HICKORY GROVE CHRISTIAN
STUDENT MEDIA Projecting the voice of the student body through 21st century Christian journalism in order to inform and serve the HGC community.
OUR STAFF 2017-2018 Brandy Caton Advisor
Leighann Vinesett
Exodus Design Edtior The Pride Editor-In-Chief
Lauren Morissette The Pride Copy Editor
Adriana Stowe Senior Photo Editor
Emily Strum
Exodus Co-Editor-In-Chief
Sydney Pressley
Exodus Co-Editor-In-Chief
Morgan Davis
On The Prowl Editor-In-Chief
INSIDE THE PRIDE
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Over The Years
They are more than just classmates, they are family. See the Senior class grow up “over the years.”
Senior Quotes
Senior Quotes Connected
They’re all graduating from Hickory Grove, but where is the next step in their journey?
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Making Our Mark
Meet the senior athletes, artists, and leaders who have made their mark.
Southern Nights, Southern Lights
A photo essay of one of the biggest nights of the year: Prom 2018.
Dear Seniors,
One last word from faculty to the senior class.
Last Will and Testament
The seniors may be leaving, but they also have some things to leave behind...
twitter.com/hgcpride instagram.com/hgcontheprowl www.hgcontheprowl.org hgcpride.smugmug.com
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he Pride Newsmagazine hopes to publish three issues this year through the Student Media classes at Hickory Grove Christian High School. The publication is distributed free to the approximately 700 HGCS student body, faculty and staff in grades TK12. Approximately 1,000 copies will be distributed to Hickory Grove Baptist Church members and to the Hickory Grove community.
The student body is encouraged to use the opinion pages as a forum between the editorial board and the HGC community. Views expressed do not represent the opinions of the faculty or administration. Editorials represent the views of the editorial board and staff while bylined columns are the opinion of the authors. Readers are encouraged to email signed letters to the editor in response to the topics covered in each issue and with matters of concern to hgcpride@hgchristian.org.
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The Pride Newsmagazine is a member of the North Carolina Scholastic Media Association and the National Scholastic Press Association. Target Printing and Distribution of the Fayetteville Observer prints our publication.
about us
the pride spring 2018
MAKING THIS ISSUE Brandy Caton Advisor
E
very year at this time with two weeks of school left, most students and teachers are winding down on intensive learning in their classes to focus on nailing final or AP exams. Students have one foot out the door and struggle to focus on finishing strong because of the warm weather and summer calling. In the Student Media room, we still have our beloved Senior Edition of The Pride that we are working on and perfecting. It’s stressful because we all have summer fever while the editors have finals and AP exams, but we also want to serve the seniors well and provide special coverage about them in our newsmagazine format. Even though it’s tough, it’s by no means a chore. The sweat on our foreheads from the yelling matches about senior quotes are there because of love. The one who yells the loudest is actually the one who loves what we do the most (probably me). The tears over the cover photo are tears of passion. The walks around campus with a camera while trying to figure out what in the world we are going to do is meaningful because it’s one of the last times on assignment for our school. The sweat and side cramps from impromptu dance party breaks are treasured because the tension just melts away along with the sat fat that we’re all eating to deal with the stress. The blood shed from the exacto-knife is just because Sydney about us
loves knives and has nothing to do with our love and passion for what we do. I’ve been treasuring these last days with my six editors. Three are seniors who are about to leave our room forever and pursue college degrees. Three are juniors who will be the senior editors next year. We’ve had an amazing year together, we’ve grown very, very close, and I’m so proud of the standard of excellence that they set last summer and met with hard work together this year. But it’s also been bittersweet. I’ve been soaking in these days because I know that soon the senior girls will be gone. I can’t imagine a class without Emily, Sydney or Adriana and it’s going to be really, really, really weird. For the junior girls and me, we are starting to work on next year’s yearbook, making summer plans for workshops and meetings, deciding on their roles for each publication, and talking about next year’s classes. But we also don’t want this year to end, knowing that our senior girls will be leaving and won’t be a part of those publications and classes.
It’s crazy to have both excitement and sadness at the same time (I don’t like it), but we can move on when we remember their legacy, that we got better this year together, and we will continue to meet their standard of excellence while also striving to set the bar higher. This senior edition of The Pride is dedicated to the most passionate seniors I know. We love you and will talk about you every day next year while we shed blood, sweat, and tears without you.
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OVER THE YEARS
The senior class poses for a photo in front of SCORE mission house in the Dominican Republic. “The Dominican Republic was very eye opening, and I will miss all the relationships I built there,” Cassidy Campbell said. PHOTOS FROM VARIOUS SOURCES
Girls gather together for friendsgiving dinner during the Thanksgiving holiday. “I’ve really enjoyed growing up with each one of this girls, and whether they know it or not, they have all played a huge role in my past nine years at Hickory Grove,” Adriana Stowe said.
Marshall Townsend and Hunter Cochrane smile at the camera following kindergarden graduation. Both students are lifers and are graduatng in this years class of 2018. Seniors pose for a photo after the fall seasons senior night.
Reagan McCall, Mary Fuentes, and Carrie Conard pose for a photo after cap and gown pictures. “I’m very excited to finally complete high school, and graduate,” Fuentes said.
