LIVE Lee Magazine - Class of 2024 - Issue No. 24

PAGE 20 WRESTLING THROUGH INJURY

PHOTO BY SCOTT JONES

CONTRIBUTORS

Hannah Goldfinger

Noah Griffth

Audrey Kent

Tucker Massey

Elese McKinney

Kadie Vick

Stacey Wallace DESIGN / LAYOUT

Michelle Key MARKETING

Michelle Key PHOTOGRAPHY

Jerry Ballas

Scott Jones

Robert Noles

Steven Stiefel

Mike Wallace CONTACT US Key Media, LLC

223 S. 8th St., Opelika Phone: 334-749-8003

www.LiveLeeMagazine.com editor@opelikaobserver.com. LIVELee is a publication created by Key Media, LLC.

STAFF BIOS

Michelle Key, Publisher

Originally from Albertville, Alabama, Michelle Key and her family moved to the Opelika-Auburn area in 2011 after her husband’s retirement from the U.S. Navy. She is a graduate of Troy University, and she joined the Observer in 2014 as an office administrator before assuming ownership of the newspaper in January 2018.

Anita Stiefel, Key Media LLC Managing Editor

Anita Stiefel joined Key Media in 2023. A native of Fort Payne, she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Auburn University and completed doctoral studies at the University of Southern Mississippi. She has decades of experience working as a journalist and college educator.

Robert Noles, Photographer

Robert Noles is an award-winning photojournalist who has been with The Observer for more than 10 years. Originally from Tallassee, he is a graduate of Alabama Christian College and Auburn University.

*Disclaimer: The

We are so proud of Sara John’s graduation from the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science in Mobile, Alabama. She is a top-performing student who excels in STEM courses but has also demonstrated a serious interest in serving others and developing her leadership skills. She has made a positive difference at ASMS and has been a model student in and out of the classroom.

During her junior and sophomore years, she earned three of the most prestigious ASMS awards given to students: Outstanding Junior in STEM, Outstanding Student in Mathematics, and Outstanding Sophomore in Arts and Humanities. She is also a National Merit Finalist.

Sara has been an incredibly hard-working student at ASMS with a perfect grade-point average, and she also sought extra-curricular academic experiences to prepare her for college and beyond. For example, she placed first in the Material Science Category at the Mobile Regional Science Fair and reached the State Science Olympiad for four years in a row. Moreover, she has worked in research labs at Auburn University and the University of South

Shooting for the Stars

Alabama where she studied the effects of aluminum shielding in wireless power transfer systems. She has a natural talent for conducting scientific research.

Sara is also an excellent person with upstanding ethical and moral values. She participated in the ASMS Jo Bonner Leadership Academy and learned leadership skills that she practiced on campus and out in the community. For example, as student class president, she helped plan class field trips to visit colleges and a senior trip to Orlando. She also helped found the ASMS Diversity Club, the largest student-run organization on campus. During these activities, she has proven time and time again that she can work well with others, attend to details, and manage a budget.

Sara is exceptional and has the mental fortitude, self-discipline, and advanced intellectual skills needed to succeed at high levels in college and beyond. We look forward to keeping up with her very bright future as an ASMS alumna!

Respectfully,

John Hoyle, Ph.D. President

Story By Audrey Kent | Contributed Photo

Sara John graduated from the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science Class of 2024.

Sara was born in South India and immigrated to the United States when she was three years old. She has lived in Alabama for most of her life, primarily in Auburn.

According to Sara, she has always loved math and science, but her career interests in engineering stemmed from attending space camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville.

“I had always been an adventurous kid,” Sara said. “When I went to space camp in sixth grade, I knew the ultimate adventure would be outer space. So, ever since then, I've been very interested in pursuing a career that would allow me to contribute to the space exploration field.”

In August 2021, Sara entered 10th grade and decided to attend the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science, a residential boarding school for high school students.

It was a new experience for Sara, who said she attended an online school before moving to the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science.

“The school is kind of like a second home,” Sara said. “The people here are like my family. I haven’t been missing out on feeling at home; I’ve just moved to a new kind of home setting. My parents call me, so I don’t feel homesick. I would say when I came here, I struggled the most with the social atmosphere because of isolation from COVID, and I was in an online school before. Then, suddenly, I was thrown into a place where I'd be living amongst my friends. So, it was challenging to get a footstep in the social atmosphere here, but once I did, it was really rewarding. I've made so many memories and have learned so much about people thanks to the opportunities to interact with them on a deeper level.”

According to Sara, not only has she thrived in growing her education, but she has also become more confident in herself and her abilities.

“I've been able to grow as a person and find purpose in the things I do,” Sara said. “I’m involved in leadership, which was something I never expected to do. I run a lot of events that people get to look forward to. I really came out of my comfort zone and was able to learn a lot about what I can accomplish. I know myself so much more clearly.”

Sara said she plans to study aerospace engineering or mechanical engineering when she begins her college career.

According to Sara, she has been accepted into Auburn University’s Honors College and has received the university’s Presidential Scholarship. She has also been accepted into the Georgia Institute of Technology. She said she has not yet decided which university she will attend but recognizes the benefits each has to offer.

“Auburn would be very location-friendly,” Sara said. “I've been offered their Presidential Scholarship, which offers free tuition, so that is a great deal. They also have a great engineering program. I've also been admitted into Georgia Tech, which is also great because I want to do aerospace engineering, and Georgia Tech has the second-best aerospace engineering program in the nation. So, it would be great if I went there because they have a really great program in the things that I want to do. Either way, I’m excited to start college and see what the future has to offer.”

‘Let’s have a party’

Birthday bash sparked AHS student’s fight for a cure

Story By Noah Griffith | Contributed Photo

Auburn High senior Caroline Smith likes to be the star of the show, so it was no surprise when she requested to have a big sweet 16 bash. Little did she know, that party would be just the start of the community rallying around her.

The Smith family had their fingers crossed hoping to raise $20,000 when they booked a band, brought out the food trucks and rallied sponsorships. It was the best way the Smiths knew to punch back after Caroline, their oldest of two daughters, was diagnosed with a debilitating, neuromuscular disease called Friedreichs Ataxia (FA) in March of 2018.

That punch turned out to be a knockout blow from an army that began to form in Auburn against a disease that has progressively taken many of Caroline’s abilities over the years. They knew they had to throw another party after they raised $100,000 that night to benefit the Friedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance — a nonprofit that helps fund FA research and spread awareness for the rare disease.

“I think it’s just our way of trying to fight FA; it’s something we can do that makes an impact,” said Lauryn Smith, Caroline’s mom. “We feel very, very fortunate that we’ve been supported in the way we have. It’s just blown our minds. Every time we’re like, ‘There’s no way we’ll raise as much as we did last year.’ And then we do.”

FA is a rare inherited disease that causes progressive damage to your nervous system and movement problems, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders. It’s an autosomal recessive disorder that affects nearly 1 in 50,000 people in the United States. Patients typically live a shortened lifespan, though symptom and disease progression timelines vary.

The condition has progressively robbed Caroline of her balance, and in eighth grade, she became unsteady to the point where she began using a wheelchair to prevent her from falling. As well as causing balance and gait issues, FA swipes patients’ fine motor skills and coordination — starting with the lower body.

With FA being a rare disease, Caroline endured a lengthy, confusing journey to diagnosis. The doctors found out she had scoliosis when she was 5 years old, and she had to have spinal surgery at 8. Her physical abilities also left Caroline and her family puzzled. She never mastered riding a bike, and she never landed a flip on the trampoline quite like her younger sister.

“We had a phase where we were hanging out on the trampoline all the time, and Molly (Caroline’s sister) did tumbling so she could do like back handsprings and flips and stuff. I just did a half flip where I was laying on my back,” Caroline recalled, holding back a laugh. “It was really not good, but that’s what I would do. She’d be doing like a triple back handspring in the yard, and I was doing the saddest flip on the trampoline.”

The trouble continued in 2013, when they found out she had cardiomyopathy. Still, it wasn’t until age 12 that, after nearly a year of being “dragged” to doctors’ appointments, a neurologist in Atlanta did genetic testing and found that FA was the root of all her problems.

The diagnosis was heartbreaking. The list of symptoms and the thought of dealing with a life-shortening disease was overwhelming. Literally and figuratively, it knocked them down, but they didn’t stay down for long.

FARA gave Caroline and her family hope to get up and fight.

“I went to a FARA symposium right after Caroline was

diagnosed, and it was the first time I ever heard of FARA or anything like them,” Lauryn said. “(FARA CEO) Jen Farmer stood up and said, ‘I cannot wait until I don’t have a job.’

Because if there’s no FA, there’s no need for research because we’d have a cure.

“At that moment, I thought, ‘Okay, this is a fight I want to join. This is something I want to be a part of.’”

Caroline has had to adjust to a “new normal” as her FA has progressed. Along with her mobility changes, frequent doctor’s appointment and her battle with fatigue caused her attendance to suffer over the years.

Throughout high school, an individualized education plan has allowed her to do most of her work virtually and help manage her workload. Despite the accommodation and willing help from Caroline’s teachers and friends to keep her updated on schoolwork, Caroline’s disease has kept her from participating in many of the extra-curricular activities that her peers do.

Over the last several years, her main extra-curricular activity has been participating in clinical studies for FA research as well as using her event planning skills to put on FARA fundraisers to help push towards a cure.

“[The fundraisers] make people feel like they get to help,” Caroline said. “Like they can be a part of it.”

Their fundraising journey started in February 2020 with a run called “100 miles for Caroline,” but the AHS community really started to get involved when they held a fundraiser through the school’s volleyball team, which Caroline’s sister played on, called “Attack Ataxia” in 2020 and 2021.

They raised $5,000 dollars through the run and $6,200 through the first “Attack Ataxia.” Before the second event with the volleyball team, Caroline asked about having a party for her “sweet 16.” Knowing the power of fundraising from their first two events, Caroline’s mom saw a golden opportunity to use the party to benefit FARA.

After raising five times their goal and blowing their other fundraising efforts out of the water at her 16th birthday, the Smiths held events for Caroline’s birthday the next two years. They raised more money and gathered more people each time.

“We’ve just been amazed by the community and how they’ve supported us,” Lauryn said. “Everybody just loves Caroline.”

Caroline fluttered her eyelashes.

“How could they not?” she joked.

And the community favorite is sticking around. Caroline graduated from Auburn High this year on May 23 and is moving on to Auburn University, but Auburn High students joined her fight for a cure one last time before graduation at the end of January.

Starting in 2022, Auburn High has held a Sadie’s dance promoting a different cause each year. After the dance in 2023, one of Caroline’s friends suggested having FARA be the cause of the next year’s dance. Others agreed and joined in, and the rest is history.

Caroline enjoyed the night being the bookkeeper and getting to see everyone’s outfits and their dates as she checked more than 400 people off the guest list. When she was called to the dance floor later that night, she and her friends posed by a $31,400 check — almost double the total proceeds raised from the previous dance.

All the money they raised from those seven events went directly to FARA, who help fund clinical trials and research necessary to find treatments and cures for the disease that had no remedy when Caroline was diagnosed six years ago.

Last year, that changed.

Through the efforts of FARA and the results of their studies, FA got its first FDA-approved treatment on Feb. 28, 2023 — last year’s Rare Disease Day. The approved drug, now known as Skyclarys, is intended to slow the progression of FA, potentially allowing FA patients to fight for their physical abilities longer and giving them further hope that a cure is coming.

The approval of Skyclarys is a huge step forward, but it will only push the Smiths to fight harder now that the first step toward a cure is complete.

“I’m glad there’s an approved treatment, but I don’t think that’s the answer. We have to keep fighting until there’s a

cure,” Lauryn said. “I don’t think we’re satisfied with just, ‘Well, this might help slow progression.’”

Caroline has adjusted to a new normal, but she dreams of what her normal could be like without FA.

She imagines cartwheeling down to the Volkswagen dealership and driving away with a shiny, yellow Volkswagen bug that her mom promised would be her gift if a cure to FA is found. That’s a normal she’s never had, and it’s what keeps them pushing until the fight against FA is complete.

“I think a cure would mean hope for a normal life, not that she can’t have a normal life, but a different normal — a new normal,” Caroline’s mom said. “There would be hope for things not being as hard as they have to be. There would be hope for seeing her get to do the things that she has to miss out on.”

