By Sarah Nagem
Salisbury Post
These 24 students have done great things.
They have traveled to foreign countries. They have volunteered close to home to help those less fortunate.
They have earned good grades that won them college scholarships.
They have sunk free throws, played hard on the football field and scored soccer goals.
One has caused a classmate to spit Gatorade at the school lunch table.
These kids, who are really no longer kids at all, excelled academically in high school in Rowan County. Now they are headed to schools from Catawba College to the University of Southern California.
They’ve been named to the Post’s All-County Scholars Team. Members are chosen by their guidance departments, based on grade-point average, SAT score and class rank.
Here are the 2008 Salisbury Post All-County Scholars:
East Rowan
– Whitney Megan Arey of Salisbury, daughter of Rodney and Robyn Arey.
Clubs: President of Spanish Club, treasurer of National Honor Society, art club, Junior Civitan.
Volunteer work: Rowan Helping Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life, youth mission to Jamaica.
Extracurriculars: church youth group, rode a unicycle in the Salisbury/Spencer Christmas parade.
Awards and honors: Junior Marshal, Civitan scholar, all-A honor roll, Art National Honor Society, North Carolina Governor’s School, valedictorian.
Favorite high school memory: Mr. Ritchie’s and Mrs. Talbert’s classes.
Proudest high school moment: “Being valedictorian.”
Song on MySpace page: “Friends” by Trappers, Traders and Mountainmen.
College: Duke University, cultural anthropology.
– Michael Joseph Brecht of Faith, son of Ron and Kathy Mauzy.
Clubs/sports: Cross country, track, Sigma Phi Gamma, National Honor Society.
Volunteer work: Activities with National Honor Society, Junior Civitan, helped neighbors.
Awards and honors: Captain of cross country and track teams, All-County cross country and track, All-Conference cross country, Rowan County Runner of the Year, Civitan scholar, N.C. Scholar, honors graduate.
Favorite high school memory: “Winning in cross country and track.”
Proudest high school moment: Graduating as salutatorian.Song on MySpace page: Trappers, Traders and Mountainmen.College: N.C. State University, biomedical engineering.
Cameron Scott Brown of Rockwell, son of Scott and Bonnie Brown.
Clubs/sports: Varsity football, indoor track, outdoor track.
Volunteer work: Coached pole vaulters.
Extracurriculars: Student Council, National Honor Society, Sigma Phi Gamma.
Awards and honors: Scholar Athlete Award, Woodmen of the World Award for American History, Mr. East Rowan, outstanding senior, Civitan scholar, football captain, indoor and outdoor track captain, salutatorian.
Favorite high school memory: Football games and winning county championship in track.
Proudest high school moment: Pole-vaulting accomplishments as a freshman.
Song on MySpace page: “MySpace is ridiculously useless.”
College: N.C. State University.
– Katelyn Whitney McCombs of Salisbury, daughter of Robin McCombs and Suzanne Deal.
Clubs: Student Council, student body president, chaplain of National Honor Society, Spanish Club president, Junior Civitan, N.C. Association of Student Councils first vice president.
Volunteer work: Mission trips across the United States, Special Olympics, ARC fishing tournament.
Extracurriculars: Shiloh Reformed Church of Faith youth group, worked at Il Colosseo for two years.
Awards and honors: Junior Marshal, Civitan Scholar for four years, NCASC Hall of Fame member, homecoming court senior year, AP scholar.
Favorite high school memory: Hanging out with friends.
Proudest high school moment: “When I walk across the stage to receive my diploma.”
Song on MySpace page: “My MySpace is irrelevant; it has not been updated in eight months.”
College: University of North Carolina-Chapel HillJesse Carson
– Dylan Ross Horne of Salisbury, son of Charlene and Ed Horne.
Clubs: National Honor Society, Junior Civitan, Spanish Club, Student Council.
Extracurriculars: Boy Scouts (Troop 328 and Crew 836), working on custom guitars.
Awards and honors: Junior Marshal, Physics senior of the year, Eagle Scout.
