Gore’s Vision for the Future Gore finds purpose in helping others.51
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53Beyond the classroom, Gore isactive in her church at Northwood,where her faith remains central toher identity. She credits her aunt andgrandmother as role models whoconsistently show her how tohandle life’s circumstances in aGodly way.
numbers and often connects them tofinancial concepts, imagining howmathematics applies to real-worlddecisions. Social studies presents more ofa challenge, but she approaches it with thesame determination she applieselsewhere.Beyond the classroom, Gore is activein her church at Northwood, where herfaith remains central to her identity. Shecredits her aunt and grandmother as rolemodels who consistently show her how tohandle life’s circumstances in a Godlyway.“My faith in Jesus is what I’m mostproud of,” she said.Gore’s vision for service extendsbeyond her current roles. She wishes herschool offered a community closet andpantry to support students in need — aresource open to anyone, but especiallyhelpful for those who may lack food orclothing.Looking ahead, Gore plans to attendWest Virginia University with the longterm goal of studying law and becomingan attorney. Education remains apriority, and she hopes to build a careerthat allows her to make a meaningfuldifference.Success, to Gore, is not defined bymoney or status.“Success to me is following what Iknow God wants me to do,” she said. “IfI’ve been faithful and I’m healthy andprospering, that’s success.”If she could change one thing aboutthe world, it would be the way peopletreat one another.“I wish people were kinder,” shesaid. “Families should be closer andmore loving.”Grounded in faith, motivated byservice and guided by compassion, Goreis preparing not only for college — butfor a life devoted to helping others.54
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This Page: Whiteville High School senior JorgeHernandez punches a crisp return during recent playagainst South Brunswick High School. Opposite Page:Wolfpack freshman Crisztof Bacud snaps a quick volleyreturn.58
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Loyal, Driven, Determined:Gabriel Hutchings at East C61Automotive skills and athletic camaraderieshape Hutchings’ journey.Story Continued on Page 64Story and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALleats scraping across the field underFriday night lights, Gabriel Hutchingsfound more than a game — he foundbelonging. The 17-year-old EastColumbus High School senior says playingfor the Gators soccer team stands out as thedefining moment of his high schoolexperience.The camaraderie, the competition andthe shared pursuit of improvement shapednot only his athletic career, but his character.“Soccer — it’s the camaraderie,”Hutchings said.Described by his closest friends as loyal,sarcastic and smart — a trio he agrees with— Hutchings has built his high school yearsaround perseverance and self-discipline.Whether on the field, in the classroom or ona job site, he prides himself on adapting tochallenges rather than backing down.“I adapt and overcome,” he said. “As longas you don’t stop trying, you haven’t given upthe opportunity to succeed.”Hutchings’ favorite class is automotivetechnology, where hands-on learning meetsreal-world application. Under the mentorshipof Arthur Moore, the automotive instructor,Hutchings gained both technical skills andleadership insight. He also credits JustinFurlow, his Spanish teacher and soccercoach, for bringing positive energy and lifelessons into the classroom and onto thefield.Beyond athletics and automotive work,Hutchings stepped onto a different kind ofstage when he performed in a school play.The experience pushed him outside hiscomfort zone and taught him that growthoften comes through repetition andvulnerability.“It’s only embarrassing the first time,”he said.Family remains his foundation.Hutchings points to his grandfather —whom he calls his “papa” — as his greatestinfluence. From him, Hutchings learnedthat strength and kindness are notopposites, and that hard work always paysoff. A quieter but equally meaningfulroutine is Sunday morning coffee with hismother, a small tradition that grounds him.Outside school, Hutchings stays busyworking, building projects, fishing andworking out. He is a member of theNational Honor Society and Beta Club,accomplishments he counts among his
62 Family remains his foundation.Hutchings points to hisgrandfather — whom he calls his“papa” — as his greatest influence.From him, Hutchings learned thatstrength and kindness are notopposites.
