GATORLIFE 51 W By RAEGAN HORRELL Gator Media Staff Writer endy Noyola Bustillos’ favorite thing at East Columbus JuniorSenior High School is its greenhouse and the classes that utilize it. The 16-year-old sophomore’s favorite class is horticulture because “It is fun. “I love to garden and take care of plants,” she said. Bustillos’ strongest subject is history while her weakest is math. Her favorite teacher is Alicia Pickett. “She is very cool and an amazing teacher,” Bustillos said. The student who has helped Bustillos the most at East has been Ethan Dyson. “He has helped me a lot and he explains things well,” she said. Her favorite activity at East is gardening. Bustillos’ out-ofschool activities include sleeping and gardening. After graduation, she plans to attend college for a career as a botanist. Bustillos’ likes listening to Indie Pop. Her preferred television show is Titans and her favorite game is The Sims 3. She also likes TikTok. She said the nerd emoji best describes her. Bustillos’ biggest fear is of losing her loved ones. One thing that people might be surprised to learn about her is that she is a big fan of both the Marvel and DC comic universes. Bustillos is budding botanist
GATORLIFE 52 By NEVEAH MOORE Gator Media Staff Writer eing a part of the dance and cheering teams are East Columbus Junior-Senior High School senior Ryleigh Baldwin’s favorite things at school. The Whiteville resident said the teams give her the opportunity to do what she loves. Baldwin says her favorite memory at East will probably be of hosting “a kids camp for cheer because it was a fun opportunity to interact with and teach children fun things.” Baldwin’s favorite class has been theater. “It helps bring you closer to people and to become more open and comfortable,” she said. Her strongest subject is history and her weakest is English. Dance and theatre instructor Sloan Deans is Baldwin’s favorite teacher. Deans is also her cheer coach. Baldwin said Deans has been there for her and has helped her the most at East. Of her three primary activities – varsity cheer, dance and theatre – Baldwin said dancing is her favorite. In her free time, Baldwin enjoys crocheting, finding new television shows to watch and coming up with new dances. After graduation, she wants to attend college for labor and delivery nursing. Baldwin said one thing people would love to know about her is that she’s actually nice, but people say she sometimes comes across as mean. Baldwin said her biggest fear is of not being able to one day have kids. B Labor, delivery nursing intrigues senior Baldwin
GATORLIFE 53 J By ZARIA SWINDELL Gator Media Staff Writer unior Malayah Hines, 16, said her favorite class at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School is history. “I have a class with my favorite (seniors) Zaria Swindell and Chynna Patrick,” said the Delco resident. Hines’ favorite teacher was former math instructor Diondre Graham, who she said kept her in line and made sure she was caught up with all of her school work. She said Patrick and Destiney Mitchell had been the biggest help to her at East. “They are basically family,” Hines said. “They helped me be more comfortable and able to be me, especially with sports.” Hines said her mother is her mentor. “My mom knows me better than anyone and she encourages me to do my best in everything I do. She is my biggest supporter.” Hines is known as one of the top players on East’s varsity girls basketball team. She won all-conference during her season last year. During the off-season, she plays AAU Basketball “My AAU team helps better me when I come back to my regular season,” she said, adding that the team, “also helps me build my character.” Hines is a musician in the ECJSHS band, playing the trumpet. Last year, she began thinking about her future. She wants to attend college, perhaps on a basketball scholarship. She isn’t sure where; her options are still open. Hines said she loves all of her East Class of 2024 friends. Basketball is a priority for Hines
GATORLIFE 54 Senior Breakfast East Colulmbus Junior-Senior High School kept up its tradition of parents hosting the annual senior breakfast in October. This page: Top left, Kailey Marlowe is helped by parents with her breakfast. Center, Addison Benson and Peyton Walker enjoy their morning meals. Above: Seniors and parents pose for a group image. Opposite page: Top left, Matthew George, Serenity Shufford and Kaley Mitchell. Top right, Jaxon Lunceford and Gary Chadwick. Bottom left: Chynna Patrick and Destiney Mitchell. Bottom right, Gavin Patrick and Landon Coyle.
