Fredonia Engineering Students Gain Inspiration at State Leadership and Skills Conference
By Lumen Cristy Ihong

Fredonia School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Engineering class recently took an exciting step toward their future careers by attending the 2026 State Leadership and Skills Conference, held on April 7 and 8 at the Phoenix Convention Center.
 

The conference, organized under SkillsUSA, brought together students from across the state of Arizona to showcase their talents in a wide range of technical, trade, and leadership competitions. From
engineering design and robotics to public speaking and leadership challenges, the event highlighted the many pathways available for students to explore their skills and passions.

For Fredonia students, this year’s experience focused on observation and preparation. While they did not yet compete, the opportunity to witness live competitions, interact with other student participants, and
explore the structure of events provided valuable insight into what it takes to succeed at the state level. 

Students were able to see firsthand the level of dedication, creativity, and technical knowledge required, giving them a clearer vision of how they can prepare for future participation.

Throughout the two-day conference, students attended sessions, observed project presentations, and engaged with peers who shared similar interests in engineering and technology. The experience served as a meaningful introduction to the world of Career and Technical Education beyond the classroom. It also reinforced the importance of hands-on learning, problem solving, and collaboration - skills that are central to success in engineering fields.
 

Upon returning to Fredonia, student Bryce Bundy enthusiastically shared that they had an amazing time and are already looking forward to participating next year. His excitement reflects a broader sense of motivation among the group, as students expressed a renewed interest in developing their skills and preparing for future competitions.

This experience not only expanded students’ understanding of engineering opportunities in the United States but also encouraged them to envision themselves as future professionals in the field. Exposure to such a high-level event has the potential to shape their academic and career goals in the years ahead. 

The success of this trip would not have been possible without the strong support of Fredonia School’s administration, whose  commitment to student growth continues to open doors for meaningful learning experiences. Special recognition is also extended to Engineering teacher Mr. Juvyl Ihong and Mrs. Wendy

Larson for accompanying and guiding the students throughout the trip.

As Fredonia’s Engineering program continues to grow, opportunities like this serve as a powerful reminder that learning extends far beyond the classroom. With inspiration gained and goals set, Fredonia students are already looking ahead, ready to take on the challenge and proudly represent their school in next year’s competition.

Fredonia Schools Celebrate Student Talent During Spring Concert and Art Fair
By Lumen Cristy Ihong

On April 13, 2026, at six o’clock in the evening, the Fredonia Schools campus came alive with music, creativity, and community spirit during the annual Spring Concert and Art Fair. Families, friends, staff, and community members gathered together to celebrate the incredible talents of
students from preschool through 11th grade in an evening filled with memorable performances and inspiring artwork.

Under the direction of music teacher Mrs. Aldrich, students spent months preparing during their music classes to bring the performances to life. The concert became possible through the collaborative efforts of many dedicated educators and volunteers, including Geoffrey Canaan, lead teacher of the school’s student band Doubtful Joy, composed of several talented seventh graders, and Mr. Juvyl Ihong, who assisted preschool and kindergarten students in practicing for their performances.

The evening began with adorable performances from the preschool and kindergarten students, who delighted the audience with “Loose Tooth,” a fun rap song about teeth, and “Paw Paw Patch,” a traditional American folk song. Their energy and enthusiasm immediately filled the room with smiles and laughter.

The first and second grade classes followed with instrumental performances of “Mama Paquita” and “Old Brass Wagon” by the New England Dancing Masters. Students confidently showcased their developing musical skills and impressed the audience with their rhythm and teamwork.

Third and fourth grade students then performed the beloved classic “Country Roads” by John Denver, followed by “Touch the Sky,” a duet soprano recorder piece composed by David Gray. Their heartfelt performance highlighted both musical growth and stage confidence.

Students from fifth through seventh grade continued the evening with energetic performances of “Eye of the Tiger” using soprano recorders and “Wonder” performed on ukulele, also composed by David Gray. The students demonstrated dedication and hard work as they entertained the
audience with their musical talents.

In addition to the concert, the Art Fair transformed the evening into a celebration of creativity and imagination. Artwork created by students from preschool through 11th grade, along with pieces from teachers, staff, and community members, were proudly displayed throughout the
venue. Guests admired a wide variety of artistic styles, colorful paintings, drawings, and mixed media projects that reflected the unique talents of the artists.

