activities and resources have been largely responsible for the establishment of music education as a profession, for the promotion and guidance of music study as an integral part of the school curriculum, and for the development of the National Standards for Arts Education.

Tri-M Music Honor Society will induct their officers and their first line of members on February 22, 2011 at FCHS at 7pm. For more information about Tri-M or MENC, visit the Music Department Website at www.foxcreekhighschool.org and click on Tri-M Music Honor Society link.

Congratulations to the 2011 Science Fair Winners:

Biology 1st place: Bobby Herring - "Music From the Heart"

Biology 2nd place: Cody Brown - "Effects of Seltzer Water"

Biology 3rd place: Natalie Swanson & Dane Adams - " Distraction or Concentration"

Biology Honorable Mention: Ashley Childers & Chassidy Lusby - "Dogs Nose Best"

Chemistry 1st place: Forrest Whitfield & Andrew Buist - "SPF Testing on Hot Dogs"

Chemistry 2nd place: Erin Hilley & Patsy Kilgore - "Are Permanent markers..."

Chemistry 3rd place: Ginny Simmons & Shelby Simmons - "What Cleans Pennies?"

Chemistry Honorable Mention: Alex Cain & Haley Bryant - "Chemical Rocket"

Physics 1st place: Sam Alexander - "Which Liquid is Coolest?"

Physics 2nd place: Jeremy Weeks - "Fruit & Vegetable Power"

Physics 3rd place: Brianna Ryan - "Drop vs Launch"

Physics Honorable Mention: John Mitchem & Kentreal McCain - "Burn it Fast"

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Fox Creek Teacher Cadets "teach" working and retired teachers and
administrators what they (the Cadets) have been learning with the CERRA curriculum. On January 31, 2011, Fox Creek High School Teacher Cadets hosted the Delta Kappa Gamma Phi Chapter on the FC Campus. Eight of the Cadets presented "How to Teach in the 21st Century with 19th Century Supplies" and wrapped the lesson around the idea that sometimes teachers have to pull from what we have lying around to hook the students and keep them engaged. Supplying scenarios of units to be taught, students with learning barriers, while including the Multiple Intelligences, the Cadets allowed the teachers to group themselves and then create visuals/props to begin the assigned unit topics. Cadets listened as the teacher guests made comments similar to some of their own in classroom-student projects, but the Cadets were also encouraged and learned tricks they can carry to their own classrooms one day. After the teacher groups completed and shared their projects, the Cadets toured them in the halls of the two-year old facility. As Eliazbeth Lemacks, Teacher Cadet 11, said to the DKG members, "We have a lot of school pride and we are very happy to share that with you today. We thank you for being such an inspiration to us because it is great teachers like you who have inspired us to teach."

Fox Creek High School Principal, Dr. Tim Murph, recently honored the school's Board of Directors at its January Board meeting as the "Family Members of the Month" for its members' service and dedication to the education of the school's students. Fox Creek's Board, unlike most school boards, offers its service to the school without payment. Dr. Murph explained, "I am honored to work with such a dedicated group of people that spend hours of their time to the service of their communities and school. This recognition is to honor those that have given back so much to our school and its students. I both professionally and personally thank each of them for accepting the responsibility of providing a great education for each of our students."

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The North Augusta Optimist Club recently held its annual awards banquet to honor the winners of its essay contest. The topic of this year's 700 word essay was "How My Education is the Key to a Successful Future". The winner, MK Jenkins of Fox Creek High School, will compete for a $2,500 scholarship at the state level. Recognition and awards were given to the winners. Pictured above from left to right are Optimist Club President Joanna Arnold, third place winner Garrett Timmerman of North Augusta High School, second place Brooke Wells of North Augusta High School, first place MK Jenkins of Fox Creek High School, and essay chairman Stacey Timmerman.

Congratulations to Sam Alexander again, for representing Fox Creek High School in the 2011 South Carolina Band Directors Association Region and All-State Auditions. He placed 5th on his instrument in Region 2, which covered Aiken, Edgefield, and Lexington County schools. His clinic will be February 25-27 at Lexington High School.

Also, Sam Alexander and Alex Cain are representing Fox Creek in the 34th Annual USC Band Clinic and Conductors Symposium. This year they were pleased to receive a large number of nominations from approximately 120 high schools in eight states. The event will be in Columbia, SC at the Koger Center for the Arts and the USC School of Music. The event will be on February 17-20.

On the choral side, Hunter Sapp, auditioned and placed in the Baptist All-State Choir, which selected 66 choral students, 31 orchestra, and 7 praise groups. His event will be January 28-30th in Columbia, SC.

Tri-M Music Honor Society is proud to activate Chapter #6307 at FOX CREEK High School. 15 members will be inducted in February along with a small preview concert from the band and chorus. (Dates and times to follow soon). Our members are working on future goals and encouraging other music students.

