News
Finneytown: A Story Worth Sharing
It all started with a simple whisper in an art museum: “Finneytown wipes this out.” That moment sparked the idea for a pictorial history book capturing the spirit, architecture, and stories of Finneytown—a place unlike any other.
Written by longtime residents Rick Kennedy and Mark Evans, Images of America: Finneytown is more than just a collection of vintage photos. It’s a journey through the soul of a community—from its earliest settlers to the boom of the 1960s, from Pringle Drive to the PAC. And every page supports the future: all proceeds go directly to the Legacy Project to restore Finneytown’s iconic gym and performing arts center.
Curtain Call
This past weekend, Finneytown Theatre alumni came together to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the program that brought us all together. From a tour of the school to a night at the theatre watching Cinderella, and an after-show gathering filled with great conversations, it was a reunion to remember.
We were also honored to welcome back past directors Bill Swartzel, Burt McCollum, and Shawn Maus, who helped shape so many of our experiences on stage.
Missed out? Don’t worry—we’ll be doing this again! Check out the full recap and share your photos here!
Finneytown Love Stories
Did you and your spouse both graduate from Finneytown? Whether you were high school sweethearts or reconnected years later, we want to celebrate your love story!
This Valentine’s Day, we’re sharing heartwarming stories of Wildcat couples who found love through their Finneytown connection—like Tammy & Mark, who were next-door neighbors before falling in love, or Jo & Mike, who met years after graduation and realized their paths were meant to cross.
Do you have a Finneytown love story? We’d love to feature you!
FAN Locks In Venue for 2025 Alumni Golf Scramble
The Finneytown Alumni Network (FAN) has announced its expanded 2025 Alumni Weekend, September 25-27, featuring the popular Alumni Golf Scramble at The Mill Course on September 26. Led by a team including Jason Gardner, Jeff Smoker, Parker Payne, and Rick Payne, the event aims to double last year’s participation. Additional activities include Homecoming events, a Hall of Fame induction, and an alumni gathering. More details will be available on the FAN website.
A BIG Year for Finneytown
This year marks exciting developments for the Finneytown Alumni Network, with a focus on Legacy Projects to revitalize the Performing Arts Center and Competition Gym, preserving spaces that have shaped generations. Proceeds from the upcoming book, Images of America: Finneytown, will directly support these efforts, ensuring these facilities continue to inspire future Wildcats. Alumni and community members are invited to join this meaningful initiative to leave a lasting legacy for Finneytown.
Honoring the Legacy of Bob Muro:
We are honored to share this tribute episode from the "Three Old Goalies" podcast, where friends, former players, and family members gathered to celebrate Bob's life and legacy. Through laughter, tears, and countless stories, they painted a picture of a man whose influence went far beyond the soccer field. He was a mentor, a friend, and a true purveyor of the beautiful game.
Class of 1974 Celebrates 50th Reunion Weekend: A Memorable Milestone
This past weekend, the Finneytown Class of 1974 gathered to celebrate their 50th reunion, filled with laughter, nostalgia, and lifelong connections. Despite the wet weather from Hurricane Helena, power was restored just in time for the class to enjoy their Saturday night celebration at Clovernook Country Club.
The weekend kicked off on Friday night at HighGrain Brewing Co., where classmates reconnected over great food and drinks, capturing special moments in photos. On Saturday, the group took a nostalgic tour of the Finneytown Secondary Campus, reminiscing about their high school days. The celebration continued Saturday night at Clovernook, where stories from the past 50 years were shared, and friendships were reignited.
Honoring Finneytown’s Legacy: A Reflection on the 2024 Legacy Ceremony
The 2024 Legacy Ceremony was a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of Finneytown’s past, present, and future. This year, we gathered to celebrate two monumental additions to the Finneytown Hall of Fame: Jan Bennett, the beloved women’s soccer coach, and the legendary 1974 men’s state soccer champions. The event was filled with heartfelt tributes, laughter, and the unmistakable sense of community that continues to define Finneytown.
As the Legacy Ceremony concluded, it was clear that the event was not just a reflection of the past but a rallying cry for the future. With the groundbreaking of the new secondary campus, Finneytown continues to build upon the foundation laid by leaders like Jan Bennett and the 1974 soccer team. Their stories serve as a reminder that greatness is possible when we come together as a community—whether on the field, in the classroom, or in life.
