GATORHAWK April 2022

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF EAST COLUMBUS JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Volume I, Issue 3
April 2022

In this Issue GATORHAWK 1

72 pages of stories
and photos about the
students and staff at
ECJSHS

GATORHAWK

To Our Readers:

With only half of this issue completed on March 22, I found myself in the
hospital with the second infection of my new right-knee joint. This has ended
the remainder of this semester for me.

My biggest worry was the potential loss of momentum the Gator Media
students had created with their first two issues of GATORHAWK.

I need not have worried.
The staff sent their stories to me and I edited and laid them out. They also
had to step up to the plate and photograph the subjects of their stories.
And here is the April Issue. Our third issue.
A special thanks also to Alina Freeman for her photography skills.
After Easter break, the Gator Media staff will start work on the May and
June issues.
In this issue, we also welcome our newest sponsor: Pizza Village.
This issue also begins a way for the media students to be recognized for
their extra work. Charley Tilley, because she wrote five major stories for this
issue, is our first student to attain the level of Associate Editor.
Congratulations to Charley.

We hope you enjoy this issue.

Fuller Royal
Gator Media Instructor

Writers in This Issue

Associate Editor
Charley Tilley

Staff Writers
Jade Bright, Sacred Sutton, Raegan Horrell,
Harmony Somerville, Victoria Perdue, Sara Sessions,
Norah Sessoms, Ian Masters, Gracie Gazaway and Joshua Martin.

Gator Media Staff includes, top row, from left: Jade Bright, Sacred Sutton, Marcelle
Mitchell, Anistyn Carr, Raegan Horrell, Harmony Somerville, Victoria Perdue and Sara
Sessions. Bottom row, from left: Charley Tilley, Norah Sessoms, Naomi Sessoms, Ian
Masters, Gracie Gazaway, Zaryia Robinson, Kiley Smith and Joshua Martin.

GATORHAWK 2

INSIDECelebrating 30 Years: 1992-2022
VOLUME I, ISSUE III • April, 2022

On The Cover 4 East State Troopers
Beta Club Firehouse Scrubdown 6 Damien Cruz
7 Maggie O’Brien
ECJSHS National Beta Club Adivisor Melissa 8 Anarely Nunez
Robon captured this image of National Beta 9 Bobby Barsh
Club member Alaina Spaulding scrubbing 10 Will McDuffie
fire apparatus in the truck bay at Buckhead 12 Melissa Robon
Volunteer Fire and Rescue on a recent good 14 Ben Long
works project conducted by the club. 15 Aziyah Patrick
16 Judy Petteway
GATORHAWK is published monthly by 18 Senior Walk
Gator Media. All stories and photographs 22 Matthew Felmlee
are copyrighted 2022 by East Columbus 24 Newborns
Junior-Senior High School and Gator 25 Rylie Graham
Media. Gator Media’s instructor/advisor is 26 Chynna Patrick
Fuller Royal. He may be reached at 32 Audible
[email protected] or 910.646.4094. 34 Whatcha Readin’?
35 Katie Wilson
37 Jessica Salmeron Palacios
38 Amy Malpass
40 Spring High School Sports
42 NHS/Beta Installations
50 Thom Billington
52 Andy Perez
54 Jenna King
56 Beta Club Projects
62 Kyle Baines
64 Yahir Jaimes
66 Tyra Livingston
68 Connor Reagan
70 Neveah Moore
71 Adriana McKenzie Lewis

GATORHAWK 3

Two Gators patrolling
North Carolina’s roadways

By FULLER ROYAL Rogers called training school “a physically
Gator Media Instructor and mentally challenging basic school in
Raleigh that includes driving and firearms
During the past six years, East Columbus training.” He attended North Carolina State
Junior-Senior High School has produced a University and worked at Target before joining
number of law enforcement professionals. the patrol.

Included in that group are two young men Andrews and Rogers said that the highway
who went on to become North Carolina Highway patrol was their first job in law enforcement.
Patrolmen: Cade Andrews and Josh Rogers.
Andrews said the best part of being a state
Andrews, who is stationed in Wake County, is trooper is, “the freedom you get while at work
a 2016 graduate of ECJSHS. His trooper call and helping those in need. You have no idea of
number is C-376. the impact you can have on someone you meet

“My dad had always told me how while working.”
great of a career it was Rogers said he enjoys
and some of my friends
told me the same thing,” he the freedom to travel to any
said of his decision to pursue part of his county and work.
the job. “It’s something I had “The hardest decision of the day
wanted to do since I was a kid is which road you want to work,”
because it looked fun to get he said.
to drive fast and get out in
the community and make a Like all jobs, there are
change.” some tough moments for
troopers.
Rogers is also stationed in
Wake County and has the call “The hardest thing I have
number C-338. had to deal with, yet, is telling
someone their loved ones are
The 2015 East Graduate not coming home,” Andrews
said he was led to work as a said.
trooper because of the
“chance to work for the State Rogers agreed. “The
of North Carolina and the hardest part of the job is
possibility to work and live in telling families that their loved
any county in the state.” ones have died in motor vehicle
collisions,” he said.
Andrews said that after he Andrews said the thing he misses
graduated from high school, he attended the most at East is baseball. “I will
East Carolina University always miss the practices and having fun
with my buddies.”
“While I was there, I worked at a grocery “I enjoyed the small class sizes,” said Rogers
store, a retail store and a restaurant called Sup of his time at East. “I didn’t realize I did until I
Dogs, where I bussed tables and washed met people who went to high schools with
dishes,” he said. “After I graduated from ECU, I graduating classes of 900-plus students. It made
went to work with my dad and helped him me appreciate knowing every face and name
deliver bread to grocery stores.” that graduated with me.”
Andrews said that former East teacher
From there, he was accepted into highway Lendon Ellis was a big influence on him. “Mr.
patrol training school.

