January, 2026 Volume III, Issue 1Rudy Jerniganbelieves in thebrotherhood ofteamwork.Page 78Also in this issue …Devora RedondoBentley HardeeAiden RussGreylynn CartretteAlieyah GodwinBrianna PriceMadalyn NorrisLakyn WilsonBella SmithA Publication of Fuller Royal Photography
2 Dear Readers,Welcome to the 15th issue of Students to Watch Magazine – a milestoneedition that celebrates curiosity, character and creativity of the young people.In these pages, you’ll meet 10 remarkable students. (We have already featuredmore than 170 students from across North and South Carolina, each with astory worth telling.) Through photographs and profiles, we’re proud tospotlight the drive, talent and heart that define this new generation.This issue reflects a broad community of learners. In the past 18 months,we have featured students from public schools, private schools, homeschoolprograms and independent school systems, representing communities largeand small. Whether they lead on the field, excel in the classroom, serve theircommunities or pursue passions in the arts and trades, these students remindus that success takes many forms – and every path deserves recognition.As you turn the pages, we invite you to celebrate the students who inspireus to look forward with hope. Students to Watch Magazine is open to anystudent from any school, and our mission remains simple: to honor effort andencourage young people to keep working toward the futures they imagine.Thank you for being a part of this journey – and welcome to Issue 15.Fuller Royal Photographyis celebrating its 37th year ofportrait service to the community.
3This month’s issuefeatures Rudy Jernigan, asenior basketball playerat East Columbus JuniorSenior High School. Seehis story on page 78.About theCoverINSIDEVolume III, Issue 1January, 2026Published Monthly byFuller RoyalPhotography910.770.1834622 S. Madison StreetWhiteville, N.C. 284724 Devora Redondo12 Bentley Hardee22 Aiden Russ30 Greylynn Cartrette38 Alieyah Godwin46 Brianna Price54 Madalyn Norris62 Lakyn Wilson70 Bella Smith78 Rudy Jernigan910.770.1834
Devora Redondo isliving the Stallion SpiritStory and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALor South Columbus High Schoolfreshman Devora Redondo, school ismore than classrooms and schedules –it’s a community shaped by pride,purpose, and belief.“Being a Stallion means supporting eachother, showing pride in what we do, andalways pushing ourselves to do better,” shesaid. “The Stallion spirit makes our schoolfeel like a community, and it motivates me towork hard and stay involved.”That sense of belonging has helped the 15-year-old quickly find her place, even as shelooks ahead with ideas for how the schoolcould grow.Redondo hopes to see more clubs, sports,and creative programs added in the future –opportunities she believes would helpstudents explore interests and buildconfidence.“Not every student enjoys the sameactivities, so having more options would helpeveryone find something they enjoy.” shesaid. “This can help students stay active,involved, build confidence, relieve stress, andmake new friends. It can also make a schoolmore fun and help students feel moreconnected to their school community.”Her favorite class is vocal music.“This class allows me to learn more aboutsomething I truly enjoy – singing,” she said.“I’m learning proper vocal techniques andskills. It may challenge me, but it inspires meto improve.”“My favorite teacher I’ve had is KhadijahTart, who taught me math in sixth grade,” shesaid. “She was an amazing math teacher, butwhat makes her stand out even more is thatshe stayed close to me and her students evenafter she switched jobs.“Ms. Tart is always there when I need herwhether it’s with schoolwork or personaladvice,” Redondo said. “She listens andsupports me and truly cares for her students.Having a teacher who continues to guide meeven after I’m no longer her student means alot to me. That’s why she has been one of myfavorite teachers.”Her strongest subject is world history. Herweakest is math.And who has been the biggest help to herat her school.“I can’t think of any person, but God,” shesaid. “I pray to Him to guide me and help meFStory Continued on Page 64 Finding her voice, on campus and beyond
5“I am most proudof steppingoutside mycomfort zone.Although I tend tokeep to myself, Ichallenged myselfby participating insports,volunteering topaint for others,singing at church,and speaking infront of crowds.”Devora Redondo
Story Continued on Page 7 6 through my every day struggles, whetherthat’s in school or out of school. Matthew7:7 says ‘Ask and it will be given to you;seek and you will find; knock and it willbe open to you.’ God guides me everystep of the way, gives me opportunities,so that I may grow as the person Hewants me to be.”“My role models in life are my momand my older sister, Jennifer,” she said.“My mom taught me values that I stillcarry with me every day. She is aheartfelt Christian woman whoseteachings continue to live within me andguide my life. My older sister, JenniferRedondo, stepped up to become ourguardian during a time when she had togrow up far too quickly. Even if shedidn’t feel fully ready, she accepted theresponsibility with strength and courage.Her willingness to care for four childrenshows the kind of strong, selfless womanshe truly is.”Redondo’s favorite activities at Southare her afterschool sports.“They help me with staying active anddoing what I enjoy,” she said. “I alsoenjoy chorus, I love singing, and this hasbeen a new skill I’ve learned.”She is also active with tennis, FFA,chorus, and is the manager for the
