GATORHAWK November

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF EAST COLUMBUS JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Volume II Issue 1
November 2022

GATORHAWK 1 In this Issue
• Poet Laureate
honored in Raleigh
• Alston is school’s
teacher of the year
• Class of ‘92’s
Patrick hits the mark

GATORHAWK

To Our Readers:
It was not on purpose I can assure you, but I guess it is no surprise that it

would happen.
Two years ago, when the seventh and eighth graders from Acme-Delco

Elementary and Hallsboro Elementary schools were brought to East
Columbus High School to form its first junior high classes, the mascot
identity for the two new grades was to be a Hawk.

There was some trepidation from the upper grades, which have used the
Alligator as a mascot since the school opened in 1992.

In the process of creating a new website that encompassed both names,
we went from GatorsEast to GATORHAWK. It has a nice cinematic Marvel
Universe ring to it.

Last January, Gator Media began publishing this magazine and the name
GATORHAWK was perfect for it as well. The logo uses the schools four colors
and the two parts of the GATORHAWK name are delineated by different
fonts.

What I have noticed since the January debut of the magazine is that, in
the interest of expediency and clarity, sudents and staff have begun referring
to the general body of the school as GatorHawks.

And I think that is fine! It just rolls off the tongue so well … GatorHawks.
It sounds like it could be a real animal to be found at the N.C. Zoological
Park.

The GatorHawk.

Fuller Royal
Gator Media Instructor

GATORHAWK 2

INSIDECelebrating 30 Years: 1992-2022
VOLUME II, ISSUE I • November 2022

On The Cover 4 James Alston, TOTY
2022 Waccamaw-Soiuan Pow Wow 8 New Website for School
10 Elite Basketball
East Columbus Junior-Senior High School 12 Senior Breakfast
seventh-grader Ian Mitchell performs a fancy 15 Kristin Bordeaux
dance in his regalia on Student Day at this 19 Legarris Brown
year’s Pow Wow, the first held since 2019 due 22 Justin Furlow
to Covid 19. 25 Dan Biser Honored
26 Pow Wow
30 Senior Superlatives
31 Justin Wellons
32 Brooke Smith
34 Vince Patrick
38 First Day of School
44 Open House
48 Walter Mitty
54 Kinley Reece
58 Christina Jacobs

GATORHAWK is published monthly by We extend a special thanks to
Gator Media. All stories and photographs ECJSHS staffer Alina Freeman.
are copyright 2022 by East Columbus Most of the images in this issue
Junior-Senior High School and Gator of GATORHAWK Magazine were
Media. Gator Media’s instructor/advisor is captured by Freeman. The first
Fuller Royal. He can be reached at semester of the Swamp Life
[email protected] or 910.646.4094. Yearbook is also comprised
mostly of Freeman images. We
GATORHAWK 3 are indebted to her for all of her
work and coverage.

Alston is

ECJSHS

Teacher

of the Year

By FULLER ROYAL

Gator Media Instructor

“I was stunned and happy at the same
time,” said First Sgt. James Alston of his
honor as the 2022-23 East Columbus Junior-
Senior High School Teacher of the Year.

“When I was notified, I was not aware that
there was a vote going on,” said the JROTC
instructor. He was outside with his cadets
when he heard. “I just do my job and like to
go unseen or noticed,” he said.

Going “unseen” is difficult for this faculty
member who is involved in numerous school
activities.

When he learned he had been selected by
a vote of the staff, he thought they were
playing a joke on him.

“How was I selected among all the
teachers here,” he said, “especially since I
have not been here, but for a few years?”

Alston is part of the Gray’s Creek
community in Cumberland County, near
Hope Mills.

He and his wife Jessica, a hospital nurse
in Lumberton, have four children: Monica,
his oldest is a kindergarten teacher in Cary;
his older son James resides in Fayetteville;
his younger son Jarod resides in Warrenton;
and his younger daughter Gabrielle is in the
seventh grade and has been a competitive
cGhAeTAOersRleHaaAtdeWeernKafo4grefrivgeroyweainrsg.up in Henderson,
Alston attended Southern Vance High

School.

From Central Texas College, he earned

an associate’s degree in applied science

and technology.

He attended Excelsior College, earning

a bachelor’s degree in science history

with a minor in administrative and

management studies.

He attended Liberty University where

he earned his master’s of education in

teaching and middle grade education.

Alston teaches the school’s Junior

Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC).

Prior to East, he volunteered at Gray's

Creek Middle School

“I have always wanted to be a teacher,”

he said. “I decided to leave my contracting

job and pursue a career in education.

“At the time when I applied with Cadet

Command, there where only a few

positions open. I really wanted to be at a

place where I could give back and not just

be there as another body,” he said.

“When I interviewed at the school, my

first impression was, ‘There is no way I

am going to work here.’ This was because

of how the outside of the school looked at

the time.

