Franklin High School

Meet Mr. Kolodzik — A Familiar Face, New Role

Mr. Kolodzik, known to many as Coach K, joined the FHS Science Department last spring as we said farewell to long-time veteran Ms. Rita Hubbs (Enjoy Retirement Ms. Hubbs and we miss you). After a few years serving as one of our dedicated Exceptional Children teachers, Mr. Kolodzik expressed a passion for teaching science—and little-known fact: he’s also licensed to teach Aviation!

This year, he’ll continue teaching in the Science Department while joining our on-campus pilot, Mr. Hanna, to help grow an exciting and unique career pathway for our students—Aviation Science.
From Mr. Kolodzik:

"My name is Matt Kolodzik. It’s hard to believe I’m starting my 10th year teaching with Macon County Schools! I was honored to join the Franklin High School family in 2023. I’m a proud Montreat College alumnus, where I majored in Environmental Science and minored in Outdoor Education and Business Administration.
With seven years of experience teaching science, I’m thrilled to expand into Aviation Science through our incredible CTE program this fall. What an awesome opportunity for FHS students to learn how to fly!

I love my wife, family, friends, church, and this amazing community. I enjoy serving in ministry, traveling, sports, and just about any outdoor activity. I also sponsor the Franklin High School Outdoor Club.

Thank you for the opportunity to help our students grow and work to achieve their goals and dreams. I’m proud to be a Panther!"

Help Us Officially Welcome Ms. Olivia Stahl to FHS! We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Olivia Stahl back home to Franklin High School! Not only is Ms. Stahl a proud FHS alumna, but she also completed her student teaching right here last year alongside Ms. Davis and Ms. Gibson. Now, she officially joins our Social Studies Department as a first-year teacher. A message from Ms. Stahl: "Hi! My name is Olivia Stahl, and I am so excited to be joining the history department at Franklin High School! A little bit about me—I love spending time with my family and friends, though I’m definitely a homebody. My favorite place to be is at home with my dog, Oreo. I graduated from FHS in 2021 and just earned my degree from Western Carolina University this past May. This will be my first year teaching, and I feel incredibly lucky to begin my career at my alma mater!"

📢 We're Hiring! 📢

Franklin High School is hiring two Secondary Math Teachers for the upcoming school year. 🧮

📄 Apply here: https://5il.co/1ial0
📞 For more information, contact Principal Blair King at 828-524-6467

🎉 Congratulations to Ms. Michelle Brooks! 🎉
Franklin High School is proud to share that Ms. Brooks has been named the 2025 NCACTE Carl Perkins Community Service Award recipient!

This statewide honor, presented by the North Carolina Association for Career and Technical Education, recognizes individuals who make outstanding contributions to their communities through dedicated service, leadership, and advocacy.

Ms. Brooks’ impact goes far beyond the classroom. Whether supporting students, organizing service projects, or giving back to the community she calls home, she exemplifies the very best of Franklin High.

👏 Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition!

Freshmen Orientation Drop-in

Q & A Sessions are recommended but completely optional. A flyer summarizing the information will be handed out during the drop-in. (9am, 12pm, 3pm)

Please see the information in the flyer attached regarding Senior Photos.

Big congratulations to Mr. Larry Pickens — named a finalist for the 2026 NC CTE Teacher of the Year Award! This honor highlights the incredible work he does every day for our students and community. He’ll be recognized at the Summer CTE Conference in July and take part in the final phase of the award process this December. Well deserved, Mr. Pickens!

Congratulations to Lily Holt, Caramia Ramos and Jessica Hernandez on being selected to the 2025 Mountain 7 Women's Soccer All-Conference Team!

Thank you Class of 2025! You will be missed!

Seniors and Senior Parents! Tom Pantaleo will be at graduation taking a cap and gown picture as they come off the stage tomorrow. More information will be in their envelope they pick up directly after graduation.

🏆 Franklin High Shines at the 63rd Annual WNC Sports Awards! 🏆 On Sunday, May 25th, FHS was proudly represented at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville for the 63rd Annual Mountain Amateur Athletic Club (M.A.A.C.) WNC Sports Awards. It was an incredible evening celebrating athletic and academic excellence across Western North Carolina — and Franklin High showed up big time! 👏 M.A.A.C. Scholarship Winners 🎓 Aubrey Haley 🎓 Laura Covarrubias 🎓 Brianna Quiroz 🎓 Matheson Post 🎓 David Rogers 🌟 Finalists & Winners by Category: 🏅 Ann Brandis Division I Female Athlete (Major Sport) 🔹 Kendall Rumans – Finalist 🏅 First Citizens Bank Division I Female Athlete (Olympic Sport) 🔹 Laura Covarrubias – Finalist 🏅 Twisted Laurel Division I Female Team (Olympic Sport) 🥇 Franklin Women’s Outdoor Track & Field – WINNER! 🏅 Massasoit Division I Male Athlete (Olympic Sport) 🔹 Jonah Brant – Finalist 🏅 Rodeway Inn & Suites Division I Male Team (Olympic Sport) 🔹 Franklin Men’s Outdoor Track & Field – Finalist 🏅 Blue Ridge Imaging Division I Female Academic Award 🔹 Aubrey Haley – Finalist 🥇 Laura Covarrubias – WINNER! 🏅 Henry Logan Division I Male Athlete of the Year 🔹 Braylen Dezarn – Finalist Congratulations to all of our outstanding athletes and teams for their dedication, sportsmanship, and achievements. Franklin High is proud of each of you!

Congratulations to Franklin High Athletic Director Matt Bradley, who has been named the Region 8 recipient of the NCHSAA Homer Thompson “Eight Who Make a Difference” Award! Coach Bradley will be honored at the NCHSAA Awards Ceremony on June 18th, where he will formally receive this well-deserved recognition. Well done, Coach! https://www.nchsaa.org/2024-2025-homer-thompson-eight-who-make-a-difference-awards/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwKfauFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHmhh-LY-IDFuTtXrlqmXEr3Q78ixGKHEYXKS9rlNzAl5TpqmjDpWTTagub3X_aem_yycXsO3lR-d7mvQ0f6mWOA

Join us for a special presentation! We’re proud to announce the latest addition to a very prestigious group of Franklin Legends: the retirement of Jared Greenwood’s jersey, #9. This incredible honor will be formally recognized during a special halftime ceremony on October 3, 2025, at the Tuscola vs. Franklin football game, held at Western Carolina University. Don’t miss this unforgettable moment in Panther history! https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AqSersfJt/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Bus 23 is running late this morning (05/22), but it is on the way

Parents and Students! Exam will begin on Monday May 19! Students must arrive in test sites by 8:05 with an updated & charged iPad. Testing will finish at 12:30 and students will not be called out of class before that time. Students leaving after the exam must bring a parent note.

Bus #162 WILL run this afternoon.

Bus 162 will not run this morning (05/15/25). We apologize for the last minute notice. As soon as we know about this afternoon's route, we will let you know.

Senior Award Night Date: Thursday, May 15th Time: 6:00 PM Location: Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts Due to ongoing construction that has limited parking during the school day, Class Day and Scholarship Night have been combined into one special evening: Senior Award Night. All FHS Seniors, along with their friends and family, are warmly invited to attend this celebration of achievements. In addition to recognizing our outstanding students, we will also honor the FHS Teacher of the Year and FHS Support Person of the Year during the event. **Students selected to receive awards or scholarships have been notified in person or via their school email. Please note: Caps and gowns will not be worn. Recommended attire is dressy casual.

Congratulations to the FHS Women's Track Team who claimed the 2025 3A NCHSAA West Regional Title.