Favorite high school memory: “Too many to choose from.”
Proudest high school moment: Winning Mr. Carson 2008.
Song on MySpace page: “Welcome to the Machine” by Pink Floyd.
College: N.C. State University.
– Robin Kendrick Miles of Salisbury, daughter of Robin and Sam Bannister.
Clubs: Secretary of National Honor Society, prom committee member.
Volunteer work: Special Olympics, Rowan Helping Ministries.
Extracurriculars: A dancer at Salisbury School of Ballet and Piedmont Dance Theatre’s “The Nutcracker.”
Awards and honors: Junior Marshal, U.S. Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award, Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award, John O. Reynolds III Memorial Scholarship, AP biology award.
Favorite high school memory: “AP calculus class with Mr. Fink and the stories about his crazy college roommates in between calculus problems.”
Proudest high school moment: “My acceptance to Davidson College.”
Song on MySpace page: “Say It Ain’t So” by Weezer.
College: Davidson.
– William Spencer Newsome of Rockwell, son of Gay and Herbert “Bo” Newsome.
Clubs and sports: Student Council, Junior Civitan, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, tennis team junior year.
Volunteer work: Helped local elementary school students at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.
Extracurriculars: “Trap shooting and just simply enjoying being a teenager.”
Awards and honors: Coach’s award in tennis, prom king, senior superlative “Male Most Likely to Change the World,” George C. Knox Citizenship Award.
Favorite high school memory: “Working like mad the second quarter of my sophomore year to get an A in Mr. Williams’ AP European History.”
Proudest high school moment: Being the first Carson graduate to be accepted at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
Song on MySpace page: “Lux Aeterna” by Clint Mansell.
College: UNC-Chapel Hill.
– Hannah Marie Roseman of China Grove, daughter of Brett and Wendy Roseman.
Clubs: National Honor Society, Dance Club, Drama Club, Young Order of Dramatic Actors, French Club.
Volunteer work: Ran PowerPoint at Faith Covenant Worship Center for three years, taught dance classes to young kids for six years.
Extracurriculars: Takes dance classes, mission trip to Australia and New Zealand in 2004, People-to-People student ambassador trip to Europe in 2007.
Awards and honors: National Society of High School Scholars, SAT honor roll, Best Calculus Student award.
Favorite high school memory: “Listening to either Lite 102.9 or Mr. Fink’s stories during AP calculus.”
Proudest high school moment: Receiving the Best Calculus Student award from Mr. Fink.
Song on MySpace page: A playlist of several songs.
College: University of North Carolina-Asheville.
North Rowan
– Michael Benjamin Bates of Salisbury, son of David and Angelia Sides-Bates.
Clubs/sports: golf, president of National Technological Honor Society, president of National Honor Society, Junior Civitan, SADD, marching band.
Volunteer work: Catawba College Community Band, Rowan County Teen Court, youth group, worked part-time at Romano’s restaurant, avid advocate for North Rowan schools.
Awards and honors: Boys State, Eagle Scout, Service Above Self Award for Teen Court, 2008 U.S. Marines academic award, 2008 Rowan County Star Student Award, North Rowan Alumni Association scholarship recipient, National Starch & Chemical Co. science scholarship, Rowan-Salisbury PTA Council scholarship, Salisbury Rotary scholarship, Spencer Civitan-Ralph K. Sedberry and Jim Troutman Memorial Scholarship, National Tire Industry Association/Michelin scholarship, Catawba College First Family scholarship.
Favorite high school memory: senior year.
Proudest high school moment: “Getting my Eagle Scout rank.”
Song on MySpace page: “Going On” by Gnarls Barkley.
College: Catawba.
– David Lee Hoffman of Salisbury, son of Dallas and Paula Hoffman.
Clubs: National Honor Society, Future Teachers of America, Future Business Leaders of America.
Volunteer work: Grounds work at church.
Extracurriculars: Marching band, Rowan County Housing Authority.