“Once I entered the facility and met

the staff, I knew I had found the place for

me,” he said. all the difference was his fourth-grade

“I really enjoy being able to work with science teacher Mrs. Suggs and his

the students here at East,” Alston said. “I reading teacher Mrs. Starr.

also love the size of the school, which “Mrs. Suggs held me to a standard

allows me to be able to reach students on which pushed me to excel in my

a personal level. academics and Mrs. Starr provided me a

“There is a certain family visual sight of life outside of the trailer

environment that I like about the school,” park I grew up in,” he said, adding that he

he added. can’t change where he grew up, but he

He said he teaches JROTC because it learned a lot in his hometown.

allows him to help “Having people to

students learn “There is a certain family nurture my intellect
leadership values, and my foresight
environment that I like about helped me become who
prepare them for

college and prepare the school.” I am today,” he said.

them for life situations James Alston Alston said there is
not a single thing that
“I feel that students

are missing a certain works best in

safe space that I can provide in order to education.

reach them,” he said. “Being a teacher “Using a combination of tactics from

has not always been a dream of mine relating emotionally to providing extra

however, but since I have volunteered, it time to complete assignments, and many

grew on me.” other things, help build this world of

Alston said a mentor he had who made Continued on page 6

GATORHAWK 5

East Columbus Junior-Senior High School JROTC instructor and teacher of the year James Alston
addresses members of the JROTC Gator Battallion.

Continued from page 5 “It's a family environment on some
occasions, but the biggest seller for me is

education,” he said “For me, personally the ability to give and serve. Can I do this

being able to relate to individuals helps the elsewhere? Yes, I can, but I choose not to.”

best when trying to reach students.” When he’s not teaching, he enjoys

Alston said he thinks education needs relaxing and soaking up the sun.

more leader mentorship. “I like listening to Frank Sinatra and

“Going to college and teaching can smooth jazz,” he said. “I love deep-sea

provide the book or intellectual knowledge fishing and walking on the beach. I have

needed, however, the tact, approach and ventured into the world of RV living and for

effectiveness only comes with a good the past year I have been living in a 48-foot

mentorship program,” he said. RV.”

He said teachers need support when it “To be teacher of the year means a lot to

comes to their classrooms. me,” he said. “I say I like to be in the

“Here, at East, we have the support to background and unnoticed. That is really

manage and run our classes as we see fit as hard to do when you care about not only

long as it is effective and reaches the goal your students, but all students and the

and desired mission,” he said. school. Being teacher of the year gives me a

And what does he consider to be East’s voice to be able to speak with the

greatest selling point? superintendent about things we need at our

“I ask myself that question daily or school.

sometimes weekly,” he said. “I cannot “Although, it is only for a year, I plan to

speak for anyone else when I say this. The engage when possible with the

selling point for me is seeing a need and superintendent concerning the good, the

being someone who doesn't mind giving my bad and the ugly things the staff sees that

time, money and effort to help at least one need to be addressed.”

student. GATORHAWK 6

Waiting for the Serve

East Columbus Junior-Senior
High School junior Josie Welch
waits for her opponent to serve
during a recent match at East.

Continued on page 12

GATORHAWK 7

GATORHAWK Online Magazine
is the Way to Keep Up with East

Over the summer, East The main or landing page for the site.
Columbus Junior-Senior
High School’s website of links for student ordered, the list of
received a complete make- organizations such as FFA GATORHAWK Magazines,
over. and student council. which can be read,
downloaded or ordered. The
Formerly called The Gator Media menu Gator Media menu item
GatorsEast, it has been item takes you to the also hosts the photo and
renamed GATORHAWK archived yearbooks for the video archives.
Online Magazine, the web- school, the newer
based sibling of the school’s yearbooks, that can still be
monthly GATORHAWK
Magazine. GATORHAWK 8

The main page features
the latest announcements,
news, sports and feature
stories about the school, its
staff and its students.

Featured on this initial
page are the weekly
messages from Principal
Jamie Faulk, information
from the guidence
department, schedule
updates, third-party
opportunities from
organizations such as the
Walt Disney Company and
stories from the print and
online versions of
GATORHAWK Magazine.

An easy-to-use menu bar
at the top of the page can
quickly take visitors to
administrative, staff and
faculty information and
contacts.

There are links to the
various departments at the
school.

There is a calendar and
a list of resources for
students and parents.

Swamp Chomp’s
subjects are listed.

Older posts are listed.
There is also a selection

One page will eventually house links to the first 25 editions of the school’s yearbook.

Once completed, all of The site contains a page for upcoming The school’s event
the school and student events. A School-Year Calendar is also on the galleries have a link
organizations will have site. page. Galleries are both
their own webpages with photo and video.
links.

Links to pdfs of all of the previous issues of GATORHAWK Magazine are available as well as links to order
any back issues.