Ms. Everhart proudly announced the winners of the 2026 Art Fair competition. Students were recognized for their outstanding creativity and artistic expression across all grade levels.  Primary Best of Show was awarded to Dantzel Finicum for the piece titled Animal Hiding.
Natalie Ashley earned Elementary Best of Show for Christmas Tree, while Omree Meng received Secondary Best of Show honors for the artwork Sweetview.

The Art Fair was made possible through the dedication and initiative of the school’s art teachers, including Ms. Everhart, Ms. Olsen, Mrs. Cole, Mrs. Aldrich, and Mr. Ihong, who all worked together in supporting and guiding students throughout the creative process.

The concert concluded with a powerful and exciting performance by Doubtful Joy, a student band composed of Nathan Ashley, Tren Allen, Aiyavee Shearer, Ashor Kilgot, Emberlyn Wilmarth, and Nashton Wright. Under the guidance of band leader Mr. Geoffrey Canaan, the
group performed “Undone (The Sweater Song)” by Weezer, bringing the evening to an energetic and unforgettable close. Their performance showcased the confidence, passion, and musical talent growing within Fredonia Schools, leaving the audience cheering and applauding as the
evening came to an end.

A special thank you was extended to the Art Fair judges, Shelley Wheeler Christensen, Ria Hoyt, and Matthew Stewart, for taking the time to carefully evaluate the impressive student artwork and select the winners.  The school would also like to recognize and commend the teachers, staff, and community members who shared their own artistic masterpieces during the event, including Shelley Wheeler Christensen, Ria Hoyt, Matthew Stewart, Delina Bowler, Hannah Webster, Jeanne Crookston, Manuela Biasotto, Shelby Hunt, Juvyl Ihong, Caitlyn Cole, Cory Olson, Gail
Everhart, and Amber Hoffman.

The Spring Concert and Art Fair once again demonstrated the strong partnership between Fredonia Schools and the community. Through music, art, and collaboration, students were given an opportunity to shine and express themselves in meaningful ways. The evening served
as a reminder that wonderful things happen when schools and communities come together in support of children and the arts.

Truly, the success of this event would not have been possible without the continued support, encouragement, and involvement of families, staff, and community members who helped make the night unforgettable.

Young Learners Explore, Imagine, and Create Memories at Annual Children’s Museum Field Trip

By Lumen Cristy Ihong

On April 16, 2026, kindergarten through second-grade students from Fredonia Elementary School enjoyed another memorable and exciting annual field trip filled with learning, exploration, and fun. The much-anticipated tradition brought young learners to the Children’s Museum, where students experienced a day full of hands-on activities designed to spark creativity, curiosity, and imagination.

Teachers Mrs. Crookston and Mrs. Ihong have been organizing this educational experience since 2023, making this year the third year that Fredonia Elementary students have had the opportunity to participate in this meaningful adventure outside the classroom.

The Children’s Museum offered students access to 15 interactive exhibit spaces spread across two levels. Each area encouraged children to play, learn, explore, and role-play through real-world and fantasy-themed environments. Students dressed up, used their imaginations, discovered new interests, and learned through hands-on experiences that brought learning to life in a fun and engaging way.

Following their museum visit, students traveled to Fossil Falls Park in St. George, Utah, where they enjoyed lunch and outdoor playtime before returning to school. One highlight of the afternoon was the park’s enormous slide, which quickly became a favorite attraction among the students.

Even children who were initially nervous about the height found encouragement from their classmates and teachers. One by one, students bravely took their turn, and before long, many were racing back up the steps, eager to slide down again and again. Laughter filled the park as students cheered each other on and celebrated small moments of courage and accomplishment.

Field trips like these create learning opportunities that extend beyond classroom walls. They allow students to build friendships, strengthen confidence, explore new environments, and create lasting memories together.

For Fredonia Elementary students, April 16 was not simply a field trip. It was another wonderful day of discovery, adventure, and childhood memories that will surely be remembered for years to come.

