Summer 2020 Nighthawk News Magazine

The Senior Edition

ON THE COVER

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f you had asked seniors at the beginning of 2020 what the rest of the school year would be like, the answer would not have been a pandemic – their response might have included the annual senior picnic, graduation photos, committing to colleges and going on admitted student visits.

No one imagined that the school year would come to an abrupt end on March 13. That we would be considered graduated high school students by April.

That we would individually pick up our caps and gowns, drive-through style, and drop off scholarship applications in bins outside of the school.

Nighthawk News produces a Senior Edition at the end of every year to celebrate the graduating class.

The worst part for the editors was realizing that unlike seniors past, it seemed that we would be the first class of editors to not have a final print paper to end our time with Nighthawk News.

But after a month of procrastination and attempts to coordinate a staff of 25 teenagers, the editors and our adviser convened and decided that just like every year before, there would be a senior print edition.

On the cover, valedictorian Sophia Cooper sits alone in the football stands – seats which are normally filled by families and friends of graduating students.

We found ourselves captured with the message that this photo screamed. Older senior edition covers hanging on the walls of our classroom showcase pictures of as many seniors as possible in a location that either meant a lot to the class or was a token part of beach life. Unfortunately, that couldn’t happen this year – for obvious reasons.

So with our talented freshman photo editor Taylor Newton getting shot after shot (while wearing

a face mask, we might add), we decided to go with a picture of a young woman sitting by herself, socially distant from her class, her friends and a graduation that should have happened – might still happen in some way, shape or form? We still don’t know what DCS officials will announce on June 1.

COVID-19 is upsetting. It is upsetting because of the deaths, casualties and pain it has caused the world. It is upsetting because of the recession it has thrown our country, along with many others, into.

Quarantining has been damaging to the mental health of millions of individuals and it has been beyond belief damaging to their fiscal security – but it has also saved millions of lives.

The Class of 2020 lost its graduation and senior year because of COVID – but the big picture will always be bigger than just one year. So while Sophia Cooper sits alone on a field where she could’ve reveled in her last high school moment like the rest of her class, to look back on her accomplishments with appreciation, the world is just going to keep turning.

We hope you enjoy reading the senior features we have in this largest-ever edition of Nighthawk News – at 56 pages, you’re going to need a few days to enjoy it all, everything from Emmy’s look at first-generation college students and Peyton’s feature on Damon Horak, the “drama king,” to stories that shed a positive light on the situation, such as Cassie’s explanation of the local “adopt a senior” Facebook group.

As a staff, this definitely isn’t how we planned to be writing our final edition of the school year.

But as senior editors who have been on staff for three years, we are so thankful for every opportunity Nighthawk News has given us and everything we have taken away from our “newspaper family.”

Southern Bank proudly supports First Flight High School.

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Photo Illustration by Taylor Newton/Nighthawk News

Before settling on the stadium photo, editors photographed Sophia Cooper in a number of locations in the school, from the rotunda to this artistic concept in which an unsuspecting Cooper is handed a mask and gloves.

Over the lengthy print process, our staff has taken the time to write stories from home and track down people for interviews over the phone. Again, thank you for taking the time to read our stories and we hope you enjoy!

– Emmy and Simone

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252-449-2600 | www.SoundSidePools.com NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

WHAT’S INSIDE SALUTE TO THE SENIORS Reminisce with members of the 4-35 Class of 2020 in this special section

NEWS AND FEATURES Coronavirus puts an end to the 36-45 normal school year on March 13

In addition to hearing from 148 seniors about their hopes and dreams and memories and regrets, you’ll also enjoy:

Don’t miss:

Learning about community efforts to ‘adopt’ seniors to surprise them with special treats during this challenging time.

Meeting seniors with plans to continue lives on the water with the Coast Guard.

Visiting with seniors who have grappled with family struggles during challenging but rewarding childhoods.

Hearing from the star of multiple memorable performances on the auditorium stage.

Seeing students tackling a variety of jobs during the pandemic.

Wondering what a ‘normal’ summer might look like on the OBX. Feasting on the kindness of restaurants serving up free meals to locals.

Finding fun new things to do when trying to avoid big crowds.

Celebrating Prom 2020 that might have been.

OPINIONS AND SPORTS How long will practice fields, 46-55 stadiums on campus be empty?

Don’t miss: Saying goodbye to the Nighthawk News Magazine seniors.

Checking out fantastic face coverings featured during the pandemic.

Discovering which seniors are headed to outer space to celebrate graduation.

Taking a trip to the fictional ‘Outer Banks’ as seen on Netflix.

And much, much more. Enjoy!

Catching up with spring sports seniors about their lost seasons.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / on the cover

Joining Dylan Blake as he discusses his decision to play for ECU.

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Nighthawk News Magazine offers salute to the seniors

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hen newspaper and yearbook adviser Steve Hanf pitched this idea to members of the Nighthawk News and Shorelines staffs, there were obvious and immediate questions.

“Wait –EVERY senior in the Class of 2020?”

“How will we reach them all?”

“Where will we put them all?”

Granted, it’s a daunting task any time the word “all” gets mentioned, because you never get 100% participation in anything you do. So for any omissions that follow in these next 32 pages, we apologize.

It wasn’t for a lack of effort. These question-and-answer interviews and photo requests were divvied up among 26 newspaper and 20 yearbook students. Emails, text messages and DMs across social media platforms were used to make contact.

As more and more names got checked off our ever-shifting list of graduates –a junior just announced his intentions to graduate early within the last month, for instance! – we got more creative (desperate?). Significant others and moms were emailed and texted with pleas to help convince their senior to submit our short survey.

Brentan Rowe

We ended up with 148 profiles. And yes, we stopped trying when profanity-laced replies about what to do with our little project came back from some seniors.

The decision to include all of these in our final print edition of the year was no easy task, either, given the increased expense with our page count. This year more than ever, however, we decided it was worth the cost. We also are grateful to the many advertisers who stuck with us to bring you this edition.

Having spent the last 12 years of their lives alphabetized, we elected to hit shuffle and place these profiles in random order (and to help make designing it at least a little less crazy). The feature stories mixed in also add to the fun. We’d apologize for making you hunt for yourself, your friends or seniors you know – except, we really think you’re going to enjoy reading each and every one of these.

Some are predictable. Some are heartbreaking and some are funny. Some are short and sweet and some pour incredible details into their thoughts. All, however, help shine a little light on the Nighthawks who have endured this most remarkable of senior years.

Thank you and best wishes, Class of 2020!

Anne Holcomb

Grace Folds

Genevieve Olinger

What are your future plans? I plan to go to ECU in the Nursing Program to become a CNM (Certified Nurse-Midwife).

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Kovacs.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t take the easy way out of everything.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? 100% “Photograph” by Nickelback.

Favorite high school memory? Going to the homecoming games with my friends and being in the stands with everyone.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? My biggest inspiration has always been Taylor Farmer.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I regret how much I looked forward to graduation or senior prom in the past.

Finley Langley

What are your future plans? I’m attending High Point University in the fall to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy. After that I hope to have a good job that I can start right away.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Lewis was the kindest, most helpful woman I’ve ever had as a teacher.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Work harder on and off the field. Don’t ever take anything for granted.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “See You When I See You” by Jason Aldean.

Favorite high school memory? My freshman year on the baseball team when we beat Currituck and made Austin Pace cry walking off the mound.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I’m going to miss the baseball season. We had a great team and I knew we were going to go far. I miss my teammates and I just wish the best for the underclassmen next year.

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What are your future plans? I might end up joining the military, I might end up joining the FBI, but I’m definitely going to be a police officer.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Basilone has definitely been my best teacher.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t worry so much about your grades. Do the classes you want to take and just try to do the best you can.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-a-Lot. Favorite high school memory? Playing trash-ketball in Ms. Newbern’s class.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? She graduated about eight years ago, but Leeann Edwards, because everything I know about showing horses she taught me.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? If we miss graduation, because it’s the one time my dad will be able to see me at my high school.

What are your future plans? To graduate college at UNC Pembroke in visual arts and become an animator so I can entertain people with animation.

Best teacher ever? Bob Ebert.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Do not give up on your passions. You will go far with what you do, so keep your head up.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars.

What are your future plans? I want to become a nurse and help people out.

Favorite high school memory? Realizing I get to leave forever because it’s my senior year.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Watch who you hang out with.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Probably Mr. Buford, because he was really inspiring to me.

Favorite high school memory? Meeting the friends I have now.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not getting to spend more time with my friends like I wanted to. I’ve lost time with my friends that I will never get back and that kind of sucks.

Best teacher ever? Diane Childress.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Lynette Ford.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? That we might not have a graduation.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

Joseph Lewis

What are your future plans? I plan to attend North Carolina State University as a Life Science First Year, Genetics Intent. Upon graduation, I will continue my education via a genetic counseling certification program, and begin my preferred career in science!

Best teacher ever? The most uplifting teacher I have ever had was Mrs. Gard in both general high school biology and Advanced Placement Biology, where she constantly exceeded the expectations for any high school class by being creative in her lesson plans, understanding her students’ backgrounds, and, most importantly, pushing AP students to succeed while also enabling a deeper understanding of the subject.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? I would only say, “Please read Stephen King, please. Right now, preferably.”

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? I would love to hear the choir sing “Another Day of Sun” from the movie “La La Land.”

Favorite high school memory? My discussions with Mr. Mount, Mrs. Gard and Mrs. Sawin on “Game of Thrones” theories and conspiracies, novels and show included.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Parker Duck, hands down. He graduated last year, but I still carry his gentle temperament, subtle humor and kind manner in my character at all times.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not being able to thank my teachers and friends for all the kindness and support that they’ve given me in person.

Kevin Thoms

What are your future plans? I plan to get a degree in cybersecurity and make enough to have a family and be able to pay for my future children to go to college.

Best teacher ever? Ms. Nancy Stevens, because she has helped me endless times when it comes to computer science, and even after I took all her classes she continued to help me with letters of recommendation and other bits of information to help me with my future.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Yo, stay on his game because he’s gonna do great but he needs to start preparing for college now and get as much info as he can.

Favorite high school memory? Probably when Michael Soriano and I had to recite “I got you Babe” by Cher to each other. A lot of people know him and know he is hilarious and that he does this thing where he clears his throat. Well, he did that in the middle of reciting his part and myself and everyone in the classroom lost it, including Mr. Mount.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Coach Prince. Even when I didn’t play football, I would still work my butt off in the weight room in his classes and that got his recognition. Time and time again, he would say wonderful things about me to other people and hearing the words he would say would always inspire me to do even greater things.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Simply not being able to have the rest of the year. The best of the school year was right around the corner and it was taken from us. We didn’t get any goodbyes and anything like that. We just had to go.

It’s Never Too Late for a

New Beginning

Christie McEwan

MS, M.Ed, LCAS, ICCDP, ICAADC, CCTP

Counseling Services OuterBanksCounselor.com • 252-564-2804 NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

Hopelyn Kovacs

Camden Crook

What are your future plans? Attending ECU, and my intended major is Musical Theater. I hope that one day I will be acting on stage in Broadway, in a movie, or being in California or Florida working for Disney.

What are your future plans? I’m going to the University of San Diego this fall and studying business. I’m looking forward to studying abroad, exploring San Diego and meeting new people! Long-term, I want to either do something with travel or be a doctor.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Ebert, he has taught me so much besides just music: how to be a better leader, musician and person.

For that, I will be forever grateful.

Advice to your freshman self? Go audition for that musical and join that club, because you will be able to figure out how to handle everything just fine. Go and just have fun doing the things you love, not what you think other people want you to do.

Graduation song? “I’ll Be There For You” or “Count on Me,” because those songs are about friendship and how friends are there for you in hard times, and I feel like the Class of 2020 are going to be connected in a way no other class will be. We all will understand each other’s feelings about COVID, and what each other went through because we all went through it together.

Favorite high school memory? With my fine arts family, between StageKraft, marching/concert band, and honors jazz.

The people in those groups have become a family to me. I have met some of the most amazing people and created some of the best friendships through this group. It’s going to be weird not seeing them every day next fall.

From goofing off in the dressing room or on stage to laughing till I was crying in Ebert’s office with a bunch of my friends, those are the memories I will hold dear to my heart.

The small, simple things that most people forget, they are the special ones to me. And I will remember them and they will always be special to me for as long as I live.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? My mom.

She always has and always will. She went from a working nurse for years and applied for the health science position, and the first time she didn’t get it. Then the position was open again, and she was hesitant about going for it again. But she went for it, and now look at all of the things she has accomplished. She saved that department in this school. So I try to be like her: motivated, determined, dedicated. She cares so much about what she does, and I hope someday I’ll be doing something I love as much as she loves teaching and helping people.

Biggest regret? I just feel cheated in a way. I will not be able to have my spring concert for band ... everything that got canceled because of this virus. We have been giving our all for four years, and with this virus, it’s like we’ve been running this tough marathon and then we tripped right before the finish line and we aren’t able to finish. To have it ripped away from us is extremely hard.

Best teacher ever? Even though my year-long class with her was cut short, my best teacher ever would have to be Ms. Will. Every day in her class was different, which made it so much fun. I remember that Thursday before school got canceled, the weather was warm and she wanted us to enjoy it so we had a reading day outside.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Enjoy every second, because it will be over before you know it.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “I Lived” by OneRepublic because it’s a sad song but also upbeat about the future, and this year especially, whenever I hear it I think of graduation and being thankful for everything I’ve been able to experience so far.

Favorite high school memory? When we won the soccer state championship my sophomore year. Growing up playing with all of my teammates/best friends, it was a really surreal experience that I’m never going to forget.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Math teacher/soccer coach Juan Ramirez. He’s been my coach for the past few years, but this year especially, I’ve gotten to know him more as a person. At the beginning of this year, I interviewed him for a feature story. It was inspirational to learn about all the hard work he puts into the soccer program here at First Flight, both on and off the field. That feature story ended up winning an award at SIPA, which was really cool. This past summer, I injured my knee and wasn’t able to try out for my senior season. While there had never been a team manager before, Coach Juan offered me the position in order to be a part of the team. He and Coach Mount have been really supportive, including me in the coaching and making me feel a part of every practice even though I can no longer compete.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? How much I took for granted.

Growing up, you’re always looking toward the future, to what’s next. I regret not living in the moment more, and not realizing how many “lasts” there are in high school.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but this year I had my last first day, my last homecoming, my last soccer game. The “last” I overlooked the most was my last day of high school, on a normal Friday in March.

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Danielle Davalos

Lucas Neiderlander

What are your future plans? Go to UNC Charlotte for four years and then go on to med school in order to become either a pediatrician or a surgeon.

What are your future plans? I’m not entirely sure what I want to do yet. I want to do something involving marine biology and/ or some kind of computer programing.

Best teacher ever? Ms. Baldauf.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To make sure I stay on task my sophomore year and overall just try harder and procrastinate less.

Graduation song? “Feels like Summer”

by Weezer.

Favorite high school memory? Homecoming dance freshman year; my friends and I just had fun dancing and laughing together for hours.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Ms. Baldauf, because she was super nice and encouraging, and also she has helped me to become more passionate and learn more about the medical field.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I just wish I did more exciting things with my friends.

Best teacher ever? Ms. Deal.

Braden Savona

Erin Bembridge

What are your future plans after deciding to graduate high school early?

Finish college and then maybe go to the Peace Corps for a year before I start my life and try to get a job where I can be a teacher or something like that.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To try harder and not do anything stupid.

Best teacher ever? Ms. Grabner. She knew how to let us have fun but also expected us to get our work done.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “The Way You Make Me Feel” by MJ.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? The problems you’re facing aren’t big problems. Go out and have fun.

Favorite high school memory? When my best friend’s little brother fell down the staircase.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Vienna” by Billy Joel.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Grayson Shier, because I felt like after the soccer team lost him and Wilmer I was up next and felt like I had to fill in some pretty big shoes.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I kind of liked having an early ending senior year, but I feel bad for all the sports teams who didn’t get to have their final season.

Favorite high school memory? Going to Subway with Tyler and Dean at this basketball tournament late at night.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Reese Jones. He was the hardest worker and pushed us to become better.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not being able to have a basketball banquet.

What are your future plans? To attend George Washington University and possibly study law or psychology.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Live high school to the fullest. You really don’t realize how fast it goes until it’s over!

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? I know this is pretty basic, but I feel like “Don’t Stop Believing” would be such a great song to end on!

Favorite high school memory? Meeting and being friends with so many amazing people throughout the years and making incredible memories.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? My school counselor, Mrs. Wheless, because she helped me so much to achieve all my goals.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I am really disappointed how I wasn’t able to attend senior prom or graduation. I really wanted to dance and have fun at prom and then really recognize all the achievements I have done at graduation.

Senior ‘adoptions’ spread

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By Cassie Honeycutt Features Editor

random knock causes senior Elizabeth Montgomery to hop up from her chair and go open the front door. On her doorstep, a shocked Montgomery finds a basket full

of gifts.

Along with school supplies and a “survival kit for life” containing helpful items for the future, Montgomery found something else that money can’t buy – a moment of joy knowing that someone went out of her way to help a senior have the best possible end to this most unusual school year.

Similar scenes on front porches across the county are playing out thanks to Manteo alumna and Outer Banks local April Hawkins Ball, who started the Facebook group “Adopt a 2020 Senior Dare County Edition.” Ball has moved from the Outer Banks because she is a Coast Guard wife, but she remains here in spirit after finding her inspiration from a teacher in the New Orleans area.

“I love the spirit of these groups. So, being born Photo submitted by Ashby King Senior Ashby King gets a surprise from First Flight Middle School and raised in Manteo and being an MHS alumni, I PE teacher Meredith Harris as part of the local ‘Adopt a Senior’ decided it would be a wonderful thing to do for my effort to offer special treats to students in the Class of 2020. home town,” Ball said. “I started another group,

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‘OBX Rocks,’ that is hugely successful, so I figured I’d start this one for the seniors (college graduates are definitely included) in the hopes that it would catch on.”

The group picked up attention from Dare County residents rather quickly. Random strangers started adopting seniors, teachers jumped in, and then hundreds of people were participating. Seniors soon realized how much everyone cared about them through the actions and words of these community members.

“I am so grateful that despite the hard times we are going through people are going out of their way to make my senior year a little better, especially since it did not go as expected,” Montgomery said.

Added fellow senior Alex Conley: “I love the fact that our community members are spending their time honoring us seniors that are missing out on so many things that we have always looked forward to and just our senior year in general. It means so much to know that everyone is thinking of us and understands what we are going through right now.”

Adopters ranged from strangers to family friends to Dare County teachers. First Flight Middle School PE teacher Meredith Harris hasn’t taught these seniors in a long time, but was excitNIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

Jennifer Edwards

Ethan Parnell

What are your future plans? Become a nurse practitioner and work in the ER. I wanna help as many people as I can.

What are your future plans? I plan to work with my dad, Joe, and eventually take over his business, Island Concrete.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Gard at the high school, because she has shown me that I can push myself and accomplish anything I set my mind to.

Best teacher ever? Coach Prince, because he is the man.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Do not ever give up or procrastinate. It’s very important to work as hard as you possibly can.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? Probably “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey.

Favorite high school memory? Everything about freshman year.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mrs. Wheless. She is amazing, never gives up on students and is very inspirational.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I wanted to go to prom. Since I’m an early grad, I’ve never been, so I’m sad to miss the experience.

Nicole York

Jack Clagett

What are your future plans? I will be attending UNC Chapel Hill to major in biology and minor in business. Post graduation, I plan to attend UNC’s dental grad school in order to pursue a career as an orthodontist.

What are your future plans? I plan to attend the Landing School in Maine. It’s a premier boat building school where I will also work on getting an associate’s degree.

I then plan to take a year off and work, then finish my education somewhere else.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Richards.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Do your school work. It will make getting through high school a lot easier than not doing it at all.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To not take things for granted, mostly referring to the soccer season.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Big Boy Diamonds” by Gucci Mane feat. Kodak Black.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Congratulations” by Post Malone.

Favorite high school memory? Being questioned about stealing the Wilbur statue from the Wright Brothers Monument because I left the homecoming dance early.

Who would steal something like that?

Favorite high school memory? Winning the state championship for soccer my sophomore year.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mr. Joe Tyson, because he kept me straight.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I graduated a semester early, so my school year wasn’t really affected by the coronavirus.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Nina Perry. She was constantly pushing us on the field to be the best version of ourselves and best player that we could be.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I regret taking my previous soccer seasons for granted.

Best teacher ever? Definitely Mrs. Gard.

She made me feel so welcome and would always take time to say hi or talk with me. She is also a great teacher academic-wise.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? It doesn’t last long.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Green” by Cavetown.

Favorite high school memory? Surfing with all my buddies.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Parker Sylvia. He was a great athlete and nice guy.

Also Coach Prince, of course.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not hanging out with my sister as much as I could.

joy to Dare County grads ed to join the Facebook group.

“I love this community and I was so excited to have a chance to give back to our students that were missing out on a very important time of their senior year,” Harris said. “I want to show them that I still remember them and wish them all the best.”

Harris, along with other co-adopters, adopted senior Ashby King. They put a lot of effort into the gift to make it special for their senior.

“The people who adopted me were extremely generous and gave me a personalized yard sign, Crumbl Cookies, a movie night gift bag and gift cards,” King said with gratitude.

Harris isn’t the only teacher who went all in.

Math teacher Jennifer Kinnisten also put a lot of thought into her senior’s gift.

“I made my senior ‘Kinnisten’s top-10ish’ list, which included random lists of my favorite things,” she said. “My senior is vegan, therefore I put in some research time and found fun funky eco-friendly animal-free gifts. I got a print from a local artist that is temporarily out of work and a gift card to their favorite restaurant, bulbs to plant and other random gifts that I will be giving soon.”

With pictures of seniors with their gifts all over Facebook, the adoption page has become very popNIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

ular in Dare County, and similar pages all over the country have become a small fix to ease the seniors’ sadness.

This raises the question: Will the adoption pages continue for future seniors?

“I hope it doesn’t continue,” Kinnisten said. “I don’t mean that to sound ugly, but this was something to make up for what this group missed out on.

It will never replace senior shows and recitals, athletic seasons, prom and graduation, but it is special.”

Ball remains focused on this year, eager for everyone in the county to pitch in to make the First Flight, Manteo and Cape Hatteras Secondary School Class of 2020 have a special send-off, despite the circumstances.

“My goal is to have every Dare County senior, from every school, as well as college graduates, posted in the group to be recognized and blessed by the community. I want every senior to be adopted at least twice,” Ball said. “I think we have a long way to go to reach that goal, so please spread the word about this group and let’s get more people involved in celebrating and blessing the Dare County Class of 2020.”

Junior Cassie Honeycutt can be reached at 21honeycuttca35@daretolearn.org.

Photo submitted by Elizabeth Montgomery

Senior Elizabeth Montgomery displays the gifts she was given as part of the grassroots ‘Adopt a Senior’ campaign that started on Facebook.

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Simone Midgett

What are your future plans? I’m going to ECU as an intended nursing major.

Then when I actually apply to nursing schools at the end of my sophomore year, I’m going to apply to ECU Nursing School and probably some other nursing schools.

My long-term goal is to be a pediatric nurse practitioner.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Powell, because I had her for English and AP Lang.

She also was the representative for Teen Democrats and I was president of that club.

So after her being in my life for a while, we just got really close. She also wrote my college recommendation letter and did a bunch for me, so I really appreciate her and look up to her. She always made me laugh in class and really has fun while doing her job.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Even when high school gets rough, never take it for granted. Now that I know high school is over for me and I’m never going to get to do the things I used to complain about doing, I wish I would have taken less time complaining and more time enjoying all the moments with my friends while I was still a kid.

Chloe Coder

What are your future plans? Open a bakery that specializes in edibles.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Joel Mount.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Go to school more often.

Not too much, though.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Bobby B*tch” or “Hotel Room Service.”

Favorite high school memory? I don’t have many good memories there.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Grace Sullivan – absolute legend.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Nothing. Except maybe missing graduation, if that happens.

Olivia Bowlin

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What are your future plans? In the four years of college I have, I hope to earn a bachelor’s in Communication Science and Disorders. After earning this degree, I dream to be able to get into graduate school to achieve my master’s in Speech Pathology to help adults and children overcome learning disabilities that have affected their lives.

What are your future plans? I’m really concerned with finishing my album, getting it out, and to roll out some shows and a few merch drops. For long-term future plans/ goals, I want to make as much music as I possibly can, play as many shows as possible, be able to live comfortably off primarily music revenue, be able to provide for my mom and family, and to definitely sell out places like The Fonda, The Palladium or The House Of Blues!

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Mascio, for those times she was there for me and she never even realized.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? It’s one simple math question. It’s OK to skip it.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day. Favorite high school memory? Having my baby brother show up on my birthday to surprise me and then proceeding to chase him around school ... during school hours.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I believe during this COVID-19 situation, it’s made me realize that memories are made up in some way, shape and form so perhaps, if I knew you before, I’ll meet you tomorrow. Or in the future, I’ll remember a good memory that will make me smile and laugh to myself how crazy we all were during this.

Favorite high school memory? Probably going to breakfast at Henry’s for the first day of senior year. It was the last first day of high school and we were all so happy but also sad. It was bittersweet.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not soaking in every day of senior year and holding onto things for too long, in the end we all end up where we were supposed to be. I wouldn’t have stressed so much about the little things because with time, everything works out.

Aron Forlano

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? My biggest inspirations would have to be Chyla Huber and Jacqueline Packard, two recent graduates that have been my anchor in FFHS. I look up to them because they are still trying their hardest to be more than what they are, and I can only love them more for that.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? Our eighth grade graduation was “High School Musical” themed, so I have always wanted it to be “All In This Together.” Graduation edition, though.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? My freshman and sophomore year, someone that I really looked up to was Arabella Saunders. She was the editor-in-chief of the newspaper. It was my first year on staff and she really taught me a lot about writing and I admired her for always standing up for what she believed in and brought awareness to important things through her writing. I always looked up to her because she always tried her hardest with everything she did, she was a great writer and just a great person.

Cailin Lewis

Best teacher ever? My preschool-kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Mary! She taught me so many amazing lessons about life and I’ll forever be grateful for the impact she had on my life!

What advice would you give to your freshman self? I’d say “just be yourself.” It’s way easier to just be and accept yourself and once you do, the rest of the world ... will too!

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Graduation Day” by Kanye West or “Congratulations” by Post Malone.

Favorite high school memory? It’s really hard to choose, but I’d have to say just the fact that my friends and people I met in high school are the reason that I’m following my dream and the reason I’m even where I am in the first place and that’s something that reminds me of high school, all of my friends, and all of the adventures we went on.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Coach Prince, without a doubt.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? That we won’t be able to have a senior prom.

What are your future plans? To have my own business but also work a full-time job.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. May. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Not to be so nervous and to focus on school more.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “We’re All in This Together” from “High School Musical.”

Favorite high school memory? Being able to be with all my friends every day.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Ms. Ford, because she always pushed me harder to do everything that I thought I couldn’t.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not taking advantage of the time that I was in school.

US 158 MP 4 Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 252-261-4422 Supplying commercial and residential heating and cooling products and plumbing products.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

Matt Gowen

Brady Van Lunen

Future plans? I’m going to Pitt Community College for welding. After I finish that, I want to find a good job and move somewhere I’d like to live.

Future plans? I’m going to UNCW and majoring in biology with a pre-vet intent.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Bryson, because he was cool and a good teacher.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Take classes that’ll boost your GPA and actually study.

What advice would you give your freshman self? Don’t get too close to some people.

Graduation song? “Tookie Knows II” by ScHoolBoy Q. Favorite high school memory? Too many to be told.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Myself.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not getting to live out my senior year to the fullest.

Best teacher ever? Definitely Mrs. Powell.

Graduation song? The entire “Mamma Mia” soundtrack.

Favorite high school memory? The lacrosse team winning our first playoff game.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Parker Sylvia, because he is an honest guy and has an insane work ethic.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not being able to finish my senior season of lacrosse.