GATORHAWK 9

GATORHAWK 10

Images by Alina Freeman
Hoops All of the Time
Several of East Columbus Junior-
Senior High School’s basketball
players participated in the AAU
Waccamaw Elite basketball program
over the summer. From left: Luis
Colon goes for two; Tyrese Simpson
takes a break; JayZeon Brown
grabs the ball for a rebound; and
Jayden Troy powers one into the
basket.
GATORHAWK 11

Images by Alina Freeman

Senior Breakfast

In August, parents and students
organized a breakfast for the Class of
2023 seniors. Several dozen seniors
participated in the home-cooked
breakfast served on a pier at Lake
Waccamaw. This page, top photo:
Jackson Wagner, Karli Godwin,
Carter Watts, Katie Wilson, Troy
Pierce, Saige Moore, Christian
Graham, Taylor Sullivan, R.J. Hester,
Kinley Reece, Chaylee Jarvis, Bobby
Barsh, Haynes Graham, Emma
Rhodes, Jessie Ruiz-Jacobs,
Karleigh Jones, Tyrese Simpson,
Miyah Barsh, Jayzeon Brown, Ava
Jacobs, Aaron Mitchell, Bailey
Padget, Cade Patrick and Gavin
Jacobs. Left photo: Cade Patrick
prepares to chow down. Opposite
page, top photo: East seniors are
silhouetted against the morning sun.
Bottom photo, Aaron Mitchell, Jessie
Ruiz-Jacobs, Tyrese Simpson and
Bobby Barsh fix their plates.
GATORHAWK 12

GATORHAWK 13

First Morning

Many parents enjoy making images of their
students’ first day of school each year. Top
left: Senior Morgan Hudson prepares to
drive the first day of her last year of high
school. Top right: Siblings Carter Watts
(senior) and Kelsie Watts (sophomore) pose
for their mom. Bottom left: Senior friends
Emma Rhodes and Kinley Reece pose in
the parking lot after arriving at school.
GATORHAWK 14

KRISTIN BORDEAUX

1992-2022

YEARS

EAST COLUMBUS
JUNIOR-SENIOR

Class of 2017HIGHSCHOOL

East Columbus Junior- Kristin Bordeaux and
Senior High School Class of 2017 her daughter.
graduate Kristin Bordeaux
resides in Chadbourn with her
daughter.

She said she was “just a
regular high school student”
during her time at East.

She said she had too
many friends to keep up
with from her school days.

“My favorite teacher
had to be Mrs. (Tara)
Williamson,” Bordeaux
said. “She just simply
treated every kid as her
own.”

Her favotite classes
were theatre and
dance.

Her favorite
activities were the
sports games and
the pep rallies.

“I tried to soak
it all in because it
went by way too
fast,” she said.

“Since
graduating, I've
taken a little
break, working here
and there,” she said.

She said that in April of this
year, she had a baby girl.

“The the center of my
world,” she said. In June, she
lost her mother.

“I felt like my world had
crumbled,” she said.

She plans to start classes
soon at Southeastern
Community College.

GATORHAWK 15

Road Work

For the next 12-18 months, East Columbus
Junior-Senior High School staff, students
and parents will experience changing traffic
patterns and detours as road work on
multuiple fronts is undertaken. The primary
objective of the project is the completion of
an overpass taking Old Lake Road over U.S.
74/76. There will be no on- or off-ramps.
When completed, to reach the school,
drivers will come from Buckhead or from
Lake Waccamaw on Old Lake or from
Chaunceytown Road by way of Old Georgia
Road. A new road will allow access from the
back of the campus by the tennis courts.
That road already contains a newly built
four-lane culvert.

GATORHAWK 16

Boy Scouting’s Top Honor

East Columbus Junior-Senior High School Class of 2022 graduate Brian Alsup
received Boy Scouting’s highest honor – the Eagle – during ceremonies held
over the summer at Lake Waccamaw United Methodist Church. Alsup, 18, is a
third-generation Eagle and the sixth Eagle in the Alsup family. A member of
Boy Scout Troop 512, sponsored by First Presbyterian Church of Whiteville, he
is the son of Samantha and Keith Alsup of Lake Waccamaw. While at East, he
played soccer and GgoAlTf.ORHAWK 17

Late evening tractor ride

East Columbus Junior-Senior High School agricscience teacher Bryan Fowler captured this
image from atop his tractor late one evening last June in his corn field.

GATORHAWK 18

LEGARRIS BROWN

1992-2022

YEARS

EAST COLUMBUS
JUNIOR-SENIOR

Class of 1994HIGHSCHOOL

Legarris Brown as a student (left) and coaching his team.

