GATORLIFE 51 Gator elves Just before the Christmas holidays, students were asked to don their best Christmas garb. Here, seniors Joshua Martin, left, and Jaxon Lunceford, right, join their English IV instructor Tara Williamson for a day attired in their elfin finest.
GATORLIFE 52 History instructor is East’s teacher of the year By TRINITY HUNTER Gator Media Staff Writer ast Columbus Junior-Senior High School history instructor Karen Haley likes East because of its “small town feel” and because she knows most of the staff and students. Haley, who serves as chair of the school’s history department, taught civics for seven years and history for eight. She is also East Columbus’ current teacher of the year. This is her second time receiving that honor. She and her twin sister attended Sun Valley High School in Monroe. They grew up in the Indian Trail-Matthews area, near Charlotte. Haley attended Brunswick Community College and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington where she earned a bachelor’s degree in history. She had always wanted to be a teacher, but life happened and teaching was delayed for a time. For six years, she owned a bakery in Albemarle. She said she really had fun with that business. Other jobs prior to teaching included decorating cakes at Harris Teeter and Food Lion. She said she teaches American history to talk about real events. Haley has always been interested in history, adding that she watches a lot of the history channels. Haley said she would like to see more options to help students improve at East such as cosmetology. She would like to see programs added that would allow students to have a better idea of what they are interested in. Haley is happy that she gets to teach every morning. E
GATORLIFE 53 One of her role models was her mother. “She was a very hard working woman who would not accept excuses,” Haley said. She said wants the students at East to know that grades do not define them and that it’s okay if they’re not interested in history. She said opinions vary, but she said that education needs to be revamped with new features added. Virtual days need to be more common for students to take on more responsibility for their own learning. This would also help them make the transition to college better. Haley is an avid reader, sometimes reading two to three books a week. Her future plans include raising miniature cows as pets. One of Haley’s many talents has been organizing, designing and implementing oneof-a-kind proms. For the past five years, students and staff have been left in awe by the look and success of her proms. Haley said she would like to see more options to help students improve at East such as cosmetology.
By GRACIE COLYE Gator Media Staff Writer ast Columbus Junior-Senior High School Tonya Jacobs teacher likes the uniqueness of each students at the school. Jacobs, who primarily teaches science, has tackled eighth-grade math this year. She came back to East because she wanted to give back to the school where she graduated. Married to husband Travis Jacobs, she is mother to a blended family of five. She also has four grandchildren. Jacobs who grew up in Buckhead, was in the first graduating class at East in 1993. She attended Bladen Community College, earning an associate’s degree in business administration. Jacobs worked in human resources for 20 years, where she had the responsibility for hiring and firing people. She said she really enjoys teaching at East because she finds it rewarding. The biggest thing she wanted to change about East has been done; changing the middle school’s mascot from the Hawks to the Gators and the adoption of the existing high school colors. She would also like to see more sports options for middle school. Her role model is her mother because, “She was an amazing mother and best friend.” Jacobs said that regardless of the teaching assignment, “I will give anything my best.” She wants her students to be the best they can. She thinks education needs more passionate teachers and more students with manners. Jacobs said that students who, “Are open to learning will help out teachers.” Jacobs said she really enjoys teaching at East because she finds it rewarding. Jacobs wants to ‘give back’ GATORLIFE 54 E
GATORLIFE 55
GATORLIFE 56 Story and Photo by GRACIE COYLE Gator Media Staff Writer ighth-grader Mercedes Banks likes the activities and the lunch ladies best at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. She said her favorite memory at East will be of her friends because she enjoys being able to see them. Banks’ favorite class is visual art because, “It made me better at drawing.” Art is also her favorite activity. Her strongest subject is reading while her weakest is math. Her favorite teacher is staffer Ebony Murchison because, “She gives us fun activities to do.” Her role model is Jude Bellingham because he inspires her to work hard just like him. Banks said staffer Angela McLean has helped her most at East because she was the only teacher there for her. Her out-of-school activities include dancing, playing at the park and skating. After graduation, she wants to be a teacher and do gymnastics. Her future plans include joining the military because she, “Wants to be strong.” Banks' favorite TV show is SpongeBob SquarePants. Her favorite food is “everything” and she loves to read The Poet. Her favorite apps are Netflix and TikTok, and she loves to play Roblox. She said the crying emoji best suits her because she cries a lot. Her hidden talent is her ability to be “very flexible.” She said people would be surprised to learn that she’s a “very caring and loving person.” She has two fears: clowns and heights. They give her nightmares. She said she ultimately wants to be successful in life. Banks looking at military E