Awards and honors: Honor graduate, N.C. Scholar, academic Wall of Fame, Academic Award of Excellence.
Favorite high school memory: Friends.
Proudest high school moment: Receiving a $10,000 scholarship.
Song on MySpace page: “A Favor House Atlantic” by Coheed and Cambria.
College: N.C. State University, computer engineering.
– Savannah Hope Larimore of Salisbury, daughter of Karen L. Wilkinson and Terry Larimore.
Clubs/sports: Tennis, soccer, cheerleading, National Honor Society, student government, SADD, Key Club.
Volunteer work: United Way, Association of Retarded Citizens, Rowan Helping Ministries, city of Salisbury Parks and Recreation, Invisible Children.
Extracurriculars: Tour guide at the Hall House, waitress at Blue Bay Restaurant.
Awards and honors: AP scholar, valedictorian, student body president, varsity tennis and soccer MVP.
Favorite high school memory: The homecoming float junior year.
Proudest high school moment: “Getting the first game off the four-time state tennis champ last year.”
Song on MySpace page: “Sugartree” by Simplified.
College: N.C. State University, nutrition science.
– Adam Cameron Russell of Salisbury, son of Becky and Todd Russell.
Clubs/sports: Activist Club, track team, marching band, Future Business Leaders of America, SADD.
Volunteer work: Operation Christmas Child, Rowan Helping Ministries.
Awards and honors: Marching band Honor Award, N.C. Scholar, honor graduate, Wall of Fame, voted most unforgettable by senior classmates.
Favorite high school memory: Graduating.
Proudest high school moment: “Basking in the glow of an immortal (Mr. Crews).”
Song on MySpace page: “Ants Marching” by Dave Matthews Band.
College: University of North Carolina-Charlotte.
Salisbury High
– Luis Daniel Andrade of Salisbury, son of Marco Antonio Sosa and Esrella Sosa.
Clubs/sports: Future Business Leaders of America, Spanish Club, Junior Civitan, National Honor Society, student advisory committee.
Volunteer work: President of Lideres Hispanos del Futuro, interpreter/translator.
Awards and honors: Junior Marshal, Junior Rotarian, AP Scholar with distinction, PTSA Scholar.
Favorite high school memory: Both of Ms. Doran’s classes.
Proudest high school moment: Graduation.
– Ivy Pauline Brisbin of Salisbury, daughter of Dick and Linda Brisbin.
Clubs/sports: National Honor Society, Key Club, math team, student government, Hornet Hype Spirit Club, French Club, International Club, varsity soccer, varsity cross country.
Volunteer work: Rowan Helping Ministries, Kiwanis Pancake Festival, Live at the Hive, church nursery, church mission trip to Canada, church summer programs.
Extracurriculars: Free Enterprise Leadership Challenge at Wingate University, Summer Ventures in science and math at University of North Carolina-Wilmington.
Awards and honors: AP Scholar with distinction, co-chief Junior Marshal, Junior Rotarian, four-year all-A honor roll, All-County and All-Conference in soccer and cross country, Hornet Pride Century Service Award, Jack Campbell Scholar Athlete Award, Bettie C. Lyerly Most Outstanding Calculus Student Award, N.C. Scholar, PTSA Scholar, Mayor’s Award, Elsie B. King Valedictorian Award, MVP of women’s soccer.
Favorite high school memory: Defeated West Rowan High School to earn the title of county soccer champions.
Proudest high school moment: “(I) will be graduating as the strong student, athlete and Christian I’ve become.”
Song on MySpace page: Doesn’t have a MySpace page.
College: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
– Allie Suzanne Wagner of Salisbury, daughter of Jimmy and Suzanne Burgess and Charles Wagner.
Clubs/sports: Key Club historian, student government, Physics Club secretary, varsity cross country, varsity track, varsity and junior varsity soccer, junior varsity volleyball.
Volunteer work: Rowan Helping Ministries, Teens With A Mission, Nazareth Children’s Home, Piedmont Players Theater.