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over the years
the pride
spring 2018
Girls pose for a photo before heading off to their last homecoming dance. “I really enjoyed homecoming because it was really nice dressing up with my friends and having a good night out,� Jazmine Borden said.
Ethan Sink and Tyler Jones pose for a photo while wearing kilts at the Renaissance Festival in 7th grade.
The Buff Puff team poses for a photo following the 2014 tournament. At the time of the photo, the boys were freshman and had just came in second place. This year, the senior boys won the tournament.
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Jessica Turner and Adriana Bultsma decorate their parking spots. The students gathered at the end of the summer to make sure their parking spots showed a piece of their personalities.
Jessica Turner, Sydney Pressley and Sylas Williams pose for a photo in elementary school.
Ethan Barnes, Noah Dunn, Will Farthing, and Hunter Cochrane pose for a photo on ugly christmas sweater day.
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CLASS OF 2018 Fanny Aguirre
Ethan Barnes
Cade Baucom
Luke Bennett
Emma Beverage
"Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me."
"'You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.’ -Wayne Gretzky”
Loyalty to the Nation all the time, loyalty to the Government when it deserves it.
“The mind is the only weapon that doesn’t need a holster.”
“Your self-worth is determined by you. You don’t have to depend on someone telling you who you are.”
Michael Scott
Queen Bey
Mark Twain
Michael Scott
Dyson Biagas
Paul Blart
Noah Bond
Jazmine Borden
Hannah Bright
Adriana Bultsma
“The following students need to see Mrs. Davis before leaving today....”
“In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.”
Your failures, no matter how big or small, don’t define you. Acknowledge your accomplishments more and make every day a new opportunity to improve yourself for God’s glory.
If the only thing people remember about me here is that I was Brain Boy for a day, then that’s okay with me.
Ben Butts
Cassidy Campbell
Hunter Cochrane
Carrie Conard
“Oh, I don’t think I’m a lot dumber than you thought I’d think that I thought I was once.”
Yes, like the soup.
“Life is an endless series of train wrecks with only brief, commercial-like breaks of happiness.”
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
“ Chase your dreams but always know the road that’ll lead you home again”
Ferris Bueller
Tim McGraw
Carmen Farris
Will Farthing
“I would like to thank not only God, but also Jesus.”
“When you can’t make them see the light, make them feel the heat.”
White Goodman
Tamia Dixon
Lewis Carroll
Mrs. Davis
Wade Wilson
Ariel Du “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6
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Noah Dunn
Justin Bieber
senior quotes
Hailey Davis
the pride
Ronald Reagan
spring 2018
KJ Freeman
Audrey Frye
Mary Fuentes
John Grabowski
“Train your mind to see good in every situation.”
“My mother always taught me that there are two things we are allowed to enjoy but never talk about: money and mayonnaise.”
I spent more time creating a senior quote than a career path.
“At the end of the day, people will judge you either way, so do what makes you happy.”
Unknown
Alexandra Grubb
A Wordless Man
Unknown
Austin Hadden
Madi Hardman
Jaylyn Hargett-Boyce
“Everybody wants to be a beast, until it’s time to do what a beast does.”
Yeah... Connor is doing great.
“Love the life you live, live the life you love.”
Kyle Helmendach
Jalen Hinton
Ellie Johnson
Juliana Johnson
Bob Marley
Eric Thomas
Lauren Hood
Grayson Huneycutt
Jamie Jarman
“I don’t believe in luck. Everything happens for a reason.”
“Everyday is a good day, some are just better than others.”
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Nelly
Todd Hartsell
“The Lord is my shepherd; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Psalm 118:6
Eleanor Roosevelt
Kaleb Johnson
Tyler Jones
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
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Christian Little
Drew Litton
“If I ain’t fishin I’m workin’ on baits and rods.”
“The only time I set the bar low is for limbo.”
“Most things in life that are worthwhile, you’ve got to work at.”
My 6th Grade Twitter
Michael Scott
James Hetfield
Felicity Kapel
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Harrison Locklear
Zach Marlowe
Lauren Mayhone
Reagan McCall
Angie Menner
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
“I’m heading home to have myself a juice, snuggle with my blankie, and go nap nap.”
“On a scale of 1 to Nature Valley granola bar, how much is your life falling apart?”
Luke 1:45
Tommy Pickles
Unknown
Javier Morales-Dozal
Matt Murphy
Isaac Nifong
Joshua Orugboh
Mylon Patton
“Ever make mistakes in life? Let’s make them birds. Yeah, they’re birds now.”
I passed Bible class....barely!
Facts don’t care about your feelings.
“Be true to yourself; you’re the only person who can be.”
Ben Shapiro
Martin Begg
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16” #ThinkOutsideTheBun
Bob Ross
Lindsay Payne
Maggie Phipps
Jade Porter
Sydney Pressley
Devin Proper
“I have no idea what I’m doing, but I know I’m doing it really, really well.”
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
“When they go low, we go high.”
“Drink a lot of water and always shoot in RAW.”
“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.”
Andy Dwyer
Aristotle
Anna Rudnitsky
Kolby Sanford
“This is the beginning of anything you want.”