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GATORLIFE 56 Story and Photo by JAYONNA SHAW Gator Media Staff Writer ixteen-year-old Tamira Brown wants to attend Winston Salem State University to major in political science. The Bolton resident says she likes the community at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School and the diversity of the student body. Her favorite memory at East will most likely be of participating in Columbus County’s Celebrate the Arts and in North Carolina Native American Youth Organization with her school. She says they were great experiences that helped her build longlasting friendships. Alina Freeman is Tamira’s favorite teacher even though she is now at a different school. She said Freeman encourages her to never give up and to be proud of who she is. Brown said instructor Sloan Deans and staffer Harrington Ward have helped her the most throughout her high school years. She said she knows she can go to them at any time and they will listen and offer good advice. Brown is a member of National Beta Club and the National Honor Society, and she serves as junior class president. She said she is a “proud member” of the Gator varsity cheerleading team and is part of the school’s new gospel choir, led by Ward. Her favorite activity at East is homecoming week because East provides fun school spirit activities. Brown’s favorite music genres are Country and Rhythm and Blues. She likes the television show STAR and the movie, The Girl Who Believed in Miracles. Her favorite food is chicken. Something people may not know about Brown is that she can sing. Brown describes herself as an “open book” so people shouldn’t be surprised when they learn anything about her. S Brown wants degree in political science
GATORLIFE 57 Montgomery considering career as veterinarian, hair stylist By MIGUEL ANDRADE Gator Media Staff Writer iegelwood resident Trinity Montgomery, 18, is a senior at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. She said her favorite class had been English III. “When Dr. (Jennifer) Davis teaches, she finds a way to make it fun for us to learn,” she said. Montgomery’s strongest class was animal science last year, and her weakest was math. Montgomery’s favorite teacher is Roleita McKoy, who is also her mentor. “She inspires me to try harder and to apply myself to do things that I never thought of,” Montgomery said. Her favorite activity was Swamp Chomp because it gave her a “nice break” from her classes. When Montgomery is not in school, she works at Hardee’s or spends time with her brother and his family. After high school Montgomery would like to attend college to be a veterinarian or a hair stylist. Montgomery likes Rhythm and Blues music, the film The Nun and the television show SpongeBob SquarePants. She enjoys eating crab legs and reading Junie B. Jones. Her favorite app is TikTok, and her favorite team is the Carolina Panthers. Something people would be surprised to learn about Montgomery is that, “It’s hard to explain, but once you get to know me, I’m a fun person to hang around in with.” A fear she has is of roller coasters. “They get to me,” she said. The straight-faced emoji best describes her because sometimes people hit a nerve with her and that would be her facial expression. R
GATORLIFE 58 By ARIANA ALVAREZ Gator Media Staff Writer griculture teacher Alicia Pickett is senior Isaac Dingle’s favorite teacher at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. “She’s the best,” said the 17-year-old Lake Waccamaw resident, who added that the thing he likes best about East is its teachers. “They are cool and fun,” he said. Dingle said his favorite memory at East will probably be of when he graduates. “It’s really exciting to think about,” he said. His favorite class has been physical education because he gets to hang out with his friends. Dingle’s strongest subject is Spanish and his weakest is math. Someone who inspires Dingle is Matthew George because, “he’s athletic, kind and fun to be around.” The one who has helped Isaac the most at East is high school counselor Brittany Edwards. “She’s always there when you need her,” he said. One of Dingle’s favorite activities at East is weightlifting. After graduation, he would like to attend school for interior design. Dingle’s favorite music is Rap, his favorite movie is Creed III, his favorite television show is The Regular Show and his favorite food is chicken His favorite book is James and the Giant Peach”, his favorite app is TikTok, his favorite team is the Atlanta Braves and his favorite game is GTA. The confused face emoji describes Dingle the best because he’s always questioning. Something people are surprised to learn about Dingle is that his racial makeup includes Asian lineage. His biggest fear is of losing both of his parents. A Dingle looking considering possibility of interior design
