Welcome to the Florence High School

News & Announcements Archive

Here you will find the archives of the latest news & announcements listed previously on the front page of our site.

	Student of the Week and Staff Member of the Month This year, under the direction of Mrs. Lynne Hice, assistant principal, FHS has instituted a "Student of the Week" program. Nominated by their teachers, these students have shown marked improvement in their school work, discipline, or are just model students always. Student of the Week returning in the fall. Staff member of the month SRO Scott Dorroh, nominated by Morgan Terry. We love you OD!
	Prom Court and Mr. and Miss FHS 2008 Announced The following students were selected by the Senior Class for 2008 Prom Court: Ashley Alfonso, Candyce Boddie, Marigrace Davis, Jasmine Dortch, Gretta Ferguson, Mollie Kindahl, Cynthia Lambert, Leigh Ellen Landers, Charnise Mitchell, Laquinreka Southward, Whitney Staggs, Ashley Thompson Carson Anderson, Rhondy Boddie, Sean Connolly, Paul Cross, Dale Fudge, Gabe Reese, Drake Roy, Christon Simpson, Scott Trousdale, Chad Willis, Trent Willis, David Zickler. Mr. and Miss FHS for 2008 are Christon Simpson and Laquinreka Southward. Congratulations!
	Career Tech to Offer "Powder Puff" Class This Summer There will be a “Powder Puff” class At Florence High School this summer. June 16-19 2008, 9:00am-11:00am This class will be for females’ grades 9-12. The cost will be $10.00 Topics that will be covered: How to navigate an owners manual. The importance of preventative maintenance. The procedure for taking your car in for repairs. How to safely check under the hood fluid levels. How to safely change a flat tire. How to safely change oil & Filter. How to safely jump start an engine that has a dead battery. See your Guidance counselor, or contact Mr. Carson the Auto Service Technology Instructor at Florence High School 768-2271.
	Junior Parents Meeting Scheduled Lori Lovelace will have an informational meeting for parents on April 29 at 5:30 p.m. in the FHS library. She will be covering info pertaining to your child's senior year and providing senior information packets for you to have before the summer. Currently, she is scheduled to be in classes to provide students with scheduling information and graduation requirements and is planning to meet with every student over the course of the next 5-6 weeks. Your child should have received a "Charting your Course" book and a schedule selection form by Monday, March 24. There is a place where your signature will be required before the form is complete. If you are not sure of graduation requirements, please familiarize yourself with the "charting your course" book that your child receives. Call Ms. Lovelace at 768-2217 if you have questions. After Monday, March 24, Mrs. Lovelace will have also provided your child with a Student Interview Form and Sample Resume. She will need them to turn in their Interview form and a Resume before they leave for the summer.
	American Chemical Society Announces Chemistry Awards At the Fifty-Second Annual Chemistry Awards Banquet held recently, Stuart Bartmess won first place for the Franklin A. Lenfesty Award, Shao-Yo Chen, second place in the same category, and Courtney Leyde, third place. Congratulations to these students and to their teachers Mrs. Kanipe and Mrs. Williams. At the same banquet Mrs. Linda Kanipe, FHS science teacher extraordinaire was named teacher of the year. Way to go, Mrs. Kanipe.
	JROTC Earns the Distinction of “Honor Unit” At the end of its first formal inspection since the inception of the program three years ago, FHS JROTC was designated an “Honor Unit” by the United States Army Cadet Command. Formal inspections are comprehensive examinations of JROTC programs that include an in-ranks inspection of all cadets, evaluation of drill squad and color guard performances, evaluation of an information briefing by cadet staff officers, a test of students’ knowledge of JROTC subjects, and an inspection of all personnel, logistics, security, planning, training, and public affairs activities within the Battalion. Overall, the Battalion attained a score of 90 out of 100 and, according to Jerome Gates, the lead inspector from Redstone Arsenal, "The Falcon Battalion is above the standard for first inspections. Very few programs are rated as Honor Units on their first formal inspection." See the JROTC page under Clubs and Organizations for more details and pictures.
