March 15, 2024

by Grace Wering, sophomore

In this month’s FHS alumni spotlight, we are highlighting Christopher Gillmore from the Class of 2012. Chris is a middle school vocal and choir teacher at Rosemore Middle School, part of the Whitehall City School District near Columbus. Besides being involved in choir and sports at Fairview High School, he also served as president of his class. His love of music and music education started right here in the Fairview Park City Schools and translated into a career that he now loves.

What groups, athletics, and clubs were you involved in during your time at school?

In terms of athletics, I was on the soccer team, I ran cross country, and I ran track. In terms of clubs, I was on student council, key club, Stagecrafters, and show choir.

Who was your favorite teacher? Why? What was your favorite subject?

That is a hard question. I don’t think I could choose one, but I definitely have fond memories of Mrs. Karliak's choir class and Mrs. Dance’s AP Calculus class. She was very kind, and she was a great teacher and would hold you accountable to do your best. There was also an English Teacher named Mrs. Zuccola, and she was the same way. She was so intelligent and caring and pushed us to be great. In terms of subjects, I was really good at math, but I am a little biased toward choir as I became a choir teacher. So I think about that often and how it prepared me for my future.

How did Fairview High School help prepare you for your career and life after graduation?

I think with Fairview being a small school, I was able to get a lot of opportunities in a lot of different places, and I kind of had some involvement in a lot of things that helped me explore. Then, when I got to college, I had an idea of what I wanted, but it was a little challenging at first because I had to pick one thing to focus on. So, it was difficult to choose one thing because, at Fairview, I could do everything. Ultimately, I landed in a spot where I am happy, and I am thankful I had all those opportunities in Fairview. So I would say Fairview gave me choices and experiences where I could explore and see what I enjoyed. Academically, I was able to get AP credits, and socially, I was able to make great friends, and I can still happily say they are close friends.

What did you enjoy the most about Fairview, or what is your favorite memory from your time at FHS?

I was really involved with the cheering sections, with football and basketball, like the student sections, so it was really fun being involved in that way. I just cheered on our sports teams and was crazy and goofy with friends. I also had a lot of fun with float building and Red Day as the president of our class. Red Day was always a great memory, and I remember the energy and the decorations.

What do you like to do in your spare time or for fun?

I am a 6-8 choir teacher, but outside of school, I like to play piano, go on walks with my dog, and try to keep fit. I play my Nintendo Switch a lot, and I am a big sports fan, too. I am a huge Cleveland baseball fan, and I follow the Cavs and the Browns, so that's a little bit of what I do.

What encouragement would you give to students currently at FHS?

I would say that even though high school is different for everyone, enjoy your time there. Really value the people around you, the people on your teams, and really get involved in clubs. That is how I made a lot of my friends. Finding those communities in extracurriculars is so awesome.

Is there anything else you would like to share? 

Just enjoy your time in high school, whatever that means to you, and make the most of it. I have always found Fairview to be a very supportive and kind community. So keep rocking it over there in Fairview and find those people to support you during those tough times. This city is a great one.

We want to thank Christopher Gillmore for agreeing to meet for this article, and we look forward to next month.