Story Continued on Page 97basketball team.Outside of school, she paints the rockfor Tabor City School, and is active withthe Iron Hill Baptist Church youth. Shesings at church and participates with theAwanas youth group.She has received honorable mention forall-conference in tennis. In middle school,she earned numerous recognitions for herart. One recognition was winning secondplace at the state convention for an artpiece she brought for the National BetaClub.“After graduating high school I want togo to college for education and teaching,”she said. “I’ve always wanted to become ateacher since kindergarten, and have funteaching others. I either want to teachmiddle school or high school socialstudies.”She wants to continue painting and tobecome a coach at her school. She alsowants to travel across Europe and Asia.In addition to her painting, she likes“adding things to my junk journal, sports,listening to music and running.“I am most proud of stepping outsidemy comfort zone,” she said. “Although Itend to keep to myself, I challenged myselfby participating in sports, volunteering topaint for others, singing at church, and
8
9speaking in front of crowds. Theseexperiences pushed me to grow andallowed me to do things I truly enjoy.They not only made me proud of myself,but also made my family and friendsproud.”She said people would be surprised tolearn that she can draw and paint.“I would consider this a talent as wellbecause I was mainly self-taught,” shesaid.“My greatest strengths are, leadershipskills, communication, creativity,perspective, humility and patience,” shesaid. “Success to me means when you’veaccomplished the goal you’ve set foryourself. I believe this because if youaccomplish what others wanted, that’ssatisfying them. Reach to your highestpotential. Don’t succeed for others, but foryourself.”“If I could change one thing about theworld, it would be equality,” she said. “Ibelieve everyone should be treated thesame and face the same consequences, nomatter their gender. Gender should notbe decided where someone stands insociety or how they are treated. Trustshould be earned through actions, notassumed, and no one should be seen asabove anyone else. True equality meansgiving everyone the opportunity,responsibilities and respect.”
10 910.770.1834622 SOUTH MADISON STREETDOWNTOWN WHITEVILLEWe’re lookingfor Class of ‘27Senior Model Reps
11
Anchored by faith, drivento compete, BentleyHardee to pursuecareer in criminal law AStory and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALt South Columbus High School,freshman Bentley Hardee thrives inthe close-knit atmosphere of asmaller campus – one wherecommunity matters and expectations areclear.At just 14, Hardee already balances ademanding mix of academics, athletics,leadership and faith, approaching eachchallenge with discipline, curiosity, and asteady sense of purpose that extends wellbeyond the classroom.With that, she said she wished that Southhad swimming sports.“I find it odd that we live this close to thecoast and most of us have been swimming allour lives, yet we can’t compete in water sportsas a part of our high school experience,” shesaid.“My favorite subject is history,” she said. “Ilike to learn how history has affected wherewe are now as a society and a country. I alsobelieve through my studies that history has away of repeating itself, therefore the studiesof history are important to see how thingsmay go in the future.”“My favorite teacher is Mrs. Lottie CydellGodwin, who taught my eighth-grade Englishclass,” Hardee said. “Mrs. Godwin was myfavorite teacher because she gave us clearexpectations in the beginning and held usaccountable to those expectations, whileallowing us space for creativity. Mrs. Godwinalso made a personal investment into eachstudent in her classroom.”Math is Hardee’s strongest subject whileEnglish is her weakest.“The person who has been the biggest helpto me through my educational journey is mydad,” she said. “My dad has always been theone to push me through my late-nightassignments and to help boost my confidencethrough my weaker classes. He shares hisknowledge and experience with me when Ifeel I can't reach where I'm meant to go.“My Nana is one of my main role models,”Hardee said. “When I look at her, I see somuch humility and love for others, but alsorespect for herself. My Nana is selfless, strongand independent. She loves the Lord and isproud of what He has given her in life.”“My favorite activity at school is athletics,”she said. “I enjoy all athletics because it keepsme in good physical health. I also get to meet12 Story Continued on Page 14Small school, but big ambition
13
many people I otherwise would not havethe opportunity to meet and buildrelationships with. Athletics has taughtme how to work through mental andphysical challenges and become better athow I present myself to others whenthings are difficult.”Hardee is involved with FFA, theStallionettes, the National Beta Club,tennis and basketball.“I plan to compete in track and fieldin the spring,” she said. “I also intend tocompete in either softball or soccer,however I am torn at this time as I loveboth sports.”Outside of school “I am heavilyinvolved with the youth program atEmerson OFWB church and with travelsoftball.”Hardee was vice president of hereighth-grade class at Williams TownshipSchool.“I was recognized as a marshal myeighth-grade year,” she said. “I waspresented with the GOAT award forplaying all four sports, all three years ofmiddle school and maintaining straightA’s.”After high school, she plans to pursueStory Continued on Page 1714
Hardee’s competitivedrive is matched by herorganization – sheprides herself on beingprepared, reliable andon time in everythingshe does.15
16 Hardee’s love forathletics isn’t justphysical; it’s whereshe’s learned resilience,relationship-buildingand how to carryherself throughadversity.
