Founding Fabyan
October 1, 2009 by Kelley Munch
Filed under Education
Welcome back!
There was clapping and some cheering when “blue” was recently announced as Fabyan Elementary
School’s official color, but that approval by students was nothing compared to when the school’s mascot was revealed.
Fabyan Elementary School is now the Home of the Falcons, and students couldn’t be more excited. From a list of five possible mascots–frogs, leprechauns, falcons, foxes and monkeys–the Fabyan Falcons was the clear winner; and at least one-second grader, Rachel, was on board with that particular choice from the start.
“They’re cool, and they are very strong,” she said of the birds.
Nick, a third grader, was also a supporter. “We just like falcons,” he said matter-of-factly.
Principal Darcy Thompson said the selection of a school color and mascot was an exciting time for the new school community, as it was the first in a long line of traditions that this first Fabyan class and staff was able to embark upon together.
“The applause and cheering brought music to my ears,” she said. “I looked across our Fabyan student body and came to the conclusion that we are becoming a cohesive group. For all of our students and staff that have come from different schools, we are forming a great togetherness here at Fabyan.”
The kindergarten through fourth grade students each contributed by a “write-in vote” for mascot and school colors. From those write-in votes, the top five choices for each category were put on a ballot; and the fifth grade and Fabyan staff voted.
But it wasn’t until Bernadette and George Richter of SOAR–Save Our American Raptors–walked into an all-school assembly with Damsel, a 6-year-old Peregrine Falcon, and Lacy, a 4-year-old American Kestrel, that the students knew the outcome of the vote. And they heartily approved.
“The kids were just really excited that they were able to participate in the choice,” said Principal Thompson.
Kelley Munch is the Communications Coordinator for the Geneva School District.
This article first appeared in the October 2009 issue of eGeneva Magazine.