Auburn High

Aaron, Thomas Clayton

Abernathy, Kendall Reece

Abrams, William Jackson

Abu-Qaoud, Haya

Adams, Harper Elizabeth

Adams, Scarlet Jay

Adcock, Olivia Drew

Ahmed, M Sayeem

Ahn, Dawon

Akpang, Daniel Omini

Ala, Isabella Elise

Alexander, Jamaris Keyvon

Allday, Ashlee Tyler

Allen, Conner Matthew

Allen, Henry Cooper

Allen, Madison Jewel

Allen, Xavier Maculm

Amerson, Timia Zaccheria

Ammons, Mykel Joshua

Anderson, Cooper McCall

Armbruster, Brian Caelan

Ashbaugh, Noah Wesley

Ashmore, Braxton Peyton

Astin, Monique Veronica

Augsburger, Avery Marie

Autrey, Thomas Joseph

Azad, Shekh Aniqa Raisha

Bailey, Samuel Aiden

Baker, Alexzia

Baker, Jaliyha Adrianna

Barnes, Ty Davis

Baxter, Nayana Emmalee

BeAir, Harlee Elizabeth

Beason, Leah Elizabeth

Beavers, Paris Nicole

Becker, Addison Lavelle

Belcher, Carolyn Wren

Benavidez, Rodriguez Maria Belen

Benitez, Lauryn Virginia

Bennett, Wesley Kyle

Bennett, Wilson Mitchell

Bennett-Pitts, Kentavious Lamond

Bentley, Justin Jacori

Bernstein, Miles Jeffrey

Biaz, Yasmine Emily

Bilbao, Juan Esteban

Billings, Journey Nicole Danielle

Birdsong, Jada Akilah

Blackmon, Killean Lee

Blakely, Gabriel Maurice

Bledsoe, Marret Alise

Bolin, Maygen Marie

Bonner, Walker Riley

Borum, Tianna Mone

Bowerman, Elisa Lynn

Bowman, Ahjinae Reniyah

Bowman, Jaydon James

Bradford, Emily Hayden

Bragg, Tre'on Cortez

Brandon, David Matthew

Brasher, Tommy Wade

Breland, Jillian Laine

Britnell, Allie Graf

Broome, Mallory Elizabeth

Broughton, Jade Kei'izjha

Brown, James Stillman

Brown, Omari Demere

Bubb, Katherina Rosemarie

Buchannon, Lailah Kalise

Buck, Mary Margaret

Buckner, James Randy III

Bufford, Alayah Marshaye

Bullard, Elizabeth Vaughn

Burch, Andrew David

Burdette, Mary-Carol Smith

Burgess, Elizabeth Grace

Burke, Shaniyah Necole

Burrs, Ta'Laysia Serenity

Burt, Ana Cordelia

Burt, Elizabeth Rose

Burton, Keyonce' Aniyia

Butler, Jariyah Gabrielle

Caballero, Jackson Ramon

Caldwell, Ryan Connor

Calleja, Hannah

Calloway, Jaylen Nicholas

Campbell, Caden Stone

Campbell, Luke Thomas

Cannon, Madison Grace

Carpenter Elijah Brantley

Carranza, Perez Derick Aron

Carter, Keshun Latrell

Carter, London G.

Carter, Nadia Aundrianna

Casey Caroline Margaret

Casson, Andrew T.

Caswell, Roderick

Chahine, Maria Caterina

Chandler, Logan Ambrose

Chavez, Amelia Elise

Cherry, Sloane Emilyn

Chidume, Michael Ifeanyichukwu

Choi,Soohyuk

Choi,Yejin

Choi,Yerin

Choo, Jisung Ryan

Clague, Layla Cecelia

Clark, Kathleen

Clark, Trenton Isaiah

Clarkson, Erin Margaret

Clegg, Brantley Catherine

Clein, Daniel Alexander

Clemmons, Kaitlyn Savannah

Cleondis, Anna Marie

Coburn, Kaelyn Grace

Collins, Daylen Henry

Connell, Kathryn Elizabeth

Conway, Camp William Dean

Copeland, Nathan Andrew

Coppenger, Alethia Dunn

Cortes, Nicholas Riley

Coshatt, Lindsey Michelle

Counterman, Lila Grace

Counts, Haley Anne

Cowan, Bryson Daniel

Cowan, Kaliah Sade

Cox, Emma Kathryn

Cox, Kemaria

Crawford, Caleb Jordan

Crim, Sidney Catherine

Crowe, Abigail Kathryn

Crowe, Kirsten McKenzie

Culp, Sarah Elizabeth

Curry, Jamarian Elijah

Curry, Peyton Kimberly

Curry, Preston, Manuel

Curtiss, Jackson Porter

Dafalla, Ghada Amged

Dailey, Evan Thomas

Daniel, Michael Thompson

Daniels, Kendall Allen

Daniels, Syriah Laki'

Darby-Scott, Tristan Randall

Sterling

Dattilo, Averi Lee

David, Noah Harrison

Davis, Jailyn Sema'j

DeBardeleben, Piper Noel

DeBord, Emily Gene

Decoteau, Julia Jean

Dewaart, Conner Patrick

Dickinson, Lennah Olivia

DiJulio, Sophia Jane

Dinkins, Jasmine Monaye

Dodgen, Katelyn Paige

Domingo-Garcia, Leonardo

Donaldson, Michael Avant

Doss, Kaiden Latrell

Dowdle, Emily Adams

Auburn High

Dowdle, Madelyn Brooks

Downs, Janiah Rayne

Duck, Matthew Lamar

Duff, Addison Makenzie

Echols, Jaden Matthew

Edwards, DeMyah Fanchon

ShaRose

Ejantkar, Shreya Nagaraj

Elliott, Sophia Jane

Emmanuel, Luke

Erath, Benjamin William

Erwin, Jacob Douglas

Esprit, Strydre

Etheredge, Peyton Rex

Evans, Richard Situma

Evermon, Natalie Jane

Ezelle, Mason Alexander

Fagin, Journieh Leyanna

Fain, Cooper Robert

Farr, Mackenzie Rose

Farrow, Gabriel Clement

Felipe, Ordonez Ulmer

Fellows, Solomon Daniel

Ferguson, Holland Briar

Ficken, Lilia Isabelle

Fields, Khalil Thaddeus

Finegan, Patrick Michael

Flakes, Tyler Asanti

Flamm, Avery Camille

Flanagan, Colin Murphy

Fletcher, Trevien Xavier

Floyd, Yazmine Latonya

Ford, Lucas Daniel

Forster, Jeffrey Alexander

Forthofer, Sarah Ashley

Foster, Hope Elizabeth

Foster, Jalen Rodney

Fox, Braden Matthew

Frank, Alexander

Franklin , Jordan Anthony

Fuchs, Keira Grace

Fulgham, Isabella Burnett

Gabriel, Gabriel Annadiela

Galbraith, Anna Beverly

Gamston, Aiden Christopher

Garcia, Leila Isabella

Gardner, Chloe Addison

Gardner, Layla Elizabeth

Gardner, Preston Michael

Garner, Cale Andrew

Garner, David Graves

Garner, Mary Drue

Garrett, Dimir Jayon

Garris, Knowlton James

Gautney, Taylor Race

Gibbs, Daryl Bernard

Gibby, Tatum Whitney

Gilbertson, Mallory Ridella

Giles, Morgan Kaylee

Givens, Miles Alexander

Glennon, Nicholas Steven

Glisson, Annabelle Grace

Glover, Cody Alan

Goans, Hannah Lea

Godbold, Benjamin Lewis

Gonia, Adam David

Gonzalo, Giovanni Carrillo

Graddy, Karlyn Rebecca

Graham, Riley Elizabeth

Greathouse, Ahmias Labron

Green, Adrian Remone

Green, Tomonika An'toya

Greene, Emma Moring

Greeson, Bennett Roth

Griffin, Jayden Deshawn

Griffin, Julie Anne

Griffin, Kaelyn Aryana

Griffin, Kody Armon

Griffin, Torri Lyndsey

Grill, Elijah Gabriel

Grimes, Janaula A'lasia

Gross, Chloe Moana

Guifarro , Dominik Omar

Gullatte, LaMarcus Isaiah

Guthrie, Campbell Kelly

Ha, Alena

Hackett, Robert Thomas Samson

Hahn, Andrew Charles

Hairston, Campbell Reese

Hall, Charlesha Maria

Hall, Cooper Rylan

Hall, Rebecca Jane

Hallman, Justice Andrew

Hamilton, Aidan Clayton

Hamilton, Alex Clayton

Hamiter, Taylor Jo

Hammock, Jimmy Wayne

Hancock, William Allen

Hansen, Ayden Parker

Haralson, Hope Ann

Hardin, Lawson Silas

Hardy, Leah Hamilton

Hardy, William Miles

Harris, JaKyra Monet

Harris, Mallory-Jane Autumn

Hartin, Ashlyn Jean

Havron, Anna Kate

Hayslip, Samuel Traylor

Hearn, Karsten Emmanuel

Hearns, Cerria Ladiamond

Hefelfinger, Anne Riley

Hefelfinger, Virginia Currin

Helton, Hollie Grace

Heptinstall, Madison Grace

Hernandez, Harienishka Aurora

Herring, Catherine Campbell

Herrit, Waverly Schiller

Herrmann, Theodore Michael

Hickman, Alexander Ray

Hickman, Isabelle Sandra

Hickman, Tanner Harrison

Hill, Caroline Grace

Hill, John Tucker

Hill, Omaya Santorie

Hill, Riley Thomas

Hill, Wade Jackson

Hinson, Tanner Clayton

Holland, Miles Edward

Holloway, Andrew Charles

Holmes, Lily Kathryn

Hong, Nathan

Hornsby, Emerson Ray

Horschel, Jacqueline Elaine

Horton, Preach James-Mitchell

Huffman, Hydi Tia

Hunter, Noah Dean

Hwang, Huijae

Hwang, Sunhye

Ibanez, Benjamin Omar

Imhoff, Hezekiah James

Ingram, Gary Dylan

Irgens, Russell Thayer

Jackson, Brenton B L

Jackson, Davis Austin

Jackson, Nivea B'sae

Jackson, Quinese Kamayai

Jackson, Sir'Vaughn Delance

James, Taylor Faith

Jarquin-Mendez, Andrea Gissele

Jeck, Jonah Anthony

Jeffers, Megan Jo

Jenkins, Jamiya Marsae

Jenkins, Markeria Jah'Nae

Jennings, Tanner Allen

Jeong, Minseo

Jiménez-Peñaloza, MartinaAntonia

Johnson, Kameron Kai' Maya

Johnson, Khearston Malik

Johnson, Miles Elliot

Auburn High

Johnston, Julia Frances

Jones, Chasemon Maleki

Jones, Connor Brandt

Jones, Elizabeth Nicole

Jones, Maddison Kyah

Jones, Maddox Kenyon

Jones, Riley Anne

Jones, Tiffani Lacole

Jordan, Addison Angel

Jordan, Caroline Marie

Jordan, Nia Ashleigh

Jowers, Elijah Barrett

Ju, Jeongeun

Juarez, Ximena

Jung, Caleb Juyoung

Kadletz, Alexa Eve

Kamar, Nour Ayman

Kang, Eugene

Kang, Jiwon

Kang, Minseo

Karabasz, Michael Whit

Kariuki, Dylan Fred

Karras, Mariah Elise

Keahey, Ava Morgan

Keahey, Connor Aidan

Keahey, Ethan Patrick

Kennedy, Kevin Francis

Kenvongsa, Davien Kaleb

Khan, Maryum Mohammad

Kim, Eunjung

Kim, Matthew Alexander

Kim, Min Seo

Kim, Minjeong

Kim, Sejin

Kim, Sinhyun

Kim, Sunghyun

Kim, Taeheon

Kinder, Brayden Jon Robert

King, Alexis Shekinah

King, Nathaniel Robert

Kintz-Roberts, Austin Cai

Kirk, Toni Kassidy

Kirkland, Kathryn Taylor

Kloeti, Robert Palfrey

Knox, A'Breal Marie

Kolwaite, Joshua Alan

Korac, Samantha Grace

Lamb, Catherine Elizabeth

Lambert, Damon

Langston, Noah Banks

Lanier, Ryan O'Connor

Lassiter, Adalyn Ann

Latham, Sydney Lee

Latorre, Sofia Christina

Le, Kalyn My

Leak, Baylor Michael

Leathem, Addison Marie

Lee, Daeun

Lee, DongKeun

Lee, Haejeong

Lee, Hajin

Lee, Hanseo

Lee, Jiyeon

Lee, Jua

Lee, Jungjae

Lee, Lillian Elizabeth

Lee, Lily Y

Lee, Nacia Tyae

Lee, Woobin

Lehr, Ashlyn Rose

Lehr, Emily Catherine

Lepczyk, Olivia Annen

Lethander, Leah Margaret

Lewis, Brigitte Elizabeth

Lewis, Ella Grace

Ley, Ansley Kathryn

Lim, Christina Ye-Bin

Lin, Martin

Liu, Jada Hailey

Lloyd, Gwilym Braxton

Lockhart, Heavyn Aneisha

Lockhart, Janya Kambria

Lockhart, Madison Erinee'

