Mackenzie Baldwin is a senior at Lee County High School in Sanford, where she has participated on the softball and volleyball teams all four years, is a member of the National Honor Society, and has been a Lee County Scholar each year. She has given back to her community by volunteering with her church and the CUOC in Lee County, assisting with volleyball camps, and volunteering with the Lee County Athletic Booster Club. Currently, Reagan is coaching a local club volleyball team, and noted, “I love having a positive impact in the girls lives.” In the fall, Mackenzie will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she plans to study Biology and hopes to become a medical researcher.
Emma Chavez is a senior at West Henderson High School in Hendersonville, where she has participated on the soccer and track teams for three years. She has competed at track state championships and participated in the soccer quarter finals. Emma is also an active member of the CFC Club Soccer team and has competed at the Junior Olympic level in track. Outside of sports, she is a member of the National Honor Society and Health Occupations Students of America, through which she has volunteered in multiple community events. Emma has been accepted to six different universities and plans to study Pharmacy. Emma notes – “I am willing to do all the work needed and strive to educate myself on how to become the best possible pharmacist.”
Joshua Clemons is a senior at Ardrey Kell High School in Mecklenburg County, where he participates on the football and track teams. He has earned All-Conference honors in track and was All-Academic in football, while also being named the most improved football player his sophomore year and was named one of the Charlotte Football Insiders Players of the Week in his most recent senior season. Off the field, Joshua has been involved in a plethora of activities, including being a Leaders of Tomorrow Scholar for the National Black MBA Association and the National Society of Black Engineers, is a member of the National Honor and National Technical Honor Society, has participated in a US Army Educational Outreach Program Apprenticeship, and has received various Distinguished Scholar Awards. He has given back to his community through volunteering at a homeless shelter, the Dr. Janice Witt Smith Foundation, at a local daycare, he has assisted with on campus learning programs at UNCC, and actively helped with youth football camps and campus cleanup. Passionate about flying, Joshua notes that his ultimate goal is to graduate from a prestigious university with a BS in Aviation and eventually become a commercial pilot. A thought from Joshua – “Since I started flying, I realized each flight requires patience, attention to detail, and increased responsibility. Every flight is increasing my love of aviation and bringing me closer to my dream.”
Bridget Derwin is a senior at Heritage High School in Wake County, where she has competed on the varsity swim team all four years, serving as a team captain in her most recent season. She is All-Conference, competed at NCHSAA regionals and states, and is a school record holder for two relays. Outside of the pool, Bridget has made a name for herself in school as student body president and a member of the National Honor and National Technical Honor Society. She has also given back to her community by volunteering with Saint Catherina of Sienna Church at various events. In the fall, she will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and plans to major in Biology with a minor in Exercise and Sport Science on the pre-med track. A thought from Bridget – “I feel without having participated in sports on many different levels, I would not be the person I am nor would I be the person I aspire to be in the future. I am forever grateful for the opportunities I have gotten from swimming and for the people that I have met.”
Jelani Gaddy is a senior at E.E. Smith High School in Cumberland County, where he was a member of the varsity basketball team his senior year and they were regular season conference champions, conference tournament champions, and made it to the final four for the 3A classification. Jelani has participated in his school’s marching band currently as a drum major, previously in the percussion section, and is in a mentoring group. In his community, he has been able to give back through volunteering with a homeless ministry and community outreach program. In the fall, Jelani will attend North Carolina Central University where he will be a member of the NCCU Sound Machine (playing bass drum) and plans to study Kinesiology, he notes – “It is important to me to give back and properly develop successful athletes in my community with the knowledge and training in maintaining good health while being an athlete.”
