GATORLIFE 1 In this Issue • A look back at 2006ʼs Once Upon a Mattress • East drummer has made career from percussion • Eighth-graders learn all about mushrooms Volume III Issue 3 February 2024 GATOR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF EAST COLUMBUS JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
GATORLIFE 2 To Our Readers: Welcome to our tenth issue overall of GatorLIFE Magazine. It has been two years since we started publishing. In that time, we have produced more than 400 stories and 800 photographs, and have edited more than 600 pages of content. That doesn’t include the two yearbooks published with a combined total of 475 pages and 3,500 photos. Gator Media has produced three semesters of hard-working staffers. Last month, we began semester four with 27 staffers, including nine veterans of the program. And we have some exciting new talent in our midst. I see big things for several of our newcomers. Two of our returning staffers have been been assigned huge responsibilities. Third-semester staffer Sara Sessions, a junior, is our first managing editor. She is a trouble-shooter with a knack for special projects. Second-semester staffer Callie Jacobs, who proved her mettle last semester, is our first associate editor. This duo’s organizational abilities and leadership skills are proving to be real assets to the program. Fuller Royal Gator Media Instructor GATORLIFEGator Media Staff Managing Editor … Sara Sessions Associate Editor … Callie Jacobs Staff Writers Miguel Andrade Dominguez • Kate Brown • Kaylee Dale Lydia Dyson • Daffne Fernandez • Wendy Gomez Valdez • Milana Graham Jada Hines • Kirstin Jacobs • Camila Jauregui-Del Angel • Marley Koss Jerome Lendon • Kailey Marlowe • Janely Martinez • Brittany Mitchell Ariana Oppenheimer • Destiny Robbins • Meela Roberts • Naomi Sessions Norah Sessions • Laura Stacker • Tadeja Walker • J’mauria Williams Damarion Wilson
GATORLIFE 3 INSIDE On The Cover Soccer life Middle school eighth-grader Eduardo Calderon looks for a return of the ball during a soccer match. See his story on page 22. VOLUME III, ISSUE THREE • February 2024 6 Jaden Troy 9 Christopher Jacobs 11 Ariel Patrick 12 Gabriel Green 14 Jaylen Brown 16 Jennifer Rivas 18 Kinsley Wilson 19 Jʼmauria Williams 22 Eduardo Calderon 24 Rylie Graham 30 Matt Dudley 34 Kamden Coker 36 Kaydense Clark 37 Trinity Hunter 38 Tymarion Baldwin 41 Rashawn Thomas 44 Kenlie Jacobs 46 Tristian Graham 47 Malia Graham 48 Donnie Ezzell 49 Brandon Scriven 50 Landon Herring 52 Karen Haley 54 Tonya Jacobs 56 Mercedes Banks 57 Aleigh Godwin 58 Hayven Jacobs 61 Rimel Jackson 62 “Mushrooms” 69 Miss East Columbus 70 Kayla Bracey 72 Once Upon a Mattress 78 Journey Sutton 80 Shamiah Johnson 82 Millie Bracey 86 Hilary Johnson GATORLIFE is published monthly by Gator Media. All stories and photographs are copyright 2024 by East Columbus Junior-Senior High School and Gator Media. Gator Media’s instructor/advisor is Fuller Royal. He can be reached at [email protected] or 910.646.4094. GATORLIFE
GATORLIFE 4 Busy school Above: FFA students Peyton Walker, left, and Charley Tilley, right, assist agriculture instructor Alicia Pickett with one of the club’s chicken bog fundraisers in December. Left: Parents offer their thoughts and ideas during a town hall meeting at East. The event was hosted at each of the county’s high schools in November in order to increase parental involvement with their students’ respective schools.
GATORLIFE 5 No language barrier between friends When Angelly De La Cruz Jimenez, left, arrived at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School, she spoke virtually no English. Once she was in her science class, fellow freshman Addyson Crosby, right, stepped in to help. Crosby used the translation app on her iPhone to help De La Cruz Jimenez communicate with teachers and classmates. Crosby said the phone app translates “very well.” Since then, the two have become fast friends. “She learns English and I learn Spanish,” Crosby said. Learning inside out Middle school eighth-grader Ian Martin receives guidance from his father, Dr. Anthony Martin, on the steps necessary to disassemble a gaming device. The younger Martin was servicing and upgrading the electronics for the small computer. The elder Martin is the computer/internet/ digital instructor in East Columbus Junior-Senior High School’s career technical education department.
