1 February, 2025 Volume II, Issue 2 A Publication of Fuller Royal Photography
2 Dear Readers Welcome to the sixth issue of STUDENTS to WATCH Magazine. In this specially themed issue, we present 14 talented students who have made cheerleading a big part of their lives. Through their commitment, they stand out in their schools with dedication to their sport and the determination to improve their abilities. We have two more special editions coming soon – Spring Sports and Dance. Information on how to be a part of those is inside this issue. And, as always, we invite students from middle school through college to be a part of this magazine. Private, public or home. Charter or Christian. Any school system or college. Give us a call. We look forward to seeing you soon! Fuller Royal
3 This month’s issue features former South Columbus High School cheerleader Ryleigh Hayes. She is among the 14 cheerleaders included in this special issue of Students to Watch Magazine. About the Cover INSIDE Volume II, Issue 2 February, 2025 Published Monthly by Fuller Royal Photography 910.770.1834 622 S. Madison Street Whiteville, N.C. 28472 Fuller Royal Photography is celebrating 35 years of portrait service to the community. 4 Kyleigh Patrick 10 Tamira Brown 16 Brynlee Freeman 22 Essence Rouse 28 Madison Green 34 Faith Kennedy 40 Ryleigh Hayes 46 Carrie Nicholson 52 Brenna McPherson 58 Shalynn Soles 64 Elizabeth Herring Audrey Herring 72 Leah Hooks 78 Callie Jacobs
Kyleigh Patrick believes in power of teamwork 4 E Story and Photos By FULLER ROYAL ast Columbus Junior-Senior High School junior Kyleigh Patrick has been a cheerleader for six years. Patrick, who began cheering as a sixth-grader, said her favorite stunt is the Front Flip in the Air. Her favorite cheer or chant is Fight Song. “It pumps up the student section,” she said. She stays physically fit for cheering by dancing with Amy’s Academy of Dance Arts and playing varsity soccer with Coach Justin Furlow. She said the most challenging part of cheering is learning new skills and stunting and that the most important qualities for a cheerleader are flexibility and school spirit. She said cheering has helped her with her social skills.
5 Teamwork has played a big role in the success of the program. “We encourage each other and have good communication,” she said. Patrick said she is able to balance the time commitment of cheerleading with her academics by communicating with her coach or teachers when anything comes up. She said her faith and her family motivate her to continue improving and pushing herself in cheerleading. Her advice for newer cheerleaders or anyone considering joining: “Never give up and always try to do your best.” When she is not cheering or playing soccer, she is a competitive dancer. She is also active in FFA, Science Olympiad, the National Beta Club and her church’s youth group.
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9 Students to Watch Magazine wants to feature you in a special issue if you are playing any spring sport. Go to Fuller Royal Photography’s Facebook Page and click on the link to sign up. Answer the questionnaire and Fuller will call to set up a free session in his studio. Don’t miss out on this special issue, to be published in April. Baseball Softball Women’s Soccer Men’s Tennis Track & Field Golf
10 Story and Photos By FULLER ROYAL even-year veteran cheerleader Tamira Brown began cheering in sixth grade. The East Columbus Junior-Senior High School senior said her favorite stunt is the Arabesque Leg Switch “It shows difficulty and shows that cheer is not just about looking pretty,” she said. “It’s about dedication and hard work.” “My favorite cheer would have to be Go Squad,” she said. “It’s our crowd's favorite cheer and it makes them happy every time. We’ve done it for so long that everyone knows it now.” Brown said she stays physically fit and prepared by constantly conditioning and making sure she dedicates time outside of practice to work on growing and becoming better. “The most challenging part of being a cheerleader is staying positive and energetic all the time,” she said, “even when dealing with the ups and downs of being a teenager. Balancing school, social life, and personal challenges can be tough, but cheerleading teaches resilience and the importance of lifting others up, which makes the effort worth it.” As a team, she said any challenge can me met. “A challenging experience with my team was during a difficult UCA camp where we struggled to hit certain stunts,” she said. “We were getting tired and frustrated with each other as the days went on, and it was hard to stay positive. “Instead of letting the frustration take over, we came together, encouraged each other, and reminded ourselves why we started,” Brown said. “We took breaks to refocus, cheered each other on, and gradually lifted each other up. By the end, we learned that pushing through tough moments as a team made us stronger and brought us closer together.” Bowen said the most important Tamira Brown loves the cheer life S
