Congratulations to our Franklin cheerleaders on a strong showing today at the NCHSAA Invitational Competition, earning 2nd place in the Game Day division and 3rd place in the Traditional division.
Despite competing against much larger squads, they performed with precision and consistency and represented Franklin High School well.
Go Panthers!
Indoor Track Breaking Records!
3 more school records shattered!
Ladies 4x800m - 10:01.21
Michelle Ortega - 300 - 40.64
Amy Mendoza Lopez - 1000m - 3:04.94
Congratulations to our 2026 Mr. & Miss FHS Court Selections!
The Mr. and Miss FHS Court Presentation and Dance will take place on January 31st. More details to come.
9th:
Alyssa Awtrey
Bri Dezarn
Antonio Barriga-Hernandez
Slade Peek
10th:
Bristol Brooks
Finley Moffitt
Noah Mudge
Garrett Young
11th:
Sadie Collins
Addie Deal
Emily Lewis
Logan Allen
JR Valentine
Alan Rubio
12th:
Sara Crupi
Elizabeth Cruz Rios
Meliah Mason
Abigail Pope
Brock Bradley
Peyton Hervey
Addix Sutton
Jack Jack Teesateski
The Mr. and Miss FHS Court Presentation and Dance will take place on January 31st. More details to come.
9th:
Alyssa Awtrey
Bri Dezarn
Antonio Barriga-Hernandez
Slade Peek
10th:
Bristol Brooks
Finley Moffitt
Noah Mudge
Garrett Young
11th:
Sadie Collins
Addie Deal
Emily Lewis
Logan Allen
JR Valentine
Alan Rubio
12th:
Sara Crupi
Elizabeth Cruz Rios
Meliah Mason
Abigail Pope
Brock Bradley
Peyton Hervey
Addix Sutton
Jack Jack Teesateski
Bus 101 will not run this afternoon (01/08/26)
Bus 104 will not run in the morning tomorrow (01/08/26) or Friday (01/09/26). It will run its afternoon route.
Senior Scholarship Announcement
Scholarship Details
Gene and Lee Meyer established this scholarship in 1993 to help deserving students in Graham, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary pursue their college education.
Applicants must be legal citizens of the United States. Preference will be given to: (1) well-rounded students who are motivated to pursue higher education, but need financial assistance to do so; (2) enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; and (3) students transitioning out of foster care.
As college fees continue to rise, many capable students are forced to limit their educational goals without some type of financial assistance. The objectives of this scholarship are (1) to provide supplemental financial assistance that might enable students to attend the college of their choice and (2) to reduce the amount students must borrow or earn, which may allow more time to devote to their studies during their years of post-secondary education. This fund will benefit students who are well-rounded, excel in academics and demonstrate potential for future success through leadership, contributions to school/community, and/or work record. The fund will also support students who demonstrate financial need but may not be eligible for federal financial aid.
Gene Meyer passed away on May 1, 2009, but his legacy in the form of this scholarship continues to help the area's young people to pursue a higher education.
Eligibility
Graduating public high school senior from Graham, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary, and who will attend college in the fall following the award and be enrolled in a full-time course of study.
Applicants must be legal citizens of the United States. Preference will be given to: (1) well-rounded students who are motivated to pursue higher education, but need financial assistance to do so; (2) enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; and (3) students transitioning out of foster care.
CFWNC ensures that all scholarship recipients are selected on an objective and nondiscriminatory basis and that selections are based on specific guidelines and criteria for each fund.
Selection Criteria
Good moral character
The desire to attend college and the commitment to complete the requirements for a degree
Academic ability/achievement - minimum of 3.0 weighted GPA
Demonstrated financial need
Leadership and Community service (outstanding contributions to school and community) and/or significant work experience
Extracurricular activities
How to Apply
To apply, students must complete an application online. The application, along with the two required letters of recommendation, must be submitted by the deadline.
Click here to apply.
Application Procedure
The scholarship program is administered by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. Please direct any questions about this scholarship to the Foundation, at scholarships@cfwnc.org.
Scholarship Details
Gene and Lee Meyer established this scholarship in 1993 to help deserving students in Graham, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary pursue their college education.
Applicants must be legal citizens of the United States. Preference will be given to: (1) well-rounded students who are motivated to pursue higher education, but need financial assistance to do so; (2) enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; and (3) students transitioning out of foster care.
