GATORLIFE 1 In this Issue • Student Council • Senior Breakfast • College App Day Volume III Issue 2 November 2023
GATORLIFE 2 To Our Readers: Well, it’s issue two of GatorLIFE Magazine for the 2023-24 school year, and boy, is it loaded. There are more than 45 feature stories in this issue. Many were written by last spring’s Gator Media team and are finally able to see the light of day. There is a nice mix of students from each of the six grades at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School featured here. I hope you enjoy this issue. Our next issue will be in December before the Christmas Holidays begin. Fuller Royal GATORLIFEYodecks fully functional East Columbus Junior-Senior High School’s three Yodeck Digital Signage televisions are fully functional thanks to the county school’s maintenance teams. Sixty-five-inch screens are located on the Main Hall across from Guidance and at the 200 Hall intersection. A 55-inch screen has been installed in the new lobby-school access holding area next to the main office. A fourth screen, perhaps as large as 85 inches, will eventually be installed in the school’s cafeteria. All three screens can simultaneously present the same information and images, or they can be programmed separately.
GATORLIFE 3 INSIDE On The Cover Pep Rally A glimpse into the freshman section at a pep rally at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. VOLUME III, ISSUE TWO • November 2023 4. Learionna Daniels 5. Bryce Jenkins 6. Judy Petteway 8. Student Council 12. Madison Duncan 15. Timothy Smith 16. Addison Benson 18. Callie Jacobs 19. Tyler Costin 20. Gauge Simmons 24. Myleigh Moore 25. Lakatia Brown 26. Noe Chavez 30. Zaria Swindell 34. Madison Northam 37. William McDuffie 39. Kyra Sutton 40. Chynna Patrick 41. Meela Roberts 42. Aliya Whitt Nunez 45. Aniya Bright 46. Adrion Jenrette 47. Ian Debrosse 48. Sara Coleman 49. SheReed Phillips 50. Lilly Reaves 51. Wendy Noyola Bustillos 52. Ryleigh Baldwin 53. Maliyah Hines 56. Tamira Brown 57. Trinity Montgomery 58. Isaac Dingle 59. Jayden Floyd 60. Madelyn Dyson 61. Luis Calderon 62. Diego Perez 63. Brynlee Freeman 66. Kayleigh Bryant 67. Brevion Johnson 68. Xavier King 69. Jade Bryant 70. Kyleigh Patrick 72. Jacobi Howard 73. Raylon Waddell 76. Natalee Kern 83. Zacary Oppenheimer GATORLIFE is published monthly by Gator Media. All stories and photographs are copyright 2023 by East Columbus Junior-Senior High School and Gator Media. Gator Media’s instructor/advisor is Fuller Royal. He can be reached at [email protected] or 910.646.4094. GATORLIFE
T Story and Photo by CHAYLEE BRYANT Gator Media Staff Writer welve-year-old Learionna Daniels is a seventh grader at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. The Bolton resident said she likes the pep rallies most at the school, because she always has fun at those. Daniels said her role model is her older sister Jayonna Shaw. She said Shaw is hard working and always encourages her to chase her dreams. She said junior high staffer Dana Smith has helped her the most at school. She explained that no matter what she needs help with, Smith is always there. Daniels’ accomplishments at school include success as a cheerleader and as a dancer. She said her favorite activities at school are sports and theatre/dance. She said both are fun, especially with the opportunities they provide to be with her friends. She said these activities can also prove beneficial when applying for various colleges. Daniels said she is thinking about trying out for the middle school women’s basketball team. Out-of-school activities she participates in include softball, dance and shopping. She said her favorite subject is science and it’s also her strongest. She likes the experiments she undertakes in science. She said the class is “quite easy” and she enjoys the good grades she earns. Daniels’ favorite teacher is Angela McLean. She called McLean a “cool and chill teacher” who likes to have fun with her students. Daniels said that after graduation, she wants to attend North Carolina A&T State University to earn a master’s degree. Daniels loves science, sports
Story and Photo by JAYONNA SHAW Gator Media Staff Writer ifteen-year-old sophomore Bryce Jenkins wants to attend Winston-Salem State University for computer science and engineering when he graduates from East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. The Cerro Gordo resident said his favorite memory at East will be of when he graduates and starts his life studying computer science in college. Jenkins said the thing he likes best about East is his peers. Jenkins said his role models are Jesus and his father because they inspire him and they are his heroes. The two people who have helped Jenkins the most at East are his twin brother Braedon Jenkins, and Tyron Keaton. He said they help him get through the day by making him laugh when he doesn’t want to be at school. Jenkins’ favorite teacher at East is automotive technology teacher Arthur Moore. Moore’s class is also Jenkins’ favorite class. The activities outside of school he likes include playing basketball, visiting his grandparents and playing his video games. His favorite app is TikTok and he likes the movie Next Friday and the television show BMF. He loves steak and potatoes, and playing and watching basketball. Jenkins said people are surprised to learn that he has a twin brother if they don’t already know. They would also be surprised to learn that he can sing. Singing is his hidden talent. He said the laughing emoji best describes him because he is always laughing. He said his biggest fear is possibly hearing, “Depart from me I never knew you.” F Jenkins puts Winston-Salem University into consideration
GATORLIFE 6 Petteway donated time to trainJ By CHRISTIAN GRAHAM Gator Media Staff Writer udy Petteway spent last year helping East Columbus Junior-Senior High School’s student council develop its leadership skills and find its footing. The former East teacher – she has been retired for years – donated time every week as the school’s student council advisor. The Whiteville native – and Whiteville High School graduate – has been married to Lee Petteway for 35 years. She attended the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and Ohio Wesleyan University. She earned bachelor’s degrees in English and history, and a master’s degree in administration and supervision. During her career, she taught English, language arts, social studies, drama and journalism at 15 schools. Petteway returned to Columbus County years ago because her parents were sick and she wanted to be near them. She said she enjoyed the, “fun, respectful students” at East. Petteway said she was sometimes disappointed when students didn’t work up to their capabilities. She said she would like to see, “more scheduling and activities based on what we have learned about the teenage brain.” Her aspirations for becoming a teacher were discovered at a young age. “I was always the teacher's helper growing up; I knew I would enjoy it,” Petteway said. English and history were the subjects she “Be curious about the world. Ask questions. Be you. Compare yourself only to the person you were yesterday rather than to other people.” Judy Petteway
