W51Story Continued on Page 54Hands-On and Driven:ClintonWhite Builds aFuture Through Agricultureand HardWorkStrong mentorship and family support shape afocused high school journey.Story and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALest Bladen High School juniorClinton Ron White is buildinghis future through hard work,hands-on learning and a deepconnection to agriculture.White, 17, says one of the mostmeaningful parts of his high schoolexperience has been the relationshipshe has formed along the way.“Meeting new friends and buildingbonds through sports and academicsstands out the most,” he said.Those connections have helpedshape a well-rounded high schooljourney that blends academics,athletics and leadership. White isactively involved in Future Farmers ofAmerica, football and hunter safety,embracing opportunities that align withboth his interests and his future goals.In the classroom, he has found hispassion in agricultural mechanics andhorticulture — subjects that bringlearning to life through real-worldapplication.“Mr. Autry and Mr. Nunnery haveturned topics into hands-on experiencesthat connect to what I want to do in thefuture,” White said.Those teachers, along with CoachHill, have played a major role in hisdevelopment, teaching him not onlytechnical skills but also discipline,safety and the importance of workingtoward a goal.White’s journey hasn’t beenwithout challenges. Biology proveddifficult at times, but he found a way toconnect it to his interests by focusing onplant and insect science — a shift thathelped him develop patience andperseverance.“It taught me to stay focused andrelate it back to what I love,” he said.Outside of the classroom, Whitestays active through a variety ofpursuits. From boxing and fishing tospending time outdoors, he embraces ahands-on lifestyle that mirrors hisacademic interests. He has even takenthat passion a step further by startinghis own business, Clinton Ron’sSouthern Tackle, where he createsfishing bait.His involvement in FFA has also led
52 His entrepreneurial effort reflectsinitiative and real-world application atan early age.
53His calm, problem-solvingmindset and humility suggeststrong long-term potential.
54 to leadership opportunities. Serving asparliamentarian, he has already earnedrecognition for his efforts, includingadvancing to the state level inextemporaneous speaking.White credits his family, friendsand teammates for keeping himgrounded and motivated.“They make sure I show up readyand stay on track,” he said.That support system has helpedhim stay focused on his long-term goals.He plans to attend North Carolina StateUniversity to study agriculturalscience, with a particular interest ininsect and plant-related fields.His approach to challenges reflectsa calm and practical mindset.“I step back, assess the situationand try to change the outcome,” hesaid.At his core, White takes pride in hishumility and determination — qualitiesthat define both his character and hisoutlook.“I would describe myself asmotivated to follow my dreams,” hesaid.As he looks ahead to his senioryear, he is both excited and reflective,ready to make the most of the timeahead while preparing for what comesnext.“I’m excited for what’s ahead,” hesaid.With a strong work ethic, cleardirection and a willingness to takeinitiative, White represents a studentwho is turning passion into purpose —one step at a time.
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South Columbus HighSchool junior Josh Wattsslides back into first asWHS sophomore LukeMerritt catches a throwfrom the pitcher in anattempt to tag theStallion out.56
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Story Continued on Page 6359 WStory and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALhiteville High School juniorPorsha Smith is steppingconfidently into her future,guided by faith, determination and agrowing sense of purpose.Smith, 17, describes one of her mostmemorable high school experiences asearning a spot on the varsitycheerleading team — and taking thatexperience even further when she wasselected to cheer in Hawaii.“That really stands out to me,” shesaid, reflecting on a moment thatcombined achievement with opportunity.Her involvement in cheerleading isjust one part of a busy and well-roundedhigh school career. Smith is active intheNational Honor Society, WhitevilleJuniorettes, Health OccupationsStudents of America and the NationalSociety of High School Scholars,balancing leadership, service andacademics.In the classroom, math is her favoritesubject — not just for the challenge, butfor the process.“It’s a never-ending cycle, and youlearn different ways to solve problems,”she said.That mindset has helped her take onmore advanced coursework, includingcollege-level math, which she describesas one of her biggest challenges. Theexperience, she said, taught her theimportance of focus and persistence.“You just have to stay laser-focused,”Smith said.Her growth has been shaped by bothmentors and family. She credits teacherBelinda Collins, who taught her inTeacher Cadet courses, for creating asupportive environment and treatingstudents with respect. At home, hermother remains her greatest influence.“She always encourages me to pushmyself,” Smith said.Faith also plays a central role in herdaily life. Whether starting her morningswith prayer or turning to it duringstressful moments, she relies on herrelationship with God for guidance andstrength.Rising Strong: StudentBuilds a Path TowardHealthcare and ImpactA varsity cheerleader and student leaderembraces growth and opportunity.
