Faces of Roger Bacon
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- Gideon & Kingsley Fomba
Faces of Roger Bacon
Class of 2019
Recently, two students have been featured as the Face of RB at the same time, and our newest Faces of RB are no exception. Gideon and Kingsley ’19, were nominated by assistant Athletic Director, Brandon Spaeth ’11, “The Fomba twins have had a huge impact on our boys soccer program, they helped lead the team to a 51-23-6 career record in their four years at RB, two league championships as well as two districts championships. They will be missed and will leave a lasting impression on this program.” Mr. Spaeth is absolutely right in saying they will leave a lasting impression. This season alone, both Gideon and Kingsley were 1st Team All-GCLC and All-District. Kingsley currently ranks #4 all-time in assists at Roger Bacon with 23, while Gideon broke a record this season. Gideon, named 2018 GCLC Athlete of the Year, broke the school record for all-time goals scored (57) and all-time points scored (128).
Gideon and Kingsley not only enjoyed their time playing soccer at Roger Bacon, but feel they take away a lot from their experience here. Gideon said, “When I came in as a freshman, I kind of had a big head about being good at soccer. I have learned over the years that being recognized as the best is not what it is all about – it’s about the relationships and memories I have made with my friends and teammates. I have definitely tried to incorporate the Franciscan value of humility into my life and hope to continue to do so.” Kingsley followed up with, “Yea, I am glad I chose Roger Bacon High School. Not only was I on a good soccer team, but I got to actually play at a competitive level. I thought I wanted an all-boy school as an 8th grader, a big all-boy school. I have had great personal connections here, access to my teachers and an atmosphere that is constantly pushing me. This is a great place to play sports and get an education.”
This is the Fomba twins’ main goal, to continue playing soccer and get an education at the next level. They are very competitive, not only on the field but in the classroom. Kingsley mentioned matter-of-factly, “I have better grades than Gideon.” With a laugh, Gideon responded, “Really? You have a 3.5 GPA to my 3.46, come on, is there that big of a difference?” They both continued to razz each other in only that way that brothers can while also mentioning they both want to major in Business/Marketing and have offers to play soccer at the next level -- some at the same schools, but also at different schools. When asked how they would feel to go to different schools, Gideon said it wouldn’t be a problem. Kingsley on the other hand, without saying it, seemed more sentimental.
Kingsley and Gideon have had the opportunity to be members of Boys Hope Girls Hope, an organization that helps students who may have disadvantaged backgrounds to graduate from high school, pursue college and a successful adult life, with the goal of motivating the whole person (academically, mentally, emotionally and physically.) “Our Principal at St. Vivian got us in contact with Boys Hope. We have made many connections in our community, not just with other boys but people who want to help us. We have a mentor in Columbus that we speak to and visit often. They also offer a scholarship which will help us once we are at school. Boys Hope has been a great avenue for us to find success – and we are happy to have had the opportunity,” said Kingsley.
After completing the interview with Kingsley and Gideon, Guidance Counselor, Monica Magliocco seemed to sum up the Fomba boys in a few short sentences, “I enjoy working with both of them dearly, I can always count on Kingsley to be the more serious and organized one and Gideon to be the lighthearted and forgetful one. No matter which one I encounter, they always greet me with a smile and leave me feeling like I have helped them in some way. That tells me that they both deeply embrace the “Life is Good” philosophy of the school.”
Roger Bacon is made up of many faces, different faces. We hope to showcase a wide range of our Spartans as possible. If you would like to nominate a Spartan, past or present, to be featured as a Face of RB please click here.