Kelby Clements, Staff Writer

Rewind to August of 2002. Campbell County High School experienced an infestation of mice throughout the summer months. What better way to control a growing mouse population than a cat? So with the permission of Principal Larry Steiger, the maintenance faculty was allowed to adopt. It just so happened that a student at the time had a cat who needed a new home.
A white coat with peculiar markings on the hind end and rear legs led to the name, “Fancypants.” At first, the very timid cat kept to herself and avoided feet as much as possible. Down at ground level, she was more likely to approach people.
As time passed, she began to come out of her shell. “Fancypants grabbed the heart of many students at CCHS, along with much of the staff,” said head custodian Rieta Dennis, who was considered Fancypants’ mom.
“Fancypants was a good kitty. I remember feeding her in Cubes. She loved nacho cheese,” said senior Eric Schipman.

Carol Kramer,  school psychologist, made Fancypants a special quilt to cover the cat’s favorite chair. There also was a lamp in Kramer’s office where Fancypants could be found laying, enjoying the warmth.

“I feel as though a part of the school is missing without Fancypants,” said senior Aaron McGee.
Fancypants helped the maintenance faculty do their “rounds” and security checks on weekends, nights, and over holiday breaks. She was also the first to greet people in the morning when the school doors were opened. “I’m heart broken,” said senior Marcus Murschel.  “I wish it would have happened to some other cat”

Fancypants made history when she was in a article in The Gillette News Record. At the end of summer 2009, Fancypants sadly passed away.  “Fancy is surely missed, but she gave us so many good memories,” added Dennis.

Fancypants