GATORHAWK 4

Josh Rogers Cade Andrews

Ellis was my 10th grade math teacher, and could play recreationally through college,”
he was always pushing me to do better in Rogers said. “This helped me maintain
everything I did.” some level of fitness before entering patrol
school.”
Rogers was appreciative of Mariel
Sellers. “She was Ms. Barker back then,” Andrews added that a career in law
he said. “She really spent the extra time enforcement is a very prestigious one. He
and helped me with my college application said students should know that it’s not
process when she didn’t have to.” always easy, but “it is worth it in the end.”

Andrews said the programs that most “Whatever your goal is don’t be afraid
helped him prepare for the highway of failing,” Rogers said, offering advice to
patrol’s training academy were current students. “The only thing worse
weightlifting and sports. “There is a lot of than failing is never trying and living with
physical training at the academy and it is that regret your whole life.”
important to be as physically ready as
possible.”

“Playing soccer in high school really
helped me find a sport that I enjoyed and

GATORHAWK 5

Cruz wants to design

LEGOS

GATORHAWK 6

By CHARLEY TILLEY
Gator Media Associate Editor

Nature-loving 16-year-old Damian Cruz because “they worked very hard for all the
is looking toward going to college and things we have.”
learning a trade of some sort.
Cruz likes 80’s Rock and Attack on Titan. He
The ECJSHS junior is the son of also likes tamales. His favorite book is Ranger’s
Damian Cruz Pineda and Micaela Perez Apprentice.
Reyes.
Cruz’s absolute favorite thing about East is
Outside of school, Cruz can be found at Swamp Chomp because he gets to see the friends
church, playing video games, camping, who he doesn’t have any classes with and it’s a
going on nature walks or biking. nice mental break for him.

In-school, Cruz works hard in all of his Cruz’s favorite class is horticulture because
classes and and helps English III teacher he is always doing something and he loves
Judy Petteway with a variety of student anything to do with nature.
council activities.
His favorite teachers include Alicia Pickett,
Cruz dreams of going to Mexico, not Brittany Edwards, Marcus Skipper and Petteway
only because it has some of the “most because “they’re all easy-going” and he learns in
ravishing scenery in the world,” but also their classes.
because a lot of his family lives there.
If he were to ever win $1,000,000, he would
Cruz’s dream job is to become some buy a “super nice house” for himself and buy a
kind of designer for LEGOS because he ton of other houses and rent them out so he can
loves being able to create anything he can earn a profit out of them.
dream of. LEGOS also serves as a relaxing
experience for him. He said the laughing emoji best describes him
because he’s always laughing and smiling.
He said he believes that the hours upon
hours he’s spent building his creations
have given him a sense of perseverance
and resilience since his original designs
don’t always work out like he thought.

Cruz said he is inspired by his parents

GATORHAWK 7

Nunez is passionate about drawing

By VICTORIA PERDUE time with her siblings.
She said that, one day, she would like to
Gator Media Staff
travel to Japan and South Korea to
Anarely Nunez is an 18-year-old at East experience the different cultures and food.
Columbus Junior-Senior High School, who
loves drawing and “all things art.” Her plans after high school include
studying cosmetology for three years.
The daughter of Mineva and Nicolas
Nunez, she has a brother, Nicolas Jr., who is Her favorite movie is Turning Red and her
in the eighth grade at ECJSHS. favorite type of music is K-pop or Korean
popular music.
One of the things she loves about East is
how all of her friends are there. She said she She loves the mobile game Plants vs.
enjoys spending her time with them. Zombies and plays it frequently in her free
time.
Her favorite class is art, taught by her
favorite teacher, Jeff Rudnik, who she says She hopes eventually to learn two more
makes art interesting. languages.

The person who inspires her most is her The person Anarely looks up to is D’nyla
sister who, Nunez said, taught her how to Burney, because she helps her feel more
become an independent person as an adult. confident.

Nunez is passionate about drawing, which She has said that she wished she could be
is one of her hobbies. “a kid again,” because she doesn’t like being
an adult too much.
Outside of school she enjoys spending

Barsh wants to be an engineer

By HARMONY SOMERVILLE

Gator Media Staff

Anyone who loves the film Space
Jam, has something in common with
East Columbus Junior-Senior High
School junior Bobby Barsh.

Barsh, the son of Bobby and Ranada
Barsh, is a resident of the Buckhead
area.

His favorite thing about East is his
peers because they “make it fun and
enjoyable in class.”

Weight training is one of
Barsh’s favorite courses because he
gets to lift and have fun while doing it.

He said there are many wonderful
teachers at East.

Barsh said his parents are his role
models because they work hard and
show him what being successful really
means.

He is a member of the National Beta
Club and the National Honor Society,
something he is proud of.