By LAKYN WILSON Gator Media Staff Writer ast Columbus Junior-Senior High School eighth-grader Aleigh Godwin likes the environment at East, especially the level of school spirit it enjoys. The Lake Waccamaw resident said her favorite memory of East will most likely be of the softball games because, “There is so much support.” Godwin’s favorite class at East is history. She said she enjoys learning about the past. Her history instructor, Ebony Murchison, is also her favorite teacher. It’s her favorite subject and Murchison makes it as fun as she can. Her sister, East Class of 2023 graduate Karli Godwin, is her biggest role model because she accomplished so much in her school years. Staffer Allison Edwards has helped her most at East. Godwin said Edwards always helps her reach her greatest potential. She never allows Godwin to give up and tries to give her new opportunities. Godwin’s accomplishments include being a part of East’s junior National Beta Club. Basketball, softball and volleyball are her favorite activities at East. Outside of school, she plays travel volleyball and travel softball. After she graduates from East, she wants to attend Louisiana State University, play softball and earn a degree in esthetics. Godwin loves Country music, The Sandlot and Yellowstone. She enjoys eating steak and watching anything on Netflix. Her favorite softball team is the Oklahoma State Cowgirls. Her favorite game is Uno. She said the party hat emoji describes her the best because she always tries to have a good time wherever she is. Her hidden talent is that she is a good dancer. Godwin’s biggest fear is of losing her family; she doesn't know what she would do without them. GATORLIFE 57 Godwin seeks career in esthetics E
GATORLIFE 58
GATORLIFE 59 By JAYONNA SHAW Gator Media Staff Writer eventeen-year-old East Columbus Junior-Senior High School senior Hayven Jacobs plans to attend Cape Fear Community College to pursue a career in medical diagnostic sonography. Jacobs said what she likes best about East is the environment and, “How everyone is like a big Gator family.” She said her favorite memory at East will be of the senior class being the first school to win the senior trophy on senior day at Southeastern Community College last fall. She said that the senior class members were excited. Jacobs said her favorite class at East is theatre because it gives everyone a chance to be someone else and have fun on stage, adding that theatre/dance instructor Sloan Deans makes it fun for everyone. Jacobs’ favorite teacher is English IV instructor Tara Williamson. “She is a fun teacher, but also makes her class learn,” Jacobs said. “Everyone can tell that she really cares about her classes’ well-being and it means a lot to them.” Jacobs’ mentor/role model is her mom. She said that no matter what life has thrown at her, she has always taken care of her. Aileen Sejas is who Jacobs said has helped her the most at East. She said Sejas helped her gain a better understanding in math. Jacobs is part of East’s varsity cheerleading team. Her other accomplishments include making all A’s , taking all honors classes, membership in the National Beta Club and cheering at the Citrus Bowl in Florida. Jacobs enjoys shopping and hanging out with her best friends outside of school. Her favorite activity at East is cheerleading. She loves the thrill of cheering on her team, especially when it’s winning. Jacobs said the nails emoji best describes her because it describes her lifestyle. She thinks that people would be surprised to learn that she knows how to play the trumpet. She took band all three years of middle school playing the trumpet. Her biggest fear is of being kidnapped and no one knowing where she is. Her favorite movie is Tangled and her favorite foods are chicken Alfredo and French fries. Jacobs said she wouldn’t have made it as far as she has without her mom. She is appreciative of her and all of the sacrifices she has made for her. Jacobs said her favorite class at East is theatre because it gives everyone a chance to be someone else and to have fun on stage. Jacobs loves cheering, plans career in sonography S
Concert prep In December, students in the East Columbus Junior-Senior High School middle and high school bands practiced together every morning preparing for the 2023 Winter Concert. Practices moved to the East stage as the final week leading to the concert arrived. Top right photo: flautists Gemilia Calderon and Jordan Burney perform. Bottom left photo: Gracie Williamson waits for a sheet of music. Bottom right: Band members include, standing, from top left: James Miller, Nate Howard and Aiden Russ. Middle row, from left: Elliyana Nanton, Taieveon Gardner Pierce and Ian Mitchell. Bottom row, from left: Zion Sims-Smith, McKenna Ware-Rudnik and Kaitlyn Suggs.
