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Story and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALhe gym lights, the roar ofteammates and the energy ofcompetition feel like home forAdyson Carroll. The 13-year-old eighthgrader at Bladenboro Middle School hasbuilt her middle school experiencearound athletics, friendships and faith.Whether she’s stepping onto a soccerfield, volleyball court or softball diamond,Carroll thrives in environments whereteamwork and determination cometogether.“Playing sports and seeing myfriends,” Carroll said, when asked whatshe likes most about school.Carroll is involved in an impressivelist of activities. She plays soccer,volleyball, basketball, softball and cheers,while also participating in Beta Club andhelping prepare performances for theorganization’s state convention. Outsideof school, she competes in travel softballwith the MOJO organization and staysactive in the kids ministry at New LightChurch in Bladenboro.Sports have brought her significantrecognition. Carroll has earnedSuperintendent’s List honorsacademically and received awards suchas All-Conference, soccer top scorer,basketball MVP and best hitter in103 TDriven by Sports and Faith:Adyson Carroll at BladenboroThis multi-sport athlete sets hersights on college softball and medicine.Story Continued on Page 104
Story and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALkin Blackwell’s world, hunting seasonis about more than the pursuit – it’sabout time, trust and tradition. The 12-year-old sixth grader at West ColumbusSchool was introduced to hunting byhis father, who took him into the woodsrunning dogs and learning firsthandwhat it means to respect the outdoors.From the beginning, hunting becameless about the game and more aboutshared moments.“What I enjoy most is being withmy dad and being outdoors,” Blackwellsaid.Blackwell primarily hunts deer,drawn to the teamwork andexcitement of running dogs. His mostmemorable experience came early –the first time he shot a deer. Althoughthe animal was never found, theexperience left a lasting impression.“It was so much fun trackinghim,” Blackwell said.Safety, however, always comesfirst. Blackwell says the mostimportant rule he follows is keepinghis gun on safety at all times. Heunderstands that hunting requiresresponsibility, patience and constantawareness.“Just because you go huntingvolleyball.“I love playing sports,” she said.In the classroom, social studies standsout as her favorite subject because of itsfocus on history and current events.Coach Steve Thurman, who teaches theclass, is one of her favorite teachers.“He makes it fun and interesting andalways makes us laugh,” Carroll said.Reading is her strongest academicsubject, while math is more challenging.“I’m not a numbers person,” she saidwith a laugh. “Although I wish I wasbetter in math.”Beyond academics and athletics,Carroll values the guidance of coaches,teachers and family. She credits basketballcoach Hayley Baxley as someone she canalways count on for support. At home, herparents serve as her biggest role models.“They are hard workers and they doso much for me and my brother,” she said.Faith also plays a central role in herlife. Carroll says she is proud of theperson she is becoming — as a student,athlete and friend — and attributes muchof that to her relationship with Christ.“I love Jesus and want to share himwith others through how I live my life,”she said.When she isn’t practicing or104 Story Continued on Page 107
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106 Faith also plays a centralrole in her life. Carroll saysshe is proud of the personshe is becoming — as astudent, athlete and friend —and attributes much of thatto her relationship withChrist.
107competing, Carroll enjoys going to thebeach, making TikTok videos withfriends and relaxing with music.Country music is her favorite, thanks inpart to her dad introducing her tolegends like Hank Williams Jr. andGeorge Jones, along with newer artistslike Megan Moroney.Looking ahead, Carroll has biggoals. She hopes to play college softballand eventually pursue a career as apediatrician.No matter where her future leads,Carroll hopes to continue building a lifecentered on faith, hard work andhelping others — both on and off thefield.
Class of 2027 high school juniors whowant their senior year to stand out shouldtake a serious look at becoming SeniorModel Reps with Fuller Royal Photography.Being a model rep isn’t just about greatphotos – it’s about being a leader and a facefor your school’s senior class.Reps get the chance to represent theirhigh school, build confidence in front of thecamera, and be part of a fun, creativeexperience that kicks off senior year in amemorable way.As a Senior Model Rep, students gainaccess to exclusive photo sessions, uniquelocations, and creative concepts that go farbeyond a standard senior portrait.It’s a chance to express personality,style, and individuality while working witha photographer who has decades ofexperience capturing seniors at their veryFuller Royal Photography seekingClass of 2027 Senior Model Reps108 Story Continued on Page 111
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best.Model Reps also receive special perks,opportunities for publication and theexcitement of seeing their images shared andcelebrated throughout the year.Perhaps most importantly, the SeniorModel Rep experience helps juniors step intosenior year with confidence and momentum.It encourages leadership, responsibility,and school pride – qualities that colleges,employers, and communities value.By signing up with Fuller RoyalPhotography, juniors aren’t just booking aphoto session; they’re joining a team, tellingtheir story, and starting senior year with anexperience they’ll remember long aftergraduation.Call to sign up. 910.770.1834111
112Looking BackFourteen years ago, we were the first studioto photograph the beautiful Bladen Countynative Maachah. Since then, she has gone on topose for dozens of the stateʼs top photographers.Book your session today.910.770.1834BSA Troop 19 Eagle Scout Jason Stine leads the audience inthe Scout Oath and Scout Law during the 2026 Investment inCharacter Leadership Luncheon at UNC-Wilmington’s BurneyCenter earlier this month. Stine, a senior at North BrunswickHigh School, is the Klahican Lodge chief and an Order of theArrow Vigil Scout. More than 450 guests were present at theluncheon to hear the guest speaker, former Duke basketballplayer Christian Laettner.