Awards and honors: AP scholar, Junior Marshal, Junior Rotarian, Scholar Athlete, National Honors Society, most dedicated award, four years of perfect attendance, Rowan County honor roll, Community Service Award, highest average in honors chemistry.
Favorite high school memory: 2007 Europe trip
College: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
– Susan “Susie” Elizabeth Wear of Salisbury, daughter of Susan and Ralph Wear.
Clubs/sports: Vice president of National Honor Society, Key Club, International Club, vice president of Physics Club, swim team, soccer, co-captain of tennis team.
Volunteer work: Teens With A Mission mission trip to Mexico, Rowan Helping Ministries, Nazareth Children’s Home, started a tennis clinic for at-risk children called “Swing With Susie.”
Awards and honors: Salutatorian, Central Carolina Conference Athlete of the Year, Rowan County Athlete of the Year, co-chief Junior Marshal, Clary Medal winner, All-Conference in all three sports, named CCC tennis player of the year, county swimming MVP, county tennis player of the year, All-State in tennis, Morehead-Cain nominee, Jefferson Scholar nominee at University of Virginia, Time Warner Cable Star Student, Wendy’s High School Heisman state finalist, Junior Rotarian, Civitan and Rotary scholarship recipient, selected to attend the youth legislative assembly in Raleigh.
Favorite high school memory: 2007 trip to Europe.
Proudest high school moment: Winning a tennis state championship as a team in 2006 and with my doubles partner in 2007.
Song on MySpace page: “I have a Facebook (page).”
South Rowan
– Bethany Haataja Bradshaw of China Grove, daughter of Perry and Anna Bradshaw.
Clubs/sports: Student Council president, National Honor Society, Junior Civitans, Spanish Club, Drama Club, tennis, swimming.
Volunteer work: 4-H volunteer, service committee chairperson.
Awards and honors: Charlotte Observer All-Star Scholar.
Favorite high school memory: Singing “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” at the senior chorus concert.
Proudest high school moment: County champions in swimming all four years of high school.
Song on MySpace page: “On A Night Like This” by Dave Barnes.
College: Averett University.
– Franklin Eugene “Bo” Caldwell IIof Kannapolis, son of Franklin and Morrisa Caldwell.
Clubs/sports: National Honor Society, varsity basketball co-captain.
Volunteer work: Rowan County Teen Court attorney, Salisbury Police Explorers.
Extracurriculars: Playing pick-up basketball, watching television.
Awards and honors: University of Southern California Presidential Scholarship, USC Viterbi School of Engineering Merit Scholarship, National Achievement Scholarship, Salisbury Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Scholarship, Salisbury Rotary Club Scholarship, Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Salisbury Scholarship, National Merit Scholarship commended student, Charlotte Observer All-Star Scholar, National Honor Society, Eagle Scout, N.C. Scholar, AP calculus award.
Favorite high school memory: “Going to Los Angeles to visit USC.”
Proudest high school moment: “Beating Carson in their first-ever basketball game.”
Song on MySpace page: “Rack Daddy” by Fat Pimp.
College: University of Southern California.
– Kristian Doty of Landis.Clubs/sports: Interact, National Honor Society, Junior Civitans, YODA, quiz bowl.
Volunteer work: Activities through Interact and Junior Civitan.
Awards and honors: English award.
Favorite high school memory: “(The) time I made Josh spit Gatorade over everyone at lunch.”
Proudest high school moment: “Being told that people cried at our performance of the spring show this year.”
Song on MySpace page: “If You Could Only See” by Tonic.
College: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
– Donald Lane Turbyfill of Landis, son of Ron and Kim lee Turbyfill.
Clubs/sports: Junior Civitan, National Honor Society, Drama Club, marching band.
Volunteer work: Summer office assistant at South Rowan High, media and technology assistant at China Grove and North Rowan middle schools, South Rowan blood drive, Rowan Helping Ministries.
Extracurriculars: Eleven-minute play writing contest, Rowan County Big Band.
