100 is a special number at Faith Christian High

One hundred. The number of years in a century. The number of yards in an American football field. The number of students that just about make up Faith Christian High School.

One hundred.

In comparison to other high schools, FCHS is relatively small. Each grade level averages approximately 30 students, but perhaps this is what makes the high school so special. Everyone knows everyone's name, and most know each other on a deeper basis. Because FCHS is small, each person's actions are more visible. This may be the driving force that holds people, kids and teachers alike, to the highest standard.

Teachers here do not simply teach Spanish or English, but, rather, they serve as mentors, too, often taking the time to make sure students are not only OK academically but personally and spiritually as well.

Teachers at Faith Christian High School care about each student's success because they are truly passionate about the subjects they teach. They want to see us grasp each concept fully. Many times, students have witnessed AP English teacher Paula Finlay raise a hand to her heart as she discusses the depths of a great writer, such as John Steinbeck, or watched as American history teacher Scott Bicknell gets into an intense lecture over the issues surrounding the Civil War. Their passion and enthusiasm is what inspires the students in their classrooms.

"Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success," Ralph Waldo Emerson once said. "When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."

Enthusiasm may be the backbone behind FCHS's solid education, but tight-knit relationships are the heart of the school's strong sense of community. School projects, sports, school events and fundraisers are just a few of the opportunities that allow students to mingle and get to know one another within our small body.

Students are able to participate in many special events that are not normally afforded to schools with larger populations. For example, during this past month, many students attended the snowboarding day trip to Boreal.

Currently, the high-schoolers are busy planning for a mission trip to Mexico to take place this spring. Past events include the back-to-school party, Sky Mountain, the three-day retreat for all high school students and Fall Festivus, an annual dinner and ice skating trip to Sacramento.

These are the opportunities Faith Christian High School has that enables the student body to really get to know their peers and teachers. FCHS understands that great bonds create great support systems, and great support systems lead to great successes.

"Over the years, my friendships have grown as I continue to attend FCHS. This year, the students have done an especially great job of making us feel united, not only as a student body, but in Christ as well. It's an incredible support system," said Abbie Rollins, a sophomore. "For me, 100 is a perfect fit."

Courtney Taylor is a junior at Faith Christian High School. Her column appears every six weeks in Education.