Forest Hills Eastern High School (FHE) students and staff are renowned for their school spirit, energy, and enthusiasm; which they bring to school, clubs, and sporting events. The annual Hawk Rally is a testament to this spirit and plays a significant role in fostering community spirit and unity. More than just a gathering, the Hawk Rally is FHE’s major fundraising event, a unique occasion that draws the entire community together. In September, it becomes a hub of activity, with games, conversations, and the highlight of the evening- a football game under the lights. These traditions not only foster camaraderie and unity but also create a profound sense of belonging for the entire FHE community. This year’s Hawk Rally, with hundreds of community members converging on campus and the finally Hawks securing a victory over Grand Rapids Christian after 15 years, was a clear testament to the event’s profound impact.
Forest Hills Eastern students love nothing more than engaging with their community. The Hawk Rally provides an unparalleled opportunity to meet younger students in the district. Each sport has athletes running a station— the basketball players give the kids basketballs to shoot in the hoop, the wrestlers teach the children proper technique, and the soccer players lead various activities to teach the younger students more about the game. The joy and passion of the younger generation for sports are genuinely inspiring and give FHE a sense of pride. This interaction brings unbridled happiness to FHE students and inspires them to lead with integrity and respect, fueled by the enthusiasm of the elementary kids
Community members continued to pour in as the afternoon progressed, enjoying the music and food trucks and spending time with friends and family. As the 7 pm kickoff inched closer, fans streamed into the stadium to watch the annual sports parade. This parade features every FHE sports team walking around the track. Athletes at FHE devote countless hours to their sports teams, so this parade is always an excellent way to honor their dedication.Â
Fast forwarding to the game, the Hawks varsity football team stood at the ready, eager to dominate on the field. With the student section screaming, the referee blew his whistle and the game began. The Eagles got out with a quick start, scoring a touchdown on their first drive. While the student section may have quieted down momentarily, they would be roaring for the remainder of the game. The Hawks quickly found their spark and pounded the ball on the ground for the remainder of the first quarter. Senior running back Max Ferrick made his impact felt as he refused to be tackled throughout the period, eventually reaching the endzone at the 2:24 mark in the 1st quarter. Sophomore running back Jordan Shabazz followed that up with an explosive 64-yard dash to the house in the middle of the 2nd quarter. After another touchdown by Ferrick, it was evident that the Hawks’ run attack was too much for the Eagles to handle. With the whole community in the stadium, the Hawks wanted to ensure they continued the domination into the 2nd half. Once again, Ferrick broke off for a 45-yard run to the house, followed by another 33-yard touchdown. After a heartbreaking defeat the week prior, the Hawks’ physicality and grit were displayed all night. The community’s support and celebration of the Hawks’ victory with a 51-6 final from Ada, Michigan, was a testament to the school’s unity and pride.
Between the immense community engagement, the smiles on the student’s faces, and the dominance on the field, the 2024-2025 Hawk Rally was a tremendous success. FHE students described the night as “entertaining” and “the best night of the year.” With such amazing opportunities that families here at FHE provide the students, the Hawk Rally serves as a chance to give back to the future of FHE and the future athletes who seek success on and off the field.