Loden, Nathaniel McKay

Loughridge, Gibson Dorsey

Lowery, Megan Patricia

Mackiewicz, Mateus Nathaly

Nicole

Macon, Leigh Danielle

Maddox, Jayla Nicole

Maddox-Jordan, Akirah E'miya

Majdalani, Laura Maria

Majumdar, Aditya Vallen

Maldonado, Daniel Alexander

Mangum, Jackson Thomas Samuel

Marchetti, Abigail

Marino, Robert Andrew

Martin, Dashawn Keegan

Martinez, Jordy Guerrero

Masahudu, Anwar Sadat Suhiyini

Mayberry, Reid Nickolas

McAllister, Chase Hadley

McCall, TaMicah Demond Nykel

McCoy, Hannah Lee

McCoy, Markenseeya Ah'layjah

McCurdy, Londyn SaMia

McDonald, Blakeley Reese

McDonald, Noah Johnathan

McElroy, William Scott

McGough, Towns Neal

McGowan, Eva Virginia

McKinnell, Tyler James

McLean, Griffin Alan

McNulty, Benjamin Tate

Mejia, Josue

Merritt, Elliott Joseph

Mesman, Maxwell Gerard

Mezick, Coleman Fuller

Miller, Samuel Charles

Mills, Jackson Ray

Milne, Camden Cass

Mitchell, Christani Tyianna

Mitchell, Emmanuel Elijah

Mitchell, Jermaine

Mitchell, Kinzlie Brianna

Mitchell, Samuel Whitson

Moon, Taeyeong

Moore, Ava Marie

Moore, Emalee Beth

Moore, Kamryn Kesean

Moore, Olivia Nicole

Morales, Jose Yair

Morse, Forrest Grant

Moseley, Caroline Clinton

Moss, Mykila Ty'Asia

Mullin, Annabelle Leigh

Mullin, Ashlynn Elizabeth

Nagy, Olivia Tomasina

Nappier, Mally Rebecca

Nation, Ean Tyler

Naughton, Olivia Jane

Neighbors, Caden Franklin

Nelms, Quindravious Marquez

Newsom, Dakota Chase

Nguyen, David Le

Nguyen, Dylan Van

Ni, Si Qing

Nichols, Ben Anthony

Norris, Mike Alexander

Norton, Ciana Jane-Helen

O'Bryant, Emma Rachel

O'Donnell, Winton Brady

O'Keefe, Sean Ellis

Odle, Abigail Elizabeth

Oliver, Kyla Mechele

Olsen, Mackenzie Elizabeth

Ondy, Lily Michele

Auburn High

Orantes, Serena Isabella

Ortiz Barrios, Trehisy Gabriela

Outlaw, Brayden Evans

Outlaw, Landon Bentley

Paleologos, Kyle Davis

Palmer, Cody Morgan

Parham, Makentis Kyon

Parish, Olivia Louise

Park, Gajun

Park, Jeong Woo

Park, Jinhyo

Park, Kyeongseo

Parker, Hattie Adeline

Parker, Jacob Wilson

Parker, Lelia Elnora

Patel, Ohm Asutosh

Patrick, JaMyra Alexandria

Pattillo, Austin Matthew

Paul, Marisa Kyesuk

Payne, Decarius Jaquan

Payne, Seth

Pearson, Bradley Andrew

Peaster, Q'Aontre

Pedersen, Dracen James

Perry, Samantha Michelle

Pesce, Analie Jordan

Peterson , Andrew Cole

Phillips, Gabrielle Terell

Piner, Catrell J

Pinkard, Daphne Leigh

Pippin, Caleb Michael

Pitts, Angela Shantel

Porter, Steven Marshall

Powell, Jacob Thomas

Powell, Makysha Shardi

Prajapati, Om Kumar

Devendrakumar

Pratt, Brooke Elizabeth

Preus, Alexander David

Price, Chloe Elizabeth

Price, Nathan Adam

Price, Terra Alexandra

Pritchett, Trinitee Jordan

Quansah, Joseph Emmanuel

Rabinowitz, Jacob Simon

Ragan, Myla Paige

Rahman, Suba Hazera

Ramroop, Devon

Raughton, Langley Michael

Ray, Ca'Niya Dakayla

Ray, Jakayla Kierra

Reaves, Grace Christine

Reaves, Kane Gage

Reed, Harper Clements

Reeder, Savannah Lynn

Reese, Markeeya De'Shaun

Reitz, Samantha Margaret

Richardson, Belinda Grace

Riddle, Bailee Ann

Roberts, Anderson Lloyd

Roberts, Emma Grace

Roberts, Marissa Jordyn

Robertson, Luke Livesey

Rocha Trana, Adriana

Rodning, Elizabeth Carol

Rogers, Mia Brooke

Roman, Jasmin

Romero, Parra Shalom Paola

Ross, Azariah Monaee

Ross, Lauren Elizabeth

Rowe, Sarah Elizabeth

Rowell, Makel Jajuan

Sack, Connor Quinlan

Saffold, Paige Ansley

Sanders, Madeline Kate

Sanderson, Blake Everett

Sanderson, Sarah Kate

Santos, Christian

Sapp, Jaslynne Marie

Scarborough, Brantley Reed

Scholl, Tate Rolly

Schultz, Jacob Preston

Scifres, Avery Jo

Scott, Emmi Kate

Scott, Jeremiah James

Scott, William Aaron

Scroggins, Devin Columbus

Seele, Emily Brooke

Segrest, Thomas Kirkland

Seidman, Jackson Noah

Sellers, William Yancey

Seo, Heewon

Serrano, Erika Paulina

Sewell, Ronin Lewis

Sexton, Samuel Wade

Shin, Joel Joonghyun

Shirah, Mercer Louise

Shirley, Anna, Elizabeth

Shockley, Katelyn Elizabeth

Sides, Morgan Elizabeth

Sinclair, Ryne Donnelly

Slocumb, Wilson Maddox

Smith, Allison Kadence

Smith, Amani

Smith, Caleb Joshua

Smith, Caroline McCall

Smith, Davis Abraham

Smith, Jordan Shamiar

Smith, KaBryel Jaivon

Smith, Kalera Sari

Smith, Lesile Danielle

Smith, Mason Seth

Smith, Parker Thomas

Smith, Samuel King

Smith, Skylar Danielle

Smith, Sophia Clare

Smoot, Carter Andrew

Snow, Claudia Elizabeth

Song, Catherine

Song, Mingi

Spann, Zy'Quirious Trevon

Stackhouse, Ella Lilianna

Stanley, Sawyer Wyatt

Steury, McKenzie Elisabeth

Stewart, Benjamin James

Stewart, Dalton James

Stewart, Stella Anne

Stokes, Grayson Dudley

Stoll, Emily Louise

Storey, Frances Caroline

Story, Kenyah LeShunn

Strickland, A'Myah Nikeriya

Strickland, Addison Cain

Struble, James Edward

Suh, Jaewon

Suh, YeWon

Suther, Brandon David

Sweeney, Michael Patrick

Taber, Alexander Lyle

Talavera Siles, Francela Yaret

Tarpley, Rebecca Lee

Tarver, Delvin Le'andarrian

Taylor, Camille Josephine

Taylor, McKinley Grace

Teel, Tristan Whitfield

Temesgen, Misha Aoi

Thomas, Charlotte Suzanne

Thompson, James Michael

Thornton, Jackson Paul

Thurow, Elizabeth Lee

Tillman, Emily Noel

Tisdale, Marlee Anne

Toland, Faith Karina

Toland, Jordyn Elizabeth

Tolbert, Laterriean Jahmal

Auburn High

Tompkins, Evan Gabriel

Towery, Layton Matthew

Trammell, Anne Gaston

Traylor, Kiona Lachace

Traylor, Sage Victoria

Treadwell, Stephen Aidan Allen

Trejo Perez, Dulce

Trentacosti, Isabella Rose

Trexler, Wyatt Russell

Troy, Daniel Hokeun

VanDenBerg, Grayson James

Vanleeuwaarde, Nathalie Robine

Vann, Kenyan Deshaun

Vinson, Timyra Alliyana

Vondenberger, Braiden Daniel

Wagner, Danny Wayne

Wagner, Jay Morris

Walden, Gabrielle Hannah

Waldrop, Tanner Moore

Walker, Melanie Catherine

Walker, Olivia Marie

Wallace, Lauren Lee

Ward, Carson Ryan

Ware, Da'Lonte Zacchaeus

Warren, Ajaden Mekhi

Warren, Jack McGriff

Washington, Cariona Aeriel

Washington, Marquis Darius

Watford, Elizabeth Alinda

Waugh, Justice Cruse

Webb, Tremarcus

Wells, Jackson Miles

Weng, Daniel

Whaley, Kace Wyatt

Whatley, Duncan Stites

Wheat, Katlin Rae

White, Akeem Jamaal II

White, Ashton Gerard

Wilcox, Samuel Truan

Wilder, Kathryn Brooke

Williams, Baylor Wales

Williams, Hudson Loyd

Williams, Samuel Jace

Williams, Walton Banks

Willis, Tequila LaSha

Willmon, Suzana Kathleen

Wilson, Zariah Nicole

Wingo, Rylan Jess

Wise, Dylan Jane

Witcher, Amory Dwight

Witten, Katherine Taylor

Wood, Addison Laine

Wood, Greyson Edgerton

Wood, Jonah Wren

Woodham, Rebecca Grace

Woodrow, Alexandra Blair

Woodrow, Philip Travis

Woody, Akijah Tykeria

Wright, Audrey Annabelle

Wright, Jackson Henry

Wright, Kenterious Quantez

Wright, Morgan Ashley

Wright, Ramari Georhon

Wu, Joy Jiao

Wurtz, Jacob Mitchell

Wyatt, Priscilla

Wynne, Truitt Elysian

Yoon, Daniel Karam

Yoon, Songi

Youn, Hanbi

Young, Audrey Janice

Young, Luke Randall

Young, Tyler Jackson

Yousify, Abdulateef Khalid

Yousify, Shaylee Khalid

Zekeri, Destiny Onoja

Zevallos, Cochas Angelina Gabriela

Zhang, Zhuoning

Ziyadi, Reema Ayman

Zuniga, Lucy Giannine

Zybczynski, Ava Elizabeth

Students who attend SU blaze new trails every day. As a part of the bison herd, you have the small campus community to root you on as you choose your own path. Come check out our SU family and let us help you

Wrestling Through Injury

Story By Tucker Massey | Contributed Photos

Just two days into wrestling practice at Beauregard High School, senior Lexi Edwards — who has wrestled for over a decade — fractured a bone in her left foot and strained several ligaments and tendons during warmups.

After walking on crutches for a time, Edwards returned to the mat in January 2024 just before the state meet. She competed at the state meet and carried on through the remainder of the season all while the fracture remained unhealed.

Edwards said that throughout the season, the injury still gave her a lot of trouble, and upon returning to the doctor, she was told surgery was the only option if she wanted to continue her wrestling career in college.

“I was upset [about the injury] because it was my last year here,” Edwards said. “I was kind of hurt. It wasn’t something I expected to happen this season. I just kind of expected to wrestle as much as I could [with] no problems in the way, and for this to happen at the start of the season, it just tore me down.”

Wade Thorn, BHS’s wrestling coach and athletic director, said he watched Edwards wrestle from the beginning when he started both BHS’s wrestling program and a youth program. Thorn noted the toll it took on him after watching her be so successful over the years.

“I was really excited to see what she was going to do,” Thorn said. “This freak accident [happened]. She was just doing a stand-up from a referee’s position into a drill sprint, and it’s not something you expect. You never want to see a kid get hurt but especially not seniors.”

While this injury was a setback for Edwards and the wrestling team, it was not career-ending. In fact, Edwards fought through the end with the pain of this injury and will attend Huntingdon College in the fall to continue her wrestling career.

“It was definitely hard [to finish out the season]. I was in pain a lot of the time, but I knew this is what I wanted. I had set a goal for myself that when I came back and they released me to come back that I was going to give it everything I could,” Edwards said. “I was going to literally leave it all out there on the mat.”

Edward was proud to have completed the season and knew that she met the goals she had set for herself upon being injured. She wanted to make it to state — what she said was her last chance to give it her all for BHS — and

her through the team and coaches and looked forward to what lies ahead for her career at Huntingdon.

“I am just grateful to have been able to wrestle this season and be able to go on four more years, and I’m grateful for the coaches and the team that pushed me to be able to even have

a chance to wrestle in general,” Edwards said. “From where I started in youth club wrestling to starting out seventh grade at the high school varsity level wrestling boys and all the way to my girls’ season my senior year, I’m just grateful that any of that happened.”

Class Photo By John Hillsman

Dear B.H.S. Class of 2024,

Congratulations! You are nearing the end of your high school days and will soon walk across the stage to receive a Beauregard High School diploma. Your graduation is special, and our community will gather to honor your accomplishments. Part of the celebration of graduation comes from recognizing how much you have accomplished, and the promise of what you can contribute to our society. When you entered Beauregard High School in the fall of 2020, I know that you were anxious and excited. I have witnessed your growth from your first day as freshmen to seniors awaiting graduation. We can all fondly look back and remember - the district's highest test scores, athletic successes and playoff appearances, national rankings, district honor bands, career fairs, top-ranked scholar-athletes, and even the setting of new state records. Thank you for all of your hard work, dedication, effort, and overall great attitudes.

It is one of the great privileges in education to be principal of this great school. We have an outstanding school of which to be proud, and the educational opportunities from "this little country school" will take you wherever you want to go. I challenge each of you to strive to do the common things in life in an uncommon way. As we approach our last few weeks together, it has been a blessing to have been a part of your educational journey. You have left your mark on Beauregard High School and upon my heart. I wish each of you the very best, and I look forward to following your accomplishments. Go Hornets!

Sincerely,

Richard L. Brown, Principal

The Versa T ile s enior

Story By Elese McKinley | Contributed Photos

As we say farewell to another successful academic year, the collective focus shifts to the seniors as they prepare to embark on a new chapter in their journey.

Among them is Matthew Martin, a standout Beauregard High School student who has distinguished himself through academic achievements and extracurricular excellence.

Balancing band, choir and theatre, Martin showcases versatility, demonstrating excellent time management skills and a strong commitment to the community.

When reflecting over his time spent in band, Martin reminisced, “Band increased my ability to work under pressure. It allowed me to make more connections and

friends. It ended up being a social job, encouraging me to be more social with my peers.”

Martin encourages other students to exercise their talents and interests. While reflecting on a challenging period when he contemplated quitting the band, Martin recalls the supportive advice of his band director, John Hillsman. He said Hillsman encouraged him to persevere and to not let his problems now affect his future self.

Martin raved over teachers who supported him during his high school years, highlighting how they eventually became like family to him.

“Coach Lake was a very great support system to me,” Martin said. “He works in biology and always remind[ed] me that even if I’m good at something I need to continue to put 100% effort in at all times.”

Martin enthusiastically reflected on his high school experience, particularly emphasizing what he will miss most about attending Beauregard High School.

"One thing I learned from attending Beauregard High School is perseverance,” he said. “No matter what is going on around me, I try to remain positive and keep going. I find that if I act positively, nine times out of ten, I'll become happy. The thing I will miss the most about high school is my support system at school. Many teachers have helped me overcome many situations and encouraged me to keep pushing on and believing in myself."

Martin has plans to attend Auburn University, in the fall, majoring in Biology and Pathology.

Each year educational institutions say farewell to their seniors as they commence on their forthcoming endeavors.

After years of learning, these seniors now are ready to embark into adulthood.