GATORLIFE 7 and structure student council adored the most. She said she is pleased and satisfied with her career as a teacher. “It has been a fulfilling career,” she said, adding she wants the students at East to know, “There is so much more you need to know about your world that you will never learn in high school. “Be curious about the world,” she said. “Ask questions. Be you. Compare yourself only to the person you were yesterday rather than to other people.” Petteway believes that curious, open-minded staff and students who are kind to each other work the best in education. Her hobbies outside of school include rescuing and loving animals, and reading. Harmony Somerville, Judy Petteway and Christian Graham
GATORLIFE 8 By FULLER ROYAL Gator Media Instructor nder new leadership last year, and with the guidance of veteran teacher and student council advisor Judy Petteway, the East Columbus Junior-Senior High School Student Council completed a productive, active 2022-23 filled with good-works projects, state conferences, trunk sales, toy purchases for Families First children, clean-up projects, staff appreciation events and ongoing recognitions of student and staff birthdays. Class of 2023 graduating senior Christian Graham enjoyed his year as student body president for the council. Graham, who worked hand-inhand with his leadership team and with Petteway, said he was proud of how the members of the council had grown as leaders. Classmate Harmony Somerville served as vice-president. She said her favorite part of student council was getting to know new people. She has also had the opportunity to travel to places like Mars Hill University. Part of her duties included writing the birthday cards for the students she represented. She also helped with the toy purchases for Families First. Graduate Andy Perez-Andres said, as a representative, he enjoyed celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and Spirit Days. He said it had been a good experience to help make the school a better place, even in small increments. “I think hearing the opinions of students allows us to make change for the better,” he said. Senior Tristan Bellamy, the 2023-24 Student Council President, said he has enjoyed being in an association that helps make the school more fun. “Student council is imperative because it shows leadership skills and helps improve them,” he said. Juniors Jordan Burney, Gemilia Calderon, Arianna Oppenheimer and Tamira Brown all have good things to say about their year on the council. Burney, who was sophomore class president, said he enjoyed working in the concession stand at athletic events and helping with the 2022 Earth Day cleanup. He also enjoyed attending the state student U Harmony Somerville, Christian Graham, Sara Akins, Tristan Bellamy, Gemilia Calderon and Ariana Oppenheimer Outgoing 2022 President Christian Graham in his final address to the student council. Student council ready for year
GATORLIFE 9 Sara Akins, Harmony Somerville, Christian Graham, Judy Petteway and Tristan Bellamy Incoming 2023 President Tristen Bellamy in his first address to the student council. council convention. “I like being able to meet new people and to nurture my leadership skills,” he said. Calderon served as spirit director and activities chair for the sophomore class. “I usually tried to come up with activities and events that could bring school spirit back to East,” she said. She helped with fundraisers, raffles, conventions and bulletin board decorations. She said her favorite part of being on the council was setting up events and activities that people enjoy because, “Afterwards, I like to see how much they liked it.” She said student council is an organization that brings more fun into an ordinary student’s quality of life at school, adding that most people want pep rallies and activities, “So it’s up to us to create them.” Oppenheimer, a sophomore representative last year, said it’s important for the student council to promote diversity and to organize activities. “Student council is important because it creates learning and inclusive opportunities,” she said. “It creates moments and helps make the school a more attractive place for broadened opportunities.” Brown was the sophomore class vice president. “My favorite part of being in student council is learning new things because I love to expand my mind,” she said. “Student council is important because we get to help guide the administration into making decisions to make our school a better place.” Current sophomore Malia Graham was one of the freshman representatives. “My favorite part of student council is learning how to be more of a leader and practicing better social skills,” Graham said. Continued on Next Page
GATORLIFE 10 “I think student council is important because we do a lot of planning for events and all of the ways we are helping out around the school. Callie Jacobs, another sophomore, attended the NCASC State Convention and has helped with the posters around the school. “My favorite part is being able to voice my opinion on topics important to me,” she said. “It is important to have the student’s point of view on different things.” Last year, the junior high classes of East Columbus were brought into the student council’s fold. Eighth-grader Madelyn Dyson was a class representative. “My responsibilities are to try and create a positive change here at ECJSHS,” she said. “My favorite part of being in this group is helping other people feel good.” Classmate Millie Bracey was also a class representative. She said the thing she likes best is, “Helping others and making other people feel accepted,” adding that student council helps share the ideas and concerns of others. Another eighth-grader, J.T Hudson, said student council helps develop programs that support and protect marginalized students Class representative Jaliyah Brown, another eighth-grader, said she enjoys helping make the school a better and happier place for teens. “I think student council is important because it Harmony Somerville, Christian Graham and Judy Petteway Christian Graham administers the president’s oath of office to Tristan Bellamy.
