May, 2026 Volume III, Issue 5Malia and MilanaGraham maketheir marks atEast ColumbusJunior-SeniorHigh SchoolPages 34 and 42Also in this issue …Sara Wallace MacDonaldMadi-Grace PatrickKayden PriceClinton Ron WhitePorsha SmithAmira LeeGabriel McQueenPeyton DeSappioA Publication of Fuller Royal Photography
2 Dear Readers,Welcome to the 19th issue of Students to Watch Magazine. Here, we presentportraits and stories of another 10 students. Students to Watch has been ahuge success for our studio and it is something I enjoy creating every month.Parents are always looking for meaningful ways to build confidence andcelebrate who their children are becoming – not just what they accomplish.Being featured in Students to Watch gives students a platform to be seen,heard and valued. It’s more than a photo session; it’s a professionally writtenand photographed feature that highlights personality, passions, leadership,creativity, athletics, academics and character.In a world where so much attention is filtered through social media, thismagazine offers something lasting and tangible – a beautifully craftedspotlight that affirms a young person’s story and helps them recognize theirown potential.Students to Watch is open to any student – public, private, charter,homeschool – from any school system or county – because every student has astory worth telling. Parents who encourage their children to participate areinvesting in confidence, communication skills, and positive self-image duringsome of the most formative years of life.The experience itself becomes a milestone: being interviewed,professionally photographed and published in a respected publication. Yearsfrom now, families will look back on these features as snapshots of growth,dreams, and identity – reminders that their students were seen not just forwhat they did, but for who they were becoming.Everyone has a story whether it’s in the arts, academics, athletics orvocations. Let us tell yours.Fuller Royal Photographyis celebrating its 37th year ofportrait service to the community.
3This month’s issuefeatures East ColumbusJunior-Senior HighSchool twins Malia andMilana Graham. Thesisters talk about theiryears at East and theirfuture plans. See theirstories on pages 34 and42.About theCoverINSIDEVolume III, Issue 5May, 2026Published Monthly byFuller RoyalPhotography910.770.1834622 S. Madison StreetWhiteville, N.C. 284726 Sara Wallace MacDonald16 Madi-Grace Patrick26 Kayden Price34 Malia Graham42 Milana Graham50 Clinton Ron White58 Porsha Smith66 Amira Lee74 Gabriel McQueen82 Peyton DeSappio910.770.1834
Whiteville High School Sophomore Nate Merritt swings at apitch during the Wolfpack’s game against South ColumbusHigh School. 6
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UStory and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALniversity of South Carolina freshmanSara Wallace MacDonald is pursuinga path that blends precision,compassion and purpose in thehealthcare field.MacDonald, 19, a graduate of CarolinaForest High School, traces her academicinterests back to her high school years,where she found both connection and clarityin the classroom.“I liked having class with my bestfriends,” she said, reflecting on the sense offamiliarity and support that defined her highschool experience.Among her academic interests, mathstood out early.“I like math because it has definiteanswers,” she said.That appreciation for structure andproblem-solving now carries into her collegestudies, where she is working toward aBachelor of Science degree in cardiovasculartechnology — a field that combines technicalskill with patient care.“I’m interested in working in a hospitalatmosphere using high-tech equipment tohelp patients live longer, better-qualitylives,” she said.Her inspiration for pursuing a career inhealthcare comes from close to home.MacDonald looks up to her mother, acertified registered nurse anesthetist, andher uncle, a surgeon, both of whom havedemonstrated the rewards and impact of acareer in medicine.“It has been a rewarding experience foreach of them,” she said.Those influences have helped shape herlong-term vision, guiding her toward aprofession centered on improving livesthrough knowledge and care.Outside of academics, MacDonald valuesbalance and connection. She enjoys stayingactive through swimming, running, yoga andlong walks, while also cherishing time withher younger sister and family. Creativepursuits, such as collecting seashells andturning them into crafts with hergrandmother, reflect a thoughtful andartistic side.At her core, MacDonald takes pride inStrong family influences shape a clear path forSara Wallace MacDonald in the medical field.Driven by Determination:College Student Builds a Pathin Cardiovascular TechnologyStory Continued on Page 107
8 MacDonald’s appreciationfor structure and clarityaligns well with her chosentechnical healthcare field.
9Her strong sense ofresponsibility and followthrough reflects a disciplinedand reliable personality.