Fredonia Library held their 2nd annual Pi day celebration this past Friday, March 13th.  Pi is the mathematical constant representing the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter.  "It is approximately 3.14 so we celebrate as close as we can to March 14th", noted Library director, Sheena Cram.  We were blessed this year to receive 50 individual mini pies to give away that were made by the Fredonia High School culinary class.  Teacher Kay Syddall runs a fabulous program and was kind to work with the students to provide this community service.  Librarian Mary Ballard always takes the lead on planning this day and this year she planned four crafts for attendees to choose from.  Each child could make a dragon, a ladybug, a bee, or a turtle all out of circles.  The Fredonia Library weekly Friday activities are always fun for the whole family and run from 10:30am -1:30pm Arizona time.  An extra special activity like Pi Day throws a little more excitement into the mix.  Library activities are always free to the surrounding community and visitors unless otherwise advertised.  

A Week of Books, Poetry, and Community at the Fredonia Scholastic Book Fair
By Lumen Cristy Ihong

Fredonia Schools recently celebrated the joy of reading during the annual Scholastic Book Fair
held from March 2 through March 5, 2026. The week-long event brought together students,
families, teachers, and the Parent Teacher Organization in a shared celebration of books,
learning, and creativity.

The book fair officially opened on March 2 at 5:30 in the afternoon with a special Reading and
Poetry Night, welcoming families into the school to browse books and enjoy a meaningful
evening of student performances. The event was spearheaded by the PTO and teachers who
worked together to make the opening night both engaging and memorable for everyone who
attended.

Before the program began, families had the chance to explore the book fair tables filled with
colorful books and student favorites. Many students excitedly searched for stories they wanted
to read, while others were drawn to the fun school items available such as notebooks, pens, and
other small treasures that always seem to catch a student’s attention.

One of the highlights of the evening was the poetry recital, where students from different grade
levels bravely stepped forward to recite poems they had memorized and practiced. Standing in
front of a crowd can be intimidating even for adults, but these students showed confidence and
determination as they shared their pieces with the audience.

First grade participants included Dantzel Finicum, Connor Jensen, Mele Jane Tua’one, and
Elidan Bowler.  Second grade students who participated were Flint Finicum, Tyce Marshall, and Roselen Hunt.
A group poetry presentation was performed by a mix of fourth and fifth graders, Josiah Chacon,
Tom Journey, and Natalie Ashley, while middle school students CJ Lomahquahu, Candice
Ashley, and Nathen Ashley also took part in the recital and impressed the audience with their
confident delivery.

Throughout the week, the excitement continued with fun activities connected to the book fair.
Students earned tickets for participating in daily dress-up themes, joining the opening night
celebration, and for taking part in the poetry recital. Teachers also handed out tickets whenever
they caught students showing kindness and helpfulness toward their classmates. On the final
day of the book fair, names were drawn from the collected tickets, and the lucky winners
received a free book.

The Scholastic Book Fair has become a much-anticipated annual event in Fredonia Schools
because it encourages students to explore books and develop a love for reading. This year’s poetry recital added something extra special to the celebration. It allowed students to practice
public speaking, build confidence, and share their voices with the school community.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the parents who supported their children by helping them practice
and memorize their poems at home. Their encouragement played a big role in helping the
students feel ready to stand in front of the audience and perform.

Special appreciation also goes to the PTO, especially Cathy Chell, whose continued support
helps make the annual book fair possible. Thank you as well to the teachers who helped
organize and guide the event, including Mrs. Crookston, Ms. Manuela, Mrs. Ihong, Mr. Ihong,
and Mr. Canaan. Gratitude is also extended to the school administration for their support in
making the event a success.

Moments like these remind us that when families, teachers, staff, and students work together,
wonderful things happen. In Fredonia Schools, every event becomes more meaningful because
it reflects the shared commitment of a community that values learning, encouragement, and
opportunity for every child.

Fredonia Schools Host Successful Science Fair and STEM Night
By: Lumen Cristy Ihong

Fredonia schools came alive with curiosity and excitement on the evening of February 9, 2026,
as students, families, and community members gathered for the annual Science Fair and STEM
Night. The event showcased student innovation, hands-on learning, and strong community
involvement across all grade levels.

The highlight of the evening was the much-anticipated Egg Drop Challenge, now in its second
year. Students and their families were invited to design and build their own inventions to protect
a raw egg from a dramatic fall. Last year’s eggs were dropped from a 40-foot fire truck ladder,
but this year raised the stakes even higher with a 55-foot forestry bucket truck.