GATORLIFE 11 gives the school ideas to come together,” she said. Eighth-grader Sophia Robertson said she likes being able to discuss problems in student council. “It helps us stay on track, and plan, and discuss,” she said. Mariah Carreon, an eighth-grader said her favorite thing about student council is, “I can speak about how I feel on things.” She said student council can cause changes “Student council is important because you have opportunities to make school better in the easiest ways,” said eighth-grader Aureya Young. Eighth-grader Ian Martin said he likes helping out with school and the community and seeing people happy and things getting better. “Student council is a way to get peers’ word noticed and to help out the community,” he said. Harmony Somerville administers the oath of office to Gemilia Calderon. Sara Akins administers the oath of office to Ariana Oppenheimer. Sara Akins administers the oaths of office to Lakyn Wilson, Myleigh Moore and Danica Kern. Sara Akins administers the oath of office to Ariana Oppenheimer.
GATORHAWK 12 Story and Photo by REESE BENNETT Gator Media Staff Writer adison Duncan is a 17-year old junior at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School.Duncan said her favorite thing about East is its teachers. “They are always nice and make things fun,” she said. Her favorite teacher is English II and III instructor Dr. Jennifer Smith, who she “absolutely loves as a teacher.” Duncan said Smith enabled her to fall in love with reading and writing, which has made her English class pleasurable. Duncan aspires to be more like Smith. “She is smart, and has a lot of animals,” Duncan said. Duncan added that art instructor Jeffery Rudnick and music instructor Anna Slaughter have made her feel comfortable at school. She said she can talk to them about anything and they offer her “great advice.” Duncan said that Slaughter has been with her through a lot of personal experiences and things about school. Slaughter also taught Duncan how to crochet, which has become a big part of her life. Duncan likes to crochet clothes, bags and stuffed animals. Her favorite movie is Stories to Tell in the Dark while her favorite television show is Ed, Edd-n-Eddy. Duncan's favorite book is Island of the Blue Dolphins. Her favorite game is Egyptian War and her favorite band is Sleep Token. After Duncan's time at East, she wants to attend a university for four to eight years and become an astronomer. One of Duncan's fears is of heights. She is afraid of falling because it'll hurt. At East, Duncan likes to talk to her friends and go to English class. She said, “those are the things I enjoy doing at school.” On track to study the heavens M
GATORLIFE 13 A Gator lob East Columbus Junior-Senior High School junior Gemilia Calderon waits for the response to a return during one the Gators’ last tennis matches of the season.
GATORLIFE 14 High kick East Columbus Junior-Senior High School sophomore, and junior varsity goalie, Zay’Vaan Hines launches the soccer ball downfield during a recent soccer match.
GATORLIFE 15 Story and Photo By DANICA YOUNG Gator Media Staff Writer ixteen-year-old Timothy Smith, a junior at East Columbus JuniorSenior High School, said his role model is God. His favorite class is Math III because math instructor Aileen Sajas is a great math teacher. “She’s easily understood while explaining classwork and she is extremely helpful,” he said. He said his weakest subject is science. English II and III instructor Dr. Jennifer Smith is his favorite teacher. “She is continually active with all of her students and shows a very caring personality for students’ well being,” Smith said. He said Dr. Smith has also been the most helpful teacher for him at school. When he graduates, he wants to attend college and become a real estate agent or a social media influencer. He said that basketball is his favorite activity at school. He also enjoys baseball. His out-of-school activities include hanging out with his friends and going to work. He said he likes to watch his favorite television show Rick and Morty. His favorite app, TikTok. The things he likes best about East are the many career paths students can choose to follow. He said East has a great partnership with Southeastern Community College. “There are a lot of different subjects to choose from,” he said of the SCC partnership. Smith said his hidden talent is the ability to sing, adding that people would be surprised to learn that he sings in the choir at his church. Smith wants to sell real estate S
GATORLIFE 16 Story and Photo by CALLIE JACOBS Gator Media Staff Writer elco resident Addison Benson is a 17- year-old senior at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School A member of the golf team, Benson said his favorite thing to do at East Columbus is work in the shop with automotive technology instructor Arthur Moore, who is also benson’s favorite teacher. “Mr. Moore is someone I can confide in,” he said. His favorite part of the old Swamp Chomp program, was staffer’s Fuller Royal’s photography sessions. He said photography is his strongest subject and his weakest is math. Several of Benson’s images have been featured on the GatorHawk and GatorLIFE magazines. Along with Moore, Benson said he is inspired by agriculture instructors Bryan Fowler and Alicia Pickett because of the kindness they have shown him. Benson’s favorite activities at East, other than golfing and photography, are picking peanuts with Fowler and working in automechanics. Benson’s out-of-school activities include working at Bowman’s Seafood Restaurant at Carolina Beach. He said he enjoys the job because of the responsibilities it gives him and he likes making his own money. After graduation, Benson plans to enter a law enforcement training program to become a North Carolina State Trooper. Benson describes himself as a “very happy person” because his smile is “contagious.” He said people are shocked to learn that he enjoys reading and that he reads several books a month. He also enjoys watching his favorite team baseball team, the White Sox. His favorite music is by Koe Wetzel and he is always SnapChatting with his friends. He enjoys playing Monopoly with his friends and family. Benson said he isn’t scared of much, but he does admit his biggest fear is of going bald. D Benson hopes to become a North Carolina Trooper
GATORLIFE 17 From Whiteville to Buckhead Above: East Columbus JuniorSenior High School cheerleaders perform for the East crowd during a football game against Whiteville High School. Left: Noah Webb and Kaiden Freeman man a fourwheeler during the Waccmaw Siouan Pow Wow parade.