GATORLIFE 59 Story and Photo by CHAYLEE BRYANT Gator Media Staff Writer ourteen-year-old Jayden Floyd said his parents Tabatha Womble and Jonathan Floyd are his role models. They “inspire him to work hard in life.” The Whiteville resident said what he likes best about East Columbus Junior-Senior High School is its students. He described them as energetic comedians. Floyd said his favorite memories at school so far have been the conversations at the tables during lunch. He said they were entertaining and funny. He said classmate Jaliyah Brown has helped him the most at school. Brown has helped him open up to new people as a new person at a different school. He said his strongest subject is world history, because teacher Ebony Murchison teaches it in a more understanding way. World history is also his favorite class and Murchison, his favorite teacher. He said his accomplishments include earning good grades in school. His favorite activity at school is completing science experiments. “They are entertaining and interesting,” he said. His out-of-school activities include traveling with friends and family. Floyd said after he graduates, he wants to attend college at Howard University to become a real estate broker or to work in marketing. He said people are surprised when they learn that he used to play football. He said his biggest fear is of losing someone close to him. F Floyd: It’s either real estate or marketing
Story and Photo By CARLIE JACOBS Gator Media Staff Writer hiteville resident Madelyn Dyson’s favorite teacher at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School is Tonya Jacobs. The 13-year-old eighth-grader said she enjoys the way Jacobs teaches her class. Dyson said what she likes best about East are “all the opportunities being here brings.” She said her favorite memory so far will be of attending the varsity football and varsity volleyball games. Her favorite classes are math or science. Those are also her strongest subjects. Her weakest class is English language arts. Dyson said she is inspired the most by her family. “They are always here for me whenever I need them,” she said. She said she had been helped the most by junior high guidance counselor Cory Singletary, staffer Fred Pedro and teacher Dana Smith. “They are always right here to encourage me to keep going,” she said. Dyson’s accomplishments at East include serving as an active member of the National Beta Club. She is on East’s student council and will take ninth-grade classes next semester. Dyson’s out-of-school activities include working out at the gym and cleaning houses for money. After high school, Dyson wants to attend college, but she is not sure of which one. She wants to become a social worker who helps children who need homes. She loves Mexican food TikTok. She said her biggest fear is of being abandoned. “I’m just really scared of putting my all into someone and then they leave,” she said. She adds: “Never give up on something you love to do regardless of what people say about you.” Dyson wants to help children W
By DAMIAN CRUZ PEREZ Gator Media Staff Writer ake Waccamaw resident Luis Calderon, a freshman, has a love for East Columbus Junior-Senior High School’s physical education program. He said that all of the teachers, mentors and coaches within the program – especially Coach Douglas Skipper – have helped him learn much about various subjects dealing with calorie counting, endurance and respecting others. Throughout his eighth grade year he made many memories. His favorite memory was, “Being able to meet other people and getting to learn more.” In school, he excels in English while struggling some with math. Breaking Bad is his favorite television show while his top movie is Rocky II. He likes the diversity at East. Outside of school, Calderon can be found playing on his xBox or playing basketball. Some things that people may not know about Calderon is that he can raise his voice to an incredibly high pitch, he likes to be alone and he’s afraid of heights. Since he just began high school, he hasn’t thought much about his life post-high school and is hoping he will receive that guidance in years to come. His role models in life include his parents, for teaching him the value of hard work, his oldest sister, for showing him one needs to always try his or her absolute best, and staffer Ebony Murchison for teaching him and his classmates various life lessons that he’ll always remember. Calderon undecided on future L
By KIM FERNANDEZ Gator Media Staff Writer ast Columbus Junior-Senior High School junior Diego Perez is 16-yearold resident of Bolton. Perez’s favorite thing about school is high school counselor Brittany Edwards, who he called, “nice and friendly.” His favorite class is staffer Alicia Pickett’s agriculture course. Picket is his favorite teacher. Perez’ strongest subject is science and his weakest is math. His role model is his father because his father has been through so much. Perez’ favorite activity last year was Swamp Chomp. He called it a period of the day where he could let off some stress. His other favorite activities included art and technical engineering. His favorite activities outside of school include football, gaming and swimming. After graduation, Perez wants to enter the military, because it gives people benefits. His favorite genre of music is Rap. His favorite movie is Fast and Furious and his favorite television show is South Park. His favorite food is tacos and his favorite book is Wonder. His favorite game is Fortnite. The angry emoji best describes Perez because, “I always look angry.” His hidden talent is he can shake his eyes. Perez’ fear is of dying, but specifically not knowing where you go once you die. Perez may go military route E