Teeing Off Tradition: The First-Ever Finneytown Alumni Golf Scramble
The inaugural Finneytown Alumni Weekend was a tremendous success, and one of the standout events was our first-ever Finneytown Alumni Golf Scramble! Alumni from across generations came together, making it a fantastic way to kick off what will become an annual tradition!
Honoring Our Past, Building Our Future
Join us in honoring Finneytown's legacy as we break ground on a new 7-12 school. Our history of excellence continues with this state-of-the-art facility, set to open in 2026. Help us build the future by supporting the new building project or renovating the Gym and PAC.
Honoring a Legacy: Jan Bennett's Induction into the Finneytown Hall of Fame
We are thrilled to announce that Jan Bennett will be inducted into the Finneytown Hall of Fame at the end of August! Her dedication and service to the Finneytown community are truly remarkable, and we are excited to honor her contributions.
From Finneytown to Olympic Glory
From Finneytown to Olympic Glory: Amanda Borden's Legacy and the Start of a New Olympic Journey
As the world turns its eyes to the spectacle of the Olympics once again, it's a fitting moment to reflect on the incredible journey of one of our own, Amanda Borden. Her story of determination, perseverance, and triumph continues to inspire and resonate, especially as new athletes step onto the global stage.
Discover how Amanda's journey began in Finneytown, led to her captaining the U.S. Women's Gymnastics Team to gold in 1996, and continues to impact the world of gymnastics today. Her legacy is a shining example of the power of dedication and the spirit of the Olympics.
Welcome Home, Coach Robinson!
We are thrilled to announce that Brandon Robinson, Finneytown Class of 2009, is the new boy’s basketball head coach for our Wildcats! Brandon, a standout point guard during his high school years, earned first-team CHL honors with 15.5 points and 3.2 assists per game his senior year. After years of coaching at North College Hill and with the Shining Stars AAU Team, Brandon returns to lead and inspire the next generation of Wildcats.
Farewell, Whitaker Elementary: Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future
As the old Whitaker Elementary is torn down, we reflect on the countless memories it holds. Whitaker has been a place of learning, laughter, and lasting friendships. Over the next few weeks, we invite you to share your cherished stories and photos with us. Click the link below to contribute.
Join us for Alumni Weekend, where we’ll reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate Whitaker’s legacy. Stay tuned for more details. Thank you, Whitaker, for the wonderful memories. Here’s to Finneytown’s future!
Class of 2004 20th Reunion
The Finneytown Class of 2004 celebrated their 20th reunion this weekend! It was an amazing time reconnecting with old friends, sharing memories, and catching up on two decades of life stories. From touring the high school to an evening of fun and laughter at Highgrain Brewery, it was a weekend to remember. Here’s to the next 20 years and beyond!
Class of 1983 41st Reunion
This past weekend, the Finneytown High School Class of 1983 gathered to celebrate their 41st reunion. It was a heartwarming and nostalgic event filled with laughter, memories, and reconnections. From a tour of the high school to a special concert screening, and an evening at Highgrain Brewery, the weekend was packed with unforgettable moments.
Building Connections for a Stronger Future
The Finneytown Schools Educational Foundation (FSEF) is now the Finneytown Alumni Network (FAN)! 🎉
Our mission is to enrich educational experiences, foster lifelong connections, and build community pride. With our new name and branding, all communication and donations will come through FAN, ensuring a unified and impactful message.
Announcing Finneytown Alumni Weekend
The Finneytown Alumni Network is excited to extend a warm invitation to all its esteemed alumni for the inaugural Finneytown Alumni Weekend: August 30th & 31st!
Remembering John Wesly Coleman Jr. and a Life Well-Lived
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye, this weekend, to our dear friend and fellow Finneytown Schools Educational Foundation board member, John Wesly Coleman Jr. who passed away unexpectedly last week while on a vacation to Florida. Words, alone, cannot fill the vacuum that is left behind by John's warmth, kindness, sense of humor, and enormous smile. JC was an immediate friend to everybody he met, and had a way to make everyone feel loved and valued.
'98 Elite 8 Basketball Team Reunites
The 1998 Finneytown Men's Elite 8 basketball team was welcomed back to campus by a raucous crowd last Friday night, February 9, at the home Varsity game. The team gathered in the MP beforehand to catch up over dinner, were introduced to the crowd at half-time, and even gave the team a locker room pep-talk before the game.