10 her character and consistency.“I am proud of my reputation as aloyal and faithful sibling, daughter,student, athlete and friend,” she said.Her greatest strength, she notes, isher ability to remain focused and followthrough on her commitments.“I always finish what I start,” shesaid.That determination shapes herdefinition of success — one rooted ineffort and personal accountability.“Success means achieving a goal tothe best of my ability,” she said.As she continues her college journey,MacDonald represents a student whocombines discipline, purpose and a strongsense of self — qualities that position herfor a meaningful future in healthcare.
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Her blend of scientificfocus and creative hobbiessuggests a well-balancedand thoughtful individual.12
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This Page: West Brunswick freshman Paisley Wilson prepares toswing at a pitch during a match-up with East Columbus JuniorSenior High School. Sara Coleman is the catcher. Opposite page:East senior Mackenzi Clemmons follows the pitch. Wilson is thecatcher.14
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16 Patrick’s workethic andindependencestand out asdefining traitswell beyondher age.
Story Continued on Page 2017All In: Junior PushesToward Independenceand Early AchievementA determined junior juggles academics,jobs and college coursework EStory and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALast Columbus High School, juniorMadi-Grace Patrick is buildingher future throughdetermination, faith and anunwavering work ethic.Patrick, 17, balances a demandingschedule that goes far beyond theclassroom. While many students focussolely on school, she is already jugglingmultiple jobs, college coursework andlong-term career goals — all whilemaintaining her academic progress.“I like to give myself everything,” shesaid, describing her motivation to workand build independence.Her commitment to educationremains central. English stands as herfavorite subject, driven by a love ofreading and a desire to help others whomay struggle with it. At the same time,math has been her greatest challenge —one she has faced head-on.“This year I have a B in math and I’mworking toward an A,” she said.That persistence reflects a mindsetshaped by both personal discipline andstrong influences in her life. She creditsteachers such as Laura Inman, CourtneyGraham and Marcus Skipper for guidingher academically and personally, whileher mother remains her greatest rolemodel.“She pushes me to get an educationand work for what I want,” Patrick said.Her faith plays a central role in howshe handles challenges.“I pray and then think about my nextsteps,” she said.That approach has helped hermanage the pressures of balancingschool, work and future planning. Inaddition to her high school coursework,she is already enrolled in classes atSoutheastern Community College,working toward a business certificationwhile still in high school.Her ambitions extend even further.Patrick is already halfway throughobtaining her real estate license andhopes to one day own her own business— a goal that reflects both independenceand entrepreneurial drive.“I’m willing to work as hard as I canfor my future,” she said.Outside of academics and work, she
18 Her ability to balance multipleresponsibilities reflects strongdiscipline and time management.
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20 finds joy in activities like fishing,hunting, shopping and spending timewith children, an experience thatcontinues to motivate her. Though sheno longer plays softball, she says thesport still holds a special place in herlife.Her accomplishments alreadyspeak to her determination. She hasearned Principal’s List honors and ison track to potentially graduate early— a milestone that reflects both herdiscipline and ambition.At her core, Patrick definesherself through perseverance andfaith.“Walk by faith, not by fear,” shesaid.As she looks toward the future,she hopes to be remembered assomeone who inspires others.“I want people to remember me asmotivational,” she said.In a time when many students arestill discovering their direction, MadiGrace stands out as someone alreadytaking control of hers — driven,focused and determined to succeed.
21Her faith-centeredmindset provides asteady foundation fornavigating challengesand pursuing goals.
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23To view, download or order any issue ofStudents to Watch Magazine, visit www.fullerroyalphotography.com.