	Dance Line and Majorettes Selected Congratulations to the following girls who were selected for the 'Big Blue Falcon Band" Dance Line for 2008-2009: Jordan Dobbins Camry Dortch Katie Chun McKenzie Fowler Lauren Henderson Avery Reed The following girls were selected for the "Big Blue Falcon Band" Majorette Line for 2008-2009: Hannah Eckl Jessica Carpenter Elly Couch Ashley Grissom Brittany Jordan Sarah Tyree Congratulations to these girls and to all who tried out for a job well done!!
	Florence Falcon Theatre presents *Dreaming of Graceland* *& Asleep on the Wind* by Ellen Byron FLORENCE FRESHMAN CENTER AUDITORIUM This Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Admission: $8.00 adults and $5.00 students FLORENCE FRESHMAN CENTER AUDITORIUM Elvis lives! Whether or not you're an Elvis fan, you are sure to love Dreaming of Graceland. The show takes us from moments of hysterical laughter to moments of poignant emotion. These two one-acts by an award-winning playwright are wonderfully paired as we witness a girl's journey to hold on to what is most precious to her. This production will be staged at Florence Freshman Center.
	Megan May Wins Young Hero Award On March 14, 2008, Florence High School was notified that senior Megan May is one of five 2008 Young Heroes. As the recipient of this award, Megan receives a $3,000 scholarship to the college of her choice, a laptop computer, and other surprises. This award recognizes the leadership, academic ability, and service to the community that Megan has demonstrated as a young adult. *Young Heroes* was created by Alabama Public Television to celebrate the educational and personal achievements of Alabama's outstanding young people--students who serve as positive role models to their peers and as an inspiration to us all. This is the second year in a row that a Florence High School student has been awarded this honor. Last year Joshua Pettus was the recipient of the *Young Heroes* Award.
	Florence High Culinary Students Win Top Honors in State In the state culinary competition held in Birmingham this past weekend, Florence High Students Tara Hilliard, Lindsey Rhodes, and Amanda Thompson took first place and overall winner honors. Florence was tops, Auburn High School 2nd, and Huntsville Center of Technology - 3rd! Ten other state high schools also competed. The FHS culinary team will travel to Orlando July 11 - 18, to represent the state of Alabama in National FCCLA Star Events Culinary competition! This is the first year for Florence High to have a culinary class. Instructor Marsha Carter and all her students are to be congratulated for their hard work and prize winning team. We are proud of you!
	ALABAMA PENMAN CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST WINNERS – FLORENCE CITY SCHOOLS 2007-2008 Grades 10-12: Essay: First Place – Emily Jones, grade 12 Poetry: First Place – Louanne Elliott, grade 11 Short Story: First Place – Amber Huett, grade 12 All first place entries represent Florence City Schools at the District VII level. Congratulations!
	*Florence Falcon Theatre presents Little Shop of Horrors,* April 3 & 4 at 7:00 p.m. April 6 at 2:00 p.m. in the FHS Auditorium.**
	School Choice Forms Given to Students Your student has received a school choice form. This must be returned to your child's first period teacher no later than Friday, March 28. This new form has been revised to include all contact information, persons authorized to check your student in and out of school, places for email addresses that will be entered into a school information database, and other information vital to your student and our school. Please be sure you see these forms, fill out all information, and be sure your student returns the form to his first period teacher.
	SENIOR INFORMATION Seniors, Please note the following dates and fees due: February 8 - $50.00 graduation fee is due March 17 - all back fees are due All fee payments should be given to Mrs. Vaughn in the library or to Mrs. Willingham in the math hallway. In order to participate in awards night, all fees must be paid.
	FHS Band Members Selected for Shoals Honor Band Congratulations to 25 members of the Big Blue Falcon Band who were selected for the Shoals Area Honor Band last night. The following were selected for the Wind Ensemble: Maisey Hunter Hali Jex Carol Lee Shelby Olive Maranda Rikard Daisy Edwards Heather Waddell KeAysha Triplett Braden Sharp Will Edwards Nathaniel White Andrew Twesme Jeffrey Risner Andy Husted The following were selected for the Concert Band Rebecca Marchman Renii Wigginton Tikira Jackson Jessica Bailey Hannah Irons Samantha Wigginton Christian White Tyler Lard Taylor Fife Matthew Allen Trent Harlan
	Yearbooks on Sale FHS yearbooks for 2007-2008 are now on sale. The price is $60 and may be ordered from Mrs. Dalrymple. The last day to buy a yearbook is March 20.