Story and Photo by LAKYN WILSON Gator Media Staff Writer ighth-grader Rimel Jackson really enjoys playing football at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. The 15-year-old said it helps him bond with his friends. His favorite class is character health/ fitness service leadership with Fred Pedro “He makes class fun and entertaining,” he said. Science is Jackson's strongest subject and math is his weakest. Ebony Murchison is his favorite teacher. She is his homeroom teacher and is “funny and understanding.” His mother is his role model because, he said, she is strong and always there for him. Jackson, who plays basketball and football for East, enjoys physical education class the most because he is able to complete extra practice for his sports. Outside of school, Jackson enjoys hunting. After high school, he wants to become a truck driver. Jackson’s favorites include the film Friday, the television show Outer Banks, and the book Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Rap is his favorite type of music and chicken his favorite food. His favorite basketball team is the Golden State Warriors. He enjoys playing Call of Duty in his free time. He said the sunglasses emoji best describes because he is “cool.” Drowning is Jackson’s biggest fear. Two-sport athlete Jackson wants to drive trucks E
Eighth-graders study the finer points of the mushroom in science class In December, East Columbus Junior-Senior High School eighthgraders in Melony Gore’s science class learned all they could ever want to know about mushrooms. Gore said the science book used in the class gave the students an opportunity to learn about fungi complete with a vocabulary that included hyphae, mycelium, basidium, ascus, zygosporangia, mycorrhizae and lichen. The students learned that basidiocarp is the part of the mushroom
typically served Italian dishes and atop most pizzas. At the end of the lesson, students dissected the edible fungi. Each student looked at this under the microscope. Students saw the peat compost that is usually found on the mushrooms when it is purchased from the grocery store. Mushrooms are grown in that type of compost. Opposite, top photo: Eighth-grade science instructor Melony Gore explains the structure of a mushroom to her students, including Ava Grice and Kayla Hall. Lower photo: Leah Reaves examines that same structure through a microscope. This page, top photo: Kyel Smith, Ryleigh Morrall, Ian Martin, Chloe Batten, Walter Spaulding and Anthony Brewington prepare their hands-on reports. Bottom photo: Gore points out the anatomy of a mushroom to Leah Reaves, Avery Bullard, Aaliyah Green and Jakalynn Seals.
GATORLIFE 64
GATORLIFE 65 Opposite, top photo: Aaliyah Green and Jakalynn Seals laugh over the “ickiness factor” of pulling mushrooms apart and examining them. Bottom left: Kade Bass studies his mushroom. Center right: Jordan Dorsey compares his mushroom to the photo in the text book. Bottom right: Kyel Smith searches his text book for information on fungi. This page, top photo: Ava Grice, Kayla Hall, Amarhi Graham and Khari Bowens handle their mushrooms. Bottom photo: Jaliyah Brown tries to figure out the design of her mushroom.
GATORLIFE 66
GATORLIFE 67 Pep Rally Hoops Last month’s pep rally provided East Columbus Junior-Senior High School students with the opportunity to watch high school students challenge the staff in basketball. Opposite page, clockwise from top left: staffer Antoine Mullins looks for an opening; student Justin Chavis collides with staffer Justin Furlow; student Rodney Graham pounces for the ball; staffer C.J. Nobles maneuvers against Zachary Smith; students Chavis and Yamir Byrd work against staffers Bryan Fowler and Eugenio Amador; staffer Fred Pedro doubts a referee’s call and staffer Alex Singetary lines up a free throw. This page, clockwise from top left: Gator band percussionists Gracie Williamson and Aiden Russ perform; William McDuffie waits for a signal from the director; Justin Chavis struggles to keep the ball; fans Chynna Patrick and Destiney Mitchell cheer on the student team; Gauge Simmons awaits the rebound; and the middle school cheerleaders, Kelli Maynor, Chloe Batten, Kenlie Jacobs, Natalee Kern, Kyra Sutton, Rayjin Waters, Millie Bracey, Jaliyah Brown and Zaniyah Patrick.