GATORLIFE 18 By SARA SESSIONS Gator Media Staff Writer ifteen-year-old Callie Jacobs is a sophomore at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. The Bolton resident said the thing she likes best about East is her group of peers. “They are welcoming and nice,” she said. Her favorite memory of East will be working with the student council because of all of the other memories she has made so far. Jacobs’ favorite course is dance. She loves to dance. Her strongest subject is history and her weakest is math. Her favorite teacher is dance/theatre instructor Sloan Deans. “I know I can always trust and confide in her,” she said. Her role models are her parents because of how hard working they are. She said Class of 2023 graduate Harmony Somerville had helped her the most at East by making her feel included and “very welcomed.” Her accomplishments include: Junior Beta Club, the principal’s list and the A/B honor roll. Her favorite activity at East is cheering because of the people involved, and it’s what she likes to do. Other activities include: soccer, FFA and student council. She is also a staff writer with the school’s Gator Media class. She attends New Hope Baptist Church. After high school, Jacobs said she wants to attend nursing school to be a nurse practitioner. Her favorite performing artist is Taylor Swift and her favorite book is The Secret Life of Bees. She loves watermelon and watching Ohio State Women's Basketball. Her favorite movie is The Notebook and her favorite television show is The Vampire Diaries. Her favorite app is Snapchat and favorite game is Uno. The emoji that best describes her is the disco ball. A hidden talent she has is the ability to lick the tip of her nose. People might be surprised to learn she is really funny and that her biggest fear is of finding a snake in her toilet. Jacobs wants to work in as a nurse practitioner F
GATORHAWK 19 The 2023 East Columbus Junior-Senior High School Prom was another success with more students attending the annual spring event than any other in recent years. History instructor Karen Haley applied her “magic touch” to prom and created another of her masterpieces. Costin juggling welding, trucks or military career E Story and Photos By LAKYN WILSON Gator Media Staff Writer ast Columbus Junior-Senior High School eighth-grader Tyler Costin is a 14-year-old resident of Lake Waccamaw. He said favorite thing about the East is his friends and that his favorite memory of East would probably be the funny memories that have happened throughout the school year. While his strongest subject is reading and his weakest is math, his favorite subject is science. He said his favorite teacher is Tonya Jacobs. His role model in life is his “Poppa.” Costin said the person who has helped him the most a East is staffer Angela McLean. “She kept me out of trouble,” he said. He said one of his major accomplishments is passing his grade. His favorite activities at East include playing in the gym and participating in school sports. He said he likes physical activity. His activities outside of school include skating, hunting and fishing. After graduation, he either wants to weld, drive trucks or enlist in a branch of the military. Costin’s favorite app is SnapChat. He follows the Atlanta Braves, eats steak and listens to Country music. Duck Dynasty is his favorite television show while 8 Seconds is his favorite movie. He said the laughing emoji best describes him because he is always laughing. People would be surprised to know he is a good skater. He loves hunting and hanging out with friends. His biggest fear is of God because,”He can take you at any second.”
GATORLIFE 20 Simmons loves baseball; unsure of career direction Story and Photos by CALLIE JACOBS Gator Media Staff Writer auge Simmons is a resident of Riegelwood. “I enjoy my classmates at East because they are cool and funny,” said the 15-year-old sophomore at East Columbus Junior Senior High School. He said his favorite memory at East will probably be of his pitching in one of the playoff games his freshman year. Simmons’ favorite class is American history with instructor Marcus Skipper. It is his strongest subject, unlike English, which he says is his weakest subject. Douglas Skipper is Simmons' favorite teacher because of his sense of humor. He said Marcus Skipper has helped him the most at East because he can confide in him whenever he needs to and he is a helping hand. His favorite activity at East is weightlifting. His other activities include baseball, cutting grass and golfing. He enjoys Country music, SnapChatting with his friends, watching Chicago P.D., reading his Bible and eating his favorite food, steak, with his family. After graduation he plans to attend college, although he is unsure where just yet. He said his biggest fear is of losing his family because they are his support system and his “biggest inspiration.” Simmons’ accomplishments include winning the state championship in baseball with the Dixie Boys. He said people would be surprised to know that he is a talented pitcher. Simmons said he enjoys playing with the Dixie Boys because they are his closest friends. He said all he wants to do is make his parents proud and to thank the Lord for all of His blessings. G
GATORLIFE 21 Makin’ music East Columbus Junior-Senior High School band members Ryan Rabuck, top left, Aiden Russ, top right, Ian Mitchell, bottom left and Alana Bordeaux, bottom right, make their way up Madison Street in Whiteville during the annual Columbus County Agricultural Fair Parade last month. Rabuck and Russ are freshmen while Mitchell and Bordeaux are eighth-graders.