17a law degree so she can practicecriminal law.“I want to live near the coast in awarm climate,” she said, adding thatshe, one day, hopes to own a Bentley.She said her greatest interest is theocean.“I love to off-shore fish, collect shellsand watch the dolphins,” she said. “Ialso have a love for books. I likeanimals as well.”“I am proudest of my relationshipwith God,” she said. “The faith I haveput in God has brought me to where Iam today and the grace He has givenme,” she said.She said people would be surprisedby how gifted she is in art.“I tend to notice the details and finddifferent meanings behind things,” shesaid.And her greatest strength?“I am organized,” she said. “Thismeans I am prepared, on time andreliable.”“To me, success means to doeverything to the best of your ability.”she said. “Success means to achievethe goals you have set within yourselfand to meet the standards others holdyou accountable to.”
18 To view, downloador order any issue ofStudents to WatchMagazine, visitwww.fullerroyalphotography.com.
19
20 910.770.1834622 SOUTH MADISON STREETDOWNTOWN WHITEVILLEWe’re lookingfor Class of ‘27Senior Model Reps
21
Story and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALalk the halls of East ColumbusJunior-Senior High Schooland you’ll feel the energy thatAiden Russ talks about. For the 16-yearold junior, that atmosphere is whatmakes his school feel like home.Russ appreciates the environment,but he also knows what’s missing. Hewishes the school still offered JROTC, aprogram he believes builds leadershipand structure. Those qualities matter tohim, especially as he pushes himself innew ways this year – most notably in theweight room.the school still had itsJROTC program.This is Russ’s first year takingweightlifting, and it’s become hisfavorite class. His goal is simple. butdemanding: get stronger.Guided by weightlifting instructorFred Pedro, Russ said he has embracedthe challenge, learning that progresscomes from consistency and effort. Healso credits Ebony Murchison, hismiddle school history teacher, assomeone who made a lasting impactearly on.In the classroom, economics is whereRuss feels most confident, while mathcontinues to test him.One teacher who has made adifference is high school history andcivics instructor Marcus Skipper, whoseteaching style blends knowledge withapproachability.“He’s taught me a lot about history,”Russ said. “His personality lends itselfto being a friend, and he’s really good tohis students.”Outside of academics, Russ stays busywith football and baseball and is activein the Fellowship of Christian Athletes,where faith and fellowship go hand inhand. His parents are his role models,teaching him what it means to be a goodyoung man and to approach life with theStory Continued on Page 2722 Aiden Russ has beenbuilt by attitude andpersonal work ethicAt East Columbus, junior Aiden Russ channelsenergy, faith and discipline into everything hedoes – one rep, one practice, one day at a time. W
23
Story Continued on Page 21Beneath his calm attitudeis a competitive edge,whether he’s chasingstrength gains or lining upa long golf shot.24
Russ’ pride shows mostwhen he talks about workethic and family, notaccomplishments.25
Story Continued on Page 2126
right mindset.When the school day ends, Russenjoys simpler things – fishing inthe pond on his property, working,and spending time with family. Hestill talks about the day he landed a5.5-pound bass, a quiet but proudmoment. His tastes arestraightforward: country andChristian music, the TV showChicago Fire and a plate of mac andcheese.Looking ahead, Russ plans toattend college and earn a degree inwelding, a path that matches hishands-on nature and strong workethic. That work ethic, he says, iswhat he’s proudest of. It’s pairedwith an attitude he considers hisgreatest strength – steady, positive,and grounded in faith.To Russ, success isn’t measuredby trophies or titles.“Success means doing what theLord calls you to do,” he said.He said people would besurprised to learn “I can hit a golfball 200 yards.”27
28 910.770.1834622 SOUTH MADISON STREETDOWNTOWN WHITEVILLEWe’re lookingfor Class of ‘27Senior Model Reps
29
30
