Graduation 2018: West Rowan All County Scholars

Published 12:00 am Friday, June 8, 2018

West Rowan High School’s All-County Scholars.

Thomas Jeffrey Dale Cobb

Thomas Jeffrey Dale Cobb is the son of Jeff and Susan Cobb of Woodleaf. A senior at West Rowan High School, he attended Woodleaf Elementary School and West Rowan Middle School.

In the fall, he will attend The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he will study mechanical engineering.

Favorite assigned book: “A Separate Peace,” by John Knowles.

Defining moment in my life: When I was finally old enough to get a job for Hendrix Manufacturing as a machine mechanic and realized that I had such a great passion for mechanics and learning how equipment worked.

Secret to high school success: Picking and choosing the battles I wanted to fight and not wasting my time on things that I knew would turn out pointless in the end.

If I had $10 million: Tithe 15 percent, treat myself to a Ferrari 458 Spider, and save the rest because I could really need that money one day.

Long Van Le

Long Van Le is the son of Duoc and Trang Le of Salisbury. A senior at West Rowan High School, he attended H.D. Isenberg Elementary School and West Rowan Middle School.

In the fall, he will attend University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he will study computer science. He hopes to become a software developer and create his own successful tech company.

Favorite assigned book: “1984” by George Orwell.

Defining moment in my life: Modern society is entirely driven by technology, around which our everyday lives are involved. At the age of 5, I was introduced to a Windows desktop computer and at first glance, I was struck with awe by the structure of the machinery. The computer ran a Windows 2000 operating system and had basic, yet interesting programs including Minesweeper, Microsoft Paint and solitaire. This moment sparked my passion in the world of computers as I had the incentive to learn how they are built and operated. Since this defining moment, I will pursue this significant and captivating field as I plan to major in computer science and become a software developer, where I will hopefully form my own personal tech company.

Secret to high school success: Finding the right balance between working hard and smart, as well as efficiently managing time.

If I had $10 million: I would donate the majority towards the charity, ComputerAid, that aims to reduce technological inequalities in the developing world, and use the remaining for family and academic needs.

Kaitlyn Nicole Coggins

Kaitlyn Nicole Coggins is the daughter of Don and Karen Coggins of Woodleaf. A senior at West Rowan High School, she attended Mt. Ulla Elementary School and West Rowan Middle School.

In the fall, she will attend The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she will study biochemistry.

Favorite assigned book: “In the Time of the Butterflies” by Julia Alvarez.

Defining moment in my life: My acceptance into Chapel Hill was a defining moment for me since I always have wanted to attend the school since I was 10 years old.

Secret to high school success: Never cheat and try not to procrastinate, but if you do, stay up until you get the work completed, don’t put it off.

If I had $10 million: Personally, if I had $10,000,000 I would start my own lab and carry out genetic testing for patients who need it at a reduced cost, since testing can be expensive.

Stacey Elizabeth Ketchie

Stacey Elizabeth Ketchie is the daughter of Matthew and Cheri Ketchie of Woodleaf. A senior at West Rowan High School, she attended Woodleaf Elementary School and West Rowan Middle School.

In the fall, she will attend North Carolina State University, where she will study statistics.

Favorite assigned book: “1984” by George Orwell.

Defining moment in my life: When my best friend passed away my junior year it made me realize how short life can be and that you should always be the best person you can and impact others’ lives in a positive way.

Secret to high school success: Consistency. I’ve made a schedule for myself that allows me to achieve the goals that I desire while working hard.

If I had $10 million: I would give back to the community, teachers and clubs that have helped me.