“If you live like me, you ball like me.”
Anonymous
Devin Wallace
Michelle Obama
Ethan Sink
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Brandon Woelfel
Caleb Small
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love 1st Corinthians 16:13-14
senior quotes the pride
Aristotle
Morgan Smith Can I check my Snapchat on your phone?
spring 2018
Samantha Souza
Sam Staples
Adriana Stowe
Emily Strum
Khanya Thunyiswa
“To love another person is to see the face of God.”
“The left hand steers and the right hand is the gas. If you can’t steer, you shouldn’t press the gas!”
“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”
“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard?”
The best is yet to come.
Victor Hugo
Michaela Tison “Normalness leads to sadness.” Phil Lester
Allison Valencia
Paul Gilbert
Noah Toadvine
“I’m going to put it into God’s hands, start living on God’s plans, Going to do the best I can, that’s all I can do, I’m going to put away my doubts, somehow it’ll all work out, And I can rest easy now that I’ve put it into God’s hands.” Johnny Cash
Caroline Vandaveer
“Eventually all things fall into place. Until then, laugh at the confusion, live for the moments, and know everything happens for a reason.” Albert Schweitzer
Jillian Williams “I will not be another flower, picked for my beauty and left to die. I will be wild, difficult to find, and impossible to forget.” Erin Van Vuren
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Dr. Seuss
Marshall Townsend
Hayden Turner
“Hope for the best. Expect the worst. Life is a play. We’re unrehearsed.”
“And I knew exactly what to do. But in a much more real sense, I had no idea what to do.”
Mel Brooks
Jessica Turner
Michael Scott
Lyanna Vega
Matthew Vuyou
“No one ever injured their eyesight by looking on the bright side.”
“If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.”
Unknown
Sylas Williams
Unknown
Laylah Welch
Jim Rohn
Dante Yuan
Arisa Zeng
“Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Matthew 5:39
Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind. William Shakespeare
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CONNECTED Emily Strum Editor Tyler Jones drives a Toyota Tundra like Hunter Cochrane who is kind of, but not really cousins with Sydney Pressley who hiked up a mountain like Ethan Sink who was on the Varsity Swim team with Emily Strum who drives a Ford Escape like Sylas Williams who was soccer captains with Ethan Barnes who worked at Albemarle Road Chick-Fil-A like Will Farthing who was in Mrs. Harbinson’s Kindergarten class with Ben Butts who sang in the first grade Christmas Chapel beside Hannah Bright who participates in the Grange with Caroline Vandaveer who rode to school junior year with Grayson Huneycutt who is in English with Lauren Hood who is going to Wingate along with Cassidy Campbell who cheered for basketball players like Ellie Johnson who is playing collegiate basketball like KJ Freeman who sits in English next to Matthew Vuyou who came from Victory Christian along with Joshua Orugboh who is on the d-line with Caleb Small who is committed to lifting everyday after school like John Grabowski who student directed a play like Laylah Welch and Samantha Souza who’s in International Culture Club with Khanya Thunyiswa who speaks Mandarin which is the first
CALIFORNIA
language of Dante Yuan who sat in front of Jamie Jarman who played League of Legends with Dyson Biagas who was in AP computer science with Cade Baucom who sleeps next to Hayden Turner in History class, who plays golf with Mylon Patton who went to Governor’s school with Audrey Frye who came from Back Creek like Mary Fuentes who is in AP Art like JJ Morales who drives a Jeep Wrangler like Angie Menner who ran relays with Jazmine Borden who always volunteers to read like Kolby Sanford who eats breakfast in Bible like Tamia Dixon who drives a Mercedes like Adriana Stowe who sat in the window sill in 4th grade with Morgan Smith who is prom queen with prom king Noah Dunn who is going to Liberty University like Sam Staples who plays golf with Noah Toadvine who does aquaponics with Harrison Locklear who drives a BMW like Kyle Helmendach who plays Bad Eggs with Madi Hardman who is going to Penn State along with Ariel Du who lives with Emma Beverage who loves makeup like Arisa Zeng who was a Mersister with Anna Rudnitsky who sat on the flight to the DR next to Jilli Williams who cheered in middle school with Hailey Davis who is rooming with Jessica Turner who plays volleyball with Lindsay Payne who played softball in middle school with Carmen Farris who sat in Bible 4 next to Lauren Mayhone who per-
forms ASL in chapel with Juliana Johnson who is not related to Kaleb Johnson who is on the football starting lineup with Christian Little who helped build the house in the DR with Drew Litton who plays guitar like Lyanna Vega who has best friend phone cases with Jade Porter who does theatre like Marshall Townsend whose mom is a teacher at HG like Allison Valencia who lives off of Brief Road like Isaac Nifong who’s a UNC fan like Austin Hadden who won the WNC Holiday Classic Tournament with Jaylyn Hargett-Boyce who drives a V6 car like Devin Proper who has early release like Reagan McCall who burned a Christmas tree with Carrie Conard who wears cowboy boots like Matt Murphy who drives a big truck like Adriana Bultsma who was in the same prom group as Fanny Aguirre who gets a ride home everyday from Alex Grubb who has a older sister who graduated from HG like Maggie Phipps who’s a pastor’s kid like Felicity Kapel who was in Bible 3 with Luke Bennett who is in AP classes like Noah Bond who played tennis with Zach Marlowe who has an older sibling like Michaela Tison who had AFAM with Jalen Hinton who will be joined by his senior class on May 18th, at 6:00 pm, to shake Mr. Quesinberry’s hand and become an official graduate of Hickory Grove Christian School.