As college fees continue to rise, many capable students are forced to limit their educational goals without some type of financial assistance. The objectives of this scholarship are (1) to provide supplemental financial assistance that might enable students to attend the college of their choice and (2) to reduce the amount students must borrow or earn, which may allow more time to devote to their studies during their years of post-secondary education. This fund will benefit students who are well-rounded, excel in academics and demonstrate potential for future success through leadership, contributions to school/community, and/or work record. The fund will also support students who demonstrate financial need but may not be eligible for federal financial aid.
Gene Meyer passed away on May 1, 2009, but his legacy in the form of this scholarship continues to help the area's young people to pursue a higher education.
Eligibility
Graduating public high school senior from Graham, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary, and who will attend college in the fall following the award and be enrolled in a full-time course of study.
Applicants must be legal citizens of the United States. Preference will be given to: (1) well-rounded students who are motivated to pursue higher education, but need financial assistance to do so; (2) enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; and (3) students transitioning out of foster care.
CFWNC ensures that all scholarship recipients are selected on an objective and nondiscriminatory basis and that selections are based on specific guidelines and criteria for each fund.
Selection Criteria
Good moral character
The desire to attend college and the commitment to complete the requirements for a degree
Academic ability/achievement - minimum of 3.0 weighted GPA
Demonstrated financial need
Leadership and Community service (outstanding contributions to school and community) and/or significant work experience
Extracurricular activities
How to Apply
To apply, students must complete an application online. The application, along with the two required letters of recommendation, must be submitted by the deadline.
Click here to apply.
Application Procedure
The scholarship program is administered by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. Please direct any questions about this scholarship to the Foundation, at scholarships@cfwnc.org.
Bus 150 will not run tomorrow morning (01/07/26), but it will run in the afternoon
Spring 2026 Bus Updates... 23 - afternoons only... 28 - mornings only... 159 - afternoons only
Parents and Students,
Just a reminder, students will return to school on Tuesday, January 6th.
FHS students will report to their advisor at 8:05 on Tuesday.
Thank you
🚨 RECORD ALERT 🚨
In the final game of the Battle of the States Tournament, the Panthers put on an offensive showcase, defeating Union County 104–70.
Leading the way was Jack Jack Teesateskie, who delivered an incredible performance with 52 points, breaking the all-time single-game scoring record previously held by Max McClure (47). He also set the single-game 3-point record with 12 made threes.
An outstanding night and a historic achievement.
Congratulations, Jack Jack! 🐾🏀
Congratulations to our Franklin High School football players on an outstanding season and well-deserved Mountain 8 Conference honors!
🏆 Mountain 8 Conference Co-Player of the Year
• Garrett Young
🏆 Mountain 8 Special Teams Player of the Year
• Gabe Harrison
⭐ Mountain 8 All-Conference Selections
• Brock Bradley
• Addix Sutton
• Anthony Montanez
• Mace Waldroop
• Daiveon Hall
• Paxton Sutton
• Anderson Terrell
• Lance Parker
🏆 Mountain 8 Conference Co-Player of the Year
• Garrett Young
🏆 Mountain 8 Special Teams Player of the Year
• Gabe Harrison
⭐ Mountain 8 All-Conference Selections
• Brock Bradley
• Addix Sutton
• Anthony Montanez
• Mace Waldroop
• Daiveon Hall
• Paxton Sutton
• Anderson Terrell
• Lance Parker
After finishing the season 9–3 overall and 6–1 in conference play, with the team’s only conference loss coming in overtime to the eventual state runner-up, and advancing to the third round of the state playoffs, Coach Josh Brooks has been named the Mountain 8 Conference Co-Coach of the Year. Congratulations to Coach Brooks on a well-deserved honor and an outstanding season.
Congratulations to Mrs. Kussow and her final group of students as she prepares to head off to teach the next generation at the college level.
Her students achieved a 100% pass rate on their NC Nurse Aide Certification—an incredible accomplishment.
We will truly miss you, Mrs. Kussow, and congratulations to all of our Nursing students on this outstanding success.