	Report Cards and Vaccination Flyers Issued Today Today, March 13, seventh period, students will receive third nine weeks grade reports. They will also be given a flyer from the State Department of Education detailing recommended vaccinations for your student. Please ask your student for each of these items on Thursday afternoon.
	ART STUDENTS WIN AWARDS Congratulations to Cynthia Lambert for receiving the largest art scholarship given at Mississippi State. She took her portfolio to State last Friday and competed against students from around the Southeast. At the end of the day, Cynthia received the grand prize of art scholarships. We are very proud of Cynthia and all of the students below. Division II 9^th & 10^th Grades First place - Kaitlin Eckl 10^th Mr. Foster's Student Third Place - Qi Li Huang 10^th Mr. Foster Best 3-dimensional - Drew Fisher 10^th Mr. Foster Honorable Mention - Leslie Beattie 10^th Florence High School (private teacher Wendy Van Pelt) Honorable Mention - Drew Fisher 10^th Mr. Foster Division III 11^th & 12^th Grades First Place - Jessica Keenn 11^th Mr. Foster Second Place - Dominique Pere 11^th Mr. Foster Third Place - Cynthia Lambert 12^th Mr. Foster Best Photograph - Alex Yu 11^th Mr. Foster Best 3-dimensional - Natalie Plott 11^th Mr. Foster Best Computer Generated - Richard Staggs, 11^th Mr. Foster Honorable Mention - Brett Burgess 12^th Mr. Foster Honorable Mention - Jessica Carpenter, 11^th Mr. Foster Honorable Mention - Carson Hallmark 11^th Mr. Foster Honorable Mention - Daniel Libera 12^th Mr. Foster Honorable Mention - Aleigh Pons 11^th Mrs. Townsend Honorable Mention - Anna Saunders, 12^th Mr. Foster Congratulations to all these students and to Mr. Foster and Mrs. Townsend!
	Forrest Harlan Wins Scholarship FHS received word yesterday from the home office of the Educational Theatre Association (Thespians) in Cincinnati, Ohio that Forrest Harlan, a junior at Florence High School, was one of four recipients nationwide for the Doug Finney Scholarship Award. This award is given annually to deserving Juniors or Seniors and covers the expenses (tuition, registration, dorm, all meals, special fees and airfare) to the International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, NE. Forrest will now have the opportunity to audition and present to over 50 college theatre programs. This is an incredible honor and accomplishment for Forrest. Congratulations!
	SUCCESS IN SCIENCE The Florence City School System was successful in the Science Olympiad Regional Competition held at the University of Alabama on Saturday, February 23^rd. Thirty students from FFC and FHS competed against 28 schools from the Birmingham- Tuscaloosa area on Saturday. We took 2 teams to the competition and both teams placed in the top 5. Team 1 placed 3^rd overall and team 2 placed 5^th overall. What an accomplishment for our school system!! One team of 15 students will be selected by the Olympiad Coaches to represent FFC and FHS at the state competition in March. Please congratulate all of the students involved in this challenging science competition. The individual awards are listed below: Wright Stuff – 2^nd, Hunt Stanhope and Thomas Lane Food Science – 2^nd, Ujunwa Anakwenze and Taryn Burgess Food Science – 3^rd, Gracie Beer and May Katherine Cleveland Herpetology - 2^nd – Colby Dow and Michael McWaters Boomilever – 1^st, Thomas Lane and Alli Bowling Robot Ramble – 2^nd, Addison Osborn and McKay Cleveland, the other robot built by Hunt Stanhope placed 4^th Five Star Science – 2^nd – Ujunwa Anakwenze and Tyler Curtis Five Star Science – 3^rd, Nada Baalbaki and Shao Yu Chen Cell Biology- 3^rd, Dylan Kelly and Taryn Burgess Science Crime Busters – 3^rd, Shayna Stacey Ecology – 3^rd, Heather Whaley and Audrey McGee The other 30 students not listed above placed 4^th, 5^th, or 6^th in one or more of their individual events. Thanks for all of the support we received from the FFC and FHS staff! Donna Bogran, Science Olympiad Sponsor
	Culinary Student Wins Scholarship Culinary student Tara Hilliard, received great news Monday, February 11. Tara won the state FCCLA (Family, Career, & Community Leaders of America) scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to an FCCLA member who plans to seek a degree in a Family & Consumer Science field at any of the state of Alabama universities. Tara plans to seek a degree in the new culinary program at UNA. This is a $1,000 scholarship that is renewable each year as long as Tara remains in FACS! This is exciting news for the new Florence High School Culinary program. Marsha Carter is the teacher of the culinary program at FHS. Congratulations to Tara and to Mrs. Carter!