Legarris Brown graduated from but he taught me a lot,” Brown recalls.
East Columbus Junior-Senior High He said the thing he remembers
School in1994.
most about his time at East was “the
While a student at East, he was excitement of the two schools coming
involved with ROCAME, FBLA, together, the endless possibilities of
basketball, baseball, the Model United what the combining could mean.”
Nations and the student council.
He said that since graduating, “I
He said be counted the entire have done a little of everything. I even
school’s population as friends, spent a few years working at East as
especially Michael Graham, Kevin the ISS teacher … the irony.”
Wilson, Harold Young, Bobby Blanks,
John Junious, Jelaney Hazel, He also coached, or helped coach,
Shemeka Dixon, Akiea Wilson and various team sports while at East
Winfort Nichols. including junior varsity boys
basketball and boys soccer.
His favorite teachers were physical
education teacher Gary Battle, He said his time at East “laid the
English teacher Mary Register and foundation for the great life that I have
science teacher Thomas Mayo. been able to enjoy.”

His favorite class was chemistry. Married to Latrice Hardy-Brown,
“Mr. (Stephen) Clontz was tough, their son Trey is a 2021 graduate of
East.

GATORHAWK 19

Photos by Alina Freeman



Images by Alina Freeman

East Football

East Columbus Junior-
Senior High School had a
busy season as it rebuilt
the basics of its football
program. Opposite page,
top photo: The offensive
line prepares to act.
Bottom photo: Senior
Bobby Barsh and the
team take a time-out
breather. This page, from
left: Haynes Graham and
Junior Stewart.

Furlow Shifts
Gears: From
Spanish
to History

By FULLER ROYAL

Gator Media Instructor

“I love the small school atmosphere,
the cultural diversity and individuality
within our student body,” said eighth-year
ECJSHS teacher Justin Furlow.

The history teacher resides in the Lake
Waccamaw community with Mallory
Falkner Furlow and their 11-month-old
son Hunter.

A native of the Kittrell community
near Henderson, he attended Southern
Vance High School (now Vance County
High) before earning his history and
Spanish degrees with teaching
certification from Campbell University

Prior to his current teaching
assignment, he taught Spanish at East for
five years, and Spanish and civics for two
years.

He chose East because he was looking
for a job near the University of North
Carolina at Wilmington to attend grad
school and work at the same time.

“I did one semester of grad school
before stopping due to the state removing
master's pay,” he said.

He said he enjoyed teaching Spanish
because it was always exciting to watch
kids be able to communicate in a new
language.

“I enjoy teaching history and civics
because they are integral in knowing how
and why our government is set up the way
it is and the reasons we are where we are
now,” he said.

Furlow said he become a teacher

GATORHAWK 22

EalaSCHGnasdsuatam-tbtrmsolCbotirliooascnenrlcuubdetHmaerPsubcihknbuooesbsatttobarcJugarhucdlrlnaJt,itipuooeinhnsar-ytspmSi,nhteiontonFotpiFuooslarramalyyoHteiewllietegrts.efhotHv,dfSifuuulelcerrbrghis,nbeobgaasorrotlptdhhuhe,eegipsfirhrtjotuothamnrahlykiliofsCttareismanvatrdaaceltrfhossfbenoiortremyvaeekr.

in May to photograph all of the school’s middle school,
junior-varsity and varsity sports teams.

because he enjoys helping people learn, and of the programs overall,” he said “Each

“I wanted to be a coach.” year, we raise our level of play and the last

Furlow has coached men’s and women’s few years have been really good. Since I

soccer since his arrival at the school. coach the high school boys and girls and

“I coach because I love sports, especially the middle school boys, I have a proudest

soccer and basketball, and I think they're a moment for each one.

great way for students to For the middle school

learn life lessons such as “I love the small school boys, I'm proudest of last
how to develop a work atmosphere, the cultural year's team for beating
ethic, how to deal with diversity and individuality Central at their place and
adversity and how to within our student body” holding them scoreless at
work together,” he said. our field,” he said. “For
“I know the positive Justin Furlow the high school boys, I'm

impact sports and my proudest of last year's

coaches had on me in group for their resilience

high school, and I want to offer that same and hard work they put in. That group

opportunity to our students. played in the covid year and didn't win a

“I'm proudest of the improvement I have Continued on page 24
seen from each player and the improvement

GATORHAWK 23

Justin Furlow talks with wife Mallory as he whips up plates of pancakes and bacon during a recent Hwy. 55
fundraiser for the ECJSHS soccer program.

Continued from page 23 “He made learning so much fun and
had a way of connecting with all of his
game but worked hard in the off-season and students. Prior to taking his class and
won six games last year and earned a spot joining his team, I wasn't very sure what I
in the playoffs. wanted to do, but afterwards, I knew I
wanted to teach and coach.”
“For the high school girls, I am proudest
of the playoff run into the third round last Furlow said that the things that work
spring,” he said. “That senior group had best in education are “Structure,
worked hard for four years and last year consistency and good relationships with
was the result of that hard work.” coworkers and students.”