Beauregard

Anthony, Joshua Arias, Lesly Arrington, Ethan Atkins, Hayley Baker, Justin Baker, Toniya Barker, Tyran Beasley, Kontavious Beckwith, Justin Bennett, Annalissa Bivins, Kendel Blackmon, Davin Blackmon, Gavin Bond, Jordon Bryant, Jacques Buchannon, Jamya Burroughs, Anna Butler, James Butler, Jazmine Chadwick, Madison Champon, Karis Cheatwood, Alan Colquitt, Xavier Conway, Angelyn Cox, Robert Coxwell, Helen Craft, Brody Craft, Carlee Davis, Ashlyn Devine, Avery Dimon, Jacob Dixon, Brandon Doolittle, Jayden Edwards, Alexis Edwards, Ja’kyra Finley, Jabarii Ford, Hannah Fralic, Charles Frazier, Kaylee Frazier, Keo Ria

Gay, Lexzoria

Golden, Caleb Gooden, Morgan Granados-Alvarado, Keren Griffin, Caitlin Griffin, Trenton Griggs, Camryn Hall, Kara Hawkins, Dimitri Hawkins, Dylanie Hayes, Za’cameron Haynes, Blanca Haynes, Ethan Helms-Childers, Hannah Herron, Jaycee

Hess, Bailey

High, Ethan Hiller, Mason Holman, Ja’vonn Holman, Kyren House, Makenzie

Hughes, Brylee Hughes, Karmen Hyder, Justin Ingram, Gage Jackson, Hunter Jernigan, Emma Johnson, Jakaylei Kellard, Elyse King, Justin Kirby, Keely Lackey, Reagan Lancaster, Mary Lapelis, Lucious Lee, Gavin Lugo Saenz, Joshue Martin, Matthew Martinez, Tatiana Mccain, Sage Mckinstry, Saybrianna

Meadows, Gabrielle

Meeks, Anastasia Mendoza, Halaynah

Morgan, Cameron

Moulton, Trenton

Nelson ,Daniel

Parham, Hannah

Parker, Matthew Patterson, Anthony Pearce, Baylor

Peoples, Carolyn Pitts, Kadarius

Pooler, Brayden

Roberson, Devin Rooks, Trayton

Sampson, Eyin

Serafin, Jordis

Shores, Chloe Simmons, Walker Simpson, Keyone

Standridge, Clifford

Stevenson, Kylie Stewart, Madisen

Stinson, Corday

Stokes, Christopher

Stowes, Ainslie

Surman, Skye

Tarver, Jacori

Tarvin, Dustin

Tolbert, Isaiah

Tucker, Kaylei Ward, Shakira

Watson, Ashlyn

Watson, Cooper Weatherley, Parker

Wilgis, Madison

Wilkerson, Katie Williams, Trenton Wilson, Berkley

Young, Gabriel

Swinging Toward College

Story By Kadie Vick

Photos Contributed

Abrianna Green, a senior graduating from Beulah this spring, is excited to take her love for softball into college.

“I'm excited to meet new people, have new friendships and just play,” she said. “I'm excited to play on a collegelevel team. It'll be really nice going into college, and already having a group of girls that I will be with every day.”

She will continue her academic and athletic career at Columbus State University, where she will play softball on a scholarship. She is approaching academics with an open mind and has not declared a major.

Abrianna said she knew she wanted to attend Columbus State University, “when I went to visit and toured the whole campus it was definitely somewhere that I saw myself being.”

She also had the help of her travel ball coach.

“He was really invested in helping me pick the school that was going to be the best

fit for me as a person but also athletically,” Abrianna said. “I knew Columbus State was a great option for me just because it's close to home. It's only 35 minutes away, and I do like being around my family.”

Softball has been a constant for Abrianna for her whole life.

“I started playing tee-ball when I was three or four. Ever since then, I've played and it's been something that

me and my dad have shared for my whole life.”

Over time Abrianna realized that softball was something that she could continue to pursue even after she graduated high school.

“I kind of realized that it was something I like truly loved and wanted to pursue further when I got into about 10th grade,” she said. “So I started taking it more serious but also, I found the balance of remembering that it is a

game and it is for fun. It's been a fun process to realize that I can put all this hard work into something that eventually I can't take with me to heaven, but it's fun to work hard and then realize that the game is ultimately for me and the people around me to enjoy.”

The memories Abrianna has made throughout her years with different teams are constant reminders of why she loves softball so much, and the friendships and community she has cultivated along the way are something she truly cherishes.

“I’ve loved working with the same core group of girls who were on my team, I played with them and we practiced together all the time,” she said.

One of her fondest memories from her early years of softball was how her coaches taught skills like sliding in fun ways.

“The fun side of it was little practices where you learned to slide and you learn how to level up in that sense,” she said. “We would go get out a huge tarp and have a water hose go[ing] it and then we would learn how to slide from there.

We would get soaking wet and it was the best time of the year because we were gonna go learn how to slide. That was really fun and brought some silliness to the game.”

Once Abrianna decided she wanted to pursue playing softball at college she put in the work to earn the opportunity to do so.

“Once I started truly enjoying softball as a passion, on my part, it was easy to put that hard work in and it was easy to want to accomplish more,” She said. “So I think that is just the main drive behind it all. It's just been something that I've done my whole life.”

the students, teachers and community that have supported her throughout the years.

“It was fun to be in the same community the whole time and to grow with the people around and continue to develop as a person with my friends and see the changes that happen,” she said.

The tight-knit community that Abrianna experienced at Bulah helped her get involved in many student organizations and other sports which cultivated her into the hard-working person she is today.

“Everybody knows everybody and Beulah truly cares about the interest of their students and I’ve really been encouraged by their passion, support and love,” she said. “That has really pushed me to do as much as I can as great as I can. It's really honoring and it feels great to know that you have people behind you that are waiting for you when you leave a small community and you go somewhere else.”

Graduation poses changes for students that are exciting and difficult. Abrianna said she is excited about the ability to go to college somewhere she loves to play softball but also recognizes the huge shift she is facing.

“It's definitely a little nerve-wracking because I think this is the point in your life where you have a lot of change,” she said. “You go into a lot of unknowns so there are definitely those nerves but I think it's good nerves just because it'll help me grow. It'll be good for me and I'll become my own person in that sense and kind of step into adulthood.”

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Through playing softball for Beulah and her travel ball team Abrianna has learned a lot, which she knows will prepare her for college athletics and academics.

“I try not to worry about what others may do wrong or what might go south because you're always gonna make an error,” she said. “Through high school, I really learned that it is a team sport and I remind myself I can control myself and I can control what I can control. If we all do that, then it goes according to plan.”

Abrianna enjoyed her years at Beulah and the ties between

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Emily Miranda Allen

Jonathan Thomas Ambus

Jenna Denise Ammons

Riley Alissa Bailey

Alexandria Morgan Barker

Christian Jordan Bennett

Autumn Paige Berry

Cooper Wright Brown

Olivia Grace Buchanan

Tamarian ZaQuan Burgess

Kaitlyn Abigayle Cannon

Trinity Shiann Cannon

Braylon Lee Carden

Braden Price Chambers

Elyja Steven James Crabb

Haley Breanna Drummonds

Bronson Craig Dubose

Elijah Jacob Eason

Skye Nariah Ellis

Lajalean Deon'tae Fitzpatrick

Taylor Rebecca Galloway

Beulah

Lauren Faye Gooden

Austin Duane Gouker

Anna Grace Gray

Dakota David Grchan

Abrianna Abigail Green

Amy Diane Hadaway

Morgan Elyse Hale

Elizabeth Hope Hancock

Patrick Christopher Harris

Kaylee Marie Hinkle

Dakota James Holloway

Jannah Alyssa Hurst

Karma Skyy Hurst

Kaydence Scarlett James

Joshua Wayne Jarrell

Russell Adler Jones

Harmon Ray Kerns

Isabella Marie Klutz

Mason Jeremiah Madden

Tiffany Shyanne Mann

Cody Ray McConnell

Ava Elizabeth Olivarez-Long

Jaimey Brynn Pike

Wrangler McCoy Pollard

Ethyn Charles Prestridge

Breanna Marie Raiford

Christopher Braedon Rudd

Kailey Abrianna Scott

Rodney Lamar Shealey

Aiden Smith

James Austin Braxton Smith

Joshua Ray Stover

Kalli Nacoma Taylor

Bruce Wayne Thomas

Aubryn Alexis Trammell

Marquis O Walton

Dawson Bryce Weldon

James Dayton Williams

Christian Railey Wilson

Ella Claire Wood

Steven Thomas Jackson Wood

Faith and the Ballfield

Story By Kadie Vick

Photos Contributed

Many children grow up dreaming of playing

their childhood sport at the collegiate level and for Olivia Slocomb, this dream is about to become a reality. Her opportunity to play softball in college is a result of years of hard work.

“I kind of grew up at the ball field and I knew from a pretty early age I wanted to play college. I love the sport,” Slocomb said.

Along with growing her skill on the softball field, she is also captain of Glenwood’s varsity softball, volleyball and basketball teams.

“I just I'm so thankful for my coaches and for my sports teams who pushed me to

be the best version of myself in the classroom, I'm involved in so much and those coaches really allowed me to be involved,” she said.

Slocomb will be playing softball for the University of West Georgia where she will pursue a degree in digital media and communication to become a sports reporter.

Slocomb said she was inspired to become a sports reporter.

“I've been around sports my whole life, I love talking to people and I love being around people. I just love talking in general, if you want the truth. So I just figured that it was a great opportunity, and I don't mind public speaking.”

The decision on where to attend college after graduation and what team to join was more difficult than Slocomb would have originally imagined.

“I started the recruiting process around my junior year. It definitely was not the easiest thing to pick between schools. After my first visit to West Georgia, I honestly didn't plan on going there,” she said.

Although she said she loved the programs and campus the University of West Georgia was further away from home than some of her other options.

But, she said, “My softball coach Josh McConnel told me, ‘You know, you're never gonna

grow in your comfort zone.’”

While this challenge was difficult, Slocomb realized McConnel was right and was further inspired and encouraged by her experiences in church.

“The uncomfortable situation was that I go to West Georgia, go a little bit away and live on my own. I think that the church has taught me getting out of your comfort zone is good for you. And it's taught me a lot about people, how to connect with people and how to serve people well,” she said.

Slocomb’s faith has played a big part in her life and helped remind her of how special her opportunity after college is. This was especially brought to her attention during a mission trip she went on last summer to the Dominican Republic.

“It was so powerful to go there and witness how they live and how they are just so grateful for the little bit that they have,” she said. “That changed my life and definitely changed my outlook on the sports that I play and the things that I do.”

Glenwood also stood out as

a place where Slocomb's faith was cultivated and encouraged. She enjoyed the many opportunities she was offered academically, athletically and spiritually throughout her years there.

“It’s an environment where you're growing, in your

head, you're growing in your schoolwork and you're also growing spiritually,” she explained. “There are so many outlets there where you can learn more about your faith,

for Slocomb.

“I think that that particular team really inspires me to want to keep playing and want to play college because I experienced how close you can be with your teammates, and how caring your coaches can be,” Slocomb said.

She said she is thankful for the many people who have encouraged her over the years. Her Glenwood volleyball coach Kayla Strength, Glenwood softball coach McConnel, and travel softball coaches Brandenburg and Carlson.

about God and many other things.”

Slocomb moved to Glenwood during second grade.

“I couldn't imagine myself being anywhere else. We have chapel every Thursday, and sometimes I just sit there and I'm so thankful for a place that makes us a priority.”

Glenwood offered her experiences with the sports she loves where she cultivated leadership skills and the ability to work with others. Through these sports, she has learned the value of working with a team.

“It is very character-building to be around other people,” she said. “It just teaches you a lot about others how to treat others and how to respect others. I do love that about softball. I love that it's a team sport. And I love that you have to work together towards one goal.”

The experiences she has had with teammates over the years have solidified her desire to continue playing softball throughout college. A particular season with her travel ball team coached by Eric Brandenburg and Jill Carlson solidified this

She is also thankful for her parents, David and Tamara Slocomb, who she said “really encouraged me everything that I wanted to do, which I'm so appreciative for, because I think that's how I kept my passion and my sports is that it was never forced upon me.”

Slocomb said she is excited for her new stage in life and the opportunity to continue her passion at the collegiate level and is thankful for all her experiences at Glenwood. She also said she knows the skills she has learned and the experiences she has had will serve her well in her next stage of life.

“Now I have the opportunity to go to college and play the sport that I love,” she said. “Growing up with sports has taught me more than I could ever imagine.”

Since her decision to attend the University of West Georgia Slocomb said she has reflected on her excitement and anticipation to experience her dream as a reality.

“I’m really grateful that I get to go play the sport that I love in college, at a school that I love and I’m thankful for the people around me who love me and are supporting me.”

CLASS OF 2024

Photos by Scott Jones

Abrams, Kah Ballard, Sydney Bankston, Eli Barnes, Evan Boutwell, Anniston Boyd, Kanon Bradley, Joshua Burns, Alexa Burton, Lamont Carney, Jacen Carona, Shay Carpenter, Charleigh Casey, Braxton Cooper, Ella Cowart, Charley Crow, Dallas Davis, TK Denny, Denton Fodor, Chloe Freeman, Jonas Garner, Griff Gayles, Blake Giglio, Presley

Glasscock, Kylie Gooden, Brayden Graham, Wesley Griggs, Anna Grace Griggs, Jaxson Harden, Whittlee Harris, Gracee Harris, Landon Jernigan, Grace Johnson, Will Johnston, Katelyn Johnston Jones, Hudson Keyt, Kyndal Lahr, Hayden Lee, Cameron Massey, Luke McConnell, Ragan McCraine, McKenzie Milner, Caleb Mims, Tucker Montroy, Griffin Morris, Thet Niles, Courtney

Norris, Maddi Philpot, Colin Reid, Carter Riley, Brooks Ross, Max Ross Rowan, Daylin Rowan, Tyler Sandoval, Mackenna Sharpe, Alyssa Shay, Landon Slocumb, Olivia Smith, Kade Taylor, Wyatt Tice, Payton Warren, Hunter Weirich, Lawson Weirich, Lily Weirich, Luke White, Camden White, Camdyn Williams, Rachel Williams, Semaj Young, Shelby’

JUNE

JUNE 20

As your time at Lee-Scott Academy wraps up, we want to give a big shoutout to all of you graduating this year. You've made it through late nights studying, early morning practices, and everything in between. We're so proud of each and every one of you!