There will be a 200 question exemption test for Drivers Ed given on Saturday January 24th at 9am at Franklin High School. Any student who will be the age of 14 1/2 yrs old by this date is able to take this test. To register for this test, you will need to visit the wncdrivingschool.com website. You must bring your school issued device on test day to be able to take the test. Please read all information for study materials and items needed for the test on the website. Cost is $65 cash
This December, we said goodbye to Mrs. Michele Kussow, our HOSA Advisor and Nursing Instructor. Mrs. Kussow has been nothing short of an outstanding educator, and her talents certainly did not go unnoticed. She has been afforded the opportunity to extend her teaching to the college level and will be leaving FHS to continue shaping the next generation of future nurses.
While we are very sad to see Mrs. Kussow go, we are excited to welcome Mrs. Kim Page to Franklin High School. Mrs. Page will be joining our Health Sciences and Nursing Program beginning in January.
A message from Mrs. Page:
“My name is Kimberly Page. I’m originally from Kannapolis, North Carolina. My family and I have called Franklin home since purchasing Bryant-Grant Funeral Home in May of 2015. Our family attends Prentiss Church.
I have been a nurse for 19 years, previously working in orthopedics, pediatric home health, and hospice. My most recent position was at Harris Regional in the mother/baby unit.
Together with my husband, Nick, we have four children. Our oldest two are graduates of Franklin High School. Turner works in our family business at Bryant-Grant and is married to Corrie Kinsland Page, who is also a Franklin High School graduate and a registered nurse at Harris Regional. McKenzie will be completing her student teaching at South Macon this spring. Our two youngest children, Spencer and Cooper, are current FHS students.
I am excited to officially call Franklin High School home!”
This December, we said goodbye to Mrs. Tracy Hagan, a long-time FHS art teacher and a Macon County Schools educator for 25 years. Mrs. Hagan has been a remarkable teacher, and her classroom touched the lives of countless students over the years.
While we are sad to see her leave, we are excited for what this next chapter holds for her. At the same time, we are pleased to welcome an extraordinary artist to the FHS family. Mr. Chris Bell will be joining our staff this January and will be taking over the art program.
Below is a message from FHS alumnus and our newest FHS teacher, Mr. Bell:
“Hi! My name is Chris Bell. I am a native of Macon County and a graduate of Franklin High School. After serving as an apprentice to a professional artist in Asheville, NC, I returned to Western Carolina University to earn degrees in History and Education in 2013. Since then, I have developed my career in art alongside my career in education. In recent years, I have been able to combine these two interests, and I am excited to share my experiences with the students at FHS. When I am not doing something art-related, I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.”
While we are sad to see her leave, we are excited for what this next chapter holds for her. At the same time, we are pleased to welcome an extraordinary artist to the FHS family. Mr. Chris Bell will be joining our staff this January and will be taking over the art program.
Below is a message from FHS alumnus and our newest FHS teacher, Mr. Bell:
“Hi! My name is Chris Bell. I am a native of Macon County and a graduate of Franklin High School. After serving as an apprentice to a professional artist in Asheville, NC, I returned to Western Carolina University to earn degrees in History and Education in 2013. Since then, I have developed my career in art alongside my career in education. In recent years, I have been able to combine these two interests, and I am excited to share my experiences with the students at FHS. When I am not doing something art-related, I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.”
This week, the FHS staff secretly worked on a contest to surprise Mr. King at the Staff Christmas Luncheon on Friday.
It turns out FHS has some incredibly talented and creative artists on staff.
After a staff vote, the winning entry was Ms. Paige Robinson’s creation. Ms. Robinson earned a $50 gift card for her work.
In related news, Mr. Gibson is currently in hiding. 😉
Thank you to our community partners who donated some fantastic door prizes for our staff.
Carroll Daniel thank you for all the gifts you contributed and Jennifer Turner thank you for your beautiful and generous donation.
Bus 110 and Bus 158 will not run tomorrow (12/18/25).
Buses 110, 158, and 163 will not run tomorrow (12/17/25).
This is a reminder that FHS students enrolled in English II, Child Development, Health Science 1, Project Management 1 or Business Essentials must take their state final exams on Wednesday Dec 17 at 8:05. Students taking both an English II exam and at least one other exam will take the English II at 8:05 and the other at 1:00. Students will not be dismissed between 8:05 and 12:30 regardless of when their test is finished. Students planning to leave after the exam period should present a parent permission note to the front desk before testing.