Kevin O’Donnell, Editor-in-Chief
Hello! My name is Kevin; friends call me Kev, Kev-o, Kev-Dog or Neil. I’m a senior at Kettering Fairmont High, my happy home for the last three years. After a 13-year detour in Bellbrook, I came back to Kettering – where I was born – to pursue my love of music, but discovered my love of journalism freshman year. This will be my third year on The Flyer staff and my second year as editor. I’ve always taken pleasure in a good story, and I hope to eventually make journalism my career. After all, a journalist is essentially just a story teller. When I’m not writing or reading, I play bass (upright and electric) in the Symphonic Orchestra, the Jazz Band and a budding folk trio. I can usually be found running with my giant white poodle, hanging out with friends, or haunting rooms 121 and 429. I’m still yet to meet a stranger; if you have a suggestion for The Flyer or need to contact me, please email me at keodonnell@yahoo.com. Thank you for reading The Flyer!
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Paqui Toscano, Editor-in-Chief
Although I was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, I’ve lived in Kettering since I was eight months old. (We have gone back to visit, though – Mardi Gras is a blast!) After going to JFK and then KMS, I’m now a senior at Fairmont, where I try to stay involved as much as I can. I’m a member of Wind Ensemble, Pep Band and Marching Band (in which I play euphonium); I also play piano in Jazz Ensemble. When I don’t have my baritone or piano, I’m also Latin Club president, a varsity tennis player, vice president of the United Student Body, a Debate Team member and a Muse Machine member. I also umpire Little League baseball. When I do get some free time, I enjoy reading, writing, engaging in political debates, watching TV (definitely MSNBC, not Fox), traveling and listening to music, mostly Broadway show tunes, which I play at staff meetings (just ask Flyer 2nd period). After Fairmont, I plan to attend college and then law school (my long-term goal is to become a federal judge). Constitutional law is definitely a passion. I’m really enjoy being Editor-in-Chief again this year; I feel like I actually know what I’m doing this year — at least somewhat. The Flyer has endless opportunities and I look forward to exploring them with the rest of the staff!
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Jillian Hall, Chief Photographer
¡Hola! I’m Jillian Hall, but if you know me, you probably called me Jilly. I am currently a junior at Fairmont. I play clarinet in Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Pep Band, District Honor Band, and Carrillon Park Band and am currently a section leader. I love music, art, poetry, books, theatre, and pretty much anything furry! I have two cats (Betsy and Tootles) and a German-shepherd/Husky/Rottweiler mix named Penny, all of which were rescued from the pound. My favorite subject is English, and I aspire to become a high school English teacher or teach English as a second language. (I already know how nerdy that sounds.) In fact, my dog Penny knows English and Spanish commands like come, sit, and lay down. I work extremely hard all the time (and some people might say I’m an overachiever), but I also love to have fun and when I start laughing, it’s hard for me to stop.
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Jessica Wuensch, Chief Photographer
Well, hello there! I’m Jessica Wuensch, and this is my second year on The Flyer. Last year I did photography and a little writing and everything in between, and this year I’m the chief photographer for our third-period class. I’m sort of a paparazzi for my friends, and I take my camera everywhere with me. If I’m not taking pictures, you can find me baking cupcakes or creeping on Facebook. I’m addicted to the Internet. I spend almost as much time at school as I do at home, especially considering I’m Commissioner of Special Projects for United Student Body. My senior year is pretty crazy already, but I’m looking forward to all of the chaos that is my life.
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Jared Bergstrom, Sports Editor
Hello, I’m Jared Bergstrom and I’m The Flyer’s 2nd period sports editor. Well, let’s just start off with what I know. I have been told by some people that I am a sports guru. People say this because I know so much about all sports, old and current, but I mostly follow NASCAR, the NFL and MLB. But I know all sports. I’m glad to cover sports at Fairmont this year because I know the lingo for every sport. I also love the usual things … listening to music and reading. But my love and passion is sports. I have played every sport there is known to mankind, from bull riding to football. I hope you’ll enjoy following the sports on our website!
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Tristan Buirley, Staff Writer
Hi! I’m Tristan Buirley, and I’m happy to be back for another year! I had a lot of fun and learned a lot last year, so I’m hoping that I can add to the experience this year! I still enjoy doing many things, like playing in the Orchestra, reading and writing, and playing an assortment of games. I also enjoy being at Fairmont in classes with all my friends. I hope that my experience on The Flyer will be as great as it was last year!