The Fox Creek High School Chorus and Music Program will be traveling on the road to compete in the Carowinds Music Festival in April. Wish them luck, as they are working hard to win some awards!

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Congratulations to Sam Boyd for making it through the first round of Poetry Out Loud in Sumter Saturday, January 22. Sam was one of 16 who competed for the regional title. Sam recited “I Am” by John Clare and “The Gift” by Li –Young Lee. A Fox Creek High School senior, Sam is quite comfortable on stage as he writes and sings his own songs. After graduation this well-rounded young man who was also gifted on the football field, plans to enter the ministry and work with youth.

Congratulations to Sam Alexander who auditioned last weekend at Saluda High School for All Region Band. He placed 5th in the region and was also asked to return January 22, 2011 in Lexington,SC to audition again for All-State, which only happens when you have top scores. Sam was asked to play a required solo, scales, sight-reading, and a test on over 108 musical terms. If his audition goes well, he will be placed in All-State Band amongst the top Seniors. Please encourage him along the way, as I know he will represent himself and the school well!

Fox Creek High School Principal, Dr. Tim Murph, was recently selected by Educational Foundation (EF) Tours from educators across the country to attend its International Tour Training 101 class in Beijing, China over Christmas break to become a certified EF Group Leader. EF funds these training classes as a way of introducing educators to the impact that traveling and experiencing the world’s many cultures can have on students. While in China, Murph was trained in leading educational adventures around the world through the many programs that EF has to offer. He also learned the strategies that EF uses to make their world trips among the most affordable in the educational tour industry. The training also integrated excursions for exotic places such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Dr. Murph explained, “I am very pleased that Educational Foundation Tours has created an innovative approach to student learning. I feel the educational opportunities they are offering our students are second to none. The cultural enrichment they expose our students to will be carried with them for the rest of their lives. The cultural diversity our students will be exposed to will help to continue to make our students world leaders.”

Schneider led Fox Creek to best season

NORTH AUGUSTA --- Russ Schneider remembers a day when it wasn't unusual to go down the halls asking students, "Hey, you wanna play?" Students are now the ones asking if they can come out and join the Fox Creek football team. The young Predators program had its best season this year, as Fox Creek posted its first winning season, postseason appearance and playoff victory. After never winning more than two games in a season, the Predators went 8-4 and beat Calhoun Falls in the first round of the playoffs. Backed by those accomplishments, Schneider is The Augusta Chronicle's South Carolina Coach of the Year. Schneider has helped build a family atmosphere during his tenure at Fox Creek. He thinks if players know a coach cares, they'll play hard. But that changes if a player thinks he is seen as only a number. The coach believes in the importance of being there for kids who don't have what he did, so it's more than just teaching them on the football field. It's also being there for them even when they move on from Fox Creek. On the field, Schneider said he always thought Fox Creek could have the type of season it did in 2010. But with how it happened, he likened it to a Cinderella season. The Predators won by double digits in seven of their eight victories, including four by at least 30 points. Schneider said the team learned how to win and started believing. From there, he said it started to have a snowball effect. After a loss to Blackville-Hilda, Fox Creek won four in a row. One of the wins was a 14-0 result against Denmark-Olar despite a handful of starters sitting because of suspensions. That proved to Schneider the Predators had something special. Quarterback Marty Williams starred on offense, with Schneider calling the junior the best athlete "by far" he's coached in 17 seasons. Williams scored 27 touchdown this season. Besides the all-around play, the numbers have grown, too. After having a roster size in the low 20s his first season, Schneider has seen the total increase to the mid 40s. He's also noticed benefits from the new school, which is a place he said the players can call home after being forced to practice on a nearby softball field in the past. But the work isn't done just yet. "We got to continue to build on what we believe in -- our philosophy of loving kids," Schneider said. "I thought winning was what I wanted to do. It is, but it's not what happiness is. It's being there for the kids."

Read the actual article here.

Governor Sanford visits Fox Creek!

Click here for the Aiken Standard article.

Click here for the Sun News article.

Fox Creek High School Principal Dr. Tim Murph recently recognized Head Football Coach Russell Schneider for being named Class A Region IV Football Coach of the Year for the South Carolina High School League. Murph honored Schneider and Assistant Coaches Paul Greenway and Richard Brady at the school’s November Board of Directors meeting as Fox Creek’s “Family Member of the Month”, an award that Murph presents each month to faculty and staff that exemplify excellence. Murph stated, “I feel that Coach Schneider is the Coach of Year not for his wins on the field, but for his hard work and dedication to his players. Our student-athletes are very fortunate to have each of these three coaches.” Coach Schneider believes, “The additions of Coach Brady and Coach Greenway who bring over 50 years of coaching experience, as well as the development of a few key players on our team, has been essential to turning our program around. I want to thank everyone that has supported our program over the years, this award belongs to them.”