Luke Byrum

Abegail James

What are your future plans? I am going to trade school in Virginia Beach, then I am going to underwater welding school, then going to make big racks.

What are your future plans? Attend COA to get my associate’s degree in nursing, then work at The Outer Banks Hospital in the emergency department.

Best teacher ever? Jason Breiholz.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Go to school.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? TAKE CHEMISTRY.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Sweet Home Alabama.”

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Fly” by Maddie and Tae.

Favorite high school memory? Senior prom.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Chase Piotti, because he’s a good dude. He has nice hair.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Graduation, not walking across the stage.

Tristin Heath

What are your future plans? Right now my long-term goals are to move to Bali, Indonesia, and live there.

Best teacher ever? Ms. Will.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? When you get to senior year, make sure you graduate early so you don’t have to deal with online school.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “What I Got” by Sublime.

Favorite high school memory? Just be being able to see my friends all the time.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

Best teacher ever? Ms. Baldauf.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I don’t regret anything. I’m just glad I graduated early so I didn’t have to deal with online school.

Favorite high school memory? All of high school is my favorite memory.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mrs. Kovacs.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I regret nothing. I’m just sad about it.

Ashlynn Dodge

What are your future plans? Attend ECU and major in criminal justice.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Herman.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? It goes by quicker than you think.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “We Are All in This Together” from “High School Musical.”

Favorite high school memory? Winning the state soccer game in Raleigh and the homecoming parades.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? The cafeteria ladies.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Missing senior prom.

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Cameron Liston

Logan Jeffrey

What are your future plans? Going through Western Carolina University and eventually getting my Doctorate of Physical Therapy and begin practicing physical therapy as work.

What are your future plans? Going through Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) at COA and joining the Police Academy to become a police officer.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Mount was my best teacher that I can remember because his class was the only English class that I ever enjoyed or learned anything of relevance in since English class in elementary school, and I overall liked Mr. Mount as a person and a teacher.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t rush through high school and enjoy what you can.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Graduation” by Juice Wrld.

Favorite high school memory? During football season my sophomore year when we won the homecoming game against Hertford, beating Hertford for the first time in school history.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Coach Prince, because he has helped me learn so much about football and about life all through high school.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Potentially missing graduation is the thing that I will regret most about this end of high school.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Basilone, she was always smiling and so understanding of everything going on, and was always up for starting conversations, asking me how her day was and talking about her boys.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t worry too much.

Everything will turn out fine. One bad grade is not the end of the world.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Have it All” by Jason Mraz.

Favorite high school memory? The entirety of Mr. DeWitt’s class. He always had a snarky comment or two ready and it was fun messing around with the class. We got on his nerves but I know he loves us.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? My softball coach, Nancy Brightbill. She taught me to always strive for what you want, and that hard work always pays off.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I regret going to school the last day and not knowing it was my last day. I had gotten out of school that day so excited, not knowing I would never be going back.

Antonia Crowley

Eliza Cowan

What are your future plans? I will be attending COA this fall while building my skills as an artist.

Best teacher ever? It’s a three-way tie between Ms. Baldwin, Mrs. Basilone and Mrs. Stevens. I was always so excited for their classes and they’ve all taught me so much.

What are your future plans? Attend college to further my interest and knowledge of becoming a writer, and my goal is to get a job in a publications company and work my way up to become a published author.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Do what you love to do, hun.

Best teacher ever? Hands down, Ms. Will. She always has her best interest for her students, loves them like her own, and helped me see my true calling for writing.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Congratulations” by Post Malone.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To stand up for yourself and for what you believe in.

Favorite high school memory? Going to all of the plays and musicals with my best friend. We’d always go to Five Guys before and that is something I’m going to miss a lot.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? The song from “High School Musical” when they graduated just because it’s iconic.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Ms. Gard.

I was lucky enough to have her as a teacher twice and she’s always been so passionate about what she does, and she cares so much about each and every one of her students.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not giving my teachers hugs and thanking them for being so great. I also regret not secretly taking my duck from AP Computer science. I think I’m still gonna find a way to snatch it, tho. If Mrs. Stevens sees this, don’t worry – I’ll replace the duck with a new one.

Favorite high school memory? Always coming out to support the basketball team and watch their games. They were always fun to watch.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? My biggest inspiration besides Ms. Will would have to be my friends because they always show unconditional love and support for me and always encourage me to do the things I love.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I honestly just regret getting into sports and becoming part of a team because I never got to experience that.

Future ‘lifesaver’ Abegail James is excited for

H

By Versailles Dalessio Staff Writer

igh school students love to complain about how too much homework, committing to extracurriculars, sports, jobs, social lives and more can be a lot to handle. But for senior Abegail James, these have been easier to manage than other events that have unfolded in her life.

In February of 2016, Abby’s mom – the beloved Danielle James, former biology teacher at FFHS – passed away after battling breast cancer.

“She was always my biggest cheerleader and role model. She was always willing to teach and would do anything for anybody,” James said.

Mrs. James was a friendly face to everyone and made an impact on the community. She was known by many locals, students and teachers, including First Flight’s health occupations teacher, Jennifer Kovacs.

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“We met each other in a Mommy-and-Me group way back when the girls were little babies, so I knew Danielle through that.” Kovacs said. “Danielle had the four girls and I had a set of twins, so we all knew each other and were friends that way.”

Since then, Kovacs has gotten to build a relationship with Abby throughout the last four years of her high school career.

“I’ve known Abegail for quite some time, but she’s been in my classroom since she was a freshman,” Kovacs said. “She’s taken all of my classes here at First Flight, so she started from the very beginning and she’s taken every class available to her in the health science pathway.”

Additionally, James has decided to go above and beyond, and is currently enrolled in an online pharmacology course. Prior to her enrollment, she was taking Health Science II in the fall and Nursing Fundamentals in the spring.

James plans on taking things a step further and becoming an active member of The Outer Banks Hospital.

“I plan on becoming a certified nurse assistant and working in the hospital while I am attending COA to become a registered nurse,” James explained. “I’m very happy to go out and start my career in health care.”

Kovacs, also a nurse, is grateful to see James choosing this pathway and is honored to have had the opportunity to help her get there.

“I’m so proud of her. I can’t imagine her doing anything else. She is going to be absolutely the best nurse that she could possibly be,” Kovacs said. “I see her on the front line regardless of whether we’re battling something like a pandemic or just being there for her patients. She’s going to be an extremely strong patient advocate.”

While James is eager to begin the next chapter of her life, she isn’t exactly moving on from the responsibility of watching over her younger sisters and NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

Aidan May

What are your future plans? After college, I want to get a job that will pay well enough to have a family and then have a bit extra to be comfortable to splurge sometimes.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Gard, because I had her seventh, ninth and 10th grade, so I’ve been really comfortable around her and she’s always willing to help no matter what.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t be lazy or do stupid things in the summer, and keep running throughout the summer and don’t take anything for granted because your season could end very quickly, like what the coronavirus did to baseball.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Do What I Want” by Lil Uzi Vert.

Favorite high school memory? Winning the state championship in indoor track when I was a junior. Pretty easy choice.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Alex Rodman, because she went to Columbia, an Ivy League school, and ran track/cross country there.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I didn’t get to hit a ding dong because we only had three games.

Jane Manolas

Laurel Perrin

What are your future plans? Teach English as a second language in Japan, or maybe music.

What are your future plans? Go to COA and then transfer to a school for Radiology.

Best teacher ever? Ms. Heinrich for my seventh-grade English class. She helped me understand that I can be creative.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Lewis. She was an amazing teacher who actually knew what she was teaching and was really good at helping with any question you had.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Rebel more.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “When David Heard”

by Eric Whitacre.

Favorite high school memory? On one marching band practice, the sprinklers went off and we had a bunch of expensive electronics near it. Mac McClary panicked to move everything and the bassists were freaking out, and then Joey McNamara just put a garbage bin over it. I don’t know why, but I’ll never forget that.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Maya Scott. She was a senior when I was a freshman. She saw that I was lonely and was really nice to me and taught me makeup, even.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I regret nothing. I hate sports, I didn’t want to go to graduation anyway, I’m not a fan of prom, and now I’m finished with high school early. At the very most, it sucks that the spring concert won’t happen.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t be upset about lost friends and cherish the ones you still have.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Bohemian Rhapsody,” just to see if they can.

Favorite high school memory? Going to Chapel Hill with Mrs. Kovacs’ class. It was amazing to see the town and listen to different teachers there. The best part was on the way back we were just screaming songs at 8 at night.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? My friend Sam, who went here a couple years ago. She not only helped me get through it, but has shown me the life I want to have.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not being able to complete all the things that we watched other seniors get to do: go to prom, take the picture at the top of the memorial, graduation.

Addison Travis

What are your future plans? Attend COA to save money, then transfer to another college and get a four-year degree, then attend Officer Candidate School for the Coast Guard.

Best teacher ever? One of my favorite teachers ever would have to be Mr. Baron.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To work harder than I was at the time and to enjoy the good things like sports because time flies.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Changes” by David Bowie because I think it fits because you’re changing into an adult.

Favorite high school memory? My first lacrosse bus ride to West Carteret as a freshman. It was great because all of us got great playing time as freshmen and the bus ride was longer than any other but very fun.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Parker Sylvia was the best teammate and inspiration anyone could ask for. He had the best attitude toward everything.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? What I miss most of senior year would have to be sports. After playing lacrosse the past three years for high school, it really hurt to have it end shortly.

the road ahead acting as their support system. She has been there for them more than ever, picking them up and dropping them off at school, helping to put dinner on the table and just being there for them when they need it most.

“It’s been challenging and stressful, but very worth it. I have done my best to take on the role of the mother figure for my sisters. I’m glad to be raising my future best friends,” James said. “When she passed away, I was given massive amounts of responsibility and it pushed me to go above and beyond to make her proud.”

Just like her mother, James will be leaving a lasting impact on individuals at First Flight.

“She makes me want to strive to be better at nursing and at teaching,” Kovacs said. “I realize that sometimes I learn more from my students like Abegail, because they push us to be better and keep going in order to be better for them and those around us.”

Sophomore Versailles Dalessio can be reached at 22dalessiove31@daretolearn.org.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

Photos submitted by Abegail James

Senior Abegail James shows off the nursing gear she’ll be using throughout her career (right). Luckily, James isn’t planning on leaving the OBX anytime soon, so she can continue her close relationship with sisters Diana, Carolyn and Brigit.

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Oscar Monica Vazquez

Amber Hite

Ben Van Vliet

Luc Steyn

What are your future plans? Go to COA, then start my own company as well to help people around the world.

What are your future plans? Going to NC State to major in elementary education so I can be a teacher.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Ramirez. He helped me become a good student and a good player as well.

Best teacher ever? Ms. Gard. She was a good teacher but she was also very caring.

Best teacher ever? Ray Richards. He was hard and didn’t take any excuses, but I learned a lot and passed my final exam easily.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Try and be involved in as many things as possible.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Study hard and work harder – this matters.

Graduation song? “No Hands” by Waka Flocka Flame.

Graduation song? “Graduation” by Juice Wrld.

Favorite high school memory? When we won the Marlin Bowl for the seventh time in a row.

Favorite high school memory? Because of legal reasons ... the pep rallies with Coach Prince.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Ms. Scruggs, because she didn’t care.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Coach Prince always pushed everyone to the limit and brought out the best in people.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To not worry about yourself, just keep looking forward.

Graduation song? “Sh-boom” would sound great if the choir sang it.

Favorite high school memory? Just playing soccer for the school, cause that’s what made me happy.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Coach Prince, because he’s a great teacher to have.

Biggest regret? The thing I regret most about how this school year has finished up because of the coronavirus is not winning states.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I would have said “yes” a lot more and I would have hung out with my friends when I had the chance.

What are your future plans? Going to ECU and studying forensics.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Prom and graduation getting canceled.

What are your future plans? My future plans and long-term goals are to move to Seattle and meet cool and new people.

Best teacher ever? Doug Potter at Nags Head Elementary.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Try harder at everything.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Dark Queen” by Lil Uzi Vert.

Favorite high school memory? My first day of school freshman year.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mr. Lowe.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not being able to enjoy my last few months of my high school career with my best friends.

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NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

Damon Horak

Emmy Trivette

Sera Shaw

Alex Conley

What are your future plans? To attend college in New York and then run with that: I’d love to entertain on a cruise ship, Broadway, and I’d definitely like to get my teaching license and teach high school theater at some point!

What are your future plans? I don’t know if I’ll have a family, get married or anything like that, but I’d love to travel for work. I’d love to write for “National Geographic,” but that’s a pipe dream. I think a lot of what I’m going to end up doing is just going to be things I happen to do along the way to, maybe, writing for Nat Geo one day.

You don’t ever know where you’re going to end up. It’s just a bunch of trial and error.

Future plans? Go to college in Florida to double-major in musical theatre and music therapy! While in college, I plan on being a seasonal equity performer for the Walt Disney Company. Once I graduate, I look forward to actively auditioning, hopefully moving to New York City to pursue a career in musical theater!

Following my time on stage, I will step into a more intimate performance setting, working as a full-time music therapist at an undecided location and living in a tiny house with my – preferably rescued – toy golden doodle. :)

What are your future plans? I will be attending the University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health, majoring in Public Health with a focus on Medical Administration, and then after undergrad I will complete school to get my master’s.

Best teacher ever? This one’s a tie: my third-grade teacher, Ms. Lamaine, at Washington Mill Elementary School, John Buford and Mrs. Penn!

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Keep doing what you’re doing. Don’t change for anybody, don’t let schoolwork take over in any way! Other than that, don’t dream it, be it! Just like I always have!

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? We are planning on singing “Another Day of Sun.” If it was up to me, I’d easily go with either “Science Fiction/Double Feature” or “I’m Going Home” from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show!”

Favorite high school memory? Cracking up with my best friend, Shelby Hudgins, in the halls and at lunch. I’ve never laughed like I do with her!

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Monica Penn. We have had the opportunity to grow so close and spend so much time together.

I leave school every day happy because of her. She brings a new light into every student’s life. I have seen her on some of her best days and some of her worst because she’s very real and doesn’t act like she can’t talk to students. She forms personal relationships with every student she teaches or knows. I will never forget a lot of our times together and her childlike style of adulthood!

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not getting to do “Chicago.”

It will forever haunt me that we rehearsed a show and never got to perform it! This wasn’t just another show and that plays a big part in it, too. This was a very “adult” show for us to be performing, and especially on this island, we needed it! I believe everything happens for a reason, and I’m not saying it was crazy inappropriate but who knows what kind of trouble we might’ve gotten in for it? We’ll never forget our memories we made.

Best teacher ever? I have so many teachers that I really look up to. I’m gonna have to say Ms. Sawin. She’s been there as like a figure for me for so long. Even when I was a little girl and she wasn’t my teacher, I knew who she was and I’ve just grown up with her as a family friend and then she kind of became a teacher for me in high school.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? I feel like as a freshman, I did a pretty good job of doing all the things I needed to do. But I would says don’t be as worried and oversensitive about other people’s feelings. I used to be really hypersensitive about what other people thought of me and what other people felt. I think I kind of grew out of that about a year or two ago, but that was a big issue freshman year.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Don’t Dream It’s Over” by The Head and the Heart because it’s PG and everyone knows the lyrics.

Favorite high school memory? My spring concert sophomore year because I had a duet with one of my close friends.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Arabella Saunders. I never was really close with her because she was like three years older than me, but I always thought she was an amazing person. She was so creative and confident and she seemed like she had all of her stuff together, so I always try to aspire to be like her in my writing, schoolwork and my social life.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I am really sad that I won’t get anyone to write in my senior yearbook. I thought about that and that’s something I’ve kind of been looking forward to for a while now. I didn’t really think about it until my mom actually busted out her old yearbook and I saw all her writings in her senior year and I was like, “Oh, I won’t get that.”

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

Best teacher ever? My ninth- and 11thgrade math teacher, Ms. Haygood. Math has never been my strongest subject, but she managed to inspire me to succeed in spite of my disinterest. After her first year teaching me, we truly connected and became friends. She ended up sponsoring multiple clubs throughout my high school experience and guided me during my college search and application process. By the time she was teaching me Pre-Calc in 11th grade, I knew she would be someone I’d never forget.

Advice to your freshman self? Hold on tight to your dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. Living a life of unhappiness is hardly worth living, and you deserve genuine and deep happiness. Don’t light yourself on fire to keep others warm. Stay courageous and stay kind – the world needs more of that.

Graduation song? I am excited for “Another Day of Sun” from “La La Land”! My next choice would be classic Abba.

Favorite high school memory? My 18th birthday taking place on opening night of “Clue,” my senior fall play. That day was incredible on so many levels: receiving countless birthday wishes from friends and teachers I’d only just met a couple months prior; being sung “Happy Birthday” in every class; being taken out by friends after school and before call-time for birthday coffee; opening our show as Miss Scarlet, a truly iconic character, with a group of kids who have changed my life for the better; coming home after performing to indulge in a vegan birthday cake made by some of the best friends I never knew I needed. That was a day I will never forget.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Ms. Will, my AP Lit teacher. Her fiery spirit and never-ending positivity kept me going at some of my lowest points. Transitioning schools for my senior year, I struggled through some times I never could’ve imagined. However, her unwavering support and non-judgmental shoulder to cry on fortified my confidence in my own abilities to succeed in spite of my challenging circumstances – and succeed, I have done. :) Biggest regret? The cancelation of “Chicago.” The whole cast and crew put in copious hours of effort, pouring their hearts and souls into this spectacle. While the rehearsal process and time spent working with these incredible people was a time for which I will forever be grateful, it is undoubtedly a shame that we couldn’t share our work and passion with the community.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Emery. He had a different way of teaching that changed my perspective of math and made it much simpler to understand. Instead of memorization, he explained the concepts and how to get the formula we were supposed to memorize.

It is obvious he loves his job and wants his students to succeed in everything they do.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To enjoy the memorable moments. These past four years have gone by faster than I could have imagined, and looking back I wish I had slowed down and really taken in all of the wonderful experiences that I was a part of.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Superheroes” by The Script, because the song talks about working every day and night and that’s how superheroes learn to fly. All of the seniors graduating have worked really hard in school and faced obstacles in life, but we fought it and are now graduating and going to do great things with our lives.

Favorite high school memory? All my favorite memories were attending FFHS sports games. Going to all of the different games and seeing the parents, teachers and other students cheering on our school and all wanting the same thing, for us to win, have really been the most memorable experiences.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mrs. Gard. Not only was she a teacher, but also a mentor for me. I had her for science class in seventh grade and then AP Bio in 11th grade. I am also the Vice President of National Honor Society and she runs it, so I have spent a lot of time with her over the years and learned so much from her. She has always been there for me through good and bad times.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Since we have missed out on the last three months of the final year of high school, I feel like I haven’t had the final closure I need to move on to the next chapter in my life. I hope that we have a graduation so that I can be with my class for one last time before we all go our separate ways.

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Stella Nettles

What are your future plans? I hope to have some sort of job that doesn’t take a terrible amount of my time because I hope to continue making art and maybe make it my only career if it takes off after college.

Best teacher ever? Since my memory isn’t the best, I guess my best teacher would be Ms. Baldwin, my art teacher in high school. She wouldn’t just tell me my art was good, she also wasn’t afraid to tell me what I can improve on, and I appreciated her input.

Judy Williams

What are your future plans? I will be attending UNC Chapel Hill and then hopefully I will attend medical school and become a pediatric surgeon.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Basilone, who taught my APUSH class junior year. She is just an amazing teacher.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To not worry so much about everyone else’s opinions.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t stress over the small things.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “History” by OneDirection.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Where’d All the Time Go?” by Dr. Dog, because it’s just a pretty calm song that kinda works with all that’s going on.

Favorite high school memory? Playing in the basketball game against Manteo that went into overtime in our gym. The gym was packed and it was the craziest game.

Favorite high school memory? I have no clue, but I would say that day that was supposed to be windy so school was canceled but it was such a nice day was pretty cool.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? I think I would have to choose one of my best friends, Sophia Cooper. Despite her amount of breakdowns and occasional procrastination, she is still able to work hard because she is one of the most motivated people I have met so far.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I guess something I definitely regret not doing more of before this whole situation would be spending more time with my friends because I miss them.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Maddie Ball, who graduated in 2018. We played volleyball together and she is so kind and caring and included me in the team even as a freshman. I looked up to her even in middle school and she is the best!!!

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not being able to finish senior year, the fact that all the funnest and longest-lasting memories have been taken away: senior prom, senior week, walking the stage at graduation, etc. Senior year is supposed to be the best year of high school and none of us got to fully experience it and get closure for the last 12 years of our lives as we move onto college or what we plan to do after school.

Bailey Huband

Quinn Ratti

What are your future plans? I plan to be in canine rehabilitation and once the dogs are rehabilitated from their injury, train them to be support dogs to children and adults with special needs.

What are your future plans? I don’t really have that specific of a plan. Get my master’s degree in computer science, hopefully meet a nice girl I would propose to, and get a job I actually like.

Best teacher ever? Ms. Gard. She introduced me to my love for science and she was always there if I needed help with school or help with my personal life. She was always someone who I could go to if I needed anything and I think more teachers need to be like her. She is the kind of teacher you want to work hard for and do your best.

Best teacher ever? Mr. DeWitt helped me understand math, an incredible feat considering I forgot most of the maths I had beforehand.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Join more clubs or play a sport – just be more interactive with the school.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Know your worth. Just as you think everyone is worth their weight in gold, so are you.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “End of the World” by R.E.M.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “We’re All in This Together” from “High School Musical 3.”

Favorite high school memory? Driving people places and all the conversations that ensued.

Favorite high school memory? Prom.

It’s such a special night.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Miles Kasten, who graduated two years ago. He was a really quirky guy and wore his heart on his sleeve proudly. His friendship and advice really helped build my confidence to be the man I am today.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Amber Hite. She always pushes me to be the best version of myself and to always give 110% no matter what.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I regret skipping as much as I did and not being there while I could. I wish I could be in class every morning with my friends.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not having a normal school year. All I wanted was to have a normal year, where I could hang out with friends, finish my senior musical, get my diploma and go to prom normally. But life moves in mysterious ways, I suppose.

Seniors stay connected with the

G Photo submitted by Barritt Grizzard

Senior Barritt Grizzard is sworn in as a new recruit in the Coast Guard at the Chesapeake recruiting office.

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By Katie MacBride Online Editor-in-Chief

rowing up on the Outer Banks gives kids more exposure to the ocean than many individuals experience in a lifetime. For some students, that connection to the ocean can influence their career pathway.

Seniors Barritt Grizzard and Dean Torchia will be furthering their relationship with the ocean after high school by entering the Coast Guard. They are among a number of FFHS seniors choosing the military as a career path.

“Growing up at the beach is definitely a big factor in why I chose to go into the Coast Guard,” Grizzard said. “I know I’m a good swimmer and I

love the ocean.”

While both Grizzard and Torchia liked the idea of having the college experience, they also wanted to take a different path regarding their future.

“I would love the college experience, but I find it a great honor to serve our country,” Torchia said.

“Not only do I want to serve the country to help it become a safer place, but the job comes with good benefits, like health insurance.”

That kind of thinking is practical and important, but there is also a lot of responsibility that comes with the job, including a list of requirements and steps that must be taken to join.

“To get in, you cannot have any medical problems, and you have to be able to do a number of physical timed tests and be able to swim,” GrizNIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

Gray Tillett

Amilya Holloway

Carly Seto

Scot Brown

What are your future plans? Attending San Diego State and joining a sorority and their outdoors program there. At SDSU, I’m going to be majoring in psychology and after I finish undergrad I plan to get my doctorate degree to become a psychologist.

What are your future plans? I plan on taking a gap year, maybe going to COA to get my prerequisites done and figure out a major while I’m there, then transferring to a fouryear college afterwards.

What are your future plans? To adjust to living by myself, and my long-term goal is being successful in video game design and getting my dream job at a studio.

What are your future plans? I plan to return to Indiana University in Indianapolis and finish my undergraduate, and continue there for law school.

Best teacher ever? I have two! My first is my fourth-grade teacher, Mr. Shope, because he taught me to be more independent in school. My second is Mr. DeWitt, because he genuinely cares about his students and goes out of his way to help them.

Best teacher ever? When I was just starting my freshman year of high school in the SPAN Program at IUPUI, I took a Chemistry 101 and lab class with Professor Anliker, who showed a great passion for science and went above and beyond for each of his students.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t worry so much. If you don’t finish your homework by 10 p.m., go to bed and deal with it later. Don’t kill yourself over some stupid papers.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Push harder to compete with other undergrad students and to keep faith in my abilities.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Cooper. He’s a great teacher and always there to make his students laugh or give them any help they need.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Calm down, this year is easy.

You are doing great, stop stressing yourself out so much.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day. Favorite high school memory? Definitely prom. Last year, prom just felt so magical, better than it was my freshman year.

Just being able to see everyone you have grown up with be all dressed up, it’s great.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mr. Lowe. He was a great teacher and always had a heart for his students, always had a big smile on his face that brightened everyone’s day.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I took for granted being able to see my friends every day, whether it was for a second or a few minutes. I won’t be able to see some of them before I leave for San Diego.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. May. I had her for three years of English and she never failed to see the good in me and guide me through everything I needed help with. If I ever needed help, she was right there and willing. She was always so honest and always ready to do anything for her students.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Do your work before you get behind!!

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Walk Through Life” by Pinkzebra. It’s about every day being a new day to be better and to be yourself.

Favorite high school memory? Every bit of senior year before now. I met new people, made friends and for the first time through high school felt good.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Ms. Ford.

She always knew just what to say when I needed advice and was great to be around.

She always kept me laughing and smiling.

She’s a strong, amazing woman I look up to.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I didn’t want to say goodbye to all of my friends so early, or miss making the memories every other senior class got to make. It is what it is.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “I am Superman” by R.E.M. Favorite high school memory? When I decided to pick up the guitar. I would have never discovered that I can sing.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mr. DeWitt. I always loved coming to school and looked forward to going to math class, even if I hate math. He inspired me to always be the best person I can possibly be.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I was supposed to go on a senior trip with my mom to Washington State and sadly we had to cancel it! I’m sure we will go one day and check out the national parks, though!

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Don’t Stop Believin’”

by Journey, because we are going through a difficult time, things have gone all topsy-turvy, and we need to have faith that we can get things back to normal.

Favorite high school memory? Playing piano for the talent show.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mr. Buford, because he always helped me look for opportunities to improve and share my vocal and piano skills.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? We ordered our caps and gowns looking forward to our graduation ceremony. Now, we don’t even know if we will get to come together as a class for one last time.

ocean by joining Coast Guard zard explained. “I was able to get in touch with a recruiter and I went to the recruiting office in Chesapeake to do the paperwork. Then a couple weeks later, I went to Richmond to have a medical physical done. I then had to graduate high school and ‘swear in.’ ” Members also have to attend basic training before entering.

“All I have left to do for my requirements is boot camp, but that is what I am least looking forward to,” Grizzard said with a smile.

In addition to the standard physical training he receives at boot camp this summer, Torchia will be entering the Coast Guard with a certified open water diving license.

“Entering the Coast Guard with my diver’s NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

license will definitely help me,” Torchia said.

Although neither knows what positions they will fill in the service, overall, Torchia and Grizzard are looking forward to the next chapter in their lives, and while they haven’t even taken their first cruises, they highly recommend this option to others.

“I think that if anyone isn’t 100 percent certain that they want to go to college, then they should definitely consider joining the Coast Guard or any other armed forces,” Grizzard said. “It is a great opportunity to help serve the country and it comes with many benefits that will help you if/when you decide to have a family.”

Junior Katie MacBride can be reached at 21macbrideka62@daretolearn.org.

Photo submitted by Barritt Grizzard

Seniors Barritt Grizzard (left) and Dean Torchia visit with a Coast Guard recruiter in Chesapeake after signing up to serve.