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Brian Cassidy, Staff Writer
Born deep in the Alaskan wilderness in a tiny wood cabin next to a roaring fireplace and wrapped in leather bands lay the infant child, Staff Writer Brian Cassidy.
Hey, Fairmont! Well, as mentioned, I am Brian, I am a junior and this is my first year on The Flyer staff. I’m on the Cross Country and Tennis teams as well. I’m extremely excited to be a part of The Flyer crew this year and hope to bring you some great coverage. Thanks for reading my bio and keep checking out www.fairmontflyer.com for the hot talk at Fairmont!
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Cole Cavanah, Staff Writer/Photographer
Hello! I’m Cole Cavanah. I am one of the newest additions to The Flyer family. I am really enjoying my time on the team. I’m in a number of school activities! I’m a Sousaphone player in the Marching Band. I’m also first chair in Symphonic Band. As you can tell music is my life! The Flyer has been a great experience so far; this is unlike any class I have ever taken. I really hope I enjoy the next 3 years on the team!
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Alison Dale, Business/Promotions Manager
Hey, Fairmont! My name is Alison Dale and this is my first year on The Flyer. I am a senior at Fairmont and love spending time with my family and friends. I also love cheerleading and have cheered for Varsity Football for two years and Competition for four years. I’m excited to deal with the business side of The Flyer and absolutely want to major in some sort of business in college. I also enjoy music, going to concerts, roller coasters, painting my nails, and playing with my puppies. I’m anxious and excited to see how great The Flyer will be and what opportunities it will offer!
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Stephanye Floyd, Staff Photographer
Hi! My name is Stephanye Floyd and I’m a senior at Kettering Fairmont High School. This is my second year at Fairmont and I consider it an amazing school full of amazing opportunities and great people who are always willing to help. I love writing, doing plays, photography, hanging with friends, volunteering and now working on The Flyer. My plan is to go to Wright State after high school and maybe transfer to another college afterwards. I’m a staff photographer this year on The Flyer, so look for pictures and stories from me in The Flyer!
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Kristina Fothergill, Staff Writer
Hi, my name is Kristina Fothergill and I am a senior at Fairmont High School. This year is my first year being a part of The Flyer team. I have lived in Kettering my whole life with my parents, two sisters and one brother. I am involved in the Marketing program at Fairmont and also am in DECA Club. Through the Marketing program, I also work at the student-run credit union we have at school. I am very excited to be a part of The Flyer family, and I hope you enjoy the site!
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Madeline Hogan, Staff Photographer
Hello! My name is Madeline Hogan and this is my first year on The Flyer. I am a senior here at Fairmont, but I am new from Centerville High School. I am very excited to be a photographer for The Flyer this year; I plan on pursuing photography in college. I also enjoy music, going to shows, and hanging out with my friends in my free time. I look forward to showing you my work this year, and to see how great The Flyer is!
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Zach Jarrell, Features Editor
My name is Zach Jarrell. I am a senior at Fairmont and the 3rd period Features Editor of The Flyer. I am in Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble (both for bass), and I play bass in pep band and pit orchestra. I play saxophone in marching band, but not very well. I am a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan and will be for life. I continue to predict them as my Super Bowl pick even though they have consistently failed me.
I also know just about everything there is to know about Star Wars. In fact, one day I hope to buy an authentic storm trooper outfit. I am constantly involved in politics. I have always been a big conservative and like to debate with anyone who is willing. I also am involved in my youth group. I am currently helping to form our youth band.
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Nikki Kelley, Features Editor
Hi! I’m Nikki and this is my second year on The Flyer. I’m the 2nd period Features Editor. I’m very outgoing and I love meeting new people. Writing and photography are definitely my biggest passions in life and I hope to continue with them after high school. I love roller coasters, big trucks, smoothies and tacos. I may only be 4’11”, but don’t underestimate me, ha ha. I’m always up for a good conversation, so don’t be shy!
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Abby Lybrook, Staff Photographer
I am an intense lover of music, particularly that of Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, Beck, Regina Spektor, Pink Floyd, and, most of all, the Beatles. I am a bookworm, as they call it. I’m one of those people who read books multiple times and never get tired of them. I especially love The Catcher in the Rye, A Clockwork Orange, Fahrenheit 451, and anything written by Kurt Vonnegut or Ernest Hemingway. History is another love of mine. I find the 20th century most fascinating. My dream in life is to be a published writer.
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Taylor Meade, Staff Photographer
Hey, guys, I’m Taylor Meade! I enjoy lemonade, fall time, and my kitten Liam. I’m new to The Flyer staff this year and I’m a junior. I love taking pictures and could really see myself going somewhere in the journalism field.