GATORLIFE 63 Freeman looking to be a veterinarian … and a barrel racer Story and Photo by DANICA KERN Gator Media Staff Writer hirteen-year-old eighth-grader Brynlee Freeman loved her time on stage last spring when East Columbus Junior-Senior High School presented Disney’s The Descendants. It was her first time on stage and it ranks as her top memory so far. In addition to performing on stage, the Buckhead resident said her favorite thing about East is the sports. “I love playing sports,” Freeman said. “My heart is on the field and the court.” Dance is Freeman’s favorite class at East. She said that when she was a little girl, she took dance classes and fell in love with it. East’s dance instructor, Sloan Deans, is her favorite teacher. “She pushes you to your goals and is a very good dance teacher,” Freeman said. Her role models are this year’s Variety Volleyball team. “I look up to those girls and I hope to play like them one day,” she said. She said school nurse Lynn Worrell had helped her out the most at East. Freeman said that Worrell is like a mother to her and is just someone she can always talk to. Freeman's favorite thing about herself is that she is a part of the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe. Freeman’s primary activities at East are dance and soccer. Outside of school, she enjoys barrel racing. When she ends her high school career, Freeman wants to attend the University of North Carolina at T Pembroke. She wants to either be a veterinarian or a professional barrel racer. Her favorite music is a toss-up between Gospel and Rap. Miracle Season is her favorite movie while her top television shows are Stranger Things, Scream and Heartland. She enjoys eating pork chops and mac and cheese. The Kansas City Chiefs is her favorite team. One of her hidden talents is the ability to paint. Her biggest fear is of bugs because “they are shaped weird.”
GATORLIFE 64 Native American Cultural Day As part of National Native American Heritage Month, East Columbus Junior-Senior High School hosted a special assembly which featured guest speaker Zach Oxendine, far right, a member of the Lumbee Tribe. A U.S. Air Force veteran and 2014 Airman of the Year, the Microsoft engineer offered a motivational talk to East students. Also featured were the Waccamaw Siouan dancers including eighth-grader Brynlee Freeman, top center, staffer Fred Pedro, bottom center and eighth-grader Ian Mitchell, this page.
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GATORLIFE 66 By DANICA KERN Gator Media Staff Writer ast Columbus Junior-Senior High School eighth-grader Kayleigh Bryant’s favorite class is world history. “It isn't too hard, but it isn't too easy,” said the 13-year-old. Bryant said the best thing about East is, “We have good learning opportunities.” She said her favorite memory at East is probably going to be of attending all the sports games and talking to her teachers. Her strongest subject is English language arts and her weakest is math. Her two favorite teachers are Tonya Jacobs and Ebony Murchinson. “They are fun and make class more enjoyable,” she said. The person who has helped her most at East is instructor Dana Smith because she helped her with math. Her role model is her mother, Caswanna Larksey, because she gets a lot done and does a lot for her. Bryant’s favorite activity outside of school is hanging out with her family. Her favorite activity in school was gym class with Coach Douglas Skipper. Bryant wants to attend cosmetology school after high school to become a nail and lash tech professional. “It just feels right,” she said. Her favorite musician is Rod Wave and her favorite movie is Home. The Vampire Diaries is her favorite television show while pasta is her favorite food. She likes TikTok and iMessage Cup Pong. Bryant said the emoji with its tongue out best describes her because it is her favorite. E Bryant planning a career as a cosmetologist
S GATORLIFE 67 Story and Photo by JAYONNA SHAW Gator Media Staff Writer ixteen-year-old Riegelwood resident Brevion Johnson wants to attend college when he graduates from East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. The junior, who wants to be a welder, said the thing he likes best about his school is his friends. Johnson said his favorite class is Dr. Jennifer Smith’s English II class. He said she pushes him to do his best work and she was able to connect with her students. Smith is also Johnson’s favorite teacher. Johnson’s accomplishments include placement on the A/B honor roll, playing basketball and being a good swimmer. He is a member of the Men and Women United Youth Ambassador program. Johnson said his role model is Dave Chappelle because, “He is always smiling.” Johnson said that last year, former math instructor Diondre Graham had helped him the the most when he was a teacher at East Columbus. Johnson said Graham helped him realize that life isn’t a joke and he should take it more seriously. Johnson likes the movie Shark Boy and Lava Girl. He also likes Facebook, adding that it’s his favorite app to use. Johnson said his hidden talents are his swimming ability and how fun a person he is to be around. Johnson said the straight-faced emoji best describes him as he said, “What is funny?” Johnson wants to weld