This Page: In a recent match against South Columbus HighSchool, Whiteville High School senior Grace Wilkins prepares tohead butt the ball. Opposite page: South junior Brianna Priceand Whiteville’s Peyton McPherson battle over control of theball.24
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27Story Continued on Page 31WDetermined Every Day:Junior Balances Academics,Athletics and AmbitionFrom Eagle Scout goals to published writing,Price embraces every opportunity.Story and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALhiteville High School juniorKayden Price is building hisfuture through determination,leadership and a commitment to making adifference in the lives of others.Price, 17, reflects on his high schoolexperience as a time of growth, bothpersonally and academically. One of themoments that stands out most to him hasbeen the opportunity to compete on thevarsity soccer team throughout his highschool career.“It has been very good, and I havegrown a lot,” he said.Athletics have provided more thancompetition. They have helped shape hisdiscipline, teamwork and ability to stayfocused under pressure. Those samequalities carry into the classroom, wherescience and math have always been hisfavorite subjects.“I’ve always been good at them,” Pricesaid.His interest in those fields has inspiredlong-term career goals in engineering, andhe hopes to one day see Whiteville Highexpand opportunities for studentsinterested in technical careers.“I wish we had an engineeringprogram,” he said.Price’s academic journey has alsochallenged him in unexpected ways.Spanish courses pushed him outside hiscomfort zone and taught him theimportance of confidence andcommunication.“It taught me I need to become a betterpublic speaker,” he said.Beyond academics and athletics, Priceis deeply involved in school andcommunity organizations. He participatesin the National Honor Society, FutureFarmers of America, baseball and BoyScouts, while also serving as a juniormarshal. Through National Honor Society,he has found meaningful opportunities tosupport others and give back.“It has allowed me to show how much Icare for the people around me,” he said.Outside of school, Price enjoysspending time with family, caring for hisyounger siblings and continuing his worktoward earning the rank of Eagle Scout —a goal he considers especially important.His accomplishments already reflecthis dedication and versatility. Along withhonors such as OSHA certification andNYLT certification through Scouts, one ofhis proudest achievements is having ashort story selected for publication in a
Price’s blend of leadership,service and academic focusreflects strong maturity andbalance.28
29His determination to improvethrough challenges highlightsresilience and self-awareness.
His emphasis on caring forothers suggests a studentwhose character is asimportant as his achievements.30
crime solvers book.“That’s something I’m really proudof,” he said.Price credits much of his motivation tothe people around him, especially longtimefriend Noah Jacobsen, whose friendshiphas remained strong despite attendingdifferent schools.When setbacks happen, Price usesthem as fuel to improve.“I use pressure as motivation to workharder,” he said.Looking ahead, he plans to attendNorth Carolina State University to pursuea degree in civil or environmentalengineering — fields that align with bothhis interests and his desire to build ameaningful future.At his core, Price hopes to beremembered not just for hisaccomplishments, but for the way hetreated people.“I hope people remember how much Icared about others,” he said.That combination of determination,kindness and ambition continues to definea student focused on becoming betterevery day.“I’m a smart, caring and dedicatedperson who strives to improve,” he said.31
This Page: South South Columbus High School hurler NolanThompson winds up to send one across the plate in a recentgame against Whiteville High School. Opposite page:Whiteville’s Leyton McLean sets his sights on the strike zone.32
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34 Story Continued on Page 39Full Circle: East ColumbusSenior Turns HardWork Intoa Division I OpportunityEStory and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALast Columbus High School seniorMalia Graham has spent her highschool years balancing excellence onthe basketball court with discipline,humility and a growing sense of purpose.For Graham, two moments define herhigh school journey. The first came duringthe 2024 state basketball playoffs, when EastColumbus played at Wake Forest University.“I was only a sophomore at the time,”Graham said. “Stepping onto that floorshowed me what hard work, teamwork andbelief could lead to.”The second moment was signing herletter of intent to play Division I basketballat Gardner-Webb University — anaccomplishment she describes as a fullcircle moment shared with family, coachesand community supporters.“That moment reminded me that noneof this happened alone,” she said.Graham’s success has been fueled notonly by talent, but by perseverance. One ofthe most difficult academic challenges shefaced was Math 171, a college-levelprecalculus and trigonometry course thattested both her discipline and confidence.“It taught me that growth happensoutside my comfort zone,” she said.While athletics have played a major rolein her life, Graham’s goals extend farbeyond basketball. She plans to use herscholarship opportunity to pursue highereducation while working toward a futurecareer in psychiatry.“I want to help decrease the negativestigma around mental health,” she said.Her desire to help others is grounded inboth faith and perspective. Every morning,Graham begins her day with a moment ofgratitude and prayer — a routine she sayskeeps her calm and centered.“It reminds me not to take life forgranted,” she said.Throughout high school, Graham foundencouragement from influential mentors,including Coach Velton Jacobs and formerprincipal Dr. Kenneth Bowen, both of whombelieved in her potential long before shefully believed in it herself.“They changed the way I saw myfuture,” Graham said.Off the court, Graham enjoys activitiesthat allow her to relax and recharge,including building Lego sets, gaming andspending time volunteering at her tribalgrounds with Darlene Graham. Thatexperience, she said, has strengthened herA standout athlete prepares for collegebasketball and a future in mental healthadvocacy.