Barsh’s in-school activities include
football, track and basketball. He is on
the track team running the 4-by-1 relay,
the 300 hurdles and the high jump.

When Barsh is not in school lifting
weights, he is out helping his dad with
his HVAC business.

If Barsh could visit any place in the
world it would be Hawaii so that he
could see the blue sea.

After high school, he plans on going
to college for an engineering degree.

Barsh likes Rap Music, the
television show Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,
fried chicken, the Bible, Snapchat and
the Golden State Warriors.

Even though Barsh wants to be
an engineer, his dream job is to be an
NFL player because he loves football
and finds it fun.

If Barsh were to win $1,000,000 he
would invest it.

Like many students at East, Barsh
looks up to senior Joandy Martinez-
Reyes because “he is a good leader.”

Barsh counts among his strengths
his physical agility and advanced
abilities in math and science.

GATORHAWK 10

caWreilelrMincDcuofmfipeuwtearnttesch

By SARA SESSIONS His plans include attending college

Gator Media Staff for computer science and developing a

career as an information technologist.

“Everything that has happened to me In his free time he loves Country

has changed me to be the person I am Music and the television show,

now,” said ECJSHS eighth-grader Will Longmire.

McDuffie. His favorite movie is O’ Brother

A resident of Lake Waccamaw, he is Where Art Thou and his favorite books

the son of Jeanna and Dan McDuffie. are the Harry Potter series.

“I love that I am able to be in the He loves to go out with his family and

same atmosphere as the high school,” eat sushi.

said McDuffie, describing his favorite His favorite team is NCSU and his

aspect of East. favorite app is Snapchat.

His favorite subject is science The emoji that best describes him is

because he loves to learn about how the “confused emoji, because I am

things work and the reasons behind that. almost always the last person to know

His favorite things.”

teacher is “Everything that has If he ever won
Zachary Sellers a million dollars,

because “he happened to me has he said he would
listens and give half of it to

understands the changed me to be the different charity
students better organizations

than most person I am now.” and save most of
teachers I have the rest, but
spend a little bit
had.”

McDuffie was of it.

inducted into the His strengths

National Junior Beta Club in sixth are math and science problems, but his

grade. His talents include playing guitar, weakness is not being able to admit

saxophone, soccer and math. when he is wrong.

In school he plays soccer and is in the McDuffie’s sister, Aubrey, is a

band. Outside of school, he plays guitar graduating senior at East.

and is involved in the Lake Waccamaw Something a lot of people don't know

United Methodist Church youth about him is that he is the only boy on

fellowship group. his mom's side in 70 years and there

McDuffie’s role model is his father hasn’t been another since.

because “he is successful at what he does And if he could do something over

and is a good parent.” again, McDuffie said “I don’t wish to do

As for places he wants to see, he said, anything over again because everything

“I would really love to go to Yellowstone that has happened to me has changed me

National Park one day to visit.” to be the person I am now.”

GATORHAWK 11

Robon always wanted

By IAN MASTERS from the University of North Carolina at
Charlotte.
Gator Media Staff
Robon’s husband, Andy Dortch, is an
Walking through ECJSHS English II environmental scientist.
teacher Melissa Robon’s classroom is to
witness creativity and organization at the Robon and Dortch are foster parents to
highest levels. East senior Oliver Horst.

Robon, who has taught at East for seven Prior to her tenure at East, Robon taught
years, said the school’s greatest selling point English and career classes at Miller-Motte
is its small size. College for six years and taught
introduction to creative writing and
She said that size allows teachers to beginning poetry at UNC-W.
build relationships with students, adding
that East has “a lot of amazing teachers.” One thing Robon likes about working at
ECJSHS is getting to know the students and
Robon grew up in the suburbs of Toledo, her colleagues.
Ohio in a community called Millbury. She
attended the University of Toledo, earning a She said she loves teaching English II
bachelor’s degree in English. After moving because, “I have always loved to read and
to Wilmington, she earned her master’s write.”
degree in creative writing from the
University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Robon said there were really no other
career paths she wanted to follow.
She earned her teaching certification
“I always wanted to be an English
teacher,” Robon said adding that on “most

GATORHAWK 12

to be an English teacher

days,” she is happy with her choice. Robon lists among her hobbies cooking,

Robon works extensively with her camping, gardening, live music performances

sophomores in preparing them for the annual and traveling (she's planning a trip to Greece

End of Couse test for English II. this summer).

She is also the faculty advisor for the Robon said that what works best in

school’s chapter education is “giving
of the National What education needs most teachers autonomy
Beta Club. This is “an overhaul of the system and trusting them to
semester, she do what's best for their

has covered the allowing students a course of students.”
National Honor study more aligned to their She said what
Society as well.
education needs most

The NHS needs.” Melissa Robon is “an overhaul of the
advisor has system allowing

been out on students a course of
maternity leave. study more aligned to

Robon also their needs.”

took on the task of managing the school’s Robon said the things that teachers need

Swamp Chomp program where students most in their classrooms are students who

receive mediation and have the opportunity want to learn.

for extra-curricular activities.

GATORHAWK 13

Pharmacy in future for Long

By NORAH SESSOMS season-round and would like to visit Italy
because it is pretty there.
Gator Media Staff
His favorite food is chicken alfredo, his
East Columbus Junior-Senior High favorite movie is Coraline, his favorite book
School freshman Ben Long wants to be a is Westing House, and his favorite television
pharmacist. show is Chrisley Knows Best.