"Fox Creek High School Chorus attended the Veteran's Day Presentation at North Augusta Elementary on November 12, 2010. Under direction of Mr. Martinez, They performed patriotic songs that included the Star Spangled Banner, My Country Tis' of Thee, and America the Beautiful. A big thanks goes to Ms. Carpenter, Ms. Sapp, and North Augusta Elementary School for allowing us to perform. Great Job Chorus!"

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Fox Creek High School students and teachers recently marched in Augusta’s Miracle Mile on Saturday, October 16th. Fox Creek’s seniors through their “Winning with Character” character education program, hopes to surpass last years $1600 contribution with a $2500 contribution this year for University Hospital’s Breast Cancer Education Program. Mrs. Cindy Smith, Math Department Chair at Fox Creek, is heading several activities including the Mr. Fox Creek Pageant to raise money for this worthy cause. On October 29th, the school will host an assembly for all of its female students and provide valuable information about breast cancer screenings and early detection.

Today October 16 eleven of our Fox Creek students helped the Merriwether Elementary School parents by volunteering at the annual Carnival: Carly Barron, Lindsey Barron, Courtney Anderson, Mickey Bell, Kayla Clem, Kasey Morris, Haley Hutto, Danielle Cooper, Shelby Simmons, Rick Hickson, Max Hall. Carly and LIndsey were there from 7 until 2:30; Rick and Max came in AFTER other volunteer activities. Because these 11, along with Strom Thurmond's Americore Group, were wiling to give their time, the non-PTA parents did not have to set up, man the booths, or help break down. What is so wonderful about this is that there was no club/activity/requirement for these kids to volunteer; they did so because they wanted to help. Pure Fox Creek Spirit...........

The Yearbook Staff entered 48 pictures into the Georgia Carolina State Fair. Eight (8) pictures placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd place. This is the THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR that the Silver Fox Staff has placed in the photography exhibit. Even better news, we are the most "winning school" of the fair beating out all other schools in the CSRA (Georgia and South Carolina) for most wins at the fair.

Below you will see the photographer name, category and place.

“Burning Flower”
by Brianna Ryan
Honorable Mention Scenic
Georgia-Carolina State Fair 2010

“Mount Pleasant Bridge”
by Brianna Ryan
3rd Place Scenic
Georgia-Carolina State Fair 2010

“Cover Girl-Boy”
by Catherine Candage
3rd Place Candids
Georgia-Carolina State Fair 2010

“Twins”
by Brianna Ryan
3rd Place People
Georgia-Carolina State Fair 2010

“Guard”
by Jessica Horton
2nd Place People
Georgia-Carolina State Fair 2010

“Technology”
by Virginia Simmons
2nd Place Other
Georgia-Carolina State Fair

“Carowinds”
by Catherine Candage
2nd Place Scenic
Georgia- Carolina State Fair 2010

“Game of Love”
By Brianna Ryan
1st Place Other
Georgia-Carolina State Fair 2010

Congratulations to Mrs. Mindy Jeffers - The winner of the 3rd annual FCHS Chili-Cookoff

Congratulations to our 2010 Homecoming Winners!!

(L to R) 2nd Runner Up: Claire Parks, Queen: Danielle Sheppard and 1st Runner Up: Chelsea McLendon

Also, congratulations to Sherrod Castleberry, our 2010 Homecoming King!

2010 Homecoming Court

CONGRATS TO THE MR. FOX CREEK WINNERS!!!!

Were you spotted at the Fox Creek vs Branchville football game?

Were you spotted on the first day of school?

CONGRATULATIONS TO MRS. TIFFANY SHEPHERD FOR WINNING THE GOLDEN APPLE AWARD. THIS MAKES A TOTAL OF 7 GOLDEN APPLE WINNERS AT OUR SCHOOL!

As many of you know, each year we submit our yearbook to the South Carolina Scholastic Press Association for critique and scoring. Books are scored according to journalistic and photographic elements including layout and design, theme development, copy writing, photography and graphic design. This is the third year that our yearbook has been scored as a State-Wide winning publication!

The 2010 edition of the Silver Fox was awarded an Honor Rating among Class I schools - essentially that means a "second place" rating. Only four schools in the state placed in our division (schools with an enrollment of 1 - 1000). We were the only yearbook in Edgefield County to be ranked state-wide and one of three books from Aiken and Edgefield counties!

Please congratulate my staff members when you see them.

Members from last year include Alisha Simpson, Brianna Lovett, Mickey Bell, Jessica Horton, Claire Parks, Haley Gobat, Shelby Smith, Kasey Morris, Amanda Jones and graduates Brooke Fentress (editor), Holly Plunkett, and Candace Cordell.

Members of this year's staff include Alisha Simpson (editor), Jessica Horton (assistant), Brianna Lovett (photographer editor), Mickey Bell, Brianna Ryan, Catherine Candage, Liz Pearson, Ginny Simmons, Kylene Hill,and (our lone men) Dane Adams and Sam Alexander.