	Florence Falcon Theatre Wins Multiple Awards Florence Falcon Theatre won BIG this past weekend at the Alabama State Thespian Festival held at Pelham High School. The group won 16 Superior Awards in solo, duet, and group performances. These included: Elizabeth Locker, Rory O'Connell, Forrest Harlan, Crystal Henry, Addison Springer, Matthew Williamson, Nick Perry, Hunter Jackson, Katie Dobbins, Justin Erwin, DeJuan Lewis, Diana Bates, Addison Springer, Mya Owens, Jamarkis Wess, Katherine Griffey, Elizabeth Wright, Alex Bates, Christie Connolly, Jennifer Haselden, Suzanne Reese, Chelsey Strickland, Jordan Collier, Candace Williamson, Aubrey Parsons, Julie Rich and Brenna Williams First Period Advanced Drama won top honors with their hilarious one act play, Miss Polly's Institute for Criminally Damaged Young Ladies Puts on a Show including: Critics Choice Superior Award Critics Choice Best Ensemble Critics Choice Best Actress to Sophomore Diana Bates! This group received a standing ovation from the entire conference yesterday! The cast included: Diana Bates, Julie Rich, Aubrey Parsons, Christie Connolly, Candace Williamson, Alexandria Bates, Katherine Griffey, Justin Erwin, Jennifer Haselden, and DeJuan Lewis. John Jackson was the technical director and Jake Liles was the sound operator. Hunter Jackson was selected to the Alabama State Student Board. First Place: Group Dance First Place: Group Musical Theatre First Place: Solo Musical Theatre (Hunter Jackson) First Place: Duet Improv: (Matthew Williamson & Nick Perry) 2nd Place: Theatre Ensemble (Alice in Wonderland: Rory O'Connell, Christie Connolly, Hunter Jackson, Alexandria Bates) 2nd Place: Duet Musical Theatre (Suzanne Reese & Hunter Jackson) Eight students received callbacks & scholarship offers: Forrest Harlan, Kelsey Walden, Crystal Henry, Addison Springer, Matthew Williamson, Elizabeth Locker, Rory O'Connell, Jennifer Haselden. Forrest Harlan is receiving FULL SCHOLARSHIPS TO TROY UNIVERSITY & JACKSONVILLE STATE. Other offers will continue to come by mail during the next month. John Jackson served as Technical Director for the entire Festival. Katie Dalyrymple was a phenomenal help. She served as a judge for Pantomimes and Duet Dramatic Acting. She has served on the State Advisory Board in the past and her expertise added to the success of the festival! We had a large group of students at this festival. Our schedule was challenging. Katie was a tremendous help in helping keep our students on time to all events. She also assisted our bus driver with the proper directions around Pelham. Katie spent hours after school last week helping rehearse all the different events we were entering! Thanks Katie and John! Laura Connelly (Christie's mother) & Mary Jo Ivy (Justin Erwin's Mother) were great chaperones! I also wish to thank Rebecca Rockhill for the great work she does with our Musical Theatre Students! Even better than any award was the true class that all members of Florence High School represented our school and community. They were all incredible ambassadors! They were a real team!
