March, 2026 Volume III, Issue 3Jean-DavidWaters lookingto Utah forcollegePage 70Also in this issue …Asher GodwinDrake HarperKylie NorrisEaston McPhersonYoanna K.M. GoreGabriel HutchingsMaycee TickleAnnsley RussAdyson CarrollA Publication of Fuller Royal Photography
2 Dear Readers,Welcome to the 17th issue of Students to Watch Magazine. Here we presentportraits and stories of 10 students. Students to Watch has been a huge successfor our studio and it is something I enjoy creating every month.Parents are always looking for meaningful ways to build confidence andcelebrate who their children are becoming – not just what they accomplish.Being featured in Students to Watch gives students a platform to be seen,heard and valued. It’s more than a photo session; it’s a professionally writtenand photographed feature that highlights personality, passions, leadership,creativity, athletics, academics and character.In a world where so much attention is filtered through social media, thismagazine offers something lasting and tangible – a beautifully craftedspotlight that affirms a young person’s story and helps them recognize theirown potential.Students to Watch is open to any student – public, private, charter,homeschool – because every student has a story worth telling. Parents whoencourage their children to participate are investing in confidence,communication skills, and positive self-image during some of the mostformative years of life.The experience itself becomes a milestone: being interviewed,professionally photographed and published in a respected regionalpublication. Years from now, families will look back on that feature as asnapshot of growth, dreams, and identity – a reminder that their student wasseen not just for what they did, but for who they were becoming.Everyone has a story whether it’s in the arts, academics, athletics orvocations. Let us tell yours.Fuller Royal Photographyis celebrating its 37th year ofportrait service to the community.
3This month’s issuefeatures East ColumbusJunior-Senior HighSchool senior Jean-DavidWaters. A seasonedtraveller, Waters plans toattend college in Utah fora business degree. See hisstory on page 70.About theCoverINSIDEVolume III, Issue 3March, 2026Published Monthly byFuller RoyalPhotography910.770.1834622 S. Madison StreetWhiteville, N.C. 284726 Asher Godwin16 Drake Harper30 Kylie Norris40 Easton McPherson50 Yoanna K.M. Gore60 Gabriel Hutchings70 Jean-David Waters80 Maycee Tickle90 Annsley Russ102 Adyson Carroll910.770.1834
Under the direction of Central Middle School band director WayneLinton, the Columbus Community Band performs during a February 15concert at Southeastern Community College. The band’s 45 membersinclude middle school, high school and college students as well ascommunity members. Several of those students include, top row,from left: Asa Gore, Kevin Medina, Brayden Cartrette, Eli Williamsonand Jackson DeMoss. 4
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He’s Built for the Court: AsherStory and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALfamiliar hallway, lifelongfriendships and the echo ofbasketballs in the gym defineAsher Godwin’s middle schoolexperience.The 14-year-old eighth grader atWilliams Township School has walkedthe same campus since kindergarten.That consistency, he says, is whatmakes it special.“Everyone knows everybody,”Godwin said. “It’s like a family.”Now, with a new gym on campus,he’s looking forward to pep rallies andschool events that bring studentstogether in a bigger way. School spiritand sports are at the center of his days,especially when it comes to basketball.Godwin plays both boys basketballand boys soccer and serves as treasurerof the eighth grade student council. Butbasketball, above all, fuels his passion.Gym class and pickup games withfriends rank as his favorite parts of theschool day.His connection to the game runsdeep. Since the age of 5, Godwin hasserved as a basketball manager underCoach Bryant Edwards for three highschool teams. He even experienced astate championship run at LumbertonHigh School in 2020 — a memory thatstill motivates him.“He’s taught me a lot about thegame and life,” Godwin said ofEdwards. “He’s prepared me for whathigh school will be like.”AStory Continued on Page 96
Godwin’s Middle School JourneyThis eighth-grader balances leadership,faith and basketball dreams.7
8 Godwin playsboth boysbasketball andboys soccerand serves astreasurer ofthe eighthgrade studentcouncil. Butbasketball,above all,fuels hispassion.