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Dakota Miller, Entertainment Editor
Salutations! I’m returning to staff this year as Entertainment Editor, and I am very excited to have a great year all year long with the great staff on The Flyer. Expect to see many reviews of CDs, movies, and more from our Entertainment section! On a more personal note, I’m currently 16, 17 in December, and thoroughly enjoy The Flyer. I also enjoy the show My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and will often make references to it. I am in the Fairmont Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Pep Band, and various other musical extracurriculars. This year is going to be great – I hope to see The Flyer become your go-to source for all of the best in Entertainment!
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Benjamin Morgan, Staff Writer/Cartoonist
My name is Benjamin Morgan. I am 17 and am a senior at our school. My job is a staff writer and a cartoonist. This is my first year on staff and I like it so far. I am also in the Biotechnology program at FHS and hope to go on to become a forensic scientist. I watch a lot of movies and TV. I hope you all enjoy my work on The Flyer.
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Christopher Muratore, Staff Writer
My name is Christopher Muratore; at least that is how I am generally referred to. I’m 15 years old and live with my nuclear family, which consists of my two brothers, my parents, and, if you would like, a hamster, a rabbit and a dog, largely in custody of my younger brother. Besides that, I like to keep secretive with my dealings, which, if you would really like to know, involve lots of reading, writing, doodling, and other activities of the sort. I think I have already said too much as it is. Now have a nice day.
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Emily Pacenta, Staff Writer
Hi, my name is Emily Pacenta. I am a sophomore at Fairmont High School. This is my first year on The Flyer staff. I play basketball and soccer, which pretty much takes up my entire life. I enjoy sleeping and eating. When I grow up, I want to live in Colorado and travel a lot. I love animals and my dog means the world to me. She is a black lab named Luna. I want to have a job that has something to do with animals when I grow up. I am always doing something and extremely busy. I love being around my friends and I love to laugh. I have a lot of friends and if I’m not hanging out with them, I am with my crazy family. I have an older sister who’s a senior at Ohio State University and triplet brothers and sister that are 12 years old. They drive me crazy, but they mean the world to me.
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Dayna Pittman, Staff Writer/Cartoonist
My name is Dayna, and this is my first year on The Flyer staff. There’s not much to say about me except that I like to draw and listen to music like any normal kid. I look for ninja squirrels with my friend; so far, I have caught one. His name is Bobet.
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Kerrianne Ryan, Staff Writer
Hi! My name is Kerrianne Ryan, and I’m currently a junior at Fairmont. Being a part of The Flyer has been one of my dreams for many years now, and I’m really excited that I’m a part of The Flyer family this year. Other than being on The Flyer staff this year, I’m working at Skyline Chili (which I love — I get free food, yum!). When I’m not at school or work, I’m riding my bike around or wasting time on the Internet. Overall, I’m a pretty boring person, but I’m lucky to have friends who love me despite how unexciting my life is (although I’m pretty sure they’re only my friends because I can get them cheap Donatos… .)
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Jenny Sharpe, Sports Editor
Hey, Fairmont, it’s Jenny Sharpe. This is my first year as a Flyer staff member. I’m a senior and I’m the 3rd period Sports Editor for The Flyer. I play softball competitively all year round. I love spending good times with my friends and family, and they all mean the world to me. My favorite animals are turtles and puppies, and I love to eat Double Stuf Oreos with peanut butter! I like to be funny, and sarcasm is one of my specialties. I plan on playing softball in college and majoring in nursing to pursue my planned career of becoming a neonatal nurse. I have a big Italian family that I love so much, and we run a restaurant on Far Hills called Geez Grill & Pub and I encourage you to check it out! The two loves of my life are my Jack Russell, Kadie, and my cat, Cheeto. I’m thankful for everything I have in my awesome life, and I thank God for everything He has given to me!
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Rachel Sheidler, Staff Writer/Photographer
Hello! My name is Rachel Sheidler and I’m a junior at Fairmont. This is my first year on The Flyer and I feel so privileged to be on the staff. I’ve lived in the same house in Kettering my whole life. My friends would describe me as hard-working, friendly and quiet. I went to Ascension Catholic School for nine years before coming to Fairmont. My hobbies include writing, reading, scrap booking, volunteering and babysitting. I’m very passionate about my faith and enjoy spending my free time with friends from my youth group. God is and always will be the center of my life. As for some random facts about me: I got my boating license before my driver’s license, I have more than 100 pairs of earrings, and if you buy me jellybeans, I’ll be your best friend. After high school, I plan on going to Wright State University to become a teacher or counselor. I’ve enjoyed my first two years at Fairmont and look forward to the next two. See ya in the halls!