GATORLIFE 68 Pennʼs Grill 910.642.2779 128 E. Commerce Street Downtown Whiteville
GATORLIFE 69 Hayven Jacobs Shamiah Johnson Kaley Mitchell Naomi Sessoms Serenity Shufford Shalonda Stanley Six East Columbus Junior-Senior High School students are slated to compete next month for the coveted role of Miss East Columbus. The pageant was initiated last year and resulted in Class of 2023 graduate Katie Wilson being selected by judges as the first Miss East Columbus from a field of seven candidates. This year’s pageant, to be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, will take place in the school’s auditorium. The contestants are senior Hayven Jacobs, junior Shamiah Johnson, senior Kaley Mitchell, junior Naomi Sessoms, senior Serenity Shufford and senior Shalonda Stanley. Jacobs and Stanley are both returning contestants, having participated in the first pageant last year. Miss East Columbus in March
GATORLIFE 70 By FULLER ROYAL Gator Media Advisor ayla Bracey graduated from East Columbus Junior-Senior High School in 2007. The Delco resident, was active with the Gator Girls dance team, musical theatre, softball and cheerlaading. Of her courses, she said, “I loved Spanish. It was so interesting and challenging.” Bracey said she loved the home football games. “We got to perform our routines and the whole community came out to support us,” she said. Of her years at East she said, “I remember the laughs, and spending time with my friends. I also loved to perform, so the anticipation of a theater program or a halftime routine was a big highlight.” Since graduating, she continued her studies in various fields, but found her way into education. Today, she works as a sourcer for PruittHealth. She has been married almost 17 years to her high school sweetheart and fellow ECHS alumni, Jared Bracey. They have two daughters, Millie Bracey, an eighth-grader at East and Sawyer Bracey a fifth-grader. K Gator Legacy: Bracey stood out at East
Opposite page: Bracey dances in Once Upon a Mattress. This page, top photo, Bracey is joined by Jana Helms, Ashleigh Riley, Damaria Laforte, Ron’Nisha Baldwin and Greg Keith in Mattress. Left photo: Bracey solos. Right photo: Bracey’s family includes husband Jared, daughter Sawyer (fifth grade) and daughter Millie (eighth-grader at East). GATORLIFE 71
GATORLIFE 72 20 Years ago Gator Legacy: 2006 was the yearBy FULLER ROYAL News Reporter Staff Writer his story first appeared in The News Reporter in May, 2006. Working for The News Reporter, Royal covered education and each spring, he took the time to showcase the spring musicals of East Columbus, South Columbus, West Columbus and Whiteville high schools. East Columbus High School offers up a dose of laughter this weekend when it premiers its version of the Broadway Hit Once Upon a Mattress Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. Mattress opened on Broadway in 1959, running for 460 performances. The play was written as an adaptation of The Princess and the Pea with music by Mary Rodgers and lyrics by Marshall Barer. The book was written by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer. “I have the honor of being a lead role this year,” said Queen Aggravain’s Tenikia Shipman, 17. Like most of the leads in he show, Shipman is a junior. This is also her first production. “Audiences will love this show,” she said. “It’s funny with great singing and it’s well-prepared and organized.” Harry the Immaculate is played by James Moore, a 16-year-old sophomore. He was an extra in last Broadway style East Columbus has had a long-standing reputation for large, two-story well-built sets. Its production of Once Upon a Mattress was no exception with custom-made windows and detailed stone work. The production also enjoyed top-drawer costuming. T
GATORLIFE 73 of the ‘Mattress’ year’s production of Sweet Charity. “The show is very interesting and the set and the singing and the acting are all amazing,” he said. “Audiences will like this production because of this set and the fact that the play is very over the top.” Junior Jeremy Konkol, 17, said his King Sextimus is silent, yet enthusiastic and “loves to chase the wenches.” He had roles in Sweet Charity in 2005 and Li’l Abner in 2004. “There are a lot of new people in this production and that’s always fun,” he said. Junior Grant Hawkins, 17, plays the Jester. “This production is funny and very different,” said Hawkins, who was also in last year’s Sweet Charity. Sophomore Caitlin Lane plays Lady Larkin. This is her first production at ECHS. “I like that this play has a comedy theme and is so full of life,” she said. “The play has a great storyline and some awesome dance numbers.” Kayla Hotte, 16, is a Lady in Waiting and dancer in the show. The junior was in last year’s Sweet Charity. This production is funny and exciting,” she said adding that there is a lot of talent and that “we can do anything we put our minds to.”