GATORLIFE 68 Bt CARLIE JACOBS Gator Media Staff Writer ast Columbus Junior-Senior High School eighth grader Xavier King is a 14-year-old resident of the Riegelwood community. King said his favorite thing about East is the sports because he loves playing for East. His favorite class is weight training. “I love working on my body and bettering myself,” he said. His strongest subject happens to be math with instructor Tonya Jacobs and his weakest is reading. He said his favorite teacher is Coach Doug Skipper. “He is an amazing physical education coach who is easy to talk to and to get along with,” King said. King said it is Fred Pedro who inspires him the most. “He always pushes me to do my best at everything I do and to always work hard.” King’s accomplishments include being an active member of the National Beta Club and making the A/B honor roll. King's favorite activities at East include playing football, baseball and basketball. Outside of school, he enjoys baseball, basketball, dirt bikes, buying shoes and “last, but not least, mudding with four-wheelers.” After high school, King would like to attend a Division I college, play baseball and possibly be drafted into majors. He said people would be surprised to know that he doesn't talk a lot and has a “really good shoe game.” King’s biggest fear is of failure. “Failure happens, but I don't like failure so I work really hard,” he said. King added that his favorite Bible verse Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” King dreams of MLB E
GATORLIFE 69 Story and Photos by JAYONNA SHAW Gator Media Staff Writer ast Columbus Junior-Senior High School junior Jade Bright is choosing college as her future. The 16-year-old wants to get away, meet new people and achieve a higher education. Bright said her favorite thing about East is seeing her friends. She said her favorite memory at East will be of the day she graduates, because it will show her growth and all of her accomplishments. Dance and theatre instructor Sloan Deans is Bright’s favorite teacher. She said Deans is always there for her. Bright likens her to a “second mother.” Bright’s mother, Kimberly Freeman, is her mentor and she’s who inspires her. Bright said her mother has always been by her side and has always believed in her. Bright said it’s her friends at East who have helped her the most. She said they always push her to do her best and to never give up. Her biggest fear is of not accomplishing her goals, adding that she is always striving to do her best at completing those goals. Bright is on the East varsity cheerleading team. She said it is her favorite activity because she gets to be around the people she loves and it feels like an escape from her problems. Her favorite movie is Clueless and favorite app is TikTok. She loves chicken tenders and Hip Hop and Rhythm and Blues music. The Buckhead resident said her achievements include taking all honors classes, entry into the National Beta Club and consistent listings on the A/B honor roll. Outside of school, Bright works, babysits and applies eyelashes for people. She says the smiling emoji best describes her because she is always smiling, happy and in a good mood. E It’s college for Bright
GATORLIFE 70 Story and Photo by AARALYN SEARLES Gator Media Staff Writer ifteen-year-old Kyleigh Patrick said soccer is her favorite activity at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. “I love playing soccer, and it takes your mind off of things and it is just fun in general,” the sophomore said. She said the memory she will most likely take with her through the years will be of the school’s pep rallies. “I love the vibe and how everyone is having a good time and smiling,” she said. Since she is a dancer, it is only natural that her favorite class has been dance. “It is a fun class and we get to be creative with our dances,” she said. Patrick’s strongest subject is English and her weakest is history. She said history instructor and soccer coach Justin Furlow is her favorite teacher at East. “He is a teacher who I can go to and tell him anything that bothers me and he always helps me,” she said. Her activities outside of school include competitive dance. She is also active in cheerleading and volleyball. She said she loves all of the opportunities the school provides to be in parades for cheering. Patrick wants to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to major in studio art. She said that one of the people who has helped her the most at East is classmate William McDuffie. “He has helped me with my classes and has made me the best version of myself,” she said. Her accomplishments include a consistent presence on the A/B honor roll, serving as a freshman class homecoming representative last year and participating in she does All American Cheering. Patrick to pursue studio art F
GATORLIFE 71 Working toward a championship The East Columbus JuniorSenior High School middle school volleyball team has prevailed as conference champions. At a recent game, eighth-grader MaLaya Webb, left, serves the ball; seventhgrader Kynley Scott, lower right, returns a ball; and seventh-grader Journey Sutton, lower left, listens intently to the coach’s instructions.