Long, the 15-year-old son of Crystal and In the future, he plans to go to Campbell
Brad Long, lives at Lake Waccamaw. University and become a pharmacist. If he
won a million dollars he would donate some
At East, he enjoys band because he likes and save the rest for college.
playing trumpet.
If he could change one thing about East
His favorite teachers are Alicia Pickett Columbus it would be the uniform policy
and Anna Slaughter because they are, “both because, “it is kind of strict.”
very nice and funny.”
A student he looks up to is Alexandria
The things he loves most about East Benton because she gives him “weird
Columbus are the greenhouse and the advice.”
guidance counselor.
In 10 years, Long sees himself
He is in all honors classes, FFA and the graduating from college and obtaining a job.
student council.

He works at Maze Craze in Hallsboro

GATORHAWK 14

East junior Patrick wants
to be a pediatric nurse

By JADE BRIGHT teachers are because sometimes “it can
bring the students down.”
Gator Media Staff
Patrick said she looks up to senior
ECJSHS junior Aziyah Patrick is the Rakyah Jacobs because she “always pushes
daughter of Tequanna Patrick and Mack herself and other people, and always
Freeman. encourages me when I’m down.”

The 17-year-old is also an entrepreneur. She said her strengths include being a
Outside of school, she runs three businesses caring person, always taking on more than
that she created herself. she can handle and remaining organized.

Patrick said the things she likes best at She said her weaknesses are that she's
East are the school’s teachers and seeing sensitive and cries easily.
her friends every day.
In 10 years, she sees herself being a
Her favorite class is JROTC because she pediatric nurse, working and learning.
likes experiencing new things and stepping
“outside the box.” She has a brother in eighth grade, Mack
Freeman.
Her favorite teacher is JROTC’s 1st Sgt.
James Alston. “He actually cares about his
students' well-being,” she said.

Patrick's role models are her
grandfather and her father, because they
push her to be better everyday.

Her other accomplishments include
membership in the National Beta Club.

She says she's good at volleyball, softball
and cheering.

Her in-school activities include JROTC,
National Beta Club and sports. Outside of
school, she likes to go shopping and spend
time with family.

A place she desires to visit is Bora Bora
because she said it's a beautiful island.

Her plans include attending East
Carolina University or North Carolina A&T
to pursue a career in pediatric nursing.

She likes listening to Rap and R&B
Music. She likes the Fast 'n’ Furious and the
television show Scooby-Doo. Her favorite
meal is seafood boil. She likes to use the app
Facebook. She said the laughing emoji
describes her best because she's “a funny
person.”

Her dream job is to become a pediatric
nurse because she has always wanted to be
one and she loves to help little ones.

If she won a million dollars, she would
save it and help her parents.

Patrick said if she could change one
thing about East, it would be how strict the

GATORHAWK 15

Petteway enjoys time back at East

By GRACIE GAZAWAY “They energize and delight me every
day,” she said. Throughout her years of
Gator Media Staff teaching, she has earned many accolades
and won teacher of the year at many of
Walk by Judy Petteway’s door on the the schools where she worked.
200 hall at East Columbus Junior-Senior
High School more than once and don’t be She said she was inspired by many
surprised if the veteran educator calls out people in her life growing up to pursue
your name and wishes you “good the long-lasting career she has now.
morning.”
During her years in high school, her
Petteway is the English III teacher at teachers encouraged her to enter
East. She and husband, Lee Petteway, live education as a career.
in Whiteville, which also happens to be
the hometown of Petteway. She said she was also inspired by her
paternal grandmother growing up.
She attended
Whiteville High “She taught
School and later me what it meant
graduated from to love and be
the University of loved,” Petteway
North Carolina at said.
Pembroke with
bachelor’s degrees Outside of
in English and school, Petteway
history. enjoys reading,
gardening, and
She also has traveling to new
her master’s places.
degree in a
administrative She was asked
supervision. about a favorite
book, but replied
During the there are too
past 41 years, she many to list.
has taught at
different schools “I prefer
across North nonfiction,
Carolina, Florida especially science
and Virginia. and current
issues,” she said.
Previously, she
taught at East for Because she
11 years. spends a lot of
her time reading,
Her last she doesn't watch
assignment before many movies,
“retiring” was at Whiteville High School. shows or sporting
events on television.
ECJSHS Principal Jamie Faulk, a She does make the time to attend East
longtime friend, convinced her to come sporting events, especially when her
back to East for at least one year when the students are involved. And she does like
previous English III teacher departed at to watch documentaries.
the start of the current school year. Her hope for ECJSHS students is,
“They aspire not to be just successful, but
“ECHS had a need for an experienced also to be peacemakers, healers,
English teacher,” Petteway said. restorers, storytellers and lovers of all
people. As well as citizens of the world.”
One of the things she said she likes
most about working at East is the
students.

