Alumni Weekend 2025 was full of unforgettable moments—from a sold-out golf scramble and the very first Alumni Band to the Class of ’75’s 50th reunion and a powerful Legacy Celebration at The Grove. Alumni flew in from across the country and around the world to reconnect, share stories, and be part of something bigger. A shift happened in Finneytown this weekend—the foundation is strong, and the legacy we’re building together has only just begun.

From the moment Rick Canter stepped onto the conductor’s podium at Finneytown in 2000, he set a new tone—one marked by excellence, community, and heart. Over his 12 years as band director, Rick helped build a music program that reached nearly a third of the student body, earned statewide recognition, and brought a sense of pride to the entire Wildcat community.

But Rick’s true legacy extends far beyond music. He instilled values—discipline, creativity, teamwork, and leadership—that his students carry with them to this day. As he’s inducted into the Finneytown Hall of Fame, we celebrate not only what he achieved but the spirit he ignited in a generation of Wildcats.

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.

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.

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!