FLORIDA
INDIANA
ILLINOIS
College of the Canyons Joshua Orugboh
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Kolby Sanford
Franklin College Ellie Johnson
University of Chicago Mylon Patton
University of California, Santa Cruz Arisa Zeng
University of Miami Angie Menner
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GEORGIA
VERMONT
Georgia Tech Noah Bond
Middlebury College Khanya Thunyiswa
college map
the pride spring 2018
NORTH CAROLINA
University of North Carolina at Charlotte Carrie Conard Ethan Barnes Ben Butts Isaac Nifong Jamie Jarman Hunter Cochrane Jade Porter Fanny Aguirre Hailey Davis Maggie Phipps Lyanna Vega University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Harrison Locklear Audrey Frye Luke Bennett
Catawba College KJ Freeman Central Piedmont Community College Grayson Huneycutt Mary Fuentes Jillian Williams Lindsay Payne Michaela Tison Drew Litton Christian Little Devin Proper Matthew Vuyou Cabarrus College of Health Sciences Lauren Mayhone Sylas Williams
Gardener Webb University Marshall Townsend
Wayne Community College Tyler Jones
North Carolina State University Juliana Johnson Matt Murphy Will Farthing Ethan Sink Wingate University Lauren Hood Carmen Farris Cassidy Campbell Winston Salem State University Jalen Hinton University of North Carolina at Asheville Kaleb Johnson University of North Carolina at Greensboro Adriana Stowe
VIRGINIA
KENTUCKY
Liberty University Morgan Smith Sam Staples Noah Dunn Dyson Biagas
University of Kentucky Emma Beverage
TENNESSEE Lee University Sydney Pressley University of Tennessee Adriana Bultsma
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PENNSYLVANIA
SOUTH CAROLINA Newberry College John Grabowski Clemson University Noah Toadvine North Greenville University Allison Valencia East Carolina University Caroline Vandaveer Hannah Bright Emily Strum
NEW YORK
United States Merchant Marine Academy Kyle Helmendach
Pennsylvania State University Madi Harman Ariel Du Penn State Abington Dante Yuan
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MAKING OUR MARK Student athletes, artists, and leaders tell how they are leaving their mark before leaving high school. Noah Dunn
KJ Freeman
Q: What college are you playing at and for what sport? A: Liberty University for soccer
Q: What college are you playing at and for what sport? A: Catawba College for basketball
Q: Describe the work that you put into perfecting your craft over the years. A: I have played since I was 5 and currently play for Carolina Rapids U19 Academy.
Q: Describe the work that you put into perfecting your craft over the years. A: Many days of early morning shootarounds, late night workouts, and practices with my coaches
Q: Where are you most talented? A: Center mid-field
Michaela Tison
Q: Where are you most talented at? A: Shooting and scoring
Anna Rudnitsky
Q: What do you hope to leave behind as a legacy for the arts? A: I hope to leave the legacy that even shy or socially awkward people can perform and have a lot of fun with it.
Q: What do you hope to leave behind as a legacy for the arts? A: I hope to have left behind the legacy of seizing the moment and having a great time while acting.
Q: How did you get involved? A: I did a theater camp the summer before my freshman year, and I’ve been doing it ever since!
Q: How did you get involved? A: I took Theatre I my first year here which was how I got immersed in the theatre world.
Q: How has your time in the arts been important
Q: How has your time in the arts been important to you? A: Because of the performances I’ve been in, I’ve met hilarious, genuine, and awesome friends that I have made marvelous memories with.
to you? A: The arts is my favorite thing about school. It’s where I get to hang out and do what I love with all my friends. It’s also really helped me come out of my shell and be more confident. It’ll definitely be what I’ll miss most when I graduate.
Lindsay Payne Q: What group do you lead and what is your leadership role/title? A: I am one of the captains of the Varsity volleyball team. Q: What do you hope you have left behind as a legacy for this group that you have led? A: Even if you’re not the best at something, but you have a love for it, give it your all because it pays off in the end. Q: How has this position been important to you? A: It’s been important to me because it made me strive to get to know/set a good example to the younger girls so they’d hopefully have someone to look up to.
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Audrey Frye Q: What group do you lead and what is your leadership role/title? A: I started the ASL Club as president Q: How did you get involved? A: By volunteering at the NC School for the Deaf STEM Camp the past couple of summers. Q: What do you hope you have left behind as a legacy for this group that you have led? A: I’m glad people have become passionate about it and have taken initiative to learn the language through the new ASL class, but I hope people will also use it to reach the deaf community.
senior profiles
the pride
spring 2018
Grayson Huneycutt Q: Who or what have you have an impact on at HG? A: I designed the artwork for the aquaponics tanks, helped create a manual for aquaponics in mission fields, taught aquaponics to visiting college professors and elementary schools, participated in every way at each blood drive, and worked in clothing closets. I did my best to have a positive impact on everyone at HG and leave them with love, motivation, and confidence. Q: Why do you think this was impactful? A: I helped in each organization, doing my part in the world to donate my all to the community. I just want to do what I can to make as many people as possible a little happier everyday.