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proudest achievements. Many might besurprised to learn he can operate heavyequipment and level a house — skills thatreflect both responsibility and trust.Looking ahead, Hutchings plans toattend a four-year college to studystructural engineering. With graduationapproaching, he feels ready for the nextstep.“I’m excited that I’m graduatingsoon,” he said.His greatest strength, he believes, isperseverance — the determination tokeep moving forward no matter theobstacle. When he leaves EastColumbus, Hutchings hopes to beremembered fondly, as someone whoworked hard, stayed loyal and focusedon becoming better each day.“Right now, I’d describe myself asan independent, hardworking youngman,” he said.And as he steps into the nextchapter, that steady drive may be hisgreatest asset of all.64
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69Introducing OurNew 20-Image11x14 AlbumYour Favorite 20Poses Enhancedand Retouched inAll Their Glory asFull 11x14 Prints
From East Columbus toNew Horizons: Jean-DavidWaters’ Next ChapterStory Continued on Page 74Honors classes, basketball and familysupport shape one student’s journey.70 Story and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALriendships often define highschool, but for Jean-David Waters,they also represent growth,resilience and preparation forwhat lies ahead. As graduationapproaches, the 17-year-old EastColumbus High School senior reflects lesson individual accomplishments and moreon the people who shaped his journey.“When I got to meet all my friends,”Waters said, recalling the moment thatstands out most from his high schoolexperience.Described by his closest friends askind, helpful and funny — qualities heagrees with — Waters values therelationships that have kept himgrounded. He understands how muchinfluence a circle can have and offerssimple advice to younger studentsnavigating their own path.“Watch who you surround yourselfwith,” he said.Academically, Waters has challengedhimself with honors and college-levelcourses, an accomplishment he considersone of his proudest achievements.Science stands as his favorite subject,drawn to its formulas and structuredfacts. Chemistry, however, pushed himto grow.“It taught me to take my time,” hesaid.Waters credits Mrs. TaraWilliamson, who taught him English,and Ms. Sejas, his math teacher, as twoeducators who made a lasting impact.Their guidance helped him balancecoursework while staying focused onlong-term goals.Basketball provides an outletbeyond the classroom. The game offersdiscipline, energy and a way to resetwhen stress builds. When things don’tgo as planned, Waters pauses, regroupsand collects his thoughts before movingforward.Family remains his strongestsource of motivation. He says hismother has been the biggest influencein his life, continually encouraging himto pursue his ambitions. Even smalldaily routines matter — like alwayssaying goodbye to his grandmother —reminders of the support system behindhim.F
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Story Continued on Page 5973Basketball provides an outletbeyond the classroom. The gameoffers discipline, energy and away to reset when stress builds.When things don’t go as planned,Waters pauses, regroups andcollects his thoughts beforemoving forward.
Waters has earned recognition onthe Principal’s List and A/B HonorRoll, but adaptability may be his mostdefining trait. Having lived in morethan five states, he learned early how toadjust to new environments, meet newpeople and find his footing quickly.Looking ahead, Waters plans toattend the University of Utah to pursuea degree in business. While hedescribes himself as motivated but stillexploring his long-term direction, onegoal remains clear: earning his degreeand building a successful future.“I’m excited for college,” he said.When he walks across the stage atgraduation, Waters hopes to beremembered as a role model —someone who stayed focused, treatedothers well and embraced changewith confidence. His path may still beunfolding, but his drive to keepmoving forward is already firmly inplace.74
Story and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALouth Columbus High School offersMadalyn Norris the kind of balanceshe thrives on. The 14-year-oldfreshman appreciates the mix ofchallenging academics, teachers whopush her to grow and the energy andteamwork she finds throughcheerleading.She said it is a combination ofeverything that makes the schoolspecial: the academics that challengeher, the teachers who support her, andthe cheerleading that gives her energyand allows for teamwork.“I wish my school offered more75
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This Page: Green Sea-Floyds Middle School eighth-graderLane Harris follows the trajectory of his ball during play at theVineland Golf Course in Whiteville. Opposite Page: WhitevilleHigh School sophomore Landon Clifton is locked in on thetarget line.78