Story and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALor Greylynn Cartrette, WhitevilleHigh School is defined by the peoplewho fill its classrooms andhallways. The 16-year-old juniorsays the consistent support from teachersand staff is what makes the school feel likea place where students are trulyseen.“They make us feel comfortableenough to come to them with anything.”Like many students, she wouldn’t minda later start to the school day/.“I wouldlike to be able to sleep in more,” she said.Once classes begin, Cartrette is fullyengaged – especially in her medicalcourses. With plans to become anultrasound technician, she’s fascinated byhow the human body works and enjoyslearning skills that connect directly to herfuture career.One teacher who has made a lastingimpression is Christy Ward, whoseenthusiasm and dedication stand out.From career management to introductorycomputer science, Ward’s willingness toshow up for every student has shapedCartrette’s high school experience.Academically, English is whereCartrette feels most at home. She enjoysbreaking down stories and understandingmeaning beneath the surface. Math, on theother hand, has always been morechallenging – but she’s never faced italone. Cartrette credits the collectivesupport of teachers and staff who haveconsistently answered questions andoffered guidance whenever she needed it.Her biggest role model is hergrandmother, who continues to push herto be the best version of herself. Thatencouragement carries over intoCartrette’s favorite school activity:volleyball. The sport brings her joy, fuelsher competitive spirit and surrounds herwith teammates she considers closeGreylynn Cartrette isfocused on care,grounded in purpose F31Story Continued on Page 32The WHS junior is driven by compassion,competition and clear goals for her future.
friends. She also played softball duringher freshman and sophomore years,adding to her well-rounded athleticexperience.Outside the classroom, Cartrette staysinvolved through Juniorettes – where shehas earned awards during her first twoyears – and through her church in BladenCounty. When she’s not busy with schoolor activities, she enjoys shopping, trips tothe beach and spending time with thepeople closest to her.Cartrette plans to attend Cape FearCommunity College to pursue her goal ofbecoming an ultrasound technician. Shehopes her career will allow her to travelacross the United States, with one dreamdestination firmly on her list: Bora Bora.She says she’s proudest of the goalsshe’s set and accomplished for herself –proof, in her eyes, that determination andreliability pay off. As the youngest of ninegrandchildren, Cartrette has learned howto show up for others, a quality sheconsiders her greatest strength.To her, success is straightforward:setting goals and achieving them. Andwhen asked what she would change aboutthe world, her answer reflects a deeplyheld faith – one that continues to guideher choices and her vision for the future.“I would change the fact that there areso many other religions besidesChristianity.,” she said. “I would makeeveryone turn to God, and put their trustin the Lord.”32
Story Continued on Page 2933Cartrette’s reliabilityshows in every roleshe takes on, fromacademics toathletics.
34 Cartrette’s competitivedrive on the volleyballcourt is balanced by agenuine compassion forothers.
“I want to go to collegeto be a pediatrician. I lovechildren and I would loveto help them and make animpact on their lives.”Kenzie Williamson35
36 910.770.1834622 SOUTH MADISON STREETDOWNTOWN WHITEVILLEWe’re lookingfor Class of ‘27Senior Model Reps
37
38
39Alieyah Godwinmoves with purpose AStory and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALlieyah Godwin said SouthColumbus High School is aplace defined by possibility.The 16-year-old junior says the widerange of opportunities available tostudents is what she values mostabout her school – chances to exploreinterests, grow skills and discoverdirection.Still, she sees room for growth.Godwin wishes the school offered ahome economics class, one shebelieves would teach practical lifeskills like caring for a home, familyand everyday responsibilities. Shefeels these lessons are just asimportant as academics.In the classroom, Godwin loveschemistry; it’s her strongest subject.“My favorite class is Mrs. Meares’chemistry class, “ Godwin said. “Shealways finds ways to help us learnwhile also having fun.”She said Meares for turns achallenging subject into one she looksforward to each day. Another teacherwho made a lasting impact is Mrs.Shonna Gurkin, who teaches healthscience.“She made sure we were preparedfor her nursing fundamentals class ifwe were interested in taking it,” shesaid.Behind Godwin’s academic drive isa steady source of encouragement –her mother.“My mama has always been myrole model,” she said. “She has shownme how to love with my whole heartand when I start something, I need tofinish it no matter thecircumstances.”Outside of the classroom, Godwin’senergy comes alive through cheer anddance.“Dance has been a part of my lifesince I was 3 and I have cheered sinceseventh grade,” Godwin said, addingthat she is in the National Beta Club.Faith plays a central role inGodwin’s life. Outside of school, shesings on her church’s praise team andwas recently selected to attend CheerHawaii in June 2026 with a group ofThe SCHS junior balances science, spirit andself-belief as she works toward the futureshe’s determined to build.Story Continued on Page 42
40
41Alieyah brings thesame discipline toscience class that shedoes to cheer anddance – focused,energetic, andcommitted.
