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FCS Houses Fuel Competition and Connection

The gym might look — and sound — like total chaos, but what’s really happening during the monthly FCS House competitions? Beyond matching T-shirts and team chants, Friendship high schoolers are learning teamwork, fostering community, serving others, and growing in their relationships with each other and Christ.

“I think the House system is a great idea,” said Senior Ariel Harrison, who was a sophomore when Friendship introduced the concept. “I get to interact with people I don’t see day to day and we can build a tight-knit community. I especially like our spiritual sessions every month to build unity in Christ and connection with each other.”

“I love the games and how you can earn points for your team,” said Freshman Luke Lucas. Beyond the friendly competitions, he agreed it was a good way to get to know other students.

How’s It Work?

FCS 9th-12th graders are assigned to one of four “Houses,” comprised of students from each grade, where they remain during the duration of their high school career. The team names are based on Luke 10:27:

And he said answering, “Thou shalt love the Lord your God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.”

Each month, the Houses meet to focus on God’s Word and also go head-to-head in separate monthly competitions. Each House earns points from the competitions and various opportunities during the year (athletics, fine arts, academics, service hours, and more). The purpose of the House system is for students to:

• Compete together: The goal of the competitions is to bring students together and highlight the unique talents that God has given each of them.
  
  
• Grow together: During each House meeting, students are given a challenge from God’s Word and an opportunity to discuss how they can apply it to their lives.
  
  
• Serve together: Following Christ’s example of serving others, students are presented with service opportunities that can be accomplished together.

Even faculty and staff members get in on the fun, running the competitions and awarding points throughout the year. During the first week of school, the games begin with the House Sorting Ceremony, assigning students to their team for the duration of their high school careers.

“The House Sorting Ceremony and first competitions are some of my favorite events that happen all year,” shared Rebekah Boehme, Student Life Director. “It is so fun to see each House eagerly welcome new students and watch those new ones join right in! During those first competitions, the excitement and competitiveness are palpable as the first points of the year are earned.”

“The experience of watching the students grow as a group and spiritually is the best part,” added Corey Tahtinen, math teacher and Dean of Men.

House points accumulate all year, and the team with the most points is named House Champion at the end of the school year. Find out more about other FCS Life opportunities here.