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TCountry Roots and CloseFamily: Maycee Tickle’sMiddle School StorySocial studies, dance and countrymusic define Tickle’s interests.Story and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALime outdoors, country music andclose family connections shapeMaycee Tickle’s middle schoolyears. The 12-year-old seventhgrader at West Columbus Middle Schoolenjoys the simple things most — spendingtime with family and friends and beingoutside whenever she can.“I love spending time with family andfriends,” Tickle said.At school, social studies stands out asher favorite subject. While math presentsmore of a challenge, she continuesworking to improve and stay focused.Outside the classroom, she enjoys danceand being active outdoors, activities thatreflect her energetic personality.Family plays an important role inTickle’s life. She looks up to her mother,who she says inspires her daily. Whetherthrough encouragement or example, hermom remains her biggest role model.When she’s relaxing at home, Tickleenjoys watching “Chicago Fire,” drawnto its action and drama. She also lovesreading — especially books about horses— and listening to country music.Her interests reflect a balancebetween adventure and creativity: timeoutside, dancing and enjoying goodstories.As she continues through middleschool, Tickle is building her interestsand discovering her strengths, groundedin family support and a love for theoutdoors.81
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84 Family plays an important role inTickle’s life. She looks up to hermother, who she says inspires herdaily. Whether throughencouragement or example, hermom remains her biggest role model.
“Success means working hard andhitting the goal you’ve been trying toaccomplish.”85
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88 This Page: East Columbus Junior-Senior High School seniorJonah Webb sends his ball toward the green. Opposite Page:Whiteville High School junior Izaac Elkins concentrates on theputt.
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HRooted in History, Readyfor the Future: Annsley RussStory Continued on Page 93A sixth grader balances academics,athletics and strong family support.Story and PhotosBy FULLER ROYAListory books, softball fields andstrong family ties shape AnnsleyRuss’ middle school years. The12-year-old sixth grader atHallsboro Elementary School says whatshe loves most about her school is thecloseness between students and teachers— and the fact that her mom teachesthere, too.“I love how close everyone is,” Russsaid. “And I love that my mama is ateacher at my school.”That sense of connection carries intothe classroom, where history stands outas both her favorite and strongestsubject. Russ enjoys learning about thepast and often gravitates toward booksand stories rooted in real events. The ISurvived series ranks among herfavorites because it blends history withpowerful storytelling.Math presents more of a challenge,91
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but Russ approaches it withdetermination. She credits both hermom — her biggest supporter — andMrs. Kissam for helping her grow moreconfident, especially when it comes tospeaking up in class.“She’s helped me find myself andbe more comfortable speaking,” Russsaid of Mrs. Kissam.Russ also names Mrs. Zickafooseand Mrs. Graham among her favoriteteachers, pointing to the positiverelationships she’s built along the way.Outside the classroom, recess,physical education and group projectstop her list of favorite school activities.She enjoys time with friends and thechance to stay active.Sports play a major role in her lifebeyond school as well. Russ competes inrecreational softball and volleyball andloves being outdoors, working out andstaying active.When she’s relaxing, she enjoyswatching Outer Banks and listening tocountry music. The movie Selena is afavorite, inspired by her interest inbiography and stories of perseverance.Russ looks up most to her mother,whose example continues to guide herboth at school and at home.Grounded in family, energized bysports and inspired by history, Russ ismaking the most of her middle schoolyears — one chapter at a time.93
94 Sports play a major role in her lifebeyond school as well. Russcompetes in recreational softballand volleyball and loves beingoutdoors, working out and stayingactive.
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100 This Page: East Columbus Junior-Senior High School seniorWilliam McDuffie checks the status of his approach shotduring the first round of play recently at Vineland GolfCourse. Opposite Page: Whiteville High School freshmanKnox Price shows off a classic finishing position after hisapproach shot.