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Alona Skipper, Staff Photographer
Hello, Fairmont! I’m Alona Skipper, and this is my first year on The Flyer staff. I am a junior and have played Varsity Basketball for Fairmont since freshman year. I love listening to music and watching movies with friends. I mostly spend my free time playing basketball and going to Fairmont sporting events. I’m very excited to be on The Flyer this year, and I know it’s going to be fun and a good experience.
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Rylee Smith, Staff Writer/Photographer
My name is Rylee Smith, and this is my first year on The Flyer staff. I’m not very good at writing about myself. I like to listen to music and play sports. I enjoy writing and photography. I think that’s about it. Oh, and I’m addicted to Oreos.
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Makayla Waterman, Staff Writer
Hello, my name is Makayla Waterman. I am a sophomore, and this is my first year on The Flyer staff. I play basketball for the school, and it is my favorite thing to do. I don’t have much free time but when I do, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, going to movies, and spending time with my family. I love going to school because I get to see all my friends and learn new things. My favorite subject is history, and I enjoy biology. I love animals; my favorite type of animal is a monkey. I love to meet new people and learn new things. I hope to grow up and play basketball in college and major in education. I have an older sister who attends Niagara University and majors in business. My mother and father are both teachers; that’s why I plan on being a teacher when I grow up.
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Chelsea Welch, Staff Photographer
Hello, everyone! My name is Chelsea Welch, and I’m a junior at Fairmont High School. This is my first year on The Flyer as a full-time photographer. I player varsity for Volleyball and Basketball at the school. When I grow up, I would like to be a middle school teacher. I enjoy long walks on the beach and movies. I love loaded nachos. I basically live at Buffalo Wild Wings. My favorite subject is Math. I am happy to be a part of Flyer staff this year!
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Gabrielle West, Staff Writer/Photographer
Bonjour! I’m Abbie West. I am a senior at Fairmont, and this is my first year on staff. My life outside of The Flyer mainly consists of working and Color Guard. I played soccer for two years at Fairmont as a freshman and sophomore. I then took my junior year off sports to focus on school and senior year decided to be a part of Color Guard. It’s been a wonderful experience and a great confidence booster. I’m also a part of other organizations at Fairmont. You’ll usually find me walking around the halls with a huge smile on my face greeting everyone. As much as I’ll miss it, after this year, I do plan on attending college. My first choice is currently Montana State University for out of state, along with UC and Miami for in state. I want to study pre-law (another four wonderful years of school), join the Peace Corps for two years, come home, and spend another four years in school earning my master’s degree. I’d love to become a prosecutor one day because I’ve always loved the justice system. Thanks for reading, and I’m looking forward to a great year!
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Madison Wray, Staff Writer
Hello, Fairmont! My name is Madison Wray and this is my second year on The Flyer staff. I am a senior and a part of the Senior Class Council and involved in many other organizations at Fairmont. I love spending time with friends and family, I enjoy music and writing is my passion. English is my strongest subject and journalism is something I am definitely considering in my future. I am very excited to be on The Flyer this year, and I know it’s going to be fun and successful!
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Janie Ross, Adviser
This is my 13th year advising The Flyer newsmagazine, and journalism is in my blood. It was my major at Indiana University, along with a 2nd major of political science/criminal justice. I began my 12-year newspaper career at The Springfield Daily News in Missouri, where I worked on the hard news side (fires, murders, politics, etc.) and worked my way up to City Editor. I also met my husband Kevin at the paper, and we’ll celebrate our 29th wedding anniversary in the fall of 2011. We moved to Ohio in 1984 and both took jobs at the Dayton Daily News; Kevin stayed in news and I moved to features (entertainment, food, lifestyle, etc.). After that, I worked for the City of Kettering in a media-related area for about five years before deciding to turn to teaching. I had no idea I would end up in the world of journalism again after earning my teaching credentials, but Fairmont High School needed someone to teach Journalism, The Flyer and the yearbook classes, so it seemed to be my destiny! (I’ve since given up the yearbook class and teach other English classes now, too.)
I live in Washington Township with Kevin and my grandson Calvin, a freshman at (gasp!) Centerville High School. The other men in my life are my sweet black lab Jordy and my rotten cat Zeke. I’d like to say I have several great hobbies, but I never find time for them because The Flyer and my other responsibilities keep me pretty busy!
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