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Emily Beacham

Jenna Sullivan

Kejsi Zyka

What are your future plans? I’m going to UNCW this fall. I’m not sure what I will major in, but I’m looking forward to exploring all the courses they have to figure it out.

What are your future plans? Obtain my nursing degree through COA to get a job as a Registered Nurse. My long-term goal is to go back and get my bachelor’s degree, then possibly get my Nurse Practitioner degree.

What are your future plans? I plan on going to UNCC. My major is undecided, but I hope I find something I’m passionate about. Maybe I’ll become a marine biologist and move to Australia. I also hope I travel as much as I can in my 20s. The Vaadhoo Island in the Maldives is my dream place!!

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Yaccarino in third grade. She was always so kind and I remember she encouraged me to write more because she told me how good one of my poems was.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Always be myself, because when it comes down to it, it really doesn’t matter what other people think of you as long as you like who you are.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Let’s Go” by Khalid.

Favorite high school memory? The whole senior homecoming week. It was the first time I really felt like we had made it to the end, and it was cool to see our whole class together and to realize how far we’ve come as a group and get to celebrate that.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Probably Sophia Cooper, because she has been my best friend since middle school and she has always pushed me to do my best academically and encouraged me to be the best version of myself. Her motivation and dedication towards school definitely pushed me to do better.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I regret that we are missing time with the people we have grown up with. Many of us will be leaving for college soon and we might not have a chance to say goodbye to these people that have been part of our lives for so many years.

Best teacher ever? Can I pick three?

Mrs. Kovacs, Mrs. Mascio and Mr. DeWitt.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? I would tell my freshman self that it is OK to not be like everyone else and to put myself out there more (clubs and activities) because high school flies by.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Ain’t it Fun” by Paramore.

Favorite high school memory? The blood drive with last year’s graduating class. They really made it fun and made a difference.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mrs. Kovacs. She is a great teacher who really cares about her students. She has helped me through my nursing pathway. I couldn’t have done it without her. Mrs. Mascio has also been a huge inspiration for always being there to listen no matter what!

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I regret that we haven’t gotten an “official last day.” That’s a huge step in every high schooler’s life ... the last day of high school. But we left on a Friday and just didn’t come back. I also feel horrible for the nursing fundamental students that I interned with who didn’t get to experience clinical and all that it entails.

McCabe Owens

Best teacher ever? Mr. Potter in the fifth grade! Fifth grade was the best!!

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To live in the moment and stop worrying so much about useless things that aren’t gonna matter in a few years.

Graduation song? “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars. We sang the same song in our fifth-grade graduation. It would be really sweet to sing it one last time with everyone.

Favorite high school memory? Definitely having all my friends in the same lunch freshman year. We were so excited about the next four years and we thought we were so cool because we were high schoolers.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? My friends. We grew up together and we inspired and supported one another to be better every day. I’m really gonna miss them.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I hate how we didn’t have a proper senior year. Especially these last few months, where we could have all spent more time together. And prom. In middle school, I fantasized about what senior prom would be like, or how I would feel in those last months of high school. Little did I know we would have a huge pandemic that would change everything. The Class of 2020 deserved better.

What are your future plans? Attend UNC in Wilmington to study pharmaceuticals. I also want to further my career near a beach or on the Outer Banks to stay connected to the ocean.

Best teacher ever? Angela Gard is definitely my favorite teacher. She always makes you feel like you are part of her family.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To enjoy every last minute of soccer, whether it was a game or practice, because it was definitely one of the best parts of high school and gave me some of the best friendships. I am going to miss playing soccer with my best friends.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “No Flockin’” by Kodak Black because I feel like it is our class anthem. It is what is always played on the homecoming float.

Favorite high school memory? Winning the 2A soccer state championship my freshman year was by far my favorite high school memory. It was fun to be able to play on the team with my brother, Dylan, because we would always get competitive.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? My brother, Dylan Owens, was my biggest idol in high school because he was the captain of the varsity soccer team and was valedictorian. I looked up to him for soccer and academics.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I wish that we still had prom or graduation so I could have one last high school “hoorah” with my friends.

First-generation college students are eager to learn Abby Hite I am going to NC State University to major in Psychology.

I picked State because I could really see myself there for the next four years and it’s still close to home. I think I have pushed as hard as I would’ve even if I wasn’t a first-gen student. I haven’t heard anything from State about next fall, but if they do move online, I’m not sure what I would do since I will have my associate’s and can’t go to COA. If they move online I hope they lower the costs. I also plan on doing the club cheer team. It’s all-girl and they still do competitions, which would be really fun.

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Simone Midgett I plan to attend East Carolina University. I chose ECU because they have a really good nursing program and it is closer to home, but I can still get away. I thought I would feel most comfortable. I always wanted to major in journalism, but with everything going on right now I actually decided to change my major to nursing because I know there will always be a demand for nurses and I want to help others. If anything, being a first-gen college student has motivated me more because I have always wanted to push myself and make going to college a possibility. I am thinking

about rushing in the fall and maybe playing club lacrosse. I am really excited to leave in August.

Emily Lawlor I plan on attending William Peace University. I chose it because it was a small school and it was not too far from home. I am still unsure on what I want to major in. I plan on being involved in multiple clubs. My decision would not be affected by COVID. I do not plan on doing something else. In a way, I would be a second-generation student, as my father is earnest in his continuing education until this day.

– Compiled by Emmy Trivette NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

Sophia Cooper

Alisson Fernandez

Megan Limbacher

Eli Mercer

What are your future plans? I am attending UNC Chapel Hill with a double major in political science and public policy and a minor in Spanish. After receiving my undergraduate degree I plan on attending law school. My long-term goals involve obtaining a career involving law, politics and activism in order to make a difference in society.

What are your future plans? My longterm goal is to go to college and get my bachelor’s degree in business and administration, and be able to go to culinary school, then after I think I’m ready I’d like to open up my own bakery. I’ve always wanted to open my own bakery and I hope in the future I am willing to do so.

What are your future plans? I am going to ATI in Virginia Beach for mechanics. I will be going there to get my associate’s in automotive technician and maybe heavy diesel technician.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Basilone is by far my favorite teacher. She taught me for two consecutive years and her classes became my favorite both years. Not only is Mrs. Baz an extremely intelligent and remarkable teacher, she also goes above and beyond to make sure every single one of her students succeeds. I cannot express my admiration and respect for Mrs. Baz enough.

I aspire to be as passionate as Mrs. Baz in all my future endeavors.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Gray from the middle school taught me to actually like science and understand it. Mrs. May, I had her three out of four years in high school and she was just always there to help with anything and everything, and definitely Mrs. Head – I loved our class conversations, her stories and how we played around.

What are your future plans? I am going to COA for two years because I am not ready to leave here and I don’t like any other places or big cities. I want to be a teacher, but I’m getting a double major in education AND business because a business degree opens a lot of other doors. You can also get a job just about anywhere with an education degree. My future goals would be to be a teacher somewhere near here and – weirdly enough – I would love to be a dog groomer and own a dog grooming business.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Do more of what makes you happy. High school is so short and there are so many amazing opportunities I didn’t take advantage of because I allowed small things to stress me out.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “The Nights” by Avicii.

Favorite high school memory? I don’t think I can choose just one. I have enjoyed every moment of senior year and have had so many memorable experiences throughout high school.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mrs. Gard has always been an inspiration to me. She was first my teacher in seventh grade and I have always looked up to her as a role model.

Her intelligence, passion, determination and kindness continue to amaze me.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Assuming we had more time. I wish I had cherished the moments more and let everyone know how much they meant to me. There are so many of my classmates I may never see again who were a consistent part of my day. This year, especially, going to class brought me so much joy because of the people in my classes. I regret losing the little moments of this year just as much as the big moments.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Be way more focused on academics rather than anything else.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Hutton from Kitty Hawk Elementary. She was a tough teacher for teaching fourth grade, but it kind of showed people that the older you get you will actually have to try to get good grades. She was also really fun and unique and always had a fun way of teaching her students. She also had birds that would always just fly around her room.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Senior Skip Day” by Mac Miller just cause we never got ours.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Just relax, because high school is supposed to be more fun than stressful.

I would always get so nervous for tests and soccer games, but looking back, I would have had way more fun if I just went into it calmly instead of being extremely nervous all the time.

Favorite high school memory? My freshman year pep rally we did in the morning, of Coach Prince making all of the classes scream and represent our classes, hearing him scream “I AM SOMEBODY” was super inspirational to my little 14-year-old self.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Welcome To Your Life” by Grouplove because it talks about how you can make your life what you want it and if you have a bad attitude your life will be bad, but if you have a good attitude your life can be as great as you imagined. It’s also just a fun song.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Ms. Sam. No matter how busy she was or even if her class was empty, I could always pop in and have a chat with her about anything. I loved her class and encourage everyone to take it.

She’s such a sweet and caring person. I hope to be like her by putting others before myself and always being a ray or sunshine. Love you, Ms. Sam!!

Favorite high school memory? The Carrboro game we played sophomore year at home before states. Our team has this little stuffed animal named AppleJack that I bought from a weird Food Lion and we used it as our mascot the whole year. One day, it was stolen and we all accused Codie Patterson of stealing it. Right before the game, Casey Bouker handed me this thing wrapped in paper and I opened it and AppleJack was torn up and written all over.

We all laughed and then the game started and I scored the first goal and we ended up playing a really good game and beat Carrboro and then ended up winning states.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not being able to spend these last months with my friends before we all have to go off to school, or straight into the work force. I regret all the times I slept in instead of going to my first period, too, but always and forever we’re Nighthawks and even though our year was cut short, I still have so many good memories of our school.

First Flight Forever.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Coach Juan Ramirez and Coach Joel Mount, because I spent half of the school year practicing with them for two hours after school every day and they taught me so much about soccer and even life.

Coach Juan taught me that to get the end result you want with anything, you have to practice and put your all into it to achieve your goal.

Coach Mount taught me a lot about English, but out of the classroom he taught me to always show respect and to act nicer than I actually am. Hahahaha Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not enjoying my time more at the school. I would go in for fourth and fifth and complain the whole time I was there because I just wanted to be anywhere but there. Now, although I am enjoying quarantine a little, it would be nice to just be back with everyone and maybe go to prom and have soccer practice.

Best teacher ever? Definitely Ms. Whitehurst from fifth grade at KHES. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Be a leader, not a follower.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “20/20” by Lil Tjay.

Favorite high school memory? Driving Coach Prince’s Corvette.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Coach Prince.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? That I missed my senior prom and all my memories as a senior in high school.

Emily Lawlor

What are your future plans? I’m not sure what I want to do, but I definitely want to go to college and get a job that I like.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. McNeill.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To not procrastinate so much.

Favorite high school memory? Always meeting my friends in the hallway before class.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mrs. McNeill.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I don’t really regret anything.

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Lauren Shelton

What are your future plans? I plan on going to UNCW in the fall, but I’m not sure what I want to major in or what I want to do after college. I’m thinking maybe something in the medical field.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Lowe.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t take anything for granted because time goes by faster than you think. Spend as much time with your friends as you can.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth.

Favorite high school memory? Going to dinner with friends and then going to games afterwards.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? My tennis coach, Aly, because she was always helping us stay positive, try our hardest and have fun.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I’m sad that we didn’t get to have senior prom and that I didn’t get more time with friends at school, and if we don’t get a real graduation I’ll be really sad.

Madison Lester

Juliann Gotthelf

Stryker Owens

What are your future plans? Double major in computer science and physics, become a remote software engineer, travel and research pure mathematics/theoretical physics in my free time.

What are your future plans? To be a radiologist and to have my own house and my own family.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Basilone, because she is understanding and truly cares about her students.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? No one will have your back the way you will, so don’t rely on anyone to get work done because imagine how refreshing it will feel once you meet all your goals and you will be able to look back and say, “Wow, I did that all on my own.”

Best teacher ever? Mr. Mauer, because he was so funny and made science actually fun in middle school.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Changes” by Charles Bradley.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Having My Way” by Lil Skies and Lil Durk.

Favorite high school memory? The last day of school junior year because I was thinking about how that day in one year meant that I would be graduated.

Favorite high school memory? Probably going to states my sophomore year in soccer. The year before they won the championship, so I was hoping for another and I got to start in goal, which was sick.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t base your self worth on external factors, learn how to manage your time effectively and start living a healthier lifestyle.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “The Simpsons” theme song a cappella style.

Favorite high school memory? Being able to participate in graduation last year as a Junior Marshal.

Best teacher ever? Ms. Frye.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mr. DeWitt, because he introduced me to math beyond calculus, which inspired me to pursue the study of pure mathematics.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mrs. Mascio. She has the best family, smartest children. And her and her husband are some of the hardest-working people I will ever know.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? The possibility of not getting a graduation ceremony.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not being able to go to prom and having a normal graduation.

What are your future plans? I’m going to Bridgewater College to play soccer and hopefully have a good time there while working hard, hopefully afterwards moving to the West Coast.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Do your homework on time instead of right before it’s due.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Miller Cipriano. He was older when I got there and that’s who I looked up to for tips to get better.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not having my signing for college to play soccer and not having the graduation ceremony.

Jamiesons embark on space adventure

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By Cassie Honeycutt Features Editor

rom sailing on the Nile River to mushing on a dog sled in Alaska, Chase and Pierce Jamieson have lived and traveled all over the world. So it should come as no surprise that the seniors wanted to hitch a ride into space for their next adventure.

The first crewed space mission since the end of the space shuttle program was scheduled to be launched into orbit from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in May. The mission will test the ability of the SpaceX Dragon craft and could lead to regular manned flights to the moon once again.

The Jamiesons didn’t physically go into space, of course, but their likenesses did. In May, NASA gave the Class of 2020 an opportunity to submit their senior photos so they could be included in a Earth photo mosaic. The mosaic flew on board the SpaceX’s Dragon capsule during the mission.

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“Having my senior picture go up in space I guess means that my achievement bar has just been raised pretty high,” Pierce said.

Added Chase with a laugh: “I guess having my senior picture go up in space means that I will need to travel there and get it back, as in life on Mars, 2050!”

The twins flew down and stayed in Florida for a week to see their first live launch, which was delayed due to bad weather. They took their graduation caps and took a picture to make the moment a little more special.

“We have always had an interest in space because our great-grandfather was the last person the astronauts saw when he closed the hatch on the Apollo missions in the 1960s,” Chase said. “My dad has a really cool cardigan sweater with all the Apollo mission patches sewn that was passed to my older brother.”

That brother has a friend who works at NASA and helped make the trip possible.

“This is exciting for the both of us because our older brother arranged this whole trip,” Pierce said. “He has a childhood best friend that works at NASA and

who is able to give us this opportunity that we would not have had if it wasn’t for him, so it makes it more meaningful and a great way to start our next chapter in college.”

The Jamieson twins have grown up seeing every part of the world. They grew up in a military family, with their mom being a Navy commander with 21 years of service and their father serving as a Navy SEAL. With their parents having jobs requiring them to move often, the boys were given a wide variety of experiences before the family settled on the Outer Banks.

“I did my best to provide them unique opportunities and cultural experiences that would significantly influence their outlook on life as being broad and open-minded and not tunneled and cynical,” Christina Jamieson said.

Taking this virtual trip to space just adds to the list of unique experiences. Who knows where Chase and Pierce will end up next?

Junior Cassie Honeycutt can be reached at 21honeycuttca35@daretolearn.org .

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

Sarah Bradley Forbes

What are your future plans? Get my degree in business and then start my own company while investing and traveling the world.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Motz.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Care more about your grades than your friends your freshman year.

It will make the following three years way easier and none of them lasted through your senior year minus one anyways.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? Probably the school song just because it represents us, but truly it should be the “I Am Somebody” speech because that is way more motivating and truly brings me to tears.

Favorite high school memory? My art class freshman year. We had to do a painting about all the things we loved and it turned into one of my favorite pieces to this day.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mrs. Wheless. She cared about everyone so deeply.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Losing my graduation and senior prom. I went through all these years of school to get here and I don’t get what every other senior class has gotten.

Tyler Wayland

What are your future plans? I am enrolled at UNC Wilmington, where I plan to major in criminology and after, I plan to attend law school to work as an attorney.

Best teacher ever? All of my teachers were great, but if I had to pick one it would be Angela Gard. She is a hoot and a kind human being.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Work harder and engage in extracurriculars earlier. I could have had much more fun during high school if I didn’t wait until my junior year.

Favorite high school memory? My favorite part of high school was the pep rallies. An entire day dedicated to school spirit capped by an awe-inspiring speech by Coach Prince is perfect.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? I don’t think I could pick a single biggest inspiration. All my teachers and peers have helped me grow and succeed.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Losing out on senior traditions like prom, decision day, and everything else due to corona is a shame. I also miss seeing my teachers and classmates every day.

Ty Hargis

Madison Murry

What are your future plans? Become a restaurant owner and have one of the best restaurants down here and have a great life and spend as much time as I can with my family because family is the most important thing to me.

What are your future plans? I’m going to NC State for Exploratory Studies because I don’t know exactly what I want to do yet. I’ve thought about a couple different majors, but I don’t want to be set on one path right now.

Best teacher ever? Coach Prince. He motivates anyone and he makes school very enjoyable.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. McClary, because I took on photography in yearbook, and because of those classes I got to do a lot of cool things as a photographer.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To not give up so easily and put forth more effort into things.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Get all of my absences excused on time.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Marvelous Day” by Kap G, but the clean version.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Congratulations” by Post Malone and Quavo :)

Favorite high school memory? Freshman year, getting to watch one of my best friends who helped me through a lot, Devyn Dodson, walk across the stage knowing he did it and it made me determined.

Favorite high school memory? Going to all of the musicals and plays with Eliza.

We developed a tradition for the nights we would go and watch them.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Devyn Dodson. He was always determined and focused and he really inspired me.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I never actually got to go to a school dance, so that’s my regret. I feel like I missed something important even though some people didn’t like it.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Eliza Cowan, because she knows how to make any situation better.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I skipped the last day before school let out to go prom dress shopping.

Had I known it would’ve been my last day of high school, I would’ve wanted to have one last normal school day.

Seniors (from left) Chase and Pierce Jamieson visit the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the SpaceX Dragon launch. The twins were among 100,000 students who submitted senior portraits to SpaceX to be turned into a collage of the earth that was taken into space (left).

Photo submitted by Christina Jamieson/ Photo by SpaceX

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

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Taylor Stuart

What are your future plans? Go to UNCW and study environmental science.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Neller.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Join more clubs.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “H20 Just Add Water” theme song.

Favorite high school memory? Winning states.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? My brother, Liam, since he always helped me throughout high school and gave me advice.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not having a final soccer season.

Mitchell Krucke

What are your future plans? To get a master’s degree in computer science and go into the coding field.

Best teacher ever? Mr. DeWitt.

Logan McLemore

Dean Torchia

What are your future plans? My future plan is to go into the Coast Guard and my long-term goal is to own a business.

What are your future plans? Go to the Coast Guard. I plan to stay until retirement.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. May, because she always worked with the students’ problems and wasn’t just worried about getting the work done.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Be more involved and take school more seriously.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Beef FLoMix”.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t worry about finding what you wanna do with your life, because through your years you will kinda get a better idea.

Graduation song? “Get ’Em” by Yung Mal. Favorite high school memory? When we used to freestyle on the soccer bus.

Favorite high school memory? My favorite part of high school was getting to play high school.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I regret not going to school on some days and skipping a lot this year.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not having graduation on the stage.

What are your future plans? Get my business degree and use my sister for connections in New York City since she works for AllianceBernstein and lives there.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Mascio.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t take Math 1 and Math 2 my freshman year, and Math 3 and Pre-Cal my sophomore year.

Graduation song? “After Party” by Don Toliver.

Favorite high school memory? My sophomore prom.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Parker Sylvia.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Losing my senior lacrosse season.

Devin Pitt

What are your future plans? I want to create my own Esports team.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Thomas.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Get a haircut.

Favorite high school memory? Junior year at NC State after MPAs and we found out we got an excellent rating.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Cudi Montage” by Kids See Ghosts.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mr. Buford.

He is an amazing choir and orchestra director.

Favorite high school memory? Getting coffee thrown at my face in freshman year.

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Best teacher ever? Mr. Lowe.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Coach Juan, because since freshman year he’s always been there for me kinda like a friend on and off the field.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To relax and not be so angry.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I wish that I would have been able to go to the last day and help the teachers with moving desks. I did that each year.

Pierce Jamieson

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Myself.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not spending more time with friends.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

Elizabeth Montgomery

Shelby Hudgins

Elijah McMillin

Diana Bautista Angel

What are your future plans? I plan to go to UNCW and major in theater arts and hopefully be involved in some kind of career in theater.

What are your future plans? I’m going to have a gap year to earn more money.

Them I’m planning on doing COA art classes for two years, then transferring to an art college (I’m not rich).

What are your future plans? To get a welding license and become a master welder.

Best teacher ever? Ms. Motz. She was always so nice and let me be an idiot with my best friend even though our grades weren’t the best. She never got mad at us for having a less-than-perfect grade.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Come to school every day on time or it will be hard for you – I’ve learned from experience.

What are your future plans? In the long run, I would love to become a personal trainer and help others understand that goals are important and completely up to them. I actually also want to be a speaker and spread the word about self love and care for women everywhere.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Buford. I’ve known him since eighth grade and he has been my biggest cheerleader all throughout high school and has taught me how to be a good, genuine person.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Not to be afraid to talk to new people even if it’s scary. Making friends in other grades is so beneficial and getting close with a variety of people will open doors for you.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? Given that I got to help choose the graduation song and I don’t want to spoil it, I’d say “We’re All In It Together” from “High School Musical” because it really goes with what happened to us.

Favorite high school memory? When the seniors were done making the hoco float and we all sat together eating pizza and having fun talking about life and listening to music.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Damon Horak, because of his passion for theater.

Being involved in theater, no one gets enough credit for the work that is put in and I’ve never seen anyone work so hard and put on such a great show. He works on the shows 24/7 with building sets and memorizing lines and it is amazing how he can play literally any part.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I have made so many amazing memories with so many amazing people and I would just want to make one more big memory with everyone before we part our separate ways and say goodbye.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Watch “Rocky Horror”.

Don’t think that you have to be perfect.

Don’t let others let you think there’s a specific way to be lesbian, you are you and that’s perfect. Don’t stress about love, it’s a waste of time and will make you way more depressed than you deserve.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “I’m Going Home” from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”.

Favorite high school memory? My memory is so horrible I only remember recent stuff. My fave memory is from like two months ago when we had a four-day weekend. I had six people over at my rental house for the entire weekend. We had so much fun and got to bond outside of school.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Pitzulo!!! Best ever.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Shotta Flow” by NLE Choppa.

Favorite high school memory? Going to my last prom with my amazing girlfriend.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Oscar Monica, because he is my best friend for life.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? How I won’t get to see my friends much anymore and how prom and graduation will be difficult to host.

Maddie Bell

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? My best friend, Damon Horak. He constantly makes me happy and inspires me to be my true self no matter what others might think.

Best teacher ever? I don’t think I could pick. In each year, I had teachers who I could trust and felt comfortable with. Along with how they taught, it made everything very fun. Some of those would be Mr. Thomas, Mr. Mount, Mrs. McNeill, Coach Prince and Mrs. Sam. What advice would you give to your freshman self? To not compare yourself to other people. I would tell myself from the beginning that everyone has their own struggles and that we are all beautiful in our own way. Walking through the halls wondering why you don’t look like someone else is a waste of time. I would tell myself to keep moving forward and once I accept who I am, I will be happy.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Hey Look Ma, I Made It” by Panic at the Disco. I always told my mom I would play that song the day of graduation.

Favorite high school memory? The ones where I could be myself in a classroom and sometimes laugh uncontrollably with my friends. Other memories I really enjoyed were going to the football games and going to the beach after exam days.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I never got my “final week” of high school. Me and my friends were so sure that next week would happen, then after that school would be canceled. So I never really got to say goodbye to everyone. Other than that, I’m OK with it: I’m throwing my own “Rocky Horror Prom” once all the restrictions are gone and that will be a blast.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mrs. Sam, the teacher for special ed. I was in peer tutor my junior year and I immediately fell in love. I worked with Ariel almost every day and it was the happiest time of school for me. Mrs. Sam inspired me to take care of others and love them unconditionally, because they are amazing people inside and out.”

What are your future plans? Go to COA and start my own business.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Jones.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Appreciate every moment.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “The Climb.”

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not going to the football games and basketball games this year. I also regret not going to prom my junior year. I honestly wanted prom to be a oncein-a-lifetime thing and I wanted it to be super special, so I wanted to wait till my senior year. Now I don’t get to experience prom. I regret not taking advantage of my opportunities to have real high school fun.

Favorite high school memory? Making the set for “Mary Poppins.”

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mrs. Basilone.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not going to any games.

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Jordan High

Zac Blankenship

Anna Beasley

Kyle Keller

What are your future plans? Attend Appalachian State University. I plan to major in social work and I’d like to be a school counselor. But I’ve also thought about the Peace Corps. I think that’d be cool.

What are your future plans? To attend UNCW in the fall and study Marine Biology.

Long term, I want to travel the entire world and experience all different types of cultures.

What are your future plans? I will attend NC State’s College of Engineering and I hope to get a good job in engineering when I graduate.

What are your future plans? Attend the University of Lynchburg and play lacrosse while studying in their Physical Therapy program.

Best teacher ever? Ms. Redford, because she is the nicest person I’ve ever been around.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Lowe. He has such a great teaching style and works his best to help his students exceed.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To enjoy it and cherish it, because high school is the last part of our life before we have to grow up and be on our own.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? You need to stay on top of your studies and work hard in class.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Chill out and don’t overthink things.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Grace” by Lil Baby and 42 Dugg.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.

Favorite high school memory? Winning our first-ever state playoff game on the lacrosse team. It was awesome to celebrate with my teammates.

Favorite high school memory? The countdown from 10 in the hallway after we finish a show.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa because of the coronavirus.

Favorite high school memory? Being able to play Isaiah Todd in the Good Guys vs. Cancer event because I’ve never seen our gym that packed and it was also for a great cause.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Coach Head, because he always helped me out, whether it was on the court or off of it.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Parker Sylvia. He was a great leader on and off the lacrosse field, and had such a positive attitude. He showed me how to stay determined and taught me a lot about how to be a good teammate and person.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Just not being able to finish our senior year and all the events with it.

Prom and graduation are things that you remember forever, so it’s hard not getting those.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I would’ve loved to graduate with all my friends. I’ve known so many people in my class for so long and it would’ve been nice to be able to walk the stage with all of them.

Best teacher ever? Definitely Ms. Deal.

She is absolutely amazing.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mrs. Mitchell. She does so much for all of us and has given me some great advice over the years. I hope to have a work ethic like she does.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I regret many things not happening, like prom, decision day, and getting our cap and gowns. Most of all, I’m just upset about having to postpone the musical, “Chicago.” I was the Stage Manager for the show and it has been one of my favorite experiences in high school.

Best teacher ever? Joel Mount. I sure didn’t have the highest grade in that class, but I think he taught me more about life than any of my other teachers.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Go experience high school more and work harder earlier in my soccer career.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Roll Up” by B.o.B. Favorite high school memory? As a freshman, watching and celebrating with the soccer team when they won states. That was fun.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Coach Prince. I never actually played for him besides volleyball. Even still, he would always push me in class, and any outside class workouts he would always get on me if I didn’t go.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? All the memories we all are losing. From the home games and away games to all the ragers we’re missing, and honestly, I even kinda miss school.

Coronavirus means short stay for newest Nighthawk

A

By Fiona Finchem Staff Writer

fter nine years of playing lacrosse in Virginia Beach, Caroline Blaha transferred from Kellam at the beginning of the second semester to end her senior year at First Flight. Blaha is from the OBX originally, but moved to Virginia when she was 9. She spends every summer on the Outer Banks, though, and is friends with a lot of the girls on the lacrosse team.