Smith’s ability to balanceacademics, leadership andextracurriculars highlightsstrong discipline and focus.60
Her faith-centered mindsetprovides stability andperspective in bothchallenges and success.61
Her confidence andadaptability suggest astudent ready to takeon increasinglycomplex goals.62
“I know He always has somethingbetter in place for me,” she said.Outside of school, Smith has alsomade an impact in her community. Sheserved as the 92nd Annual NorthCarolina Strawberry Festival Princess,an experience that allowed her torepresent her community whilebuilding confidence and leadershipskills.Her accomplishments reflect bothdedication and versatility. From beinginducted into National Honor Societyto placing fifth in medical terminologyat HOSA regionals, she continues tochallenge herself across multipleareas.Looking ahead, Smith hasambitious goals. She plans to pursue acareer as an OB-GYN, a path thatreflects her interest in healthcare anddesire to make a meaningful differencein people’s lives.At her core, Smith takes pride inher ability to adapt and remain steadyunder pressure.“I can adapt fast and stayunfazed,” she said.As she prepares for her senioryear, she hopes to leave a lastingimpression on those around her.“I want people to remember me assomeone who made the room feellighter,” she said.With a strong sense of identity anda clear vision for the future, Smithrepresents a student who is not onlyachieving success, but growing intoexactly who she is meant to be.“I’m finally stepping into who I’mmeant to be,” she said.63
In a matchup against Whiteville High School, SouthColumbus High school senior Taylor Duncan catches areturn throw from outfield and makes sure the runnerat first stays at first.64
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67Story and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALast Columbus Junior-Senior HighSchool eighth-grader Amira Leeis finding her voice — and herconfidence — high above the crowd as aflyer on her cheerleading squad.Lee’s journey into cheer began withinspiration.“I first became interested when Isaw the Fayetteville State UniversityCheerleaders,” she said. “The chantsand cheers drew me to it.”What started as admiration quicklybecame passion. Today, Lee thrives inher role as a flyer — a position thatrequires trust, balance and confidence.“It’s something that I grew to love,”she said.For Lee, cheerleading is about morethan stunts and routines. It’s aboutconnection. The bonds she has builtwith her teammates are what she valuesmost.One moment stands out above therest — her last eighth-grade night, amilestone that brought both pride andemotion.“Knowing it was my last eighthgrade night and leaving behind some ofthe girls I had a strong bond with,” shesaid.That sense of teamwork defines herapproach to the sport.“Working together,” she said,describing what teamwork means toher.Behind the performances is a steadyroutine of preparation. Before gamesand competitions, Lee focuses on bothmindset and energy.“Praying and listening to music,”she said.Her growth has not come withoutchallenges. One of the toughest skillsshe has mastered is the “herkie” — ajump that demands flexibility andprecision.FlyerWith Purpose:Young CheerleaderBuilds Strength and SpiritFrom inspiration to impact, Amira Leecontinues to rise. EStory Continued on Page 71
68 Lee’s strong emphasis onteamwork highlightsemotional awareness andconnection at a young age.
69Her commitment toimprovement showsdiscipline and a willingnessto grow through challenges.
70 Her focus on leadership andpositivity suggests strongpotential as a future teamleader.
71“I practiced by stretching every day,”she said.Lee credits much of her development toher coach, Mrs. Gore, who has helped herbuild confidence and push herself toimprove.“She always tells me to go out there anddo my best,” Lee said.Cheerleading has also taught herimportant lessons beyond the mat —including leadership and responsibility.“There’s always somebody youngerwatching,” she said.That awareness motivates her to leadby example, staying positive even duringlong practices and tough moments.“I try to do everything with a smile,”she said.As she looks ahead, Lee has clear goals.She hopes to earn a leadership role on herteam and continue helping her squad growstronger.“I want to make captain, and I want myteam to be better than the rest,” she said.For Lee, cheerleading is about energy,unity and pride — a sport that bringspeople together and keeps the crowdengaged.“We keep the crowds entertained,” shesaid.With confidence growing and goals insight, Lee continues to rise — both as a flyerand as a young leader learning to make hermark.
This Page: In a match with Whiteville High School, SouthColumbus High School’s Morgan Boyd turns around to locatethe ball. Opposite Page: Whiteville’s Audrey Hill and South’sKyashia Long look to free up the ball to enable a goal.72
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W75Story Continued on Page 79More Than the Game:Student-AthletePursues ExcellenceWith PurposeStory and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALhiteville High School juniorGabriel McQueen is balancingacademics, athletics, leadershipand faith while staying focused onbecoming the best version of himself.McQueen, 17, describes his highschool experience as both rewarding andchallenging, shaped by growth,friendships and new responsibilities. Onemilestone that stands out most to him wasearning his driver’s license and gainingthe independence of driving himself toschool.“It’s been great,” he said. “It’s had itsups and downs, but for the most part I’veenjoyed myself.”Athletics have played a major role inhis journey. A member of the football andtrack and field teams, McQueen sayssports have pushed him physically andmentally while helping him builddiscipline and confidence.“Football has pushed me physically,and through that I’ve worked to be in thehealthiest shape I can,” he said.His involvement in the Fellowship ofChristian Athletes has added anotherlayer of meaning to that experience.“FCA brings together football andfaith for me,” McQueen said.In the classroom, math stands out ashis favorite subject because of thechallenge and problem-solving it offers. Atthe same time, balancing schoolwork,athletics and a job has been one of hisbiggest tests.“It taught me to stay focused anddetermined and never let off,” he said.Despite a demanding schedule,McQueen has maintained high academicstandards while taking both high schooland college-level courses. Among hisproudest accomplishments is successfullymanaging sports, work and academicswhile earning all A’s.His growth has been shaped by strongsupport systems. He credits his mother asone of the biggest influences in his life,encouraging him to pursue opportunitieshe may not have attempted on his own.“She’s pushed me to pursue things Iprobably wouldn’t have had the courage todo,” he said.McQueen also speaks highly of AnnaRichardson, his college English instructorat Southeastern Community College,From Junior Marshal honors to futurehealthcare goals, McQueen looks ahead.