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GATORLIFE 7 By GATOR MEDIA STAFF aden Troy lives in Bolton. The East Columbus Junior-Senior High School junior is known for his skills on the basketball court, playing for the Gators and with summer league teams. The excitement of being part of the school’s varsity boys team has been Troy’s favorite part of East. He said he weightlifting has been his favorite class. Troy said math instructor, Noe Chavez, is his favorite teacher, adding that Chavez has pushed him and his classmates to “be their best.” His strongest subject is math and his weakest is science. One of Troy’s role models is his father, East staffer Harrington Ward, who, Troy said, has always encouraged him to “strive for greatness.” Another person who has had a significant impact on Troy’s life is former East teacher and AAU coach, Austin Andrews, who left East last summer. He said Andrews’ guidance and mentorship helped him become the “best version of himself.” Outside of school, Troy works with media at his church. After graduation, Troy plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Wilmington to play basketball and pursue his academic goals. People might be surprised to learn that behind his competitive spirit, he is, “a very chill person,” who loves to laugh and enjoy life. He said the laughing emoji best describes him because he has “an infectious laugh and a positive outlook on life.” Troy at home on the court J
GATORLIFE 8 The East Columbus Junior-Senior High School Education Foundation’s premier pork chop fundraiser was a success in November with more than $11,000 raised for the school. The sale of plates, and the donation of materials and ingredients for much of the meal, helped push the total profit well beyond the goals set by the group. Top row, from left: A volunteer cooks chops on one of several grills brought in for the occasion; Makayla Carter; and Kelsie Watts. Second row, from left: Kaley Mitchell and Destiney Mitchell; and volunteer Lavern Coleman Bottom photo: The plate assembly line remained busy trying to keep up with the demand for plates. The plates featured two pork chops each. Pork chop heaven Swampkeepers Event Successful
GATORLIFE 9 Story and Photo by LAKYN WILSON Gator Media Staff Writer hristopher Jacobs is a ninth-grader at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. The 14-year-old resident of Lake Waccamaw said the thing he loves most about East is the gym because he likes to stay active. He said his favorite memory of East will be of his eventual graduation. His strongest subject in school is math and his weakest is science. His favorite teacher is physical education instructor Brad Smith. The person who inspires him the most is Matt Wilson because he has taught him life-long lessons. At East, Jacobs said math instructor Noe Chavez has helped him the most, especially in math. His accomplishments include being on the A/B honor roll. His out-of-school activities include riding dirt bikes and hunting. After graduation, Jacobs wants to work in welding. His favorite things include Country music, the movie Light Out, the New York Yankees and chicken bog. He enjoys SpongeBob SquarePants and SnapChat. He said the sunglasses emoji best describes him because Jacobs said he’s “cool.” He said people would be surprised to learn that he is a genuinely nice person. His biggest fear is of not being successful. Jacobs said he is inspired by the Bible verse John 3:16, which, he added, impacts his everyday life. Jacobs loves gym; wants to weld C
The News Reporter The News Reporter has been covering Lake Waccamaw gators and East Columbus Junior-Senior High School Gators for decades. Subscribe Today 910.642.4104 In the summer of 1988, this 13-foot, 450-pound bull alligator was trapped and killed in the canal at Lake Waccamaw. Earlier that week, a jogger reported the disappearance of a dog he had just seen standing by the canal. He heard a splash, turned and the dog had disappeared. Later that week, two boys were fishing on a small platform along the canal. They reported that an alligator had lunged toward them. The next day, the late N.C. Wildlife Officer Milton McLean set up a snare loaded with a single raw chicken. The gator took the bait and was ensnared. Having lost its fear of humans, the alligator was determined to be too dangerous and was destroyed. The News Reporter sent staff photographer Fuller Royal to photograph the massive reptile, which was nearly the length of this john boat. The youngsters in the photograph are unidentified. INTERESTED IN STARTING A NEW CLUB AT EAST? There is increasing interest in bringing more interest-based clubs to East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. Here are some examples of clubs we could start! Mathletes Photography Club FCA Fellowship of Christian Athletes HOSA Health Occupations Students of America Film Appreciation Club Computer Science Club Culture Appreciation Club FBLA Future Business Leaders of America Model UN Debate Club Future Nurses of East Columbus and many more … If interested, find a teacher who you believe would like to sponsor/advise your club. You can also email Sara Sessions at [email protected] for help in starting your club THANK YOU!
Story and Photo by DANICA YOUNG Gator Media Staff Writer e are making our school better,” said East Columbus JuniorSenior High School sophomore Ariel Patrick, and that’s what the 16-year-old Buckhead resident said she likes best about East. Her favorite memory so far has been dancing in the Native American program hosted at the school. Her favorite class is dance because it is what she loves to do. “It takes my mind off of what’s happening in the real world,” she said. Patrick's strongest subject is English and her weakest is math. Her favorite teacher is dance instructor Sloan Deans. “She’s very supportive and encouraging,” Patrick said. “She’s always there when I need her, or anything in general.” Her role model is her mother, who, Patrick said, has always been her shoulder to lean on through any and everything. “She’s the strongest woman I know,” Patrick said. She said high school counselor Brittany Edwards has helped her the most at East. “I can go to her when there’s a problem no matter what kind and I need someone I can trust to talk to,” she said. Patrick is an honors student in all of her classes. Cheerleading is her favorite sport. She said it helps her relieve stress. “Doing well on a stunt makes me feel better,” she said. Outside-of-school, Patrick enjoys dancing and reading books or short stories. She plans to attend college after high school for a degree in social work. Patrick said the yawning emoji best describes her because, “I’m tired most of the time.” She said people would be surprised to learn that she actually spends her free time reading books. Patrick looks forward to social work, motherhood “W