	National Merit Finalists The National Merit Scholarship Program has now determined which of the 16,000 semifinalists named in September, 2007, have met all the requirements to advance to finalist standing in the competition. Florence High School is pleased to announce that Gretta Ferguson and Nicholas Pierce have achieved this honor. Congratulations to these students and their families. We are proud of you!
	FHS Band Students Win Honors On Saturday, January 26, the following students were selected for the Alabama All-State Honor Band: Bryan Wade, Charles Marchman, and Maranda Rickard. Rebecca Marchman, Heather Waddell, Daisy Edwards, and Jessica Bailey were selected for the District Three Honor Band. Congratulations to these very talented students!
	Senior Financial Aid Night On Thursday, February 7, 2008, a financial aid night will be held for parents of senior students. Speakers will be Ben Baker, Financial Aid Director, UNA, and Joel Parrish, Financial Aid Director at Northwest Shoals Community College. The meeting will be at 6:30 P.M. in the commons of Florence High School.

	Florence High School Senior Named Top Writer The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) has awarded Certificates for Superior Writing in the 2007 NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing to three Alabama public high school seniors. Florence High School is proud to recognize Elizabeth Locker as one of the three state winners. Alabama's outstanding young writers were nominated in their junior year by their teachers and were selected from students from the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, Canada, and American Schools abroad. Congratulations Elizabeth!
	Florence Girls Place Ninth at State Meet AUBURN - The Florence girls finished ninth out of 41 teams Saturday at the Alabama High School Athletic Association Swimming & Diving Championships. Florence's girls 200-yard free relay team finished fourth and the 200-yard medley relay team placed seventh. The relay teams were comprised of Molly Waddell, Alex Kassels, Alexis Moriarty and Mary Katherine Waddell. Mary Katherine Waddell also finished fourth in both the 50 and 100-yard freestyle championships. Molly Waddell placed seventh in the consolation finals of the 100-yard butterfly. The Falcons' boys 400-yard relay team finished sixth in the consolation finals. Daylen Even, Sims Wallace, Rob Whaley and Adam Hensley are the members of the boys' relay team. Swimmers advancing to compete in individual events were: Caitlin Rhoads, Molly Waddell, Alex Kassels, Alexis Moriarty, Mary Katherine Waddell, Daylen Even, Thomas Lane and Jacob Whitten. Pictures are on the Swim Team page.
	Kiwanis Club Essay Contest Winners Announced Congratulations to the Florence High School writers who entered the annual Florence Kiwanis Club essay contest. The students listed below are to be honored for their writings. TENTH GRADE: Honorable Mention: Christie Connolly ELEVENTH GRADE: First Place: Alex Lindley Second Place: Andy Husted Honorable Mention: Carol Lee TWELFTH GRADE: Second Place (tie): Emily Jones Third Place: Elizabeth Locker Honorable Mention: Kenya Thorne, Nick Perry, R. J. O’Connell
	Canned Food Drive The Student Council is sponsoring a canned food drive for the benefit of the Salvation Army. Students should bring their non-perishable items to their first period teachers. Any community member who would like to donate items can bring them to the main office and give them to Mrs. Chase.
	Teacher of the Year Florence High School is proud to announce that Alvin Briggs has been selected as Teacher of the Year. The entire staff and student body voted to select Coach Briggs to represent Florence High School in recognition of his service and dedication to our students. Congratulations Coach!
	All Sports Booster Club Opens Falcon Nest Need to know where you can buy all the great Falcon apparel that you see at ballgames? The All Sports Booster Club has opened the Falcon Nest in the commons of the high school. The store is right inside the main doors to the left of the cafeteria. The store is open each Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 until 1:15. In addition to Falcon clothing, the store also has Falcon jewelry and other items for sale. Be sure to check it out! Christmas hours for the Falcon’s Nest next week, December 17 through 20, will be: Tuesday 10:30 - 1:00 Tuesday 3:30 - 5:00 Thursday 10:30 - 1:00 We have new gray hoodies ("mean" falcon) and new white hoodies (pink cursive lettering) We have new Drawstring Bags (the kind kids carry on their back) with Florence Falcon lettering-these are great for P.E., clothes, cleats... * New jewelry-including Xmas bracelets, Auburn, Alabama, UNA items, and of course lots of Falcon jewelry If you have any questions, please email Anna at rcarbine@aol.com or give her a call at 710-3098. She said she would be happy to meet anyone at another time who cannot make it during the times listed. Thanks to Anna Carbine for heading this up.