GATORHAWK 16

GATORHAWK 17

GATORHAWK 18

GATORHAWK 19 Senior walk

These pages and the following two
pages: East Columbus Junior-Senior
High School renewed a tradition it
started several years ago when its Class
of 2022 students conducted a senior
walk throughout the halls of the school.
Staff, underclassmen and parents lined
the halls as the students, led by
ECJSHS Principal Jamie Faulk and
English IV teacher Tara Williamson,
made their way up the 300 and 200 halls
and down the main hall into the
gymnasium where parents had a pizza
and cake lunch prepared for them. Most
of the seniors followed another tradition.
They wore homemade crowns in honor
of their status as upcoming graduates.
The Class of 2022 will be the 30th
graduating class from East. Photos by
Alina Freeman.

GATORHAWK 20

GATORHAWK 21

Matthew Felmlee was

GATORHAWK 22

born to fix Chevy’s

By FULLER ROYAL He said he would someday like to visit

Gator Media Instructor Peru.

Matthew Felmlee, 17, loves to fix cars. “My best friend’s dad was from there,”

That’s what he wants to do the rest of his he said.

After high school, he would like to
life. attend Wayne Community College and then
More specifically, he wants to fix
find a job at a Chevrolet dealership. His
Chevys.
dream job is to be a top-level mechanic.
The Lake Waccamaw resident, whose
He said his greatest strength is “My
parents are Holly R. Holt and Todd Felmlee, head is always clear, so I can make the best
has benefitted from East Columbus Junior- choices.”
Senior High School’s Career Technical
He said his greatest weakness is being
Education program.
able to talk to someone when something is
A senior, Felmlee said the thing he likes wrong.
best at East is “how
Felmlee said the
kind and respectful the
“thumbs up” emoji is the
teachers have been.”
one that best describes him
His favorite class is
because he is always giving
auto mechanics.
people the thumbs up sign.
“I enjoy being able
If he were to win
to work with my
$1,000,000, he said he would
hands” said the tall
build a boat mechanic shop
Felmlee.
on the lake. He called that
His favorite
his “dream job spot.”
teachers have been
A student he looks up
auto mechanics teacher
to is fellow senior Joandy
Arthur Moore and
Martinez-Reyes.
agriculture mechanics
“He is always cheerful
teacher Bryan Fowler.
and fun to talk to,” Felmlee
“They have taught
said.
me the most vocational
He said two things that
skills,” he said.
people don’t know about
Felmlee said his
him is, he can solve a
role models at school
Rubik’s Cube and he can
include Moore, Fowler
do a “muscle up.” A
and Justin Furlow, his soccer coach.
muscle-up is an advanced strength training
“Moore and Fowler taught me about
exercise where one starts with a basic chin-
work,” he said. “Furlow got me into
up and keeps going until his arms are
fitness.”
straight down to the bar, which is now by
Felmlee said he works out at the gym,
his waist.
two to three hours every night.
He said that the one thing he wishes he
Among his accomplishments, Felmlee is could do over again would be his time in
proud of the good ACT score he earned,
middle school.
adding that he is pretty good with
Felmlee likes the Will Smith film I am
mechanics, math, woodworking and
Legend and the television show
welding.
Supernatural. Stir fry is his favorite food.
Of course, mechanics is his favorite
Mortal Instruments is his favorite book. He
activity at school.
enjoys YouTube and pulling for his favorite
Outside of school he loves to play pool,
soccer team, Barcelona.
kayak, skateboard and work out at the gym.
GATORHAWK He can sometimes be found bussing
2t3ables at Dales Seafood at Lake Waccamaw.

Photos by Alina Freeman

Maggie Elizabeth Sellers Hunter Blake Furlow

Two additions to the GatorHawk fold

Just prior to the new year, two East old, 10 pounds and 14 ounces and 23
Columbus Junior-Senior High School inches long with one full head of hair.
faculty members welcomed additions to
their respective families. Spanish teacher and soccer coach
Justin Furlow and his wife Mallory
Science teacher Mariel Sellers and welcomed their first child, Hunter Blake
her husband Ryan welcomed their Furlow.
second child, Maggie Elizabeth Sellers.
She was born on Monday, Dec. 27, 2021 at He was born Dec. 23, 2021 at 12:50 p.m.
10:26 p.m. Maggie weighed in at an even 8 and weighed in at 5 pounds and 10 ounces.
pounds and was 20.5 inches long. He was 19.5 inches long.

She has a big brother, Elliott, who is 4 At 15 weeks, Hunter was 9 pounds and
years old. 12 ounces, and 22 inches long.

At last report, Maggie was 14 weeks No doubt the proud dad will have him
kicking soccer balls before long.

GATORHAWK 24

Graham pursuing Navy
first, then dental assistant

By JADE BRIGHT
Gator Media Staff

ECJSHS freshman Rylie Graham, 15, is the
daughter of Brittany Dorman and Titus
Graham.

The teachers and coaches are what she likes
best about East because, “you can tell when they
care.”

Her favorite class is JROTC, which is taught
by her favorite teacher, 1st Sgt. James Alston.
“He's a great coach and teacher,” she said.

Graham said Callie Jacobs is her role model
because, “she inspires me to be the best version
of myself.”

Winning medals for softball, gymnastics and
track are her biggest accomplishments.

Graham is good at softball, volleyball,
basketball, track and gymnastics.

In-school activities include JROTC. Out-of-
school activities include softball.

Her dream place to visit one day is the
Bahamas because, “the water is very pretty and
the weather is really nice.”

Her plans include joining the U.S. Navy
because she wants to serve her country.