GATORLIFE 12 Story and Photo by BRANDON SCRIVEN Gator Media Staff Writer abriel Green loves sports. A resident of Lake Waccamaw, Green is a 14- year-old freshman at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. He said the best part of school so far has been playing on the varsity football team. “It was fun to be a part of,” he said. Green’s favorite class at East is weight training. His strongest subject is earth science and his weakest is math. Green’s favorite teacher is math instructor Noe Chavez. “He is always in a good mood and he is fun for a teacher,” Green said. His mentors include Coach Douglas Skipper because, “He inspires me to play football and keep going.” Another person at East who has helped Green is student Jacob Stukes. “He is someone else who inspires me to keep trying in football,” Green said. Green’s favorite activities at East are sports and weightlifting. Both are activities he enjoys. Green’s activities at home include power washing. His primary out-of-school activity is JROTC. His favorite music is Rap and his favorite food is Philly cheese steaks. Green enjoys watching the Carolina Panthers and his favorite game is 2K. Gabriel’s biggest fear is of spiders because he said, “Their eight legs are scary.” Freshman Green loves the sports opportunities at East G
GATORLIFE 13 The folks at Pizza Village invite you to enjoy their special brand of pizza as well as their other traditional menu items. It’s a menu that has been a Columbus County favorite for 40 years. 910.642.5812 • Whiteville PIZZA VILLAGE
GATORLIFE 14 By KAYDENSE CLARK Gator Media Staff Writer ixteen-year-old Jaylen Brown is a sophomore at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. A resident of East Acadia, he said his favorite class is animal science and his favorite teacher is Alicia Pickett. He said he likes his peers the best East because he's always with them, adding that his favorite memory of East will be of the time spent with his friends because they’ve “been through a lot together.” He said his strongest subject is animal science and, for now, he doesn't have a weak subject. A role model in his life is his father. “He has been through what I have been through, so he tries to help me,” Brown said. He said middle school instructor Tonya Jacobs has helped him the most at East. “She always sees how I’m doing and checks on me,” he said. He said that one of his biggest accomplishments is making it to the tenth grade. His favorite activity at East is playing basketball. He also enjoys his school work. He plays basketball as his primary out-of-school activity and wants to attend Duke University after graduation. His favorite things include Rap music, the movie Cars, SpongeBob SquarePants, his father’s chicken Alfredo, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Snapchat, the Lakers and 2k. He said people would be surprised to know he’s a “cool guy,” you just have to get to know him. His biggest fear is of death. Brown wants to attend Duke S
GATORLIFE 15 Pizza supper Above: As football coach Michael Williamson and cheerleader sponsor Dana Smith serve plates, middle school football players and cheerleaders load up on their carbs during a pizza supper held in the library before a home game. Left: Walter Spaulding and Kyel Smith relax and enjoy their pizzza slices.
GATORLIFE 16 By Brandon Scriven Gator Media Staff Writer ennifer Rivas is a 15-year-old freshman at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. She said her favorite thing at East is the teaching staff. “They are sweet and care about teaching,” she said. Rivas’ favorite memory at East will likely be of playing soccer. “I love playing soccer,” she said. Her favorite class at East is CompTia Foundations. It is also her favorite activity. “I have learned so much from this class and it is very fun,” she said, adding that “building cables and PC’s is fun.” Her strongest subject is English and her weakest is math. Her favorite teacher is band instructor Anna Slaughter because, “She genuinely cares about teaching, she’s funny and kind.” Rivas’ role model is her older brother Jonathan Rivas. “He taught me everything I know about soccer,” she said. The person who has helped Rivas the most at East is history teacher and soccer coach Justin Furlow. “He has helped me gain confidence and loosen my tension while playing soccer,” she said. Rivas’ honors include membership in the National Beta Club, as well as MVP and coaches awards from soccer. Her after-school activities include traveling, drawing and playing soccer. Once she graduates, she plans to earn her commercial driver’s license and work with her father. Her favorite music is Latino and her favorite movie is Lilo and Stitch. Rivas’ favorite television show is Brooklyn 99 and her favorite food is Pupusas. Her favorite books include the Game of Thrones series and her favorite app is Instagram. Her favorite team is Real Madrid and her favorite game is FC24. Something Rivas thinks people would be surprised to learn about her is that she is Salvadoran. Rivas said the “evil” emoji best describes her because, “People say I am devious and funny.” J Rivas to work in family business
GATORLIFE 17 ‘Grab that ball!’ East Columbus players Zay’Vaan Hines, left, and Jaylen Brown, right, work to retrieve the ball during a recent game against Whiteville High School.