The season was already looking good for the Nighthawks, but after three weeks of practice and only three games, the 2020 lacrosse season was over due to the coronavirus.

“I moved in January to come back to where I’m from and hopefully win a state title with the girls I’ve known for a long time, some since birth,” Blaha said.

Only three weeks in, the team had shown it was capable of competing for a state title. The girls were becoming close and were working hard. They had an

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undefeated season, already beating some of the best teams they would compete against.

By the end of the short season, the team was ranked 25th in the state.

“The best memories were definitely the long bus rides home after our big wins, practices when everything started to come together, and getting to know all the girls,” Blaha said. “I was heartbroken when I heard the season was over. I had never had such high hopes taken away, and we couldn’t do anything about it.”

At least for Blaha, her lacrosse career will continue.

Her brother got into lacrosse and she followed in his footsteps and began playing by the age of 9. Now, nine years later, Blaha plans to continue her lacrosse career at Radford University.

She enjoyed a virtual signing ceremony with several other Nighthawks in May when schools were closed due to the pandemic.

“I had actually turned down the offer at first, but after exploring other options and growing up, I

revisited the option and decided that Radford was the best fit for me academically and athletically,” Blaha explained. “While focusing on excelling as an athlete, Radford also focuses on academics. I plan to study biology on the track of pre-med.”

With college lacrosse coming in the fall, Blaha worked hard while in quarantine by running and focusing on lacrosse and fitness. She also plans to be a Kill Devil Hills lifeguard for the summer.

Despite the craziness of moving here with the hopes of winning a state championship, attending only 31 days of school and playing an extremely short season, Blaha has chosen to have a positive outlook instead of focusing on the negative.

“Looking back on this whole crazy situation, it has definitely taught me to take every moment like it’s going to be the last. I have no regrets moving here,” she said. “It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

Sophomore Fiona Finchem can be reached at 22finchemfi99@daretolearn.org.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

Jessica Dugita

What are your future plans? Attend Queens University of Charlotte and major in exercise and sports science and minor in health science. I hope to be a sports team physical therapist and continue my degree in grad school somewhere.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Kovacs. She taught me so much not just about our class subjects but about working in healthcare in general. I took so much from her classes that I’ll use for the rest of my life.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Care a little bit more about my classes, because even if I don’t like them they’ll end sooner rather than later and it’s worth the effort in the end.

Emma Byard

What are your future plans? Go to UNC Chapel Hill and major in psychology and minor in Spanish. Then I hopefully can use my major to become a mental health therapist.

What are your future plans? Attend UNC Pembroke and major in Elementary Education. After obtaining my degree, I plan to get a job as a fourth/fifth-grade teacher.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Powell, because I learned a lot in her class and she helped me a lot to prepare and apply for college.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Ebert. Not only has he pushed me as a student to become better at what I love, but he’s also been supportive as a friend, someone I can turn to for any type of advice.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Procrastination creates a whole lot of stress – more than you would imagine.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa.

Favorite high school memory? Probably all the funny things that happened at football games and practices while I was at my internship. Katie Kelly always was cracking me up.

Favorite high school memory?

Winning the soccer state championship my sophomore year or being able to win queen and king with Zach Hughes at the homecoming football game my senior year.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Ms. Baldauf. I’ve had a class with her every year since freshman year and she has always been the most supportive person. She has taught me so much with what I want to do in life and has pushed me to be the best I can be!

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Alex Rodman, because she convinced me to run for cross country and track, which made my high school experience 10 times better. She also was a great role model and always so welcoming to the younger girls on the soccer team.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? What I regret the most is taking the little things for granted. I wish I would’ve appreciated the morning coffee trips before school with my friends a little bit more because I didn’t realize those would be our last ones.

James LaCroix

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? It’s really upsetting to not have senior prom or graduation, but I am most regretful about the soccer season. I thought we had a really good chance to compete for the state championship.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? These years will be tough for you, especially mentally. Don’t think that you have to do everything alone, and if you can’t talk to your friends or mom, talk to your most trusted teachers. It’s OK to talk and act somewhat childish, just know that there is a time and place to be serious and get to work.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Soul Shine” by Gov’t Mule.

Favorite high school memory? Spending the whole day at my internship at the elementary school. It was a lot of fun, plus I was able to make ice cream with them. That whole day was just a blast.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Either Mr. Ebert or my mom. Both have pushed me to be even better than I thought I could, supported me when I thought that I was unable to continue, and have taught me that I never stop learning even when I think I’ve learned enough about something.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not being able to finish my year with those who I care about, having my teachers see me off as I walk across the stage, I think I’ll regret not being able to experience that the most.

Gabby Murillo

What are your future plans? Mostly traveling goals – I want to see the world! I don’t need it to be luxurious, I’m fine with traveling cheap and light. The people and the sights are where I’ll spend most of my energy, so the hotel or motel doesn’t bother me much.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. McNeill. She’s my AVID teacher and has always been a mentor, someone to push me and keep me on track. From sixth grade all the way to senior year, she’s been there to guide me to be who I am. She never gave up on me and I’d never be where I am without her.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? I feel like it’s said over and over, but don’t procrastinate! I did it all the time and found myself more stressed than I should have been about work I could have done easily.

Favorite high school memory? Probably going to all the football games my senior year. It was so much fun to spend time with my friends and just forget about the stress of the week on a Friday night. Regardless if we won or lost, I wouldn’t have missed any of them for the world.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mrs. McNeill. She always pushed me to do my best and helped me to see the bigger picture even when I was stuck looking at just the now.

She’s always had this fiery work ethos that would amaze anyone who even just stopped by her room to talk to her. She spent time getting to know her students and put all her heart into everything she did for our school.

She’s one in a million.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I don’t regret anything. I don’t believe there should ever be regrets in someone’s life, only learning experiences. If you get down about what could have been or what you should have done, then you’ll miss many opportunities at that moment to change or do what you can.

Senior Caroline Blaha enjoys a livestream scholarship signing ceremony (right) at FFHS in May to celebrate heading to play lacrosse at Radford University next year.

Blaha just moved to the OBX as a full-time student in January, but has known teammates like (from left) Tatum Love, Simone Midgett and Liz Clagett for years thanks to travel ball.

Photos submitted by Caroline Blaha

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

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Ivy Doyle

Thomas Miller

Caitlyn Jernigan

Evy Pritchard

What are your future plans? Get a degree in gender studies and work in some kind of activism.

What are your future plans? To go to college and learn about video editing. Overall, find the career I want to go into.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Gard and Ms. Deal, hands down. They go above and beyond in their caring for students.

Best teacher ever? I don’t really have a favorite teacher. I may like some more than others, but I don’t have a favorite.

What are your future plans? I’ll be going to UNCW in the fall to major in psychology, and hopefully go into clinical or developmental psychology in grad school.

I’m not quite sure what I want the rest of my life to be like after that.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Stop worrying so much.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t procrastinate.

What are your future plans? I am hoping to attend UNCW in the fall and major in psychology. My long-term goal is to become a psychiatrist, which may take around eight to 12 years, and I don’t know if I will stay at UNCW the whole time, but who knows. I would like to move back to the Outer Banks to pursue my dreams and goals.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day.

Favorite high school memory? Going out with friends right after school.

Favorite high school memory? Going to the fair with my friends after graduation last year.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Dylan Custer, my best friend.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I don’t get to finish my ceramics class.

Gabe Long

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? My biggest inspiration is my parents. They push me to do my best and have a future with many possibilities.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I feel I was cheated out of my senior year. As a senior, that is the time to have your best high school memories.

Madison Vanover

Best teacher ever? I had a lot of great teachers in high school, but I think the one who helped me the most is Mr. Hanf. He’s been my teacher all four years. From me being a shy, quiet freshman to becoming coEIC of yearbook, he’s taught me a lot, mostly just about life in general.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Enjoy all the little things in life and not care so much what other people think about you.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Grab a group of friends and go to all the dances you’re allowed to go to.

I definitely wish I did that my freshman and sophomore year.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “I Lived” by OneRepublic.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Memories” by Maroon Five. I know it’s cheesy, but it’s good.

Favorite high school memory? I don’t think I could ever pick one favorite memory from high school. There’s lots of random moments in classes, at games, at dances and outside of school that will always hold a special place in my heart.

Favorite high school memory? Favorites would probably be our homecoming pep rallies. Everyone was just always so spirited, and being a cheerleader, it’s always nice to have people cheering along with you.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? All of my friends, for sure. When you watch the people around you grow up for so many years, you know how hard they’ve worked to get where they are now. I think we’ve all inspired each other to keep pushing forward and show the world what we’re capable of.

What are your future plans? Go to college.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Gard or Ms. Will.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To hate on 69 more.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Wanna Be a Baller” by Lil’ Troy.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mr. Albert.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Nothing. It is what it is.

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What are your future plans? Attend COA, transfer to a four-year university to finish my BA and then to get my dream job as a game art designer, and move back to Kentucky or somewhere new.

Best teacher ever? My third-grade teacher, Mrs. Childress. I had a lot of friends in that class and she just always found a way to make learning fun.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I don’t really think I regret anything. I just wish I had one more day to go to school and say goodbye to everyone.

The fact that our class has been looking forward to these last few months forever and it just got taken away from us is pretty upsetting. The one thing I really want is to have a normal graduation ceremony, even if it’s in the summer, then I’ll be OK with the way things turned out for us.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? I have two. Mrs. Mascio, I had her for three classes and we became close over that time. She taught me how to stay organized and productive and on top of things. The second one would be Mr. Brieholz. I only had him for one class my freshman year, but he taught me that it’s OK to goof off and have fun and really to just be yourself.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Even though I wasn’t a spring sport athlete and I got my Senior Nights, I think the thing I regret most is not being able to support the other seniors for their Senior Nights. Senior Night is a huge moment for every senior and it can be a little emotional at times. I really wish the spring sports were able to have their moment like the fall and winter sports did.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. O’Bryan or Mrs. Ably.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t care what people think!!

Favorite high school memory? Meeting some good friends.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Probably a graduate that I met freshman year.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not trying new experiences.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

Aaron Martines

What are your future plans? I will be joining the Navy as a cryptologic technician (collection), aka CTR. I hope to go to college through the Navy to become an officer.

Best teacher ever? Ms. Tena. She was my AVID teacher at my old school.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Do your homework.

Favorite high school memory? Making friends. It was always the best whenever you made new friends in the weirdest ways. At my old school, I met a guy named Angel by accidentally slapping him in the face.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? I always liked Mr. Herman, as I had him for Civics last year. He was just a cool, relaxed teacher, unlike some who could be very strict or overbearing.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? There was no real prom.

Owen Brackenridge

Gage Bernard

What are your future plans? I am going to Pitt and hope to run my own car shop one day.

What are your future plans? Going to Catawba College to play soccer, and my life goal is probably to travel the world.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. O’Bryan, because she always helped me with my work and she is a big part of why I passed.

Best teacher ever? Coach Mount and Coach Juan. They taught me on and off the field.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To work harder and to take school more seriously.

Advice to your freshman self? Do good in school while you have the chance to, because it just gets harder from there.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Lord Knows” by Meek Mills.

Favorite high school memory? I don’t know, I can’t really remember any but it was all fun.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? “I don’t regret anything from this year.”

Graduation song? “Mo Bamba.”

Favorite high school memory? Playing soccer with all my best friends.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? The Douglas twins, because I always wanted to be better than them at soccer, so they pushed me to do my best.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Nothing. I got no regrets. It was fun while it lasted.

Kinnan Feltz

What are your future plans? Go to college majoring in clinical exercise physiology so I can become a physical or occupational therapist.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Neller.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Make the most of the time that you have with your friends.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Good Feeling” By Flo Rida.

Favorite high school memory? My Senior Night for swim team.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Ms. Baldwin.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I regret not being able to spend the last little bit of school with my friends.

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Dylan Blake

Landis Limon

Ethan White

What are your future plans? If basketball can work out in the long run I would really love to have a good career at ECU for basketball and hopefully even after college.

If that doesn’t work out, then I would want a career in sports management.

What are your future plans? I plan to play collegiate volleyball at William Peace University and study Exercise and Sports Science. After transferring to a bigger school to complete my education, I plan to try and work at an athlete training facility and become a physical therapist and trainer.

What are your future plans? I’m hoping to get to have my first year at UNCW. My long-term goals are to get a job right out of college in my field of expertise and be successful.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Frasca. She was my third-grade teacher at Nags Head Elementary. She always had a good attitude and it was always a good environment around her.

Best teacher ever? John Olson at my old high school in Oregon. He made sure I understood every topic in math and believed in me when I needed it the most.

Taylor Brinkley

Best teacher ever? It’s a coin toss between Mrs. Gard or Mr. DeWitt. Those are some of the most talented teachers in First Flight.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? All you can do is all you can do. Don’t compare yourself to anybody.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Procrastination is going to kill you. Don’t leave things until the last minute. It will stress you out. Hard work does pay off.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Through the Night” by Travis Scott.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “I Lived” by OneRepublic.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas.

Favorite high school memory? Elijah Whitfield hitting the only shot he took, and it was a 3-pointer.

Favorite high school memory? Beating a team in volleyball at home and being asked to homecoming after.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Jack Konstanzer, because he has always pushed me to be a better basketball player and to break his records at First Flight. He also went D-I for basketball and that made me want to do the same.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? My volleyball coach when I first moved to FFHS. Amanda Grebiner believed in me when I had never played the sport before and now it's my passion.

Favorite high school memory? The swim bus coming back from regionals my junior year, we read some of the funniest reviews on sugar-free gummy bears.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Stay focused on school work and don’t let anything get in the way of that.

Also, try to balance school and sports better.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not being able to have our senior prom.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I regret not saying thank you to the people at this school that had a positive impact on my life.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Dave Tonnesen, because he has a lot of drive and motivation.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not having a graduation. Now this class will forever be known as the class that didn’t have one.

What are your future plans? Go to COA and get my degree in Early Childhood Education so I can be able to work in a daycare.

Best teacher ever? My fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Powers.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Be focused more and push myself to do the best I could’ve done rather than focusing on my friends more.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus because high school is like that, you have to climb to strive to be the best you can be.

Favorite high school memory? Probably just the football games because it was a time where everyone was together supporting our school.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Ms. Will, because she always believed in me and always pushed me to be the best version of myself.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not cherishing my senior year enough, because like everyone says it goes by fast and I never thought that was true until now.

Hempfer treads through complicated

D

By Katie MacBride Online Editor-in-Chief

o you remember learning to swim? Did you ever have that scary feeling of taking your floaties off for the first time, or being filled with excitement when you finally swam across the pool by yourself?

Many young swimmers get to share these experiences with senior Marrissa Hempfer.

Last school year, Hempfer moved to the Outer Banks from Long Island, New York, where she used to teach private swim lessons to kids, aged anywhere from 3 months to 12 years. In an effort to continue this passion in a new town, Hempfer took a lifeguarding class at the Outer Banks Family YMCA in Nags Head and completed the required Photo submitted by Marrissa Hempfer swim tests to teach lessons.

“One of my favorite things is when I do private Senior Marrissa Hempfer helps a young swimmer get comfortable in the pool while working as an instructor at the Outer Banks Family YMCA. lessons since it is one-on-one, and especially when

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I have it with the little ones,” Hempfer said.

Hempfer knows all the time she has put into the swim tests and classes has been worth it when she sees her hard work pay off.

“I have this 3-year-old named Conner that I’ve been teaching since I first started, and now he can swim freestyle better than a lot of teenagers in the pool,” Hempfer said with a smile. “It’s the most amazing thing to watch them get better.”

Not only does Hempfer lifeguard and teach swim lessons at the YMCA three days a week, but she is also a coach for the YMCA’s White swim team.

Those kids range from 5 to 10 years old and are just learning how to do freestyle and other more complicated strokes like backstroke and breaststroke.

Hempfer takes pride in being a swim instructor and coach, but her relationship with the water dives much deeper.

Hempfer’s mother, Toni Ewell, swam competitively in high school and was part of Ocean Rescue

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

Tyler Witt

Grace Carmines

Myles Sillies

What are your future plans? I want to get my college degree and find a solid job that I will enjoy. I would like to maybe live in Florida because it’s nice all year and it’s cheaper to live there than here on the beach.

What are your future plans? Stay at COA for two semesters and then I would like to transfer to UNC and apply to the school of nursing. That is a very big goal for me, because it is a difficult program to get in to.

What are your future plans? Attending ATI (Advanced Technology Institute) in the fall to get my automotive degree and hopefully one day my goal of owning a shop will come true.

Best teacher ever? Ms. Redford. She would just make the day fun for me and she was also so sweet, even if I gave her a hard time.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Head. She was so encouraging and really cared about her students.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Ingram, she always kept me straight and helped me with the things I struggled with.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To spend as much time with your high school friends and not to get caught up in the world’s chaos.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Not to be stubborn!

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Try your best every day, because it is important to start off with a good year.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “We Are the Champions” by Queen.

Favorite high school memory? Going to basketball practice every day and being able to play on the court with my brothers.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Coach Chad Williams, because he has always been there for me inside and outside of school.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I wasn’t able to hoop with my team my senior basketball season, so I wish I had more time with them.

Favorite high school memory? Spending time with my friends at football games and hanging out in the counseling center.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mrs. Mitchell. Her selflessness is so admirable and she is constantly serving others. Another person I admire at the high school would have been Mrs. Pat, which most underclassmen won’t know, but she was the secretary my freshman and sophomore year.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not coming to the school more often. Since I chose to take all of my courses through COA this year, I was not at the school very much.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? If they sang “With My Team” by Creek Boys, that would be so sick.

Favorite high school memory? The senior year homecoming float when Kenny and I skateboarded behind the float. That was so much fun!

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Definitely Coach Prince. In the past three and a half years he pushed me to do better and told me to always give 110% for what I want to do.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? The one thing I regret this year is how much time I spent on homework and not hanging with friends.

Yubin Kim

What are your future plans? Go to college, law school, become a lawyer.

Best teacher ever? Jodie Mitchum, my AIG teacher at Manteo. She taught most of my core classes from second to fifth grade.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Start early. It’s never too early, don’t procrastinate, always get a head start before everyone else.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “We are Young” by Fun. Favorite high school memory? There’s too many. I guess my second Model UN trip.

It was like two weeks after I moved to First Flight, but I made really good friends really fast, so I’m thankful for that opportunity.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Maybe Ms. Sawin, since she’s the Model UN sponsor.

She’s way too chill to be just a librarian.

She’s supported me since before I moved.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not appreciating physical school as much? Seeing everyone in person is always better than calling or texting, and this would’ve been our last year to learn in a high school classroom.

relationship with life in the water her senior year of high school and for two years of college. Ewell’s history influenced Hempfer to get into swimming, but this is also where Hempfer’s passion for the water started to drift.

Her mother has battled breast cancer twice since Hempfer was in third grade. Ewell had a double mastectomy – when both breasts are surgically removed – after her first diagnosis, but the cancer still returned. This was a huge shock to Hempfer’s family, especially since her family had no history of breast cancer.

“When she got it again, we were told that she was never going to have kids again and hospice came in, saying she was going to die. And hearing that news in third grade, I was like, ‘What are you guys talking about?’ ” Hempfer explained. “But they did complete chemo. She was really sick and in the hospital a lot, but after everything she came out perfectly fine.”

After Ewell’s battle with cancer, she defied the NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

odds again when she became pregnant and gave birth to Hempfer’s little brother, Michael, a year later.

“We call him our ‘chemo baby’ because he was never supposed to theoretically happen and was like a miracle,” Hempfer said. “He was the thing that pulled us all back together after everything.”

The ups and downs of Hempfer’s family life made her relationship with the water more complicated. At one point, Hempfer wanted to give up on swimming entirely, but Ewell’s history with the sport led her to push Hempfer to get involved with a job where she could swim.

“My mom always tells me to ‘Suck it up, buttercup’ whenever I would complain about going to work, but I am grateful that she continued to push me because now I have something I really love to do,” Hempfer said.

Photo submitted by Marrissa Hempfer Junior Katie MacBride can be reached at 21mac- Marrissa Hempfer shared a special Senior Night with her mom, Toni, and brother Michael. brideka62@daretolearn.org.

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Zach Strader

What are your future plans? I plan on attending ECU and getting my BSN (bachelor’s in science and nursing).

Best teacher ever? Definitely Mr. Ebert.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Focus on your grades! :) What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “When it Rains it Pours” by Luke Combs.

Favorite high school memory? Getting ready for football games with the marching band.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mr. Ebert.

He has really showed me that there is always a way to be better, whether it’s in music or just in everyday life.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I really regret not being able to say goodbye to a lot of people I know I’ll probably never get to see again.

Isabella Wooten

Charlie Barker

Marrissa Hempfer

What are your future plans? Attending COA for two years and then transferring to UNCW to get a degree in political science and then eventually go to law school.

What are your future plans? To attend paleodental school after a four-year college and medical school.

What are your future plans? I’m going to Roanoke College for pre-physician assistant and human biology.

Best teacher ever? My sophomore English teacher, Mrs. Bridges.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Enjoy all the small moments because time passes you by in an instant.

Graduation song? “Imagine” by John Lennon.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Lowe.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Enjoy high school while it lasts because it goes by quick and attend all activities to support your other classmates.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? Any song by Lil Baby.

Best teacher ever? My kindergarten teacher, Ms. Duran, at Mary Calcott in Virginia.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Do whatever you want and don’t let your peers influence your decisions too much.

Graduation song? “Young, Wild, and Free.”

Favorite high school memory? My friends and I would drive to Raleigh after school and go to the mall to hang out.

Favorite high school memory? Homecoming, proms and being part of the soccer team sophomore year in the state championship game.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mrs. Basilone.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Vega Sproul, because of how much a leader he was.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mrs. Mascio.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I hate that I didn’t know my last day of school would be my last day of high school forever.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Definitely not being able to go to school and see everybody.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I might not get to walk across the graduation stage after all these years of work.

Favorite high school memory? Doing athletic training in all of my schools.

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NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

Darci Kenny

Makaiya Davis

Hanna McMillen

Alyssa Pryor

What are your future plans? Graduate from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a degree in interior design and a minor in preservation design. Then I would like to work toward preserving the interior (and exterior) design of older buildings in large cities such as New York City.

What are your future plans? Going to COA for two years and then transferring to ECU. I still am undecided on my major, but no matter what I do I want to be happy with my life.

What are your future plans? I’m going to UNCW in the fall to major in communications with a minor in journalism. I know I want to definitely take some time off to travel the world and volunteer.

What are your future plans? I have no aspirations in life other than college and working. I really just want to be financially stable, I guess.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Mascio, because she’s just a great teacher and she really helps you understand everything and she’s funny and always lets everyone know that she cares about them.

Best teacher ever? Ms. Will and Mrs. Penn will always have a special place in my heart. Both have been there for me and taught me so many things over the last two years and I can’t thank them enough.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Not to focus on drama and focus on what makes you happy and that’s really going to show you who your true friends are.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? There are going to be a lot of changes in the next four years and never change yourself for people who really do not have your best interest in mind.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Hello Goodbye” by The Beatles.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “You Get What You Give” by the New Radicals. It really puts the feeling of moving on and everything into music.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Penn. Not only did she teach me theater freshman year, but she taught me to open up and be more free, then I went on to have her all four years.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t spend so much time worrying about having perfect grades. Focus on the people that you get to share this short part of your life with.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Youth” by Troye Sivan. The song talks about your youth belonging to a certain group of people and my youth belongs to these people I’ve grown up with.

Favorite high school memory? Junior year, going to homecoming with my boyfriend and two best friends.

Favorite high school memory? When we would work on the homecoming floats. It always brought everyone together.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Coach Prince, because he always gives the hypest speeches and he’s really funny.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Ms. Deal.

She is in charge of Prom Committee, director/co-director of the school plays, and on top of it all is still an amazing teacher.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I feel like this is the worst senior year in the history of seniors years.

We didn’t even get to go to the Wright Brothers Memorial on senior day to get our picture taken like the rest of the other seniors did. We did not get a prom and do things that other seniors in the past got. I feel like the time we did have, we all took for granted.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I wish I had a chance to soak up the last day of school. I feel like I didn’t have a chance to say goodbye or enjoy the best three months of senior year.

Music study year-round

Piano, Guitar, Voice, Winds and more All styles, all ages NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

Best teacher ever? Ms. Deal, Mrs. Powell or Mrs. Basilone. I had Ms. Deal for two years and she always made everything really enjoyable and fun. She also helped with anything I needed. Mrs. Powell helped me make up all my missing work when I went blind and pushed me to always do better. Mrs. Baz is a mix: She embodies the best of Ms. Deal and Mrs. Powell for me. Mrs. Steven was also an amazing teacher. So was Mrs. McClary.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? DO YOUR HOMEWORK! What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? My friend Joseph wanted to do a medley of “We Are Young” and “Carry On” by fun. and I really liked the idea.

Favorite high school memory? Definitely my junior prom, which was amazing and I got to spend it with my friends.

Favorite high school memory? Flying a drone and piloting a sphero in Mrs. Stevens’ class was so much fun!

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Ms. Will has always pushed me to be the best I can be and she has always taught my classes with so much kindness. I will always be thankful for her and inspired to be like her when I get older.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Teacher-wise, probably Mr. Buford. He had to jump between schools to teach and the choir was still awesome. Student-wise, I’d say Christian DeMarco, who graduated last year. He was very class-oriented but still a lot of fun.

Music study year-round

Biggest regret about how this school Biggest regret about how this school year ended? That I’ll never be able to say year ended? I regret not being able to say goodbye to my favorite teacher or my undergoodbye to all my teachers and not being Piano, Voice, and are more classmen Winds friends. Memories great, but it’s able to graduate with all the otherGuitar, seniors awful knowing I didn’t get to say goodbye. like we should have.

All styles, all ages

252-955-0706 ncmusicteachers.com

Excellence in Music Teaching and Learning

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Jack Piddington

What are your future plans? Charter boat fishing.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Godwin, because he’s laid back, funny, and nice to me.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Never quit, no matter how bad things suck, it doesn’t matter what you are doing.

Cameron Wild

Barritt Grizzard

What are your future plans? Furthering my education in Sports Management and hopefully becoming a coach of some sort.

What are your future plans? Be in the Coast Guard, retire, and then get a job that corresponds to what I was doing in the Coast Guard.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Baron was the best teacher ever, as he kept me interested throughout history in eighth grade.

Mia Parra

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Gard. I had her seventh and 10th grade for science.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Chill out and enjoy high school and not stress as much over school.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Actually do my school work and not slack off.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Lady (Hear Me Tonight)” by Modjo.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “My Slime” by YNW Melly.

Favorite high school memory? The end of last baseball season. To be with the last seniors was a good time.

Favorite high school memory? Getting Alex Conley to dye her hair red because she lost a bet.

Favorite high school memory? Homecoming spirit week and wearing class colors for the parade.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Coach Prince, because he’s a really respectful guy; just a good guy to look up to.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Devyn Dodson, because he helped me apply myself and he’s an all-around cool guy.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Coach Prince.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Money Longer” by Lil Uzi Vert because it is a very appropriate song for the situation.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I’m going to miss being able to see my friends every day.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Probably not having a big graduation.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I regret going to school in the first place because there was no point.

What are your future plans? To travel around for a while and hopefully when I am done I will know what I want to do for a career.

Best teacher ever? Ms. Canupp.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To take it seriously from the beginning but to also have fun and don’t miss out.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Beef FloMix.” Favorite high school memory? Senior homecoming, just because it was the last one.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Ms. Canupp.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I don’t regret the way the school year ended because I graduated early, but I do feel bad for all the seniors who didn’t.

Drama King: Horak exudes creativity and love on stage

S

By Peyton Dickerson Online Editor-in-Chief

enior Damon Horak has something on his mind. A song, in particular. He writes down the idea and then moves to his piano to formulate the melody. The song is for his self-written musical entitled “Space and Time.”

No one who has seen Horak on stage, holding a microphone or seated at a piano would be surprised that he’s composing a musical. The thought of him suiting up for a sports team, though?