John Grabowski Q: What group do you lead and what is your leadership role/title? A: Captain of the football team Q: What do you hope you have left behind as a legacy for this group that you have led? A: That hard work and dedication will pay off in the long run. And never give up on your dreams no matter what anyone tells you; take that leap and follow that dream. Q: How has this position been important to you? A: This position has been important to me because I have people who look up to me so I have to be careful what I say and do.
Arisa Zeng Q: How have you impacted the arts department? A: I am a really straight forward person, and I give the true feedback if they ask for it. I feel like even criticism could be harsh; however, it is the best way you can improve. Q: How did you get involved? A: There was one day when I was talking to my friend after school. Sarah Beverage asked me if I wanted to audition for the play and that’s how I started. To be honest I have always had the passion for the arts in my heart. Q: How has your time in the arts been important to you? A: Art is a really charming thing that people can get involved in. You can show more sides of yourself and find out your own talent.
Juliana Johnson Q: Who or what have you have an impact on at HG? A: I have been mentoring Elementary school student for the past 3 years. My first year I helped tutor Mrs. Conner’s 4th grade class in Math. My second year I helped Mrs. Moldenhauer’s kindergarten class learn how to read. My last year I tutored some of Mrs. Bratton’s students in English. Q: Why do you think this was impactful? A: It’s important to be able to give back to the learning community in some type of way, as a way of showing appreciation for what all the teachers and faculty have done for us. My way was helping the children struggling with some of the same things I struggled with when I was their age.
profiles
Angie Menner Q: What group do you lead and what is your leadership role/title? A: In Cross Country and Track and Field, the team calls me “Captain” Q: How did you get involved? A: After leaving my old school, I decided it would be interesting to join. Q: What do you hope you have left behind as a legacy for this group that you have led? A: I hope that I left behind determination. I had tendonitis throughout the season and it didn’t stop me from getting all-conference.
Noah Toadvine Q: Who or what have you have an impact on at HG? A: I believe I have impacted the aquaponics lab through my work there. I spent one block in the lab everyday during fall semester, and I have spent two blocks there everyday during spring semester. Through blogs, videos, pictures, online flyers, general upkeep, training, and planning I have done a lot for the lab this year. Q: Why do you think this was impactful? A: I think this is impactful because parts of the lab would not be the way they are now without the work I contributed. I believe that my work has helped set up the lab in such a way that it can be used by students for years to come.
Morgan Smith Q: Who or what have you have an impact on at HG? A: I helped head up the fundraiser to raise money to help rebuild a house for 14 people that burned down in the Dominican Republic. Q: Why do you think this was impactful? A: We raised money through no collar for a dollar days, selling t-shirts, and Valentine’s Day bake sales. This money put a roof back over 14 people’s heads in the Dominican who had nothing after their house burned down.
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SOUTHERN LIGHTS AND SOUTHERN NIGHTS.....
Sydney Pressley had the “best senior prom” with her date, Junior Jake Justice. “Jake and I always have so much fun together. I couldn’t imagine a better prom experience!” Pressley said.
Junior Peyton Bowers had “a night she will never forget” with her date Matt Murphy. I had the best time with the best date and the best group of friends,” Bowers said.
Tamia Dixon “had a wonderful time” with her date, alumnus Bryson Turner. “I couldn’t have asked for a more exciting and magical night. To be surrounded by friends and people I know and love was a great way to celebrate my senior prom,” Dixon said.
Laylah Welch and her date, alumnus Caleb Upshaw, share a slow dance. “My favorite part of prom was being able to relax with my friends, and I also loved that there were gummy bears this year,” Welch said.
Adriana Stowe poses for a picture with Hayden Turner. “Prom is an experience that I feel every high schooler needs to have,” Stowe said.
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KJ Freeman and Allison Valencia pose for the camera before entering prom. “Allison was stunning, gorgeous, and the most beautiful prom date I could have asked for; She was a perfect date for a perfect night,” Freeman said.
S ophomore Amanda Wilder “has a great time” dancing at prom. “Prom was a great experience. I had so much fun dancing with my boyfriend and getting to see his dance moves,” Wilder said. Senior Anna Rudnitsky and Junior Faith Day have a great time dancing the night away with friends. “Prom was so fun this year! Being at prom really felt like HG was a whole student body for the first time in a while,” Day said.