GATORLIFE 18 By JAYONNA SHAW Gator Media Staff Writer he thing at East Columbus JuniorSenior High School that 16-year-old junior Kinsley Wilson likes best is the involvement from the student section at sporting events. The Lake Waccamaw resident said her favorite memory of East Columbus will be the 2023 softball season and the Whiteville basketball game with East storming the court. Wilson’s favorite classes are biology and civics because she excels in those classes and understands their curriculums. Biology is Wilson’s strongest subject while math is her weakest. Dr. Jennifer Smith is one of Wilson’s favorite teachers because she said Smith has taught her a lot. Justin Furlow is another of Wilson’s favorite teachers who, she said, explains things to her “very well.” Wilson said April Baker Malpass is her mentor/role model. “She is an entrepreneur and a very successful business woman,” Wilson said Former staffer Alina Freeman and counselor Brittany Edwards are the two people who Wilson said have helped her the most at East. “They would do anything for anybody in need of help,” she said. Wilson’s accomplishments and involvement at East include the National Beta Club, the National Honor Society and inclusion on the school’s honor roll. Wilson is also on the varsity volleyball, track and soccer teams. Her favorite activity at East is its sports program. She said it brings the school together. Outside of school, Wilson holds down a job and enjoys hanging out with her friends. After graduation, she plans to attend Louisiana State University and obtain a degree in Juris doctor and continue law school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She would like to become a lawyer, a judge and later, a senator. Wilson said the emoji that would best describe her is the smiling face because she hopes to always make a good impact on someone and “hopefully, make them smile.” Wilson said her worst fear is of losing family members. She said people would be surprised to learn that she is an extrovert, that she has a sister who is her best friend and that she loves to laugh. Wilson added that she hopes to continue making good grades and that she can’t wait to see what her future has in store for her. Wilson seeking long career in law, politics T
GATORLIFE 19 Story and Photos by CHAYLEE RYANT Gator Media Staff Writer ourteen-year-old J’mauria Williams said she likes the healthy environment at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. The freshman said it allows students to become close to the teachers. The Bolton resident said her favorite memory at East will probably be of meeting Edward Gerald, a former eighth grade teacher. She said Gerald was someone with whom she connected well. Williams said her favorite class is world history, which is also her strongest subject. She said the instructor, Marcus Skipper, teaches the class in a “very understanding way.” Her weakest subject is science. Williams said her role model is Coach Doug Skipper. She said he sets a good example and he encourages her. He is also her favorite teacher because he lets her “annoy him” and she has particularly good conversations with him. She said the person who helped her the most at East was former principal Jamie Faulk. He helped her with math when she was in eighth grade. She said her favorite activity at school is the pep rallies because they demonstrate a lot of school spirit. Williams’ accomplishments so far include her participation on the Gators cheer team. After graduation, she wants to attend a four-year college. One possibility is North Carolina A&T University where she would work to become a nurse. Williams said her biggest fear is of heights. She hates being too high off of the ground. She said people are surprised to learn that she is not from North Carolina. Williams wants to work in medicine as a nurse F
GATORLIFE 20 Middle school art East Columbus Junior-Senior High School middle schoolers Bryceson Hollis, top, Kacey Rodriguez, above, and Aiden Jacobs, left, work to finish end-ofsemester projects in their art class.
GATORLIFE 21 The struggle East Columbus Junior-Senior High School junior varsity player Demetrius Dexter grimaces as he attempts to reach an errant basketball during a match-up against Whiteville High School.
Story and Photo by BRANDON SCRIVEN Gator Media Staff Writer duardo Calderon 13, is an eighth-grader at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. Calderon thinks the best thing about East is its list of available activities. “It is a great way to have fun,” he said, adding that his favorite memory at East will probably be of going to his first soccer game because, “It helped me become more active.” Calderon’s favorite class at East is science. “I like to learn about science,” he said. His favorite subject history. “It’s fun to learn about.” He said his weakest subject is math. “It is difficult to remember everything.” His favorite teacher at East is Ebony Murchison. “She’s fun and teaches well,”he said. His biggest role model is his father because, “He has taught me everything about being a good person.” The person who has helped Calderon the most at East is his soccer coach Justin Furlow. “He has been a great role model in my life.” Calderon’s favorite activity at school is after-school soccer. Outside of school, he loves working with his father. After graduation, Calderon wants to go Division I in soccer and eventually go pro. His favorite music is Corridos Tumbados and his favorite movie is SouthPaw. His favorite app is TikTok and his favorite team is FC Barcelona. His favorite game is Fifa 23. The emoji he thinks describes him best is the smiling one. His hidden talent is that he can sing. Something he thinks people would be surprised to learn about him is that “I'm a very hard worker and very kindhearted.” His biggest fear is of being alone. Calderon is squarely aimed at soccer career E
He said his favorite memory at East will probably be of going to his first soccer game because, “It helped me become more active.”
GATORLIFE 24 By JAYONNA SHAW Gator Media Staff Writer ixteen-year-old Rylie Graham said what she likes best about East Columbus JuniorSenior High School is her group of friends. “It’s nice to have friends at times,” she said. Graham said her favorite memory of East will be pursuing track throughout high school. She said the person who has helped her the most at East was former JROTC staffer, 1st Sgt. James Alston, who helped her “become who she is today.” The junior said her accomplishments at East is include taking all honors classes for first semester of the 2023-24 school year. Her favorite activity at East is track because, “It’s my sport.” Graham works outside of school. Her activities inside and outside of school include volleyball, basketball, cheerleading and softball. When Graham graduates, she wants to attend a college to run track and then enter the medical field as an Obstetrics-Gynecologist. She said she is not sure of which college, but she knows she wants to attend a university. Graham said the smiling emoji best describes because her nickname is “Smiley.” Her favorite food is chicken Alfredo and Hamburger Helper. Her favorite music is Rhythm and Blues. Graham said her favorite class is theatre and her strongest subject is English. She said, “Hands down, chemistry is the worst.” Her favorite movies include any Madea/Tyler Perry productions. Her favorite app is SnapChat and her favorite game is GTA. Graham said her biggest fear is of dying from a painful death. Graham wants to be OB/GYN S
GATORLIFE 25 Graham said her favorite activity at East is track because, “It’s my sport.”
GATORLIFE 26 Candy man On Friday of each week, soccer coach and history instructor Justin Furlow posts a list of his students/players who have shown improvement in all of their grades. Each receives a candy treat and a warm word from Furlow. It takes Furlow some time to go through all of their grades to determine who is on the list every week. Soccer player Kevin Rodriguez offers thanks and a smile for his treat.