11 quality for a cheerleader to have is resilience. “Cheerleading comes with challenges, whether it’s perfecting difficult stunts, handling long practices, or staying positive through setbacks,” she said. “Resilience helps cheerleaders push through tough moments, support their teammates, and bounce back stronger each time. It’s the quality that keeps the team motivated and united, no matter what.” She said cheerleading has boosted her confidence and communication skills. “Performing in front of crowds made me comfortable speaking up, and working with teammates improved my teamwork and leadership,” she said. “It’s helped me feel more confident and adaptable in all areas of life.” “Teamwork is everything in cheerleading,” she said. “We rely on each other for every stunt, routine, and performance. Supporting each other means constant encouragement, trust, and clear communication. When someone’s struggling, we step in to help, and we celebrate each other’s successes. This support keeps us united and makes us stronger as a team.” Brown balances cheerleading with academics and other responsibilities through planning and discipline. “I prioritize my schedule, setting aside specific times for studying and practicing, and I stay organized with assignments and deadlines,” she said. “I also communicate with my teachers and coaches when things get busy. Cheerleading has actually helped me improve my time management, and that’s made it easier to handle everything. “I’m motivated to keep improving in cheerleading because I hope to cheer again in the future,” she said. “Thinking about reaching that goal pushes me to keep working hard, build my skills, and grow as an athlete. Every practice feels like a step closer to making that dream a reality.” She said she would tell someone new to cheerleading to stay positive, be patient and focus on having fun. “Learning stunts and routines can be challenging, but with practice and teamwork, it gets easier,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and remember that everyone starts as a beginner. Embrace the experience, support your teammates, and enjoy every moment. You’ll make amazing memories and grow so much along the way.” When she’s not cheering, Brown is involved with singing, dancing, acting in school plays, stepping, playing soccer and attending church. She said each of these activities allows her to express herself in different ways and remain active. Earlier this month, Brown was named Miss East Columbus High School, the third student to hold that title since the pageant was started in 2023.
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Students to Watch Magazine wants to feature you in a special issue if you are a serious dancer. Go to Fuller Royal Photography’s Facebook Page and click on the link to sign up. Answer the questionnaire and Fuller will call to set up a free session in his studio. Don’t miss out on this special issue, to be published in May. DANCE
16 Story and Photos By FULLER ROYAL rynlee Freeman is a freshman at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. She has been cheering since the sixth grade. Her favorite cheer stunt is the J up/J down. “It was the first skill I learned and my stunt group perfected,” she said. “I believe, it's by far, my favorite stunt to do. It’s easy and fast-going and at the same time, it gives entertainment and shows the skills our group has.” Her favorite cheer is VICTORY. ”We want a v-i-c-t-o-r-y,” she said. “The kicks and jumping in the cheer are fun to do and it gets the boys going and the cheerleaders pumped up.” She said she keeps physically prepared for cheerleading through exercise. “Working out and stretching keeps my body going,” she said. “I also take dance classes.” Freeman said the most challenging part of being a cheerleader is learning the cheers and memorizing the new routines. “In the end, it's all worth it,” she said. She said two skills or qualities needed to be a cheerleader include being loud and having a lot of school spirit. Freeman said cheering has helped her mature and to be more social during school. “It also gets you more involved in stuff,” she said. “It also helps with team building. “I think teamwork is a good thing to have in a team,” she said. “I think without teamwork, it's more complicated to do things. Also, the support from other cheerleaders on the Cheer has been big deal for Brynlee Freeman B
17 team is amazing and helps boost your confidence.” And how does Freeman balance the time commitment of cheerleading with her non-cheering life? “I wouldn’t say I build my life around cheer, but if there's a game or I have practice, I just won't plan anything on those days,” she said. “The only time I would miss a game or practice is if I have something very important to do or something major has happened.” “Cheer is always something I wanted to do,” Freeman said. “It is what motivates me to make my family and coach proud.” For new cheerleaders, she said, “Have spirit. Don't give up. It will get hard and frustrating at times, but you just have to push through.” When she isn’t cheering, she likes to bead and hang out with friends.