35Graham’s ability to balanceelite athletics with strongacademic and personal goalsreflects exceptional maturity.
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Her focus on mental healthadvocacy reveals a deeper senseof empathy and long-term purpose.37
38 Her grounded perspective andcommitment to authenticity suggeststrong leadership beyond athletics.
39connection to her culture andcommunity.Her accomplishments alreadyreflect the balance she has workedto maintain between academics,athletics and leadership. Along withmembership in the National BetaClub and the National HonorSociety, she was named N.C. UnitedTribe High School Student of theYear and earned both Volleyballand Basketball Player of the Yearhonors. She also represented NorthCarolina in the Carolinas ClassicAll-Star Game.Still, Graham says her greateststrength is simple: persistence.“No matter how tough thingsget, I always find a way to keeppushing forward,” she said.As graduation approaches,Graham is focused less onrecognition and more onauthenticity.“I hope people remember that Istayed true to myself,” she said.Grounded in faith, driven bydiscipline and motivated bypurpose, Graham represents astudent-athlete whose impactreaches far beyond the scoreboard.
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Whiteville High School junior Lilly Wardtwists around to keep the ball inbounds during a recent game withSouth Columbus High School.41
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43Story Continued on Page 47Story and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALast Columbus High School seniorMilana Graham is preparing to closeone chapter of her life while lookingahead to an exciting future centered onhealthcare, friendship and personal growth.For Graham, one of the defining partsof her high school experience has beenvolleyball — a sport that broughtcompetition, teamwork and lastingmemories.“Playing volleyball” is the moment thatstands out most to her when reflecting onhigh school.Her dedication to the sport earned herAll-Conference recognition, along withmembership in the National Beta Club,achievements that reflect both athletic andacademic commitment.In the classroom, Graham found asense of connection and comfort inagriculture classes with Bryan Fowler.“We all talked every day and madebreakfast,” she said, describing theenvironment that made the classmemorable.Although math has consistentlychallenged her, Graham says thosestruggles taught her an important lessonabout persistence.“Math has always challenged me themost, but I always end up passing,” shesaid. “That shows me it’s not impossible.”Her mindset toward challenges issimple but effective.“I just take a deep breath and face ithead on,” Graham said.That steady perspective has helpedguide her through both school and personalgrowth. She credits her twin sister as thebiggest influence during her high schoolyears, describing the close bond they share.“We’re always together,” she said.Friends, teammates and classmateshave also shaped her experience, helpingcreate the memories and support systemsthat made high school meaningful. Thoughshe describes herself as thoughtful, caringand kind, Graham also offers youngerstudents realistic advice based on what shehas learned along the way.“Not everybody is your friend,” shesaid.Ready forWhat’s Next:East Columbus SeniorFocuses on Nursing andNew OpportunitiesVolleyball, friendships and perseveranceshape a meaningful senior year. E
44 Graham’s persistence in challengingsubjects reflects resilience andsteady determination.
45Her close connection withteammates, friends and familyhighlights a relationship-drivenpersonality.
46 Her calm approach to pressure andfuture-focused mindset suggeststrong emotional maturity as shetransitions into college life.
Outside of school, Graham enjoysspending time with friends andexpressing her creative side throughhobbies like using her bedazzling kit— a detail that reflects her playfulpersonality.Looking ahead, she is especiallyexcited about beginning college andpursuing her career goals. Grahamplans to attend the University ofNorth Carolina at Pembroke to studynursing with the hopes of becoming anurse practitioner.As graduation approaches,Graham is focused on the future whileappreciating the journey that broughther there — from volleyball courts andclassrooms to the friendships andexperiences that helped shape her.With quiet determination and acaring spirit, Graham represents astudent ready to take the next stepwhile staying true to herself.A caring and thoughtful studentprepares for a future in healthcareFrom classroom challenges tocollege ambitions, Graham movesforward with confidence47
This Page: South Columbus High School Stallion BriannaPrice and Whiteville High School Wolf Jenna Arringtonattempt to drive the ball toward their respective goals.Opposite page: WHS sophomore Kyla Fowler kicks onetoward the midfield..48
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50 White’s passion for agriculture isclearly reinforced by hands-onlearning and mentorship.