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GATORLIFE 28 Game victory excitement Above: East Columbus Junior-Senior High School senior women’s player Destiney Mitchell forces the ball up the court toward the goal during a victorious game against Whiteville High School. Right: East Columbus’ fan section cheers the women’s basketball team’s victory over Whiteville in January.
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By FULLER ROYAL Gator Media Advisor t’s been two decades since Matt Dudley donned a green and orange uniform as an East Columbus High School Gator Marching Band drummer. In that time, the 2002 graduate has turned those drumming skills into a successful career. “I played in the marching band and concert band from my ninthgrade year until I graduated,” said the Lake Waccamaw resident. His favorite teacher was former East Columbus band director Robert Page. “He was my band director all through middle school and my ninth and tenth grade years,” Dudley said. “He made such a huge impact on my life through discipline and hard work. He had a great personality and was a lot of fun to be around, but he also had the upmost respect from everyone.” Page is retired now. “Donnie Hero was my band director from the middle of tenth grade after Page retired. He was a percussionist and pushed me to strive for more than what I thought I was capable of. “Chance Bryant was my band director my senior year,” Dudley said. “He always had a smile on and encouraged everyone. He had a great work ethic and challenged us as a band. He later taught at Whiteville High School where I assisted him as the percussion coach from 2006 until 2009.” Dudley also mentioned former East staffer Linda Taylor. “She was a counselor throughout my time at ECHS and always had time for me,” he said. “I used to love sitting in her office talking about life and laughing. She always brightened my day.” Dudley said another influence had been former Gator Legacy: Dudley’s drumming delivers Drum instructor Matt Dudley works with a young student in his downtown Whiteville percussion school. I
music director (and former principal) Jamie Faulk. “He would call you out in a heartbeat, but with good intention,” Dudley said. He cared a lot about his students and always strived to do the best while having a good time. We worked a lot together on all of the (musicals) between choir and band. He made those stressful rehearsals fun.” His favorite courses were marching band and concert band. He said the two classes gave him a purpose for his love of drums and percussion. “I was challenged to learn more about the instrument, the teamwork involved and mostly about myself through hard work and leadership,” he said. He also enjoyed art. “I waited to take art my senior year and wished I had started in ninth grade,” he said. “It was a therapeutic experience and Mr. (Tim) Dowless was a great teacher who inspired and interacted with us on our level. “He would always have these mix CD's that he would play in class that would cater to different styles that all the students could enjoy,” he said. In addition to band, he loved working on East’s musical productions and plays. “I played drum set for all of the play productions we put on,” he said. “There were lots of fun memories with friends and instructors. Also, I got to skip out of class some days to work on those productions.” The thing he remembers best about East was his group of friends, which included: Jason Helms, Chris Hollis, Jeremy Hill, Jessica Moore, Daniel Strickland, Brian Fowler, Wesley Edge, Star Jacobs and Marvin Fulton. “I really didn’t like school and the work,” he said. “I know that's terrible, but my best memories were from the friendships I made and my time in band. It shaped and molded me into the man I am today. I am grateful.”
GATORLIFE 32 After graduating, Dudley began his career teaching the drums. “I am a drum educator, author and owner of The Matt Dudley Drumming Academy in downtown Whiteville,” he said. “I have been teaching private lessons for 20 years. I studied percussion at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke under percussion director Tracy Wiggins and drum set instructor Pat Petrillo.” While attending UNCP, he played snare in the drum line for the Spirit of the Carolina’s marching band. He also studied music business. Dudley has performed and recorded with numerous bands and musicians along the East Coast. From 2003-2009 he taught the drum lines not only for Whiteville, but also for South Columbus and East Columbus high schools. He is an American Independent Artist for Los Cabos Drumsticks of Canada. He recently published his first book, Beginning Exercises for Building Hand Technique. It is available at Amazon.com Dudley has no children, but he said he has. “A wonderful girlfriend who supports me in my endeavors.” “The four years of band at East taught me discipline and perseverance,” he said. “It taught me leadership
GATORLIFE 33 qualities and team work. Those qualities followed me to college and drum corps. Owning my own business has had its ups and downs and if I hadn't had those experiences, I would have given up on my dream and not been patient.” Above: In 2008, Dudley confers with Whiteville High School drum captain Jordan Williamson on the field manuevers of the percussion section. Dudley also helped with South Columbus and East Columbus high schools drum units. Below left: Marching in a parade. Below right: Performing with a band.