The egg drop took place in front of the school building, where spectators gathered to watch the
thrilling challenge unfold. At exactly 5:30 p.m., participants finalized their creations while families
and community members filled the area in eager anticipation. By 6:00 p.m., the official drop
began. One by one, carefully engineered contraptions plunged from the bucket truck toward the
ground as the crowd cheered and held their breath.

This year’s egg drop was made possible through the generous support of Oran Stoval of “Out
On A Limb,” who provided the forestry bucket truck and assisted with the drops. The school
extends its sincere gratitude for his time, expertise, and willingness to help create a memorable
and safe experience for students and families.

Out of 29 entries, 12 eggs survived the 55-foot fall and were declared winners. Successful
participants included Candice Ashley, Serena Bunting, Hazel Webster, Ezra Cram, Kyla Cluff,
Trey Cluff, Sierra Cluff, Santania Lomahquahu, Zack Wilmarth, Kennedy Bistline, Tyce Marshall,
and Leah Johnson.

Following the egg drop, attendees moved indoors to view the impressive display of student
science fair projects, which had been pre-judged earlier that day. Projects demonstrated
creativity, scientific inquiry, and problem-solving skills across elementary, middle, and high
school levels.

Elementary School Winners
Grand Prize: Josiah Chacon
1st Place: Leah Johnson
2nd Place: Natalie Ashley
3rd Place: Kaison Bistline
4th Place: Aiden Begay
5th Place: Stephen Langston

Middle School Winners
Grand Prize: Glory Rogers
1st Place: Laynee Grover
2nd Place: Tren Allen & Aiyavee Shearer
3rd Place: McKenna Bistline
4th Place: Tia Lee & Krissy Burke
5th Place: Candice Ashley & Emberlyn Wilmarth
 

High School Winners
Grand Prize: Verginia Black
1st Place: Isabella Black
2nd Place: Carrson Cluff
3rd Place: Taelynn Henderson
4th Place: Omree Meng
5th Place: Danni Waters & Anakah Delaney (tie)

The school extends heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated judges who generously volunteered
their time and expertise to evaluate the projects: Lannell Allen, Pete Degen, Marcia Meier, Jill
Luce, Tony Schoenfeld, Suzanne Thornberry, and Victoria Xiong. Their thoughtful feedback and
commitment helped make the competition meaningful and rewarding for all participants.
In addition to the competition, families enjoyed a table of free books where students could select
titles to take home, promoting literacy alongside scientific exploration.

STEM activities were held simultaneously in high school classrooms, giving parents and
community members an opportunity to explore the campus and see where students learn each
day. Activity stations featured rock mining, puzzle challenges, and robotics, allowing participants
to engage in hands-on experiences that highlighted science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics in action.

Fredonia’s Science Fair and STEM Night proved to be both educational and entertaining - a
celebration of innovation, perseverance, and community spirit. Events like this continue to
inspire students to think critically, explore new ideas, and develop a lifelong love for learning.

Fredonia Engineering Students Experience College
Innovation at Southern Utah University
By Lumen Cristy Ihong

On February 24, 2026, the Fredonia High School Engineering class had the opportunity to visit
the Engineering and Technology Department at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah.
The students were accompanied by their teacher, Mr. Ihong, as part of our continued effort to
expose them to real world applications of engineering and future college pathways.

This meaningful visit was made possible through the support of the Fredonia School
administration and College Director Richard Cozzens, who allowed our students to experience
firsthand what engineering looks like at the university level. We are also sincerely thankful to
Dean Bill Heyborn for welcoming our group and taking the time to introduce the programs and
opportunities available to aspiring engineers.

The visit began with a warm welcome from the Dean, who encouraged the students to continue
developing their skills and to consider higher education as part of their long term goals. From
there, the class toured the makerspace and machine shop. University instructors explained that
engineering goes beyond creating designs on paper. Students saw how ideas are transformed
into actual prototypes through careful planning, precision work, and hands on application.
Observing college students build and test their projects gave our class a clearer understanding
of the engineering process from concept to completion.

The group also visited the wind tunnel laboratory, where students learned how airflow is tested
to improve various designs. Seeing the equipment in action helped them connect classroom
concepts with real engineering practices.

One of the highlights of the trip was the virtual reality classroom. Students were able to
participate in an immersive geography exploration, virtually visiting different places and
countries. The experience combined technology, creativity, and global awareness, and it was
evident how much the students enjoyed learning in such an interactive environment.