Nery Gonzalez-Garcia is a senior at St. Stephens High School in Catawba County, where she is a member of the soccer and track and field teams. She has proven to be an exceptional athlete, previously serving as a co-captain in soccer and placed in the top ten of school track records for the 200m dash. Nery is very involved in extracurricular activities like, Beta Club, Key Club, Marching Band, Junior States of America (public relations officer), Juniorettes (secretary), Science Olympiad, marching band, Catawba County Youth Council, and many more. Nery enjoys volunteering, she has had plenty of opportunities through Key and Beta Club, but also strives to volunteer in her free time, doing so with a variety of organizations like Eastern Catawba Christian Ministries, soup kitchens, homeless relief ministry, and local elementary schools. She has been accepted to many highly esteemed universities and plans to major in Microbiology this fall. A note from Nery – “The borders I overcame, and my parents, taught me resilience is my greatest weapon, one which I can use both in my career inside the laboratory and in my personal life.”
Jalen Hampton is a senior at Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology in Mecklenburg County, where is a member of the varsity swim team, most recently serving as a team captain and receiving the coach’s award. Outside of the pool, he has proven himself a talented student as a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, National Society of Black Engineers, and CMS Athletic Honor Society. Jalen is well versed in computer programming as he is certified in intro to java, python, and software development fundamentals, and is a recipient of the Code2College internship and Pride Magazine Technology Award. In his community, he has assisted with local elementary school students as well as volunteering with a local 5K and ½ Marathon. In the fall, he will continue his journey studying Computer Science and has been accepted to North Carolina A&T University, University of North Carolina Charlotte, University of North Carolina Greensboro, and North Carolina State University. Jalen notes – “My ambition is fueled by the confidence I have in my abilities on and off the field. Being able to perform as a top-ranking student and an athlete has truly helped me believe I can do anything I set my mind to.”
Aiyana Hernandez is a senior at North Davidson High School in Lexington, where she has competed on the soccer and volleyball teams all four years, serving as a volleyball team captain in her most recent season and has been a soccer team captain. In her school, she is a member of Student Council (secretary), National Honor Society (treasurer), DDCC National Honor Society, member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and is a tutor. In her community, Aiyana is actively involved with her church, Toys for Tots, Angel Tree program, the Ronald McDonald House, and volunteers at many other after school activities. In the fall, she plans to attend the University of North Carolina Wilmington to study Biology. Aiyana notes – “My endgame in life is to not only be able to support my kids but for my mother and siblings as well.”
Teyshawn Johnson is a senior at East Duplin High School in Beulaville, where he has played basketball and football all four years, most recently winning the 2A state championships with his team in football during his senior season. Teyshawn is a member of the National Honor Society and is a recipient of the Duplin County Education Foundation Academic Excellence Award. In his community, he devotes a lot of time to GYT The Prayer Center Church where he serves as a youth ministry assistant and is a video production engineer through which he runs software and audio/video to produce and livestream services on multiple platforms. In the fall, he plans to attend North Carolina State University and study Finance. A note from Teyshawn – “I work hard and dedicate myself to whatever task is given to me. No matter how challenging, I will always give my best effort. Also, I find joy in helping others and brightening their day.”
Khalia King is a senior at Kings Mountain High School in Cleveland County, where she has been a varsity basketball player all four years. Khalia is highly accomplished on the court, lettering, being named Offensive Player of the Year, and earning All-Conference honors each year. Additionally, she has been a team captain for the past three years and was named MVP in her most recent senior season. She also lettered in tennis her senior year and was named the most courageous player. Off the court, she is an A-Honor roll student, a member of the National Beta Club and Science Club, assists with event planning, and does media ministry with her church. In her community, she also serves as an assistant coach for a girls basketball club. Khalia’s goal is to attend North Carolina A&T State University and study Kinesiology. A thought from Khalia – “I believe making relationships with new people and current people in your life is very important and can also help you in the long run. I am very proud of the accomplishments I have achieved so far and look forward to what the future holds for me.”
Savannah Sparks is a senior at East Wilkes High School in Ronda, where she has competed on the tennis, basketball, and soccer teams. In soccer she was varsity all four years and is currently a team captain and in tennis she is All-Conference and was a team captain in her most recent season while also advancing to states. She has also been recognized for her leadership skills, winning first place in CPR/First Aid at the state HOSA Leadership Conference and advanced to the second round at the national level, is a National Youth Leadership Forum Medicine Nominee, and is a new century scholar. Additionally, she has demonstrated a commitment to her community through volunteering with Operation Christmas Child, trail association restoration, organizing donations, and assisting with you sport camps. Savannah’s plans for the future include becoming a registered nurse, achieving a master’s degree in nursing, and then going on to obtain a doctorate degree with a nurse anesthetist certification. A thought from Savannah – “My background is the foundation of who I am and is the reason I am so dedicated, passionate, and drive to achieve my career goal.”