	Florence Swims to Second-Place Finish MADISON - The Florence High School swim team finished second to Bob Jones in Saturday's swim meet at Dublin Park. (November 10, 2007) The girls finished second, led by senior Mary Katherine Waddell, who won the 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle. Waddell, who has already qualified for the state meet in December, also anchored the 200 medley and 200 freestyle relay teams. The boys team placed third.
	Wendy's Heisman Recipients Named Meredith Moore and Chad Willis have been selected as the Florence High School winners of the Wendy's High School Heisman award. They will be honored at a banquet to be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2007, at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville. Congratulations!

	FHS Falcon Theatre Receives Awards Florence High School's Falcon Theatre hosted the District III Trumbauer Theatre Festival Saturday, Nov. 3. The results: One Act Play The Boy Who Stole The Stars received all Superior Ratings Won Best Set Design Won Best Technical Performance (THANKS Mr. John Jackson Tech Director) Won Best Ensemble Forrest Harlan Won Best Supporting Actor Jordan Collier Won Best Actor Jessica Johnson (All Star Cast) Forrest Harlan (All Star Cast) Jordan Collier (All Star Cast) The following 30 Solo / Duets are Advancing to State Finals: (Florence had more students advancing to state finals than ALL other schools in district III combined!) Christie Connolly (Solo Acting Dramatic) Alexandra Bates (Solo Acting Dramatic) Candace Williamson (Solo Acting Dramatic) Jennifer Morrow (Solo Acting Comedic) Jennifer Haselden (Solo Acting Comedic) Justin Staggs (Solo Dramatic Acting) Jordan Collier (Solo Dramatic Acting) Jamarkis Wess (Solo Comedic Acting) Matthew Williamson (Solo Dramatic Acting) Perfect Score!!!!! Zachary Tate (Solo Dramatic Acting) Rory O'Connell (Solo Comedic Acting) Adam St. John / Andrew Ashford (Duet Acting Dramatic) Stephanole Reed / Jaquoia Weatherspoon (Duet Acting Dramatic) Rory O'Connell / Justin Staggs (Duet Comedic Acting) Louanne Elliott / Forrest Harlan Duet Comedic Acting Aubrey Parsons / Jennifer Haselden (Duet Comedic Acting) Matthew Williamson / Zachary Tate (Duet Reader's Theatre Comedic) Courtney Leyde / Brenna Williams (Duet Reader's Theatre Comedic) Crystal Henry (Solo Classical Dramatic Acting) Kelsey Walden (Solo Classical Dramatic Acting) Catherine Griffey (Solo Classical Dramatic Acting) The following reflects the work of Rebecca Rockhill with our Musical Theatre Students: Cathy Hoang (Musical Theatre Dramatic Solo) Gretta Ferguson (Musical Theatre Dramatic Solo) Louanne Elliott (Musical Theatre Dramatic Solo) Summer Akers (Musical Theatre Dramatic Solo) Anna Corrigan (Musical Theatre Dramatic Solo) Julie Rich (Musical Theatre Dramatic Solo) Jessica Johnson (Musical Theatre Comedic Solo) Hunter Jackson (Musical Theatre Dramatic Solo) Gretta Ferguson / Hunter Jackson (Duet Dramatic Musical Theatre) The Following students received Excellent Ratings: Katie Dobbins (Musical Theatre Solo) Julie Rich (Solo Acting Dramatic) Tabitha Ferguson (Solo Acting Dramatic) Alexandra McClellan (Solo Acting Dramatic) Alexandra Patterson / Natasha Taylor (Duet Reader's Theatre Dramatic) Dejuan Lewis / Justin Erwin (Duet Comedic Acting) John Jackson served as tech director for the district festival, Donnie Bryan was host of the district festival, Drama Parents are to be commended for all their hard work and effort in hosting this huge event! The group collected over 1000 pounds of food for the Trick or Treat so Kids can Eat project, set up a booth and did four performances at the Renaissance Faire, will host the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party this Saturday, November 10 at 10:00 a.m. on the set at FHS! Performances for Alice in Wonderland are Thursday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m.; Friday, November 16 at 9:30 a.m.; Saturday, November 17 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Coming Soon: Little Shop of Horrors Broadway's Man-eating Musical) is Set for March and Graceland / Asleep on the Wind (A fond remembrance of Elvis, complete with Peanut butter and banana sandwiches) in April!