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GATORLIFE 23 Action against WHS The East Columbus JuniorSenior High School varsity Gator football squad made a valiant attempt against the Whiteville Wolfpack last month. Opposite: Joshua Jacobs looks for an open target. Top left: Jaxon Lunceford listens for instructions. Top right: Levi Zickafoose takes a breather. Left: Matthew George
By KINSLEY WILSON Gator Media Staff Writer ast Columbus Junior-Senior High School freshman Myleigh Moore, is a 14-year-old resident of the Buckhead community. Moore said her favorite memory so far at East would be her seventh grade softball season because of all the fun she had with her friends while getting to play a sport she loves. Her favorite course at East is Indian Education. “It’s fun,” she said, adding that she learns more about her culture. Moore’s strongest subject is English and her weakest is math. Coach Douglas Skipper is Moore’s favorite teacher due to, “How uplifting his personality is.” Moore said her aunt, Brendle Jacobs, is her biggest role model. She said Jacobs is always leading Moore in the right direction. One of Moore’s favorite things about East is how involved the community is and how close everyone is. Moore’s most helpful resource at East was former staffer Alina Freeman. She said Freeman was always willing to help her with whatever was needed. Along with softball, Moore is a part of the cheerleader team. Outside of school, she plays on her community's softball team. After graduating, Moore wants to attend a four-year university and become a real estate agent. Country music, the movie Benchwarmers, Tik Tok and Florida State softball are among Moore’s favorite things. One of her hidden talents is being able to play the piano. Moore is a middle child with one older sister and one younger sister. Moore to sell real estate E
Brown wants to travel as nurse Story and Photo by CALLIE JACOBS Gator Media Staff Writer akatia Brown is a 15-year-old sophomore at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. Her favorite thing about East is the quality time she enjoys with her friends while also receiving an education. History with Nancy Utterback was her favorite class because Utterback always made her laugh. Brown enjoys history, unlike math, which she says is her weakest subject. Brown’s favorite memory so far at East was the varsity boys’ football game against South Columbus earlier this year. “It was a very fun game and our boys got a win,” she said. Her favorite teacher is Roleita McKoy, because of her sense of humor. Brown said her role models are her mother, sisters, and her cousin, Destiny Brown, because of their hard work ethics. She is enrolled in all honors courses and is on on the A/B honor roll. She also serves as a student council officer. She said former JROTC instructor, First Sgt. James Alston, was one of her mentors at the school. He helped her find success at East and made sure she was where she needed to be in her school life. Her activities include being a varsity Gator cheerleader, performing as a “flyer.” Shen she’s not supporting all of the school’s sports, she works at Hardees in Northwest. After graduation, she plans to attend college at North Carolina A&T State University or the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She wants to major in nursing and become a travel nurse to see the world and to help others. Brown’s biggest fear is of not fulfilling her dream. She said becoming a nurse and being successful throughout her life is “very important” to her. L
GATORHAWK 26 By TRINITY HUNTER Gator Media Staff Writer ast Columbus Junior-Senior High School math instructor Noe Chavez is from Rialto, California, in San Bernardino County. He attended Riverside City College and California State University, studying mathematics, physical science and natural science. He earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics. Prior to East, Chavez taught at West Columbus High School for one year. At East, he teaches Foundations of Math I and Math II. He came from California to help grow his family’s income tax business, to escape the state’s dense population and its high cost of living. Chavez likes the welcoming environment of students and staff at East. He does dislike the commute from his home. He looks forward to the school’s new E-Sports club because “It’s gaming.” He would also like to see a badminton club/ team because it is an “underrated sport in the U.S that deserves more recognition.” Additionally, he would like to see the school start a cycling club, especially considering the “long, straight, level roads like we have here. “Riding bicycles would be a great way to enjoy the scenery and get some exercise,” he said. Chavez became a teacher because he has many family members involved in education. “Education is in our blood,” he said. “I enjoy seeing a student’s face light up when they finally get the topic.” he said. He chose to teach math because it is a topic that, “here in America, we regularly underachieve in. Chavez exudes hisE
GATORHAWK 27 “If I can help turn the tides on the negative perception people have on math, my job is complete,” he said. Other careers he considered included working as a musician. “I played saxophone throughout junior high plus high school,” he said. He also toyed with the idea of being a psychologist, which was his original college goal. Prior to teaching, he sold cable door-to-door and worked as a college-level math tutor at San Bernardino Valley College. He is happy with his career choice because he is often rewarded with positive feedback from his students. He said he enjoys watching them grow into “amazing young adults.” His role model is his mother. “Despite being a Mexican immigrant with little support at home, and with my two brothers, she overcame many obstacles to be a successful high school teacher,” he said. “I want each student to realize and live up to their potential,” he said. “I believe everyone has infinite potential with hard work, determination and help along the way.” Chavez said education needs to focus less on standardized testing and more on quality instruction and supportive technical programs that facilitate the learning of real-world experiences. He said that teachers need more collaboration and more effort from students by taking on the responsibility for their own learning. His hobbies include gaming, cycling, hiking, eating and cooking. excitement for math Chavez was selected as the Columbus County Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year for 2023-24
GATORLIFE 28 Columbus County’s primary and most complete source of news for 127 years. 910.642.4104
Last time Photo above: East Columbus JuniorSenior High School Ladies’ Tennis seniors Josie Welch, left, and Hannah King, right, were honored for their four years of work and achievement as members of the East Columbus Junior-Senior High School Ladies Tennis Team. Center and righthand photos: King and Welch enjoy the gifts from parents, friends and teammates during the senior game celebration.
By KINSLEY WILSON Gator Media Staff Writer ast Columbus Junior-Senior High School senior Zaria Swindell is a 17-year-old resident of Bolton. Swindell’s favorite thing at East is her group of friends because they help motivate her and encourage her to try new things. A memory Swindell will always cherish from East is joining the track team. She said becoming a part of the that team helped her develop new friendships and “break out of her shell.” Swindell’s favorite and strongest subject is history; her weakest is math. Her favorite teachers are history teacher Justin Furlow, art instructor Jeff Rudnick and former JROTC First Sgt. James Alston. Swindell’s role model is herself. She said, “No one knows me more than myself.” She is to thankful to junior Jaden Troy for helping her at East. She said he understands the person she is and he never judges her, no matter the circumstances. Swindell’s favorite activity at East is basketball because she gets to laugh with her friends and it helps with her stress. Along with the basketball team, Swindell is also on the track team. Outside of school, she enjoys sleeping and being with her friends. After graduating, Swindell wants to attend Winston Salem University or Southeastern Community College to obtain a degree in nursing. Something people would be surprised to learn about Swindell is how quiet and shy she can be until one gets to know her. One of her hidden talents is how fast she can run the 400-meter dash. While Swindell is at peace in her life right now, making good grades and enjoying her life, she is excited to see what her future holds and she hopes for success. Senior Swindell sees herself as nurse role E
The folks at Pizza Village invite you to enjoy their special brand of pizza as well as their other traditional menu items. It’s a menu that has been a Columbus County favorite for 40 years. 910.642.5812 • Whiteville PIZZA VILLAGE
GATORLIFE 32 Fair parade East Columbus Junior-Senior High School was represented in last month’s Columbus County Agricultural Fair Parade by the East Cheerleaders, top photo, and the school’s FFA Chapter, bottom photo.