He said his personal goal is for players He added, “We need more bright,
to have fun making memories while they caring and wonderful teachers to enter
play at East and to build a successful the workforce to help address the current
program they can come back to watch, shortage of educators in our state.”
support and be proud of after they
graduate. He said teachers need supportive
administrations, classroom materials and
“Some team goals I have every year are technology (chrome books, specifically.)
to improve our record from the year before,
win the conference championship and He said East Columbus' greatest selling
make a run in the state playoffs,” he said. point is its “wonderful, active and
energetic student body. We have many
Furlow said he had a mentor in school students who are involved in multiple
who made a difference in his life. clubs, organizations and sports and who
are a large reason why East Columbus is a
“Mr. Michael Bean, my cross country great place to work.”
and track coach, who was also my English
teacher, was my favorite teacher and Furlow enjoys spending time with his
coach.” Furlow said. family, fishing, hunting, playing pick- up
soccer or basketball and gardening.

GATORHAWK 24

Decades of Gator Sports

Sports Writer Honored

Longtime News Reporter sports writer/editor Dan Biser, center, receives a plaque commemorating his
decades-long servcice to the athletes of East Columbus Junior-Senior High School (and Hallsboro and
Acme-Delco high schools before that) from ECJSHS athletic director Jason Nance, left, and ECJSHS
Principal Jamie Faulk, right. Biser was honored during halftime at a recent East home football game.

GATORHAWK 25

OW WOW

GATORHAWK 26

OW WOWPow Wow 2022 Images by Alina Freeman and Fuller Royal

The annual Waccamaw-Siouan Pow Wow has always been a big event for the Buckhead community
and the students of East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. This year’s Pow Wow was the first
since 2019. Friday, Oct. 21, was the first day of the event and was centered around nearly 1,000
elementary school students from Columbus and surrounding counties. The students were treated to
Native American food, crafts, culture and dance. Opposite page, from top left: Fancy Dancer and
East junior Kaley Mitchell; East faculty member and Pow Wow organizer Reah Jacobs; East
sophomore and Fancy Dancer Jade Bright; East seniors Harmony Somerville and Aaron Mitchell;
East students Jasmine Brown and Alexis Freeman; East volunteers Cainan Patrick, Matthew
George, Gavin Patrick, Eli Jacobs, Caleb Patrick, Jonah Webb, Braxton Hall and Cade Carroll
are ready to help direct cars; and banner artwork created by East students. This page, clockwise
from top left: East sophomore and Fancy Dancer Riley Graham; East student Joshua Jacobs;
former East staffer Kelly Moore; East students Carly Jacobs and Joshua G. Jacobs; East staffer
FthuellPerowRoWyaolwa;nadndhisEafastthsetrudKeenntwLoeoGvdiAZTRiOcokRyaHaflAo, woWshKeo. was instrumental in starting the student day at
27

GATORHAWK 28

Images by Alina Freeman

Volleyball Fans

No one has anything on East Columbus
volleyball fans. They were in rare form
during the ladies’ volleyball games
against Whiteville High School. Previous
page, at top: The fans are rabid against
the Wolfpack. At bottom: Matthew
George, Joshua Jacobs, Justin Chavis,
Caleb Patrick and George Nance
display their signs. This page, above:
Staffer Fred Pedro is 100 percent fan.
Bottom right: Tyrese Simpson gives the
girls a “thumbs up.”

GATORHAWK 29

Senior Superlatives Chosen

The Class of 2023 East Columbus There were ties in several categories.
Junior-Senior High School Senior The elected seniors and their photos
Superlatives have been tallied and the will be featured in the 2023 Swamp Life
results are listed below. Yearbook.

Life of the Party Brightest Smile
Rachel McKoy Katie Wilson
Kevin Mitchell R.J. Hester

Most Likely to Trip at Graduation Biggest Flirt
Kazah Gowans Aziyah Patrick
Dureon Sutton Ayden Graham

Biggest “Glo-Up” Best Car
Since Freshman Year Karli Godwin
Garrison Jacobs
Emma Rhodes
Justin Wellons Most Likely to Survive
the Hunger Games
Most Likely to be Late
for Their Own Funerals Antanasia Vereen/Alex Benton/
Taylor Sullivan
Kinley Reece Carter Watts
J.T. Little
Biggest Heart
Best Shoe Game Sara Akins
Morgan Hudson
JayZeon Brown Jayson Spaulding