prom
the pride spring 2018
Seniors Morgan Smith and Noah Dunn pose for a picture after being named Prom King and Queen. “This was my favorite prom for sure. It was so stress-free and so much fun. [Winning prom queen] definitely made my last prom one for the books. It’s something I’ll remember for a long time,” Smith said. ALL PHOTOS BY ZARIA ZIGLAR
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DEAR SENIORS, Seniors,
To the senior class of 2018,
The day you have anxiously been waiting for is finally here! But before you move forward, I want to encourage you to look back to remember the grace and mercy of the Lord. Throughout the Old Testament, the people of Israel would often mark the faithfulness of God by building an altar or memorial from stone. In Joshua 4:6-7, the prophet speaks of these stones that mark the fidelity of God in the lives of the Israelites--God’s chosen people: “When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When [the ark] passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever” (ESV). Our God has not changed. He clears the way--parts the waters--for our journey today as He did for the Israelites. We too are His people. Whether we know or even believe that we are touched daily by the hand of God, He is there with us. He is faithful in His guidance and deliverance. As the Israelites once remembered God’s faithfulness, you also have been given markers. Over the last twelve years, there have been countless stones laid in your life by your parents, teachers, and coaches. My prayer is that these stones, these reminders, have formed a strong, Biblical foundation, upon which the world and the devil will not prevail. As another stone is laid at your graduation, may we remember and give thanks to the Lord for His loving kindness and faithfulness. Mr. Hamilton Dear Seniors, at this time 3 years ago I sat in my classroom with apprehension. Being the last room on the High School hall, I am “blessed” to be right in the heart of the freshmen lockers. I had the “pleasure” of overhearing you guys in conversation since late August of that year and now here it was May and all I kept asking myself was, “What am I in for next year?” Well, you were a different group and I learned a lot from you guys. I learned that Matt Murphy really is that country, Kolby Sanford is “smooth” on the sax, Sydney Pressley is a better student than her dad was, Emily Strum is an only child, Tyler Jones is...well anyway, Caroline Vandeveer really does think she can dance, Drew Litton will surprise you, Jalen Hinton has an infatuation with his thumb, Jasmine Borden always has a “word” for you, Hailey Davis should take Mom’s advice on hats, Hunter Cochrane is better behaved than his dad, Cade Baucom does not get enough sleep at home, Sam Staples is cool, Adriana Stowe is always looking for a snack, Lyanna and Fanny call each other that, Laylah Welch is much more laidback than Jean-Luke, KJ Freeman can’t pronounce Xavier, Will Farthing went from wannabe rapper to wannabe politician much like Kanye, Caleb Small loves to lose to Coach Pondo at anything, John Grabowski is easy to take down, Austin Hadden is immortalized for getting hung on the rim, Morgan Smith loves for Missy to keep her phone, Madi Hardman appreciates real music, Ethan Barnes and Harrison Locklear are much better students that their older brothers and Sylas Williams has no belt and plays soccer with imaginary phone thieves.
First of all, I want to say a big thank you to your parents for sending you to Hickory Grove Christian. It has been a privilege being one of your teachers. I love the wide range of personalities in this class and have so many cherished memories from the class of 2018. I think of the sweet spirit of so many in this class and the quiet deeds that you thought no one noticed. I have seen encouragement to those who were discouraged, taking a stand even if it meant standing alone, gentle reprimands given in love to a friend, and on the other hand, rejoicing instead of jealousy in the successes of your classmates. While so many teens are wrapped up in themselves, I have seen many of you reach out and put others first. I have watched some of you mature into young adults feeling ready to take on the world, while others are apprehensive and still do better with a little more loving guidance. I thought I was all grown up ready to take on the world when I graduated high school, but soon learned that I had a lot of maturing still to go, so I’m thinking the apprehensive group may the wiser of the two. I have enjoyed hearing about your dreams as you talked about what college or military academy you wanted to attend and your career choice as you looked to the future. I can remember when I graduated from high school, I decided I wanted to be a veterinarian. However, God had other plans for my life. I accepted the Lord as my personal Savior in April of 1973. I was a freshman in college. I became very involved in my church working in the bus ministry and children’s church. God laid on my heart to change my major to education. This was definitely from the Lord, because the last thing I ever wanted to be at that time in my life was a teacher. I am so glad that I followed God’s path for my life instead of my own. I absolutely love teaching. Psalm 16:11 says, Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (KJV). So my advice to you is this: Be open to God’s will in all areas of your life, and let Him write your story. My prayer for each of you is not worldly success, prestige, and monetary wealth, but joy and happiness in following God’s path for your life no matter where it leads. Love to you all, Mrs. Davis
To my Dear Students: Congratulations! It is time to fly away and fulfill your dreams and God’s will for your lives. I am proud of the people you are becoming and I know that with God’s guidance you will accomplish great things. Be humble, be kind, work hard and stay focus! Go conquer this world and let God shine through your good deeds. Continue strong and run the race set before you with endurance looking to Christ as your guide.
I learned that this class of Seniors is special. My apprehension was quickly erased as I got to know most of you during your sophomore year. It truly has been a blessing to be a part of your lives here and Hickory Grove and I will miss you. I pray that you seek God’s will and direction for your lives moving forward. Class of 2018 always remember that I love you and to make good choices.
Congratulations Class of 2018! With love, Sra. Caraballo
Regards, Mr. “Cooler Than You”
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letters to seniors
the pride spring 2018
SENIOR RECOGNITION Athletes of The Year
Jaylyn Hargett-Boyce: Starter for football and basketball. Received MAC All Conference for football.
Ellie Johnson: Starter for basketball, signed at Franklin College. Holds school record for most 3-pointers. basketball.