Rap and Country Music are her favorites. She
likes the movie Madea Homecoming and the
televison show The Parkers. She loves chicken
alfredo and the Roald Dahl book, The BFG.
Snapchat is her favorite app and the Lakers are
her favorite team.

She likes to play the game Subway Surfer.
The emoji that best describes her is the one with
its tongue out because she's “a goofy person.”

Her dream job is to become a dental assistant
because she wants to help people with their
teeth.

Senior Rakyah Jacobs is someone she looks
up to because, “she accomplished so much and is
just all-around amazing.”

Graham said her own strengths include her
athleticism and her work ethic. Her weaknesses
are stress and pollen.

She said that in 10 years, she sees herself
graduating from college with a bachelor's
degree. Her older sister Kaylee Graham
graduated from East last year and her first
cousin Rianna Graham graduated two years ago.

GATORHAWK 25

Patrick loves all things basketball

Destiney Mitchell and Alexandria

“Sissy” Patrick.

In school, Patrick enjoys hanging

out with her favorite teacher, Rolita

McKoy, or playing softball and

basketball.

Patrick’s role model is her mother

because, “she inspires me to do better

in life and to finish school.”

Some day, Patrick hopes to visit

By CHARLEY TILLEY Jamaica to go to the beach and, “enjoy

Gator Media Associate Editor the stunning sunsets that occur there.”

A student who inspires Patrick is

ECJSHS basketball-loving sophomore Alaina Spaulding because, “she’s just

Chynna Patrick plans on going to college calm and knows a lot.”

and playing basketball after high school. A few of Patrick's favorite things

The 15-year-old daughter of Nakeisha include chicken wings, Hip-Hop and

Patrick dreams of being able to coach a oldies music, the movie Friday, the

basketball team because she loves book Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick

basketball and all that comes with it. Rules, the app Snapchat, the game 2K18

Many of Patrick's favorite memories and the Los Angeles Lakers.

come from basketball. She said the laughing emoji best

She said nothing compares to the describes her, “because I laugh a lot.”

amazing friendships and lifelong memories Patrick’s sister, Aaliyah, is an

she’s made by playing basketball. eighth-grader.

Something Patrick really likes about Patrick describes herself as

East is its staff because “They’re laid back comical and fun-loving; she loves

enough to have fun with you, but not so laid entertaining people and making them

back that you can do whatever you want laugh.

without any type of consequences.” Something Patrick would like to do

Patrick’s favorite course is computer over is the last half of her eighth-grade

engineering because she “likes to mess with year and all of her freshman year.

computers.” She said a lot of possible memories

She believes she is good at making new were lost in those years because of

friends because she’s, “very nice.” quarantining, social distancing and

If she won $1,000,000, she said she would Covid protocols.

“build a basketball court in my hometown In 10 years, Patrick hopes to be

because the one we have is terrible.” finished with school and living in her
Outside of school, Patrick can beGfoAuTnOdRHAWoKw2n6house.
hanging out with her besties, including

Sweets delivery

East Columbus Junior-Senior High School National Honor Society/National Beta Club President
Joandy Martinez-Reyes and NHS/Beta Club Member Andy Perez deliver extra cupcakes to faculty
members following the installation ceremonies welcoming new members to the National Honor Society
and the National Beta Club. Several dozen underclassmen were tapped for the honors. The
ceremonies were held in the school’s auditorium.

GATORHAWK 27

GATORHAWK 28

Moon set
East Columbus Junior-Senior High School’s English I
teacher and Gator Media Advisor Fuller Royal caught
GATORHAWthheKisair2mri9vaegde of a full moon setting over the school as
for work several weeks ago.The unusual
time of day and the unique location of the moon
made for a photogenic scene.

Enjoying the moment

East Columbus Junior-Senior High School varsity girls basketball players Harmony Somerville,
Destiney Mitchell, Malayhah Hines and Chynna Patrick share a laugh during a ceremony honoring the
team and the players’ moms. Photo by Alina Freeman.

GATORHAWK 30

910.642.2779

Downtown Whiteville

GATORHAWK 31

Audio books are ideal for
busy folks who love to read

By FULLER ROYAL producer Robert Evans, former Disney CEO
Gator Media Instructor Robert Iger, producer Irwin Winkler, Disney
animator Ubbe Iwerks, actor Gene Wilder,
I love to read. I read my first novel at age Monty Python member John Cleese,
9. It was Paul Gallico’s The Poseidon director Sidney Lumet, actor Alan Arkin,
Adventure in January, 1972. I wanted to
complete the novel before watching and Oscar winning editor of Star Wars,
the film the following month. Paul Hirsch.
I have only listened to one
When my dad and I drove to the work of fiction, The Outsider, by
old Bailey Theatre in Wilmington Stephen King.
on a June afternoon in 1975, we I have decided that I don’t care
were there to buy advanced tickets for fiction being read to me.
to see the Steven Spielberg I try to find the larger books, the
masterpiece Jaws the next day. I
walked across the street to the ones that can take 20 or more hours to
old Thomas Drugs and bought complete.
Peter Benchley’s best-selling
novel on which the movie was I listened to all 54 hours of Andrew
based. I completed the book at Roberts’ biography of Winston
5 a.m. the next day. We saw the film Churchill. That took a good month.
that night. I really like the oral history
types of books where entire
Since those days, I have read at quotes, sometime paragraphs long,
least at thousand or more books, all of are read from the stories. The first
which I still have. I listened to in this vein was Live
from New York, the story of
My love of reading … and writing Saturday Night Live.
… led me to becoming an English I am
teacher and a writer. nearly
finished with
Ironically, like most English the second
teachers, I have a tough time finding volume of
the time to read. At home right now, I
have several books I am working to complete an oral history of
and dozens more on my shelves waiting Star Trek, titled The
their turn. Fifty Year-Mission.