GATORLIFE 33 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 The Columbus County Arts Council
Story and Photo by REESE BENNETT Gator Media Staff Writer adison Northam is a 17-year-old junior at East Columbus JuniorSenior High School who participates in the school’s JROTC program. She said the program had been her “life” and that her favorite memory at the school will be of the parades in which the Gator Battalion marched. “They were fun to do,” she said. Her strongest subject at East is history and her weakest is mathematics. Northam’s favorite teacher is Dr. Anthony Martin. “He is someone you can always count on,” she said, adding that her role model is Class of 2023 East graduate Kristen Cordova. “She has always been there for me,” Northam said. “She has helped me become a better person.” Something that Northam wants to do after East is enlist in the U.S. Air Force. If the air force does not work out for her, she will enroll in community college. Outside of school, she works at the north-end McDonald’s in Whiteville. She enjoys watching Titanic and Breaking Bad. She loves listening to KPOP and reading Harry Potter books. Northam’s biggest fear is of being alone. Her favorite game is The Legend of Zelda and her favorite team is the Carolina Panthers. Northam enjoys watching TikTok and loves eating sushi. She said the sleeping emoji is the one she relates to the most. “I am just always so tired,” she said. Northam aiming for career in U.S. Air Force M
GATORLIFE 36 Road projects In this drone photo taken by East staffer Dr. Anthony Martin, a new road, nearly a mile long, is under construction behind East Columbus Junior-Senior High School as part of the overpass/ interchange projects at Chaunceytown and Old Lake roads. Because DOT rules won’t allow for on- and off-ramps at the Old Lake Road overpass, a “service road” is being built to connect the Chaunceytown overpass and its ramps with the school. For reference, the school’s tennis courts can be seen in the bottom of the photo. At right, one of two mid-section overpass supports at Old Lake Road, which will be a longer overpass because of the drainage ditch next to the school.
GATORLIFE 37 Story and Photo by AARALYN SEARLES Gator Media Staff Writer illiam McDuffie, 15, is a sophomore at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. The Lake Waccamaw resident said his favorite memory so far at East is Homecoming 2022, when he was a freshman. His strongest subject is math while his weakest is English. McDuffie’s favorite subjects are band and IT class. “We have freedom and I like playing instruments and working on computers,” he said. His favorite teacher is band instructor Anna Slaughter. “She listens, and being a younger teacher, she understands teenagers,” he said. He said the best thing about East is all the different classes available. He said his favorite activity at East is marching band. “I get to represent our school through marching,” he said. The person who helped McDuffie the most at East is Slaughter. “She has helped me to not do everything my freshman year when I have three more years left,” he said. McDuffie is also involved with soccer, and golf. Out-of-school activities include Boy Scouts and playing guitar. McDuffie plans on attending college North Carolina State University or the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He wants to do whatever makes him happy after college. His hidden talent is working on advanced technology projects. “I am pretty good at working with my hands and working on electronics.” McDuffie’s biggest fear is of being forgotten or losing everyone he loves. In addition to his musical abilities, McDuffie said people might be surprised to learn he is lefthanded. He said another person who has helped him at East is classmate Kyleigh Patrick. “She has helped me to come out of my shell and to be a better person in and out of school,” he said. McDuffie possesses computer tech skills W
GATORLIFE 38 Cape Fear Council BSA Join Up! Start a Troop! Call 910.395.1100 Scouting emphasizes the importance of honesty, integrity, and responsibility, helping young people develop strong character traits that serve them well throughout their lives.
GATORLIFE 39 Story and Photo by KRYSTAL KELLIHAN and KIMORA BRESS Gator Media Staff Writers welve-year-old Kyra Sutton wants to be an actress when she finishes at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. The Armour resident said she likes the atmosphere at East and that her favorite memory will most likely be of seeing all of her friends having fun and learning. “Just really making a lot of memories with everyone,” she said. As a seventh-grader, Sutton’s favorite class is science because her teacher, Angela McLean, is “nice and funny.” She said her strongest subject is science and her weakest is English language arts. Her favorite teacher is McLean. “She is very funny and makes you laugh almost every five minutes,” Sutton said. Her favorite activity at school is cheer. She likes dancing and the social skills she learns from it. She said her biggest role models are her parents, aunts and grandparents because they have taught her a lot of things she has needed to know about life. Sutton’s favorite movies are is Avatar and Avatar II: The Way of Water. She loves Chick-fil-A. Her biggest fear is of death. She said death just scares her. Sutton said her hidden talent is her ability to perform the three-leaf-clover tongue trick. Sutton loves science, but wants to act T
By TRISTEN BELLAMY Gator Media Staff Writer hynna Patrick is a resident of Bolton. The 17-year-old senior said she enjoys her friends and some of the teachers East has to offer. The most memorable memory she has so far was attending a college trip to North Carolina A&T State University. Her favorite course is math. “I like the challenge,” she said. English II and lll instructor Dr. Jennifer Davis is her favorite teacher. “She helped me with getting better with writing papers,” the Patrick said. Her biggest inspirations would be her mother, friends and her coaches because they continuously push her to do her absolute best. Patrick said former ECJSHS Indian tutor Alina Freeman had helped her the most at East. “Alina Freeman is such a sweetheart,” she said. Patrick loves being involved in sports because it places her around her friends. She is involved in basketball and the JROTC program. Outside of school, she hangs out with her friends. After graduation, she would like to attend college and play sports. She plans to attend NCA&T. Patrick said the moon emoji best defines her because she’s always giving the “side eye.” A talent that might surprise other people is her ability to cook. Her biggest fear is of falling off a cliff. Patrick offered a “shout out” to her friend group, known as Channel 13. “Love my girls and brothas,” she said C Sports is in Patrick’s future