Excellence in Performing Arts
Excellence in Student Media Sydney Pressley Lion’s Pride Award Sydney has been a dedicated yerd since middle school. She’s an amazing photographer with award-winning work, she consistently meets deadlines, she led the planning and publishing of this year’s yearbook creatively, she has always been willing to do anything needed, she’s dependable, she’s one of the hardest-working editors on the board, and she’s a beast in the yearbook room. Emily Strum Dedication Award For four years, Emily has been one of our strongest photographers with award-winning work, led the planning and publishing of this year’s yearbook with passion and hard work, helped lead us into a new age of digital media with creative choices and work, and has been one of the strongest voices in the student body to promote all that we do. We are a better student media department because of her!
Adriana Stowe Most Inspirational Award Adriana has been the most positive and encouraging voice in the yearbook room. She lights up a room with her energy, humor, and beautiful smile. The yearbook room has been a happier place to be thanks to her, especially on highstress deadline days. She was always willing to do any work that was asked of her without complaint, followed through to get it done consistently, took award-winning photos and has arguably taken the most photos. As an editorial board member, she helped encourage new ideas to our publications and helped push us all to do what would be best even if it was hard. As an editorial leader over the staff, she led with patience and was always willing to stop her work to help others. Her personality and presence will be
Excellence in Advanced Placement
Drew Litton: Recieved the Lion’s Pride Award in band and has consistently shown excellence as a musician with his Christ Like attitude, humility, and dedication to service.
Laylah Welch received the Lion’s Pride Award in Theatre because of her servants heart, talent in the realm of acting and ability to lead backstage. Laylah goes above and beyond to perform well and complete her roles fully. Laylah has served in almost every role in Theatre and each time she serves she does so with grace, strength and excellence. Laylah shows her commitment to Christ by the way she lives her life daily. Marshall Townsend recieved the Lion’s Pride Award in Theatre because he steps up to be a mentor by nature. Marshall cares about the people he is on stage with and delights in the opportunity to lead and take on responsibility. Marshall has acted in every semester of his time in high school, student directed and served backstage. Marshall stands out in his excellence acting and his continued relationship with Christ. Maggie Phipps recieved the Lion’s Pride Award in Musical Theatre because she is dedicated to excellence in all aspects of Musical Theatre. Maggie has a love for the art of musical theatre and she puts her whole heart into any task she is given. Maggie willingly steps up to be a mentor and she looks for opportunities to challenge herself in the performing arts. She is passionate about digging deeper in her faith and committed to growing in her relationship with Christ.
Will Farthing
Michaela Tison
Mylon Patton
Samantha Souza
AP Government AP Language
AP Scholar with Distinction
AP Biology AP Human Geo
Laylah Welch
Jilli Williams
AP Calculus
Jamie Jarman
AP Chemistry
Audrey Frye
AP Calculas AP Literature AP US History
Noah Bond
AP Calculus
Excellence in Aquaponics
Reagan McCall These students received these awards for continual pursuit in art. They have grown as artists and Christians for the past four years.
Mary Fuentes
Kyle Helmendach
AP Seminar
Excellence in Art
Lyanna Vega recieved Vocal Excellence because she dedicates herself to excellence with every vocal performance she is a part of. Lyanna has served in High School Honors Choir for three years and this year Lyanna served as an intern in the Choir classroom. As an intern, she stepped up to lead others and grow in her skills vocally and through the guitar. Lyanna uses her talent both at and outside of school and her pursuit of excellence in each performance stands out.
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AP Psychology AP Statistics
Noah Toadvine
Harrison Locklear
These two students went above and beyond, giving their time and talents. Together we have caused multiple many floods, pushed tilapia to their limits, learned a great deal about pH and water chemistry, but most importantly; these young men have grown more like Christ.
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LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT I, Fanny Aguirre, leave my craziness and dance moves to Bailey Baucom. I, Ethan Barnes, leave my ability to mess around during soccer practice and not get caught to Andrew Flynn and Harris Russell. I leave my captain band from soccer to Isaac Cox, may you wear it proudly. I leave co-captain status and my ability to never lose in tennis to Jake Justice. Lastly, I leave my buff puff talents and serve to Regin Larson. I, Emma Beverage, leave my makeup skills to Leighann Vinesett. I leave my collared shirts, honors dress, and the Beverage legacy to Sarah Beverage. I, Dyson Biagas, leave my mediocre math skills to Jackson Bobinski. I, Noah Bond, leave my complete lack of social skills to anyone who wants to pick it up because I DON’T WANT IT ANYMORE. I, Hunter Cochrane, leave the tennis team to Jake Justice. I, Carrie Conard, leave the truth to Tatiana Septimio that she did in fact say her brother looked good.
I, Hailey Davis, leave my lovely collared shirts and sweatshirts without hoods to Peyton Bowers. I, Wanting Du, leave passion to underclassmen. I, Carmen Farris, leave my parking spot to whoever is #1. I, KJ Freeman, leave my bum like fashion advice to Harris. I leave my 3 point shot to Jake Justice. I leave my clippers to JWhit. I leave my corny jokes to PJ. I leave my serious faces to Segi. I leave my dancing skills to Antwan. I, Audrey Frye, leave the tradition of wearing a pair of overalls at least once a week to any underclassmen brave enough to accept the challenge. I also leave my short-haired-girl coolness to Leighann Vinesett, the short-haired goddess herself. I, Mary Fuentes, I leave the fight for a senior quote to everyone at HG. I, John Grabowski, leave my love for sports and theatre to Austin Riviere, and I leave the Grabowski Legacy to Danny and Paul Grabowski.