You've brought so much to our school community, from your achievements in academics and spor ts to your creative talents and your kindness towards others. You've left a mark that won't be forgotten, and we're excited to see where life takes you next.

As you get ready to spread your wings and take on the world, remember to stay true to yourselves and chase your dreams with everything you've got. You have what it takes to make a difference, and we can't wait to see all the amazing things you'll do.

Congratulations, graduates! This is just the beginning of an incredible journey, and we're cheering you on every step of the way.

With pride and excitement,

Dr Stan Cox Head of School Lee-Scott Academy

‘LSA Today’

Story By Noah Griffith | Contributed Photo

In March 2023, Lee-Scott Academy students Isabella Lowery and Christine Chang sat in math class, devising a plan for a school newspaper to pitch to the school’s leaders.

They had a PowerPoint presentation ready to go, and

once they informed Austin Scott — Lee-Scott’s strategic communications manager — about their vision for the paper, they presented it to principal Donna Lloyd. Scott was just getting his feet under him in his first year at Lee-Scott and was taken by surprise by the ambition of the two girls.

After meeting with the principal and teachers, everyone was on board. LSA Today was born.

CHRISTINE CHANG ISABELLA LOWERY

“I was definitely nervous at first on what all would go into it and what they’d need from me, but their leadership and the way they’ve taken it on has been why [the paper] has been what it has been for us and as successful as it is,” Scott, the club leader of LSA Today, said. “That’s only been more true as we’ve gone through this year.”

Now both seniors at Lee-Scott, Lowery and Chang are co-editors on a club staff of 11 high schoolers. The staff of the digital paper consists of three leading editors, writers, photographers and a web designer.

Since beginning publication last fall, LSA Today has covered a full Warrior football season and state championship win, produced weekly stories on their schoolwide chapel services, and written about many school events that make up the arts, lifestyle and clubs sections of the news website.

Through a full school year, what started as two students’ motivation to leave their own mark and add something new to Lee-Scott has accumulated more engagement from the school than they ever could’ve imagined. Teachers and staff have pitched story ideas to them in hopes of getting coverage, and several of the club’s members have become more involved than they expected.

“I’ve been surprised because when I first had the idea, I was nervous that no one else would be interested and no one

would join,” Lowery said. “I was definitely surprised by the turnout and just the motivation that the writers have shown.”

Lowery’s favorite opportunity she’s had for the paper is writing a story about a Lee-Scott student who did an extraordinary extra-credit project for his Spanish class. The teacher came to Lowery with the story idea in the fall, and LSA Today’s Editor in Chief described it as a “fulfilling” opportunity.

The project was a nearly 25-minute-long video of the student and his class doing a parody of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. Teachers wanted the video to be seen, but Scott said it was “physically too long to post on social media.”

The paper was the solution. Lowery wrote a “humongous” article on it, and LSA Today shared the link to the video along with the article.

“It was just really fulfilling for me to be able to do that,” Lowery said through a smile. “[The student] definitely enjoyed it, and I know his parents loved reading about it.”

Stories like those help cement school news in history, and it has even helped bring the student body together.

Students covering and interviewing other students has lured them from their comfort zones and forced them to talk to new and different people. Because of LSA Today, freshmen conversed with seniors and vice versa — a

phenomenon that otherwise would be unusual and might be unaccepted.

Scott recalled the two girls raising the idea of starting a paper with the purpose being to break the routine and norms of social life as a high-school student. They were ambitious and had to scale back on some expectations starting as a new organization, but in their senior year, Lowery and Chang brought change to Lee-Scott that will live on for years to come.

“I learned I can help start something new,” Chang said. “I think the newspaper really helps with that confidence that I can go out there in the future and start something that makes a mark or leaves something for the future.”

Lee-Scott held their graduation May 23. Although Chang and Lowery do not plan to major in journalism in college, they both said they feel confident that the experience with LSA Today has helped them grow and prepare for life after high school.

Chang has committed to play golf at Columbia University in New York, and Lowery said she continues to weigh her college options. No matter what’s next, LSA Today has empowered them to act on their convictions and create something new.

“I’d been wanting to start a paper since ninth grade, but I

wasn’t confident enough to speak up and go out of my way to do it because I thought it would never happen,” Lowery said.

“Then I thought, ‘No one will want to do that. No one will want to be in a story’ because I thought it would be made fun of in a way. But it’s been completely the opposite. People have been thanking me for doing stories on them, and it’s been fulfilling.

It’s given me the confidence in the future to go out of my way and do something that I didn’t think I could do.”

Who knows what would’ve happened if the girls didn’t present the idea of a school paper last spring. Now, Lee-Scott has another way for students to get involved and be creative for years to come, possibly jumpstarting new career paths and fostering new interests.

Even with its founders graduating, LSA Today will live on and continue to expand. But Scott knows he has a tall task of filling their shoes.

“Oh gosh, no [I can’t replace Lowery and Chang.] Absolutely not,” Scott said. “I’m sure we’ll find leaders like them that will be able to take on the paper and continue it, but they won’t be exactly like them. Their perseverance and initiative to want to do this is what made us get off to the start we have… So no, I will will not have anyone like Christine and Isabella.”

lee-scott academy

Ben Aldridge

Lane Bowie

John David Burns

Christine Chang

Sara Lanier Church

Emma Clay

Jake Cummings

Madison Davis

Hannah DeBoer

Landon DeGraffenfried

Kate Dickerson

Will Dix

Lane Eddins

Hallie Ennis

Alex Esco

Rosanna Estes

Owen Gibson

Paul Harper

Mary Kathryn Harris

Skylah Harris

Macie Hawkins

Brandon Hepworth

Ty Herren

Lynn Holder

Gavin Jones

Ellie Keesee

Ethan Kim

Charlie Lloyd

Isabella Lowery

Margaret Lyle

Sarah Cosby Mann

Brandon Martin

Wesley Matthews

Jack McKay

Ireland McKelvey

Madison Meals

Jonathan Meyers

Lydia Miller

Travis Pham

Ava Pike

Sofia Pugh

Berkeley Ragsdale

Kaylyn Reckart

Mia Grace Roberts

Matthew Rolader

Jared Russell II

Colee Shepp

William Singleton

Lindsey Sistrunk

Allie Starr

Connor Stewart

Madison Tausch

Ella Thames

Gray Thames

Blythe Walls

Bree Walls

Garrett West

Mallory Wheeles

Jake White

Emily Yang

Miles Zachry

Success Beyond The Field

Story By Nicholas Young | Contributed Photo

This past season, the Loachapoka High School Indians posted an undefeated regular season record and claimed their first regional title in 10 years.

Head coach Fredrick Newton said he enjoyed the success of his team on the field and that he was proud of his players' academic work as well.

“This class is graduating with some of the highest GPAs,” he said. “The educational part matters just as much as the football part matters.”

Newton said seniors Jamarion Askew and Ran Norman are two guys that fit the mold when it comes to balancing academics and athletics.

JaMarion and Ran are described by their coaches and teachers as leaders both on and off the field. The two accomplish this in different styles. JaMarion is laid back with a calm demeanor and is described as a leader by example. Ran is the more outspoken of the two, he brings humor to any situation and will not hesitate to speak his mind according to his coaches. Though they approach life differently, their styles complement one another. Newton embraces the differences between the two.

“Everyone has their own personality, and they bring it to the football field and the classroom — you adjust to it because we are one big happy family,” Newton said.

He described the pair’s ability to lead a classroom as a

distinguishing factor.

“When you have students like that not only do they get people excited about football, but they also get them excited about the classroom,” he said. “Younger kids look up to them…[JaMarion] goes to summer camps dealing with education programs and comes back and talks about them — then the kids get to experience what they saw out of his eyes.”

Off the field, JaMarion is a model student. He is a member of the National Honor Society, and his 3.7 GPA has placed him in the driver’s seat for his career journey. He said he is currently mulling over his college options which include Alabama, Auburn, UAB, South Alabama and Troy. Archaeology is JaMarion’s primary interest, and he said he hopes that his studies at university will help him achieve his goal of becoming an archaeologist. JaMarion’s role regardless of whether that’s on the field or in the classroom is to be an example to students and teammates, based on what he has accomplished so far you could say he’s done just that.

Mitchell Chenier, a football coach and social science teacher, attested to JaMarion’s work ethic in the classroom

“If he gets dedicated to it, he is absolutely dedicated with everything… He’s the kind of kid we wish we had a whole school of.”

Ran likes to stay on top of his studies as well. He said he regarded his work in the classroom as more important than football.

“If you can’t get your work done in the classroom, you won’t be able to make it on the field,” he said.

Chenier commended Ran’s efforts to ask questions, referring to him as an “inquisitive” student willing to do “whatever it takes” to learn and understand various concepts both on and off the field.

Chenier said this trait is what makes Ran a good student.

Along with his academic work, Ran’s on-field efforts have paid off as well. He is committed to Andrew College in Cuthbert, Georgia, to continue his playing career. Though he may be a few months from taking the field with his new team, Ran said he has already started to prepare for this transition to the next level of football, stating that every day he is either in the weight room or outside conditioning, to get his mind ready to play in college.

Other teachers praised the two for the impact they have on others in a classroom setting.

Christian Brandt, a football coach and History teacher, spoke highly of the pair's effect on the classroom.

“They have a great atmosphere in the classroom,” Brandt said. “Class is never boring — whenever we do an activity in class they take the lead.”

He also said he feels like Jamarion and Ran’s impact will be felt long after they graduate.

“They're unforgettable,” Brandt said. “That's the best way to put it. Socially the impact they have — everybody knows them in the school. They're great people.”

Regarding the future endeavors of these two young men, Chenier said he holds high expectations for them. He said he sees Ran working professionally in the field of sports potentially as a therapist or as a coach.

“In that realm, he’s going to be successful.”

He said he believes that JaMarion has the potential to hold the title of doctor.

“He is going to reach the absolute highest level — whatever profession he gets into he’s probably going to be one of the best.”

Loachapoka

Askew, JaMarion Monroe

Ballard, Jordan Ty'tyannah

Barrios Padilla, Yair Andres

Carter-McCloud, Jasmyaine Nevaeh

Cooks, Quinton Lamar

Darlington, Jeremiah Sheldon

Dennis, Destiny Tierra

Finley, Arquavious O'Neal

Finley, Lamar Demone

Griffin, Jaylin Malik

Heard, Danzell Nicholas

Heard, Dominique Nichole

Hernandez, Carlos Dioney

Jackson, Shania Quintre'ce

Jimenez-Vidal, Helen

Key, Brianna Jamiya

Lampley, Carmelo Jaekwon

Lampley, Kamarlyn Mikhez

Leyva Tomas, Jonathan

Lipscomb, Christopher Brandon Matthews, Liberty Shaunie McCurty, Ni'Treasure O'Moria McLennon, Miracle Evette Melton, Jakeeria Ardaisha Morales Martinez, Rigoberto Moss, Kateleen La'Daisy

Norman, Ran Justin

Oroceo, Amir Jassim Oamil

Padron, Roman Payne, E'than A'manti Kha'Leel Payne, Jamari Tyriek

Ramos Lopez, Mirsa Yareli

Randall, Cedric Bernard

Satterwhite, Ja'Qyvoun Franchez

Steel, Christopher Michael

Stinson, Jabari Curtis

Strong, Shahollinie Dejea

Williams, Jontavious Demetris

A Real-world Experience

Story By Stacey Patton Wallace | Photos By Mike Wallace

Achef places a soufflé in the oven; an engineer adjusts the settings on his robot; a nurse takes a patient’s vitals; a television producer works on a video for a sports program; an EMT races to the scene of an accident. Another work day for adults in the Opelika community? No; it’s a typical day for students in Opelika High School’s impressive Career Technology Programs.

Mandi Edwards, who has taught marketing for 12 years at OHS, has also been the Career Tech Department Head for the past 10 years. According to Edwards, OHS offers students several different Career Tech Programs: Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, Finance, Marketing, Education and Training, Hospitality and Tourism, Project Lead the Way (Engineering), Health Science, Information Technology and Arts A/V Technology, & Communications.

Edwards said that students can take both Career Tech and College Prep classes and may also have dual enrollments with Southern Union State Community College.

Besides teaching three marketing classes per day, Edwards

has numerous duties as the Career Tech Department Head. She takes students on industry tours, works on getting students prepared for certification in their programs, supports all Career Tech teachers and provides them with the tools they need, mentors new teachers, handles purchase orders for teachers, works with teachers to be sure they are compliant with state regulations for Career and Technical Education and completes a lot of paper work and computer tasks.

Edwards said that all students are required to take a Career Preparedness course in order to graduate. Students are encouraged to take the course in the ninth grade but may take it at any point in their school career. Also, the course is required in order for students to tour Southern Union’s Center for Integrated Manufacturing where they can learn about trades and dual enrollment opportunities.

While grading is Edwards’s least favorite part of her position, working with her kids is definitely her favorite part. Edwards said, “I love seeing my kids, especially seniors, find what they want to do. Helping kids find their paths is the best part.”

According to Katie Murray, who has been Opelika City Schools’ Career Tech Director for the past seven years,

Edwards is “Mom” to the kids. In her position, Murray supports all of the Career Tech teachers at OHS by looking at local workforce data to see if their programs align with what the community workplaces need. Murray also connects with industry partners and works closely with the Opelika Chamber of Commerce and the city of Opelika Workforce Development. “We want to make sure that our programs align to high wage/high demand career opportunities,” Murray said.

While she doesn’t relish the required compliance paperwork required in her position, Murray said she loves hearing teachers share success stories of students in the Career Tech Programs.