Fredonia’s Engineering CTE class is a pioneering program for our school. Providing students
with exposure to college facilities and advanced technology plays an important role in shaping
their confidence and aspirations. Experiences like this encourage them to pursue higher
education and inspire them to continue building the skills needed for their future careers.

This visit served as a powerful reminder that learning extends far beyond the classroom. By
stepping onto a university campus and engaging with innovative tools and technology, our
students were able to envision themselves as future engineers and college students.

Sunshine and Smiles: Fredonia Students Share Songs and Stories with
Seniors
By Lumen Cristy Ihong

At exactly 12 noon on February 26, 2026, kindergarten through second grade students from
Fredonia Elementary School brought music, laughter, and heartfelt connection to the Fredonia
Senior Center. The midday visit was part of the school’s ongoing community service efforts, a
tradition that began in 2023 and is now proudly in its third year.

Each year, the youngest learners in Fredonia Schools set aside time to visit local seniors with
one simple goal: to brighten their day. What started as a small outreach effort has grown into a
meaningful annual experience that both students and seniors eagerly anticipate.

The program opened with a lively performance of “You’re Adorable.” Each child held a letter of
the alphabet and raised it when their letter was mentioned in the song, creating a coordinated
and charming display. The seniors responded with smiles, soft laughter, and warm applause as
the students confidently followed along.

The second selection, “You Are My Sunshine,” filled the room with warmth. The children’s voices
blended sweetly as they sang, spreading joy throughout the gathering space. Some seniors
quietly sang along, while others listened with bright expressions that reflected the impact of the
moment.

After the musical presentation, the students sat beside their senior partners and shared stories
from grade level appropriate books. One by one, the young readers demonstrated growing
confidence and developing literacy skills. The individual interactions created space for
conversation, encouragement, and genuine connection between generations.

The visit was more than a performance. It was an opportunity for students to practice empathy
and service in a real world setting, while seniors enjoyed meaningful time with Fredonia’s
youngest community members.

Reflecting on the afternoon, Mrs. Lumen Ihong shared, “Moments like this remind us that
learning goes beyond the classroom walls. When our students share their songs and stories,
they are also sharing kindness, respect, and love. Watching their little voices bring big smiles to
our senior friends is truly a blessing for all of us.”

As the students waved goodbye and returned to school, the sunshine outside mirrored the
warmth left inside the senior center, a reminder that small acts of kindness can leave a lasting
impression.

Fredonia Preschool Celebrates Valentine’s Day with Fun and Learning

By Lumen Cristy Ihong

Love, laughter, and learning filled the classroom during Fredonia Elementary School’s
Preschool Valentine’s Party held on February 11, 2025. The special celebration, thoughtfully
organized by Mrs. Jeanne Crookston, Fredonia Elementary School’s Kindergarten and
Preschool teacher, combined festive fun with meaningful learning experiences designed
especially for young learners.

To make the day engaging and educational, Mrs. Crookston prepared five interactive learning
centers that allowed preschool students to rotate through hands-on activities while celebrating
Valentine’s Day. The first center featured a Valentine Bingo game, where students practiced
listening and matching skills in an exciting group setting. At the second center, children enjoyed
decorating heart-shaped cookies, encouraging creativity while developing fine motor skills.

Learning continued at the third center through a Valentine Math activity focused on adding
numbers, helping students strengthen early math concepts in a fun and meaningful way. The
fourth center, a Valentine Cover Up game, provided another opportunity for students to practice
number recognition and counting skills. At the fifth center, students created Valentine crafts to
take home and share with their families, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to the
celebration.

The preschoolers also joined in the festive spirit by wearing red and pink outfits, filling the
classroom with bright colors and joyful energy. The event highlighted how learning and
celebration can come together to create meaningful and memorable experiences for young
children.

Fredonia Preschool continues to provide a nurturing environment where students learn through
play, creativity, and hands-on exploration. Families interested in giving their child the opportunity
to experience fun and meaningful learning at Fredonia are encouraged to inquire about
upcoming preschool registration.

Preschool at Fredonia Elementary School is free. For more information about enrollment and
registration, please contact Fredonia Elementary School. The staff looks forward to welcoming
new families into the preschool community.