The Fountain Hills Athletic Booster Club (FHABC) has reported that the Falcons Nest is less than a month from completion. The Falcons Nest is a student-inspired facility for leisure and athletic development at the high school. The goal is for this room to be completed by the first home football game, scheduled for Friday, Oct. 2.

According to organizers, there is always a risk of delay given the involvement of so many contractors but, at this time, everything is on target.

“We have been blessed with some amazing sponsorships,” said Erin O’Brien, President of the FHABC. “Jeff Lupien and his company, True North Construction, have been a tremendous help with consulting and the referral of vendors to assist with this project. In fact, several Fountain Hills businesses have already provided much of the labor at no charge.”

A special team is working on the interior decorating.

“All of the furniture has been ordered,” said Dr. Ann Langer, FHABC secretary. “When it is delivered, we will keep it in storage until needed. I couldn’t be more pleased with the appearance and quality of this all-new furniture, which our outstanding student athletes and coaches truly deserve.”

A large room on the first floor of the high school gymnasium is in the process of being converted from a storage area to the Falcons Nest. The “Coaches Corner” will accommodate seating for 33 players.

“I can’t wait to use this room for our first home football game,” said varsity football head coach, Jason Henslin. “Our players and coaches are excitedly talking about it and it will be used extensively.”

The second area of the room, the “Achievement Lounge,” will include sofas, tables, chairs, a couple of foosball tables and a Falcon-themed corn hole game. This area will enable student athletes to do homework, play video games or socialize with other students before practices.

“This room will serve so many vital purposes,” said Athletic Director Willie Dudley. “I’m amazed at how the FHABC leaders have come together and provided so much teamwork in getting this done, including assistance from parents, teachers, students and community businesses.”

The FHABC recruited coaches, students and parents to demolish the existing room, which saved over $10,000 if done by a contractor.

“Our school’s Coca-Cola vendor will be installing a fountain dispenser at no cost,” said O’Brien. “We will provide Powerade and Vitamin Water Zero to consume for free for our student athletes. I can’t wait to see this room completed and being used by so many.”