“Kids are all going somewhere to learn about their future professions,” Murray said. “They are seeing work-based opportunities in the real world; riding in an ambulance, going to conferences on being a teacher, working at one of our six Pre-K classes on campus or at elementary schools in the area, shadowing professionals in their fields and hearing a lot of guest speakers.”

According to Murray, 75% of OHS students currently take Career Tech classes, and one-third of Career Tech students enter the workforce after graduation.

Murray said, “We bring every eighth grader over to OHS to find out about our programs. We also have great participation on parent night. Both students and parents can make an informed decision

about which program to choose.”

Edwards and Murray both highly praised Amy Hanna, OHS’s Career Coach. Hanna meets with kids in all the Career Tech Programs, helps the students figure out their interests and plugs them into the right program. In addition, Hanna teaches students how to write resumes and organizes a job fair on the OHS campus, inviting potential employers to meet with students. Also, Hanna takes students to off-campus job fairs.

While the Career Tech Programs at OHS offer students eight different fields of study, seniors in the programs share several common characteristics: They are energetic, confident and passionate about their future professions.

Jareth Noelting has been in the Health Science-EMT Program since he was in the tenth grade. Jareth, as a senior, is now in the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) field.

“My favorite part of the program is our ability as students to go out in the community to get hands-on experience in our fields,” Jareth said.

He also said that at the beginning of his program, he went to Auburn University football games to observe their medics. In the second semester, he attended Ambulance and Emergency Room clinicals.

Jareth said that in order to graduate from OHS in the EMR-EMT Program, students must first earn their EMR license.

“Even if you don’t complete the program but complete one semester, you may become a fire fighter or have access to police programs,” he said.

Jareth has been encouraged a great deal by his teacher, Casey Wilson.

“Ms. Wilson was an EMT/paramedic before she became a teacher,” according to Jareth. “She has stories that she tells of actual on-the-job experiences; those are very inspiring.”

He said he plans to become a paramedic and use that as a stepping stone to medical school. His ultimate goal is to become a pediatrician. He was recently recognized by OHS with a Healthcare Hero Award for helping save the life of one of his neighbors. He’s off to a good a start.

Lynzie Decker, who has been in the Health Science Program since the ninth grade, said that working in the health care field runs in her family.

“My mom is a nurse in the Emergency Room at East Alabama Health (EAH),” she said. “Also, my stepmom is

the manager of the sixth floor, and my brother is a transporter at the hospital.”

Lynzie’s said her favorite part of the program is her internship at EAH.

“I get to experience so many things in multiple departments. I get to see things first hand and not just in a book.”

Besides her internship, Lynzie also works part time at the hospital as a multi-care technician in the Intensive Care Unit. Her duties include checking patients’ blood sugar levels and completing EKGs. Lynzie also helps patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) such as bathing, feeding and walking.

Lynzie said her family has really encouraged her in her program, especially her mom.

“My mom is my biggest role model ever,” she said.

Lynzie also credits Leigh Kemp, her ninth grade Health Science teacher, for helping her.

“Ms. Kemp is a Neonatal

Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse. She encouraged me to apply for my job at the hospital. Also, she’s why I am a member of the Future Health Professionals organization,” Lynzie said.

After graduating from OHS, Lynzie plans to attend college to become a registered nurse. She said her ultimate goal is to be an Intensive Care travel nurse.

“I once saw an open heart

surgery during my internship. I thought it was so cool,” she said.

Andreviah Key has been in OHS’s Culinary Arts Program since the tenth grade. She said that Caleb Fischer, a teacher at the Opelika Learning Center, was in a Food Network contest, and he inspired her to take culinary classes with Chef Judy Eldred at OHS.

“I’m a picky eater, but I

love learning how to cook new things,” Andreviah said. The cooking skills which Andreviah has learned in the Culinary Arts Program have also helped her in the real world.

“I’ve probably worked in every fast food restaurant that you could name in Opelika.”

After graduation from OHS, Andreviah said she plans to join the United States Air Force and wants to learn more about the hospitality field.

“I want to keep learning new things and get all the knowledge I can,” she said.

Cayson Moore has been in OHS’s Engineering/ Robotics Program since he was in the ninth grade. He said his favorite part of his program is participating in the Robotics Club: Opelika’s Greatest Robotic Engineers (OGRE).

Cayson said that every year, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science (FIRST) has a new challenge game in Robotics competition. The season started in January, and OGRE participated in a competition in March in Tallahassee,

Congratulations graduates! You are closing one chapter in your life and opening the next book.

Now, as you stand on the threshold of college or embark on a new career path, exciting adventures await you. It’s time to apply the experiences and knowledge you’ve gained during your time in

Florida. Next, the team traveled to Orlando, Florida, for a second competition.

“We have been to the World Championship the last two years,” Cayson said. “Our robot’s name in 2022 was ‘Dragon.’

high school.

As the mayor of our great city, I take immense pride in your achievements. Graduating high school can evoke a mix of emotions—excitement intertwined with apprehension. My advice to you is straightforward: listen attentively, speak thoughtfully, and remain receptive to change. Embrace flexibility, for therein lies the essence of true learning.

In the grand scheme of life, I believe we all require divine guidance. Therefore, let God remain a steadfast companion in your endeavors. You’ve crossed a significant threshold, and you should take pride in your accomplishments. Your parents, family, and friends love you and share in this sentiment. Congratulations, and may each step forward be met with success and fulfillment.

Warm regards, Gary Fuller Mayor, City of Opelika

In 2023, the name was ‘Puss ‘n Boots,’ and this year’s robot is named ‘Gingerbread Man.’ We use Shrek characters for the names.”

Cayson said he really enjoys Computer Aided Design (CAD).

“I think it’s fun to start designing a robot, realize it’s not going to work and then find a way to make it work. It’s fun to see your ideas turn into a 100 to 125 lb. robot for competition,” he said.

Cayson said he is very appreciative of his three robotics coaches: Brenda Howell, Brad Barnes and Adrianna Padgett.

“I’m the captain of the robotics team, and it’s so important to have them help me and let me lean on them,” Cayson said. “Also, these teachers spend a lot of time outside of school helping us to prepare for competitions. They are really dedicated and care about us. That is inspiring.”

After graduating in May, Cayson said he plans to attend the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and major in civil engineering. He said his ultimate goal is to design or oversee the construction of houses and commercial buildings.

Opelika High School Class of 2024 Congratulations.

The City of Opelika is proud of each member of this exceptional class. It took hard work and determination to reach this milestone.

Mayor Gary Fuller, the Opelika City Council and all City of Opelika employees wish you the best. We know you will do great things and make our community proud.

The time is now to make an impact in your community and the world around you. Follow your passions. Reach for your dreams. Live life to the fullest. Find your purpose and you will be rewarded in return.

Best of luck!

Addison McGhee has been in the Video Production Program at OHS since she was in the 11th grade. At first, she was in the Education Program but decided that teaching was not to be her profession.

Addison said she really loves video production because she can be creative and express herself.

“It’s a unique art form, and it takes a lot of talent. I love making my own videos for people to watch,” she said.

Addison said that Tracey Tidwell, her television production teacher, got her interested in the field.

“He is always trying to teach me new, shorter ways to create things. I like to take the long way,” she said.

Addison said her parents, Adam and Anna McGhee, always

ask her about her work in class and want to see her videos, so they got access to them on YouTube.

Addison works at Auburn University for War Eagle Productions. She is the video board director for sports replays and for livestreaming.

After graduating from OHS, Addison said she plans to attend Southern Union and then transfer to Auburn University and major in television production.

All of these seniors in OHS’s Career Tech Program have an additional thing in common: They are being well trained in their fields. The citizens of Opelika should be proud of these students and the Career Tech teachers and coordinators at OHS.

Andreviah Key

Addison McGhee

Cayson Moore Jareth Noetling Lynzie Decker

opelika HIGH

Teairra Lynn Adamson

Aimee Adissay Alcantara

Violett Starr Alcorn

Liliana Victoria Aleman

Lanadja Brenae Allen

Molly Grace Anderson

Treyvon Martavius Atkins

Kyan Lanier Avery

Thomas Wade Awbrey

MaKalia Chitel Baker

Paige Madelyn Bales

Alejandra Barajas-Desantos

Azorria Tambrea Barnett

Ju’lecia Cleshon Beard

Vanessa Toby Bell

Jamarion Daequan Benford

Quandarious Hykeem Bentley

Azaria Shanya Billingsley

Vintavious DeAndre’ Jaqvon

Billingsley

Caden Corey Blair

Ian Marcos Blanco Mangual

Daniel Michael Bradford Jr.

Kennedy Chanel Brewer

My’Leah Arie Brinkley

Anuarius Katalvin Brooks

Laniah Maree Brooks

Destiney LaShae Buchannon

Mariah Areonna Bulger

Tyler James Burdell

London LaMorgan Burnett

Anthony Lamonta’ Burney Jr.

Emilee Caroline Bush

Sarah Elizabeth Bush

Imani Kyanna Butler

Treyvion Jazzmire Butler

Amari DeAngelo Bynum

Pedro De Jesus Cabrera

Brandon Markel Calloway

Tiana Eunique Cannon

Joseph Ryan Carpenter

William Clark Carroll

Kevante Jakeim Carter

Jocelyn Marie Castellani

Ashton Brody Caswell

Madison Elise Cato

Elizabeth Chaparro-Merino

Jakari Da’Quan Chambers

Leslie Ann Chase

Leydi Rosmery Chávez Martín

Remaea Daultry Christian

Ashley Brooke Clevenger

Essence Starr Collins

Aubrey Jayce Colquitt Brundage

Michael Douglas Constance

Russell Walter Copous

Bianca Itchelle Cordova Contreras

Hayden Dale Cosby

Jy’Kirra Desana Craig

Cohen Scott Crews

Regina Lynn Crim

Aryel J’baysia Crittenden

Maricela Cruz Cervantes

Blaze Zoltan Cutcher

Alazhia Ma’Kiya Dankins

Kaitlyn Shelvie’ Davis

Giovanni Alexander De Leon

Abraham Jeremiah DeAngelo

Lynzie Michelle Decker

Kal-El Kenneth Denney

Cailyn Elizabeth Dowdell

Calvin Wayne Dowdell Jr.

I’nayja Dakayla Dowell

Anthony Xavier Driver Jr.

Anita Castro Duncan

Stardasia Emia Durrell

Aniyah JaNeil Echols

Lizavia JaNiye Edwards

QuinTavis QuinTez Edwards Jr.

Logan Dias Elkins

Kaden Randall Elton

Landon Shayne Ezell

Kylan Jamez Fanning

Shantera Mae Farmer

Jaylin Jamalle Feagin

Brandon Thomas Vantreal Fears

Thomas Calvin Fenn IV

Ryland James Ferguson

Christopher Fernandez

Katie Elizabeth Ferrell

Shaniyah Amy’r Finley

Xavier Tre’Shone Finley

Ethan Iverson Flournoy

Christopher Leon Floyd II

Nhy’Jada Miya Ford

Teasia ZyKerria Foster

Kenneth VanDale Frazier Jr.

Jaxson Anthony Freeman

Jayda Michelle Freeman

John Thomas Gaberlavage

Leonardo Gabriel Perez

Roman Levy Gagliano

Thomas Trace Gaither

Susan Marie Gaston

Tahkeria Lorriane Gibson

Belinda Saraí Giron Esteban

Kejuan Jermicheal Gopher

Quinzavious Tray’Shun Gopher

Cindy Gordillo Hernandez

Sophia Ellen Goumas

Joleigh Serria Greathouse

Kayla Elise Grimmett

Bentley Garret Haggermaker

Piper McKenzie Hardy

Jordan MyKeil Harper

Brinson Asaph Harris

De’Andre Leon Harris Jr.

Kani Xzorion Harris

Teotl Izel Heredia

Caleb Braxton Hightower

Lydia Adele Hilyer

RaCavien Chikae Howell

Derrick Hoyett Jr.

Nina My Hua

Hannah Lynn Hudson

Jamiria Johnel Hughley

LaBrande Marquese Hughley Jr.

Hannah Elizabeth Huling

Paisley Ann Hurst

Treveontae Jamal Hutchinson

DaQuan Jerome Ingersoll

Tony Kennan Ingram Jr.

Talmage Edward Isaacson

Brandon Ri’chard Jackson Jr.