Horak discovered his passion for theater upon moving to the Outer Banks seven years ago.

Before that, he wasn’t sure if it was the correct hobby for him.

“I’ve pretty much been into theater all my life, but didn’t know it for a while,” Horak said. “I tried a lot of different sports when I was little.”

That all changed when he joined Theatre of Dare. Each season brought a new show in which Photo by Skeeter Sawyer/Special to Nighthawk News his love and excitement for the arts grew.

“My first show (at Theatre of Dare) was ‘Peter Senior Damon Horak practices a number in one of the final rehearsals for ‘Chicago’ before the musical was canceled. Horak has been the center of Pan’, where I played Michael Darling, and my next show was ‘The Music Man’, where I played attention in numerous StageKraft shows during his high school career.

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Charlie Cow,” Horak said. “Then ‘The Little Mermaid’, where I played Sebastian, and then ‘Wizard of Oz’, where I played the Wicked Witch of the West.”

Horak has graced the stage playing a variety of roles, especially upon entering high school and joining the StageKraft family.

“My favorites are definitely tied between playing Sebastian, the Wicked Witch, Wadsworth (in ‘Clue’) and Bert (in ‘Mary Poppins’),” Horak said.

“They’ve all been so fun.”

Not only does Horak enjoy performing in front of an audience, he’s also well-versed in the technical side of theater – and even writes his own musicals.

“I decided to write the show because I’ve had a lot of musical ideas since I started playing the piano about six years ago and I needed a place for all the ideas to live,” Horak said. “So I went through several different show ideas until finally I decided to just mix a bunch of my favorite movies/shows into a crazy story.”

For his senior musical, Horak played the role of Billy Flynn in “Chicago,” which was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“I loved performing the song ‘Razzle Dazzle’ (in ‘Chicago’),” Horak said. “That song is so me,

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

Amy Alyssa Bailey

What are your future plans? Travel and do photography.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. York.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Do more activities and do cheer.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? A good song for graduation would be “Free Bird.”

Favorite high school memory? Finally graduating.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mrs. Van Vliet.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? That I won’t be able to do anything for my graduation or walk the stage and get my diploma, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Courtney Tillett

Natalie Emory

Zack Norris

What are your future plans? I plan to stay in school as long as possible. Four years of college, then graduate school, then train for the FBI in Quantico, Va.

What are your future plans? Go to COA and get my classes done that I need, then figure out what four-year college I want to go to so I can become a vet tech, hopefully.

What are your future plans? I plan on getting a job as a mechanic and work on cars and trucks. I hope to go to a school that offers diesel mechanics.

Best teacher ever? I loved all my teachers, but by far I think my junior and senior year teachers were the best.

Best teacher ever? My best teacher in all my years of going to school was Mrs. Weeks.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t worry about everything, it just makes the situation worse.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To focus on getting my school work done and not fall behind.

Favorite high school memory? Getting to know people for who they are and not judging people by what others have told me.

I loved every moment of high school, even the rough patches, because those make me who I am right now.

Favorite high school memory? My first pep rally I went to. There was so much energy and excitement and it just stuck with me.

Best teacher ever? Mr Cooper.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t stress out so much.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day 1000%.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Probably my sister.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? The only thing I will miss about senior year being taken is how prom and graduation are most likely taken, too.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Ms. Will and Mrs. Neal. They helped me with a lot and they are the sweetest.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not getting the chance to tell everyone a proper goodbye and spending my last days with them before I moved on in life.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Ms. Will.

She taught me to open my eyes and look what I’m doing.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? The thing I regret most is not being able to have a senior graduation.

Damon Horak’s wide array of acting and improvisational skills was on full display during the fall production of ‘Clue,’ (left), when he played Wadsworth the butler in the comedic murder mystery, as well as in last spring’s performance of ‘Mary Poppins,’ with Bert singing and dancing across the London rooftops.

Shorelines File Photos

it’s so how I feel about life.”

In the show, Billy Flynn delivers the song to Roxie Hart before her trial, reminding her to make a big deal out of it in front of the courtroom – which Horak believes should be applied to every aspect of life.

“Getting to sing that message to the world was the best, even though we didn’t ever have an audience,” Horak said.

Even though the show was unable to go on, Horak won’t let that taint his love for the arts.

After high school, he plans to pursue his love of theater even further at Pace University.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

“I am going to college in New York and I will be studying musical theater,” Horak said. “I definitely hope to get involved in theater in lower Manhattan.”

Horak has also considered the option of becoming a theater teacher, as he wishes to spread the same knowledge and give students the same experiences as his teachers gave him.

“For me, it was about making it as big as I could, making it as big of a deal as you want it to be,” Horak said. “Make it huge, live it up.”

Junior Peyton Dickerson can be reached at 21dickersonpe18@daretolearn.org.

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Autumn Fleck

What are your future plans? I’m going to ECU to study criminal justice and hopefully get into law school.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. McNeill, since she has been my teacher for so long.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Just have a good time and really focus on your GPA, because that is the most important thing.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “We’re All in This Together” from “High School Musical.”

Favorite high school memory? When the basketball team got over 100 points and we got biscuits.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Cole Kelly, because he always had fun with everything he did.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I would have stayed in the library more even when I had the chance to leave. I would have spent more time at school with my friends that I don’t really see outside of school.

Shane Nason

Perry Ellis

Chase Piotti

What are your future plans? Graduating from East Carolina University and getting a well-paying job to sustain my family and me.

What are your future plans? My longterm goal after I graduate would be to land a job in software engineering after I get out of college.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Lewis, because she was a very understanding person and less of a teacher, but like a friend and mentor.

Best teacher ever? Ms. Stevens in computer science, because she always was kind, caring and pushed her students to do their best and go above and beyond on their work.

What are your future plans? I’m going to Bridgewater College to play D-III lacrosse and after graduation I plan on going into the Police Academy and eventually becoming a state trooper.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Katie Neller. She would always make sure everything was OK. She was nice and an all-around great teacher.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Do the work and don’t procrastinate.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To not burn bridges, but to build them.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Toilet” by Clown Core.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? The clean version of “Ice” by Gucci Mane.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Care more about school instead of other stuff.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Buy It” by Lil Uzi Vert.

Favorite high school memory?

Winning conference in baseball against Currituck our sophomore year, or hitting a home run my junior year.

Favorite high school memory? The MathWorks Modeling Challenge in Mr. DeWitt’s classroom with my peers.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Coach Brent, who was my baseball coach my sophomore year, because he was a very alive guy and he kept it real all the time.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mr. DeWitt, because he really pushed me to learn more about math and he really got me into math for the last couple years.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I was really hoping for a Senior Night during baseball season. I’m really upset we didn’t have it.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? That I couldn’t properly thank all the teachers who helped me and made high school an enjoyable experience for me.

Favorite high school memory?

Winning our first lacrosse playoff game my sophomore year.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Zach Hughes. That kid pushes himself so hard and I wish I could get that mindset and determination.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not cherishing every moment on the lacrosse field.

Just because I’m blonde,

I Senior Sophia Cooper has plenty to smile about after finishing as valedictorian during a high school career filled with sports, club activities and – of course – lots and lots of studying.

Submitted Photos

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By Emmy Trivette Editor-in-Chief

t’s the end of the school year and First Flight valedictorian Sophia Cooper finally stands on the football field looking out at her friends.

She takes in a view of stadium stands, wired fences and the lone scoreboard, all totems of a field she only frequented as a spirited fan.

She takes a deep breath and begins her valedictorian speech – to empty seats, an empty field – and tries to create a moment built up in high school movies and TV shows. A moment she, and the rest of the Class of 2020, should have earned.

“It is a weird experience to stand there on the football field and look at all the empty stands and think of what it would’ve been like,” Cooper said. “I’ve always kind of pictured that moment, and it’s weird that I’m not going to get that.”

Since quarantine began, Cooper has

made several visits “social-distancing-style” to the football field with a handful of her friends. The experience was cathartic, and while she knows that she will never have the opportunity to have her traditional valedictorian speech, she uses it as a time to appreciate what she has had the chance to do during her high school career.

Not only is Cooper First Flight’s valedictorian, but she is also the National Honor Society president and a four-year softball player. And while her ambitions stretched across the First Flight campus, her interests flourished outside of the school walls.

Interests specifically involved in the field of law – and her inspiration and idol, the “Legally Blonde” protagonist, Elle Woods, helped her discover it.

“I feel very similar to her. She’s someone who’s underestimated by everyone, but she’s actually smart and proves everyone wrong,” Cooper said with a shrug. “I

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

Claire Miller

Gavyn DeBerry

Caroline Blaha

Ruperto Martinez Tagirova

What are your future plans? Go to COA, major in fashion and merchandise, get out with my degree, start a clothing store and then hopefully make it up to New York.

What are your future plans? I’m going to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and majoring in Criminology and minoring in Political Science. I will then go to law school and hopefully become a human rights attorney.

What are your future plans? I am committed to attend Radford University and play D-I lacrosse there while pursuing a degree in biology hoping to go the pre-med route.

What are your future plans? Study biomedical engineering and then one day either start my own engineering firm or work for someone in developing either prosthetics or artificial organs and tissues.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Sakers at KHES. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t take advantage of the opportunities given to you.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Sweet Home Alabama, “Take Me Home Country Roads,” or any country song.

Favorite high school memory? All the football and soccer games.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Buzzy Staten, because she’s really smart and made it into her dream school. She just taught me a lot.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not saying bye to my teachers, not going to senior prom, and not being able to see the people I’m used to seeing on a daily basis.

Best teacher ever? My 10th-grade chemistry teacher, because she was relatable and taught because she loved it.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Not take any moment on and off the field for granted because it goes by way faster than you think.

Best teacher ever? Mr. DeWitt, because every day you can see how dedicated he is to teaching and his style is the most accommodating and beneficial of any teacher I have had. He always respects your personal life and situations and does absolutely everything he can to help you succeed.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Kids” by MGMT

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Take better classes.

Favorite high school memory? Prom junior year.

Favorite high school memory? The long bus rides to away games and the ones home after a win.

Favorite high school memory? Doing the “I Am Somebody” pep rallies.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Summer Banning, she always had a great attitude and was super smart.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Coach Morris, because he taught me that hard work will always bring results.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mr. DeWitt, because of his passion for the students and teaching as well as the numerous sacrifices he makes with no need for reward.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I regret complaining about having to go to school so much because now I can’t.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Thinking that our season was just starting and not taking advantage of every moment.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not getting to see my friends anymore and not being able to have my family come for graduation.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Powell was by far my favorite teacher.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t play softball – you’ll hate it.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “We’re All in This Together” from “High School Musical”

don’t think that I’m dumb feel like when you talk to me at first you wouldn’t assume I was smart just because of the way I act or how girly I am.”

So throughout her high school career, much like Elle Woods, Cooper beat the stereotype of the “dumb blonde” and emerged as a player in First Flight’s academic competition.

“Once I knew I was closer to the top, it became a goal of mine. Not necessarily to be valedictorian, but just to do my best,” Cooper said.

Then her first transcript came in during her junior year, and she realized she had risen to 17th in her class. The following semester, she marched onto the field at the 2019 graduation as a junior marshal and discovered she was seventh.

By then it had become her goal to win the race to the top.

Like all academically rigorous students, Cooper piled on AP and COA classes alike, most covering political or historical topics. She studied and pushed,

and studied and pushed, until May – when she received the official email announcing that she had indeed become the valedictorian of her class.

Cooper hopes to also apply this drive to her studies at Chapel Hill, particularly because the job she seeks isn’t for the money. Becoming a lawyer in her eyes means doing good for someone who couldn’t fend for themself in a legal sense.

“It definitely hit me when we went on our school civics trips,” Cooper said.

“I got to see all of the lawyers and they all seemed to really love their jobs and I could definitely see myself in that position.”

If she were real, Elle Woods would smile down on the FFHS valedictorian.

Because if Cooper is one thing, it is not dumb, but as far as she cares, it can certainly be blonde.

Senior Emmy Trivette can be reached at trivetteem0626@daretolearn.org.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

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Zach Hughes

What are your future plans? Run for NC State and major in sports management.

The long-term goal is to hopefully become an All-American runner while at NC State.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Lowe, because he helped me realize what I was capable of.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Enjoy the time you have in high school because it will be over before you know it – especially when a pandemic hits.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Congratulations” by Post Malone.

Favorite high school memory? Either winning the cross country state championships my junior year or all of the homecoming pep rallies. Those were always really fun.

Zoe Blankenship

Abby Hite

Ashby King

What are your future plans? Attend Meredith and hopefully then attend medical school to further pursue my end goal of becoming a dermatologist. But hopefully I’ll have an internship opportunity in Washington or someplace like New York or even travel abroad.

What are your future plans? I am attending North Carolina State in the fall and I will be majoring in psychology and social work so I can be a social worker when I graduate.

What are your future plans? I plan to swim at William Peace University and study biology and leadership. After college, I plan to enter the Navy and become a pharmacist.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Lowe, hands down. I also loved Mr. Richards.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Stay positive and never turn down an opportunity.

Favorite high school memory? Some of my favorites are running to Mrs. Gard’s room with Will after school to get a fish, eating Lauren’s tortellini in Ms. Scruggs’ class every day of sophomore year, and senior homecoming pep rally listening to Coach Prince’s last speech.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Coach Chris, because he sacrifices so much time and money into our program. Not only does he make us better runners but he makes us better people.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Teacher-wise, Mr. Mount inspired me to always try and find deeper meanings and write to my fullest potential. Student-wise, Karsen Beckner inspired me because she is so artistically talented.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I regret that we won’t be able to write our legacy for track and field.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Taking my internship for granted. Also, not skipping more days.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Mount, because he is a good mentor and he taught me a lot about writing essays and was a good teacher.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Not to worry about what other people think because no one really cares that much. Just be yourself.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “We Are All in This Together” from “High School Musical.”

Favorite high school memory? Basketball senior night, because we all were dressed up and we had really cool sunglasses and we just had fun.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Caroline Murray, because she is so positive and very encouraging.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I probably just would have gone to school more often because all of my classes were online, so I never went.

Best teacher ever? I went to Arendell Parrott Academy before coming to First Flight and my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Fader, was my favorite!

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Spend a lot of time with your loved ones and cherish every moment in school because in four short years it’s gone. And to not sweat the small stuff.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Time of Our Lives.”

Favorite high school memory? Definitely being on the senior float and getting to participate in sport events.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mrs. Pearce, our former assistant principal. She always pushed me to be a better version of myself.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I’m sad we don’t get our senior picnic, prom and our official last day of high school. The possibility of not having a graduation is definitely the most upsetting, though.

Watch out for the quiet ones – including Thomas Miller

M

By Emmy Trivette Editor-in-Chief

ost of the time, those who pursue a career in film seek the spotlight. They thrive from the attention and they use it to make a living – but the reality is, this is only half of the show.

“Thomas is a quiet person,” First Flight Adobe teacher Jessie McClary said. “I remember in Adobe Visual Design he surprised me with his creative ability to lay out good graphic design. It was a ‘wow’ moment for me. I thought to myself ... this kid gets it.”

And it is in the area of visual design where senior Thomas Miller intends to make his mark on the world post-graduation.

“In my spare time, I’ll do some video editing,” Miller said. “Sometimes I’ll just kind of record myself doing something and I’ll put a fireball shooting out of my hand, or something like that – I kind of do a range of things.”

But Miller was no stranger to the world of animation and video editing before stepping into the

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FFHS computer lab. His history of video gaming influenced his choice to try out the Adobe classes as a freshman.

Now, Miller is finishing his senior year having taken about every Adobe and photography course that McClary has offered. He has been part of the Adobe classes as long as McClary has taught at First Flight.

And in each of these classes, he has put 100 percent forward, one assignment after the other, so McClary spotted his talent for visual editing from a mile away.

“I told him several times he has a rare talent and that he gets it – I am glad to know he was listening to me,” McClary said.

As his senior year ended and COVID quarantine set in, Miller has been preparing to head to UNC Wilmington in the fall to major in film studies, hoping to discover even more about the world of visual effects.

But Miller has never just sat back and given 100 percent to just one thing.

“Yeah, I’m planning on trying to find an orchestra

or at least some kind of small group to join so I can keep up with it – it’s something I don’t want to lose,” Miller explained. “It takes some dedication to keep the skill, and I can’t imagine losing it.”

What most don’t know about Miller is that on top of excelling in visual design classes, he has also come out on top as a 12-year-strong violinist practicing privately and for the high school orchestra, and as a first-degree black belt in taekwondo.

Miller began violin at the ripe age of 6 and has practiced privately with local teacher Leslie Erickson, learning musical pieces of all kinds: classical, jazz, Irish and more.

“He was committed to the violin from the beginning,” Erickson said. “With the violin and music, he was able to say what he didn’t say out loud. It was a literal outlet.”

However, Miller had an opportunity, special to his skills, when he entered the seventh grade.

Instead of taking a second year of going to the middle school at 7 a.m. for class, Miller started traveling across the street to the high school to continue his in-school strings education with students up to NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

William Harrison

Kenny Crawford

What are your future plans? Attending Hampden-Sydney College in the fall to major in business. For long-term goals, I want to move back here one day and hopefully have a good job after college.

What are your future plans? Once I get done with trade school, I want to find a good job somewhere nice and warm and be successful and have a nice family. My long-term goals would be to be able to retire somewhere nice and just chill out.

Best teacher ever? The legendary Angela Gard.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To not take high school for granted, because it actually does go by really fast.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Heavy” by Shoreline Mafia.

Favorite high school memory? When Charlie Kitchin drained a half-court shot last year in a game.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Mr. Billy Folkes. He was my gym teacher freshman year and he taught me a lot of things that I didn’t realize I would need to know now. I could definitely beat him in a pickup game of basketball, though.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not being able to play Folkes in a game of pickup basketball.

Best teacher ever? Definitely Ms. Deal, she has always helped me out with whatever I needed throughout high school.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Enjoy these four years because they go by too quick, and have as much fun as you can.

Joseph Davidson

What are your future plans? Attend University of Tampa to run track and cross country and study allied health to go into physical therapy.

Best teacher ever? Mrs. Mascio, because she was really chill and we got along well.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To not procrastinate as much as I did.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Congratulations” by Post Malone.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Young Dumb & Broke” by Khalid.

Favorite high school memory? Playing in the Coaches vs Cancer games my senior year. The atmosphere was hype.

Favorite high school memory? Halloween night at Barritt’s house.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? Coach Prince, because he was always positive and had a lot of motivational words for us all.

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? My internship teacher at the Coastal Studies Institute, David Sybert.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not being able to see all my friends every day.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? I would wish that I could have finished the track season with my friends and get some more scholarships with that, but it’s OK: I had fun while it lasted.

Submitted Photos

Senior Thomas Miller quietly succeeds at a wide variety of tasks, from playing in the orchestra to taekwondo to editing and design on the computer.

four years his senior.

“Once I started with the high school (orchestra), I definitely most improved then,” Miller said. “I used to not care too much – I could get the rhythms right, but NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

the fine tuning was a little more difficult.”

Miller has shown self-growth in not only music, but he admits that his social skills have also grown as a product of his six years of practices and concerts

Chase Jamieson

What are your future plans? To attend the University of Texas at Austin after transferring from Austin Community College, studying Arts & Entertainment Technologies with a concentration in Digital Visualization.

I have a career interest in gaming development with an emphasis in 3-D production and animation upon college graduation.

Best teacher ever? Mr. Mount.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Focus your energy on positive people and to not sweat the small stuff because high school is a very small part of your entire life.

What song would you have the choir sing at graduation? “Imperial March.”

Favorite high school memory? Graduating!

Biggest inspiration at FFHS? My future self. I do not look up to others because I do not strive to be anyone but me.

Biggest regret about how this school year ended? Not going to prom.

with the high school orchestra.

“He engages with younger students, asks them questions, demonstrates for them and encourages them,” Erickson said. “He is a kind, patient and intelligent human being – a great ‘musician being.’ ” His mentors admire his commitment to each task he is given. It’s clear that anyone lacking a certain amount of dedication – that Miller clearly has – could not keep up with his weekly schedule at the pace and effort which he demonstrates.

Between the 6 a.m. wakeup for orchestra four days a week, taekwondo practices three times a week and hours experimenting with effects after playing video games, Miller certainly seems to have the bases covered when it comes to multi-tasking.

Even when earning his black belt in taekwondo, Miller still knew that he could just keep pushing himself.

“I know I’ve trained hard for it. Everyone else said I deserved it, but it doesn’t feel like I did – I know I can always do better with that kind of stuff,” Miller said with a shrug. “I’m always striving to be what people are thinking or they see me as. I don’t want to let anyone down.”

Senior Emmy Trivette can be reached at trivetteem0626@daretolearn.org.

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Unforgettable school year comes to an uncertain close

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By Ross Sullivan Staff Writer

ut for two weeks. Then two months. Then the rest of the year. So many unanswered questions for students. And teachers. And even administrators.

Online school work. GPA debates.

Graduation plans.

The ending to the school year has been interesting, to say the least, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.

And the reality for everyone is that there is little to nothing they can do except wait and hope for the best.

“No lie, I did not love it,” Principal Chuck Lansing said of the shift to online learning that took place after Gov. Roy Cooper ordered North Carolina schools to close on March 13. “One of the best parts about working in education is getting to come to a building every day and interacting with adults who share your same passion and working closely with students to help them in and out of the classroom. Not having teachers and students here takes the best part of school away for me.”

Dare County students took one week off while teachers met to learn about and prepare digital learning strategies for what was thought to be a short amount of time. Eventually, Gov. Cooper extended the school closure to May 15, then on April 24 announced that students would not return this academic year.

The long period of online lessons already has led to concerns about what students have learned during this pandemic and what they have lost.

“I think the biggest worry will be academic habits,” history teacher Jonny Waters said. “Being on time, working steadily and adhering to a set schedule are good habitual academic behaviors that may have to be reestablished for many as we transition back

to traditional in-person schooling.”

And school is about far more than just learning in the classroom. So digital lessons can teach content, but they can’t replace other experiences of the school day.

“Online school can provide academic instruction that is as good or better than the traditional in-school approach. However, each teacher would need to be accomplished enough with technology and online instruction for this to actually occur,” Waters said.

“The biggest compromise with online instruction is the missed socialization, organized extracurricular events, and facilities (technology, library, gym, etc.) that students aren’t afforded when learning remotely.”

So, how has the switch been for students?

“Online school was bad. It was hard,” senior Gray Tillett said. “We had more work to do when it was online rather than in person. No one was teaching and it was a terrible experience.”

For other students, their experiences were a little different.

“I like the fact that I can get all of my work done in like one or two days and have the rest of the week to have a break, but it is harder to learn math and ask questions to the teachers,” junior Illiana Jauregui said. “At first, I thought being out for two weeks would be fun, but then it turned into two months and the rest of the year and I was not excited about that because it meant I wouldn’t be able to play my junior soccer season.”

As the shutdown grew longer, it became clear that each situation is different – for students trying to learn and teachers trying to teach. For teachers with young children, the switch has been far from easy. With balancing lesson plans, their students, their assignments and their own children,

Photo by Michael Pearson/Nighthawk News

Teachers gathered in the circle drive in front of the school on May 5-6 to cheer on seniors as they drove through the parking lot to pick up caps and gowns for graduation.

teachers are coming to terms with this new difficult reality.

“As a special educator and a parent of a senior, it is such a bittersweet time!” special education teacher Catherine Van Vliet said. “Are our seniors getting ripped off? Absolutely. However, the encouragement I provide for my child (senior Ben Van Vliet) is that he is observing an incredibly historic time and we need to respect social distancing expectations.”

That sense of loss is nearly universal. Whether it be a spring sports season ended after three games, prom getting canceled, the curtain coming down on the spring musical and final concerts, and graduation being dramatically altered, most people are saddened in some way by what they lost due to this pandemic.

“It’s very unfortunate for these students to lose participating in these milestones and celebrations for their hard work,” said DCS technology facilitator Bob May, whose son, Aidan, is a graduating senior. “It makes me sad as a parent to see my son not be able to enjoy his final season of baseball and a traditional graduation ceremony.”

Still, May understands why the traditional school year couldn’t go on.

“Everyone’s safety is much more important than holding these public gatherings right now,” May said. “We

want our students and their families to survive to see their children do much more than walk a stage and grab a piece of paper.”

Whatever kind of graduation ceremony takes place in June, uncertainty will follow it. Dare County Schools already has announced an earlier start date for the next school year – Monday, Aug. 17 – even as COVID-19 news changes every day.

Some colleges have already said that their first semester of the next school year will be online, or that it will start later, include no fall break and conclude before Thanksgiving to avoid having students travel back and forth to campus as much as usual.

Lansing just hopes that some kind of normal high school life is an option for the Nighthawks in the 2020-21 school year.

“Many of our students lost their safe place by not being able to come to school,” Lansing said. “They lost daily interactions with friends and adults who care about them. It is important to realize that every one of us has lost something during this time and it is even more important for us to figure out ways to help each other get things back while being safe and cautious.”

Sophomore Ross Sullivan can be reached at 22sullivanro96@daretolearn. org.

Summer months filled with

O Photo by Michael Pearson/Nighthawk News

Checkpoints at the bridges kept visitors and even non-resident property owners off the Outer Banks during the pandemic, but visitors began streaming back into the community starting May 15.

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By Noah Kinnisten Staff Writer

ur world was turned upside down when the coronavirus struck. But now we are starting to turn back over and restart our real lives.

As the summer quickly rolls closer, more and more people who don’t live here will start arriving as travel restrictions gradually ease.

Of course, some locals would love it if there were no tourists here for summer – but then everybody would be broke because tourists drive the OBX economy. Others could care less if the tourists arrive because they just want to see their friends again and enjoy a normal Outer Banks summer.

“For the community, I hope there are tour-

ists so businesses can get back to their original state, because I know a lot of them have been struggling,” sophomore Noah Smeltzer said. “But I also hope that it gets to the point where I can play baseball again and hang out with my friends again.”

And some just want there to be tourists so they can get their long-awaited, long-overdue money after being out of a job for two months.

“I’m starting a new job cleaning beach houses,” junior Bella Schweitzer said, “and I want the stay home order to be lifted because I just want to go travel and get on that money grind.”

Still, there is some possibility that the reopening phases that started in May to let more people in to Dare County and then to let them do more things, like eat in restaurants, could easily have the

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

Students face COVID-19 as essential workers

S

By Maren Ingram Staff Writer

ince the coronavirus pandemic struck, everyday life looked a lot different. Simple grocery runs involved masks and gloves. Restaurants shifted to take-out only. Hospitals got busier and busier with increased COVID-19 testing.

But through all the uncertainty, some students braved the risks of the virus to work the essential businesses locals couldn’t live without.

Grocery stores are one of the biggest essential businesses out there. Sophomore Brylie King, who works at Publix in Kill Devil Hills, knew the risks of her job during the quarantine but recognized that Publix was doing everything it could to ensure a safe environment for shoppers and workers.

“We have six-feet markings on the floor at the register and outside,” King said. “And we have Xs for customers to stand on when they check out so they’re not too close to baggers.”

As a cashier and bagger, King sees a lot of people in a day, but says she stays safe in every way possible.

“I have to get somewhat close to customers when they are handing me money or an item when checking out, but I try to maintain my distance when I can,” King said.

Extra sanitary measures are being taken everywhere, but especially at places like Publix where so many people are in and out daily.

“We have more people working because we have two people cleaning the store at all times, and one person cleaning carts for customers,” King said. “We are cleaning everything a lot more, like the freezer doors, carts and cash registers.”

When the bridges opened for non-resident property owners in early May, sophomore Gage Tomlin started seeing business pick up. Tomlin works for his dad’s remodeling company, where they do home maintenance work all over the beach.

“We’ve gotten a lot busier since homeowners were allowed back on the beach so suddenly,” Tomlin said. “A lot of people need to have their homes fixed up before they get down here.”