GATORLIFE 34 Story and Photo by GRACIE COYLE Gator Media Staff Writer amden Coker, known as “Kam” to his friends, is an eighth grader at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. The 14-year-old enjoys the sports best at East. “The coaches help you get looked at,” he said. His favorite memory at East will be of playing middle school baseball because he enjoyed having staffer Fred Pedro as a coach. His strongest subject is math while his weakest is science. “My favorite teacher is Mrs. (Ebony) Murchison because her teaching style makes learning easy,” Coker said. His role model is Pedro because, “He helps everyone with baseball.” He said Carlie Jacobs, a freshman at East, has helped him the most because, “She helps me with ELA.” His accomplishments include middle school baseball and maintaining a place on the A/B honor roll. His favorite activity at East is baseball. “I love baseball,” he said. Coker’s other activities include football in school, and hunting, fishing and attending church outside of school. After graduation Coker plans to go professional in baseball, and after baseball, he wants to work in agriculture. Coker’s favorite style of music is Country. His favorite movie is The Sandlot and his favorite show is Duck Dynasty. He loves steak. He doesn’t have a favorite book, but his favorite app is SnapChat. His favorite team is the Atlanta Braves and his favorite game is Fortnite. He said the blushy emoji describes him best because, “My cheeks are always red.” His hidden talent is his ability to play the flute. People would be surprised to know that he is good at tennis. His biggest fear is of clowns because they “creep” him out. It’s agriculture for Coker K
GATORLIFE 35 Join Up! Start a Troop! Call 910.395.1100 Scouting emphasizes the importance of honesty, integrity, and responsibility, helping young people develop strong character traits that serve them well throughout their lives.
GATORLIFE 36 Story and Photo by by BRANDON SCRIVEN Gator Media Staff Writer aydense Clark is a freshman at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. The 14-year-old lives in Hallsboro. She said her favorite thing at East is the sense of community there and that her favorite memory of the school will probably be, “The times I’ve had with my friends.” Clark’s favorite class at East is journalism/media. “It helps me learn more about my peers,” she said. Her strongest subject at East is science while her weakest is math. Her favorite teacher is math instructor Noe Chavez. “He helps us and is really nice,” she said. Several of Clark’s role models include her older sisters. “We’ve always had each other,” she said. Someone who has helped Clark the most East is her friend Krystal Kellihan. “We're always together and she was one of the first people who helped me out and we’ve gotten really close,” Clark said. Clark’s favorite activity at East is attending the football games, especially homecoming. She also enjoys JROTC. Outside of school, Clark enjoys hanging out with her older sisters and her friends. After high school, she plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Clark’s favorite music is Rap and her favorite movies are the Ironman films. She enjoys watching Stranger Things and eating carne asada tacos. Her favorite book is The Help, her favorite app is Instagram, her favorite team is the Pittsburgh Steelers and her favorite game is GTA. Her biggest fears are of bugs and heights. She said the face emoji with the spiral eyes best describes her. Clark wants to attend UNCP K
GATORLIFE 37 By BRANDON SCRIVEN Gator Media Staff Writer ast Columbus Junior-Senior High School freshman Trinity Hunter hopes to someday be a pediatrician. Hunter, a 15- year-old resident of Hallsboro, said two of the things she likes best at East are its teachers, and the lunch period because, “I’m always hungry.” Hunter said her favorite memory at East will be of its pep rallies. “They are entertaining,” she said. Her favorite class, and strongest subject, is math. “I’m really good at it,” she said. Her weakest subject is Earth science. Hunter’s biggest role models Reba McIntyre and Dolly Parton. “They’re hard working women,” she said. One of Hunter’s accomplishments last year was winning first runner-up in a pageant. Her favorite activity at East is gym because, “I get my steps in.” Outside of school, Hunter enjoys crafts and baking. After she graduates, Hunter wants to find a job and have her own apartment. Her goals include attending medical school to become a pediatrician. Hunter’s favorite music is Rhythm and Blues, Hip-Hop and Country. Her favorite movie is Princess and the Frog. Her favorite television show is Reba. She loves eating hamburgers and reading Run, Rose, Run. Her favorite app is SnapChat and her favorite game is Roblox. She said the eye-rolling and sleeping emojis best describe her Hunter believes people would be surprised to learn that she is loud and talkative. Her biggest fear is of, “being in a place at the wrong time.” Hunter wants to treat kids E
Story and Photo by CHAYLEE BRYANT Gator Media Staff Writer eventeen-year-old Tymarion Baldwin wants to attend at East Carolina University to continue his basketball career. The Farmers Union resident is a sophomore at East Columbus JuniorSenior High School where he plays varsity basketball. Baldwin said the things he likes best about East are the people and the coaches. He said East is a “great school.” His favorite memory of East would be of ultimately winning a basketball championship. As an athlete, his favorite activity at school is gym so he can play basketball. Baldwin said his out-ofschool activities include basketball workouts or playing basketball at home. While his favorite class is agri-science, his strongest subject is English and his weakest is math. Baldwin said his favorite teacher is Tonya Jacobs, who was his eighth-grade science teacher, and who is now the eighth-grade math teacher. He said she is a “good woman” and is always someone he can talk to. His role models include his brother Tyree Burney, and friend Kevin Durant. They inspire him to never give up and to work hard. He said the person who has helped him the most at school is staffer Fred Pedro, who has helped him think more about what he does and to always be a leader, not a follower. Baldwin said people are surprised to learn that he is a “humble, chill and funny person” to hang around with. He said his hidden talent is that he is fast, and his biggest fear is of “dying broke.” Baldwin loves East’s coaches Baldwin said people are surprised to learn that he is a “humble, chill and funny person” to hang around with. S
Cheering middle school East Columbus Junior-Senior High School’s cheerleaders provide spirited support for their teams. Top photo: Kynley Scott and Journey Sutton offer airborne splits. Bottom photo: Millie Bracey, Natalee Kern, Chloe Batten, Rayjin Waters and ZaNiyah Patrick offer a routine.