Most Likely to Win Most Likely to Skip Class
Gold at the Olympics Zion White
Troy Pierce
Ava Jacobs
Bobby Barsh Best Hair
Ahdaeja Steele
Drama Queen/King Andy Perez/Chris Hill
Karleigh Jones/Saige Moore
Class Clown
Jeffery Robbins Rayana Williams
Jacob McLean/Tyrese Simpson
Most Likely to Win the Lottery …
and then Lose the Ticket Best Bromance
Chayle Jarvis Troy Pierce and J.T. Lewis
Jackson Wagner
Best Female Duo
Most Gator Spirit Ahdaeja Steele and Ashajanae Powell
Harmony Somerville

Christian Graham

GATORHAWK 30

Wellons honored in Raleigh

East Columbus Junior- She supports it 100 Top photo: ECJSHS Senior
Senior High School senior percent.” Justin Wellons with N.C Poet
Justin Wellons, 17, the Laureate Jaki Shelton Green,
school’s first poet laureate, Wellons thanked his left, and Gov. Roy Cooper and
was honored last month English IV teacher Tara Kristin Cooper, right. Left
with his fellow poet Williamson for all of her photo: Wellons with his English
laureates from the IV teacher Tara Williamson.
Columbus County Schools “Never stop writing. support. “She is amazing,”
during a reception at the What you write he said. “She has helped
North Carolina Governor’s matters to a lot of out so much. “
mansion in Raleigh. people.”
He was also
The governor made an Justin Wellons appreciative of Jones who
appearance at the small helped Shelton organize
gathering honoring the four high school poet
Wellons and Abigail laureates, the first in
McPherson, Columbus North Carolina.
Career and College
Academy; Leah Dew, “It was extraordinary
South Columbus High what he was able to do,”
School; and Alleyna Wellons said. “He and Mrs.
Roberts, West Columbus Jackie did it all.”
High School.
Wellons said his advice
Wellons and the others for young poets is to
are part of the first group “never stop writing. What
of North Carolina’s high you write matters to a lot
school poet laureates. of people,” he said. “They
want to hear it whether
Also present was N.C. you think they do or not.
Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Your voice matters more
Green, who hopes to have than anything in the
poet laureates in all of the world.”
state’s school systems.

Green has hosted
poetry workshops in the
county.

Kelly Jones, who
coordinates the arts for
the county was key in
organizing the four poet
laureates.

Wellons said the event
was fancy.

“I never thought
writing poetry would get
me that far,” said the son
of Wendy and Frank
Wellons, of Hallsboro.

He said North
Carolina’s first lady,
Kristin Cooper, was
“really kind and sweet.
She is very supportive of
what we are trying to do.

GATORHAWK 31

BROOKE SMITH

1992-2022

YEARS

EAST COLUMBUS
JUNIOR-SENIOR

Class of 2005HIGHSCHOOL

Brooke Smith is a 2005 graduate of “I decided to take my career a step

East Columbus Junior-Senior High further and have now been working as an

School. LPN the past eight years,” she said.

The Whiteville resident, who was “My husband Kyle and I have been

active with HOSA married for 16 years,” she said. “We have

at East, enjoyed three beautiful

school with her children; the oldest

friends Mary is 16, the middle

Long, Brandi child is 13 and the

Edwards, Jennifer youngest is 8.”

Patrick and Two of her

Audrey Stokely. children attend East

Her favorite now.

teacher was Hope “My oldest,

Stephens. Brandon Smith, is a

“I always sophomore,” she

enjoyed learning said. “He is active in

from her,” Smith JROTC, soccer,

said. “She made bowling, tennis and

it fun and track.

taught it so that “Ky'el is in seventh

it was easily grade and is active in

remembered.” Hawks football,” she

Her favorite said “I also have what I

class was call my ‘adopted son,’

science who is also a

because it “was always fun sophomore, Alex

and interesting. There is Melvin, who is

always something new to athletically involved in

learn.” school.

Her favorite activities “When people ask me if

were the Friday night he’s my son I tell them, ‘he’s

football games. not biologically mine, but

She said the things she he’s mine.’”

remembers most at East “I believe my time at

were hanging out with ECHS has helped me by

friends and “how close our molding me into the person I

relationships were.” am from the friendships that

She recalled loving the I made during school and my

homecoming dances, field trips and teachers, who helped me and encouraged

science projects. me along the way.”

After graduating, she worked as a Top photo: Brooke Smith,
CNA for eight years. Brandon Smith, Kyleigh
Smith, Ky’el Smith and Kyle
GATORHAWK 32 Smith. Bottom photo: Kyle
Smith and Alex Melvin.

Image by Alina Freeman

Cheers

Members of the East Columbus Junior-Senior High School cheerleading squad
pose for staffer Alina Freeman prior to a game earlier in the fall. From left: Jayonna
Shaw, Jade Bright, Ashajanae Powell and Morgan Hudson.

GATORHAWK 33 Image by Alina Freeman

College-bound

Destiny Mitchell, Levi
Zickafoose and Chyna Patrick
were among the scores of East
Columbus Junior-Senior High
School juniors and seniors
attending the recent College
Day at East.