Tomlin’s job is much less risky, however, as he doesn’t come in contact with anyone besides other workers: “I don’t really see any homeowners, so wearing a mask while working isn’t very necessary.”

There were even some upsides to working during a pandemic.

“The great thing is that there’s much less traffic than there normally is right before summer, so we can get to jobs much quicker,” Tomlin said.

Photo by Maren Ingram/Nighthawk News (left)/Submitted Photo

Junior Jacob Stewart works the counter at Slice Pizzeria with new safety precautions in place when customers need their pizza fix. Sophomore Gage Tomlin has been working outside and hasn’t had to worry about interacting with many people.

And junior Tristan York, who worked throughout the pandemic at the Kitty Hawk Harris Teeter, praised his company for giving workers hourly raises and a bonus.

When locals got tired of grocery shopping and cooking at home, they turned to another essential industry on the OBX – restaurants and even ice cream shops. Businesses that involve food prep have to be extra careful as well in times like these.

Junior Jacob Stewart works at Slice Pizzeria, where every precaution possible was taken to ensure safety for customers and workers when the restaurant reopened in early May. “We have temporarily stopped taking dine-in orders and are handling all orders over the phone with credit cards only,” Stewart said. “Our delivery drivers utilize contactless delivery and one employee is designated to open the door for people and sanitize frequently touched areas when a customer leaves.”

Just like Stewart, senior Abby Hite, who works at Booty Treats, has become familiar with the new way of business during the COVID-19 outbreak.

“I have to wear a mask when taking customers’ orders, but it’s through a take-out window, so they can stay six feet away from me,” Hite said. “We don’t usually do window service, which has been a new challenge, and I don’t usually take as many precau-

tions, such as wearing gloves to count money.”

Trying to social distance from other workers has also proven to be a problem at some businesses, but when Hite works at Booty Treats, it’s not an issue.

“I have been working with my sister Amber, so we don’t have to social distance since we live together,” Hite said. “But if I work with someone else, we don’t have to be near each other.”

Healthcare workers and first responders have been praised as the real heroes during this pandemic, risking their lives daily for everyone’s safety. They work long hours, sometimes for days in a row. But freshman Emma Kovacs also has stepped up to help out those on the front lines.

“I babysit for parents that are EMS and police, and I help out when their schedules overlap,” Kovacs said. “I just always try to make sure that the kids are having fun since they don’t get to see their friends.”

The uncertainty and danger of COVID-19 has not been easy for anyone, but it’s been made just a little bit easier by those who are taking risks to keep things running as smoothly as possible.

“I definitely feel like I’m doing something, just by helping the people who are putting themselves at risk for us,” Kovacs said.

Sophomore Maren Ingram can be reached at 22ingramma01@daretolearn.org.

hope, questions ... tourists? reverse effect and make them go straight back out if more people get the coronavirus.

“We are likely to see more cases than we’ve had because of more people, so our leaders will have to make decisions,” said Lee Nettles, Executive Director of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, “and the Visitors Bureau will take initiative to make statements about more safety protocol.”

For example, signs about social distancing went up on Outer Banks beaches in late May. And, Nettles added, everyone should “continue doing the things that have gotten us to this point, like wearing masks, washing your hands, etc.”

Because if the coronavirus makes more people sick as restrictions are eased, summer could look a lot like spring lockdown instead, with students losing even more than school, sports and prom.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / news

“The Powerade State Games were supposed to happen (the weekend of May 16-17) and they were canceled and I am angry,” Smeltzer said.

“And I also have a (baseball) tournament set for every week in June that are all gonna probably get canceled.”

For students and parents, locals and tourists, nobody knows the answer to the question about how summer is going to look – on the OBX or anywhere else. If social distancing orders have to be issued again to stop the spread of the virus, people will need to follow the guidelines.

“You have to remember that your generation (is) not all bulletproof and you can spread the virus as easily as everyone else,” Nettles said.

Sophomore Noah Kinnisten can be reached at 22kinnistenno93@daretolearn.org.

Photo by Taylor Newton/Nighthawk News

During the height of the pandemic, shoppers in stores such as Walmart wore masks in an attempt to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Fewer face coverings have been seen in recent weeks.

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Online school means six (more) hours of screen time

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By Lily Snow Special to Nighthawk News

ou wake up and check your phone, responding to whatever you missed while asleep. You get up and walk across the room to open your laptop, starting on the day’s assignments.

You do schoolwork for two hours and decide it’s time for a break, opening Netflix on your phone.

You watch your favorite show for who knows how long, realizing finally that you should get back to work.

You finish up your schoolwork for the day and, not knowing what else to do, go back to Netflix – but only after scrolling mindlessly through Instagram.

You text people throughout the day, missing being able to see them in person. The sun is setting (where did all that time go?) and after getting ready for bed, you switch from one app to another on your phone for hours until you finally decide to go to sleep.

Then you realize that between being bored with nothing better to do and all your schoolwork being online, you have spent over half your day staring at screens.

While for some it may not be this extreme, most students have seen their screen time go up since quarantine began.

“It ranges from six to 10 hours depending on the week and how late I stay up,” freshman Rachael Beasley said. “I would say it was around five to seven hours before.”

That increase is no surprise when facetime and texting are the only way to talk to friends and relatives, and there are hours of schoolwork to be done, all on a Chromebook.

This increase in screen time, while it seems unavoidable, may have some adverse health effects.

“If we spend too much time on the screen, it can lead to chronic headaches and migraines,” said Katie Dunavant, a local therapist with Wellness Within

Submitted Photo

Freshman Rachael Beasley works on an assignment during one of the final days of school last month. When academics shifted online, students found themselves staring at screens even more than usual.

Professional Counseling. “It’s also tied into sleep. So it can have an impact on our circadian rhythm, which is how we routinely fall asleep and stay asleep.”

While there are negative effects of having too much screen time, there are also some positives to using devices – especially during a time when you can’t see people in person.

“It’s more important right now during the pandemic to consider how the screen time is being used versus how much,” Dunavant said.

Even people spending screen time on things like games can enjoy a positive experience. Dunavant even mentioned how Animal Crossing can be good because players have to plan out what to do and that engages the brain.

“Any sort of game that’s challenging, that’s using your cognitive ability in a positive or a good way,” she explained. “You know, that’s curing the boredom.”

Junior Crae Walker said that while most of his screen time is used for school work, when it comes to spending time on his phone, he uses it mainly to stay in touch with people.

“Discord is my most used application,” Walker said of the popular app that a lot of gaming community members use. “I use it to communicate with fellow classmates and friends.”

And staying in touch is very important right now, Dunavant reminded: “As human beings, we’re wired for connection.” When students are not in school, they don’t get nearly as much social connection as they should.

Devoting more hours of screen time to make those connections is a necessity. She said that while the connection through screens is not as beneficial as connections in person, “At this point, connection is connection and we need it in whatever form we can get it.”

With the school year ending May 22 and summer weather and jobs keeping many students off their screens, certainly some of the biggest screen time hours should decrease. That’s important, because as much as people rely on their screens for everything in today’s society, Dunavant’s parting words are important to remember: “Balance… with everything in life,” she said. “It’s about moderation.”

Freshman Lily Snow wrote this story for her Introduction to Publications class final project. She can be reached at 23Snowsi24@daretolearn.org.

Crowds jam strawberry fields to escape pandemic

By Maura Trivette Special to Nighthawk News

C

ars were parked all the way to the entrance from where you turn off Caratoke Highway onto Griggs Lane just across the Wright Memorial Bridge in Currituck.

People were lined up (but still six feet apart) all the way back to the big oak tree that stands at the entrance to the regular parking area.

Welcome to the first two sunny days at the Malcos’ strawberry patch.

“Crazy. It was unbelievable,” said Lydia Malco, who owns and operates the pick-your-own strawberry field with her husband, Jim, and their son, Lee. “It was something like I’ve never seen,” Lee added. “It was just weird.”

After 40 years of strawberry farming, Jim said he had never seen a day as crazy as those first two they were open in May. People would tell him, “I’ve been in the house for a month. I’m tired of being cooped up,” he said.

Lydia explained that the high demand actually led to people being turned away.

“They picked us clean by 1 p.m. on the second day and we had to close,”

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Lydia said. “There wasn’t anything left but green berries.”

Strawberry-picking in Currituck County is an annual tradition for countless locals, but the stay-at-home and social distancing orders as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the opening of the Malcos’ strawberry patch created a perfect storm for cooped-up people wanting to get outside. The strawberries ripened this year about a month into the stay-at-home orders, giving people a perfect outside activity to enjoy.

“For me, it was a sense of community and support,” said First Flight Middle School teacher Ricki Stewart, who is a regular customer at the strawberry patch. “And the weather – it just seemed like a great day, and seeing families and kids together just really brightened my spirits from everything that was going on.”

The Malcos asked people to stay at least six feet apart as they were coming in, and to stay with their group and away from other groups while they were picking.

“You could social distance and be outside,” Stewart said. “It was pleasant and under control, and the owners were very friendly.”

The Malcos have been farming

strawberries for 40 years. One day, Lydia came home with strawberries she had picked at another farm, and that inspired Jim to grow strawberries. It started out as a few small plants but eventually turned into two acres.

“I said, ‘Let’s put a few more in and maybe we can sell some.’ And that’s what we did,” Jim said. “We kept right on and never stopped.”

As big as the fields have gotten over the years, demand was so high some days this spring they had to turn people away. Freshman Chloe Wienert picks strawberries with her mother at the farm every year, but this time they had to make two trips.

“The first time they denied us because there were too many people.

But the second time we could go in and pick,” Wienert said. “It was really nice to be outside with my mom.”

The fun doesn’t end with the picking. The Wienerts make great things to eat with the strawberries. This year, they made strawberry preserves, strawberry pies and strawberry lemonade, and attempted strawberry ice cream.

Wienert said the strawberry lemonade was her favorite: a mix of strawberries, lemons, sugar and water.

Marlene Harris of Kitty Hawk is also

a regular picker at the Malcos’ strawberry farm. She likes to make freezer jam from the strawberries and just eat them fresh. Harris picked at the patch four times this year, but the first day was the best and the busiest, when she counted over 55 cars.

“It was nice and the sunshine felt good,” Harris said. “It’s like a sign of summer coming to get out.”

People with the names of Griggs and Owens have been farming on the land the Malcos now farm for a couple of hundred years, Jim said. The farm was passed down to Mr. Malco through his mother’s side of the family. Years ago, they grew mostly soybeans and corn, and the Malcos also grew vegetables like tomatoes, and also flowers.

Now the focus is mainly on the twoacre strawberry patch, a one-acre blueberry patch and about 100 peach trees.

The blueberries ripen about the first of June and the peaches a little later.

“We live this job. We love doing it,” Jim said. “I just like being out here by myself and being able to reach down and pick a strawberry and eat it.”

Freshman Maura Trivette wrote this story for her Introduction to Publications final project. She can be reached at 23trivettema00@daretolearn.org.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

OBX restaurants give back by dishing out free meals

By Maggie McNinch Staff Writer

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fter waiting in the long line of cars, you pull into the Rooster’s Southern Kitchen parking lot and behold a hive of activity. A large white tent covers tables lined with packaged meals and volunteers hustle to direct traffic and hand out food. The process is quick and efficient, the volunteers a well-oiled machine. And as good as that food smells, one thing stands out above the rest – how giving and grateful the Outer Banks community is in hard times.

This effort was named Community Curbside Suppers, and the group served over 12,000 meals twice a week for six weeks straight as the economic toll of stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus pandemic hit local workers and their families.

“We talked to community and business leaders and I made some calls and asked people for money and then it started pouring in,” Rooster’s owner Sue Woolard said. “Once we had the first dinner, people started going crazy and going to the website and giving money. It was just amazing.”

They received donations from businesses such as banks, community organizations like the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau – which gave $3,000 and sponsored three days of dinners – and from people Woolard didn’t even know for a total of $39,000 to fund the effort.

“Everybody just wanted to be a part of it and have a way to give back.

It enabled a lot of people to give back in that way, and it also enabled people to volunteer, particularly our staff, who were very excited to be involved,” Woolard said.

Rooster’s was just one of many restaurants to give back to the community in this way. Other places have come up with different, unique styles of free meals that work for them and help others.

New Duck restaurant NC Coast stepped up when the Dare County Schools’ free meal program temporarily halted and prepared about 100 meals for three days that were handed out to students at the Saltaire Cottages in Kitty Hawk. The group served a healthy meal to about 650 students.

“It surprised me how many kids are in need in our community, and it’s given me an insight into people, places and things that fall through cracks,” said Wes Stepp, the head chef at NC Coast.

Another restaurant that contributed was High Cotton, which had one night of free meals that were all gone within an hour.

“I decided that a traditional eastern-NC pig pickin’ would be both fun for us to offer as well as helpful for the community,” High Cotton owner Will Thorp said. “A pig pickin’ is an easy way NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / news

Photo by Maren Ingram/Nighthawk News

Volunteers work the distribution line at Rooster’s Southern Kitchen for one of several offerings that helped locals during the pandemic.

Submitted Photo (left)/Photo by Emma Byard/Nighthawk News

A pig pickin’ served up by High Cotton (left) fed more than 500 locals one afternoon, while NC Coast provided meals to hundreds of students.

to feed lots of people very quickly.”

High Cotton fed 519 people that day, providing its whole-hog BBQ and smoked chicken for everyone who lined up after hearing about the offering on Facebook.

The list goes on (and is by no means exhaustive). The Jolly Roger Restaurant offered a free breakfast every day from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Coastal Cravings provided free meals for teachers and nurses; and the Facebook group OBX Meals 4 Frontline Warriors received monetary donations

to purchase meals from local restaurants and deliver them to the essential workers, including the staff at the hospital and the officers at the bridge checkpoints.

While all these restaurants seemed to be doing their own thing, they were united by their generosity – despite the fact their own businesses have suffered because of the quarantine that has kept tourists off the beach and local diners at home. The people who joined together to do what they do best in a way that gives back to the community

show how there is always something good that can come out of bad situations.

“In a positive light, (the crisis) has shown how my core team can rally in really unheard of circumstances,” Stepp said. “I learned a long time ago that giving back is when you actually get the most out of life. It’s just the right thing to do and that’s the best we can do during these times.”

Sophomore Maggie McNinch can be reached at 22mcninchma07@daretolearn.org.

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Free time sends students in search of fun activities

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By Kejsi Zyka Opinions Editor

hether it’s learning to paint, embroidering things, making boats, playing the guitar or making TikToks, students have been keeping busy entertaining themselves during this difficult time of quarantining.

Stuck in her home with no clue on how to spend the massive amount of time now on her hands, junior Lexi Franklin figured out a way to keep herself occupied by trying something new.

“I have started to learn to paint,” Franklin said. “I was getting really bored because I haven’t been able to leave the house and I had a ton of canvases and paint that weren’t being used, so I figured I would put them to use, and I found painting ideas on Pinterest.”

Franklin also found an interest in another activity she had never tried before now.

“I kept seeing embroidering videos on TikTok and I already had all the supplies, so I figured I would try it out myself to make some of my old clothes more interesting,” Franklin said.

Quarantine also disrupted Franklin’s work routine, and since she needed some money, she started selling old clothes online. She has made about $60 so far and is determined to make more.

Junior Cannon Metcalf chose to see this extra time as a positive thing. He enjoyed spending time away from school

and doing his own activities, one of which includes building a boat.

“My friend and I have a canoe, and we wanted to go fishing but didn’t want to use paddles anymore, so we got this little trolling motor we found in someone’s yard and strapped it to the canoe with some duct tape and screws and BAM, we made ourselves a boat,” Metcalf said.

For some, music has been a therapeutic way to deal with boredom and depression when staying in their homes.

Playing an instrument has been a healing process for junior Tyler Roberts.

“I’ve been playing my guitar more than ever,” Roberts said. “I have been doing a lot of covers from a band I got into recently called Goose.”

There’s also the most popular app nowadays that has been helping a majority of people pass the time. Junior Ashton Acuna has been enjoying TikTok much more lately then he ever did before.

“I try to make funny videos because I’m super bored,” Acuna said. “I’ve also been skating more by using a deck that I take into my playroom where I practice new tricks.”

With so many resources at their disposal, students aren’t letting the assignment of staying home put a stop to their creativity and happiness. Instead, they’re part of a generation that is learning to adjust – and perhaps coming out of this crisis as more well-rounded and more positive human beings.

Senior Kejsi Zyka can be reached at zykake0914@daretolearn.org.

Submitted Photos

Students found a variety of ways to stay busy when school shifted online and activities were canceled. From Lexi Franklin starting to paint to Cannon Metcalf building a boat to Tyler Roberts getting in more guitar work, these juniors have made the most of their free time.

Blow out the birthday candles in front of

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By Kate Hamilton Staff Writer

nother year has passed and it’s time to celebrate your birthday and plan your best party yet. You make the guest list and send the invites, buy the cake and the balloons, double check your list to make sure you have all the supplies, and then set up for the party. Friends start to trickle in and the party begins.

This is how your birthday normally goes: a celebration with your closest friends and family. It’s a time to be surrounded with all the things that bring you joy on your special day. But ever since COVID-19 made its appearance, these celebrations haven’t been an option.

“I was sad that I couldn’t really do things with my friends,” said Sophie Yacobi, a freshman who turned 15 during quarantine.

Not only do birthdays bring people together, they also bring many exciting milestones. There is the 13th birthday when you finally become a teenager; the 15th, when you can finally get your learner’s permit for driving or celebrate a big quinceañera; the 16th, when you can take the road test and get your pass to freedom; and the 18th, when you are legally an adult.

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Photo by Maren Ingram/Nighthawk News

A friend who decorated her vehicle drives by and offers a socially distant ‘Happy Birthday’ to Emme Ingram during the quarantine. People of all ages who had birthdays the last three months have had to completely change their traditional celebrations.

Birthdays during the quarantine aren’t the birthdays many had hoped for.

Bella Mann, a sophomore, had looked forward to getting her license shortly after turning 16 in March but wasn’t able to due to the local DMV being closed.

“I was super upset, but since there

aren’t many places I could go (during quarantine), that made it easier to deal with,” Mann said.

It can be hard to think about having a birthday when stuck in your home, but that hasn’t stopped some people from making the best of their situations.

Many were able to find creative ways to get in touch with people and celebrate while practicing social distancing.

One celebration that took place during the quarantine was for Emme Ingram. Ingram had a drive-by party at Rooster’s Southern Kitchen, where

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

Yearbook staff works through pandemic to meet deadline

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dozens of guests? friends and family were able to greet her and wish her a happy 10th birthday outdoors and from a safe distance.

“I enjoyed it because I haven’t seen anyone in a really long time,” Ingram said.

Ingram wanted to help make a difference for her community, so instead of presents, she asked her friends and family for donations for the local food pantry. Everyone’s generosity helped her collect $500 and around 316 pounds of food.

“We do a charity every year, and so I thought, because of the coronavirus, that I should donate food and money to the food pantry,” Ingram said.

Even with having to social distance, the Maner family found a way to celebrate their middle schooler Amelia’s 14th birthday. They were able to enjoy the company of Amelia’s grandparents with restaurant takeout and s’mores over a bonfire. Even though it was hard, they kept their distance.

“We stayed outside, had s’mores and takeout from the Bad Bean,” said Lauren, Amelia’s mother.

On her actual birthday, Amelia got to celebrate with her best friends when her mom delivered Surfin Spoon ice cream to their house. Amelia and her friends were able to chat and enjoy their ice cream – from a safe distance.

Technology also has helped people stay close and keep in contact with each other without actually being near each other. The app Zoom has become a household name for many.

During the quarantine, Zoom has been widely used for school, work and communicating with friends and family.

But Jenna Bonner was able to find a creative way to utilize Zoom to help throw a birthday party for her daughter, Kayleigh, when she turned 12.

“We’re going to use a tutorial on Let’s Make Art via Zoom’s screen share and let them all paint together,” Bonner described. ”We got watercolor paper, brushes and watercolor paint and we have it packaged up to drop off the supplies to her friends.”

Although none of these solutions can compare to celebrating with friends in person, making the best of their birthdays is what many have tried to do. That’s exactly what Dylan Byard did when celebrating his 16th birthday.

“I went out on my boat and went wakeboarding and then had a good dinner, which was great,” Byard said, “Everything was good about my birthday and I couldn’t complain with how it went.”

Sophomore Kate Hamilton can be reached at 22HamiltonKa86@daretolearn.org.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / features

By Aliza Snow Social Media Editor

his year’s yearbook, just like any other, will capture all the amazing memories from the year that people will cherish forever, but it will also document something new – a global pandemic.

The 2019-2020 Shorelines was thrown a bit off course when COVID-19 took the world by surprise and changed our everyday lives. With all schoolwork moving online, the yearbook staff had to overcome unprecedented challenges to finish the book.

“The coronavirus had a huge impact on the making of this year’s book,” senior co-editor-in-chief Caitlyn Jernigan said. “I never pictured any of us working on design from home because our software connects with the drive at school and we can’t make changes on our own.”

The moment that it became clear that schools would be online indefinitely, yearbook adviser Steve Hanf did everything he could to make sure the book would get done – including checking out computers some of the staff members could use at home.

“When school got called, we had a lot of uncertainty about how we were going to finish off,” Hanf said. “But there were four yearbook students who volunteered to work on designing pages at home and the other 16 staff members worked in teams to cover their events the best they could.”

Not finishing the book wasn’t an option. Hundreds of book orders and dozens of senior tribute ads had already been paid for long before the coronavirus hit. Shorelines has sold out the last three years because so many Nighthawks cherish their yearbooks for years to come.

“This being my senior yearbook, it is the most special one I will have, especially since all of the pandemic stuff has happened this year,” senior Judy Williams said. “My parents both still have their senior yearbooks and I’ve been able to look through them, so I’m sure I will keep mine for a long time.”

Making sure this book was every bit as special as past editions motivated the staff to work through many challenges behind the scenes.

“The coronavirus changed everything we did with our yearbook,” senior co-editor-in-chief Madison Murry said.

“Our spring section is almost entirely about the coronavirus because everything was impacted by it. We covered everything from sports cancelations to the spring musical to prom to social distancing.”

However, when the pandemic really started to take hold, most of the spring sports seasons and events weren’t in full swing, so there wasn’t much material to work with, and the staff had to

get creative with their coverage.

“You can’t design a yearbook spread without photos, so spring sports was probably the biggest issue we faced,” Hanf said. “Luckily, there were some community photographers, Michael Brisson with Left Field Photography and Wright Emory with OBX SportShots, who had shot a couple of First Flight games and were very generous in letting us use their photos.”

With everyone’s help and a few modifications to the normal coverage, everything was finished on time – after the publishing company, Walsworth, extended the deadline by a few weeks.

“Thanks to people who submitted pictures to the yearbook, we were able to complete every spread – even prom, which never happened,” Murry said.

The 216-page book was printed in Kansas City and arrived the first week of June, with students coming to the school to grab their copy rather than enjoy a big celebration with friends.

“In the last couple of years, we’ve tried to make yearbook distribution a really fun event with a party in the cafeteria,” Hanf said. “Obviously we can’t do anything quite like that this year.

That being said, books are scheduled to come in the first week of June and social distancing requirements are being eased up, so it would be fun if we could do something other than just a ‘drive by and grab your yearbook.’ ” Although students won’t be getting the exact same experience as in previous years, there is hope that some of the traditions, such as yearbook signing, can live on. Books are expected to sell out again as students enjoy looking back on all the fun memories from early in the year and the unexpected ending.

“I hope when people get their books they will see how much work we’ve put into it and how much we want them to really take their time and look at all of it,” Jernigan said. “This book represents every moment of our school year, and we all know this one was unlike any other.”

Junior Aliza Snow can be reached at 21snowal92@daretolearn.org.

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Student-drivers parked

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By Mackenzie Edwards Special to Nighthawk News

t’s your 16th birthday. You have been waiting a whole year for this.

You finally can get your license.

You know that the DMV is not quick, by any means, but your appointment is already made. The wait is nearly over.

Then, just as the anticipation of taking the test and finally getting your license builds as high as it can – you realize you have to wait even longer.

Not like a couple of hours longer, either, but a couple of months. All because of the coronavirus.

Not all of the DMV offices in North Carolina closed during the pandemic, but a good number of them did, including the Dare County location.

According to Alicia Flythe of the Elizabeth City DMV, most of the smaller offices are closed. Throughout May, the Elizabeth City DMV was still open and operating on modified hours with special precautions taking place.

“We do a whole lot of sanitizing, like after every customer we wipe down the seats, wipe down the desk,” Flythe said. “Just pretty much keep everything wiped down so whenever one customer leaves, you don’t want it to carry to the next customer.”

Many of those new customers are likely to be teenagers after the state opens all of its offices. Along with the “Stay-at-Home” order Gov. Roy Cooper put in place, he also said there would be no driving tests given. Over the course of the last few months, a lot of 16-year-olds became eligible to get their license, and the Elizabeth City DMV is preparing for a rush of teenagers wanting to take their test.

“There are a few positions that do need to be filled, but due to the fact of the COVID-19 going on, they’ve actually just got everything on hold,” Flythe said. “But we do have some in-

terviews that’ve already gone down. So we’re just waiting for everything to get back on track then we’ll start placing more people in different offices.”

Despite many DMV offices being closed, there are many resources still available to the public through the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website. Unfortunately for eager teens, getting your license is not one of them.

Open DMV offices were allowed to give out learner’s permits, but to get a permit, students have to go through a Driver’s Education course – which also shut down when schools closed March 13. Driver’s Ed classes at the school can have up to 40 students taking the course.

“When it started, I was actually teaching an after-school class and I was teaching a Saturday class, so they would have to be finished,” Driver’s Education teacher Jacqueline Scruggs said.

First Flight High School offers three Driver’s Ed classes in the spring and two in the summer, coordinating with the NC Driving School on the best times to hold classes to help everyone get their permit.

With the spring classes canceled and summer on hold, everybody wants to know when the earliest opportunity to get their classroom instruction done.

“I don’t know,” Scruggs said. “I’m in kind of a waiting mode here from the company I work for and the school system.”

With the school program temporarily shut down, there are alternatives out there that are still up and running.

Chappell Driving School, run by Betsy Chappell, is a private driving school still operating like normal in Tyner, a small community in Chowan County about 90 minutes from FFHS. “I’m doing all of my classes online.

And then, driving when we’re able to,” Chappell said.

Chappell Driving School usually

Submitted Photo

Frustrated freshmen such as Mary Kathryn Stroud have seen their summer driving plans stall thanks to lost driver’s education classes.

doesn’t get a lot of students from Dare County, but is now getting more. And it’s not just First Flight students who are looking for alternative ways to get their permit on time.

Chappell can only legally have 25 people in a class and usually averages 15 students.

“Now I am having classes average about 22,” Chappell said. “I like to personally cap it at 15 because it’s just me, but I’m having to turn people away.”

Many students, however, do not know about these alternatives or can’t make them work with their family’s schedule, so they are sitting and waiting for the classes to resume.

Freshman Mary Kathryn Stroud was one of those students in the middle of the classroom portion of an FFHS class when it got suspended. She was supposed to get her permit in March..

“I’m mad that I can’t get my permit until I’m way older than I should be,” Stroud said. “I feel like they should maybe try to speed it up a little because most people who are doing it probably should have their permit by now.”

Stroud isn’t the only one upset about the classes being shut down.

Freshman Christine Cooper was also in the middle of classes when they stopped: “It sucks, because you can’t get your permit on time, which means you can’t get your license on time,” Cooper said.

So even after the DMVs open again and operate on a full schedule, the waiting game will continue for many students.

Freshman Mackenzie Edwards wrote this story for her Introduction to Publications class. She can be reached at 23EDWARDSMA78@daretolearn.org.

Healthy habits make a comeback: Who

T

By Colin Tran Special to Nighthawk News

he word “quarantine” makes most people think of being a couch potato stuck in the house all day, but that’s not the case for everyone. Many people have taken advantage of extra time at home to turn this pandemic into a positive by focusing on themselves and starting to exercise.