But, all is not lost. Volume two is 37
Four years ago, I discovered Audible, the hours long. Waiting
digital audio book division of Amazon. This in the wings is an
is wonderful technology. Whenever I am oral history by the
behind the wheel of my car, I am listening to same authors on
unabridged recordings of books using the the Star Wars
skills of excellent voice artists. universe.
Sometimes, the authors read their own
works. Also in the
I have listened to books about Columbia wings are
Pictures founder Harry Cohn, actor Burt Audible books
Reynolds, television producer Norman Lear, about Buster
Keaton; World

GATORHAWK 32

War II’s top generals; Abraham Lincoln; semester is Sue Monk Kidd’s The Secret Life of
national leaders during World War II; Bees.
Hollywood agent Bernie Brillstein, actor Alan
Arkin; another book on Churchill; the history I have students who benefit greatly from
of the NBC network; actor Jack Wild and having the text read aloud by a professional as
director John Badham. they follow along in their books.

Audible has also played a valuable role in I also use Audible for excerpts from
my classroom. The novel we use each Homer’s The Odyssey and William
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

GATORHAWK 33

WATCHA READIN’?

Katelyn Smith, 14, reads These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong. Smith, a freshman, said the book
is a re-imagining of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. She said it’s about two gangs in
1926 Shanghai. They are forced to set their guns aside and work together to find out why the
gangsters on both sides have started clawing their own throats out. This is the first book by Gong
that Smith has read. She said the book was a Christmas gift from her best friend and “it looked
really interesting.” Other books Smith has read include a series she began a year ago called
Keeper of the Lost Cities. She is on book seven of that series. She said she prefers mystery books.
The Goodreads website shows a 4.5-star rating out of five stars based on 68,464 ratings for These
Violent Delights. Goodreads posted: Perfect for fans of The Last Magician and Descendant of the
Crane, this heart-stopping debut is an imaginative Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s
Shanghai, with rival gangs and a monster in the depths of the Huangpu River. The title is from a
line in Romeo and Juliet spoken by Friar Lawrence: These violent delights have violent ends.

Wilson wants to major in business

By JOSHUA MARTIN

Gator Media Staff

Junior Katie Wilson, 17, loves how
everyone knows everyone and how everyone
gets along at East Columbus Junior-Senior
High School.

The daughter of Rodney and Sheila Wilson,
the Lake Waccamaw resident does not
disappoint when it comes to her academics
and extracurriculars.

She is part of the National Beta Club and
the National Honor Society.

Brittany Edwards and Allison Edwards are
Wilson's favorite teachers because of their
involvement with the classes.

Wilson's favorite class is math, also
because of the teacher, Brittany Edwards.

Wilson's role model is Carrie Underwood,
¨She carries herself with beauty, confidence,
and kindness,'' said Wilson.

Outside of school, Wilson is a competitive
dancer with Simply Dance in Whiteville.

She is also a member of the youth group at
Lake Waccamaw United Methodist Church

When not in school, Wilson enjoys
spending time with friends and shopping with
her family.

Her plans include attending the University
of North Carolina at Wilmington and majoring
in business. One day, she plans on owning a
business.

Wilson said she would love to visit Bora
Bora, because “it is beautiful.”

In 10 years, Wilson says she sees herself
graduated from college, married, working her
dream job and possibly starting a family.

Due to the pandemic, Wilson said that she
wishes that she could do her ninth grade year
over again so she can experience the
memories that she missed out on.

Some of Wilson's favorite things include
Country Music, the movie Forever My Girl,
and the television show Selling Sunset

Her favorite app is Snapchat, and her
favorite entree is steak.

Wilson has a younger sister, Kinsley
Wilson,who is a ninth grader at East.

The thing she would change at East is to
increase the level of school spirit throughout
the school.

Wilson also models at Madison and Main in
Whiteville in her free time.

When Wilson is not in school, she can
usually be found out on the lake or catching a
beautiful sunset.

GATORHAWK 396 10.770.1834

Salmeon Palacios wants to help others

By NORAH SESSOMS

Gator Media Staff

Jessica Salmeron Palacios said she
likes East Columbus Junior-Senior High
School because, “most of the teachers are
really dedicated to helping and showing
that they care.”

The freshman daughter of Candelaria
Martinez lives in Riegelwood.

Dance is her favorite class because it
has pushed her out of her comfort zone
and “it's just a fun class to be in.”

Salmeron Palacios’ favorite teacher is
Rolita McKoy. Salmeron Palacios said she
inspires her to do the best she can and
she feels she can talk to her about
anything.

At school, she is in ROCAME and
outside of school, she enjoys spending
time with friends and family.

Salmeron Palacios would like to visit
Mexico because her family is from there.

Her favorite book is the Butterfly
Garden, her favorite app is Instagram and
her favorite game is Subway Surfers.

