Proficient in Reading:
Elementary: 30% | Middle: 26% | High: 34%
Distinguished in Reading:
Elementary: 15% | Middle: 16% | High: 19%
Proficient in Math:
Elementary: 34% | Middle: 24% | High: 28%
Distinguished in Math:
Elementary: 12% | Middle: 8% | High: 13%
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Student Success Stories Features FCHS Graduate Sierra Newton

#OneTeamFCS Student Success Stories: Sierra Newton

Alexus Larson

August 29, 2026

Franklin County Schools is excited to shine a spotlight on 2016 Franklin County High School (FCHS) graduate Sierra Newton.

Following her graduation from FCHS, Newton attended Northern Kentucky University, where she double-majored in journalism and electronic media and broadcasting. During her time at NKU, she served as the Sports Editor for the student newspaper. Before graduating, she landed a job at the Cincinnati Enquirer covering high school sports.

After graduation, Newton started at the local NBC affiliate LEX News in Lexington. She started as a Digital Content Producer, then became the Associate Producer for BBN Tonight, and now she’s an on-air sports reporter.

In her career, she’s had opportunities to cover some of the biggest events in sports, including the Kentucky Derby, the NCAA women’s basketball tournament, and numerous SEC games, both home and away.

Newton attended Elkhorn Middle School before she attended FCHS. During her time with FCHS, she competed on the basketball, soccer, and track teams and participated in BETA, pep club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). She also took graphic design classes at the Franklin County Career and Technical Center (FCCTC).

Newton noted that her teachers, Ms. Sherri Smith and Mr. Tom Marshall in the English department, and Coach Joey Thacker helped shape her into the person she is today, giving her the confidence and drive to succeed.

“In my senior year at FCHS, Ms. Smith and Mr. Marshall in the English department helped me solidify that journalism was something that I could study in college and build a career,” said Sierra Newton, FCHS Graduate. “Coach Thacker instilled in me to be the best of myself. I have a stronger work ethic and determination to not take the easy way out, because he showed me that the result will be worth it.”

“I admire so much about Sierra! She has always been very goal-oriented, and she is absolutely killing it in the sports television world as a result,” said Principal Joey Thacker. “As a player, Sierra was the glue of our team. It’s been interesting for her to seek out and admire the same types of players when she covers student-athletes that she exemplified herself as a Lady Flyer. I couldn’t be more proud!”

The FCS community can watch Sierra on LEX News and BBN Tonight airing weeknights at 7:30 p.m. and online. Thank you, Sierra, for representing the best of FCS!

#OneTeamFCS #Focus