Collin O’Dell Jackson

Xylon DaQuan Jackson

Zy’Reon Zy’Keith James

Jamarvion Latrell Jenkins

Desian Siniya Johnson

Malik Deshon Johnson

Presley Shantrice Johnson

Davian Arkel Jones

Takyrria Azari Jones

Elliott Noelle Kendrick

Andreviah Sema’j Key

Jackson Ryan Killcreas

Parker James Killcreas

Lexi Skye Giles King

Jamarionna Antwanette Kirk

Brooklyn Nevae Lagoy

Lawson Patrick Ledbetter

Jaiden Keshaun Lester

Jailen Dashaun Lester

Omarion Malik Ligon

Roniyah Danielle Lilly

Destiny Nicole Loper

opelika HIGH

Tania Lopez Hernandez

Arlin Sherlin Lopez-Martinez

Devora Liset Lopez Niz

Guillermo Roberto Lopez Ramos

Maurilio Ramirez Lopez

Olivia Re’vea Love

James Payton Lovelace

Angelly Karleny Lucas de Leon

Skylar Leigh Manning

Amayiah Tykia Martin

Langston Adams Martin

Eduardo Alexander Martínez Pérez

Justin Christopher Masingo

Vincent Lee Mathews

Tyler Patrick Pitts Matthews

Kyndall Reese McCracken

Addison Taylor McGhee

Soriah Isreale Maranda McGhee

Aleah Denise McKenzie

Nykarsha LaShea Milford

Clyde Cayson Moore

LaChrista Renee Moore

Layla Chanell Moore

Katherine Morales

Chris Estuardo Morales Perez

Ashley Michelle Moran

Eduardo Moran

Kamille Symone Moss

Jaylen Ma’Khi Murray

Justin Lynn Myrick

Xavier Larenz Nave

Jadyn Elizabeth Newsome

Braden James Nicholson

Cristobal Rene’ Nicolas Miguel

2024 CLASS OF Congratulations

Maria Elida Nicolas Miguel

Jareth Xavier Noelting

Hannah Ailiyah Norris

Matthew Atticus O’Banner

Jacob Scott Obal

Benjamin David Owens

William Alexander Parker III

Daphne Rachel Pascual Cruz

Devam Hiren Patel

Makilah Danece Pendleton

Adair Heriberto Perez-Vasquez

Dalvon Devontae Perry

Jaylan DeShaun Peters

Jeremiah William Peterson*

Pramode Preston Phengsiri

JaMarcus TayShawn Phillips

Ja’Nia Monique Pierson

Leo Pinzon

Scarlet Ann Posadas

Zy’Kiria Evonna Posey

Allie Claire Prescott

Katelynn Nicole Preston

Kodi Malik Preston

Shirley Anne Pugh

Jackson Rossee Rainey

Zakiyya Na’ila Rhodes

Takijah Marie Rivers

DeMarion Ty’Quez Robinson

Jessica Roblero Diaz

Hannah Noel Rogers

Ramon Antonio Rosales

Jamari Tommy Montrez Ross

Tamari Makel Zytrez Ross

Trevasia Patricia Jamise Ross

Kimora Ledasia Rowell

Ziara Yolett Salgado-Pineda

Ja’Veon Markez Sanders

Devon Harry Scherbert

Shundre Jave Scott

Jayda CeDasjah Seawright

Patrick Brady Seymore

Shondalyn Joi Shealey

Addie Gardner Shoemaker

Anaiya LaShelle Simpson

Malia Renee Slade

Amare’ Jimil Slaughter-Cooks

Dashawna Jacquiece Smelley

Mary Elizabeth Grace Smith

Cassidie Marie Steger

Jane Afua Stephens

Shawn Alexandar Stoneback

Robertson Joseph Street

Ja’Vel Sincere Strickland

opelika HIGH

Aidan Ryhain Sullivan

Dakota S’Myah Swanson-Gentry

Maniyah Antavius Swint

Yahshua Alex-Christian Tabb

Mackinzy Danyelle Taylor

Serenity Jamariona Taylor

Cody Jakel Taylor Johnson

Adia Cyndria Thomas

Ja’Vian O’Ryan Thomas

Jameah Leighann Thomas

Kental Demontae Thomas

Martavious Antonio Thomas

Taylar Addison Thomas

Traelon Ja’Corey Thomas

Daniel Dawayne Todd

Jordan LaBrandon Tolbert

Gabriella Cruz Tylicki

Luis Angel Vargas Mejia

Brayden Miles Vasquez-Mendez

Freddie Anthony Vasquez-Perez

Maddline Faith Waldrop

Chloe Elise Walker

Jerry Lamont Walker Jr.

Jalaysia Armaria Walton

Maginnis Ann Walters

* Honorary diplomas

Roderick Jermaine Ware

Cam’ron Ja’Tavious Webb

Peyton James Weston

Naomi Nicole Whack

Jamiya Keyonna Wheat

Culventae Edward Lathomas White

Alexus Elizabeth Whitlow *

MarQuel Dequa Whitlow

Ashton Tyrin Williams

D’Nya Simone Williams

India Malay Williams

Jamiah Onaley Williams

Jhavian Antwan Williams

Journie Janee’ Williams

Raven Sabre Williams

Yakira Shantrell Williams

Ajavius Montez Willis

Brayden Chase Wilson

Myana Sarae Wilson

Nolen Palmer Wilson

Lamarion Demond Winchester Jr.

Jacob Tyler Wood

Jermaine Lavar Wynn Jr.

Edwin Moises Zamudio

Aiden Emilian Zapata

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES

The Oaks Senior Prom

The Oaks held its senior prom in April. Students from both The Oaks school and the homeschooling community attended the event.

Class of 2024

Story By Hannah Goldfinger

Photos Contributed

Emory Newland is one of thousands graduating this spring and finishing her high school education. She will attend Mississippi State in the fall studying human development. But her path through education was completed at home.

Newland has been homeschooled almost her

entire life.

“We were moving from Birmingham to Opelika, right around the time when I was supposed to be starting kindergarten,” she said. “I could also read when I was in preschool and so my preschool teacher had said that I would be bored if I went to kindergarten. So my parents were like, ‘We’ll just try homeschooling for a year and see how it turns out.’ And then we blinked and all of a sudden we’re like, 'how

Home Schooling to Success

do we figure out a high school transcript.’”

Newland and her two younger siblings homeschooled together. As she graduates this year, her younger brother is a freshman and her sister is in seventh grade.

Many homeschoolers don’t study solely at home. Newland took classes through outside organizations as well and in 11th grade, she began dual enrollment at Southern Union.

“I feel like its prepared me for college really well because I’m having to learn how to balance my time, plan out my assignments and keep on top of due dates and everything,” Newland said. “But also, It’s been very practical as to learning how to navigate a college email and work through Canvas and interact with professors and classmates.”

She took chemistry, introduction to psychology and elementary statistics, human growth and development and precalculus at Southern Union.

Newland, through her high school education, was able to earn a full tuition scholarship at Mississippi State.

With a flexible schedule, Newland took time to

volunteer and participate in other opportunities. She worked at Esperanza House in Lee County while in high school.

“It’s given me so many opportunities to be involved in my community and just experience the world in so many different ways that I wouldn’t have been able to if I had been going to [traditional] school,” Newland said.

Her time at Esperanza House is part of why she chose her degree at Mississippi State, she said. She even interned at Esperanza House.

There have been several other ways that Newland has filled her time from coaching swim to playing the organ at her church.

Of course, there were challenges — from distractions from siblings or a lack of structure in the schooling. But, Newland said that if she had to re-do her schooling experience, she’d choose to homeschool again and will probably homeschool her own children.

“It’s just been such a remarkable experience being able to set my own schedule,” she said. “… it’s been helpful to learn how to manage my time … You can make it what you wanna make it.”

The Oaks and Homeschool students

Anna Grace Atkins

Audrey Millen

Caroline Fisher

Emory Newland

Gabe Garner

Gus Krehling

Hadley Cyr

Isaac Stevens

Jackson Colley

James Patrick Christian Tufts

Joel Wyatt Bryan

Joseph Carpenter

*Disclaimer:

Joseph Iaconis

Tristan Teel

Kaylee Walton

Kelby Alan Haley

Payton Elizabeth Barker

Piper Sorreils

Sam Townley

Satie Guy

Sigrid Mulder

Sunny Reagan

Suzanne Shirley

Thomas Giddens

The Reporting Panthers

Story By Kadie Vick | Photos Contributed

Seniors at Smiths Station who have participated in Panther Network News (PNN) celebrate their growth in knowledge and experience gathered over their varying time in the class, and how they plan to use these skills as they go to college and prepare for their future.

“I think that's what makes it [PNN] so special because it allows each of us to become personally invested in what we're doing,” Senior Cannon Saunders said. “It's not our teacher telling us what to do. We're coming together. We're working to

build this show.”

PNN has challenged these students to create news media within demanding, but reasonable time frames, and taught them skills like time management, interviewing and project planning.

Senior Kynzlee Waller said, “So every Monday morning we put out a show and it keeps track of what this week is gonna look like at school and what has been happening in the community.”

News media is more complex than many of these seniors assumed before their time at PNN. It has helped prepare them

for the demands of college and future jobs.

Regarding the demands of producing, Waller said, “If he [Ames] wants to show on Friday, you need to make sure that you film ahead of time because the editing is gonna take two whole days. And then if you're behind, then that's your grade.”

Hunter Ames, the teacher responsible for PNN, described how important his seniors are to the program in helping him instruct younger members and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

“I think it's had an impact on a lot of kids throughout the years,” Ames said. “Whether they decided to go into broadcast or film or whatever, I think it just helped in general life. A lot of the kids that come out of the program go into leadership roles in different facets of life.”

PNN has been an important program for Smiths Station due to its promotion of positivity and unity in the student body.

Senior Josie Messer described the tangible impact she saw because of the hard work and investment of PNN students.

“Having a lot of students involved can bring positivity, they [students] look forward to seeing themselves on PNN and even if it's just like a clip of like us going by them,” she said. “It can bring a little bit of light in, just having fun with the interviews and games that we might do in addition to information, it just brings a lot of light and positivity to the school.”

Each story and assignment students engage with pushes them to learn new aspects of production and experience the many different elements that go into its success. Saunders reflects on the most challenging assignment he did that he now holds as his favorite experience in PNN.

“The Mississippi Braves story I covered was way out of my comfort zone and it was really fun because it was just me,”

Saunders said. “[I] filmed it, shot it, edited it and all that. I was beating the pavement in downtown Columbus I think I interviewed probably walked up to maybe 14 to 15 strangers to ask them about the Mississippi Braves.”

Each of these seniors will use the skills they have developed while in PNN in their future careers and time in college. Public speaking was referenced by Waller and Saunders as a skill that they have gained confidence in that will be utilized in their college and career aspirations.

Waller said, “I either want to go to Auburn or Troy University haven't quite decided yet. But I want to be an early childhood education teacher. And I think PNN has made me have very good social skills. So that way I don't embarrass myself in front of a bunch of little kids.”

“I'm going to the University of Alabama,” Saunders said. “I'm going for political science. I went to the law track, and PNM really helped with the public speaking aspect of it. I was not a very confident speaker, but PNN really helped.”

Messer plans to use her experience in production in her career of full-time ministry and her time at Highlands College in Birmingham.

She said her experience with PNN, “goes hand in hand with production and they have a creative team up there, which makes a lot of videos for church and so I'm actually going to major in worship ministry and minor in like creative team which does all the videos in production.”

Messer has already begun practicing producing media on her own by starting a podcast with her best friend. Thanks to PNN they had access to podcast equipment and were able to explore an aspect of media they would not have access to otherwise.

On her podcast, she said, “we talked about just random things, our first one was coffee rankings. We've done a lot of random things with people’s unpopular opinions, we had like a best friend showdown and we have had a guest on there. I think we have like 32 followers.”

Senior Colin Scroggins plans to go to Auburn University and pursue a career in journalism. He has been using the skills he has learned in PNN through his news page www.cnaw2news. com, where he primarily covers crime in the Columbus area.

“I started reporting in 2019 for my own news account,” he said. “I started when we had a couple of officers in Auburn get shot, one [was] killed, and the two others survived. I started that day of

the procession that they had for the deceased officer.”

While COVID was a time when business declined for many, Scroggins used his time out of school to build his news platform. To find his social media accounts search Colin Scroggins CNAW on Facebook and cnaw_colin on Instagram and Twitter.

He said, “COVID hit in 2020 and I started covering it. I was covering it all, COVID, sports, I was really covering everything. After COVID I kind of switched gears to only covering crime and public safety. And ever since then, I don't know the exact time it was, I’ve had over 100,000 followers on Facebook.”

Along with going to Auburn, Scroggins plans to continue building his news platform and using the skills he learned at PNN to do so.

“I went from just reporting with one follower to a report with over 100,000,” he said. “It is it's been a journey that I will never forget and [one] I plan to continue. I will continue my

news reporting outside of school, and PNN has helped me a lot with doing what I do outside of school, like half the stuff that I do on my news page.”

Ames spoke of the joy he has in watching how his seniors are applying the skills they are learning to grow in his class, everyday life and their futures

“The kids are doing it and they're learning real-life things. They're they're getting to go and hear people's stories and we're able to tell people's stories that might not ever get told,” he said with pride.

The seniors also reflected on their time and hard work at PNN with an appreciation for how it has prepared them for their futures and are excited to continue growing and learning as they leave Smiths Station for all the things their futures hold.

Saunders said, “I’ve learned so much. I was able to grasp so much, and that it's something I can definitely see myself using for the rest of my life.”

smiths station

Jenna Claire Abramaitys

Jacob Noah Adams

Cody Robert Allen

Wyatt Henry Alvarado

Joshua Franklin Alvarez

Randy Ambrose

Izabell Jade Anderson

Karley Marie Armitage

Kaylynn Belle Atanasoff

Aidan Bryce Austin

Jakayla Ariyana Averett

Joel Adrian Baez

Regan Nathaniel Bailey

Zachary Troy Bailey

James Hylan Bainbridge

Lance Stephen Ballou

Mariah Tionha Barnes

Mary Ashlyn Bartlett

Eric Patrick Bell, II

Jaylen Demondra Bibbs

Jameson O Bishop-Davis

Brandt Alan Blain

Cole Nicholas Blythe

Emily Rae Bochmann

Jeffrey Wayne Bonniot

Jenna Montana Bonniot

Damarion Antonio Bowden

Hailey Nicole Bowles

Kayla Darlene Bowman

Jaden Alexis Boyd

Natalie Jade Boyette

Nickolas Ryan Bracknell

Alexis Isabel Brewer

Mason Sean Brewer

Donald Lee Britten

Kayleigh Raye Brown

Quenton Michael Bernard Brooks

Jatayah Keyonna Bryant

Chatavis L’laron Buchanon

Gabriel Michael Burns

Darien Joel Burton

Treyton Lennox Calhoun

Myles Christian Carden

Jada Nichole Carter

Thomas Dewey Chatman lll

Brandon Michael Claridy

Nevaeh Lynn Clark

Unity Jean Mclellan Clark

Jayla Brenee Cochran

Tia Cortez Coker

Byrdie Ella Coleman

Bailey Micah Collins

Amerie Rose Cook

Demetric Benard Cook Jr.