GATORLIFE 74
GATORLIFE 75 Mattress scenes Opposite page: James Moore, Tenekia Shipman and Greg Keith Bottom photo: James Moore, Victoria Sellers, Joshua Shipman, unidentified, Kayla Turner, Christopher Graham and Damaria LaForte are at stage level while Mark Squires, unidentified and Marlena Wilson are on the second level. This page, top photo: Caitlyn Lane Bottom photo: Jeremy Konkol
GATORLIFE 76 Mattress scenes The cast reacts to the entrance of a character. Top right inset: Joshua Shipman and Tenekia Shipman Bottom left inset: James Moore, Tenekia Shipman and Greg Keith
GATORLIFE 77 Once Upon a Mattress is not too long and not too short,” said Ron’Nisha McCormick, 17. “The characters who were picked to perform are awesome. The characters will bring he audience what they want.” The junior plays Lady Lucille. Another junior, Ashleigh Riley, 17, plays Princess Winnefred. This is her first musical. “The show is very upbeat and exciting,” she said. “The acting, singing and dancing are cute and modern, yet elegant and unique.” Other cast members include: Greg Keith (Prince Dauntless), Darian Moore (Minstrel), Josh Shipman (Wizard), Chris Tolley (Sir Studley), Chris Graham (Sir Luce), Janna Helms (Lady Rowena), Marlena Wilson (Lady Mabelle), Marissa Gibson (Emily), Kayla Turner (Wench), Adam Green (First Knight), Mark Squires (Second Night), and as Ladies in Waiting, Jessica Wieland, Jessica Reese, Megan Hall, Jessica Castillo, Courtney Tolbert, Jasmine Walker, Camriel Pullens and Victoria Sellers. Mary Catherine May is the show’s director while Jamie Faulk is the musical director. Admission is $5 at the door.
GATORLIFE 78 Story and Photo by DANICA KERN Gator Media Staff Writer ym is athlete Journey Sutton’s favorite class at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. She enjoys playing games with her friends. The 12-year-old seventh grader is all about athletics, participating in volleyball, softball and cheerleading. She said the pep rallies at East will most likely become her favorite memory of being a student there. Sutton is competitive when it comes to sports. She said sports is stress relieving for her. Her strongest subject is science thanks to her favorite teacher Angela McLean. Sutton said Mclean makes science class as fun as she can for her students and Sutton really enjoys that. Erica Charles is Sutton’s mother and her role model. Sutton said her mother pushes her to do her best in everything she does and is always encouraging her. She enjoys helping her mother take care of her brother. Sutton has big plans for the future: Attending cosmetology school and playing college softball. Walt Disney’s Moana is her favorite movie, The Summer I Turned Pretty is her favorite television show. She enjoys Hip-Hop and Rap music. Dork Diaries is her favorite book series and Uno is her favorite game. Like many teenagers these days, TikTok is her favorite app. Oklahoma State’s softball team is her favorite team. The laughing emoji best describes Sutton because she says her friends and family say she is funny. Her biggest fear is of spiders because, “They should not have eight legs!” Sutton considering cosmetology, softball G
GATORLIFE 79 Taking aim Journey Sutton waits for the perfect second to send the ball to a teammate.
GATORLIFE 80
GATORLIFE 81 E Johnson wants to study anthropology Story and Photo By DANICA YOUNG Gator Media Staff Writer ast Columbus Junior-Senior High School, junior Shamiah Johnson, who resides in Hallsboro, said she likes the staff best at East because, “They are caring.” She said her best memory of East will be of the potlucks in JROTC that former instructor 1st Sgt. James Alston would host on Fridays. English is her strongest, and favorite, subject, taught by Dr. Jennifer Smith. She said, “Dr. Smith is very encouraging and extremely supportive through anything I come to her about.” Math is her weakest subject. “Sometimes ,it can be really difficult to understand,” she said. She said Alston was her favorite teacher and had been the biggest help to her. “He’s been nothing but supportive and has encouraged me to chase my dreams and to do my big one through everything life throws at me. He helped me stay on top of my grades and work.” Johnson said Alston, her mother and her sister have inspired her an helped to get through tough times. “I know I can always count on them to be here or there.” Johnson said. She said her accomplishments include making it to varsity for all of the sports she participates in. Johnson plays on the varsity girls basketball team as a center. She also participates on the varsity volleyball team. She said lunch time is probably her favorite activity at East because, “I can have free time to chat with my friends.” Outside of school, Johnson enjoys playing basketball on the weekends After college, she wants to attend college to become a forensic anthropologist.