GATORLIFE 41 Roberts wants to be travel nurse Story and Photo by CALLIE JACOBS Gator Media Staff Writer eela Roberts said her favorite thing about East Columbus Junior-Senior High School is the supporting and welcoming atmosphere the school contains. The 15-year-old sophomore also enjoys her art classes. “In art, I am able to express my imagination and creativity,” she said. Roberts is enrolled in honors classes and is consistently on the A/B honor roll. Roberts said her father, and her sister, Trina Roberts, inspire her to work hard in school because of their own hard-work ethics. Along with her family, someone at school who Roberts said inspires her to do her best is Coach Douglas Skipper. “He genuinely cares about his students and checks on them,” she said. She said some of the best memories at East will include the 2022-23 basketball season. She loved supporting the teams through all of their accomplishments. Her favorite thing to do at East is to support the teams through pep rallies and to cheer at the games because of all the school spirit she has. Her extracurricular activities at East include being on the varsity Gators cheerleading team and being an officer on the student council. She is employed at Six Happiness in Leland. Roberts plans to enroll in the nursing program at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She wants to be a travel nurse. This is her dream: she knows how many people around the world need help and she wants to help everyone she can. M
GATORLIFE 42 By TADEJA WALJER Gator Media Staff Writer liya Whitt Nunez’ favorite, and strongest subject at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School, is math. She enjoys working with numbers and learning more every day. The 15-year-old sophomore said her weakest is biology. Nunez said her favorite memories at East will be of the time shared with her closest friends. Music instructor Anna Slaughter is her favorite teacher. Slaughter has helped Nunez in several personal ways, including, providing support when needed outside of class or offering guidance on specific and personal topics that Nunez said she was struggling with. Accomplishments of Nunez include earning honor roll status and taking honors classes. She enjoys spending time outside of school, playing video games, drawing, listening to music and hanging out with her friends. After graduating from high school she plans on attending college in the medical field to become a nurse. Nunez is interested in reading true crime, horror and romance books. She likes playing Call of Duty and other video games with her friends. She can also be found watching Netflix, Ginny and Georgia or any thriller or horror film. People would be surprised to learn that she is quiet at times because of her personality, especially when she’s around friends. Nunez’ biggest fear is of losing someone she loves because, at any age, it is terrifying and isn’t something any one would want to go through. A Nunez wants to study medicine
GATORLIFE 43 Penn’s Grill 910.642.2779 128 E. Commerce Street Downtown Whiteville
GATORLIFE 44 Brave Scholars visit East While they were in the area attending the annual Waccamaw Siouan Pow Wow, students in the Brave Scholars program at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, above photo, toured East Columbus JuniorSenior High School, led by staffer Allison Edwards. The program pays the tuition and cost of students who agree to earn teaching degrees and to teach in the schools of the counties served by UNCP. Among those students visiting were ECJSHS Class of 2023 graduates Ava Jacobs and Harmony Somerville, right photo.
GATORLIFE 45 By DANICA KERN Gator Media Staff Writer ourteen-year-old Aniya Bright is an eighth-grade student at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. The Buckhead resident said she thinks her favorite memory at East Columbus will probably be of hanging out with her friends. Bright’s favorite thing about East is its new administration. Her strongest subject, which happens to be her favorite, is science. Her favorite teacher is Tonya Jacobs because Jacobs is her aunt. Bright said that chief among her accomplishments is her grades. Two of her favorite activities at East are dance and volleyball. “Dance is really fun and volleyball is fun because I like the competition between the teams,” she said After high school, Bright wants to attend the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Her favorite movie is Coraline and her favorite television show is Fuller House. Her favorite book is Wonder and her favorite team is the East Columbus Gators. Bright’s favorite game is Roblox, and her favorite type of music is Rap. She said the crazy face emoji best describes her because it shows her funny personality. Bright said folks would be surprised to know that she can roller skate because,“It can be difficult to do for some people.” Her biggest fear is of bugs because “They look ugly, nasty and weird.” Overall, Bright enjoys her time at East and all of the activities in which she is involved. Bright looking at UNC-P F
GATORLIFE 46 Story and Photos by CALLIE JACOBS Gator Media Staff Writer drion Jenrette loves sports the best at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. The 15-year-old sophomore loves sports because of how much fun they are and he is able to play with his teammates and close friends. His favorite sports are baseball and basketball, played on the teams at school. and during his gym classes. Jenrette’s favorite memory at school will be of winning the junior varsity baseball conference and making it to the varsity boys playoff game. He hopes to continue playing sports in college. His favorite class at East is American history with Marcus Skipper. He enjoys the class because it is his favorite subject and he takes it with his favorite teacher. He said people in his home and at school have inspire him, such as his mother and father. He considers Skipper to be one of his mentors. He said Skipper stays on him and makes sure he’s where he needs to be. He said Coach Douglas Skipper motivates him on and off the field while he is inspired by staffer C. J. Nobles, who is always helping him in any way he can. Jenrette’s accomplishments include consistently being on the A/B honor roll. He takes all honors classes, though this can be a struggle sometimes to maintain. He said it’s not too hard when someone has the support system he has enjoyed at East. After graduation, he plans to attend college or go straight into the workforce. A Jenrette wants sports after East