42 South Columbus students – an opportunityshe’s especially excited about.Looking ahead, Godwin plans to attendSoutheastern Community College to earnher cosmetology certification.Her long-term goal is to own her ownsalon, combining creativity, independence,and hard work into a career she’spassionate about.Outside of school commitments, sheenjoys singing, horseback riding and turkeyhunting. She surprises folks by crochetingin her spare time.Godwin says she’s proudest of being aChristian, a foundation that helps shape heroutlook and fuels her resilience. Sheconsiders her greatest strength the abilityto rise above negativity and stay focused onher goals.To her, success is personal and earned.“Success is knowing that I’ve workedhard to achieve a goal I set for myself,” shesaid.If she could change one thing about theworld, Godwin’s answer is thoughtful andhopeful: she would heal the division shesees across the country – starting, perhaps,with understanding, perseverance, andpurpose.
43
44 910.770.1834622 SOUTH MADISON STREETDOWNTOWN WHITEVILLEWe’re lookingfor Class of ‘27Senior Model Reps
45
Story and PhotosBy FULLER ROYALrianna Price said South ColumbusHigh School is at its best when theStallions are in motion. Whether it’sunder the lights on the football field, on thecourt, or across the pitch, the 17-year-oldjunior says the school’s sports programcaptures the heart of what makes Southspecial.“Whether we’re on the football field, thesoccer field or in the gym playing basketballor volleyball, our Stallions always try theirbest,” she said. “Win or lose, we have fun,support each other, and show school pride.While athletics are central to herexperience, Price is also thoughtful aboutwhat schools should provide. She said shebelieves more classes in economics, businessand finance would better prepare students forlife beyond graduation.Learning how to manage money, buildcredit and plan for the future, she said, areessential skills for every student.“My business essentials class during myfreshman year taught me some of theseskills,” she said. “I think if we had moreclasses like this students would have theopportunity to be more educated in theseareas.In the classroom, Price loves choral music.What began as a love for singing has growninto something far deeper.Through performances and travel –including choir trips to New York City andWilliamsburg, Va. – she said she’s learned lifeskills, built more confidence and connectedwith people beyond her hometown.English is Price’s strongest subject, shapedin large part by her favorite teacher, CherylCartrette.As her English II and III instructor,Cartrette helped Price see stories in newways, sharpening her writing skills andbelieving in her own potential.Chemistry, on the other hand, has provenmore challenging.One of the most influential people inPrice’s life has been her choral musicinstructor, Jimmy Price.For three years, he’s been a steady mentor– someone she trusts, looks up to and creditswith teaching her lessons that reach farbeyond music.“I truly look up to him and will forever begrateful for the things he has taught me,” sheBrianna Price is findingher voice on the fieldand on the stage B46 The South Columbus junior blends competition,creativity and compassion into a high schoolexperience defined by perseverance and pride.Story Continued on Page 48
47
said.Off campus, Price draws inspirationfrom her cousin Cassidi, whose kindnessand positivity motivate her to work hardand treat others with compassion.Price’s days are full. She’s active in theNational Beta Club, Tri-M Music HonorSociety, Mane Attraction, varsityvolleyball, varsity basketball and varsitysoccer. She also serves on the executiveteam for choral music, plays recreationalvolleyball, participates in her churchyouth group, and works at Daddy Joe’sCampground.Her commitment has earnedrecognition. Price has been named playerof the game multiple times, nominated forhonorable mention all-conference honorsin volleyball and soccer, selected as anominee for the North CarolinaGovernor’s School and finished as secondrunner-up in the Miss South ColumbusPageant.After graduation, Price plans to attendRobeson Community College to pursuedegrees in radiology and medicalsonography. Her goal is simple butmeaningful: enter the workforce, giveback to her community and honor thepeople who helped her along the way.Outside of her packed schedule, Price48 Story Continued on Page 51
49
50 Her perseverancedefines her more thanaccolades – shemeasures growth byeffort, not ease.