Our Mission
The Finneytown Alumni Network (FAN) is dedicated to enriching the educational experiences of current and future students while fostering lifelong connections among alumni, students, and the community.
Our goal is simple but powerful:
To modernize Finneytown’s Performing Arts Center and Competition Gym—creating spaces that inspire creativity, ignite school spirit, and empower the next generation of Wildcats.
News
From 12 teams to 30 — the Finneytown Alumni Golf Scramble grew in a big way this year. Alumni, parents, and community members came together to honor longtime Finneytown teacher and golf coach Jim Dickerson, raise $18,500 for current and future Wildcats, and celebrate what makes Finneytown forever.
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.
The new bleachers are in—and ahead of schedule! Thanks to early support from alumni and community members, the Legacy Project is already making visible progress in the Competition Gym. This is just the beginning. As we continue renovating both the Gym and the Performing Arts Center, we need everyone’s involvement to ensure these spaces inspire Wildcats for the next 50 years. Join us at the Legacy Celebration on September 27th to see how you can be part of the story.
From classrooms in Finneytown to leading Nestlé USA, Brad Alford ’74 has carried the values of his hometown across the globe. Now, he returns to be honored in the Finneytown Hall of Fame—celebrating a legacy of leadership, community, and connection.
Join us for the Legacy Celebration on Saturday, September 27th at The Grove. The evening features Hall of Fame inductions, inspiring speakers like Jeff Immelt and David Chimusoro, dinner with a cash bar, and updates on Legacy Projects that will shape the future for Finneytown students.
The new Competition Gym floor is finished and shining bright for the next generation of Wildcats. Next up: brand-new bleachers, arriving in late September. These improvements are possible thanks to alumni and community support through the Finneytown Alumni Network’s Legacy Projects.
Donavon Clark (Class of 2011) was more than just a dominant force on the football field—he was a leader, a role model, and a proud product of Finneytown. From earning All-Ohio honors in high school to starting in the Rose Bowl and Cotton Bowl with Michigan State, Donavon’s journey is a story of grit, family, and heart. Though his NFL career was cut short, his legacy continues to inspire. This fall, we’re proud to induct Donavon into the Finneytown Hall of Fame.
He will be honored at the football game on August 29th and formally inducted at the Legacy Celebration on September 27th at The Grove.
Growing Character Through Success — and Adversity
2025 Finneytown Hall of Fame Inductee
A three-sport standout and 2000 FHS grad, Jason Gardner’s time at Finneytown was marked by both triumphs and challenges—from leading a winless football team that never gave up, to captaining the basketball team’s Elite 8 run and helping end a 25-year football drought with a winning season.
Today, Jason continues to give back—coaching, mentoring, and staying deeply connected to the Finneytown community. “I’m thankful for the upbringing I had here,” he says.
The new high school building is rising fast—and thanks to alumni support, the stadium track replacement and Competition Gym facelift have begun, too.
While the state covers the academic building, the Performing Arts Center and gym upgrades are only possible through community investment. That’s where the Legacy Projects come in.
Check out updated renderings and learn how you can be part of shaping Finneytown’s future.
We’ve passed $1.5 million raised—and the transformation is already underway. From fresh paint and new bleachers in the Competition Gym to upgraded lighting and tech in the Performing Arts Center, the Legacy Projects are coming to life thanks to alumni like you.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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: 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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
What We Do
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Legacy Projects
Transforming spaces like the Competition Gym and Performing Arts Center.
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Grants
FAN Grants provide the extras that make a big difference—supporting opportunities the district can’t fund on its own.
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Alumni Weekend & Events
Bringing Wildcats together across generations.
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Hall of Fame
Honoring Wildcats who’ve shaped our schools and world.
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Class Reunions & Campus Tours
Reuniting classmates and welcoming families back to campus.
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Student Scholarships
FAN offers scholarships to assist students in pursuing higher education and achieving their career aspirations.
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History Preservation
Protecting and sharing Finneytown’s story for future generations.
Upcoming Events
Start your Thanksgiving morning with a little movement and a lot of Finneytown spirit! The Warder Wobble is a casual community fun run and walk at Warder Nature Preserve — no race clock, just friends, families, and neighbors enjoying the morning together.
Join us for the Third Annual Jim Dickerson Finneytown Alumni Golf Scramble on Thursday, September 25, 2026, at Glenview Golf Course! Enjoy a great day on the course with friends while supporting current and future Wildcats.
Join your classmates for a weekend of reconnecting, reminiscing, and celebrating 55 years of Finneytown memories! The reunion will include time to catch up with old friends and a guided tour of the Finneytown campus to see what’s new while remembering where it all began.
More details and registration information coming soon!
Join over 1200+ fellow Finneytown Alumni & community members already in our database! By signing up, you'll stay connected with the latest school district information, discover ways to get involved, receive reunion updates, and much more. Don't miss out on staying part of the Finneytown community – register today!
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Contact Us
Whether you have questions, suggestions, or simply want to share your latest achievements, we're here to listen. Drop us a line, and let's keep the spirit of Finneytown alive together!

The Finneytown Legacy Projects are more than bricks and mortar—they’re about preserving memories, honoring the spaces that built us, and creating opportunities for the next generation of Wildcats. From standing ovations in the Performing Arts Center to buzzer-beaters in the Competition Gym, these spaces have shaped confidence, character, and community for decades.
Now, with support from alumni and neighbors, we’re renovating the PAC and Gym to ensure they remain the heartbeat of Finneytown for the next 50 years. This mini documentary shares the story of where we’ve been, why this moment matters, and how together we can carry the legacy forward.