A Year of Growth, Resilience, & Great Memories
By Will Yeiser, Executive Director & Co-Founder
As we wrap up this outstanding 24-25 school year, we pause to reflect on the challenges we’ve overcome and the triumphs we’ve celebrated — moments that have made this year truly unforgettable. The resilience and growth of our community reached new heights in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. As I shared in a recent podcast episode, some of the proudest moments in FBRA’s sixteen-year history came from our collaborative relief efforts. From the Maria Noakes Outdoor Center, FBRA staff member Sam Iatarola worked side by side with Helene Rebuild Collaborative (HRC) Executive Director Lance Buskey and an inspiring network of volunteers. Their work brought vital support to affected communities and embodied the heart of who we are.
Our students embraced learning with curiosity and drive in 24-25. From mastering algebraic equations to persuasive essays, scientific investigations to real-world projects, the academic growth was remarkable. Highlights include a 7th-grade science fair featuring projects like “How Fletchings Affect an Arrow’s Accuracy” and “Diameter of Parachute vs. Speed of Falling Object.” Cross-curricular seminars such as “Real Estate Math” and “Cocinar en Español” brought relevance and creativity into the classroom as well.
Though Hurricane Helene affected our fall overnight trips, students still experienced powerful, character-building moments during our field lessons. The rush of canoeing down the famous Nantahala Falls and first-time skiers tackling “Upper Omigosh” exemplify the courage and growth these experiences foster — the kind that can’t be taught in a traditional classroom but are essential for life beyond middle school.
Our international field experience in Costa Rica continues to be a cornerstone of the FBRA journey. It brings together language, adventure, global awareness, and leadership — all core elements of our mission and Experamid. Our relationship with in-country partners has grown stronger, enhancing the program and enriching the reciprocal experience when Costa Rican students visit Asheville.
This 24-25 year has been packed with creativity and celebration:
- The Drama Club’s production of “The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf” entertained and impressed.
- We proudly hosted the No Man’s Land Film Festival, bringing powerful voices and stories to our community.
- We broke ground on the new Academic Building for the Girls Program, a landmark in our commitment to excellence and equity in education.
The future is neon bright here at FBRA. As we look to the fall, we eagerly anticipate moving into our new school building, a space designed to match the energy and innovation of our students and staff. We also eagerly anticipate the completion of Taylor’s Wave in September, a new whitewater feature located exactly between our two campuses on the French Broad River. The artificially made wave will be a tremendous asset to the community and it will allow us to teach most of our whitewater curriculum right in our backyard without using a van or trailer.
None of this would be possible without our incredible teachers and staff, who inspired curiosity, modeled compassion, and helped our students grow in every dimension. You’ve made FBRA a place where students feel seen, safe, and celebrated.
To our families and wider community, thank you for your unwavering support. Whether it was helping with projects, attending school events, or offering encouragement, you played a critical role in this year’s success on so many levels.
A Found Farewell to the Class of 2025
And lastly, a fond farewell to the class of 2025. You’ve left your indelible mark on FBRA, and we are so proud of all you’ve accomplished. As you take your next steps into high school and beyond, know that you carry with you the spirit, strength, and values that make FBRA extraordinary.
We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you.
With gratitude, pride, and excitement for what’s ahead,Will Yeiser
CoFounder/Executive Director