GATORLIFE 47 By TADEJA WALKER Gator Media Staff Writer he staff and students at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School and “are welcoming” and “never fail to brighten his day” said sophomore Ian Debrosse. The 15-year-old said some of his favorite memories at East will come from attending the various dances the school hosts each year. His preferred class is history and his favorite teacher is Marcus Skipper. “He is patient when he is teaching and he makes his class enjoyable for students,” Debrosse said. His strongest subject is history and his weakest is math. He looks up to his brother Isaiah, because he motivates him and helps him overcome his fears. With the help of his friend Andrew Blakes, Debrosse was able to better understand and improve in math. In history, he was recognized for having the highest grade. The activity at East he enjoys most is band. He said band instructor Anna Slaughter makes funny and corny jokes to entertain her students while making sure they’re playing their music correctly. At East, Debrosse is on the soccer and tennis teams. He plans to play on both for the rest of his time in high school. Outside of school, he enjoys riding dirt bikes. Following graduation, he plans to attend college and become a pilot. In his free time, he listens to rapper Drake. His favorite team is the Miami Dolphins. The smiling or laughing emojis describe him perfectly because he’s always laughing, even when he’s down. Debrosse’s biggest fear is of not succeeding in life and not being able to go for what he wants. His motivational quote is, “Let go, and let God.” Debrosse wants to fly T
GATORLIFE 48 Coleman wants to defend clients By SARA SESSIONS Gator Media Staff Writer ast Columbus Junior-Senior High School freshman Sara Coleman is a 14-year-old resident of Bolton. Coleman’s favorite thing about East is the athletics. She said the girls’ sports are very competitive and they motivate her throughout the school year. She also said the teams are “tight-knit.” Her favorite class is physical education because “it is very fun.” Her strongest subject is English, and her weakest is science. Her favorite teacher last year was Ebony Murchison. “She plans things out well and isn’t too controlling,” Coleman said. She said she is inspired by East Class of 2023 graduate and softball standout Karli Godwin. “She is always very enthusiastic about the school and is all around just a really good person,” Coleman said. She said former assistant principal Herman Bland had helped her the most at East by “taking care of what E needs to be taken care of and doing his best to make school enjoyable.” Coleman’s accomplishments include being a member of the Junior National Beta Club, being a two-sport athlete, making the principal’s list and being a part of the Hawks softball team, which was named conference champs last spring. Her out-of-school activities include membership at Prosper Baptist Church and playing softball. Coleman plans to play softball for either the University of South Carolina or Coastal Carolina and, later, attend law school. She would like to be a defense attorney. Her favorite music is Country and her favorite app is TikTok. She loves steak and watching the Boston Red Socks. Her favorite movie is Facing the Giants and her favorite television show is Friends. She also loves to play rummy. Coleman said the laughing emoji best describes her because “I joke a lot and I’m not a very serious person.” A hidden talent of hers is the ability to draw well. Something people might not know about her is that she danced until she was 10. Her biggest fear is of failure because she hates disappointing others.
GATORLIFE 49 By SARA SESSIONS Gator Media Staff Writer ast Columbus Junior-Senior High School junior ShaReed Phillips is a 16- year-old Bolton resident. Phillips said he likes East because of the people and the way they make him feel welcomed. His favorite memory at East will be of hanging out with all of his older junior and senior friends. His favorite class is theatre arts because he is able to “be himself” and he was in classes with all of his friends who graduated in June. Phillips’ strongest subject is physical education, while his weakest is math. His favorite teacher is Sloan Deans because students are “free to express themselves” in her classes. His role model at East was Class of 2023 graduate Christian Graham. “He was one of the first people I met at East and he really welcomed me,” Phillips said. He said that senior Tristan Bellamy has helped him the most at East by always giving him advice. One of his accomplishments was earning much better times in track last spring. Phillips’ favorite activity at East is playing on the football team. It’s his favorite sport. Outside of school, he can be found working at Domino’s Pizza. After graduation, Phillips would love to play college football or pursue a career in acting. He wants to attend either Winston-Salem State University or the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He loves seafood and listening to Rhythm and Blues music. His favorite movie is Terrifier 2 and his favorite television show is Blue Lock. His favorite book is Jack and Annie and his favorite app is TikTok. His loves the Memphis Grizzlies and playing Grand Theft Auto. He said the straight-faced emoji best describes because “I make that face a lot.” People might be surprised to learn that he makes music and that his biggest fear is of the dark. E It’s the gridiron or stage for Phillips
GATORLIFE 50 By RAEGAN HORRELL Gator Media Staff Writer eventeen-year-old Lilly Reaves likes the environment best at East Columbus JuniorSenior High School. The senior said there are always students laughing in the halls and teachers saying, “good morning” and “good afternoon.” She said her favorite memory at East will probably be of going to the state fair with the FFA. She said there were a lot of people having a good time. Reaves’ favorite class is English. She loves the subject, as well as her instructor, Dr. Jennifer Davis, who also is her favorite teacher. Math is her weakest subject. She said Davis is her favorite teacher because she is always there for her students, whether it’s about school or about personal issues. Reaves said her parents have inspired her to become successful because they both have led successful lives. Reaves’ favorite activity at East is FFA because the club members learn about agriculture and take fun field trips. Her out-of-school activities include working at Food Lion and hanging out with friends. After graduation, Reaves would like to attend the University of North Carolina at Pembroke to become an NICU nurse. Reaves’ favorite music is Country. Her movie of choice is Coraline, while Young Sheldon is her pick for television. Her favorite book is Everything, Everything. She enjoys listening to Apple Music and playing Woodoku. The sleeping emoji best describes Reaves because all she ever does is sleep. Something that people would be surprised to learn about her is that she despises McDonald’s, calling it “nasty.” S Reaves wants to work with newborns