GATORLIFE 40 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 The Columbus County Arts Council
GATORLIFE 41 Story and Photo by JAYONNA SHAW Gator Media Staff Writer ixteen-year-old Rashawn Thomas hopes to major in art when he goes to college. The Delco resident and junior at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School said the best part of the school is its community because it “gives a sense of home.” Thomas said his favorite memory of East will probably be of the classes where he and his friends were together. He said that while doing work, “They make class fun.” His favorite subject is reading. He said math is the weakest because math “just doesn’t click” for him. He added that, even though he doesn’t like math, his mathematics instructor Aileen Sejas is his favorite teacher. “Even though she gives a lot of work, she is still a great teacher,” he said. Thomas said no one is his mentor or role model because he “never felt anyone deserved that title.” Thomas said no one in particular had helped him at East, but it has been his friends who have kept him from dropping out. The former Swamp Chomp was Thomas favorite activity in school. It gave him a “break” from all of the work. Outside of school, Thomas creates and sells his art work, plays video games and enjoys being outside. After graduation, he wants to have his own business, creating and selling art pieces. He isn’t sure of which college he wants attend, but he wants to be part of a school with a “great art program and courses.” Thomas enjoys both Rap and Rhythm and Blues music. His favorite movies are the Lion King and its sequel. His favorite show is Ben 10. His favorite food is crab legs and his favorite app is YouTube. Thomas said the laughing emoji best describes him because he is “always in a good mood.” He described his personality as “sometimes annoying.” He said people would be surprised to learn that he is a lot more smarter than he allows people to see. His biggest fear is of losing all of his loved ones and of losing his memory. Thomas is all about art S
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GATORLIFE 43 Middle school hoops Top photo: East Columbus Junior-Senior High School middle school basketball teammates Jorge Rojo, Terry Shipman, Kimani Lloyd, Walter Spaulding and Michael Jackson push the ball up the court. Bottom photos: Jaimeer Hudson and Ian Mitchell look for a path to the goal; Xavier King scrambles to avoid a collision
GATORLIFE 44 Story and Photo by LAKYN WILSON Gator Media Staff Writer career in speech pathology is the goal for East Columbus JuniorSenior High School seventhgrader Kenlie Jacobs. The 12- year-old Buckhead resident said her favorite thing about East is being at the same school as her siblings and riding with them every day. She said her favorite memories from East will be of the student section at sporting events and getting a new administration. Jacobs’ favorite class is gym because she likes being active and moving around. Her strongest subject is science and her weakest is math. Jacobs’ favorite teacher is Angela McLean. “She makes her class fun and easy to do,” Jacobs said. Jacobs considers her grandmother as her biggest inspiration. She said she has always pushed her to do her best. Without her she wouldn’t be where she is. She said the people who have helped her the most at East have been her teachers and siblings. They told her where to go and what to do. Jacobs said she hopes to some day receive a scholarship for cheering. Her favorite activities at East include playing softball and cheering. She loves to cheer for her school. Her out-of-school activities include working in the family business. Jacobs’ favorite things include Country music, The Fast and the Furious, chicken Alfredo, football and YouTube. She said the smiling emoji best describes because she loves making her friends laugh. Her hidden talent is singing. She said people would be surprised to learn that she is a social butterfly. Her biggest fear is of being kidnapped because she never wants to be taken away from her family. She said she loves her school and wouldn’t change a thing. Jacobs wants to work in speech therapy A
GATORLIFE 45 Dance rehearsal East Columbus Junior-Senior High School dance students rehearse for December’s Winter Show. Top photo: Dance instructor Sloan Deans watches as Rayjin Waters looks for a new piece of choreography. Natalee Kern, Addyson Spaulding, Kyra Sutton, Learionna Davis and Amy Hernandez wait for the new moves. Left photo: Brynlee Freeman, Milllie Bracey and Madelyn Dyson perfect a move. Above: Deans shows Addyson Spaulding, Kyra Sutton, Amy Hernandez, Rayjin Waters and Sofia Alvarado-Rivera a new step.