The emoji that best describes her is
the yawning emoji because she said she is
always tired.

Something people may not know
about her is that she is great with kids.

If she won a million dollars, she
would give it to her mom. She is not sure
what job she wants, but she does want
one where she can help others.

If she could change one thing about
East Columbus it would be the dress code.
She said students get in trouble for
violating it and it takes away class time
and is a waste of money to buy uniform
clothes.

She said her strength is making
friends and her weakness is speaking in
front of lots of people.

A student she looks up to is Tadeja
Walker because “she is tall and always
tries her best.”

In 10 years, she sees herself working
and helping people the best she can.

If she could do one thing over it would
be a math test she took because she feels
like she didn't read through it well
enough.

GATORHAWK 37

Lovin’ Christmas and the Grinch

During an ECJSHS staff Christmas luncheon, Amy Malpass opens a Grinch pillow
presented to her by her Secret Santa. East students and staff know that Malpass’ media
center is the most decorated room at Christmas and that she has a special affinity for Dr.
Seuss’ Grinch.

GATORHAWK 38

Malpass shares love of reading

By CHARLEY TILLEY
Gator Media Associate Editor

East Columbus Junior-Senior High
School media specialist Amy Malpass
loves reading and sharing her love of
reading to any and all students.

Malpass, born and raised in Hallsboro,
attended the old Hallsboro High School.
She attended Louisburg College, the
University of North Carolina at
Wilmington and North Carolina Central
University where she obtained an
associate’s degree in arts, a bachelor’s of

arts in English and a master's degree in choice to work at ECJSHS.
library science. She said her favorite thing about

Malpass came to East because her working at East is building close
daughters Natalie and Lillie attended relationships with her students and
school here and she wanted to work closer watching them grow and mature during
to home. their four years at the school.

Prior to East, she worked with the Outside of school, Malpass can be
Columbus County Public Library as a found reading, spending time with her
bookmobile librarian. She also worked at family, going to the beach, hanging out at
Acme-Delco and East Arcadia elementary the lake or cheering on Duke University.
schools.
East’s best-selling point, in her words,
Malpass said she is happy with her is “... the community of students and
staff.”

Something a lot of people don’t know
about Malpass is that she was seventh-
grade math teacher Cortney Malpass’ Girl
Scout leader for eight years.

Some of Malpass’ favorite things
include Beach Music, the movie Shag, the
television show House Hunters, the game
Basketball, the book Polar Express and
her mom’s cooking.

A role model Malpass has is Juliette
Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl
Scouts.

“She had a dream to make the world a
better place for young women and that's
exactly what she did, with a lot of hard
work and effort,” Malpass said. “Juliette
Gordon Low is a prime example that you
can do anything you put your mind to.”

Malpass plans to retire in December
2022 and travel as much as possible.

GATORHAWK 39

Defensive concentration

ECJSHS senior Gator player J.J. Faulkner doesn’t take
his eyes off his opponent during a recent basketball
game.

Gator baseball, softball

In these images captured by East Columbus
Junior-Senior High School faculty member Alina
Freeman, the athletes on the Gator Varsity and
Junior-Varsity softball and baseball teams are
fully involved in their spring sports seasons.
Longer days and warmer evenings help bring out
larger crowds.



GATORHAWK 42

GATORHAWK 43



National Beta, NHS

On these pages, the previous pages and the following pages, the East Columbus Junior-Senior
High School National Beta Club and National Honor Society install their newest members, mostly
underclassmen. New members took the club oaths and received certificates from the two
organizations, presented by ECJSHS Principal Jamie Faulk. They enjoyed a reception following the
ceremonies.

GATORHAWK 46

GATORHAWK 47

Watching the girls

ECJSHS fans watch the junior
varsity softball team during a
recent game. From left: Ashton
Harrelson, Bobby Barsh, R.J.
Hester, Tyrese Simpson, Sidney
Brooks and McLean Brooks.

The Columbus County Arts Council

Since 1976, the Columbus County Arts Council has promoted and increased public
awareness, knowledge and appreciation of the arts in our county. For many years, we have
served both individuals and organizations in Columbus County by presenting or providing
funding for exhibitions, performances, festivals, workshops, and residencies.

The economic development of a community is directly related to its cultural resources.
Help make a positive impact on Columbus County's future by building artistic opportunities
for our citizens.

The CCAC is working diligently to promote the arts in our county. Our facility is open on a
regular basis and we plan to offer a variety of programs including classes, exhibits,
performances, as well as, a small sales gallery featuring work by local artists.

822 S. Madison Street, Whiteville
910.640.2787

GATORHAWK 48

Ready to play

ECJSHS junior Emma Rhodes waits for a recent
varisty softball game to begin. Rhodes has played
softball since middle school. Her positions are
outfield and second base.

GATORHAWK 49

Mascot for East’s
media program
is well named

By FULLER ROYAL
Gator Media Advisor

From the start of East Columbus Junior-Senior
High School’s Gator Media class in the fall of 2018, I
knew that I wanted something to help us brand the
fledgling program.

My daughter Allison, an illustrator for the Blue
Ridge Parkway Foundation in Asheville, graciously
designed a more benign and genteel version of our
high school alligator mascot. This one with a
GATORHAWcaKm5er0a in hand.

I decided that our friendly new gator needed a
name. It took me 30 seconds to think of one.