“Exercise is not only important now, but all the time,” First Flight Middle School PE teacher Meredith Harris said. “Exercising and physical activity isn’t just about physical health. It is also about your mental and emotional health.”

Harris played a humongous role in helping others start exercising during the stay-at-home order. Harris and Manteo Middle School PE teacher Katie Hardt came up with a concept to get people up and moving and to keep a positive mindset during this time.

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In the MMS vs. FFMS Workout Challenge, anyone from the community was allowed to join in on the challenge. Harris and Hardt posted a workout schedule every week and participants in the challenge would submit a photo or film themselves doing the workout to earn more and more points for their school.

Harris made a promise to everyone at the start to encourage them to participate.

“I made a commitment to myself and my students to lead by example,” she said. “I wanted my students to see that I was staying active, too, and not just asking them to do something to keep busy.”

Harris reached out over many platforms to ensure everyone had a chance to join in, and each week she noticed more and more people starting to work out.

Going through the submissions brought so much joy to her and sometimes even would bring tears to her eyes, seeing students who disliked participating during PE class joining in on the challenge and keeping up with it.

“Ever since I became a teacher, my goal has been to make a difference. I wanted to change just one person’s life,” Harris said. “Seeing the positive impact the challenge had for so many people and this community just made my heart burst with joy!”

People often talk about wanting to start exercising and sometimes just need a push to get started. The most difficult thing for people when they want to exercise is simply starting and being consistent.

Brandon Woods and Holly Brothers are two people who looked at quarantine as a way to motivate themselves. To help them get a kickstart, they set small goals for themselves each day.

Brothers, a recent FFHS graduate, was working multiple jobs before the pandemic. Being unemployed due to the virus gave many a handful of free time, and Brothers saw this as an opening to focus more on herself. She started to do many activities with her family and friends, including exercising.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

For better or worse, we’ve got our families during pandemic

By Emma Braithwaite Special to Nighthawk News

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he smell of the swampy air.

The slight hum of the wildlife around you. A net in one hand and a bucket in the other.

Quarantine activity of the day: Catching frogs.

At least that’s one of the things Matt Price and his family of three has been doing to keep busy during this time.

Matt Price has a seven year old son who loves wildlife. “At night we catch frogs and release them back into the wild,” said Price. The activity helps keep everyone entertained.

Coronavirus is upon us all and with social distancing and quarantine, families are doing everything they can to stay active. Still, loneliness can be almost inevitable, especially if your family is small.

Freshman Olivia Sugg has spent much of quarantine with very few people around.

“I am an only child, so my time at home has been very lonesome,” Sugg said. “I generally don’t have anyone to talk to because I don’t have any siblings.”

Alone time is something Sugg knows too well, and she has filled it with many activities.

“I have been painting some butterflies and mountainscapes,” Sugg said. “I’ve been sewing scrunchies and masks, playing the piano, and done puzzles. I’ve also done LEGOs and built a LEGO White House, which I haven’t done since second or third grade.”

To keep from getting too lonely, Sugg has used Facetime calls frequently to “see” friends, plus she has taken some trips to Hyde County with her family.

While being stuck in isolation with small families can be hard, there are ways to help deal with the loneliness,

Submitted Photos

Stay-at-home orders have led to vastly different experiences for students for a number of reasons, including what their home life is like. An only child like freshman Olivia Sugg (left) has to deal with loneliness, while others, like freshman Allie Nigro, have large families that offer lots of things to do – but occasionally, no options for much-needed peace and quiet.

explained recently retired DCS school psychologist Dr. Wayne Barry.

“You can connect with people virtually,” Barry said. “You can write letters, text and email. Over time, you can meet people at a park and keep a safe social distance, and probably ride bikes together.”

For students with large families, loneliness is the least of their worries.

In fact, during the quarantine, alone time can be hard to come by in large families.

Freshman Allie Nigro is the oldest of three siblings. She lives with her family of five and often hangs out with her grandparents. Nigro has done a lot of activities with her family during the quarantine, everything from riding

bikes and baking cookies to enjoying boat rides.

Even though she never has time to herself, she is glad she has a large family.

“If I didn’t have as many, I wouldn’t be as distracted from what is going on,” Nigro said.

But how can a student keep herself from “going insane” on days when that large family feels a little too big?

“Maximum communication is important,” Barry said. “Establishing ground rules and allowing others to have time to recover. Once in the morning and once in the evening, the family can come together and discuss what the day will look like and who is going to need space.”

That includes being understanding if and when a family member wants to skip a planned activity.

“If a person chooses not to play a particular night, don’t make a big deal about it,” Barry added. “Respect each individual’s time and needs.”

Whether you are from a big family or a small one, or you are a parent or a child, coronavirus is here and forcing families all across the globe to deal with new daily routines.

Until this all ends, families will have to keep finding fun activities to pass the time.

Freshman Emma Braithwaite wrote this story for her Introduction to Publications final project. She can be reached at 23braithwaiteem06@daretolearn.org.

knew a virus could be such a motivator?

“Find a group of friends that might also be struggling to start,” Brothers said. “You can help and push one another to exercise and set goals.”

Freshman Brandon Woods took action during the remote learning period and realized how important it is for people to exercise, especially during this time.

Woods’ goal for himself was to go outside once a day.

He embarked on activities like running, basketball and biking, which he enjoys doing with his family.

“Sitting at home all day and doing nothing is a waste of time and unhealthy,” Woods said. “I would rather be going outside, enjoying the weather and exercising.”

Going from 45 minutes of gym to hours of physical activities made him feel refreshed each day, Woods explained, and gave him more of a positive outlook on the quarantine because it motivated him to get active.

Quarantine hasn’t been all positive, of course, when it comes to physical activities. It canceled many sports seasons all over the world and closed NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / features

many public recreational facilities.

Sophomore Jordyn Scarborough, a volleyball player for FFHS and travel team Coastal, saw much of her travel season canceled and has seen her chances of competing at nationals taken away.

“Since over half of my travel volleyball season was canceled, I have to stay in shape and work harder to be able to hopefully get recruited,” Scarborough said.

Rather than seeing this as a setback, Scarborough she sees this as an opportunity to improve on skills and take full advantage of this time. Thankfully, Scarborough has an older sister who also plays volleyball, and they both help each other out.

Without access to a gym, volleyball court or her team, she got creative with her social distancing practices. She’s used resources like YouTube and picked up tips and tricks from her teammates and coaches.

She hopes all this extra time she has to practice will increase her skills and chances of getting recruited.

Whether trying to make a team, trying to get in better shape or just trying to beat the boredom, getting exercise seems more important than ever. Being stuck at home all day can take a huge toll on someone physically and mentally.

“We talk about the Health Triangle in our health classes, meaning how important it is to balance our mental, emotional and physical health,” Harris said.

“Exercising can lead to better sleep, less stress and positive self-efficacy.”

All it takes is that first step of reaching out to a neighbor or a friend, because you’re not the only one wanting to take action and make a change in your life.

“Start small, set a goal, and GO!” Harris said.

“Don’t get discouraged. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people to motivate you through difficult times.”

Freshman Colin Tran wrote this story for his Introduction to Publications class. He can be reached at 23TranCo16@daretolearn.org.

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Quarantine Prom: Students get

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NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

dressed up for an at-home prom

“

Neither of us had already purchased a prom dress, so we didn’t have much for a promthemed party. Since Halloween is our favorite holiday, we decided to surprise each other with our costumes and celebrate prom by dancing to spooky music and eating candy.

“

– Eliza Cowan

Photos submitted by Eliza Cowan

Seniors Eliza Cowan and Madison Murry pose for a picture dressed in their costumes for the Halloween-themed prom they had in Murry’s garage.

“

I was really bummed out about missing all of the exciting things about senior year, and my parents and Johmar’s parents got together to surprise us with a themed prom. It was really special because it was personalized for us.

“

– Landis Limon

Photos submitted by Landis Limon

Junior Johmar Gonzalez and senior Landis Limon celebrate prom with an at-home dinner, backyard movie and a small wooden dance floor outside.

Submitted Photos

(Left page, top row, from left) Senior McCabe Owens and junior Katie MacBride pose for a photo before eating an at-home prom dinner together. Senior Marrissa Hempfer and her little brother, Michael, take prom photos at the beach. Seniors Zoe Blankenship and Charlie Barker get dressed up for pictures for their senior prom together. (Middle row, from left) Senior Emily Beacham does a photo shoot in her prom dress. Junior Bella Schweitzer and sophomore Beckett Crossman pose for a photo at the sound. Sophomore Anna Parsons takes photos in a flower field in Currituck. (Bottom row, from left) Junior Krickett Hughes and Hart Moseley get dressed up for prom photos.

Seniors Caroline Blaha, Autumn Fleck, Simone Midgett and Ashlynn Dodge have fun with group photos to celebrate their prom. Juniors Jaylin Fisher and Colby Evans smile for the camera. (At right, top row) Hart Moseley, Beckett Crossman and Colby Evans are joined by (bottom row) Cecille Ernst, Krickett Hughes, Bella Schweitzer, Jaylin Fisher and Baily McCleary for an evening photo shoot.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / features

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Our View: Newspaper seniors will be missed

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Editors-in-Chief – Simone Midgett, Emmy Trivette News Editor – Maddy Wagner Features Editor – Cassie Honeycutt Online Editors-in-Chief – Peyton Dickerson, Katie MacBride

of this paper as well. We won’t have our hen people walk by Room year-end potluck and editor awards. The B-214, they must wonder losses add up. some days what kind of Last year’s farewell was tough educational things possibly because we had the largest number of could be taking place in such a chaotic seniors on staff that we’ve ever said environment. goodbye to. This year, it’s a little differTruth be told, sometimes we wonder ent – three seniors who were that ourselves. on staff the last three years Newspaper is a class and two seniors who had one unlike any other. We can be year on staff. under incredible deadline Despite the smaller numpressure to finish stories, ber we lose, we still have that take photos, post videos bittersweet feeling of hating online and design pages STAFF that they have to leave, but one week, and also find EDITORIAL loving how much they’ve that a whole class period shared with us. Here are some has passed in an impromprecollections about each from our staff: tu discussion of “Star Wars” lore.

There’s a giant beach ball in the room Emmy Trivette with icebreaker questions so members We traveled together on numerous of the Nighthawk News team can get to convention trips, but one that will alknow everyone better. There are trips ways stand out was how much you loved to state and national conventions that the “Saturday Night Live Experience” at teach us about journalism – and also the Chicago Museum of Broadcast Comabout the best late-night snack options munications. You were the last person from Chapel Hill to Chicago. out of every exhibit!

Most of all, there are the fun moments that come with telling the stories I’ve loved traveling with you on of nearly 1,000 students and staff at our past journalism trips, and your upbeat school: the excitement we feel when the persevering attitude about everything. I truck comes in with our pallet of nearly remember going to Panera at least four 5,000 papers, when we take our stacks times at J Camp last summer over two around to all the classrooms, when we days with you. That was so much fun! see people reading our stories, when we I’ve always looked up to you for how start an Instagram comment war... fearless you are in everything you do We’ve missed out on some of that and everything you advocate for. Thank fun this year. After one day of design you for being so welcoming this year and work, we had to scrap plans for our for your amazing feedback and endless spring print newspaper. While the stosupport. I’ll miss you so much! ries we wrote went online and had lots I love you so much, Emmy, and of people read them there, it just wasn’t you’re such an inspiration to me! I have the same. That’s why we felt so strongly really enjoyed getting to know you, esthat there HAD to be a print Senior Edipecially this year. I know you are going tion after everything we’ve endured this to do great things in this world and I’m spring. Still, as a newspaper staff, we’ll already so proud of you! miss out on the traditional distribution From working after school to finish

IN OUR OPINION

Opinions Editor – Kejsi Zyka Photo Editor – Taylor Newton Sports Editor – Jack Voight Social Media Editor – Aliza Snow Staff Writers – Emma Byard, Camden Crook, Versailles Dalessio, Fiona Finchem, Lexi Foster, Kayla Hallac, Kate Hamilton, Callie Honeycutt, Maren Ingram, Noah Kinnisten, Tatum Love, Maggie McNinch, Michael Pearson, Ross Sullivan, Cole Tomlin, Crae Walker Adviser – Steve Hanf

N

ighthawk News Magazine was published three times this year by the journalism classes at First Flight High School. The publication is distributed free to the FFHS student body, faculty and staff and to First Flight Middle.

Copies also are distributed in various retail outlets throughout the OBX. The Nighthawk News staff strives to provide informative and accurate coverage of individuals and events within the school and the Dare County community. The opinion pages serve as a forum for the publications staff and community. Views expressed in Nighthawk News do not represent the opinions of the faculty or administration, the Dare County School Board or its administration. Editorials represent the views of the staff; bylined columns are the opinion of the authors.

Readers are encouraged to write letters to the editor on matters of concern.

Letters may be mailed to FFHS or delivered to Room B-214. They must be signed.

We reserve the right to edit letters for length, grammatical errors or libelous content.

Reach us by mail at 100 Veterans Drive, Kill Devil Hills, N.C. 27948, by phone at (252) 449-7000 or by e-mail at hanfst@daretolearn.org. Advertising inquiries can be made by phone or email.

Nighthawk News is a member of the North Carolina Scholastic Media Association and the National Scholastic and Southern Interscholastic press associations. Our stories also are published online at NighthawkNews.com. Follow us on Twitter @FFNighthawkNews, Facebook.com/NighthawkNews, Instagram @FFHSNighthawkNews and Snapchat at Nighthawk.News. Sun Coast Press of Venice, Florida, prints our paper.

Stay current at NighthawkNews.com!

Hawk Talk: Unmasked – What story

“For a month before I got a real mask, I used this woven headband from Belize.

It probably wasn’t the most effective, but I got a lot of compliments!”

– English teacher Lauren Deal

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“My grandma made mine. It’s sassy-looking and more comfortable than normal masks because of the softer material.”

– senior Gavyn DeBerry

“I got it from my friend Abegail, who is making them, and I picked pink because I thought it would match with a lot of my outfits.”

– senior Jessica Dugita

“I chose the Marines fabric because my dad was a Marine. My grandma sewed me a mask that is way too big for my face, but I wear it anyway because I love her.”

– sophomore Hadley Hedges

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

Nighthawk News Magazine seniors (from left), Editors-in-Chief Emmy Trivette and Simone Midgett, Opinions Editor Kejsi Zyka, and staff writers Camden Crook and Emma Byard.

deadlines, to cold, slow and miserable football game nights, it’s sad to see you go, but good luck! I’ll miss you, and I hope to see you soon!

You have always been the person there to keep newspaper fun both inside and outside of class, but still managed to keep us in line and on task. I’m super grateful for all the great times this year, from “Senior-itis” to cold football games. You were a great editor and will definitely be missed!

You command the greatest amount of respect out of almost anyone I know from the sheer passion and drive you put into everything you do despite doing so much. You also got me my dream job, so that helps a ton and I’ll be forever thankful!

You are one of the most creatively thinking persons I know and our newspaper could not have survived without all of your hard work. Thank you for helping me become a better writer this year and good luck at UNC! Simone Midgett I’ll always be able to picture you laying on a table in the broadcast room with hearts and other love-themed items spread around as Buzzy Staten stood over you with a camera. That photo and your column on the fun of Valentine’s Day was a spur-of-the-moment decision that shows just how fun and unpredictable newspaper can be every single day.

Thank you for always entertaining

the class with your funny life stories!

I’m going to miss you! Fourth-period forever!

I’ll really miss your happy and welcoming personality and what a great editor you were! I had so much fun with you on trips, in class, and I’ll miss you working at Booty Treats with me! I’m so excited to see what you do in life!

Simone, you are a very talented and strong-minded writer and a great friend, even if it’s hard to admit most of the time. I will kind of miss you next year.

D.C. was a lot of fun with you and thanks for never failing to make us laugh in class! You are such a genuine person and have a great personality that inspires others! You’re a very talented writer and produce some of the best pieces for our paper! I appreciate all the constructive criticism you have provided me with on all my stories because it’s really helped me to grow and improve my writing!

Sitting next to you in fourth was always so much fun. I loved hearing your stories and knew walking in that you would make me laugh somehow that day. We had a lot of laughs, but I also learned a lot from you. You are an excellent writer and editor and I’m excited to see where life takes you. We’ll miss you!

Mo, where do I start? Thank you for so many unforgettable memories, us doing the 400 for the first time and literally dying, Womp Womp on the

lacrosse bus, so many postgame Chickfil-A trips, and countless laughs. Love you so much and hope you have an amazing time at ECU! Kejsi Zyka You are such a positive person, and your infinite encouragement was really wonderful and helpful, especially when I was new to staff. I’ll miss you so much.

Thank you for everything!

You were simultaneously one of the nicest people I’ve ever met and one of the funniest to argue with, even if it was over Teletubbies.

You are so sweet and nice and have the best style ever. I loved talking about Elite with you and I hope you have the time of your life doing what you’re gonna do next!

One of the things that I will always admire about you is that you always have a smile on your face and are always such a positive person. Sitting at the same table this year was always such a great time because we were all so different and would put our minds together and come up with some dumb ideas. Wish you the best and hope you have a great time at UNCC! I remember when we traveled up to Jennette’s Pier for the Visually Impaired Person’s fishing tournament with the Leo Club, and how uplifting you were toward those around you. You were so radiant toward everyone and optimistic!

Thanks for helping me with my edits and becoming better as a writer!

Camden Crook I have loved getting to know you these past couple of years and I’m going to miss you so much! I definitely look up to you as an inspiration and I’m so happy we have become friends! I’ll miss you lots but I know you are going to enjoy this next chapter in your life! <3 It was always nice to see you come in with a smile every day that lit up the room!

I’ve known you for so long now and I really am going to miss you so much.

Having Newspaper and Intro was so much fun with you and you’ve really inspired me to become a better writer. I’ve always looked up to you and I know that I will continue to do so. I’ll miss you!

Emma Byard I loved getting to know you in Intro last year and getting to see all the amazing things you’ve done this year. I love you and I’m going to miss you! <3 You’ve been such a good friend to me ever since we first met and I’ve loved getting to know you. Thanks for being such an incredible role model to me and for always making me laugh. You’re the reason I did cross country and indoor, and I am so glad for that. We’ve made some amazing memories over the years together and I know that even though we won’t see each other as much, we will continue to make more. I’m going to miss you so much next year, but I know you’re going to love Chapel Hill!

Thanks for everything, Emma.

does your pandemic face mask tell?

“This was just scrap fabric. This is not what I thought I would be sewing. I’m not that great at it, but I just kind of picked it up and made one for me and my mom.”

– junior Meghan Lewis

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / opinions

“My mom’s friend, Linda Sawyer, made them for the whole family and people at my dad’s office. I like that this one is cute, just perfect. It fits my personality.”

– junior Jessica Canning

“I did some research online and got a couple of different ones with the filters at Etsy. This one is my favorite because it kind of makes me look like a Sith Lord.”

– junior Grace Hewitt

“My grandmother joined a group to make masks for people in the healthcare profession. We made close to 100 masks for Sentara Heart Hospital in Norfolk.”

– freshman Noelani Santana

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TV’s ‘Outer Banks’ a hit, despite flaws

The ultimate OBX pandemic bucket list

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hen I think of summertime, it includes unlimited days at the beach, mid-afternoon family barbecues, tropical trips and late-night sleepovers with my closest friends. Summer of 2020, though, has an unwanted add-on – coronavirus – limiting our ability to fully satisfy our summer hopes and dreams.

The pandemic is putting a halt to being within six feet of one another, which severely restricts all of the summer pastimes above.

Therefore, adjustments must be made.

Below is the ultimate Outer Banks pandemic bucket list, and all of these activities are socially-distancing inclusive or involve spending quality time with family members. So instead of wasting time being bored, use this list below to make the best of quarantine!

• Camp out in your back yard to make up for Memorial Day weekend at Ocracoke.

• Have a social distancing picnic at Jockey’s Ridge during the sunset.

• Pull an all-nighter to cure the “no sleepovers” issue.

• Spend the day on a boat with your family.

• Go strawberry picking in Currituck (one of my personal favorites).

• Reorganize and redecorate your room.

• Drive somewhere new and explore nature.

• Go for a scenic run in Nags Head Woods.

• Make some homemade lemonade since it is the best summertime beverage.

• Build a fort and put on your favorite movie.

• Tan on a roof to really catch the UV rays.

• Go for a bike ride or skateboard at midnight.

• Borrow a board and surf during sunrise.

• Download the free trial for a streaming service and binge watch!

• Drive to Carova to see the world-renowned

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

wild horses.

Create your own homemade spa.

Have another social distancing picnic at sunrise on the beach.

Facetime the friends you are unable to see.

Read books so you don’t lose too much knowledge over the “corona-cation.”

Bake your favorite dessert.

Plan a trip for after the pandemic.

Watch all of the movies you have not had time for.

Try to make a viral-worthy TikTok. Go tubing or wakeboarding with your family.

Try and take up a new hobby like fishing.

Drive down south to Hatteras to swim in some warmer water.

Have a family game night once a week.

Kayak in the sound.

Teach your pet some new tricks when you’re stuck inside.

Take a paddle board out to the shipwreck at Luke Street.

Mail a letter to a long-distance friend or relative.

Attempt to cook a meal for your family.

Bike into Duck and experience the waterfront boardwalk.

Make it your goal to visit every lighthouse in the OBX… but in one day!

Listen to an uplifting podcast during these depressing times.

Learn how to do a back handspring, because why not?

Create your own social distancing prom with your friends.

Complete a puzzle on a rainy day.

Get plenty of rest and fix your sleep schedule.

Lastly, simply go to the beach daily and enjoy our beautiful home.

Senior Emma Byard can be reached at byardem0329@daretolearn.org.

I

t’s a typical lazy day in quarantine. As you scroll through Netflix, searching for your next series to binge, a new show catches your eye. The Netflix original “Outer Banks” was released to the public on April 15 – and has been making headlines ever since.

Based on a group of teenage locals, “Outer Banks” depicts a lifestyle full of youthful recklessness, adventure and mystery. It allows the audience to feel a part of John B, JJ and Kiara’s friend group and experience the exciting life of a “pogue.”

Many locals, however, are not pleased with Netflix’s inaccurate portrayal of our area. Filmed in Charleston, S.C., in response to political fallout from North Carolina’s “Bathroom Bill” a few years ago, the show has some obvious flaws.

First of all, there is no ferry to Chapel Hill. It would be impossible for anyone, even Sarah and John B to travel the 250 land-locked miles to Chapel Hill on a boat. Second, the Royal Merchant shipwreck and its hidden treasure are also fabricated. The original ship, known as the “Merchant Royal,” sank off the coast of Cornwall, England, in 1641 with billions of dollars worth of gold and silver on board. However, the Royal Merchant falsely alludes to the fact that there may be other lost treasures buried along our coast.

As a local, it was difficult to overlook these factual flaws. But once I did, it was easy to see why the show has become so popular so quickly. Especially in times like the present, people enjoy a distraction. “Outer Banks” portrays a life free of self-isolation and social-distancing, full of action and adventure.

While the real Outer Banks lacks the stereotypical “pogues” and “kooks,” it is home to fishermen and country-clubbers. There are beaches and many locals whose lives revolve around the water. The community is relatively small and close-knit. Hurricanes are prevalent when the water warms up. There are shipwrecks along the coast and there’s always been the possibility of buried treasure.

Other locals are excited about the attention this show will likely bring. Some predict this will cause an influx in this season’s outof-towners, and this year, especially with the financial impact of COVID-19, any attention created from this show might just be the thing that keeps our local businesses afloat.

Senior Camden Crook can be reached at crookca0109@daretolearn. org.

Will tourists bring needed money, or COVID-19?

O

uter Banks residents were in quarantine for more than a month and the coronavirus was still infecting more Americans each day even as non-resident property owners and then tourists were welcomed across the bridges throughout the month of May. That raises the question: Was it too soon to reopen the OBX? The police checkpoints located in Kitty Hawk and Manns Harbor were removed on May 16, reopening the OBX to all visitors.

This decision proved controversial, leading to debates between residents on whether it was too soon to be allowing people to visit from states such as New York or New Jersey, where COVID-19 cases were extremely high.

The re-entry of tourists into the OBX was bound to happen eventually, but letting them in so soon could lead to more COVID-19 cases due to the larger

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number of people buying groceries, getting take-out from restaurants, renting their beach houses – it could mean more exposure, from those who choose to travel while sick to people who could be infected without even knowing it.

This influx of visitors could also affect essential workers, who may be prevented from arriving at work on time or have to wake up earlier due to larger amounts of traffic during their commute.

Still, the economic benefit to reopening the OBX is obvious.

Many locals were unemployed or under-employed throughout April and part of May due to their employer not being essential, or needing fewer workers than usual.

That means even with the potential for negative impacts tourism could bring, it may very well be a lifesaver for the local businesses which have been affected financially by COVID-19. Even with reduced

staff and local support, these businesses may not survive this pandemic without the income they normally receive this time of year, which could lead to even higher local unemployment.

The recorded unemployment rate of the United States in April of this year was a staggering 14.7% and grew to nearly 25% in May after rates were at or below 4% for much of the past year.

There is no denying the risks involved in reopening the OBX to visitors, yet there is also no way to tell how long our local economy could have gone on in quarantine before enduring lasting effects.

No matter the outcome – a spike in infections that stretches our healthcare providers to the limit, or a summer of smooth sailing and tourism dollars streaming in – we must all look toward the future and stay hopeful in knowing our lives will return to normal sometime in the near future and use this pandemic to bring us closer together, not farther apart.

Sophomore Michael Pearson can be reached at 22pearsonmi74@daretolearn.org.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

Graduation is more than a ceremony

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arch 13, 2020: The news had already broken that all sports were going to be delayed for a two-week time period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The uncertainty of the rest of the school year, the school musical, spring sports, prom and graduation was still well known, but students – especially seniors – were hopeful.

A few weeks later, it was announced that all seniors who were passing as of March 13 were going to receive a “pass.” This meant that the majority of us were considered graduated high school students before the end of April.

When I heard this news, the thought of going back to school May 15 didn’t make any sense and I knew the chances of going back were slim to none. If seniors had already graduated, what were we going to do?

April 24, 2020: North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper announced the closing of all North Carolina schools for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.

Although I was already fairly certain this was going to happen, it was still a shock. I don’t even remember being upset because I didn’t actually process that I was never going to go back to high school again.

For seniors, we knew that there was no salvaging the last couple of last-time things we would do in high school.

Spring sports athletes would never get a proper Senior Night, the theater kids who spent hours upon hours rehearsing would never get to perform one last high school production, we wouldn’t get to pick up our cap and gowns during lunch and try them on

with all of our friends, and we wouldn’t get to celebrate each other’s accomplishments and the next four years on college decision day.

The only thing that still had a possibility of happening was graduation, which to me, was the most important.

Graduation is the last time that everyone in my entire grade would be together, one last time I would be surrounded by all the people I had been surrounded by since sixth grade.

I looked forward to hearing the seniors in choir sing our graduation song, I looked forward to tearing up when I got to hear Sophia Cooper’s valedictorian speech and I looked forward to stepping on the football field one last time.

I understand the urgency of the situation and I am so grateful for everything the community has done to help make up for the situation, such as the “Adopt a Senior” group on Facebook and people taking the time to make every senior a sign for their yard.

Of course I was upset when everything got canceled in March, but my thoughts were (and still are) that this pandemic is causing a lot of people to lose so much, and there are people who have it worse. The only thing I was looking forward to still happening was graduation.

Nighthawk News File Photo

2019 graduates (from left) Cassidy Dietz, Hannah Ellington and Ben Tran take photos from behind the bleachers prior to last year’s commencement ceremony. Hopes for a traditional graduation packed with friends and family have been dimmed by the coronavirus.