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20 Fuller Royal Photography is looking for Class of 2026 Seniors who would like to be Senior Model Reps for the studio. The details and the signup form can be found on Fuller Royal Photography’s Facebook page. Or text 910.770.1834
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22 Story and Photos By FULLER ROYAL ssence Nicole Rouse is a sophomore at South Columbus High School. She began her cheering career as an eighthgrader. Her favorite cheer stunt is the Twist Up. “It really requires the team to come together as a whole,” she said. She also loves the chant Go Big Black. “It really gets the crowd involved and you can see it enhances our guys on the field,” she said. To help meet the physical demands of cheering, Rouse participates in other sports such as softball and track. She also takes weightlifting. She said that sometimes, the most challenging part of being a cheerleader can be working as a group to get over differences that sometimes arise. She said it is important when the group comes “together as a whole to ensure each and every stunt and cheer are perfected.” She recalled one challenge when the team was at competition and suffered a “malfunction.” “We were able to come together, finish our routine, and still cheer the other teams on,” she said. She said that cheerleaders need positive and upbeat personalities. “I would say cheerleading has strengthened my ability and love for learning new things and being a team player,” Rouse said. “Cheerleading requires everyone to not only physically support one another through each game and practice but you have to also respect and depend on one another.” Cheering sets prioritiesE
23 Rouse said she always tries to keep her school work balanced with her other activities while also trying to have a social life. “It’s tough, but it’s all about priorities,” she said. She is motivated to continue improving and pushing herself through the relationships she has made over the years, knowing that these days will not last forever. Her advice to new cheerleaders is to never give up and always have fun. Rouse also plays softball and runs track. She enjoys, hanging out with her friends and family, and “just, overall, being a teenager.” for Essence Rouse
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27 All six issues of Students to Watch magazine can be viewed, downloaded or ordered at www.fullerroyalphotography.com
28 Story and Photos By FULLER ROYAL adison Green is a junior at West Columbus High School. She began cheering as an eighthgrader. “A Rewind from Prep is my favorite stunt,” she said. “It shows a higher level of technical skill, making it visually impressive and exciting to watch. “My favorite cheer is Vikings, Yell It, Go-Fight-Win,” she said. “It energizes me and others to encourage the players to push even harder.” She prepares for the regimen of cheering by focusing on her workout routine and working to think clearly. “This helps me build the power and endurance needed for stunts or whatever my coach asks me to do,” she said. Green said the most challenging part of being a cheerleader is balancing. “You have to make sacrifices outside of your cheer life in order to become good at what you are doing,” she said. She prioritizes effective time management by “using my calendars and team schedules.” She said she makes sure to dedicate time for rest and other activities outside of cheer to avoid burnout. Green said the team worked together to overcome a challenge when it competed at the Columbus County Fairgrounds last fall. “Somehow, our scores weren't good,” she said. “We continued to work hard right up until our first competition in Concord in November.” The team scored the highest it had done all year. “When we are practicing, we all have to pull it together in order to become one,” she said. “We have to be well committed to the time we put in and to each other.” Green said the ability to stunt is the most important skill a cheerleader can possess. She said cheerleading has helped her with public Cheering made MadisonM
29 speaking. “Coming out of my shyness has given me chances to open up to more people,” she said. Green said cheer coach Tasha Bass Dyson motivates her to continue improving as a cheerleader. “No matter what is being thrown at us, she never fails to bring us back together, to get up and to keep fighting,” Green said. “The amount of time she takes out of her day to spend when she could be spending that with her personal family is truly sacrificial. That really pushes us to do better and better.” And her advice would someone new to cheerleading? “Be enthusiastic, practice some skills and always be respectful if anything,” she said. “Respect gets you a very long way.” When she’s not cheering, she is enrolled at Amy’s Academy of Dance Arts. Green a better speaker
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32 Fuller Royal Photography is looking for Class of 2026 Seniors who would like to be Senior Model Reps for the studio. The details and the signup form can be found on Fuller Royal Photography’s Facebook page. Or text 910.770.1834