Awards and honors: SAT scholarship, laptop grant, C.H. Morrison Scholarship, National Honor Society Scholarship.
Favorite high school memory: “Our Greek fest with Mrs. Crawley in Honors English I.”
Proudest high school moment: Receiving the A+ certification.
Song on MySpace page: “Good Enough” by Evanescence.
College: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
West Rowan
– Caitlin Leigh Cox of Salisbury, daughter of Randy and Mary Cox.
Clubs/sports: varsity tennis, junior varsity and varsity basketball, varsity soccer, National Honor Society, student government, Junior Civitan, Environmental Club, Future Farmers of America, Chess Club, Crazies, SADD.
Volunteer work: Relay For Life, Rowan Helping Ministries.
Extracurriculars: Worked as a lifeguard, Young Life, Sacred Heart Catholic Church youth group.
Awards and honors: Park Scholarship, N.C. Wendy’s High School Heisman nominee, Junior Marshal, Time Warner Cable’s star student, editor of West Wind yearbook, president of National Honor Society, executive vice president of student government, vice president of Environmental Club, AP Scholar, National Honor Roll, Who’s Who Among American High School Students, All-County in tennis twice, All-County in soccer, Scholar Athlete, All-Conference in tennis twice, tennis MVP, varsity basketball defensive MVP, junior varsity basketball MVP, coach’s award for varsity soccer, academic honor roll.
Favorite high school memory: Playing sports.
Proudest high school moment: Receiving the Park Scholarship.
Song on MySpace page: Uses Facebook instead.
College: N.C. State University.
– Lori Beth Fraleyof Cleveland, daughter of Von and Cindy Fraley.
Clubs/sports: Future Farmers of America, National Honor Society, Crazies.
Volunteer work: West Rowan Bible Teachers’ Association, Rowan Helping Ministries, Lord Salisbury festival.
Extracurriculars: Relay For Life.
Awards and honors: First Family Scholarship from Catawba College, West Rowan FFA Alumni Scholarship, Robert C. Byrd Scholarship, West Rowan NHS Scholarship, Woodleaf Lanes Scholarship, AP Scholar.
Favorite high school memory: Participating in FFA.
Proudest high school moment: “Finding out I was awarded a First Family Scholarship to Catawba.”
Song on MySpace page: “Amarillo Sky” by Jason Aldean.
College: Catawba.
– Mackenzie Wrenn Heglar of Mooresville, daughter of Annie and Dwayne Heglar.
Clubs/sports: student government, National Honor Society, Junior Civitan, Environmental Club, Junior Classical League, varsity volleyball, junior varsity soccer, swim team.
Volunteer work: Rowan Helping Ministries, Back Creek Christmas Operation, Vacation Bible School teacher, head volleyball coach for West Rowan Middle’s recreational team.
Extracurriculars: Junior Olympic volleyball, YMCA recreational, outdoor volleyball, horseback riding.
Awards and honors: Honor roll, Junior Marshal, yearbook editor-in-chief, varsity volleyball captain, volleyball coach’s award, newspaper online editor, All-County volleyball, All-Conference volleyball, Junior Olympic volleyball captain, environmental club reporter, Junior Civitan coordinator, swim team regional girls medley.
Favorite high school memory: “Ice skating in the Big Kahuna pageant with John Simpson.”
Proudest high school moment: Getting accepted to Davidson College.
– Ryan Matthew Teel of Salisbury, son of Mark and Michele Teel.
Clubs/sports: National Honor Society, JCL, Junior Civitan, chess, Greek, cross country, swimming, track, tennis.
Volunteer work: Projects through National Honor Society and Junior Civitan.
Extracurriculars: Worked at the YMCA.
Awards and honors: Math Department Award, Science Department Award, National Merit Scholar, McNair Scholarship, Lieber Scholarship.
Favorite high school memory: “Any day in Mrs. Rehkopf’s English 4 class.”
Proudest high school moment: Receiving the McNair Scholarship.
Song on MySpace page: “I prefer Facebook.”
College: University of South Carolina-Columbia.