GATORLIFE 72 Story and Photo by DONNIE EZZELL Gator Media Staff Writer olton resident Jacobi Howard is a 14-year-old student at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. The freshman is a member on the Gator varsity football team. He said his favorite things about East are being around his friends and learning new things. He wants to attend college so he can improve his chances for success in life. Howard is passionate about music and the National Football League. After graduating, he said he would like to pursue either one. He said he is “pretty good” at the piano or keyboard. His favorite games include Halo, GTA V and the Red Dead Redemption franchise. Howard’s biggest fear is of spiders. “I just don't mess with them,” he said. His strongest subjects are English language arts and history, while his weakest is math. His favorite teacher is Ebony Murchison. “She is more responsible than the rest of the teachers,” he said. Howard’s role model is Lucki. “He’s just relatable,” he said. His favorite music genre is Rhythm and Blues. Howard said the most surprising thing to learn about him is his list of favorite musical artists. “I don’t look like I would listen to them,” he said. He said his favorite memories at East will probably be of football games and participating in school events. His favorite football team is the Seattle Seahawks and his favorite movie is The Harder They Fall. He likes Tik Tok and Instagram. As for advice, Howard offered, “Don't worry about anything else except for what helps you with your future.” Howard thinking possible careers in NFL, music B
GATORLIFE 73 Story and Photo by GRAYCE COYLE Gator Media Staff Writer ast Columbus Junior-Senior High School freshman Braylon Waddell wants to continue his baseball career throughout college. The 14-year-old is a resident of Riegelwood. Waddell likes being able to see his friends at school. His favorite memory at East will probably be of baseball. “I get to play with my friends and it’s my favorite sport,” he said. His favorite class is physical education because he enjoys working out. Waddell’s strongest subject is math, while his weakest is world history. Waddell’s favorite teacher is former East staffer Alina Freeman. “She has helped me with a lot of things,” he said. His role models are his parents, because they inspire him to do good things. Tonya Jacobs is his favorite teacher because she has helped the most with his grades. Waddell’s accomplishments include membership in the National Beta Club and being classified as academically and intellectually gifted. His favorite activities at East are the sports. He enjoys staying active. Sports are his primary activities outside of school. Waddell’s plans after graduation include playing college baseball earning a degree and then continuing his career in baseball. Waddell’s favorite musicians are Lil Baby and SZA. His favorite movie is Barber Shop 2 and his favorite television show is Outer Banks. He loves chicken, he doesn’t have a favorite book and his favorite apps are Snapchat and TiktTok. His favorite team is the Atlanta Braves and his favorite game is MLB. The sunglasses emoji best describes him because, “I’m cool.” He said people would be surprised to learn that he is caring and is a good listener. His biggest fear is of getting hurt and not being able to play baseball. It’s baseball for Waddell E
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GATORLIFE 75 Gator Rainbow Gator Media advisor Fuller Royal caught this rainbow when he arrived at work one morning in October. It disappeared before he could find any leprechauns or pots of gold.
GATORLIFE 76 Story and Photo by DANICA KERN Gator Media Staff Writer atalee Kern is a seventh-grade student at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. The 12-year-old Lake Waccamaw resident said she thinks that her favorite memory of East will probably be of the senior prom. Her favorite thing at East so far is the middle school cheer team. She said her favorite class is dance with Sloan Deans because she “simply enjoys dancing.” Her strongest subject is science and her weakest is English language arts. Her favorite teacher is Angela McLean because “she is just so hilarious!” Her role model is her mother, Tabitha Kern, because she inspires Natalee to do her “very best in life.” She said her sister, Danica, has helped her the most at East Columbus because “she knows her way around.” Her accomplishments include being in the National Beta Club, and making the cheer team. Kern’s favorite activity at East is cheering with the middle school. She said she enjoys showing the folks her school spirit. Her favorite out-of-school activity is serving as an assistant coach for her younger sister’s soccer team. She would like to attend the University of Florida for early childhood education to become a preschool teacher. She loves the Barbie movie and enjoys listening to Pop music and scrolling through TikTok. She likes watching The Summer I Turned Pretty. Her favorite food is Mexican and her favorite game is softball. Kern loves dance N
GATORLIFE 77 Pancakes for soccer Players for East Columbus Junior-Senior High School’s women’s and men’s soccer teams spent a recent Saturday morning serving up all of the pancakes and bacon that supporters could eat at Hwy. 55 in Whiteville. The teams host the fundraiser each fall and spring. Top photo: Coach Justin Furlow handles the bacon. Bottom photo: Ariana Oppenheimer, Gemilia Calderon and Eduardo Calderon wait on customers.