	National Merit Semi-Finalists Florence High School is proud to announce the names of National Merit Scholar Semi-finalists Gretta Ferguson and Nicholas Pierce. They are among 16,000 semi-finalists in the 53rd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,200 Merit Scholarship awards, worth $34 million, that will be offered next spring. More than 1.4 million juniors in nearly 21,000 high schools entered the 2008 National Merit Program by taking the 2006 preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The Semi-finalists, who represent less than one-percent of U.S. high school seniors, include the highest scoring entrants in each state. Congratulations Gretta and Nick!
	FHS Track Team Members Qualify for State The following Florence Students qualified for the State Cross Country Meet this coming Saturday at the Jesse Owens Park in Moulton. Justin Murphy Finished 7^th overall in the Section 5 6A boys meet at Bob Jones High School with a time of 17:29. Kyle Crown Finished 16^th overall with a time of 18:23 Trey Moore Finished 22^nd overall with a time of 18:48 The only girl qualifier was Taryn Burgess who finished 19^th overall with a time of 21:52 The times are over a distance of 3.1 miles.
	National Honor Society Forms Available Forms for National Honor Society are available from Mrs. Musgrove in Room 2 in the English hallway. If you are interested in applying for membership in the National Honor Society, please see her to obtain a form. Among other requirements, you must have a "90" average. Forms are due no later than October 26.
	Art Students Win Awards At the North Alabama State Fair, the following art students were honored for their work: Mixed Media: first place-Phillip Albright, second-Cynthia Lambert, third-Janie Locker. Painting: first-Carson Richey, second-Anna Saunders Drawing: first-Alex Yu, second-Cynthia Lambert, third-Philip Albright Best of Show-Cynthia Lambert Honorable mention-Kaitlin Eckl, Karly Cochran, Kayla Sloan, Brett Burgess, Nations Gallegos, Mary Katherine Cleveland, Ian Butler, Justin Murphy, Sarah Thigpen, Janie Locker, and Alex Yu. Congratulations!

	Dillon Hodges Wins Guitar National Championship Florence High School senior Dillon Hodges won the title as Flat Picking Guitar National Champion at the 36th Annual Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas on September 15.The contest annually features a field of 40 of the top guitar players from across the United States. Hodges was selected as one of the five finalists after the first round in the event, then claimed the title as National Champion with his performance in the final round. Hodges is also the flat-picking champion of Alabama, and, at 17-years-old, is the second youngest winner ever. Congratulations Dillon!
	Jackson Named 2008 National Achievement Program Participant Florence High School is proud to announce that senior Tikira S. Jackson has been named a National Achievement Program Participant by the National Achievement Scholarship Program. Of the more than 140,000 Black Americans to request consideration when they took the 2006 PSAT/NMSQT, Tikira scored in the top 5%. These students are being referred to about 1,500 U. S. colleges and universities.
	National Commended Scholars Announced Florence High School is pleased to announce that two of our students, Emily Jones and Christina Albright, have been named Commended Scholars in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship Program. Commended students are being recognized for the exceptional academic promise demonstrated by their outstanding performance on the qualifying test used for program entry. Over 1.4 million students took the test, and Jones and Albright are among only 34,000 high performers named Commended Students. We are very proud of these two students.