76 McQueen’s ability to balanceacademics, athletics and workreflects strong discipline andmaturity.
77His emphasis on kindness andrespect highlights strong characterand interpersonal awareness.
His confidence andself-awarenesssuggest a studentwho understandshis strengths and isprepared to applythem in the realworld.78 His faith-centered mindset andgoal-oriented attitude suggestlong-term resilience andleadership potential.
79whom he describes as one of the bestteachers he has ever had.Outside of school, he enjoys fishing,hunting and spending time with friendsand family. He approaches setbacks with acalm and focused mindset.“I take a step back, examine thesituation and refocus,” he said.That perspective has helped himremain grounded as he takes on leadershiproles at school. McQueen is a member ofNational Honor Society and was recentlyselected as a Junior Marshal, an honor hesays he is especially excited about.Looking ahead, he plans to pursue acareer in physical therapy — a field thatcombines his interest in health, athleticsand helping others.At his core, McQueen hopes to beremembered not for awards orachievements, but for the way he treatedpeople.“I hope I’m remembered as the niceguy who always treated people with respectand kindness,” he said.With a strong work ethic, outgoingpersonality and determination to continuegrowing, McQueen represents a studentathlete committed to both success andcharacter.“I’m a determined teenager with lots ofdreams and aspirations,” he said.
80 In a game against South Columbus High School, WhitevilleHigh School junior Collin Hooks waits for the right pitch.
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82 DeSappio’s blend of academiccuriosity and creative expressionhighlights a well-rounded andengaged learner.
UStory Continued on Page 8483Story and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALladenboroMiddleSchoolerPeytonDeSappio is alreadyshowing thecuriosity,compassion anddrive of a studentfar beyond heryears.DeSappio, 11,thrives in anenvironment thatchallenges her togrow — especiallythrough her involvementin Beta Club, wherecompetition and leadershipgo hand in hand.“The challenge oftesting your skills againstthe best brings a unique levelof excitement,” she said.For DeSappio, school isnot just about academics, butabout pushing herself toimprove and discovering newpassions along the way. Sciencestands out as her favoritesubject, where hands-onlearning helps her makesense of the world.“There’s somethingsatisfying about seeingthings happen right infront of you,” she said.While mathrequires more effort,she approaches it withdetermination,balancing herworkload with a strongsupport system offriends who motivateher to stay on track.“They push me to stayon top of my game,” shesaid.Her journey in schoolhas been shaped bymeaningful relationships,including earlyencouragement fromteacher Mrs. Bordeaux,who helped ease hertransition back into theA Beta Club standout thrives oncompetition and personal growth.Beyond the Classroom:DeSappio BalancesAcademics, Creativityand CompassionB
84 Story Continued on Page 86classroom after being homeschooled.“She made me feel like I belongedfrom day one,” DeSappio said.At home, her biggest inspiration is hermother, whose balance of creativity, hardwork and kindness continues to influenceher outlook.“She’s the reason I try to stay focusedand creative,” she said.DeSappio’s involvement extends wellbeyond the classroom. She participates inNational Beta, Girl Scouts andrecreational softball, while also dedicatingtime to creative pursuits like art, jewelrymaking and scrapbooking. Herachievements already reflect hercommitment, including multipleplacements at the North Carolina BetaConvention and recognition in academicand creative competitions.Despite her busy schedule, she finds
85Her strong sense ofcompassion suggestsemotional intelligence andleadership potential at an earlyage.
86 joy in simple moments — from bellringers that help her focus in class totime spent on the softball field.“It’s the best way to clear my headand unwind,” she said.Looking ahead, DeSappio hasambitious goals. She is considering afuture in the medical field, with interestsranging from neurosurgery to cardiothoracic surgery — and even veterinarymedicine.“I definitely want to help others feelbetter,” she said.At her core, DeSappio valueskindness above all else.“I try every day to be kind toeveryone,” she said.That compassion, combined with herdrive to learn and grow, defines a studentwho is already making a meaningfulimpact — not just through achievements,but through the way she treats others.
87Her ambitious career goals,paired with currentachievements, indicate a studentalready thinking far ahead.
88South Columbus HighSchool junior MorganCartrette struggles tomake the kick againstWhiteville High Schooljunior Leah Hooks in arecent match betweenthe two schools.