Graduation was when we could actually say “we did it. We finished high school.” Staying up until 4 a.m. the night before the first day of school to finish my AP U.S. History project, cramming just to get an 8 percent on my chemistry quiz because I wrote the flash cards wrong, staying at the school until 9 p.m. on a school night to meet newspaper deadlines – it was all going to be worth it.

And it isn’t just a ceremony for seniors. Graduation is for parents who taught us how to be the people we are now and prepared us to leave home and enter adulthood, and for the teach-

ers who pushed us to be our very best for the last four years.

It is a time for all of us to say goodbye and let go of the last four years and move onto the next chapter of our lives.

With or without graduation, going to First Flight and growing up on the Outer Banks with the people I grew up with is something I consider to be a privilege, and I will always see it as that. Having a graduation ceremony would be great, though.

Senior Simone Midgett can be reached at midgettSa0827@daretolearn. org.

Who imagined we’d ever miss school?

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otivation is a crucial part of life. In the past, much of our devotion was channeled into some less-than-productive practices that inspired awe in our classmates: the many instances of faked sickness, procrastination, dreaming of snow days, and even chants about burning school down.

However, in these strange times of the coronavirus, students – some for the first time ever – are beginning to realize they actually miss school. This strangest outcome is shared by many, though some claim it’s for different reasons than you’d expect.

Now, many of us have heard that school isn’t meant for social time; however, many students are missing the social interaction that school provided for them.

“I miss school mostly because I miss being able to see my friends every day,” freshman Morgan Deane said.

Interacting with fellow students can help promote interest in a class and is an active part of certain curricula. Though many kids complain about the daily NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / opinions

grind, now some are thinking differently.

“I miss the structure it brings to my life,” junior Grace Thompson said.

This is true for a multitude of reasons.

Structure helps motivate students. When faced with an entire week to do a set of assignments, many will take that opportunity to procrastinate, as they see no immediate reason to complete their work. However, when every assignment has a set due date, students are able to work within the bounds of those guidelines.

“I miss school because it was easier to stay focused,” junior Savannah Sawin said.

The amount of time school takes in our day-to-day lives has also forced us to plan around it. Without a physical location, school time is allocated differently, which causes any sense of structure to fade. Before quarantine, a student would likely wake up every morning, go to school, and leave with the bell; now they might wake up at noon, go surfing, socialize, and do their work around 2 a.m., if at all.

Take away the structure and the interaction and

the motivation, and suddenly, paying attention is a large problem among students these past few months.

“When seniors had to do school work during the start of COVID, I could hardly focus,” senior Cailin Lewis said.

The solution to the lost school year was online classes, which frankly cannot match schooling in person because of the absence of structure.

“We can’t get the same connection with other students and teachers, and that makes it harder to grasp the concepts we need to learn,” junior Travis Lawrence said.

The primary problem is a lack of direct contact.

No matter how much effort a teacher puts in, this medium makes them seem far off and unreal. Without online interactions being scheduled, the students in the class are effectively erased from each other’s learning experience.

And that’s what school should be, a way to learn with others. With enough luck, we can overcome this virus, and soon we’ll be back to thinking of snow days, scheming for sick days – and complaining about the structure, motivation and focus that we so desperately need when they’re gone.

Junior Crae Walker can be reached at 21walkermc92@daretolearn.org.

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Blake gets his shot at D-I basketball

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By Cole Tomlin Staff Writer

our-time first-team all-region and all-conference, plus twotime conference player of the year.

Three-time all-region, third place in state history with 423 made 3-pointers, fourth place in state history in free throws made, and 15th all-time with 2,389 points scored.

The numbers don’t lie when it comes to calling Dylan Blake one of the best players in North Carolina history.

But one of the biggest numbers people focused on throughout the legendary shooter’s career was zero – as in, no great scholarship offers.

By the end of the recruiting process, which was cut short by the COVID-19 outbreak, the senior’s top-five choices for continuing his basketball career were down to ECU, Maryland-Baltimore County, Winthrop, Central Pointe and Brewster Academy.

In May, Blake finally announced his commitment as a preferred walk-on to the Division-I purple and gold Pirates at ECU. “I have to pay for my tuition,” Blake said. “But I’m given a spot on the team and after my first year I can earn a scholarship based on my performance.”

Anyone who knows Blake and has watched him play knows he will do everything possible to work his way to being a starter at ECU thanks to his dedication and competitiveness.

“Dylan is one of the most competitive players I have coached,” said Chad Williams, the varsity basketball coach at First Flight High School. “I am thrilled that Dylan will be going to East Carolina. I have a long-standing relationship with Coach (Joe) Dooley, whom I worked for at East Carolina

when I was in college during his first tenure there.”

Williams isn’t the only person who’s been supportive of Blake’s decision.

He’s also had what feels like the support of the whole OBX community and countless other individuals he’s met through his basketball career, including coaches, teammates and friends.

These people had a huge impact on Blake’s decision due to his desire to be close to home. Luckily for him, ECU is only two and a half hours away, making it easier for friends and family to come see games or for him to come home.

Everyone is eager to see what Blake can do after shattering countless records in high school. In his 110 games for the Nighthawks, he scored in double figures in 101 of those. His 2,389 career points included 112 3-pointers this past season while averaging 27.6 points per game.

Blake said his favorite memory was when he reached 2,000 career points – an accomplishment that had never been done by any player at FFHS. “I want to be remembered as a role model, not just a good basketball player but also a great student and just as a person to be around,” Blake said.

Everywhere the Nighthawks played, fans were thrilled to watch Blake put up shots from anywhere on the court. There’s no doubt that Williams, teammates, fans and even opponents are going to miss watching this special player light up the court with 3-pointers from the Nighthawk logo.

“Dylan is very shy, almost timid and mild mannered and unassuming off of the court,” Williams said. “However, the caged tiger gets released when the ball goes into the air.”

Junior Cole Tomlin can be reached at 21tomlinco11@daretolearn.org.

Photo by Taylor Newton/Nighthawk News

Senior Dylan Blake draws contact on his way to the basket in the Nighthawks’ regular-season finale against Currituck. Blake will be taking his shooting range and driving skills to ECU.

Submitted Photo

Dylan Blake and his family gathered at FFHS in May for a signing ceremony that was livestreamed for those who could not attend. Blake will be a preferred walk-on with the Pirates.

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NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

Seniors par-take in disc golf popularity during pandemic

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By Katie MacBride Online Editor-in-Chief

irdie, bogey, par – any casual golfer knows those terms. How about anhyzer, nose, rim, tail?

Those are just a few of the disc golf terms several students didn’t know about until recently. Disc golf has grown in popularity since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, which closed the schools March 13.

Three seniors who have par-ticipated in disc golf’s growing popularity are McCabe Owens, Brady Van Lunen and Cameron Liston.

Both Liston and Van Lunen played disc golf previously, but not to the extent they do now. As for Owens, he just started his disc golf career. The seniors all agree that the school’s closure has increased the amount of time that they play.

“I probably play about every day now,” Owens said. “All my friends were playing, so I figured I would try it.”

The Casey R. Logan Disc Golf Course – tucked away past the FFHS football stadium at the end of the gravel road – is now a safe haven for many students, providing them with an entertaining quarantine activity. It is also a great way for students to get outside and get a little exercise.

Disc golf is similar in concept to regular golf in that players aim for targets on the course that they try to reach as quickly as possible. In this case, specialty discs are thrown hundreds of yards through the wooded course and across the dunes of Kill Devil Hills until they clank into the metal basket.

“One of my favorite things about playing disc golf is that it is relaxing and peaceful,” Liston said. “It is nice to get outside and see your friends. It is also just really fun to play.”

Although the sport is fun and entertaining, it does come with a couple frustrations. Van Lunen describes the course’s obstacles as being one.

Photos by Katie MacBride/Nighthawk News

Seniors (from left) Cameron Liston, McCabe Owens and Brady Van Lunen pose for a photo holding their discs after playing a game of disc golf on the Casey R. Logan Disc Golf Course. (Below) Van Lunen lets his disc fly in an attempt to get it to land in the cage, which serves as the ‘hole’ that disc golfers aim for in the lowest possible number of throws.

“Hitting trees is definitely a big one,” Van Lunen said with a laugh.

“Sometimes you will have a good throw and then the disc just smacks a

tree. It is also annoying when you miss really easy putts.”

Disc golf has provided fun memories for the seniors, as well, including

spending time together and doing well on the course.

“I almost got an ace or a hole-inone on hole 13 one time,” Owens said.

“Hole 13 is one of my favorite holes on the course.”

Even when quarantine ends, the seniors have no par-ticular plans to stop playing this new sport and believe they will continue to play disc golf in college.

“Since school has been out, I have definitely been more interested in disc golf more than before,” Liston said.

“I will for sure continue to play once everything is back to normal. I think others should try to make disc golf a hobby, too.”

Junior Katie MacBride can be reached at 21macbrideka62@daretolearn.org.

Virus could make sports scholarships harder to find

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By Jack Voight Sports Editor

he coronavirus lockdown wiped out the spring sports season and there is a big question mark when it comes to what will happen in the fall, as big sporting events with traveling teams and screaming fans seem likely to be one of the last things that will return.

Whole seasons and special events being canceled means there could be lots of recruitment difficulties, which is a challenge already for those on the Outer Banks.

For people like Tyler Sylvia, a junior who wants to run in college, lost seasons could lead to a more complicated future.

“Junior year is really important for runners because it’s when you visit schools you might want to go to. I feel like I missed out on some opportunities NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / sports

that I had lined up and were canceled when COVID happened,” Sylvia said. “I am really hoping that I will be able to visit these schools next year and compete in some larger events.”

For high-level athletes, every game or match is a chance to improve your chances and get your name out, but these opportunities have been squandered because of the coronavirus, leaving a lot of athletes out of luck.

Being from a beach separated from a large college or city, it already is quite difficult to get on the radar of a lot of college coaches anyway, making traveling to compete a necessity. With coronavirus, traveling is out, so a lot of those other opportunities aren’t there.

“I would definitely try to get into any type of official race that I could,” Sylvia said. “NC Milesplit has already done an online virtual track competition, so I would compete in that again if they offer

something like that.”

But not all athletes have such opportunities available.

“I lost the opportunity to play in the Jeff Cup, which is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the East Coast. It’s invite only,” said junior Robert Peters, a hopeful soccer recruit.

With spring and summer showcases gone, he said there really isn’t much that is in his hands at this point. With next year’s high school sports in questionable territory, this is a very strange time to be an athlete, especially one aspiring to play at the next level. All athletes can do is work out and try to stay prepared in their time off, and hope that soon this long coronavirus break will cease.

“I would hope I can get an offer, but if not, I will accept my predicament and move on,” Peters said.

Junior Jack Voight can be reached at 21VOIGHTJA99@daretolearn.org.

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To dance or not to dance, that is the question

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By Callie Honeycutt Staff Writer

magine learning numerous dances in hours of classes every night for half the year, paying for six or seven $100 costumes – and suddenly having it all taken away from you in a matter of days.

That is the sad reality for all the Outer Banks dance studios and their students. Instructors have been dealing with the problems the coronavirus has caused since the middle of March, but solutions are hard to find because the future is unknown.

“I 100% plan on doing a recital for our students,” Outer Banks Dance Academy owner Sabrina Hassell said. “I contacted the school when things began dragging on and it looked like you (First Flight students) would not be returning for the year. We right now have settled on a postponed fall recital.”

Hassell has continued dance class-

es for all ages online using Zoom to keep them engaged, work on technique and offer some kind of normalcy.

“We don’t have classes in the studio in May, but the weeks we are missing then, we are making those up in August,” Hassell said.

A number of studios are meeting with Zoom and also using creative ways to boost morale. Some of those extra efforts have Included spirit weeks that consist of Throwback Thursday or Tutu Tuesday, family classes or checkins with your classmates.

“The best was our virtual sprint week, where we had our girls post different videos and pictures with each day’s theme,” Atlantic Dance owner Mila Smith said. “We loved seeing the families of our dancers join in the fun.

The girls teaching their dads part of their choreography was the best.”

Being allowed to gather for dance classes is not the only factor in this shutdown for the studios. There are

also costumes, payments and dance pictures to think about. Some students took their dance pictures before the mandatory shutdown and others had just paid hefty costume balances.

Another issue is the fact that the FFHS auditorium – where all the recitals take place – is not allowed to be used this spring and may have limited availability for bookings in the fall. Without exception, all studios remain in limbo.

“All the choreography is set, costumes are ordered and purchased, and we were only six weeks away from having our performance prior to the temporary closing,” Island School of Dance owner Miriam Beyer said. “It would be a huge disappointment not to be able to hold a recital.”

Senior dancers, many who have danced since they were little, are being carefully considered so that they can still show off what they have been working on all year to accomplish.

Many studios have plans, but with no

one knowing when the pandemic is going to end, nothing is solidified. “(We) have requested to have our show in August, as we have two graduating seniors that have worked hard and need to be showcased before they go off to college,” OBX Centre For Dance owner Marjorie Knapp said.

With all the chaos of canceled classes, online lessons and uncertainty over recitals, it is important for dance companies to keep their dancers prepared and excited for what is to come.

“This year, AD celebrated our 25th year,” Smith said. “We had huge plans for our anniversary recital such as bringing back 25 years of AD alumni for a massive opening number. It makes us sad that this will not be able to happen.

But as they say, the show must go on, so we are still holding out hope! Somehow.... some way… fingers crossed!”

Sophomore Callie Honeycutt can be reached at 22honeycuttca54@daretolearn.org.

Junior Cassie Honeycutt takes part in an online meeting with her Atlantic Dance classmates. At right, Island School of Dance teachers greet students and their families during a ‘drive by’ on May 2, the scheduled date for Island’s recital. Local studios shut down by the pandemic are eager to resume classes and make sure their students still get some kind of recital experience after months of hard work.

Photos by Cassie Honeycutt (left) and Maren Ingram/ Nighthawk News

Loss of spring season impacts college-bound players

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By Tatum Love Staff Writer

hen committing to Bridgewater College in December, senior Chase Piotti would’ve never thought that his last high school lacrosse season at First Flight would be canceled.

“My initial reaction was absolute devastation,” Piotti said.

Not only has Piotti missed his final opportunity to represent the Nighthawks and play with teammates he’s developed chemistry and friendships with, he also has concerns about how this missed season – and potential impacts coronavirus might have in the fall – will affect his play.

“I’m nervous I won’t have a fall semester, which means no fall lacrosse to get situated at the next level with schedules and intensity,” Piotti explained.

Senior Zac Blankenship is headed to the University of Lynchburg for lacrosse and has already been in contact with his new coaching staff and teammates about what to expect in college.

“I keep in contact with many of the players at Lynchburg already,” Blankenship said. “They’ve been

52

giving good advice on how to get ready for the season.

Our strength-training coach has given all the guys summer workouts to stay in shape and stay active.”

Another teammate of Blankenship and Piotti, senior Pierce Jamieson, is also continuing his lacrosse career in college. Jamieson is committed to Flagler College in Saint Augustine, Florida.

Since the season was cut short, there have been some concerns about their readiness for college lacrosse.

“We are all excited to be able to play lacrosse again, but I am pretty nervous to move onto the college level,” Jamieson said.

Some of the seniors are upset about leaving the beach they call home, but Jamieson is eager to move on – when he finally gets the chance to.

“I’ve been ready to leave since I moved here in seventh grade,” he said. “I’m going to miss all the friends I’ve made, and my family that I’m going to leave behind.”

Another Florida-bound Nighthawk is senior Joe Davidson, who committed to the University of Tampa for track and cross country. With his outdoor season canceled, he has come up with some pretty creative ways to stay in shape from home.

“Trying to work out at home is difficult, but you gotta make it work, so I fill buckets with rocks from my yard and lift with those; also, weighted backpacks and decks of cards work well when you’re at home,” Davidson explained. “It’s hard to stay motivated at an uncertain time like this, but you just have to stay positive and get ready for the next season.”

Davidson also is keeping up with his future teammates, who are all recording their workouts on an app called Strava. That kind of dedication and positive mindset about running is more of a recent development for Davidson.

“Coach Chris Layton always pushed me and he basically made me the runner I am. Going into freshman year, I took it as a joke and an easy sport to stay in shape,” Davidson said. “He then made me into an All-State runner and made me good enough to do it at the collegiate level. He’s unbelievable – the time he puts into us is unlike any other coach.”

Now, all of the athletes looking to compete in their favorite sports at the collegiate level are just crossing their fingers for the upcoming fall season to work out better than the spring season did.

Sophomore Tatum Love can be reached at 22loveta53@daretolearn.org NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020

Could the ‘new normal’ for sports mean missing fans?

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By Kayla Hallac Staff Writer

he scoreboard reads 6-6 with seconds left in the game. The running back darts through a hole and … TOUCHDOWN! The huge crowd goes wild!

At least, that’s how it used to be. Fast forward to the fall of 2020. Now, the team looks toward the fans they’ve grown up playing in front of … only to see an ominously empty stadium.

“Not having someone watch me play would absolutely stink,” said junior football player Johmar Gonzalez, one of the most animated Nighthawks when it came to interacting with the crowd last year. “Not having a student section or my mom and dad cheering me on would take a big portion of the game out.”

Sports at all levels are likely to continue in some form following the coronavirus pandemic; however, like everything else, they may not return to normal.

“At this point in time, it would not be prudent to wager a guess on where we stand for next year,” Athletic Director Chad Williams said. “We have to follow the guidance of our federal, state and local leadership that will make the determination of when/if we can begin to phase back in athletic workouts and practices.”

Athletes may be able to play, but without a supportive crowd. With no word on what an audience might look like in the coming season – from Major League Baseball to high school football – athletes are worried about what’s ahead.

If state or local officials allow fans to attend events, it may only be for certain sports where social distancing is practical, or with a limit on the number of people gathered. Outdoor sports like cross country, softball and even football and soccer – where spectators can

spread out over large areas – could be more likely to allow fans while still practicing social distancing.

“Usually the fans that show up to the race are the parents of the runners, so I don’t think it would be an issue for cross country,” junior runner Tyler Sylvia said. “The course is also 3.1 miles long, so people can stay six feet apart easily.”

Junior swimmer Elliott Piland feels as though swimming could fall into the same category.

“The audience is spread out along the pool deck.

Having a crowd would not personally affect me,” Piland said. “I feel like a pool is a good environment because of the amount of chlorine used to not let germs spread inside the pool.”

But for some indoor events, it may never be the same. In the FAQs from Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order 138 on May 5, it stated that “A recent study found that people spread diseases like COVID-19 in a closed, indoor environment at a rate 18.7 times higher than when they are outdoors in an open-air environment.”

That would impact programs like the boys basketball team Williams coaches.

“I would think that sports that take place outside would have the best chance of having fans,” Williams said. “However, I don’t think those with high attendance would be included in that group.”

But is there an alternative? There could be.

“It definitely wouldn’t be normal, but they could do the same thing colleges and pros have with announcers,” junior basketball player Bella Schweitzer said.

Other options such as limits on crowds, wearing masks, even playing fewer games will be among those explored by the NCHSAA, which will set guidelines for schools based on guidance from state health officials.

The possible difference in crowds is upsetting for athletes, band students, drama department members

– and even groups outside of school, like the dozens of dancers who lost their spring recitals.

“The audience always claps and cheers at the end of a dance and it makes you feel like all your hard work, late nights in the studio, are worth it for that three minutes in the spotlight,” freshman Brigid Preisser said. “Without anyone there, I feel as though the same energy wouldn’t radiate from the stage.”

Preisser worries about her competitions as well.

A normal awards ceremony consists of hundreds of people sitting in close contact on a very small stage.

“Awards ceremonies are usually loud, happy events that fill everyone with pep and joy. But everyone is packed so close together, I don’t think they’ll ever be the same,” Preisser said.

And what about funding? Without spectators buying tickets to watch, can these activities go on?

“Obviously, having fans serves multiple purposes,” Williams said. “Not only do they generate part of the excitement and bring energy to the games, but they are a much-needed revenue stream that assists in the funding of our athletic program as a whole.”

Spring sports were wiped out after a few weeks.

Summer workouts are a question mark. The fall season – who knows? Nevertheless, athletes will be happy if they can play their sport – with or without fans.

Sophomore soccer player Wes Rhodes thinks fans will be there based on how restrictions are being eased.

“There just wouldn’t be as much hype for the games if there wasn’t a crowd cheering you on,” he said.

Added Sylvia: “Personally, I have run 5ks without a crowd watching me and it was definitely a challenge not having anyone cheer you on, but it would be better than not being able to race at all.”

Sophomore Kayla Hallac can be reached at 22hallacka85@daretolearn.org.

Congratulations, Class of 2020!

252 441-9009 AtlanticDance.com Info@AtlanticDance.com NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / sports

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Lost Seasons: Seniors stung E

By Cole Tomlin Staff Writer

very spring sport except men’s tennis had a senior on the roster. A senior eager for one last set of road trips. Pregame meals. Postgame conferences. Senior Night memories.

Even championships?

Coronavirus took it all away, but before these Nighthawks called it a career, we caught up with them for one last round of interviews: Joe Davidson, Track and Field – My favorite part about track was definitely the solo aspect of it. The fact that you push yourself in your own races is different from other sports because you don’t have to rely on other people.

It’s all on you, whether it’s good or bad.

– For accomplishments this season, I feel like we would have won the 4x8 state championship again and I also wanted to PR and go hard in the mile and 800.

– My biggest goals for this season were to win another state championship, and hit big PRs at the state meet and place well in the 800 and mile.

– I’ll miss the people I got to run with the most.

It’s going to be weird to run for a different coach in college, too. I loved Coach Chris.

– I’m running track and cross country at the University of Tampa.

– My favorite memory is definitely winning the 4x800 state championship my junior year. It was a goal of mine since I started to run, winning a state championship.

– I started running track freshman year but started taking it serious sophomore year when I realized I could actually be good.

– It’s really unfortunate that we had to lose the season because I had big goals this season and I wanted to add some scholarships on, but it’s all right. I have four more years.

Megan Limbacher, Soccer – My favorite part about soccer was the home games against teams that were nonconference, like Ocean Lakes, Norfolk Academy and teams like that. It was fun to see your friends in the bleachers and be with your best friends on the field. I also loved the practices after a big game that would just be chill and we’d joke around with the coaches and do fun shooting drills and scrimmages.

– For accomplishments this season, I think we had a pretty good chance of getting to states and if not that we would have made it really far in the playoffs.

– My goals for this season were to just enjoy my last year playing soccer with my friends and finally being a senior for the underclassmen to look up to. I also wanted to make it to states, obviously, because that was like the best day of my life.

– What I miss most about soccer is just getting the exercise at practice and feeling good about myself when I got home. Practice was dreadful sometimes, but it always ended up being one of the best parts of my day. I miss being with all the girls and coaches and just joking around.

– I haven’t really played soccer, but I have made it a point to run at least five miles every day to stay in shape. And my sister and I do ab and leg exercises every day.

– My favorite memory would be the Carrboro game before states where I scored the first goal on like a fluke shot. It was really exciting because we lost to them the year before, so to win and actually score was really great.

– I’ve been playing soccer since I was 4.

– I felt pretty sad at first about losing my senior season because we were already having a great start, but you kind of just have to accept it and go with it. It still does suck, but I’m really thankful for my other three years with the team.

Congratulations to the Class of 2020!

– If I would have known that the season would end, I would’ve not complained about having practice and preseason because I now wish I did have it.

I should’ve enjoyed it while it lasted.

Scot Brown, Golf – My favorite part was having the opportunity to go to the course every day after school to practice and improve at the game that I love.

– We had a lot of freshmen on the team this year and I was the only senior, but I got to practice with each of them on different days. I can certainly say that I saw lots of potential with each one of them.

– My team goal was to place in the top, counted scores. My personal goal was to shoot for 70s or low 80s.

– I definitely miss the camaraderie between the players on our team, but also between schools.

There was certainly a lot of respect and support shown between the athletes this year.

– During the pandemic, I took a ball out to the beach to practice getting out of sandtraps and dealing with water hazards. I only lost two golf carts to the surf. Just kiddin’!

– I am very interested in playing golf in college, but haven’t looked into the level that I will be playing at yet.

– My favorite memory was when I was playing at Nags Head Links and hit one of my drives that hooked left toward the sound, but was caught by the wind and just barely stayed in play on the edge of the rough.

– My grandparents first got me on the range when I was about 6 or 7. I was involved in a clinic at their club for about four years and had two years of private lessons. However, last year was the first time I had been on a school team.

– COVID-19 brought about some very unusual circumstances. I am a little upset that my last high

Thank you for making the 2020 Shorelines the most popular yearbook in FFHS history!

A limited number of books from past years remain available. These older editions are just $25!

Contact adviser Steve Hanf to see if we have a copy of a yearbook missing from your collection: 449-7000 or hanfst@daretolearn.org.

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by thoughts of what might have been school season of golf was cut short, but understand the gravity of the situation and agree that all precautions should be taken for good reason. I took advantage of the opportunity to practice and play as best as I could, but I can’t think of anything I would have done differently to change the course of the season.

Shane Nason, Baseball – My favorite part about baseball is being competitive and trying to play hard every game.

– For accomplishments, I think we would have gone far into the playoffs with hopes of states.

– My goals were to win two playoff games and have a fun last season.

– I miss everything, from driving to the field to eating before games to the bus rides – just an all-around love for the sport and everything around it.

– During the pandemic, I’ve just been hitting in my backyard or throwing with my dad.

– My favorite memory is winning conference against Currituck my sophomore year or hitting a home run at our field.

– I’ve been playing since I was 4 or 5 years old.

– Losing the season, it is sad to see all of the work and time put in for that Senior Night to be taken away.

– If I would have known that the season would end, I would have made sure every kid younger than me knew how important each game and practice is and to not take it for granted.

Chase Piotti, Men’s Lacrosse – My favorite part about lacrosse is how creative the game is and the different styles people play with.

– For accomplishments, honestly, this was the

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / sports

best talent we would have on a field and could have at least gone fourth round in state playoffs.

– My goals were to hit 100 career points and go as deep as possible in the playoffs.

– What I miss the most are the practices.

They were fun to grind with my brothers and get better every day.

– During the pandemic, I play every day because I have college to get prepared for.

– I’m going to Bridgewater College to play Division-III lacrosse and study Biology.

– My favorite memory is winning our first playoff game sophomore year.

– I’ve been playing lacrosse five years.

– Losing the season, I was devastated, but it’s made me want to get in the best shape possible for college.

– If I would have known that the season would end, I would cherish every moment on the field with all the guys.

Caroline Blaha, Women’s Lacrosse – My favorite part about lacrosse is getting to play a sport I love with my amazing teammates.

– For accomplishments, we definitely would have gotten a conference title and would have gone far in state if not won states. First Flight girls lacrosse was never ranked in the state and this year with two games we were 25.

– My goal was to win conference and make a

name for the First Flight girls team.

– What I miss the most is seeing my teammates every day and having my stick constantly in my hand.

– During the pandemic, I train by myself and sometimes with other teammates. We have started playing some pick-up games when we can.

– I signed to play D-I lacrosse at Radford.

– My favorite memories are the long bus rides home after a big win.

– I’ve been playing since I was 9.

– I am super upset about losing the season because we didn’t get a good enough chance to prove ourselves and show our talent, but I am so proud of what we did in the time we had.

– If I would have known that the season would end, I would have taken every moment in rather than rushing through or looking forward to the next game not realizing that it was our last.

Finley Langley, Softball – My favorite part about softball was being able to spend time with my teammates and growing close to them to become better.

– I think our team could have gone to the championships.

– My biggest goal this season was growing close with the team.

– What I miss the most is being able to see my teammates.

– After we couldn’t play, we would have coffee dates or lunch dates.

– My favorite memory from playing softball was always being close with everyone.

– I have been playing softball since I was 8.

– Losing the season was really sad because I was looking forward to my senior season with all of my friends.

– If I would have known that the season would end, I would have tried to do more things with my teammates.

Junior Cole Tomlin can be reached at 21TOMLINCO11@daretolearn.org.

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NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2020