	Locker Wins Writing Award Congratulations to senior Elizabeth Locker who has received the National Teachers of English Achievement Award in Writing. Only 595 students in the US are chosen to receive this prestigious award. Elizabeth is the first Florence High School student to receive this award.
	Band Wins Superior Rating Congratulations to the Big Blue Falcon Band for an outstanding performance this past Saturday, September 29, at the Dixie Pride Marching Competition. All elements of the band received the rating of "Superior" from all of the judges. The dance line won "best in class," and the band received the third place award in our division. GO BIG BLUE!
	FHS Welcomes New Administrators When the school year begins, students and staff will meet two new assistant principals. Mr. Jimmy Shaw, a graduate of the former Bradshaw High School, is a full time administrator at the high school. Florence High School will share Mrs. Lynne Hice with the Florence Freshman Center. She will rotate her days between the two schools. Welcome to both these new administrators!
	FHS Cheerleaders win Awards The FHS Cheerleading Squad attended UCA Camp this summer. Our cheerleaders brought home the following awards: All-Stars: Janay Baltes, Raleigh Andrews, Mollie Kindahl, Leigh Ellen Landers, Mallory Maddox, Jori Thompson, Sylvia Towery, and Casey Weatherbee. The squad as a whole won first place in pom dance and extreme routine, the leadership award, top banana award, and top rock 'n' rally award. Congratulations to the squad and to Coach Sabrina McFall, who received her UCA Coach's certification!
	FHS PSAT TEST INFORMATION Test Date: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 Test is for FHS 10th and 11th graders - serves as the National Merit Qualifying Test for 11th grade only Registration Period: August 27-September 25 Register in Guidance: Before School from 7:30-7:45 (Ms. Lovelace) After School from 3:05 - 3:35 (Mrs. Witt / Ms. Lovelace) Registration Fee: $13.00 (checks made payable to Florence High School) Fee Waivers available for qualifying 11th graders - See Ms. Lovelace
	State Report Card Available The State Board of Education School Report Card for 2005-2006 is available in the school office, guidance, or the check-in, check-out office for anyone who wishes a copy.

	Transcripts for Former Florence City Students For a transcript, please contact Heather Foote at 541 Riverview Dr., Florence, Alabama, 35630; phone 256-768-3044; fax 256-768-3106; or, email hfoote@fcs.k12.al.us .
	Homecoming Attendants Selected On Monday, October 1, the student body of Florence High School selected it's homecoming attendants for 2007. They are: Sophomores: Candice Charmaine Anderson and Lakayla Sharnel Barnett. Juniors: Tamara Crenshaw and Brittany Nicole Jordan. Seniors: Mollie Erin Kindahl, Meredith Thompson Moore, Caroline Alexandra Nelson, and Laquinreka Nayoun Southward. On Monday, October 8, the entire student body will select the homecoming queen. The attendants will ride in the homecoming parade at 3:30 on Friday, October 12, will be presented at halftime of the homecoming game on Friday night, and the queen will be announced and crowned immediately following the presentation. Congratulations girls!
	New Requirements for Elections The faculty and administration of FHS have developed new guidelines for eligibility for elected offices--both class officers and student council officers-- homecoming court and attendants, and prom court, which includes Mr. and Miss FHS. Homecoming court elections will be held next week and will follow the new requirements. They are as follows: *Homecoming Court* The homecoming court procedures shall be as follows: Each student in grades 10 and 11 will nominate (in homeroom) two girls from that grade level. Each senior student will nominate four girls. A list of the top ten nominees from each class will be voted upon in homeroom by that respective class. The top two nominees from each class (with the exception of the senior class) will be court attendants. The names of the top four nominees from the senior class will be placed on a separate ballot. The entire student body will vote (by homeroom) on homecoming queen. The senior receiving the most votes will be named homecoming queen. The remaining three girls will serve as senior court attendants. A run-off election shall be held only in the event of a tie. *Homecoming escorts* Homecoming escorts shall be selected from the following groups: a) Student Council Officers, Senior Leadership council, and/or Class Officers b) Student Council Representatives c) Key Club or other service organizations *Requirements for eligibility:* 1.