Preserving the Moments That Built Us
Think back to the moments that defined your time at Finneytown.
The hush before the curtain rose. The roar of the crowd before tip-off. The teammates, the spotlight, the ovations, the buzzer-beaters.
These weren’t just high school memories—they were milestones that shaped our confidence, our character, and our community. And now, we have the chance to ensure that future Wildcats experience those same life-shaping moments.
The Birth of the Legacy Project — and the Alumni Network
More than a decade ago, conversations began about building new school facilities in Finneytown. After years of planning, the district partnered with the state and completed Finneytown Elementary—now a true community cornerstone on Winton Road.
But here’s the challenge: while state funding covers classroom construction, it does not fund vital community spaces like the Performing Arts Center (PAC) and the Competition Gym. These spaces—the heart of Finneytown’s spirit for nearly 50 years—were left out.
In November 2021, the Finneytown School Board passed a resolution authorizing Fred Wittenbaum and Ric Towner to raise funds for the renovation of the gym and PAC. That moment planted the seed for what would become the Legacy Projects—a vision to preserve what these facilities offer students while connecting the future of Finneytown to its past.
Fred’s leadership in that season was more than procedural. For years, through his work with PEM scholarships, he modeled what engaged alumni could mean in the lives of students and kept the dream of an alumni network alive. His example showed what was possible when Wildcats step up to invest in future generations.
Out of that resolution, the Finneytown Schools Educational Foundation began to evolve into what is now the Finneytown Alumni Network (FAN). What started as an idea to engage alumni in preserving the PAC and Competition Gym grew into a movement—an organized network of Wildcats dedicated to enriching student experiences, funding legacy projects, and keeping our community connected. The Legacy Projects weren’t just FAN’s first big initiative; they were the catalyst that transformed the foundation into today’s Alumni Network.
A Story of Legacy and Connection
In 1975, the PAC opened its doors thanks to a grassroots effort led by parents, teachers, and community members. For decades, it’s hosted voices, instruments, and standing ovations.
The Competition Gym has been home to championships, rivalries, and unforgettable team moments—etched into the memories of generations of Wildcats.
Alumni from every decade share the same truth: Finneytown has always been a close-knit community where relationships last a lifetime.
Now, after 50 years, both spaces need major upgrades—modern lighting, seating, safety, and accessibility—to serve students and the community for decades to come.
Building for the Next 50 Years
The vision is simple but powerful:
Renovate the PAC with modern lighting, sound, and seating so students and community performers have a stage worthy of their talents.
Upgrade the Gym with new bleachers, lobby, flooring, and climate control to give athletes and fans a space that inspires pride.
Create welcoming, collaborative spaces where families, alumni, and community members can gather, celebrate, and connect.
This isn’t just about facilities. It’s about legacy. It’s about making sure today’s students—and tomorrow’s—can feel the same spotlight, hear the same cheers, and build the same confidence that generations of Wildcats did before them.
Join the Legacy
We’re proud to carry this vision forward, but we can’t do it alone. Alumni and community members like you are the heroes of this story.
Learn more, get involved, and join the Legacy today at FinneytownAlumni.org/legacy.
Because the power of legacy starts with a moment. And this is ours.
Forever Finneytown.