9Godwin’s strongest subjects areEnglish and math, though math standsout as his favorite because of hishomeroom teacher, Mrs. McPherson. Healso credits Cydell Godwin, who taughthim third grade and eighth gradeEnglish language arts, as one of hisfavorite teachers. Heather Godwin, whotaught him for three years, has been oneof his biggest supporters.Science presents more of achallenge, but Godwin approaches itwith the same work ethic that defines hisathletic pursuits. His dedication shows inhis accomplishments, including A-BHonor Roll recognition and perfectattendance — something he considersone of his proudest achievements.Outside of school, Godwin playsrecreational and travel basketball andstays involved in youth group atBeaverdam OFWB Church. His faithplays a central role in his life, and hisfavorite book is the Bible, particularlyPhilippians 4:13.“Put God first in everything,” hesaid, reflecting on lessons he’s learned.When he’s not on the court, Godwinenjoys playing PS5 and has a knack forStory Continued on Page 10
fixing computers and electronics — ahidden talent that surprises someclassmates.Looking ahead, he hopes to playbasketball at the next level or become acoach. College remains part of his plan,along with working hard and continuingto grow both on and off the court.His greatest strength? Three-pointshots — and perhaps just as importantly,perseverance.Grounded in family, fueled by faithand driven by a love for the game,Godwin is preparing for high school withconfidence — ready to take the next shotwhen the opportunity comes.10
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12 910.770.1834622 SOUTH MADISON STREETDOWNTOWN WHITEVILLEWe’re lookingfor Class of ‘27Senior Model Reps
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This Page: South Brunswick High School senior HarrisonGable focuses on ripping a crosscourt forehand returnduring play with Whiteville High School. Opposite Page:Whiteville High School freshman Jackson Borenprepares for his serve.14
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SStory and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALchool spirit, sports and a heart forservice define Drake Harper’smiddle school years. The 12-yearold seventh grader at WilliamsTownship says what he loves most aboutschool is the way teachers make eachday engaging.“Our teachers always make theschool day fun,” Harper said. “Whetherit’s a project or an outdoor experiment.”Health and physical education tophis list of favorite classes, largelybecause of Coach Clint Watts, whoHarper describes as encouraging,honest and motivating. Watts, who alsocoaches sports, is someone Harper looksup to both on and off the field.“He always encourages us to do ourbest,” Harper said. “He’s positive butalso gives us the hard truth.”Harper’s strongest subject is math,while English language arts presentsmore of a challenge. When he needshelp, he knows exactly where to turn —his aunt, April Smith, who also happensto be his science teacher.“If I ever need help with homework,she’s always there,” he said.One teacher who left a lasting markon Harper was Sheila Lanier, his firstgrade teacher during virtual learning inthe pandemic. Harper remembers herfor making students feel capable ofanything.“She made everyone feel like wecould be or do anything,” he said.Beyond academics, Harper thrivesin leadership and athletics. He was votedseventh grade public relations officerand played on the middle school footballteam. Pep rallies rank among hisfavorite school events because of theenergy and unity they bring.“I love seeing everyone cometogether to cheer on our teams,” he said.Encouragement from teachers andfamily shapes one student’s path.Faith, Football and Fun:Drake Harper’s Story16 Story Continued on Page 19
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“Our teachersalways make the schoolday fun.”19Outside of school, Harper enjoysriding his four-wheeler, playing ball withfriends and helping his grandparents intheir garden. He has played recreationalbaseball since he was 4 years old. Hisinterests extend to travel as well —Yellowstone National Park tops his bucketlist.Harper is also proud of his faith,including being baptized at his church. Hesays one of his greatest strengths is hisdesire to help others, a quality that shapeshis future plans.After high school, Harper hopes toattend college, coach Little League andvolunteer with his local fire and EMSdepartment. It’s a future rooted inleadership, service and communityinvolvement.When he’s relaxing, Harper enjoyswatching “Young Sheldon,” reading the“Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series andlistening to country music — especiallyMorgan Wallen, whose concert was hisfirst.Grounded in faith, fueled by sportsand motivated by service, Harper isalready building a foundation that reacheswell beyond middle school.
20 Harper isalso proudof his faith,includingbeingbaptized athis church.He saysone of hisgreateststrengths ishis desireto helpothers, aquality thatshapes hisfutureplans.
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23To view, download or order any issue ofStudents to Watch Magazine, visit www.fullerroyalphotography.com.
24 This Page: WHS sophomore Evan Devalle follows hisreturn volley to his South Brusnwick High Schoolopponent in recent play. Opposite Page: Whiteville HighSchool senior Kevin Lopez reacts following a slamacross the court.
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This Page: South Brunswick High School junior JosephSatterwhite covers the court with quick footwork toreturn a ball during play with Whiteville High School.Opposite Page: South Brunswick junior Tanner Sawchukchecks the location of the ball after a powerfulforehand return.28
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31Story Continued on Page 33From the Court to Care:Kylie Norris Sets HerSights on NursingVolleyball standout plans a future inlabor and delivery nursing. EStory and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALnergy fills the gym when KylieNorris steps onto the volleyballcourt, but her impact at SouthColumbus High School goes far beyondthe scoreboard.The 16-year-old junior thrives onschool spirit and athletics, two thingsshe says define her high schoolexperience. Whether cheering in thestands or competing on the court, Norrisvalues the sense of unity sports bring tocampus.“I love our school spirit and sports,”Norris said.Volleyball, in particular, has shapedher high school years. She has playedsince seventh grade and continues tocompete both for her school and with theGrand Strand Juniors Volleyball Clubtravel team. The sport offers more thancompetition — it provides connection.“I’ve always had a lot of fun playingwith my friends,” she said.Her dedication paid off during the2024 season when she received theCoach’s Award, an honor recognizingleadership, effort and commitment.Norris also takes pride in maintainingstrong grades, balancing academics withathletics.In the classroom, math stands out asher favorite and strongest subject.“I’ve always been good at it,” shesaid.English presents more of achallenge, but Norris credits thosearound her for helping her grow. Herfriend Bristol Parker has been a steadysource of support, often taking extratime to explain concepts when needed.Norris also speaks highly of CoachJenna Wallace, who taught civics andmade the subject engaging andenjoyable.“She’s always been someone I cantalk to,” Norris said.Beyond sports and academics,Norris is a member of Beta Club andremains focused on expanding herlearning opportunities. She hopes herschool continues to offer more academicexperiences for students eager to grow.Family plays a major role in hermotivation. She looks up to her cousins,
Baylee and Brennan Stewart, who shesays have set strong examplesthroughout her life.After graduation, Norris plans toattend Southeastern CommunityCollege to earn her associate degree innursing. Her long-term goal is to becomea labor and delivery nurse andeventually start a family of her own.“Success means achieving my goalsand being happy in life,” she said.Grounded in faith and driven bykindness, Norris believes the worldcould use more compassion.“People need to know more aboutJesus and be more kind,” she said.With determination on the court,focus in the classroom and a heart forhelping others, Norris is building afuture defined by service, strength andspirit.32
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35With determinationon the court, focus inthe classroom and aheart for helpingothers, Norris isbuilding a futuredefined by service,strength and spirit.