GATORLIFE 78 Learning how to apply East Columbus Junior-Senior Hgh School seniors recently spent one morning in a CFNC-hosted workshop learning the dos and donts of applying to colleges. Top row, Madison Tolar and Trinity Montgomery. Second row, Christian King, Chloe Dorsey and Hannah King. Third row, Victoria Perdue, Addison Benson and Pablo Barrios. Fourth row, Leyla Jacobs, Maggie O’Brien and Brian Lopez. Fifth row, Serenity Shufford, Kaley Mitchell, Ashley Ballesteros, Matthew George, Josie Welch and George Nance.
GATORLIFE 79 Top row, Connor Sams and Payton Squires. Second row, Brittany Privott, CFNC regional representative, George Nance and Tristan Bellamy. Third row, Peyton Walker and Hayven Jacobs. Fourth row, Gary Chadwick and Brian Lopez. Fifth row: Jaycen Price, Joshua Martin, Ryleigh Baldwin and Kailey Marlowe.
GATORLIFE 80 Top row: Luis Colon and Connor Honeycutt. Second row: Caleb Patrick and Yahir Cruz Jaimes. Third row: Kimberly Hernandez and Korey Beatty. Fourth row: Jaxon Lunceford and Landon Coyle. Fifth row: Destiney Mitchell and Chynna Patrick.
GATORLIFE 81 First row, Cadence Jacobs and Alexandria Patrick. Second row: Rakeem Jones, Makayla Carter and Hayven Jacobs. Third row: Gavin Patrick and Pablo Barrios. Fourth row: C. J. Waddell and Yasmin Alvarado. Fifth row: Ariana Alvarez and George Nance.
GATORLIFE 82 Photos by ARIANA OPPENHEIMER A day at NCSU East Columbus Junior-Senior High School students enjoyed a soccer match in Raleigh between Notre Dame and Clemson earlier this month. The 77 students were on a college visit to North Carolina State University. Clockwise from top left: Pablo Barrios, Noah Dibble, Kaiden Freeman, Bryce Jenkins, Jennifer Rivas, Gabriel Hutchings and Robert Lewis, center.
By DONNIE EZZELL Gator Media Staff Writer achary Oppenheimer is a freshman at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. The Whiteville resident said his favorite activities at East are playing football and lifting weights. His best subject is math and his weakest is English. The thing he likes best about East is his group of friends He said his favorite teacher is Coach Douglas Skipper “He is chill,” Oppenheimer said, adding that Skipper had also helped him the most at East. He said his mentor at East has been junior Joshua Jacobs, who he said has inspired and motivated him to do better in football. Football is his favorite sport. His accomplishments include being on the principal’s list. Outside of school, Oppenheimer likes to fish and to work out. His plans after graduation include playing college football. His favorite music is Rap and his favorite movie is Hustle. He enjoys watching All American and eating sushi. The top book he has read is Against All Odds. His likes Instagram and playing Madden NFL. He is a fan of the Miami Dolphins. The winking emoji best describes him because he said he is always flirting. One of Oppenheimer’s hidden talents is his ability to play chess. He said he genuine and caring person when it comes to the people he cares about. He said his biggest fear is of losing his cool while playing football. Oppenheimer looks to gridiron for future Z
GATORLIFE 84 For the East Columbus Junior-Senior High School senior trick-or-treat event on Halloween Tuesday, several dozen members of the Class of 2024 wore costumes. None were more perfectly chosen for their owners than these three: From left, Pablo Barrios is spot-on as one of the Super Mario Bros. Center, Joshua Martin brings Where’s Waldo’s titular hero to life. And right, Erick Garcia channels the spirit of late PBS artist and “Happy Cloud” expert, Bob Ross. One Last Look …