VINCE PATRICK

1992-2022

YEARS

EAST COLUMBUS
JUNIOR-SENIOR

Class of 1993HIGHSCHOOL

East’s ‘Karate Kid’
finds success
in martial arts

Vince Patrick is a graduate of the first East
Columbus High School Class – 1993.

He was active with the FBLA and played
tennis.

He hung around with friends Roy Hilbourn,
Ray Jacobs, Neal Freeman, Alice Thomas,
Dixie Wilson, Heather McKee, Amy Cartrette,
Mindy Nicholson, Tim McKeithan, Jason
Godwin, Ron Jacobs, John and Jerry Soles,
Amy Smith and Brian Holloman.

His favorite teachers were Mary Register,
English, Thomas Mayo, science and Coach
Gary Battle, physical education.

His favorite courses were Earth science and
theater.

“I liked the hands-on of Earth science,” he
said. “As far as theater, I've always been a
movie buff and enjoyed all forms of acting.”

The things he remembers most about his
time at East were making new friends and
“playing tennis for the first time.”

Patrick was active in Boy Scouts, working at
BSA Camp Bowers in Bladen County for
three summers.
“I was in Scout craft which included,
teaching camping, orienteering,
pioneering and wilderness survival,” he
said.
He earned Scouting’s top honor – the
Eagle – in 1993.
Since graduating, he attended
Southeastern Community College,
1993-95 and the University of North
Carolina at Pembroke, 1995-99.

GATORHAWK 34

Top photo: Vince Patrick as a Boy Scout in Buckhead’s Troop 502. Bottom photo:
Patrick and his younger daughter Mia.

He was a member of the Army
National Guard from 1994 to 2001.

A school friend, Jason Godwin,
invited him to a local Karate class. He
would earn his Black Belt in 1995.

He opened Champion Karate Center
on March 1, 1996. Today, he has 163
students, ages 4 and up.

“I always enjoyed working with kids
from my early years of Scouting and I
knew I wanted to work with kids and
show them the benefits of Karate,” he
said of his decision to open the school.

“I was never the big athletic type
and my years of Karate helped me
develop self-confidence.”

Patrick said his time at East helped
him overcome his shyness in talking to
new people.

“The first year at East we merged
with Delco, and we quickly had to make
new friends,” he said. “I didn't want to
get lost in the merger so I had to do
what I could to stand out.”

He and wife Kimberly have two
daughters: Ally, 21 and Mia, 14.

GATORHAWK 35

Top left photo: Younger students work out. Bottom left photo:
fProantrticeknGtwraAonTrcOkesRowHfiAtPhWaatKryico3ku6’nsgKsatruadteensttuodnioh.isBfootrtmom. Troigphrti:ght: The
Patrick’s daughter, Mia, works as an assistant at the school.

GATORHAWK 37

GATORHAWK 38 Images by Alina Freeman

First Day of School

Clockwise, from top: Sholanda Stanley
and Alexandria Benton; Kinsley
Wilson, Katie Wilson, Karli Godwin
and Saige Moore; Chris Avellaneda,
Julian Howard and Francisco
Hernandez; Cafeteria staffer Margaret
Jacobs; Gabby Andrews, Destiney
Mitchell, Chyna Patrick, Alex Patrick,
Neveah Moore, Kayden Baldwin and
Jaxon Lunceford; Nathan George,
Kylie Hardy, Chloe Batten, Eduardo
Calderon and Litzy Carachure; and
Dureon Sutton.

Images by Alina Freeman

First Day of School

Clockwise, from top: Destiney
Mitchell; Caden Carroll, Tailor
Simmons, Staffer Bryan Folwer, Nick
Rye and Austin Jacobs; Tatianna
Collins and Harmony Butler; Nick
Batten, Justin Wellons and Jacob
Freeman; and Jayson Spaulding,
Andy Perez and Harmony Somerville.
GATORHAWK 39

Images by Alina Freeman

Working out

East Columbus Junior-Senior High
School seventh and eighth-graders
are put through their paces as they
try out for the 2022 Hawks football
team.

GATORHAWK 40

Players cleaning up

East Columbus Junior-Senior High School baseball players
help clean up the field area after a recent practice. From left,
rising senior Kade Patrick, rising senior Jacob Freeman
and rising junior George Nance.

Volleyball season Images by Alina Freeman

Top photo: Ryleigh Baldwin, Kyleigh Patrick and Shalonda Stanley. Bottom
photo: Serenity Shufford, Destiney Mitchell, Kinsley Wilson and Harmony
Somerville.
GATORHAWK 41

Artwork from the 2022 Brady-Kendell Art Show. The show will be on display at the Arts
Council through December.

The Columbus County Arts Council

Since 1976, the Columbus County Arts Council has promoted and increased public
awareness, knowledge and appreciation of the arts in our county. For many years, we have
served both individuals and organizations in Columbus County by presenting or providing
funding for exhibitions, performances, festivals, workshops, and residencies.