GATORLIFE 82 Bracey loves East sports, wants career in nursing Story and Photos by LAKYN WILSON Gator Media Staff Writer illie Bracey loves the athletics at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School. The eighth-grader said she loves how the school comes together and “Supports one another on and off the field.” The Delco resident’s strongest subject is math; reading is her weakest. Her favorite teacher is Dana Smith. “She has always been very nice to me and always checked up on me,” she said. Bracey biggest role model is East freshman Gracie Coyle. Bracey said Coyle is “very beautiful.” She looks up to her in softball and volleyball because, “She is really good at it.” Bracey said classmate Madelyn Dyson has also helped her. “If I am ever struggling with schoolwork she is always there for me,” racey said. Her accomplishments so far at East include membership on the student council and in the National Beta Club. She is taking honors high school classes this semester. Bracey’s favorite activities at East include volleyball, cheering and softball. “I love playing with my teammates and getting to know new people while playing my favorite sports,” she said. In her free time she goes to her cousin’s lake house and spends time with her family on a boat. Bracey said after graduation, she wants to attend Southeastern Community College for two years and transfer to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She wants to a labor-delivery nurse. “I have wanted to be a nurse since I was little,” she said. Bracey’s favorite things include Country music, TikTok, the UNC Tar Heels, Monopoly, The Sandlot and chick-fil-A. The party hat emoji describes her best because she loves to have fun and she is a positive person. Bracey said that people would be surprised to learn that she plays guitar. Her biggest fear is of losing her parents because they are her biggest supporters. M
GATORLIFE 83 415 South Madison Street Whiteville, North Carolina 910.788.5100 Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
GATORLIFE 84 3 4 5 6 1 2
GATORLIFE 85 8 7 County dance fest East Columbus Junior-Senior High School hosted this year’s Columbus County Dance Festival in November. East dancers included: 1. Aryanna Ivey 2. Aaralyn Searles 3. Mariah Boyd 4. Layla Graham 5. Tamira Brown 6. Addyson Spaulding 7. Kyleigh Patrick 8. Ryleigh Baldwin, Callie Jacobs, Mariah Boyd and Madison Toler.
GATORLIFE 86 By DANICA YOUNG Gator Media Staff Writer ast Columbus Junior-Senior High School biology and physical science instructor Hilary Johnson grew up in Bladenboro. She said she likes the sense of community at East. “Everyone is there for each other and it doesn’t feel toxic,” she said. “It’s very enjoyable.” Johnson attended high school at Harrells Christian Academy and college at Bladen County Community College. She earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Her bachelor’s degree is in general biology and her master’s degree in secondary science education. She worked at Bladen Early College High School for three years teaching earth science and physical science. She also taught at Village Christian Academy for one year teaching biology, anatomy, physiology, Earth science, SAT prep and life skills. She came to East because, “My time was up at BECHS, meaning it was time for a new beginning.” Other careers Johnson had in mind included pharmacy technician, business owner, nurse, biologist and researcher. Before East, she worked with the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science off and on for about 10 years. During the summer she worked at a water park. “My mom is my biggest inspiration as she was a teacher for 32 years,” Johnson said, adding that she saw how her mother touched the lives of her students and made a difference. That’s what led her to become a teacher. She calls her mother her “best friend.” She fell in love with science while going to work with her father who was a food service director for a hospital. “No matter what I did, science had to be involved,” she said. Another role model is Oscar winner singer-actress Julie Andrews. “She’s just so classy and spectacular,” Johnson said. “I’m inspired to be as fabulous as her.” She wants the students at East to be successful in their lives, their happiness and in their career choices. “Y’all deserve wonderful lives,” she said. She thinks hands-on experiences with guided and independent practice is the best way to learn. Johnson believes education needs grace and accountability: “Grace in the teachers, accountability in the classroom,” she said. Johnson said she would like for there to be a built-in club/organization to, “Provide an easy outlet for our students to participate in extracurricular activities.” She loves to crochet, sing, play her guitar and make wheel-thrown pottery. She enjoys reading and playing games in her free time such as Slay the Spire, Sims 4 and Mini Motorways. “Also, I adore any moment spent with my son and family,” she said. Johnson wants East students to find success E
GATORLIFE 87 Several of Johnson’s science students enjoy a class discussion on DNA strands. From top: Gabriel Hutchings finds humor in the subject. McKenna Ware-Rudnik listens intently. Brooks McLean hunkers down on his notes.
East Columbus Junior-Senior High School senior George Nance offers a sideways glance during a workshop for Class of 2024 graduates at East looking to apply to college. One Last Look …