by Callie Morgan, FHS Senior & Eagle Beat Editor in Chief
With the 2025-2026 school year coming to a head, it is almost time to celebrate and honor the students who have excelled in all of their endeavors. The student banquets, whether it is academics, band, FFA, or athletics, will start up during the second week of May.
“End of the year celebrations and banquets are an important part of the school year at the high school because it is time to recognize the success of our students and our programs as a whole,” superintendent Joe Craig said. “Our students and our sponsors put in A LOT of time throughout the course of a school year, and these banquets are a way to share these successes with the student’s families.”
The academic banquet honors students who excelled in the classroom, competed in UIL academics, scored above-average on the SAT and/or the ACT, students who scored at least a 3 or higher on an AP exam, new Beta club members, top 5 underclassmen, and the honor graduates of the class of 2026. This banquet will be held in the high school cafeteria starting at 6:00 p.m. on May 4.
“The academic banquet is important because it sets the bar for the next generation of students,” counselor Teri Frauenberger said.” My favorite part of the banquet is seeing the look of success on the students’ faces because they have worked so hard and competitively to reach their goals.”
The band banquet recognizes students who have improved themselves musically throughout the year. It also gives spotlight to the students’ achievements during marching season, concert season, any band competition they advanced in, the new drum majors for the 2026-2027 school year, and celebrating the seniors one more time before graduation. This banquet will be held in the intermediate school cafeteria, with the dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. and the program at 6:30 p.m. on May 5.
“Band traditions, such as the band banquet, definitely hold the band together,” drum major Yahir Yepes said. “It not only connects us, but helps people feel more comfortable when they know what to expect or look forward to.”
The FFA banquet acknowledges students’ agricultural achievements, introduces new FFA chapter members, and celebrates the leadership and hard work exhibited throughout the year. They also honor award recipients, transition leadership to the next class of students, and an emotional jacket-retiring ceremony. This banquet will be held in the elementary school cafeteria starting at 6:30 p.m. on May 7.
“At the FFA banquet, I am super excited to give all of our kiddos the credit they deserve,” Ag teacher Savannah Ellis said. “Every team, speaker, showman, and FFA student will be recognized for all of their hard work and dedication! This helps give students the pat on the back they deserve!”
The athletic banquet commemorates the student athletes of FHS. Ranging from fall sports to spring sports, the banquet recognizes the success of every athlete who participated in a sport during this school year. The banquet will also include a heartfelt ceremony where the coaches award chosen student athletes with a plaque for their hard work and dedication to the FHS Athletic Program. This banquet will be held in Johnson Activity Center, with dinner starting at 6:00 p.m. and the awards starting at 6:30 p.m. on May 12.
“The athletic banquet is for honoring the kids that worked really hard throughout the year,” athletic director John Bachtel said. “I enjoy all the banquets because it’s a way to close the book on another school year, and say goodbye to the seniors that have been with us for four years.”
Additional Information: Banquet attendance is by invitation.
–Academic Banquet: May 4, 6 pm, FHS Cafeteria
–Grand Band Banquet: May 5, 6:30 pm, FIS Cafeteria
–FFA Banquet: May 7, 6:30 pm, FES Cafeteria
–Athletics Banquet: May 12, 6:30 pm, Johnson Activity Center