The economic development of a community is directly related to its cultural resources.
Help make a positive impact on Columbus County's future by building artistic opportunities
for our citizens.

The CCAC is working diligently to promote the arts in our county. Our facility is open on a
regular basis and we plan to offer a variety of programs including classes, exhibits,
performances, as well as, a small sales gallery featuring work by local artists.

822 S. Madison Street, Whiteville
910.640.2787

Image by Fuller Royal

Working the ball

East Columbus Junior-Senior High
School senior Jacob Freeman
battles a player from Trask in a
recent match-up. Freeman was this
season’s leadiing scorer.

GATORHAWK 44

Images by Alina Freeman

Back to School night

Opposite page, clockwise from top left:
Serenity Shufford and Reggie Shufford;
Staffer Alicia Pickett talks with Miguel
Andrade Dominguez; Naveah Moore; Staffer
Nancy Utterback welcomes her students;
Emma Hales and Wyatt Willett; Staffer Bryan
Fowler speaks with an ag student. This page,
clockwise, from top left: Sara Akins and Alex
Benton; Staffer Anthony Martin checks class
assignments; Counselor Brittany Edwards
talks with Zaria Swindell; Harmony
Somerville and Christian Graham; and
Aubrey Long.

GATORHAWK 45

New Guidance Counselor

East Columbus Junior-Senior High School staffer Brittany
Edwards, after 11 years as one of the school’s math teachers,
took on the role of high school guidance counselor. She
described the transition to guidance as “fabulous.” Edwards,
who earned her master’s degre in counseling from Salem
Univerity last year, said the new role had been a goal of hers for
a long time. Pictured, from top: Edwards talks with senior
Tyrese Simpson and junior Josh Martin; Edwards with
husband W.T. and children Gray and Avery at her graduation
from graduate school; Edwards helps senior Dureon Sutton with
a college application and Edwards greets a student during open
house.

GATORHAWK 46

GATORHAWK 47 910.770.1834

‘Mitty’ film provides keen essay

subject, multiple lessons for living

By FULLER ROYAL Mitty” by New Yorker writer James

Gator Media Instructor Thurber.

It’s the story of Walter Mitty, an

One of the things that makes teaching introverted and henpecked husband in

English I wonderful is the latitude given to the 1940s who makes it through his dull

me by the curriculum to incorporate life by daydreaming himself into

materials from across the spectrum into amazing adventures.

my classes. GATORHAWKH4is8wild, action-heavy daydreams are

For me, the highlight of the section on triggered by his real life surroundings

short stories is “The Secret Life of Walter and minor events.

The story was immensely popular His search takes him to other parts
and resulted in a 1947 film starring of the world, where he must summon
Danny Kaye. the courage to overcome his fears and
inhibitions.
It also introduced the term
“Mittyesque” to describe someone who Stiller’s stylish direction works well
is introverted and easily “put upon” on numerous levels. The students are
and who dreams too much. able to identify with Mitty … and with
LIFE’s motto, which Mitty attempts to
Part of my assignment to students subscribe to.
for this story is to evaluate the
importance of dreams in our lives and Using that as a springboard,
how to balance them. students in my classes must write an
essay on how they will apply LIFE’s
In 2013, actor and director Ben motto to their own lives.
Stiller updated the story, taking on the
role of Walter Mitty, now much That simple assignment has been
younger, single and working for the life-changing for several students
venerable LIFE Magazine. during the past six years, helping them
realize there is more to life than what
And he is still a daydreamer. they have seen so far.
The film is fantasic and presents
numerous teachable moments. It’s a I highly recommend watching the
rare case of the film being so much 2013 “Walter Mitty.” It will become one
better than the source material. of your favorite’s as well.
In the film, Mitty must find a
missing negative designated for the Below is LIFE’s motto. Can you
cover of LIFE’s last published issue. apply it to your life?

LIFE’s Motto
To see life; to see the world; to eyewitness great events; to watch the faces of the
poor and the gestures of the proud; to see strange things — machines, armies,
multitudes, shadows in the jungle and on the moon; to see man’s work — his

paintings, towers and discoveries; to see things thousands of miles away,
things hidden behind walls and within rooms, things dangerous to come to;

the women that men love and many children; to see and take pleasure in
seeing; to see and be amazed; to see and be instructed...

GATORHAWK 49

A New Look

Above: An 8-foot by 16-foot
“billboard” now adorns the
wall across from the main
entrance of the school. The
piece was created and printed
by Mr. Postman in Whiteville.
At right: Workers install one of
the more than two dozen new
exterior doors ordered for East
Columbus Junior-Senior High
School as part of the school
system’s security upgrades for
the campuses.

GATORHAWK 50