Kelsey Gabriel Cooper

Chole Gracyn Corbitt

Olivia Nicole Corbitt

Wenlles Matthew Cordoba

D’Niyah I’yanah Core

Aniyah Sayon Coston

Landon James Cronin

Marshel John Culbertson

Aliyah Hadassah Currie

Keithstan Gabriel Daniels

Summer Lee Daughtry

Kaniya Chantinell Davis

Logan Tyler Davis

Remington Allen Davis

Steven Anthony Davis

Ariana Michelle De La Cruz

Thayer Ruth DeLucca

Elijah Thomas Desper

Angel Luis Diaz-Hedricks

Brodie Allen Dixon

Jazlynn Dawn Dobrinski

Gretchen Kaydyn Kennedy Donath

Keziah Yasmin Dorsey

Ethan Lee DuBose

Kaidyn David Dugan

Jaxon Riley Dunn

Calista Rayne Edge

London Anicia Edmond

Jaylen Anthony Emory

Alyssa Rachel Ensley

Gracelyn McKenzye-Lee Esco

Micah Ian Feay

Joshua Zane Fisher

Bradley Michael Fisk

Daniel Bowen Fowler

Derrius Marquel Freeman

Kaydence Elizabeth Freymoyer

Ian Michael Fryer

Kyra Jeanie Fryer

Angel Marie Fuller

Roby James Fuller

Ty’reon Donta Fuller

Steven Franklin Gaines III

Oscar Gerard Jacques Garniron

Robert Jerrod Gathers

August Brayden Chance George

Aurora Lynn Gibson

Kyleigh Nicole Gibson

Rachel Marie Gibson

Elijah James Gile

Eve Elizabeth Gipson

Aiden Coley Glover

Autumn LaRee Goff

Logan Daniel Gollihugh

Benjamin Tyler Goodwin

Braily Madison Gore

Chloe Laverne Graham

Lawrence Carlos Grant

Sakina Tatyana Grant

Jonathan Scott Grantham Jr.

Emerson Aubrey Green

Mitchell Davis Greene

Hunter James Greenhaw

Morgan Ali Griffin

Hunter Owen Grizzard

Ethan Trent Gruber

Cheyenne Skye Guthrie

Justin Lee Halderman Jr.

Hayden Clarence Hall

Nathan Jefferson Hall

Brody Alexander Hamilton

Adam Lee Hanvey

Jordan Tyler Hardeman

Aaron Neil Harris

Carl Lamar Jeffrey Harris

Jamory Ithyus Harris

Zachary Thomas Harris

Amanda Kate Harrison

Messiah Mekhi Hart

Xavier Lamont Hart

Aubrey Rae Heard

Javian Demetri Heard

Dalnesha Monique Heath

Aiden Christopher Henderson

Taylor Antonia Henderson

Anthony Deatric Herring

Adam Randall Herrington

Madison Marie Herrington

Daniel Ross Hicks

Dennazia Myrchetta Hightower

Christian Hilton

Brooke Leann Hobbs

Evelyn Grace Hodgins

Aubrey Elizabeth Hoffnagle

Emily Ann Hollon

Nehemiah Rayshon Holman

Serena Ann Holmes

JaNiah Denise Hoskins

Toryn Sunaii Houseton

Elijah Jarod Howard

Makayla Jalissa Howard

Joseph Michael Hukowski

smiths station

Nicholas James Hukowski

Madisyn Elisabeth Mae Hunter

Tori’onna Shanae Niq’cole Hunter

Payton Louis Hurst

Savannah Shea Hurst

Ansley Elayne Hutto

Jayden Andrew Hutzenbiler

Jayshaun Ahmad Jackson

Carl Waverly Jackson Jr.

Jesse Dakota James

Alyssa Nicole Jamieson

Tristan Aurelius Jenkins

Haleigh Nicole Johsnson

Keidric Samori Johnson

Khani Jamar Johnson

Makayla Renee Johnson

Cameron Omari Jones

Chloey Jones

Cortez Samuell Christopher Jones Jr.

Diamond Alexis Jones

Garrett Timothy Jones

Jada Renae Jones

Miranda Madison Jones

Raymond Kim Jones

Simore’ Jeanessa Jones

Cooper Trinton Jordan

Isabelle Grace Jordan

Cameron Alexander Joseph

Latasha Kimberly Judkins

Joshua Logan Junghans

Addison Leigh Kees

Caleb Edmond King

Kyle Lee Knotts

Nicolette Redfern Latta

Nicholas Andrew Carey Leggett

Kelsey Nicole Lester

Carlee Rose Lewis

Melana Marie Lewis

Sevyn Amon Lewis

Kaydence Erin Lightsey

Christian Sean Linsley

Maxie Caleb Littleton

Randez Keonte Lockett

Courtney Isaiah Logan

Aiden James Logan

Mikayla Jade Lowery

John Ethan-Grant Madden

Makayla Lee Mahone

Samantha Rae Mains

Brandon Scott McCraine

Elizabeth Diana McSpadden

Donovan Jesus Melendez

Mark Jay Mellage

Ella Ruth Melton

Jarrod Steven Menke

Josie Karissa Messer

Clayton Christopher Messick

Vanisha Zyairrah Miles

NeVaeh Shanice Miller

Zevin Anthony Miller

smiths station

Madison Faith Mills

AyAna Talayah Lenish Milton

Addison Breanne Minton

Aniah Miesha Mitchell

Noel Paris Montgomery

Caid Thomas Moore

David Allen Moore

Jayla Laneice Moore

Ryan Lane Moore

Anna Marie Morales

Isaac Jorge Morfi

Marshall Stephen Morgan

Austin Cole Mullican

Richard Raymond Munguia

Jamison Jordan Murphy

Kaleb Anthony Myers

Maxine Amanda Naranjo

Taylor Makenzie Newman

Jinwoo Andrew Nichols

Jadaliz Nieves

Patrick Derik Noll

Brodie Evan Norred

Micah Brayden Ogletree

Jarmarius Delucus Oliver

Priscilla Julizia Ortiz

Janelle Nicole Owens

Kylan Kenton Pace

Lily Antoinette Paden

Aydan Fitzjarrell Parker

Alejandrina Olene Pasaca

Cody David Paxton

Cortez Mandel Peters

Lance Robert Peterson

Emma Marie Phillips

Georgiauna Logan Phillips

Cameron Daron Pitts

Nathaniel West Pitts

Libby-Kate Posey

Railey Nicole Prins

Lauren Elizebeth Purdy

David Elias Ramirez

Dawson Allan Ramsey

Alexis Marie Randall

Chelsea Lynn Ray

Francisca Patricia Ray

Anthony Ray Redden (Kelly)

Bailey-Ann Morgan Reeves

Jadeyn Rhea Reichle

Coy Williamson Reifsnyder

Xavier Alessandro Reyna

Aiden Lee Rhodes

Gabriel Micheal Richards

Laikleigh Madison Ridge

Ellen Grace Ridgeway

Caleb Greg Riley

Thomas Jakeb Riley

Camden Lewis Roberts

Camdyn Alizah Robertson

Aaron Jacob Robinson

Daniel Elijah Robinson

smiths station

Hampton Yates Robinson

Skyler McKenzie Robinson

Tyquarius Cortez Robinson

Ainsley Christine Rodriguez

Johnathan Ray Rogers

Stephanie Rojas-Gutierrez

Craig Mark Rose

Raymond Francis Rose V

Mattew Alexander Ruof

Addison Burklee Russell

Joseph Jeremiah Anthony

Russell

Caden Matthew Allen Ryan

Rebecca Ann Salley

Abby Kate Salster

Joshua Chase Sanes

Jaden Bently Sanford

Mitchel William Sarkadi

Cannon Bryant Saunders

Lukas Daniel Schlueter

Glory Nichole Schultz

Colin Michael Scroggins

Matthew Ethan Seabury

Jayden Johnathan Sellers

Zion Jamel Sharpe

Hunter Chance Shavers

Mitchell Dylan Shavers

Hayden Lawson Shedrick

Rowan Eden-Rose Shrum

Ethan Amir Francois Shuford

Alexis Michele Sikking

Jackson Lee Scott Singletary

Alexis Marie Skerrett

Samari Jestine Slater

Hunter Maddox Sloan

Cerstin Marie Smith

Christyan Douglas Smith

Kaycee Dean Smith

Russell Wyatt Smith

Summer Faith Smith

Terryn Mackenzie Smith

Bryce Deone Smoke

Rachel Sue Sparks

Austin Sizemore Spence

Haylee Blair Spinks

Zoey Renne Lynn Stanislawski

Alexis Margaret Starling

Patricia Ayanna Staton

Rebekah Grace Stephens

Jyshadra Yasmin Makya

Stokes

Lajavious Kentrell Stokes

Emilyna Maureen Strauch

Jaden De’Wayne Strickland

Rylin June Stricklin

Anna Kay Strong

Brenda Abigail Stuckey

Cassidy Ranait Suding

Jyron Duryeh Sweat

Ryan Cade Tanguma

Benjamin Lane Taylor

Jaymee Ja Christopher Taylor

Talon Jack Terry

Ayden Taylor Thaxton

Damarcus Kamori Thomas

Jasmyn Monae Thomas

Conner Wayne Thomason

Cassandra Lorraine Thompson

Emma Willow Thornton

Jaydah Aniya Threatt

Samuel Joe Thrower

Gracie Anniston Tice

Brodie Harrison Tilley

Kyrin Malik Tindall

MaKyle Daniel Todd

Matthew Weston Tolbert

Timothy Eugene Townsend

Makayla Addison Toxey

Nicholas Reese Truitt

Kendal Alisabeth Turner

Brandan Dean Lorenzo Tyson

Trinity Faith Vaughn

Skye Lynn Vogel

Ricki Lynn Wadkins

Elijah Cohen Walker

Merric Lee Walker

Tobias Edward Walker

Whitley Elaine Walker

Hunter Jacob Waller

Kynzlee Danyell Waller

Timothy Kaleb Waller

Madison Leigh Walls

Chase Adam Walters

Dominic Van Walton

Kamden Taylor Warren

Zachary Ty Watkins

Kamden Otani Watts

Madelyn Alexis Weatherly

Leigha Madison Werner

Houston Ryan Whale

Emily Elizabeth White

Isabella Naria White

Tonya Grace White

Mason Christopher Whitley

Samuel Cole Whitlock

Akihya Jh’meice Williams

Altavious Jh’kael Williams

Artavious Terrell Williams

Caden Michael Williams

Damon Thomas Williams

Garrett Michael Williams

Samuel Corbin Williams

Emily Alexis Wilson

Jamal Jamarion Wilson

Aubre Dewayne Wimberly

Tyler Dean Winters

Jacob Anthony Joseph Wolff

Jaxon Christian Wood

Sophia Marie Woodham

Marley David Wragg

Tailor Elaine Wright

Aaron Jaden Wynn

Ja’Kiya Jaree Wysinger

Reginald Dwayne Wysinger

Emmarie Cachlynn Zeh

That grit passed on from Brandon to his brothers, and it was contagious to the rest of the team as well. In Gardner’s first year as a basketball coach, the Riddle’s iron-sharpens-iron mentality helped boost a team that had never notched as much as a winning season to the verge of playing for a state championship until losing to Escambia Academy in the Final Four.

The winning mentality Trinity built will bubble over into next season, but it will have to go on without Brandon, who is going on to study kinesiology at Auburn University.

“Brandon set the bar high on our team and was a great leader in showing our young men what discipline looks like,” Gardner said. “From how he eats to how he approaches workouts and practices, it’s easy to see there’s something different there, and few teenagers have that kind of intentionality in their work. It’s oldfashioned toughness — like iron.”

Brandon was hesitant about playing basketball for his senior year, but the rest of the Riddle family reminded him how much he loved the game, but even more so, how much he loved competing with his brothers.

He agreed to make the move to Trinity for his senior year, the school he has attended up through eighth grade, and the rest is what has been called “Riddle

Mania.” The brothers were major contributors to a team that went on a four-game win streak to end the season and capture its first ever region title on its way to stealing its first ever playoff victory over Snook Christian Academy.

Although they laugh at it, the Riddle boys don’t plan on using the term “Riddle Mania” going forward. Nonetheless, the improbable season the boys helped formulate in their first and last season together will be a legend that lives on among the Riddle family.

“[This season] definitely just made basketball even more fun,” Nate said. “We got a lot better because — we always want to be the best — but especially we want to be better than each other as brothers. I just got a lot better on and off the court because of playing with them.”

Dear Trinity Class of 2024,

Needless to say, you all hold a very special place in my heart, and my mind is flooded with cherished memories of the time that the Lord has given us together. It has been mentioned to me repeatedly that in considering the “Portrait of a Trinity Graduate,” you fit that description exceedingly well. You have run the race with diligence and creativity. You have shown yourselves to be selfless leaders who value loving your neighbor as yourself, putting the needs of others above your own. Your kind, gentle and good-natured spirit permeates the hallways and classrooms of our school and effectively sets the tone for others in the student body. We will certainly miss you, but the Class of 2024 will leave behind a legacy that will impact others for years to come. You truly are virtuous scholars who think clearly, listen carefully, discern wisely, reason persuasively and articulate precisely, and it is our honor to call you alumni of Trinity Christian School.

With gratitude and love, Mr. Cornelius

Trinity CHRISTIAN

Matthew Walker Cornelius

Micah Scott Coxwell

Olivia Suzanne Gray

Connor Merrill Hammett

Ella Claire Hoffman

Langley Elise Lunsford

William Cole Middleton

Thomas Alexander Morris

Christopher Wingate Odom

Nathanial Owens Pitt

Gabriellen Rebecca Simpkins

Thomas Campbell Tillman

Susanna Grace Washburn

AuburnBank is proud to honor this year’s graduates for their hard work and commitment to following their dreams. Here’s to a job well done and success in the future!