GATORLIFE 46 Story and Photo by CHAYLEE BRYANT Gator Media Staff Writer reshman Tristian Graham, 14, wants to own his own business. The Bolton resident said he likes his classes best at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. He thinks it’s great that he can get to know his teachers better and is able to build relationships with his classmates. He said his favorite memory at school will be of playing pickup basketball in the gym, adding that it helps him improve his basketball skills. He said his favorite classes are math with math instructor Noe Chaves and physical education and health with Coach Jason Nance. He said his favorite teacher is Nance, who Graham said is “Always ready to get active.” He said his strongest subject is JROTC and his weakest is earth and environmental science. Graham said his role model is God. “God is just so wonderful,” he said. Graham said the people who have helped him the most at school are students Morgan Best, Trista Robinson and Jerome Lendon. He said they are always there to help him when he needs it. Graham is included in the Gentlemen’s Club at school. The members dress up every Wednesday and associate with one another. He said he plans to go to North Carolina A&T University for business. His favorite activity at school is gym where he is starting to understand, and increasingly like, basketball. His out-of-school activities include working at Freeman’s Grill in Bolton. Graham said he has no fear now that God is with him. F Graham wants to earn degree in business
GATORLIFE 47 By CALLIE JACOBS Gator Media Staff Writer ixteen-year-old sophomore Malia Graham is a multi-sport athlete at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School who especially appreciates the athletics program at the school. Graham plays on the varsity basketball and volleyball teams at East. She also plays AAU basketball outside of school. Her favorite thing about East is her teammates on the girls basketball team, who, she said, motivate and support her. While she has already made plenty of memories at East, she said her favorite so far is of beating Whiteville High School’s volleyball team. Graham has two siblings: Ayden Graham, a 2023 East graduate and a freshman at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and twin sister Milana Graham, who is also a sophomore at East. Graham and her family reside in the St. James community. She said she loves her community and how the people in it are always looking out for her. Aside from being an athlete, she is an active student. Graham is the sophomore class vice president, a member of the National Beta Club and the National Honor Society. She takes all honors classes. Graham said serving on the student council has taught her numerous leadership qualities, but she says she couldn’t do it without her support system, which is her family, community and peers. Graham gives a lot of credit to her success in school to high school guidance counselor Brittany Edwards. She said Edwards pushes her to do her best in all she does. Graham said her mother also inspires her to work hard for what she wants because of just how hardworking her mother is. Graham dreams of playing college basketball, but she is still undecided on where she will go. Graham dreams of playing college ball S
Story and Photo by BRANDON SCRIVEN Gator Media Staff Writer onnie Ezzell, 14, wants to make music after high school. Or join the U.S. Army. A freshman at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School, Ezzell said one of the things he likes best at school is the high school classes. “They feel more free,” he said. He said that, so far, his favorite memory of East will be of how much he enjoyed helping put on last spring’s musical, Walt Disney’s Moana. His favorite class at East is journalism. He enjoys it because he likes photography and enjoys taking pictures of people. Ezzell’s strongest subject is science while his weakest is math. His favorite teacher is math instructor Noe Chaves. His role model is eighth-grade teacher Ebony Murchison. “She is a very positive and cool person,” Ezzell said. Someone who has helped Ezzell at East the most is his friend Brandon Scriven. “I don’t like meeting new people so he comes in handy,” Ezzell said. Ezzell listed among his accomplishments being involved with last year’s school choir. Now that choir is no longer a class, Ezzell said his favorite activity is gym. “I enjoy doing dumb stuff in the gym with my friends,” he said. Ezzell’s out-of-school activities include games, music and drawing. After graduation, he wants to make music or join the military. His favorite music is Nu Metal. Ezzell’s favorite movie is Hacksaw Ridge and his favorite television show is SpongeBob SquarePants. His favorite food is pizza and favorite game is Minecraft. Ezzell’s hidden talent is the ability to play a guitar. He said people are surprised when they hear that because, “I always do every class, but band.” His biggest fear is of being forgotten, adding some advice: “If it doesn’t help you in the future, then ignore it.” Ezzell looking at music, miltary D
By DONNIE EZZELL Gator Media Staff Writer randon Scriven entertains the idea of a career as a North Carolina State Trooper. The 14-year-old freshman said the best part of being at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School is being with his friends and talking with them at the lunch tables. The Whiteville native said his favorite school years were the seventh and eighth grades because he met so many new people during that time. His favorite course, and activity, at East is journalism. He said the class is fun and he is able to write stories and take photographs. It’s also taught by his favorite teacher, staffer Fuller Royal, who Scriven said is a calm teacher.’’ His strongest subject is science. He enjoys learning about viruses. His weakest is math because he is, “bad with numbers.” Someone who helped him the most at East is his friend, Donnie Ezzell, because he has always been there for him. His accomplishments include being on the A/B honor roll. Outside of school, he enjoys playing games and talking to his friends or girlfriend on the phone. He would like to attend Southeastern Community College and complete basic law enforcement classes to pursue his dream of becoming a trooper. His favorite movie is Death at a Funeral. His favorite music artist is Tay-K because, “He never gave up on his passion for music.” His favorite television show is Breaking Bad, his favorite game is Roblox and his favorite foods are macaroni and chicken. His favorite book is Diary of a Wimpy Kid. His greatest fear is of being alone because, “It’s a scary thought.” Scriven seeks career as state trooper B
GATORLIFE 50 Story and Photo by LAKYN WILSON Gator Media Staff Writer andon Herring’s favorite class is automotive mechanics. And that fits right into his career plan of becoming a diesel mechanic after high school. Herring, a junior at East Columbus JuniorSenior High School, said his greatest memory will probably be of the day when he graduates and finally walks across the stage at commencement. It is simply his goal. Herring’s strongest subject is English while his weakest is math. His favorite class is due mostly to his favorite instructor, Arthur Moore. Moore, who motivates Herring to do better in all of his courses, is also Herring’s role model. He said fellow students and friend Landyn Jacobs have helped him the most at East. He said Jacobs also inspires him to work harder and to always have fun. Of his accomplishments, Herring is most proud of being on the principal’s list. His favorite activity is auto mechanics because it teaches him how to work and is enjoyable for him. Herring’s other activity at East is FFA. His out-of-school activities include running dogs, duck hunting, and riding dirt bikes. After graduation, Herring wants to go straight to work. He enjoys listening to Rap music. His favorite movie is the Blind and his favorite food is cheeseburgers. His favorite team is the Atlanta Braves and his favorite app is TikTok. Herring said something people would be surprised to learn is that he loves duck hunting. Herring’s biggest fear is of losing his mother because he couldn’t live without her and “she L means everything to him.” Herring want to work at end of high school