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This Page: South Brunswick junior Kaden Edwardsmeets the ball for a return to a Whiteville High Schoolplayer in doubles action. Opposite Page: Whiteville HighSchool senior Creek Hyatt goes airborne for a powerfuloverhead smash.38
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History Buff,Athlete,Future Electrician:Easton McPherson F40 This SCHS senior reflects on sports, schooland plans for a hands-on career.Story and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALriendships, Friday night lights and alove of history have shaped EastonMcPherson’s high school journey.The 17-year-old senior at SouthColumbus High School says the relationshipshe has built over the years stand out most.“The friendships,” McPherson saidsimply, when asked what he likes best abouthis school.While he wishes the school offered moresports opportunities, McPherson has madethe most of his time, earning athletic awardsand becoming a member of Beta Club. Sportsremain his favorite activity, giving him acompetitive outlet and a chance to representhis school.In the classroom, history is where hefeels most at home. McPherson enjoyslearning about past eras and understandinghow earlier generations shaped the worldtoday. It is also his strongest subject. Math,by contrast, has been more challenging —but one he works through withdetermination.He credits Mrs. Peggy Smith as one ofhis favorite teachers, saying she helpedhim learn the most during his time inschool. More broadly, McPherson points tohis teachers as the biggest help in hiseducational journey.“They help me learn more every day,”he said.Outside of school, McPherson enjoyshunting, a hobby that reflects hisappreciation for the outdoors. Whether inthe woods or on the field, he takes pride inhis athletic ability — something heconsiders one of his greatest strengths,along with being hardworking.His role models are his parents, whoseexample guides his work ethic and outlookon life.Story Continued on Page 45
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43In the classroom,history is where hefeels most at home.McPherson enjoyslearning about pasteras and understandinghow earlier generationsshaped the world today.
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45Looking ahead, McPherson plansto pursue a career in the electricalfield. After graduation, he hopes towork for Duke Energy and eventuallybecome an electrician — a goal thataligns with his practical mindset andhands-on interests.When asked what success meansto him, McPherson keeps itstraightforward.“Succeeding in life,” he said.If he could change one thingabout the world, he added with asmile, it would be to make thingsmore affordable.Grounded in friendship, fueledby determination and focused on thefuture, McPherson is ready to takethe next step beyond SouthColumbus — carrying lessons fromthe classroom, the field and thepeople who helped shape him.
46 910.770.1834622 SOUTH MADISON STREETDOWNTOWN WHITEVILLEWe’re lookingfor Class of ‘27Senior Model Reps
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This Page: South Brunswick High School junior LiamBaker concentrates on a return volley during recent playagainst Whiteville High School. Opposite Page: WHSsenior Hugo Reyes chases down a deep return.48
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TStory and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALervice isn’t just something Yoana K. M. Goredoes — it’s who she is. The 17-year-old senior atWest Bladen High School has built her highschool experience around helping others,whether on the sidelines of the girls basketball team,in leadership meetings for Key Club or planning tolace up her cleats for soccer this spring. For Gore,school is more than academics. It is a place to serve.“I like that my school has a culture of service,”Gore said.As vice president of Key Club and manager forthe girls basketball team, Gore finds purpose insupporting others. Working with younger playersgives her a sense of pride and responsibility.“It gives me a sense of pride to help and supportthe team,” she said. “I enjoy being there for theyounger girls.”Though she recently transitioned to West Bladenthis school year, Gore carries with her the influenceof teachers who helped guide her through difficultseasons. Natasha Watson, a teacher from herprevious school, encouraged her to stay focused evenwhile navigating family challenges. Janel HarrisHamiel also played a significant role, offering steadyencouragement and reminding her to remaincommitted to her education.Academically, math stands out as Gore’s favoriteand strongest subject. She enjoys working withFaith, Leadership and Law: YoanaFrom Key Club to the basketball sidelines,Story Continued on Page 54S50