Andy Tatham is a senior at Andrews High School in Cherokee County, where he has participated on both the basketball and football teams, earning a conference championship his senior year with the football team. He is an active member of the Beta Club and just completed his associate’s degree through dual enrollment. In his community, he dedicates some of his free time to volunteering with local youth sports programs. Andy plans to attend university in the fall to start his journey on becoming a pharmacist. He noted – “I want to become a pharmacist to be able to return to my home town and help all the people who have always helped me.”
Thomas Taylor III is a senior at South Granville High School in Creedmoor, where he has participated on both the basketball and track and field teams. He has qualified for national meets in track and field while also being named his school’s male student-athlete of the year during his junior year, and brought home a conference championship with his basketball team. Thomas is a highly achieved student, earning honors like top 10 of his class, Student of Merit, Honor Roll, and is a member of the National Honor Society. He gives back to his community through volunteering with various organizations like, Relay for Life Granville County, HE Matters, food banks, and SG Basketball Community Outreach. In the fall, Thomas plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with hopes of becoming a lawyer and ultimately a judge, his dream job. A note from Thomas – “I know that with the support of my friends and family, and the peace in mind that playing sports brings me, I will be able to gain all of the knowledge necessary to make my dream come true.”
Kailyn Wilson is a senior at Gates County High School in Gatesville, where she has been a member of the volleyball team all four years, earning accolades like MVP, All-Conference, and a sportsmanship award, while also assisting with the basketball teams as a scorekeeper. She is a scholar-athlete, serves as Student Council secretary, and is a member of the Beta Club, Health Occupations Students of America, Gensis/4-H, Flight Crew, Pi Theta Kappa Honor Program, and many more. In her community, Kailyn has volunteered with various programs, such as Operation Christmas Child, 4-H Camps, community center events, blood drives, and at local elementary schools. Kailyn is on track to finish high school with an Associate’s in Pre-Nursing through dual enrollment as well as a CNA 1 License. Her plans for the future include attending North Carolina Central University to double major in Biology and Psychology, before setting off to attend medical school with hopes of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon. A note from Kailyn – “My family’s background has motivated me to want to save and impact other people’s lives, like the doctors who saved and changed ours.”
Mikoto Yamaguchi is a senior at Rockingham County High School just outside of Reidsville, where he runs cross country and track, and was voted most improved in his junior year. Mikoto is a model student, maintaining all A’s, making the Presidents List, is a member of the National Honor Society, is a student government association liaison, and is the vice president of public services for Phi Theta Kappa. Outside of school, Mikoto enjoys music, playing both the guitar and piano, and has dedicated time to his community through volunteering at a local soup kitchen, retirement home, food pantry, and helps with Toys for Tots. In the fall, he will attend North Carolina State University where he plans to major in Biomedical Engineering. A note from Mikoto – “Throughout my life, I have lived in a household where the policy, ‘support those around you,’ is a big philosophy. As such, this lifestyle has molded my perspective to take this approach to my daily life and career goals. I aspire to help as many people as I can doing what I enjoy best.”
Andre Yeoman is a senior at Ashley High School in New Hanover County, where he is a member of the football and track and field teams, while also being recognized as a scholar-athlete. Andre is a member of the Beta Club and National Honor Society, assists teachers, and does peer mentoring. In his community, he enjoys volunteering for places like Habitat for Humanity and the local food pantry, helping with various projects like beach/ground area clean-ups and marathons. In the fall, he will attend North Carolina State University and plans to major in Computer Engineering. A thought from Andre – “Hard work, dedication, and being a team player has helped me persevere, and I plan to use what I have learned to help me achieve my goals.”