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I, Austin Hadden, leave my hard work and passion as a guidance to show guys how hard it takes to be successful in something you care about. I, Madi Hardman, leave the swim team to Isabelle Sanz and Jessica Toukmaji. I leave Mr. Hutchinson’s wrath to every underclassman.
I, Lauren Mayhone, leave my love for ASL to any student who falls in love with it the way I did. I, Reagan McCall, leave my snarky attitude to the Canadian Geese in the parking lot.
I, Jaylyn Hargett-Boyce, leave the leadership roles on the basketball team to Barja Walter, Regin Larson, and AJ Smith.
I, Angie Menner, leave enduring having to run the XC course with your buddy to Imani Cherry. Also have fun watching Cam climb everything as if he were a monkey. Remember “Let’s get it over with.”
I, Lauren Hood, leave my collared shirts to Teanna and Saniyah.
I, Javier Morales-Dozal, leave Maddy the task of keeping Mr. Adams sane.
I, Grayson Huneycutt, leave the drool on my desk for every first period teacher I’ve had.
I, Isaac Nifong, leave the legacy of the WB to the junior guys. Carry it on boys. Carry it on.
I, Jamie Jarman, leave the very nice walking stick I found hiking to Venture Club.
I, Lindsay Payne, leave my volleyball skills to Katie Beverly and Alyssa Minerva. I leave my Spanish skills to Kinzi Templeton.
I, Kaleb Johnson, leave heart to the ones who never quit. I, Drew Litton, leave my crazy drum beats to the percussion section. I, Harrison Locklear, leave my glasses to Jake Justice.
I, Maggie Phipps, leave control of the Drama Department and the role of the talented diva to Gracie Pyke. I, Jade Porter, leave the Varsity Softball team to Savannah Brown and Bailey Taylor.
last will and testament the pride spring 2018
I, Sydney Pressley, leave my absolute dominance over the yearbook room to Leighann Vinesett. I leave all my knowledge of Luke Kuechly to Lauren Morissette. I leave all the carbs and sat fat I own to Morgan Davis. I leave Rea Syska my athletic abilities. I leave my Biblical insight to Jake Justice, you need it. I, Kolby Sanford, leave my personality to Kinzi. I leave my instrumental talents to Imani and my smarts to Mari. I, Morgan Smith, leave my gold angel wings to Jada. I along with Emily Strum leave the spirit club to Peyton, Bailey, and Lucy. I leave my collared shirts and jeans without holes to Grace Hardman. I, Samantha Souza, leave my AP crash course books to my brother, Philip. I leave my broken Thespian pin to Sarah Beverage. I leave all my artistic hopes and dreams in the hands of Maddy Backes. I, Michaela Tison, leave Dark Lordship of the Table (which is now dead, but lives on in our memories) to Gracie Pyke. I, Noah Toadvine, leave not flooding the Aquaponics lab to Leah Guercio. I, Marshall Townsend, leave the typecasted father figure role to Austin Riviere and the committed thespian role to Jessica Mendlik and Ivy Angle.
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I, Allison Valencia, leave the ability to endure and pass AP classes to Tori Pope and Zanetta Sirleaf. I leave Shooters Club to PJ Holtzclaw and Madison. I leave all the encouragement to continue the hardships of math to Rodrigo Hernandez. I, Lyanna Vega, leave Faith Day the commitment to lead the choir class in perfect harmony. I leave Bailey Taylor the courage to play her guitar beautifully when involved in musical performances. I leave Syrita Gabriel the sassiness and loudness to survive high school by letting people know what’s up. I leave Issy Kneisl the determination to develop her amazing talent in art and finish high school stronger than ever. I, Jillian Williams, leave all my unfinished artwork to Madeline Backes, make me proud. I know you will do better than I ever could<3 :) I, Sylas Williams, leave the role of young Sylas, which I got when I was a freshman from the seniors to young Danny Grabowski, keep killing the ladies boy. I leave my soccer skills to Andrew Flynn, kill it dude.
UNDERCLASSMEN ADVICE: “Keep your head down and your chin up!” -Mylon Patton “Take your work seriously, but don’t let it control your life.” -Reagan McCall “Don’t take it for granted because it goes by fast.” -Christian Little “It won’t be like high school musical... Sorry.” -Morgan Smith “Remember a grade does not determine your value.” -Emma Beverage “Stop being lazy and study. You’ll feel so much better getting something accomplished rather than regretting not spending more time in something.” -Dyson Biagas “Makeup isn’t as important as sleep, no one cares at this point.” -Grayson Huneycutt “Pay attention in Hutch’s class.”
-Noah Toadvine
“Do NOT throw a paper airplane in front of Mr. Coltrane.” -Madi Hardman “Stop, breathe, and soak everything in because graduation comes sooner than expected.” -Maggie Phipps “Study hard.”
-Matt Murphy
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