North Carolina High School Athletic Association
July 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHAPEL HILL, NC – The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) is thrilled to announce the newest additions to our esteemed Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC). These student-athletes will be joining returning SAAC Members Coley Drew, Evan Gillespie, Olivia White, Susannah Piatek, Brij Bhatt, Mina Cayli, Lillian Cross, Briana St. Louis, Alice Neelon, Kyle Stinson, Mark Zamudio and Gracie Rinker. This council acts as a vital link between student-athletes and sports administrators, providing invaluable insights to enhance the overall student-athlete experience and promote an inclusive athletic community across the state of North Carolina.
We are proud to introduce the following outstanding student-athletes who have been selected to join the 2024-25 NCHSAA SAAC:
From Region 2:
Melia Fullwood, Senior – Pender High School
Melia is a multi-sport athlete participating in Cheerleading and Varsity Volleyball at Pender High School. She is actively involved in the BETA Club and contributes significantly to her community by working at summer camps for youth. A strong leader, Melia also holds a leadership position in the National Honor Society.
From Region 3:
Aylin McGowan, Sophomore – Carrboro High School
Aylin a Junior on the 2024-25 SAAC team. She competes in several varsity sports at Carrboro High School, including Cross Country, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, and Swim/Dive. Since her freshman year, Aylin has been deeply involved at Carrboro High, serving on the Carrboro Student Athletic Leadership Team, the National Honor Society, the French Honor Society, and the Freshman/Sophomore Class Council.
Calla Lundburg, Sophomore – Cedar Ridge High School
Calla, the only sophomore on the team, is highly active in the Cedar Ridge High School community. She participates in JV Volleyball and Varsity Basketball and is involved in the Poet Laureate Program, Newspaper Club, Poetry Club, FCA, and the Cedar Ridge DECA Team. Calla is currently ranked #1 in her class after her freshman year with a 4.25 GPA.
Libby O’Leary, Junior – Athens Drive Magnet High School
Libby is a dual-sport athlete competing in Varsity Cheerleading and Varsity Track and Field at Athens Drive Magnet High School. She serves as the Student Director of Women’s Athletic Engagement and interns with the Athletic Department in her free time. This year, Libby was named the 2024 Female MVP of the Athens Drive Magnet High School Athletic Department.
Rebekah Harmening, Junior – Heritage High School
Rebekah participated in Wake County’s inaugural flag football season and plays Varsity Softball at Heritage High School. A community leader, she is part of the Heritage SAAC team and was nominated for the National Honor Society. In 2024, Rebekah was recognized as an Academic All-Conference in softball. She is also highly engaged in her local community, logging over 20 hours of community service this year.
From Region 5:
Brooke Hardister, Junior – Southeast Alamance High School
Brooke is an exemplary leader at Southeast Alamance, involved in the Student Council, Aspire Leadership Group, and the Dream Team. She participates in Volleyball, Swim/Dive, and Softball. Brooke is an active community volunteer, assisting at freshman orientation, the annual school golf tournament, and the local animal shelter. She has been named to the National Honors Society and has earned all-conference honors in Volleyball.
From Region 6:
Amor Morris, Senior – Providence High School
Amor has been a prominent leader in the Charlotte Mecklenburg area and at Providence High School since transferring from D.H. Conley. She is a member of the CMS Student Athlete Advisory Council and has been shadowing CMS Athletic Director Erica Turner over the past year. At Providence High, she participates in Women’s Golf and manages the Volleyball, Basketball, and Track and Field teams. Amor also leads the sports management team at her school.
Justice Washington, Senior – Mountain Island Charter High School
Justice excels at Mountain Island Charter, participating in four varsity sports: Football, Wrestling, Indoor Track and Field, and Outdoor Track and Field. Beyond athletics, Justice is deeply involved in community service, participating in initiatives like “Feast of Freedom” and annual food drives, and he is a member of the National Honor Society. He is currently a captain on the Football team and the Indoor/Outdoor Track and Field teams.
Lucy Shelton, Junior – West Rowan High School
Lucy is a two-sport athlete at West Rowan High School, competing in Volleyball and Softball. She ranks #1 in her class with a 4.42 GPA and is a member of the Crosby Scholars, FCA, FFA Chapter, Youth Leadership Rowan, and the Superintendent Advisory Council. Lucy is active in her community, volunteering at her church and participating in programs like the Amazing Shake and the Special Olympics.
Rylan Breath, Junior – Mountain Island Charter High School
Rylan is a four-sport athlete at Mountain Island Charter, participating in Soccer, Indoor/Outdoor Track and Field, and Cross Country. She is engaged on campus through the Key Club, National Honor Society, Student Government, Recycling Club, Unity Council, and the Mountain Island Charter SAAC Team. Rylan has completed over 124 community service hours this year and has received numerous awards, including 2x Athlete of the Year and 5x MaxPreps Player of the Game.
From Region 7:
Henry Webb, Junior – Elkin High School
Henry is actively involved at Elkin High School, participating in the Environmental Club, Beta Club, HOSA Club, and the Interact Club. He is a member of three varsity sports: Basketball, Swim/Dive, and Tennis. Henry is a proven leader, serving as the Treasurer of the BETA Leadership Team, President of the Elkin High School Trailblazers Club, and Co-President of the Bassmaster Club. He has competed in the NCHSAA State Championships for Swim/Dive and Tennis, winning the 2023-24 1A DT Tennis Championship.
From Region 8:
Arizona Blankenship, Senior – Swain County High School
Arizona is a standout athlete at Swain County, winning multiple state championships in Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field. Despite her athletic success, she remains active in her community, participating in numerous service projects and working two jobs during the year. Arizona’s accomplishments include multiple state titles in the 4×800 relay, 1600m, and 3200m events.
Kylie Lewis, Senior – Polk County High School
Kylie is a three-sport athlete at Polk County High School, competing in Volleyball, Basketball, and Soccer. She is involved in various activities at Polk County, including FFA, the Interact Club, Key Club, Unified Champions, Student Council, and the Horticulture Plant Team. Kylie has significantly impacted her community through volunteering at youth soccer camps, the Special Olympics, the Remembrance Walk, and more.
Roby Franklin, Junior – McDowell High School
Roby is a leader on the McDowell Basketball team, playing Varsity Basketball as a sophomore. Off the court, Roby is involved in the Fellowship of Christian Titans (FTC), volunteers at the Titan Basketball Camp, and is active in his local church. He has received the Spirit of a Titan and Spirit of a Spartan Awards at McDowell High School.
For more information about the NCHSAA Student-Athlete Advisory Council and its members, please visit https://www.nchsaa.org/student-athlete-advisory-council-saac/
Contact: Evan Sauer
Director of Development, Marketing & Student Programs
North Carolina High School Athletic Association
evan@nchsaa.org
919.414.1433