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Story Continued on Page 22 Story and Photos By FULLER ROYAL outh Columbus High School freshman Faith Kennedy began cheering in sixth grade. She said her favorite cheer stunt is the Round Off, because it’s fun. Her favorite cheer or chant is Everyone Yell. “There’s a lot of movement and it makes me happy,” she said. Kennedy said she stays fit and prepared for cheerleading by riding the horses at her barn and going to the gym a few times each week. She said the most challenging part of being a cheerleader is “making friends because a lot of people think cheerleaders are mean.” She said that sometimes, a challenging experience for the team can become dramatic, “but we all talk it out.” She said most important skill or quality for a cheerleader to have is the ability to be part of the team and to collaborate on stunts and routines. She said teamwork helps to develop trust. Kennedy said that being a cheerleader had greatly improved her selfconfidence. “I used to be shy, but now I’m not as shy anymore,” she said. Her advice to up and coming cheerleaders. “Sometimes cheer is hard, but you can push through it,” she said. “Just know the team is with you.” She said when she is not cheering, she can usually be found riding her horse. Faith Kennedy credits cheer with self-reliance S
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38 Fuller Royal Photography is looking for Class of 2026 Seniors who would like to be Senior Model Reps for the studio. The details and the signup form can be found on Fuller Royal Photography’s Facebook page. Or text 910.770.1834
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40 Story and Photos By FULLER ROYAL outh Columbus High School graduate Ryleigh Hayes cheered for nine years. The current East Carolina University freshman began cheering in fifth grade. Cheering has been a major part of her life. She said her favorite cheer stunt is the Kick Double Basket because of “sharpness and difficulty of the stunt” While it’s not a cheer or a chant, her favorite thing to perform was the school’s fight song. “The crowd always loved that,” she said. “I stayed physically fit by going to the gym often and doing lots of conditioning at Allstate cheer,” she said. “At high school, cheer doesn’t really do as much to stay physically fit.” She said the most challenging part of being a cheerleader was the change in the team’s makeup during the four years of her cheer career. “Not all people share the same skill levels and it’s hard going from experienced cheerleaders to cheerleaders that don’t have that experience,” she said. She said the most important skill or quality for a cheerleader to have is the ability to be versatile. “One person should never be married to a single stunt group,” she said. “They should be able to perform whatever skill is needed.” She said cheering had helped her to be confident in speaking in front of crowds. Hayes said teamwork plays a key role in cheerleading. Ryleigh Hayes confidence grew because of cheering S
41 “There is no ‘I’ in team,” she said. “One cheerleader can’t run the show alone.” She said she balances the time and commitment of cheerleading with academics and responsibilities by making a schedule of when to do things each day. “I allot time for each thing every day,” she said. “Learning new skills motivates me to keep improving and pushing myself,” Hayes said. “Some advice that I would give to someone new to cheerleading would be to join a tumbling and jump class at gymnastics,” she said. “You will be so ahead when you start cheerleading.” When she’s not cheering, she attends church, and spends time with her boyfriend, friends and family.
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44 Fuller Royal Photography is looking for Class of 2026 Seniors who would like to be Senior Model Reps for the studio. The details and the signup form can be found on Fuller Royal Photography’s Facebook page. Or text 910.770.1834
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Story and Photos By FULLER ROYAL hiteville High School junior Carrie Nicholson has been a cheerleader since the seventh grade. Her favorite cheer stunt is the Inversion. “They are challenging and really hard to do,” she said. Nicholson’s favorite cheer is It’s Time to Get Loud, It’s Time to Represent. “This cheer really gets the crowd involved with the cheerleaders,” she said. She stays fit and prepared for the demands of cheerleading by eating healthily and constantly stretching and staying in shape. “The most challenging part is definitely stunting,” she said. “People don’t think it’s as difficult as it really is.” “The most challenging experience my team has experienced is having to get ready and come up with a competitive routine two weeks before the competition,” she said. “We worked through this by having several practices a week and putting in the work to come up with a routine and stick it every time.” Nicholson said the most important skill or quality for a cheerleader to have is trust. “Cheerleaders have to be able to trust one another,” she said. “Bases have to trust their flyers to stay tight and not to fall on them and flyers have to trust their bases to give them a steady platform and keep them in the air.” She said cheerleaders have to be loud and outgoing and those traits have “definitely rubbed off on me outside of cheerleading.” “Teamwork is very important with cheerleaders” she said. “A great example is stunting. When stunting, it is important that everyone works together because one person's mistake can cause the whole stunt or pyramid to fall, which can lead to injuries.” Nicholson said she balances cheerleading with academics by setting her priorities and making Carrie Nicholson loves motivating the crowd 46 W
Story Continued on Page 38 sure she has time for everything in her life. She is motivated to continue improving and pushing herself in cheerleading by “being able to progress and learn new skills as a team.” Her advice to someone new to cheerleading or considering joining the team: “It gets difficult at times, but don’t give up because in the end it is loads of fun.” When she’s not cheering, Nicholson is a competitive dancer. 47
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