No matter where you, there is always something happening here at FOHI. During school there are always scavenger hunts, spirit weeks, and rallies. After school, there are a wide variety of clubs, programs, and activities that anyone can participate in.
Everything that happens in our school is not even limited to school run activities. Have you noticed the skaters that always come here to FOHI? Have you ever wondered about them? We did, so we decided to interview some skaters here at FOHI why they are choosing FOHI grounds for skating.
One skater we interviewed was Adam Aduelo from Kaiser High School. Adam explained to us one reason FOHI is such a popular spot to skate in is because FOHI is very empathic with skating on campus after school. Adam explains how “Security never really tells us anything.” He goes further and states that back in the day FOHI used to be very strict with skaters, but nowadays FOHI is a skating hotspot. The only time that the school ever actually kicks skaters out is if there are any programs going on campus. Adam also begins to tell us how “FOHI has these ledges and stuff to skate on… There are also no skate stoppers in the school and the gates are always open, so it’s always cool to skate here.” When asked why Kaiser Highschool is not as popular of a skating spot, Adam replies “Kaiser is always closed, it’s hard to get in, they’re stricter, they’ll kick you out, and not only that but they only have like three spots to skate.”
As we interviewed more skaters, the more diverse crowd we saw. We found kids from Kaiser, Jurupa, AB Miller, and even Citrus High School all skating here at FOHI.
We’ve noticed that there are cliques of skaters within the school, but as Adam explained to us, everyone here got when skating; “I’ve met kids from all different kinds of schools who come over to skate. We all get along too. There are cliques and groups of friends that come here, but we’re all really friendly towards each other.” Even though they are from different schools with different cultures, all of these skaters come together to enjoy their sport here at FOHI.
Walking around after school I always see these skaters. They’re always trying to do stunts and tricks all around the school; they even film videos and produce short films on their skating.
FOHI has created a deep and rich culture for skaters all around to partake in; FOHI has created a safe environment for these artists to thrive.
One skater we interviewed left us off on this note on how, “I just hope that we are all able to continue to skate in this spot. I don’t like the kids who mess with the water fountains because I get thirsty when I’m out here. I don’t like all the kids who leave trash all around the school or try to tag everything up. They should respect this place. And I hope that with new generations of skaters coming, that they understand this and have respect for FOHI.”
Even if they’re not from our school, these skaters are part of FOHI culture; they are part of the FOHI family.
About the Contributors
Matthew Barrera