Ainsley Heath, a senior at Heide Trask High School in Pender County, has left an indelible mark as a runner, thriving in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track. Her exceptional dedication and skill have earned her a plethora of accomplishments, including All-Conference titles, multiple MVP distinctions across all three sports, notable placements at regionals, and an impressive medal-winning performance at the state level in outdoor track. As a team captain, Ainsley has displayed exemplary leadership qualities in each sport. Beyond her athletic prowess, Ainsley has emerged as a respected figure within her school, actively contributing to Science Olympiad, HOSA (where she serves as Director of Nursing, overseeing events), and the National Honor Society. Furthermore, she has been actively pursuing her CNA certification. Demonstrating a strong sense of community, Ainsley consistently gives back by engaging in various volunteer activities, serving as a tutor, a dedicated camp counselor, and successfully organizing numerous impactful blood drives. In the fall, Ainsley will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study Biology with hopes of attending medical school thereafter. Ainsley Notes – “I plan to go to medical school and become an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in sports medicine. This mixes my passion for healthcare and sports together.”
Ryan Kilgallen is a senior at Chapel Hill High School in Orange County, where he participated on the varsity swimming, cross country, and outdoor track & field teams, lettering in all three sports. He is an exemplary student and visionary leader, spearheading transformative initiatives as a founding member of the CHCCS school district improvement committee and serving as a CHCCS Student Equity Ambassador. Ryan also has an impressive range of accomplishments, including founding and presiding over the CTE Support Team for Advocacy, Resources, and Success, serving as Vice President of the CHHS Student Government, being recognized as a National Merit Finalist, while also being a member of National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society. In his community, he serves as a lifeguard and certified pool operator, serves in the Chapel Hill – Carrboro YMCA Leaders Club, and founded a summer tutoring seminar through which he helped prepare and teach AP Spanish Language and Culture lessons. A note from Ryan – “I have a commitment to myself and my team to uphold. Just as I seek to care for myself and help myself to grow, I desire the same for my teammates and our community.” In the fall, Ryan will attend Duke University where he plans on studying Economics.
